Are you trying to avoid me again?

Louise nodded with a large frown on her brow.

I thought so. I can tell from this profane expression.

He swept his fingertips near Louises lips.

Dont bite your lip too hard. Youll hurt yourself.

It wasnt painful, so she shook her head.

I wish we could be alright, but I feel like Im being a bother to you.

Louise nodded before he could finish. It could be interpreted as, Its true! Youre totally bothering me!

I wont bother you, really.

Louise released her lip and it slowly regained it color, while Ian opened his mouth to speak.

The truth isIm nervous.

Louises head tipped slightly.

Because how can I say that I dont know?

Ah!

She gasped in spite of herself and quickly covered her mouth. She wasnt supposed to answer in words. In any case, she understood a little bit what made him nervous.

You love Simon a lot.

There was no denying it, and so she nodded her head.

Look, Im nodding too. I love Simon very much as well.

Louise smiled at his reply.

Besides, Simon has many advantages that I dont have.

Advantages like being friendly or being good with his hands. Louise was always so relaxed with him, whereas she was squeamish whenever she and Ian met.

Excuse me for this, but Ive been imagining. If you could

He leaned over a little so their gazes met.

It would be nice if you could think of me while watching the sudden heavy rain.

That wasnt all he had in mind.

And I was hopingyou would cherish the words I left behind. I told it like a joke then, but still.

He still held her face and while he whispered to her affectionately.

Theyre really the only words I have.

He was silent. The hand on her cheek seemed to heat her body.

Louise thought for a moment, then finally spoke. She couldnt help it. She couldnt explain it by a gesture.

I cherish them.

Sometimes, she thought of her twitching lips before she went to sleep.

Yes.

Ian could tell by Simons reaction. Louise had never wavered. Ian felt evil being relieved at the fact.

Its not just you that Ive been thinking about. Because you knowI have this personality.

He gave a smile, and Louise recognized that it was a forced one.

Even if your heart is wavered by Simons kindnessI dont think I could ever let you go.

He couldnt help but confess his cowardice.

If he kept you from meI would have taken back your heart by any means possible.

She needed to know exactly about his ugly nature.

Im soso disgusting.

Even though Ian felt guilty for obstructing Simons life, he didnt think he could give up the single thing he desperately wanted the most.

I just wanted to let you know that the man that youre choosing is this detestable.

Louise vigorously shook her head.

Youre trying to comfort me again, arent you? I appreciate your compassion. You were so kind, even from the beginning. And you were always sweet to me

His voice trailed off, but his gaze became clearer. The hand that held her cheek swept through her hair, and the gap between them grew even smaller, until finally their foreheads touched lightly.

Louise Sweeney.

He changed the word you to her name. To make it a little clearer.

I want to keep Louise Sweeney to myself.

Before Louise could fully process the meaning, Ian spoke first.

I love you very much, Louise Sweeney.

After the lingering effects of his words had passed, he ventured forward cautiously.

Are you alright with that?

He recalled the shortcomings he had mentioned earlier. Should an ugly, selfish, and obsessive man be allowed to have such feelings?

Its alright.

She was generous in her reply.

Please treat me as your one and only.

She spoke as if she was trying to reassure him.

Just like I already do for you.

Of course. Ive been doing that for a long time.

He kissed Louise lightly on her lips and stepped back.

Well, somehow I feel like Im still losing to a prince of a fairy tale book.

You still care about that?!

You know its nothing. I wanted to show you how good I can be. I dont know why I rushed into an empty classroom like this though

Because you were you impatient?

Ian lifted his brows. Sure, maybe he was a little bit impatient.

I couldnt help it. Ive never gone this long missing you so much.

We barely saw each other last year.

I thought you were smart and cute then, but

He didnt know she was a perfect creature that was this soft and delicate and sweet.

Anyway, I wondered when wed get to meet again, and now these two unscheduled interruptions were sent from the palace.

It is a little awkward.

Yes, and now youve come back even more beautiful than before, but I cant even touch your hair!

Do you want to touch it?

I always want to touch it if you let me. Its obvious.

How dignified.

For some reason it sounded embarrassing when he admitted when he wanted to touch her hair.

Ah! But I do like it.

Louise clasped her hands near her heart and smiled.

You said you were impatient.

Hm?

Because youre usually so relaxed. It makes me feel a little special.

Louise shrugged, and Ian stretched out his arms.

Then lets actually do something special.

Special?

She glanced at his outstretched hands.

Were going to dance?

No way. Were not ballroom dancing lessons now. If you dont mind, please come closer.

That wasnt any reason to protest, so Louise walked into the circle of his arms.

Like this?

Yes. Can I hold you now?

Thats alright. But what will happen?

Not to me, but to you.

Me?

At her question, he lifted her body in the air.

President?!

Louise managed to steady herself by grabbing onto his shoulder.

Y-you scared me.

Their eye level changed and now Louise was looking down on him.

But this is quite unique.

She had never looked down on him with this viewpoint before.

I want to ask you something.

The special thing he was talking about was probably not a new vantage point.

Tell me.

Youll listen?

It depends.

I really want you to listen. Its only you now.

There was a faint sense of loneliness in the way he softly spoke his words.

If you dont mind, then.

He hesitated for a moment.

I wish for a blessing.

Louise finally understood what he meant when he said special. Blessing someone was the act of kissing another persons forehead and wishing them happiness. Even ordinary people shared friendly kisses with someone close to them. It was a small thing any ordinary person on the street could have.

However, Ian was an exception. He was of such high status that no one could dare gave him such an intimate gesture. The only ones officially allowed to do it were the highest priests, parents and lovers.

I had the blessing of the priests and my parents when I was young, but now its hard to expect it from anybody.

He used to envy the people who could share a kiss of friendliness. He couldnt have that.

Only if you dont hate it, of course.

What can I say?

Louise swept her fingers on his hair.

You can expect a blessing from me anytime. And always, I

Louise brushed away some of his hair on his forehead as kissed it.

I believe in happiness at the end of Ian Audmonials journey.

Does that mean Ill have you?

Louise laughed playfully and shook her head.

I actually meant something a little different. I meant when the officials would find out that the president was missing.

No sooner had she finished did the voices of the officials searching for Ian began to echo loudly in the hall.

Ian sighed a little. It was time to climb back through the window. He prayed that it wouldnt be recorded in history.