Kira’s POV
“Is everything set for graduation next week?”
I turned to Kyle before nodding. “Yes. We’ve already sent the invitations to the parents of CA students.”
We are currently at the mansion. Finally, the grueling exams are over.
Almost everything is in order. We’re just waiting for the day of graduation. Aside from that, in a few days, we will receive our grades for the final term.
Although we don’t have the results yet, we already know who will go up on stage and be recognized and honored.
Since we’re already leaving the academy, only Reiri and Miley will remain in charge of the student body. But before we leave for good, we will make sure that the vampires who will take our place can be relied on and trusted.
It felt so happy, yet so sad. I feel like a part of me will be left behind when I leave here.
But we will surely visit the academy from time to time. Someday, we will be the ones leading here in place of the current officials.
The elders.
“Okay, good. I’ll just go to the palace. Dad and I need to discuss something. You take care of things here for now. I won’t stay long either.”
I nodded at him. But I paused as I suddenly remembered something.
“Aren’t we going to follow them?” It has been over three hours since Nicole left and the two princesses left. Steph isn’t here either and was called to the palace earlier.
Kyle hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. “Nah. I don’t want to kill the mood. Besides, Gino is with them. I know he won’t let our princesses be neglected.” He looked at me meaningfully, causing me to avert my gaze.
I closed my mouth tightly. I didn’t know why I was affected by what he said about our princess. I know it’s just a simple word, but it feels like he wanted to convey something else with his statement.
Can he sense it already?
I was startled again because of what I thought.
Wait, he can sense... what?
Kyle was about to come out when suddenly the door opened. We weren’t surprised when he entered. In the past few days, we had gotten used to his missing in action moments. But even so, he still managed to be included in the upcoming graduation recognition. If I’m not mistaken, he took a special exam in just one day.
Well, the perks of being a Clarkson.
“Where are you going?” he asked Kyle.
Hiro, who was sitting in front of me and eating, paused in the middle of a bite. I knew he missed his best friend. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true.
“To the palace. Do you want to come with me? I also want to talk to Dad,” Kyle replied seriously, staring at him.
Vince shrugged. “Okay. I’ll go with you then. To be honest, I also have a favor to ask them.”
Hiro and I exchanged glances after he said that.
Kyle furrowed his brow. “Can we know what it is?” he asked, full of curiosity.
“Indeed, best friend. It’s been a few days since we haven’t bothered you and kept quiet. So please, tell us now.” Hiro’s voice saddened as if he was sulking.
I just shrugged. I really wonder how a carefree person like him became the best friend of this serious man.
Oh, well. On the other side, we’re just in the same feather.
Vince scrunched his nose. “I’ll tell you all once we get back.”
“When will you be back again?” Hiro whispered, which I heard before he continued eating.
Kyle let out a defeated sigh. “Fine. Let’s go then.”
In an instant, they suddenly disappeared in front of us.
I stood up. I’ll just lock myself in my room for now. After all, I can’t think of anything to do.
As I passed by Hiro, I paused. Lately, I noticed that he’s been eating as if it was his last day on Earth. People call it stress eating, I guess.
“Hiro? You’ve been eating a lot these past few days. Is there something bothering you?” I asked, concerned.
I usually hang out with Kyle, and he often talks with Vince. But even so, we know each other very well. Especially when one of us has a problem.
If Vince chooses to avoid it, then Hiro resorts to frequent eating.
But even though I’ve noticed something, I chose to stay silent. Besides, I know he wants to talk to someone else and share the things that bother him.
But this time, I just want to give it a try.
He suddenly paused and forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just some random thoughts.” He sighed.
I raised an eyebrow at his response. Now, this is getting more interesting. “Random thoughts? Care to tell me at least one of those?” I asked suspiciously.
He shook his head and stood up. “I’ll tell you once I confirm it.” He walked back towards the kitchen.
I continued to watch him until he disappeared from my sight. I couldn’t help but smile. They were indeed close friends.
With a sigh, I made my way to my room and collapsed onto the bed. It had been an exhausting day. My brain felt drained because of the recent exams.
I was about to fall asleep when my gaze landed on the large cabinet in front of my bed. I got up and walked towards it. I opened it and took out something wrapped in a blue cloth.
A smile formed on my lips. I knew she would like this because she’s a fan of SpongeBob. But I also know that she prefers Pikachu. She’s such a child.
I stared at it. I don’t really know why I bought this in the first place. It’s my first time giving a stuffed toy to a girl.
Last week, I was wandering around the mall when I saw this. And she immediately came to mind when I saw it. I hesitated at first because I was worried about what Kyle might think once he found out.
Or what she might think.
But right at this moment, I know I can’t deny it to myself anymore.
I placed my hand over the left side of my chest. I can feel my heart beating so fast as I think of her. This time, I’m sure it’s for her. My own princess.
I don’t know how or when it started. All I know is that she’s my favorite unexpected.
***
Miley’s POV
“Do you have fun?” Nics asked the moment we all stepped out of her car.
I briefly closed my eyes as I was greeted by a strong and chilly gust of wind. I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt a somewhat familiar presence around me.
Reiri and I nodded in response, both of us smiling.
“Good then. Can you handle all of that on your own? I can call someone to help you,” she offered.
“No need! We can manage,” I assured her. “What’s the use of our super strength if we can’t even handle these paper bags?” I winked at her.
She laughed and nodded. “All right. Go on to the mansion now. The curfew is approaching. We’ll be in trouble with your brother if that happens.”
We frowned in response. As if we cared about him. Besides, we were used to constantly being scolded by him.
“Okay. We’re leaving,” I bid her farewell. She gave us a peck on our cheeks before waving goodbye.
Immediately, Reiri and I headed straight to the mansion. However, we furrowed our brows when we were greeted by silence upon arrival.
“Where could they be?” I wondered, looking around in confusion.
We were used to Vince being absent most of the time recently. But where could Kyle be? We hurried here, fearing his possible reprimand.
Rei shrugged. “They might have gone somewhere. I’ll just bring these inside the room for now.” She raised the paper bags she was holding.
I nodded and went straight to my room as well.
Upon entering, I quickly searched for the light switch. I dropped all the paper bags on my bed and placed my stuffed toy on the headboard.
“There you go. There are so many of you now. You have a new sibling again.” I grinned childishly while admiring my collection. Pikachu is really cute!
“Who gave that thing to you?”
My smile suddenly fades away, and I almost jump in surprise upon hearing his voice. What is he doing here?
Before I could even react, I already felt his warm breath touching the nape of my neck, which left me stunned. I gasped. He was too close, and I couldn’t even make a single move.
“I repeat. Who gave that thing to you?”
I raised my eyebrows because of the tone of his voice and the way he asked his question. I wasn’t used to him being this serious. Honestly, it was the first time I heard him speak with such coldness and a threatening tone. It made me confused.
I took a step forward before facing him and placed both of my hands on my hips. “Why do you care? There’s no law against giving me gifts, you know!”
It’s annoying! He’s really confusing. I can’t understand or read what he’s thinking anymore.
In an instant, the memory of the time he followed me by the river came back to me...
“We need to talk. No more buts, no more excuses. I won’t let you escape and run away from me this time.”
Suddenly, anxiety pounded in my heart. Does he already know? Am I too obvious?
He slowly approached me. “Tell me. Why have you been avoiding me these past few days? Did I do something wrong that I’m not aware of?”
Sadness was evident in his voice and in his eyes. And I couldn’t help but feel guilty.
I bit my lower lip and bowed my head. I played with the hem of my blouse because I didn’t know how to answer his question.
Should I tell him about my feelings now?
But I don’t want to change whatever we had right now. I’m afraid that once he finds out about my true feelings, he will distance himself from me. I’m afraid that the day will come when he needs to choose, and he won’t choose me.
“You have...” I took a deep breath. “You have a new princess already,” I said, feeling shy and childish as I confessed to him.
I could feel the corners of my eyes starting to water. But I hold back the tears that wanted to escape from here.
Several minutes of silence went by. Because of that, I slowly raised my gaze to him.
My lips parted when I saw him smiling genuinely at me. Those smiles. Before, he used to smile like that only at me.
But now...
He approached me and messed up my hair. “So that’s why. There’s a jealous kid around.”
I slapped his arm and he just laughed.
“I’m not a kid anymore!” I crossed my arms and looked away. This is one of the things I dislike about him. Until now, he still sees me as a child.
When will he notice that I am already a grown-up woman?
He messed up my hair again, and I almost lost my composure when he suddenly pulled me closer to him and hugged me.
“Don’t worry. Because no matter what happens, you will always be my princess.” He slowly moved away before holding me tightly on both shoulders and gazing at me intently.
“And Mikan is just a friend of mine. Although I admit that she has confessed her feelings to me.” His nose wrinkled. “But I don’t feel the same way. I just feel responsible for my actions after what happened to her confession. That’s why I’m always keeping up with her.” He pressed his lips together.
I bit my lower lip. I think I need to face my fear now. It’s now or never.
I heaved a deep sigh as I looked straight into his eyes.
“Will you also keep up with me if I tell you that I love you?” My lips quivered. “Because I really do.”
At that moment, his hands fell from holding my shoulders, and he didn’t speak.
He suddenly burst into laughter, bringing my thoughts back to the present.
“Oh, that’s right. And why am I getting annoyed that someone gave you that thing? Fine, I’m leaving.”
I was taken aback by him.
Is he annoyed? Why? Is he jealous?
I shook my head in disbelief. That’s impossible! He only sees me as his sister, right? So, why would he?
Until I realized that I was already running towards him and tightly embraced him from behind.
“Why are you mad?”
I could feel his body tensing up. I wanted to hear his answer. I wanted to know the answer.
“I don’t know. These past few months, I just can’t explain what I am feeling. It is something that I can’t even put a name to,” he answered in a low tone, sounding confused.
I held onto him even tighter. “Kira...” I called him out.
He didn’t answer. So, I buried my face in his back while suppressing the tears that wanted to escape from my eyes.
“I want you to be my prince. Not as a sister’s prince. But because I’m your princess, your woman. The one that you will love.”
I didn’t know where I found the courage to say those words. But it seemed like my heart spoke for me. Even though I had already confessed my true feelings to him before, I felt like he didn’t take it too seriously.
Silence once again dominated the space between us. I could only hear the rapid beating of my heart.
“Sorry.”
I was surprised when he suddenly spoke. But I gradually smiled bitterly.
I knew it. I knew that this would happen. Maybe he just couldn’t say those words earlier because he was caught off guard. But I had prepared myself for this moment a long time ago.
However, it still hurts to be directly rejected by the man you love. It hurts so much.
“It’s ok—”
“I’m sorry if it took me a long time before I realized that...” He removed my embrace and faced me. “I love you.”
My eyes widened. Did I hear correctly?
He loves me too?
“Y-you w-what?” I stammered, almost holding my breath as I stared at him.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he crossed the distance between us, and before I knew it...
His lips already met mine.
Oh, hell. That’s the sweetest answer that I have ever received.