Ghoth's POV
It was the absolute last thing I wanted him to do. The mere thought of Dayesh successfully winning Sapphire over, of her falling for him instead of me, was a blade twisting slowly in my chest. But to keep my cover, and to protect the fragile peace between us, I had to play the part of the indifferent comrade.
Once the Viscount, his daughter, and their driver had safely retired inside the mansion, the three of us kept a strict, rotating watch through the night. One of us would sleep while the other two remained wide awake, scanning the shadows.
This routine continued for the rest of our assignment, shadowing the Viscount and his daughter everywhere they went, until the day finally arrived for them to return to their home in the neighboring region.
"Once again, thank you for ensuring our safety. Here is your reward," the Viscount said, handing each of us a heavy pouch clinking with gold coins.
"And thank you, milord, for entrusting your safety to us," Dayesh replied politely.
Before they boarded the carriage, Hesha suddenly walked up to Ghoth. She motioned for him to bend down to her height. The moment he did, she leaned in, planted a quick kiss on his cheek, and wrapped her small arms around him in a tight hug.
Everyone froze. A collective wave of shock rippled through the group. The Viscount simply watched, making no move to stop his daughter.
"My apologies for that," the Viscount chuckled softly as Hesha let go. "She's growing up so fast, and I sometimes worry she's a bit too straightforward with her feelings. You likely won't cross paths again, so please, just take it as a fond memory."
"It's no trouble at all, sir," Ghoth replied, maintaining his composure. "Hesha is still very young. I'm sure she'll find someone her own age to admire in the future."
"When I'm all grown up, I'm going to come looking for you," Hesha declared confidently.
Ghoth looked at the young girl for a moment, an idea forming in his mind. "Can I speak with you for just a second?" he asked.
Hesha nodded eagerly.
"Wait, why do you have to step away?" the Viscount asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It will only take a moment, milord. Just the two of us. Please stay here."
They walked about three meters away from the group, just out of earshot. Ghoth bent down again and whispered softly, "Don't come looking for me when you grow up. I already love someone else. In fact, I'm going home to her later."
"Oh, really?!" Hesha gasped, her eyes lighting up. "Congratulations! But... big bro, I'm sorry. I just used you."
Ghoth blinked, completely caught off guard. "Huh? Used me? What do you mean?"
"I don't actually like boys," she whispered, a mischievous smile crossing her face.
Ghoth couldn't help but chuckle. "Is that so? But is that even possible? You're a girl, and you don't like men?"
"Yes, it's possible. Where I originally came from, I was a man."
Ghoth's smile instantly faded, replaced by sudden realization. "Where you came from? You mean the neighboring region?"
"No," she replied softly, her eyes twinkling. "I came from the modern world."
The words struck Ghoth like a bolt of lightning. *Just like Sapphire.*
"Why are all of you from this 'modern world' so incredibly complicated?" he muttered under his breath. He briefly considered mentioning Sapphire to her, but he quickly stopped himself. It was better to keep that secret guarded.
"Thank you anyway, big bro. If we ever meet again in the future, I'll probably have a girl by my side too," she said with a cheeky wink. "Let's go back!"
As the carriage finally rolled away, we stood by the roadside, waving goodbye until the dust settled and they completely vanished from our sight.
*****************************************************************************
FLASHBACK
Sapphire's POV
"Sapphire, I like you."
"W-what?!"
"I said, I like you."
"Wait... are you serious, Keith?"
"Yes. Can I court you?"
I stared at him, my heart hammering against my ribs. *Why on earth would I make this guy court me when I already like him just as much?* "Let's just make it official," I blurted out, my voice slightly trembling. "I like you too."
"Really?!" A bright, relieved smile broke across Keith's face. "I thought you liked Josh. I kept my distance because the two of you are always together."
"He's just a friend. My childhood friend, to be exact. Besides, he's gay, it's literally impossible for us to be together. He actually got a boyfriend before I even managed to get a date."
"Wow... I'm so happy," Keith replied softly, his eyes locked onto mine.
"I'm happier," I whispered to myself.
To me, Keith had always been someone out of reach—a daydream I never expected to come true. He was the high school heartthrob, a teacher's pet, a consistent dean's lister, a varsity player... the list went on. And then there was me: just a simple, ordinary girl trying to make sense of the world. The idea of someone like Keith Soriano falling for me seemed absolutely impossible.
Suddenly, I slapped my own cheek.
"Hey! Why are you hitting yourself?" Keith laughed, catching my hand.
"Just checking if I'm dreaming. But wow, that actually hurt."
"Because it's not a dream, babe." Keith gently lifted my hand, pressing his lips against my knuckles. A wave of pure, unadulterated giddiness rushed through me.