Change and Warmth

When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar white ceiling. My mind was in a daze, I couldn’t think clearly, and my body didn’t move as I wished.

I moved my eyes, and my gaze was entwined with Alvin-sama, who was sitting on the chair right beside the bed. At the same time, I noticed that my right hand was wrapped in both of his hands.

“… Alvin-sama?”

I called out his name with a hoarse voice. Alvin-sama didn’t say anything, he just stared at me with a sad expression on his face.

As my consciousness gradually became clearer, as if a fog was lifting, I remembered that I had lost consciousness in the underground hideout.

“Thank you, Alvin-sama, for coming to my rescue.”

I gently squeezed his hand that held mine. Alvin-sama then bit his lip hard as if he was holding something back.

His jewel-like eyes shook sadly.

“…. I don’t deserve to be thanked.”

“Eh?”

“I couldn’t protect Nina this time or last time.”

From his appearance, I could see that he was terribly sorry for himself. Rather than blaming him, he should be thanked for locating us so quickly and coming to our aid.

Last time, that man was the only one to blame. In the first place, there was no way that Alvin-sama could have been at fault for my death. I went out on my own.

When I told him that, Alvin-sama shook his head.

“This whole thing is my fault. I’m sorry.”

I desperately tried to tell him that no one was at fault, but he didn’t seem to get the message. I slowly raised my body from the bed and turned to face Alvin-sama.

“It makes me sad to hear you apologize, Alvin-sama. Besides, I’m safe now. Thanks to Alvin-sama.”

“….”

“I was really relieved when you came to my rescue.”

I smiled at him, and he pulled my hand and hugged me. I noticed that Alvin-sama’s body warmth and gentle scent made me feel very at ease.

His voice was trembling as he murmured in my ear, “I’m glad you’re safe,” and I quietly put my arms around his back. Just imagining how worried he must have been made my heart ache.

“I swear I will never let him hurt Nina again. I will definitely find that man and kill him.”

“…. Alvin-sama.”

“Anyway, Nina still needs to rest. We’ll take turns keeping watch. I’ll go get Lara first.”

I found myself holding on to Alvin-sama’s hand tightly as he easily let go of my hand and stood up.

“Nina?”

“U-Um…”

Almost unconscious, I was bewildered by my actions. But there was one thing I do know.

I didn’t want Alvin-sama to leave. I would feel sad if he left.

“Will you stay with me just a little longer?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll call someone else right away.”

“I mean, I want Alvin-sama.”

As soon as I said that, I realized that I was being selfish, and hurriedly opened my mouth.

“I-I’m sorry. You’ve been accompanying me for a long time, and I think you should rest, Alvin-sama─”

“Nina.”

When he called my name, I looked up and gasped to see Alvin-sama with his hand covering his mouth and his cheeks stained red. At the same time, I remembered what I had said and my face grew hot.

Alvin-sama let out a small breath, turned to face me, and sat down on the bed. He stared at me with feverish eyes, and I became restless.

“…. Nina is really sly.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“I’ll stay by your side as long as you’ll let me.”

“Of course I’ll allow it, I’m the one who asked you to do it.”

“Thank you…. No, I’m very happy.”

I was the one who was supposed to be thanking him. But I was relieved when Alvin-sama laughed.

“I’ll be here until morning, don’t worry.”

“But, if that’s the case, Alvin-sama won’t be able to rest.”

“I’ll be fine.”

After working all day, he came to my rescue, and after the fight with that man, he stayed with me the whole time. He must be very tired, even though he wasn’t showing it on his face.

I should tell him to go back to his room and get some rest, but I felt so lonely. When did I become so selfish?

After thinking about it for a while, I lifted my head up and said, “Ah.”

“If you want, why don’t you sleep here with me?”

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