When Chely exited Rigeld’s office like a lightning flash, some confusion was roused between the guards. They raised their eyebrows and didn’t question her, saluting as she quickly walked down the hall. She met the elemental golem again—this time, with its friends.

—Thunk, thunk, a soft noise reverberated as they jumped up and down on the carpet.

 Her cheeks lifted slightly, tugging at her lips and forming a slight but noticeable smile on her otherwise stoic face. She crystallized a few wind crystals in her palm and gave each golem a treat—which they appreciated as they danced, holding each other with their vines, sharing the mana as soft light pulsated among them.

 Nnn… I have some sweets, but they aren’t fresh per se… should I get some from the cafeteria or her favorite café? I should do a little more, right? Then… the café it is!

 Once Chely decided on her destination, her senses heightened—the world began to move slowly; she stepped forth, each light and like gentle winds—everything seemed to stretch. In almost an instant, she soared through the enormous base with ease, but…

 “…”

 Like others, she was stuck waiting for the elevator door to open. She crossed her arms, tapping her index finger as she waited what seemed like forever—especially when her perception was different from those around her.

 Maybe I shouldn’t have used magic… An exasperated sigh escaped her lips. There’s no real need to hurry, but… I can’t wait to see her face—especially now that Sir Rigeld has a new task for me………… Urk… they never stop, no matter how many I complete. I suppose such is the life of a… ‘Hero’.

—Ssshhh… the door opened, finally.

 I’ll just walk normally… Chely thought as she entered the elevator, heading up to the roof—it was the only place within the base without stairs for some odd reason. Upon entering the roof, she gazed into the sky.

 “It’s quite hot today…” she murmured before soaring toward her designated location.

 …

 ..

 On the plains where the sun was high in the sky, Alum and David walked through the long strands of grass. As it brushed against their legs, causing some itchiness or ticklishness. That was despite the long pants they both wore.

 “Want some water?” Alum casually asked, glancing at David, who bore most of the heavy load.

 “Thanks, I think I’ll take you up on the offer…” David sighed.

 It was difficult for him to use his abilities while carrying all these fish, and it didn’t help when the midday sun was this hot either, making his brain mushy.

 Alum formed a water ball before David’s face, looking elsewhere. “It’s a forty-minute walk still.” He turned around, facing David. Alum’s eyes seemed so innocent. Anyone would’ve been fooled hadn’t they known better. “Aren’t you drinking?”

 “Oh, um… Yeah, thanks.” David leaned toward the water ball, slurping the cold, refreshing water. “Phew…” he sighed as a few drops trickled down his chin. “What about you? Doesn’t the heat bother you?”

 Alum tilted his head to the side. “Why would it?” he replied as if asking why it would.

 “…”

 Are you sure?!?! David exclaimed deep within his mind.

 “…?”

 “No, never mind,” he resigned.

 How does he even function right now? Here I am, sweating, boiling, and constantly thirsty, dying from the heat while he isn’t even bothered when he’s drenched himself!

 “Here,” Alum extended his hand, causing David to frown slightly. “I’ll carry it, hand it over,” he said.

 “Are you sure? We haven’t walked halfway back yet…” David queried somewhat skeptically.

 “We’re supposed to help each other out. Since you’re struggling, I’ll take it. I’ll return it to you before we arrive,” Alum replied.

 Alum’s tone didn’t change much, but David noticed it to be a little warmer. His eyes widen lightly. “May I ask why?” he reluctantly asked.

 “Have you seen yourself? Your clothes are slightly torn, and you look dirty and messy—”

 “Right, I guess—”

 “You’ve been hard at work.”

 “…You basically did everything, though?” David raised a brow, stunned by Alum’s words prior.

 “You want to keep your ‘egnimatic’ persona, right?” Alum said, mimicking what David had said as he leaned his head in a slight tilt.

 “Please don’t remind me…” David sighed, wanting to bury himself as he averted his gaze.

 Alum’s lips curved, a faint smile tugging his lips. He walked up to David, dropped the fish in his arms, and placed his palms on David’s face, directing his gaze directly at his.

 “You hands…” David tried to protest but could not avert his eyes from the pretty youth before him. His hands were also cold and refreshing.

 “They’re not fishy—I washed them,” Alum bluntly replied. Despite the bluntness, his voice had a certain soothing warmth.

 “Urk… Th-that’s not… the problem…” David stammered as his face grew increasingly warm—what the hell is up with him??? Whatever, it’s not too bad!

 Alum tilted his head innocently as he continued to peer into David’s eyes. “Anyhow, you get along with the others, don’t you? But despite some of them thinking you’re an oddball, you’re in a positive light.”

 “I suppose…” David reluctantly agreed, somewhat flustered and confused by Alum’s strange and direct gestures. “You want me to take all the credit? All of it? Why?”

 “…” Alum removed his hands from David’s face, closed his eyes, and looked toward the sky. “It’s better that way,” he said somewhat cryptically.

 “Got it…”

 I don’t understand him at all. Is it so he can stay in the shadows? Remain a mystery? But that would contradict his casual display in front of the others before we left—seriously, I don’t get it.

 “Good,” Alum said, smiling faintly.

  …

 ..

 Miu and the others exited the forest, entering the grass plains again. She and the others chatted lively while closely keeping an eye on their surroundings.

 “Urk… it’s so hot…” Julia commented, pinching and flapping her shirt to cool down. A drop of sweat trickled down her pretty face. Her light brown wavy hair didn’t escape the uncomfortable sensation either, as the hot moisture clumped her hair together. “How are you girls doing?” she asked, glancing toward Miu, Lena, and Lova.

 “Yeah~ I’m sweating like crazy. I just want to throw away my bra!” Lova exclaimed as she slowly walked. Her stuffy hair clung to her neck, causing itchiness and discomfort—her head hanging and her blue voided eyes.

 “L-Lova!” Lena cried, pulling her arm and shaking her back to reality. “There are boys here…!” she noted.

 “Hmmm~ I’m not inteeeerested in aaaany of them, soooo~ it doeeeesn’t eveeen matteeeeer~” Lova replied lazily.

 “But, but…!” Lena puffed her cheeks, not finding the right words.

 “Ahhh! I just wanna return to the refreshing forest!” she groaned, wiping sweat off her forehead again. “this is like a sauna—only Noel could enjoy this!” she complained.

 “Hey!” Noel playfully objected to her claims. “Not with clothes on!” he added.

 “Urk…” Lova rolled her eyes, brushing off his cheeky comment.

 “Ah… Ahaha…” Julia giggled awkwardly, glancing toward Miu, who’d been oddly quiet. Rather… she was dazed. “Miu…?” she voiced her concerns upon noticing her lack of reaction.

 “Mmnh…?” a soft and small, dry yet sensual moan accidentally escaped her lips, causing her to blush, hoping nobody noticed.

 Miu’s pink lips were still pressed against the refreshing water ball, sipping it somewhat audibly. The sight of her was more alluring than usual. Her skin glistened from sweat, and her flushed, almost drunken look didn’t help their imagination to run wild. The simple white shirt fused with her body, accentuating her curves but also exposing a haze of her pastel blue bra. Water also trickled down her chin to her throat, passing between her collarbones into the chasm of her bosom, causing her to press her lips together unconsciously due to mild discomfort.

 “…” Everyone tried to avert their gazes—they couldn’t. Who could blame them?

 “Are you thirsty too, Julia?” she inquired, tilting her head innocently. A few strands of her soft hair clung to her mushy-looking cheeks. Her lips parted slightly, glossy and smooth from the cold water.

 “…”

—Gulp… Everyone swallowed their saliva instinctively—causing Noel to chuckle in mild amusement.

 Julia blatantly stared at Miu’s assets—then at her own—none…there’s none! Life can be unfair sometimes… she sighed inwardly as she could even see her stomach when looking down… Maybe I shouldn’t have exercised so much! Once again, cursing in her mind.

 “Um… yeah, I’d appreciate that…” she finally said.

 “Njihihi~ here,” Miu smiled innocently, creating water for her. She then turned to the others. “What about you guys?”

 “Welp… it’s just hot, and we’re bloated…” they replied.

 “Using magic to cool down would also be counterproductive…” Jayne added, dying from the heat herself.

 “Yeah… like, why does it have to get warm—well, it kinda does make sense because it’s presumably a form of energy expense…” Andreas followed up on the remark.

 When Andras said that, something clicked in their minds—Miu was the only one capable of using water abilities in this group—their only source of water…

 Sorry, Miu… it seems like it’s our fault you’re feeling… so… ‘hot’… right now… They all apologized in their minds, feeling guilty for indirectly causing her discomfort but also ashamed for finding her unintentional sexiness easy on the eyes.

 Suddenly, a chilly gust of wind caressed Miu’s skin. “E-eep!” she yelped, turning toward the culprit with a grin on his face.

 “Did that help?” Noel teased.

 Miu frowned a little. “Noel! That’s too out of nowhere! Mou!” she huffed.

 “Sorry bout that!” Noel laughed lightheartedly. “But, you shouldn’t use your abilities anymore—everyone can hold on, right?” he asked while looking around.

 “Yeah, don’t worry about us, Miu!” they replied.

 “But…” She noticed the other’s demeanor wouldn’t budge, leaving her sighing. “Okay…” she agreed reluctantly.

 It’s still a fair distance away… won’t they get a heatstroke? She worried, forgetting she could get one as well.

 …

 ..

 Under the scorching sun, Alum and David accidentally came across Miu and Noel’s group. Noel waved casually, heading toward them.

 “Supp~ ” Noel greeted as he got close.

 “Mm, hello,” Alum replied.

 “Supp,” David followed casually.

 Almost reluctantly, the others greeted them, ‘Hi,’ while Miu smiled sweetly. “Hi, Alum, David.” Her face suddenly turned slightly rosy when she subtly took a closer look at Alum, inconspicuously averting her gaze.

 Did I do something? Alum caught the subtle notion. Though, he wasn’t going to point it out.

 “How’d it go?” Noel asked, even though he could see the fat catch. However, he frowned when he noticed Alum’s state.

 What the… is he good? He looks exhausted and all… is it my imagination?

 “As you can see, David and I caught some,” Alum replied casually. He turned to a certain white-haired girl. “Miu, could you check them?” he inquired as he approached her.

 “…Yeah, sure,” she averted her eyes subtly toward the fish wrapped in David’s jacket.

 Oh? Would you look at that? Getting you all shy, are you? Noel mused.

 As Miu and Alum got to work, the others began chatting, and the atmosphere between Alum and Miu couldn’t be more awkward. They caught on; even the densest amongst them did. And based on Miu’s reaction, they could understand why.

 Looking more closely, they noticed Alum’s smooth skin gleaming with sweat; droplets lingered in his soft jet-black hair, twinkling in the sun. Drops ran down his cheek, following the side of his neck, and continued to his slightly revealed shoulder, settling in the hollow between his upper shoulder muscle and collarbone before trickling into his shirt as he moved.

 His simple grey formal shirt was tightly bound to his skin—slightly see-through, showing a small portion of his solid six-pack, chest, and back muscles, subtly revealing his slim and fit frame. His voice was slightly hoarse and a little deeper; his tender lips parted somewhat, huffing; they could almost imagine a small amount of vapors visible as he breathed. But his face seemed too flushed—though he didn’t seem to care—or so they thought as they averted their eyes, sneaking a glance moments later.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

—Gulp… was he that good-looking—wait… what is this déjà vu? They seemed to question, recalling something similar happened with Miu. However, the feeling was different yet oddly familiar for David.

 On closer inspection, he was actually dazed. His warm golden eyes were more hazed and cloudy than usual, contrasting strangely with his calm, animated actions. While the others were caught up in their little trance, Miu helped him sort the fish by pointing out which were good to go and which weren’t.

 “Hmmmm, this purple one is a no-go. Oh, this green one, too,” she said, cool as a cucumber—in reality, her heart was thumping hard as she repeatedly sneaked a glance only to avert her gaze a split moment later. Her stomach had a certain bubbly giddiness, and her face burned, yet she tried her darndest not to stammer when speaking to him.

 “I see…” Alum replied, tossing the useless catch aside. “Is that all?” He leaned down to level with her gaze, peering into her eyes.

—Ba-dump! Ba-dump!

 H-how come he’s so unaware! Mouuuu! B-but… as I thought, he has a pleasant sweet scent, but… how come he still does amongst these smelly fish!?

 “Y-yes… huh?” her eyes widen.

 At her confirmation, he washed his hands with swirling water. Still—Is he… okay? Miu quizzed, seeing Alum’s dazed, feverish, almost intoxicated look. His face was entirely red.

 “Alum… are you okay?” Miu’s concerns were palpable. She reached out, touching his forehead unconsciously. “—Wow! You’re burning!” she exclaimed.

 When she mentioned it, Alum placed a palm on his face. His expression flashed a surprised look for a brief moment. “Mm, you’re right,” an almost yawn escaped dryly.

 “…Did you drink at all?”

 “No,” Alum replied, subtly shaking his head.

 At his reply, Miu’s cheeks slowly inflated. “Mou! It’s this hot, and you’re not drinking!? What were you thinking…?” she huffed, dissatisfied by his nonchalance.

 “I wasn’t.”

 “…”

 Are you an airhead?! Miu exclaimed internally, staring intensely at him.

 Alum’s eyes shook briefly before he broke away from her piercing gaze. Water swirls forth in his palm—glug, chugging it all down, instantly clenching his thirst and looking refreshed as water seeped down from the corner of his lips to his chin.

 “Nnh… phew…” he sighed, taking a few deep breaths to catch himself. When he glanced at Miu, he noticed her blushing quite ferociously for whatever reason. “…Thanks for the reminder.” His hoarse, alluring voice articulated a few simple words as his head leaned to the side innocently, not helping her flustered state.

—Gulp…

 “Y-you’re welcome…!” Miu stammered—Awwawawawa!? Her mind raced. Suddenly, Alum cupped her cheeks, his hands chilly and refreshing. “—Ahnn…?!” A small and somewhat sensual gasp involuntarily escaped. Realizing the nature of her moan, she shut her eyes and was too bashful; she didn’t know how to act.

 Huuuuh???! What is going on????! Miu cried. Her head was spinning, making her all dizzy.

 “You’re burning up as well. Does this help?” he inquired with usual stoicism but in a hoarse voice. “Want some cold water, too…?”

 Slowly, Miu reluctantly opened her eyes and felt a wet, cold, refreshing sensation covering the top of her head. Her eyes were hazy and shaky when she realized how close he was. At first, incoherent jumbles escaped. “Wh-wha… u-u… um… Yes… it does… and I’d like some… thank you…” she replied shyly, unable to look away from his calm gaze.

 Alum smiled faintly. “That’s good,” he replied.

 Miu then noticed the water ball that had been cooling her head. She was unsure of how to react. She ended up giggling when she noticed Alum’s almost childlike innocence during the whole ordeal.

 “Eh-hihihi~ thanks! How about this?!” she teased, cupping Alum’s cheeks in return.

 “You’re warm,” Alum stated.

 “Njihihi~” Miu grinned playfully.

 Alum leaned on her palms slightly. His head tilted slightly to the side with a smile tugging his lips. “Are you teasing me?” he asked, amused by the turn of events.

 “Hihihihi~ who knows~?!”

 “So you are…?”

 “Nji-hi-hi-hi~” Miu continued to giggle, subtly squeezing his face.

 “…”

 “…”

 Their exchange, of course, caught the other’s attention again. They stared in silence. Are… we even supposed to see this? They wondered.

 From their perspective, both Alum and Miu looked entirely vulnerable, and if it weren’t in the context of this unrelenting hot sun, they’d be mistaking the scene for something else. They all glanced at David, who seemed glad he didn’t join them in sorting the fish.

 “And here I thought it was hot enough already,” Noel chuckled, directing his comment toward the group.

 “Urk… watching two hot people flirt without being aware kinda irks me~” Lova grumbled in mock annoyance.

 “Hot? Like, literally as they overheat?” Noel remarked teasingly, causing Lova to roll her eyes in mild exasperation.

  “Oh, Noel, you’re a bit too cheeky sometimes,” Julia giggled lightly.

 Noel poked his cheek and grinned, exposing his fangs slightly. “Yup! The cheekiest one here!” he laughed.

 Julia blushed and lightheartedly laughed along—you couldn’t be more obvious, girl… The others thought as they watched.

 “Ahem…” Lena couldn’t bear it any longer—the secondhand embarrassment around her too much. She shifted her attention to David to change topics. “David, was there anything special or noticeable?” she lightly inquired.

 “Other than our strange dilemma in another world? No.” David shook his head, smiling calmly. “We just caught some fish and saw a large bioluminescent jungle,” he added.

 “Is that so… same here. We got some fruits and mushrooms, but you noticed already,” Lena replied, smiling faintly.

 “I suppose,” David replied casually.

 The others peered somewhat skeptically at David; their eyes squinted suspiciously as they noticed his slightly weary clothes. But it wasn’t too strange; the main oddity lay in Alum’s attitude. He seemed so different in their eyes. That wasn’t all. Even David looked softer than usual, glancing toward Alum with a particular fondness.

 Noel began to connect the dots, realizing they had found out about Alum’s quirks, and since the others hadn’t seen him interact actively, it was no wonder they were bewildered by the sight.

 “Ha-ha-ha! It seems like you lot have finally discovered that side of Alum,” Noel lightly chuckled as he smiled. “He almost has a certain childlike innocence. But I must admit, it was subtle then. But now it’s just in the open,” he cheerfully grins. But internally, it was another story.

 Is he experiencing some sort of shock? Argh…! I guess I won’t know unless I ask, but we haven’t had time to talk—I’m too scared to ask… what if it was real? Sigh…

  …

 ..

 On the way back to the rest of the group, Miu returned after being carried away by the mood. She somewhat forcefully chatted with her friends to hide from Alum, who didn't seem bothered by what happened between them. In the distance were reassemblies of a camp with huts of sorts.

 As they walked, Noel nudged Alum with his elbow. “Yo, did you find anything strange, or were there any other findings?”

 “No,” Alum replied, pausing briefly. “Mm? I supposed I did,” he later mentioned.

 “Oh? Do tell kind Sir~.”

 Amused, Alum chuckled. “Hmhm… Well. I realized I couldn’t freeze the fish when they were conscious. They must have some resistance. But it was almost effortless besides that.”

 David’s steps slowed down when Alum mentioned resistance. He glanced inconspicuously towards him, his eyes wide in surprise—that’s why he didn’t freeze them back then…? he chucked in mock annoyance.

 Hmm? What’s wrong with David? Noel wondered when he noticed a brief change in David’s demeanor but instantly let the thought go when his expression softened.

 “—Oooh~? That’s an interesting find…” Noel flung his arm over Alum’s shoulder. “Anything else,” he grinned.

 “Mm, another notable thing is that there aren’t large fauna around the ‘safe’ area. Though plenty of smaller fish like these.”

 “Oh really? So, are you saying larger animals are staying away from the area? …It kinda makes sense since we saw a few moving animal-like dots in the distance…”

 “I see.” The conversation ended with just those words.

 “…”

 “…”

 “…Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m here instead of helping Emely?” Noel whispered, a little shaken and filled with reluctance.

 Alum tilted his head. “You’re helping her right now. Taking a load off her shoulders, watching over these guys,” he coolly stated.

 “…Ah… ah-haha…” Noel chuckled, embarrassed at Alum’s blunt statement. “Thanks… when you put it that way, I’m glad I tagged along.”

 “…Any particular reason?” Alum’s brows narrowed slightly.

 “Well… the forest we were at was complex, maybe sentient. So… what I’m saying is that it preys on animals that steal its bounty…”

 “…”

 Noel sighed, leaning more weight on Alum. “We were lucky, but… I don’t think we’re entering that forest anymore. We traded with it, but who knows if it’s just trying to fatten us up.”

 “Mm. Good call,” Alum replied. He mimicked Noel and flung his arm over his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

 Noel’s eyes widened as he chuckled softly. “Ha-ha-ha! I’ve got good intuition!”

 Alum didn’t have much else to say, just a faint smile on his face. Soon enough, they returned to the camp, where a few huts surrounded a central fireplace. Miu’s group began to hand over the fruits and other vegetation, as did Alum and David with the fish. They later told about their findings and were proudly told by the construction team how everything was built while having a meal under the shade.

 They made the mixture by combining grass, soil, and water. It was then molded into dome-like huts using their abilities. To provide additional support, a web of roots held it all together. They also carved out a simple passive ventilation system to not trap too much heat and moisture, making living a little more comfortable.

 The nights were likely cold; thus, they built a furnace connected to the huts to counteract it. However, it hasn’t been tested, and they don’t know if it will function as intended. Lastly, they touched every surface into something akin to ceramic to solidify the integrity of the structures.

 As for the interior, the floor was elevated. Crude homemade fibers covered the entrance to block some of the elements. Next was the slow-burning resin torches carved into the walls for light, adding a slightly acrid smell to the room. As for sleep, makeshift beds were lined up in a circle with grass to make it somewhat more comfy.

 In total, each dome hosted four people and five huts. But there were 21 people, so one hut was made to house five people instead, slightly larger than the rest.

 “Well, that’s basically it,” Oliver explained.

 “You guys did all that and had time to make a privy and an outdoor bath, too?” Noel quizzed.

 Emely and the other students giggled proudly at the other’s surprise. Truth be told, they were proud of what they’ve accomplished, and it was also quite fun being able to do all of this using their abilities.

 “Well, well, well. Feel free to soak yourselves in the water later!” Oliver grinned and then looked at the other constructors with a smile. His expression darkened a little. There were a few glaring issues. “But before you do that. Just know that in the worst case, we might have to sleep by the campfire.”

 Emely seemed troubled by his remark; it was true. Oliver was just being upfront about it. But she didn’t want to believe their efforts might’ve been wasted—she didn’t want their labor to be trampled over.

 “It might get too cold, and if the furnace isn’t delivering enough heat to each place, we’re kinda screwed. You guys know what that implies, don’t you?” Oliver sighed, crossing his arms. “Once it gets dark, we’ll conduct a test. If it goes well, we’ll pair up to keep the furnace going, and if, somehow, the flame goes up, just wake up someone with a fire attribute.”

 “Ah… I get it. The worst case might be somewhat cozy, then?” Noel chuckled.

 Oliver and the others couldn’t help but laugh a little. It might seem like Noel took the situation lightly, and sure, it irked some people the wrong way, but seeing every flaw negatively wasn’t good for their mental health.

 “Yeah, it might be cozy. We’ll just have to snuggle up to each other if it comes to that,” Emely giggled softly.

 “So… can we wash myself now?” Lova interjected.

 “Go ahead! Just fill the tub, and you’re good to go!” Emely replied, smiling warmly.

 “Yey! I can finally throw away these uncomfy underwear!” Lova exclaimed.

 “H-hey! Lova!” Lena pulled her friend’s arm.

 “Whaaaat~?”

 Ah… we know what you feel. They stick on like glue… the other girls agreed. But…you’re too upfront… Lova… they sighed.

 “…You’re being too, never mind...” Her face flushed, but she glanced at a certain boy who was taken aback but not surprised by Lova’s remark. “Kurt, you better not imagine something,” she puffed her cheeks.

 “Uh? I wasn’t…?” he bluntly replied, causing the others to burst out laughing.

 “You sure?” Her head tilted to the side cutely.

 “Yes…” Kurt replied.  

 “Good,” Lena smiled warmly.

 The reason was apparent to anyone but the guy himself—so the others thought.

 Damn… I was going to ask her out, but this situation sucks—but how could I possibly prioritize romance right now? Kurt sighed. Well… I’m content with this at the moment…

 Just like that, the sun was setting.

  …

 ..

 Late into the night, their sobs drowned in the heavy rain, washed away, and not heard by anyone. Now that they had alone time, many students broke, comforting themselves as they curled into a ball in their beds.

 Alum and Noel were tasked to keep an eye on the furnace; hence, they were outside, sitting by the fireplace. Noel leaned forward as he watched the flickering fire. A distant, melancholy look had replaced his cheerful demeanor.

 “It sure is coming down hard,” he remarked, his voice distant.

 “Mm.”

 “…”

 “…”

 “Hey… Alum. What am I supposed to do?” Noel suddenly asked, his voice hitched as he took another deep breath. “I feel so dead inside, yet I force myself to smile.” He gritted his teeth as his hands clasped together, resting his forehead on them. “I don’t… I don’t know what to do…”

 “…” Alum didn’t know how to comfort his friend with words. He could only watch in silence and to let him vent. “Want a hug…?” he asked—it was one of the ways he knew to comfort Emely. That and treats. But he only had one of the two options.

 “Hah…” Noel chuckled mockingly. “I’m amazed by you… I thought I was strong, but look at me…” He looked up, glaring straight into Alum’s almost unperturbed golden eyes. “You were torn down to flesh and bones, drowned in blood. Here I am, worrying about whether I can smile to reassure the others…”

 “…”

 “I don’t know how you’re even alive or how you recovered from that, but I’m glad you’re okay…”

 “…So you were awake?”

 “Barely,” Noel replied, heaving a sigh. “I… I can’t get it out of my head. Every time I look at you, my heart twists, reminding me of it…”

 “I’m sorry…” Alum averted his eyes. “It must’ve been a horrible sight—I know what it’s like. That’s why… I’m sorry.”

 Noel’s eyes widened; his lungs felt like they were squeezed and then punctured. He realized that he must’ve reminded Alum of his parents’ murder. Hastily, he tried to apologize. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to—”

 “It’s fine. I don’t love them, nor do they love me—but I can’t say I don’t have nightmares about it; at first, at least,” Alum replied as if unbetrothed by the past memories.

 “…Sorry.”

 “I don’t care. But are you feeling lighter?” Alum tilted his head innocently.

 “A little… thanks for listening… Yeah, I feel a little better,” he softly chuckled. His smile was just warm without a hint of playfulness.

 What followed was a long silence between the two. The orange flames crackled and enveloped them in its warmth like a soothing embrace. The winds howled as rain poured relentlessly, barraging the roof.

 “Hey…” Noel slowly turned toward Alum. “Is the hug still up for grabs?”

 “Yes. But only one is in stock.”

 “…Is it expensive?”

 “No,” Alum chuckled. “It’s free.”

 “Pfft… what the hell?” Noel lightly laughed, spreading his arms.

 “…” Alum scratched his cheek.

 “What are you waiting for?” Noel quizzed teasingly.

 “Well… it’s embarrassing initiating one,” Alum replied.

 It was difficult to judge whether Alum’s face was red or not due to the fire, but—seriously? That’s the part that made you embarrassed? You’re the one who suggested it, so you should initiate it! Noel grinned devilishly.

 “Weeeell~ I’m waiting!”

 “…” Alum resigned and edged closer. “The timer counts down from five,” he said, cradling Noel gently.

 “Minutes…?”

 “Seconds.”

 “What…? Did you read a study about it? Urk… that’s like the bare minimum! Don’t you know that the rule for oxytocin is 30 at least?!” Noel lightly protested due to the minuscule amount.

 “Outdated, it depends; 20 seconds at least… but fine… 25 seconds to go…” Alum sighed in mock exasperation.

“What? You’ve already started the countdown?!”

 “22…”

 “…Fine then! I’ll just not let go till I’m satisfied!”

 “Sigh... Fine.”

 They stayed like that for a while—but a tall, pale creature in the distance flashed into Alum’s sight when lightning struck, illuminating the rainy night. Its claws were like blades the length of a human arm. The moment it was exposed, it looked like it sniffed—it likely relied on its scent, touch, and hearing, as it didn’t seem to have eyes.

 “…”

—I’ll deal with you soon, Alum notioned. His mind raced with murderous intent as the warmth of his eyes turned inorganic.

A/N

I know it’s not Saturday, haha