After being asked multiple times if I was really okay, I nodded each time, yet still couldn’t let go.
Lord Cyrus, after a moment of confusion, gently took my hand.
"Ah, I see. When you’re not feeling well, you get anxious and want someone to be by your side, right?"
Is that so? Maybe... I was almost convinced, but I shook my head again.
"It’s not because of the fever. And it’s not just ‘someone’... I want you to be here."
When I said it out loud, I realized it was the truth.
I began to notice things I hadn’t thought about when I was alone.
Lord Cyrus’s hand trembled slightly, but his voice was calm. He didn’t sit down, and with the gentle face and voice of an adult, he comforted me.
"If you’re trying to thank me for taking care of you, you don’t need to worry about it."
I didn’t understand. I shook my head again.
"Why would being selfish be a way to thank you?"
"......That’s......"
He searched for words, his gaze wandering. Eventually, he turned back to me.
"Because I’ve been saying things that make me happy all this time."
His green eyes met mine. The corners of his eyes were moist, and his gaze was so sweet it could melt anything.
...When did I become able to look straight into these eyes? At first, it was too intimidating, and then it was too embarrassing, so I couldn’t meet his gaze. But gradually, the opportunities to look into each other’s eyes increased.
Whenever I looked up, his gaze was always there. Even when I was looking down, he was always watching me.
I said,
"I... I like your eyes."
The hand that was just resting on mine squeezed tightly. It was hot. Lord Cyrus’s fingers were much hotter than my own, even though I had just recovered from my illness.
The hand that supported me when I was anxious or stumbled.
"I like your hands too. They’re bigger than mine, always warm, strong yet gentle. I really like your hands."
Lord Cyrus’s hand rose and gently rested on my head. His body heat transmitted through my hair.
"......I’m happy when you touch me."
Lord Cyrus stroked my head as if soothing a child. His brown fingers tangled in my red hair.
"I’m not uncomfortable anymore, even when you’re gentle. I’m just happy. Just content."
His thumb rubbed my temple, and his hand pressed against my cheek, caressing it slowly as if feeling the softness of my skin.
"So... when you’re by my side, I’m happy."
His fingers traced under my jaw.
Facing me, Lord Cyrus asked,
"In the carriage... you said you liked me."
"...Yes."
"Was that a delirium from the fever? A slip of the tongue, or did I hear it wrong? Or was it just a dream I had?"
The truth was, it was a slip of the tongue. But I shook my head and said it again clearly.
"I like you."
Lord Cyrus’s thumb caressed my lips. I closed my eyes.
I understood his intention without words.
So, without any surprise, I received his kiss calmly.
...It was a shallow, soft kiss, just a gentle touch, like a kiss between young children. It was much gentler than I expected, yet it lasted longer than I thought.
Finally, Lord Cyrus pulled away and whispered close to me.
"I’ve liked you ever since we first met."
Then, he kissed me again, this time deeper than before.
---
**Announcement**
For important updates regarding the book version of this work, please check the activity report.