Page 36

I had thought a lot about ‘love’ before, but in the end, I figured I was far from that concept. I assumed my existence wasn’t meant for it.

Well, this was one of the firsts I’d get to experience.

All courtesy of her.

Mina stared at my serious face, like reading me, then smiled lightly. It wasn’t as dazzling as her previous smiles, but it was warmer and more sincere than ever.

“I don’t have to act around Remi.”

“No, you don’t.” I confirmed. My voice was harsher than I’d intended.

My Mina wasn’t allowed to fake anything around me.

She wiped her tear-reddened eyes and leaned back against the wall again. I followed, mirroring her moves. Seeing this, she tilted her head to rest on my shoulder. Her red hair spilled over my collarbone like willow leaves. I slid my arm around her waist and drew her closer, then pressed my cheek against her hairline and closed my eyes, finally content.

“I just want to sleep sometimes…” she murmured, sounding drowsy. “Acting is tiring, you know…”

I bowed my head, burying my nose into her hair to breathe her in before whispering against her strands. “Don’t worry, it’s okay now.”

She took my free hand, then spread my fingers and began playing with them.

“Being you must be awesome, Remi.”

This again? I opened my eyes, but didn’t move an inch. “Why?”

“I hate being human. I wish I was an emotionless robot like you.”

No, don’t say that. It’s nothing to admire.

“You’re so calm and cool. Plus, you’re loyal to me. You live for me. You always need me. So comforting, you’re so cute.”

She tilted her head to look at me, and my throat went completely dry. I wanted so badly to stay angry, yet under the weight of those innocent, sweet eyes, I knew not a single trace of my anger showed on my face.

Why do you love everything I hate about myself? I wanted to ask.

“I’m not,” I only said.

Her smile grew bigger, her gaze fell to the ground. “You’re shy too, so cute. When I’m with you, I don’t need to worry about anything.” Her hand raised, and she stroked my forehead so gently I felt myself calming despite the storm raging inside me.

“I love you so much, Remi. Do you love me too?”

I looked away. “How many times do I have to tell you?”

My voice wasn’t complaining, but the moment I saw her face fell, I knew it was the wrong question to ask. She broke eye contact, her body pulling away too. She dragged herself slightly across the floor and slumped back against the wall.

“Why? You’re sick of me?”

I closed the distance between us once again. Gently lifting her chin with my thumb, I forced her eyes to meet mine.

“I love you. Until eternity.”

Her sullen face instantly lit up, though I could tell she was desperately trying to hide it. Pressing her lips into a tight line, she slipped out of my touch.

“What’s it?” she muttered. “We’re not playing Knights right now, Remi.”

“I’m aware.”

The red creeping into her cheeks pulled a grin out of me. I leaned down again, this time with a slight hesitation, cupping the nape of her neck and coaxing her face toward mine.