A Deal
1155 Words
Seeing Corale silent with blushing cheeks made Gael embarrassed too, "Ah ... I mean live in the same city together."
"Oh ..." Corale was getting even more embarrassed, even looking down because she was sure Gael was thinking in a dirty direction because of her.
Gael scratched his cheek awkwardly as well. Although shy, he didn't deny the thought of them living together was something sweet. Woke up every morning, then the first thing he saw is the woman he loved sleeping beside him, who wouldn't be happy? "I know you want to study in Paris, but with my current condition. I can only pay at the same University as me. I can also protect you from Victor's harassment. I want to make amends by being your old best friend, Corale." He explained sincerely and sad at the same time.
Corale was silent listening to Gael's words. Of course she was touched by his efforts to restore the situation as before. She couldn't be selfish either by still wanting to study in Paris. She could actually work while studying, but registration closed a week ago when her parents tried to lend money to neighbors or the bank.
It's all happened.
“I'll start working then,” Corale muttered, turning down Gael's offer. The reason was obviously she didn't want to see him fall ill, "You can repay my money monthly, Gael."
Gael lowered his head to cover his disappointment but couldn't change Corale's thoughts. He wanted to show that he was stronger, unfortunately she refused to see his progress, "You're going to college in Paris?"
"Huh? What are you talking about? Did you forget registration closed? Silly," Corale said jokingly, holding back the bitter truth she had to accept.
Gael let out a weak groan. How could he have forgotten that? Corale could not have studied at any other University in Paris. She was stubborn, but gentle on the inside, "So you're going to study in Strasbourg?" he asked as calmly as possible, hiding his happiness.
"Guess what," Corale said jokingly, "as you said, I can't possibly wait another year or two. I'll still be pursuing my dreams even if it's not at the university I want to go to."
Gael smiled gently. He was really happy that Corale was finally starting to think positively again, "My University is still opening new students."
Corale realized Gael wanted her to be at the same University as him, from the tone of her voice it was clear, but she wanted to tease for a bit, "I want to go to college, but there are many Universities in other cities that are much better~!"
"What ...?" Gael gaped. Was his offer to protect her not enough? "You want to study in another city?"
Corale stood up, "Who knows," she gave a small hint, "who knows we'll be neighbors again, Gael."
Gael smiled widely. A hope! He realized Corale was just teasing him, "I can be your tour guide in Strasbourg then."
“Hm,” Corale just mumbled, then returned to her room, followed by Gael. She noticed that there was a tray of food on her study table.
Her mother was already here.
Corale wondered if her mother was listening to her conversation with Gael?
"Your Mom told me to have me watch over you," Gael said, "make sure you finish your meal this time, Corale."
"I always finish my food. My Mom is overthinking." Corale didn't like the idea of Gael waiting for her to eat.
"The plastic bag of food from your room that your brother brought says something else," Gael said a little pressing to get Corale to stop lying. He himself realized that when they hugged, he felt her bones, different from before, "don't make your family and I worry again Corale." He should be the one to punish himself, not her too.
Corale just stared at the food her mother made. The savory aroma she inhaled increased her appetite, but her laziness was still greater, and she chose to sit on the bed.
Gael also sat down, "Hey, I'm not leaving until you eat."
"How about you just eat it?" Corale made a suggestion.
"Good joke, now eat," Gael said firmly, "or do you want me to feed you?"
"No," Corale quickly refused, embarrassed at the thought of that happening.
"What? Why are you so shy?" Gael asked calmly, but with a mischievous tone, "we've done more than that. Mouth to mouth. Remember?"
"Gael!"
How could Gael say that? With a poker face like that too.
It's one of their sweet memories.
Corale lowered her head to hide her blushing cheeks.
Gael couldn't stop himself from smiling widely. It was a small joy for him to know that he still had such a big effect on Corale. Perhaps there was still hope that they would be together again, "Then finish your dinner."
Corale let out a sigh. She knew Gael wouldn't give up if her mother asked him. Reluctantly, she picked up a wooden spoon, looking at the dinner menu. She was not in the mood, so she took the chicken soup and put it in her mouth.
Gael was proud that his efforts had succeeded, "Good girl." he praised in a cheeky tone.
Corale rolled her eyes and continued eating.
***
"What are you looking at, Lord Vyrion?"
"..."
"Lord Vyrion?"
"..."
"Oh~ Lord Vyrion~?"
The tall black-haired man who had been silently gazing at the stars that filled the night sky finally gave up ignoring the woman who interrupted his 'me time'. He turned his ruby eyes to hers who smiled brightly as she managed to get his attention, "You know what I do every night, Vega."
Vega giggled, then stepped her long legs cheerfully towards Vyrion, looking at the stars that were shining bright white, "Too bad the stars here are different from Eartha."
"..."
Vyrion just silently watched the stars above his head. really? He didn't remember.
Vega smiled bitterly. How she missed Vyrion's warm and gentle persona, "Oh," she remembered something, "there might be a new human."
Vyrion closed his eyes, displeased with new people coming into his life, "Do I seem interested in having friends, Vega?"
Of course not, but Vega didn't want to upset Vyrion if this news wasn't told, "The owner of the castle, Mr. Laurent, recently passed away—"
"Oh?" The corners of Vyrion's lips lifted into a tiny smile, "Good news. I just realized he hasn't been here in six months."
"Lord Vyrion! Have some sympathy," Vega warned, angry and saddened by his attitude.
Sadly, Vyrion didn't care, he leaned his body against the balcony railing of his room while waving his hand not to be dramatic about his reaction to Alfred Laurent's death.
Vega let out a small sigh "Promise me you'll be nice to the new castle owner since she's a girl, Lord Vyrion! Promise me!"
- Writer
