Dorothy's POV:
- How did you do this again?
- We used these herbs for flavoring.
"She's truly an amazing cook."
I couldn't help but be amazed. Since I started helping her, I learn a new way to cook something every day. I can't help but look at her with admiration. Noticing my gaze, she returns a fresh and radiant smile. Her brown hair shines in the light streaming through the window. Without realizing it, my hands stop as I watch her.
- What's wrong, sweetheart? Have you fallen for me?
Her question takes me by surprise as I look at her. I smile mischievously in response.
- Who knows? You're so cool, you can't blame me if I did.
Although she's surprised at first, she quickly regains her composure and returns a mischievous smile.
- Wow! To think I'd fall for such a lovely young lady as yourself. I really am a sinner.
As if to show it off, she strikes a seductive pose while observing me closely. Her wide hips and plump breasts rise as she proudly displays them.
- But I'm sorry, I already have someone I'm head over heels in love with.
With a smile, she tells me, dramatically placing a hand over her face as if holding back tears. I smile involuntarily as I set the knife down on the counter.
- Dorothy?
I slowly approach to give her a hug. I bury my face in those annoying lumps of fat clinging to her. Her scent tickles my nose as I slowly immerse myself in them. At first, small sounds of surprise escape her lips. But moments later, she simply wraps her arms around me. Her warmth alone fills me with nostalgia.
- Is something wrong, Dorothy?
- ...No...I just wanted to give you a little hug.
- ...I see.
- ...
Despite the warmth, despite the nostalgia, despite the palpable affection in that moment, my heart remained uneasy. The reason… was too obvious to me. That little thorn kept growing inside me.
"Can't I just drown in this feeling?"
It was annoying. Even though there shouldn't be anything preventing me from enjoying this moment. Despite all the warmth I felt…
- Dorothy?
Her soft voice snapped me out of it immediately. The trance I'd fallen into dissipated as she loosened her grip.
- S-sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt while we were cooking. L-let's get to work!
I raised my hands as I quickly picked up the knife again to continue my task. My face burned as if it were about to boil.
"Am I a child? How could I lose control like that?"
A feeling of shame washed over me. It was painfully obvious that I was losing control.
"Remember Miss Lira's words. Breathe and control your emotions. Don't let them control you."
After a few awkward moments of silence, a giggle reaches my ears. Perplexed, I glance at the wife. She covers her mouth with one hand, trembling slightly.
- I'm sorry, Dorothy, I couldn't help it.
My face, already flushed, steam rising from my ears. I quickly turn my face away from her.
- …You don't need to apologize. I acted like a child, after all.
I can't help but look down. I knew this would happen. Even so, my impulses are becoming difficult to control. As much as I try to remain calm, they are too kind. They are so kind that I'm afraid I'll get used to them.
- Even though I avoid even knowing their names so as not to get my hopes up…
... Huh?
"Did I… say that out loud?"
I unconsciously cover my mouth as I look at the wife. Her gaze hardens as she slowly raises her hand. Terror grips me as I squeeze my eyes shut. I simply await the impact.
"Of course she'd be angry about that comment. I just hope she doesn't hate me."
But no matter how much I wait, the blow never comes. Confusion makes me slowly open my eyes. There I see only his wife staring at me. Her gaze is cold and hard. Fear slowly strikes my heart with overwhelming force. My whole body knows I'm no longer welcome there.
- I-I'm so sorry.
I could only run away.