I trudged through the seemingly endless hallways, fatigue weighing heavily on my eyelids. I was so exhausted that I figured I'd just collapse wherever I landed.
But then, I stumbled upon a room filled with rows upon rows of wine and liquor bottles.
It must've been the Cellar Anouz talked about during out negotiations.
I recognized the dimly lit space from what he had ntioned.
The place was surprisingly well-maintained, with organized shelves displaying a variety of used and unused bottles.
"I wasn't always a drinker," I mused, running a hand along a dusty shelf, "but I do miss the taste of alcohol..."
My eyes landed on a collection of gleaming canteens. I picked one up and gave it a sniff. New and unused. Perfect. I selected a bottle of expensive vodka and poured myself a generous serving.
"It's better to find a nice view outside to share this commoration," I decided, tucking the canteen into my pocket.
I wandered through the mansion, searching for the perfect spot.
Finally, I found a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the moonlit grounds. I pushed open the doors and stepped out, gazing up at the night sky.
"Beautiful," I whispered, taking a sip of the vodka.
The taste hit like a slap in the face. It wasn't the smooth, refined flavor I rembered. My body, no longer accustod to alcohol, reacted with a jolt of unpleasantness.
"Not the taste of perfection I had in mind," I grimaced, "but a drink will always remain as it is."
I couldn't recall the last ti I'd had a drink. A vague mory surfaced, a single drink shared with soone...but I quickly pushed the thought aside.
It brought the sa pain, that I didn't want to deal with.
Even so, the past will forever be the sa but the present will be as it should.
Changing and always constant.
"I'll change the world,"
I declared, raising my canteen towards the moon as I leaned against the balcony railing.
"Change the world?" a voice echoed from behind .
"Ah!" I flinched, startled.
"Who izz it..." The alcohol had finally caught up with , and I slurred my words, struggling to maintain my balance.
I turned to see Valencia bathed in the moonlight. Everything about her looked so beautiful to . Her long blonde hair flowed down her shoulders, the elegant nightgown moved around her like liquid silver, and her face...she never failed to surprise with her appearance.
It was as if I was living in a dream.
"Rel... what are you doing here in the middle of the night?"
Valencia took a few steps closer, but then suddenly ca to a stop.
Sniff sniff...
"Yuck," she wrinkled her nose. "Are you an alcoholic at this age? Seriously?"
Even from a few ters away, she could sll the strong scent of vodka.
"I- Uh... Sorry... I didn't think you'd hic... see like this..."
I didn't know what kind of face I was making, but I could feel my cheeks flush from the alcohol.
"...!"
But even if I was caught like this, I at least wouldn't have expected it to be by her, of all people.
It's like I always bump into her.
Again...and again... and again...
It was all so familar.
"Rel, is everything okay?"
I saw Valencia reach her arm out to , but I quickly stabilized myself from falling.
She flinched, moving back, and I could only blink, surprised by her reaction.
"Uh...can't...think."
I...can't stop looking... I really can't stop looking at her for so reason... what's wrong with ?
I scratched my head, trying to keep eye contact with Valencia, but I realized my thoughts weren't aligning with my true feelings. It was late, I was tired, and honestly, I couldn't bring myself to care anymore.
I'm lost...
**
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"Valencia, I..." Rel's voice, though slurred, reached her ears, sending a jolt of excitent through her.
She looked at him and her heart started to pound loudly through the night.
He was holding onto the balcony railing with his gaze fixed on her with an unusual shyness.
I- I don't know if I could take it if he says anything. It's the first ti he's addressing like this...
In Valencia's eyes, the sight of Rel was sothing she had never seen before. It felt like she was truly seeing him for who he was.
The Rel who doesn't talk often, the Rel that never tries but always puts everyone first, the Rel who did never shows up to class, but most importantly the Rel who always seed to be there to save her when she needed it most.
This was the person she had been longing to see.
The real Rel.
Although he was drunk, she couldn't help but rember the saying: "A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts."
"I-"
DROP!
Rel swayed and lost his balance, about to tumble to the floor. But Valencia reacted quickly, catching him in her arms.
On her knees, she found herself embracing a man who reeked of liquor and realised his weight was surprisingly heavy against her.
"R-R-Rel! Get up! Actually... maybe don't ah!"
As Rel leaned in with his body weight he breathed down Valencia's neck and she couldn't help but flinch feeling his warmth.
Even if the hug was one-sided, it was enough to make her smile.
"Okay, okay... I'll get you to sowhere you can sleep."
Supporting his weight, she carefully guided him towards a small lounge within the mansion, not far from the girls' room.
...
...
...
Valencia gently lowered Rel onto the soft cushions of the couch and Valencia herself took a seat.
Carefully with Rel's head she had him resting comfortably in her lap.
As she watched him, she felt a strange feeling of peace.
Rel always had his face, usually so stoic and distant, but this ti.
Everything about his expression was sothing new to her.
She, couldn't help but smile.
"You know, I... I can never quite figure you out. It always feels like you're pushing away, yet sohow, you pull back in."
"..."
He didn't respond as his gaze was fixed on the ceiling.
"I know you're not even awake," she continued, "but I just feel like I need to say these things. It feels... right."
Valencia traced the lines of his face and her fingers lingered on his soft hair.
He was so different from the others, so mysterious, so... alluring.
She'd never felt this way about anyone before.
"Why are you always so...distant? I always feel like you're always there, but you're never really there."
Just as she thought Rel had fallen asleep, his voice thick with drowsiness broke the silence.
"I don't know, I guess..."
He glanced at Valencia once more and closed his eyes.
"I'm just not good at expressing myself."
"...!"
Valencia felt butterflies erupt in her stomach, and a blush ward her cheeks.
As she heard Rel's soft snores, she closed her eyes with a smile.
"You don't have to express yourself,"
She replied softly, drifting off to sleep.
"Just being you is enough."
END.
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