The handsome man with a neat face and calm expression appeared composed at first glance. But by now, I knew that wasn’t really true.

I grabbed his arm and pulled him to sit beside me. My heart was still restless.

Taking a small, deep breath to calm the turmoil, I slowly spoke.

“Reid.”

“Yeah.”

“I know everything.”

A flicker of doubt and worry appeared in his eyes—typical of someone who hides much.

“About the mansion’s taboo: if I confess love, it’s confinement; if you do, it’s death. Right?”

“......Ah.”

He gave a bitter smile.

“You’re smart. I knew you’d figure it out quickly.”

“So, about that—no confessions as a reward.”

“What a pity.”

His reply was oddly light for sincerity and strangely ambiguous for a joke.

It was fine. It wasn’t important now.

Without averting my gaze from Reid’s face, I continued.

“But, Reid, you know...”

“......”

“We don’t always have to convey feelings with words, right?”

“......”

The night breeze filled the silence between us. Covered in the scent of roses, we focused solely on each other.

Understanding fully, he spoke.

“......That’s right.”

The honest smile that appeared at his lips was beautiful—though quickly melted away by returning tension.

Leaning on the bench with one hand, he moved closer to me. I placed my hand atop his knuckles and closed the gap.

Our eyes met.

His clear sea-colored eyes were like windows, as if I could see right into his heart.

Inside, I could read the tension and excitement, teetering like a full reservoir at high tide. I wanted to let it overflow.

Enough time had passed to prepare. Without hesitation, we both reached out.

Each held one cheek of the other, gently pulling closer. Like biting into a sweet dessert, he softly bit my lower lip while I gently bit his upper lip.

Our breaths mingled. The rose fragrance filling the garden now traveled beyond my nose—passing through my parted lips, down my throat, and deeply into my lungs.

Surely, I had intended to give him something at first.

But at some point, I found myself desperately trying to keep it for myself. We were on the verge of stealing each other’s breath.

The indulgence paused briefly, and our lips parted, leaving a glossy trace. I thought finally we’d have some air.

“Ha.”

But he exhaled lowly, then kissed me again.

With his arms wrapped around my waist, he seated me on his lap. I felt the strong grip of his large hand supporting my hair at the nape of my neck. He was still holding back something.

Of course, so was I.

My ten fingers tangled in his silver hair. Clutching it to keep his gaze on me, I pressed my lips to his and then reluctantly pulled away.

The desire shining in his eyes was beautiful. I couldn’t resist the impulse.

I pushed his shoulders with both hands, toppling his upper body onto the bench as I looked down at him.

My black hair slid over his moonstone-like cheek. I realized anew that he was pale and I was dark—and I laughed quietly.

As the moonlight poured over him, casting my shadow on him, he gripped my wrist as if he could no longer hold back. The hand clasping mine was firm and hot.

Then, from the mansion, the grandfather clock struck ten.

“......”

“......”

Before me stood someone whose magic would break two hours earlier than Cinderella. The white priest was due back to his room to be confined until dawn.

Reid sighed deeply and blinked °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° slowly. His parted lips seemed to want to say something.

It would probably be something gentlemanly. But I made the decision first.

“I’m coming with you.”

✠

The guest room, furnished only with the essential heavy wooden furniture, remained neat and restrained.

She hesitated just before stepping inside. A strict black vest hanging in the corner somehow embarrassed her.

Her brief hesitation was harsh for him, who had been repeatedly tested by limits. The one who hadn’t passed the final test pulled her forcefully into his arms.

Her feet nearly slipped out of leather slippers as she was hurried over the threshold. With a kiss, he pushed her against the door and shut it firmly.

Click. His space was locked.

In just a week, ivy had grown to almost cover the window. Moonlight filtered densely through the leaves, lighting the bed sheets.

Soon she was gently laid down. He cast a long shadow over her and trapped her beneath it.

His large hand, which had supported her hair, withdrew to stroke her long neck softly—warming it before trailing to the nightgown.

Without stopping, he slid down his bare arm, slipping off the gown. Clasping their hands tightly, he pressed his lips to her fingers.

She twitched as if ticklish, trying to pull away unconsciously. He soothed her with a kiss on her chin, signaling her not to move, then slowly climbed upward, mixing breaths.

Their drowsy eyes dazzled—both looking up and down in a daze. He lowered his gaze first.

His heated hand trembled slightly from tension. Several times his knuckles whitened as he clenched and relaxed his fist.

Filling his chest with air, he slowly lifted his torso.

Finding room she offered, he settled and unbuttoned her collar one by one. Her crumpled shirt fell to the floor outside the bed.

“Ai.”

He called to her with feelings fuller than breaking any taboo. She returned his call.

“Reid.”

“......”

“Tesilid.”

“......”

Was that name always this thrilling?

In that new feeling, he leaned in deeply. As if she’d been waiting, she hugged his neck and lifted her torso slightly to press lips. He willingly pushed himself up and down.

Her hair spread out over the bed. Veins bulged on his forearms holding the sheet.

Except for their joined eyes, the whole world seemed to shake.

Her gaze grew hazy. He closed his eyes completely.

His eyes contorted as if enduring pain. She gently caressed his face several times, as if sympathizing.

A long breath finally spilled out, quieting the storm. But the calm didn’t last.

He steadied her upper body and pulled her tightly into his embrace. Grasping her flowing hair, they kissed again.

It felt desperate—as if they’d die without continuing all through the night.

✠

Senses plunged as if submerged in water.

Outside the window, chirping birds tickled ears, and gentle light spilled low from the east, squeezing through eyelids.

The sunlight and bird songs made this morning unusually special.

I didn’t resist the lingering drowsiness in my eyelids. Lying there half-awake, I felt warmth.

The arms and chest that had wrapped around me from behind, and the warm breath brushing my neck, were tender and affectionate.

“Awake?”

“......Yeah.” 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

I answered with a small voice, feeling as if my body was still filled with warmth.

I pulled the blanket up and buried my face halfway. Knowing he was behind me, I couldn’t help the embarrassment.

His hand that gently stroked my shoulder slowly moved down my back. Though trivial, it made my shoulder blades tighten.

His Adam’s apple, resting on my shoulder, rumbled low, sending shivers.

“Why...... are you smiling?”

“Just... because I feel like smiling.”

His voice soaked my ear like a warm sound. I asked, though it was obvious.

“Do you like it?”

“Yeah.”

“What do you like so much?”

“Everything.”

His voice sounded almost musical, full of happiness.

I felt his lips brush my neck where I had brushed hair aside. It was a cautious kiss, full of desire and reverence.

He bundled all his feelings into one compliment.

“You’re beautiful.”

He truly was. Love and happiness are very beautiful things.

I wanted to see him, too.

Still half-covered by the blanket up to my nose, I turned toward Reid.

Like he had been waiting, he offered his arm as a pillow. I showed only my eyes and looked at his face.

He looked so neat and clean, as if he had dressed again after freshening up while I slept.

I couldn’t help but confess the fluttering feeling—in words he would understand.

“You’re beautiful too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Then love me even more.”