The next morning, I couldn't get any decent or peaceful sleep after what happened last night—something I totally didn't see coming.
Damn it!! Why the hell won't my heart stop beating this fast?
I clutched my chest, trying to calm it down. Honestly, this was the first time I'd ever felt like this. Today's the weekend, so I planned to just stay in my room until night came for that damn Elysia's event.
Knock! Knock!
My door was knocked on, and it sent a chill down my spine. Who is it? Honestly, I didn't even have the strength to stand up—I was literally shaking like I was being haunted.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Why the hell am I like this?
"NAO!!" a woman's voice called out from behind the door.
Shit! Elysia's here!!
I dove under the blanket, covered myself completely, and pretended to be asleep even though the door was still locked. I waited, hoping she'd go away.
Thank god. Did she leave?
I let out a relieved sigh, my heart finally starting to calm down.
Uncle, is this what they call love? But I really don't want this to happen. I made up my mind a long time ago after watching people flirting and being all lovey-dovey—I don't wanna be one of them.
I've always believed love is a burden. You have to constantly care for someone else's heart and feelings, afraid they'll leave, break off, or drift away. To me, love's like someone's spirit—it rises and falls all the time.
I know this feeling will fade soon, because I know myself. So I have to control it. People are out there chasing love, but to me, love is just a fleeting emotion, and I don't need it.
I took a deep breath, exhaled, and tried to pull all these feelings out of me like I used to do before fighting my uncle—when I needed to get rid of any hint of mercy or compassion.
Alright. I feel better now. I gave myself a whole pep talk like some kind of life coach, even though I'm definitely not one of those people.
Knock! Knock!
Another knock. This time, I opened the door.
"What do you want?" I asked, seeing Elysia holding a sword like she was about to destroy the damn door.
I was stunned for a sec at her behavior.
"Such a pain waking you up," she said, sheathing her sword again.
"So, what do you want?" I asked.
"Today you need to learn how to dance before evening comes," she replied.
"I think I'll pass," I said and tried to close the door, but she blocked it with her hand.
"Oi, you think I'm playing around with you?" she asked, visibly annoyed and frustrated.
Her attitude now was so different from last night. Honestly, I was starting to think I'd dreamed the whole thing.
"So where are we practicing?" I asked.
She peeked into my room through the slightly open door and said, "What is this? A garbage dump?" even though it wasn't that messy.
"Well, that's just how my life is," I answered.
She shoved the door open forcefully, and I stepped aside to let her in. She stood there, hands on her hips.
"Today I'll teach you how to be a cleaner," she declared as she grabbed one of my shirts off the bed and threw it at my face.
Damn it, I was seriously annoyed.
---
A few hours later, after cleaning the room, I was honestly shocked at how spotless it looked. It wasn't even that dirty before, but now it was sparkling.
"Wow," I said, genuinely impressed since she did most of the work.
She grinned, sending chills down my spine. I was slightly traumatized by that smile. "Now…" she moved closer until we were touching, "...you have to obey my orders as payment."
She looked right into my eyes with that threatening tone.
"Nope," I said, trying to resist.
She looked shocked for a moment, then slid her fingers between mine.
"What did you say?" she asked, voice low and teasing.
"I said nope," I repeated.
She sighed and let go, walking over to my bed.
"Are you disappointed?" I asked, seeing her give up.
"Nope. I actually like the real you better," she said while sitting on my bed.
"What do you mean?"
"Last night, you were like… possessed."
Oh. I remembered my reaction last night. Even I didn't fully get it.
"Is that event of yours going to have all the nobles attending?" I asked, changing the topic.
"Yeah, and it's hosted by my family. So I need a companion—or in other words, a servant," she explained.
"So I'm your servant?"
"No, you're different. I think Selene already told you—you're special."
Special? In what way?
"You're strong even though you're not awakened. And when I look at you, I just feel something different."
"That's just your imagination," I said.
"But this feeling tells me it's real—so strong that I can't deny it," she said, lying down on my bed.
Can she see things in people? I seriously need to be careful around her.
She got up and walked over to me. "So you're going to learn to dance with me. Now!" she ordered.
I let out a long sigh. "Alright," I gave in.
---
We trained in her room since it'd be awkward if she stayed in mine. We practiced for five straight hours with no breaks. Now we were finally taking a rest.
"Does your body adapt easily?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Your body seems to instinctively understand what it needs to do. Like it picks up new things fast."
Honestly, my uncle said the same thing during training—right before laughing in my face and calling me the weakest body in the world. The memory pissed me off.
"That's enough for today," she said, getting up.
"Your movements are way better than I expected, so don't be nervous tonight," she added, holding out her hand.
I took it, and she pulled me up effortlessly.
As I was about to leave her room, she said, "See you tonight," while sipping water.
I nodded and walked out. That's when I saw Theo, Selene, and Tetsu staring at me like detectives.
"Nao," Tetsu called. "What were you doing in a girl's room?"
His face annoyed me.
"We were just practicing dancing," I said and walked past them.
"Dancing?" he asked.
"Yeah, she taught me how to dance," I replied, opening the door.
They looked confused, like they didn't believe a word.
"Proof?" Selene asked.
"Ask Elysia," I said and shut the door in their faces.
I let out a heavy sigh, thinking back on everything that's happened since I got here. I've definitely changed.
That's one thing I can't deny. But I'm still holding onto my principles, even if my approach is a bit different now.
Tonight, I'll have to cover my face with a mask… to keep it from being too recognizable.
I stood up and smiled. The idea I just had?
Honestly, it might be my best one yet.