How to Steal Diego Brando's Heart [Diego Brando x Reader]

Chapter 16: A New Side

Your eyes opened once more, greeted by a well designed ceiling instead of the usual mopey one. Groaning, you sat up in bed, rubbing your eyes. You slept wonderfully last night, you didn't think you even woke up once during the night. You knew why of course - the events of last night did not leave your mind, and you didn't think they would for the rest of your life. Thinking of Diego made warmth spread throughout your body.

Fleetingly, you wondered how much longer you would be competing in the Steel Ball Run. The race had been going on for a few months, and you had already covered much of the area. So when the race was done, what would you do? What would happen to you and Diego... that was the more immediate question on your mind.

You quickly shook your head and slapped your cheeks. You couldn't start off this beautiful morning with depressing thoughts! After all, Diego said he'd make sure you were safe after the race, whatever that meant. It'll all work out in the end, you were sure. Stretching your stiff muscles, you got out of bed and pulled open the curtain of a nearby window, expecting to see the sunrise of a new day. Instead, you were greeted by the hustle and bustle of a lively town, and the sun high in the sky. Wait... what time was it?! Spinning around, you eyed a rather fancy looking clock, processing the time. It was... a quarter to eleven o'clock already!

You quickly scrambled to find your clothes. How could you have woken up so late? Usually, you were up by dawn in order to travel a fair distance for the race. But somehow, you managed to sleep for more hours than usual. A quick scan of the room led you to remember that the staff had taken away your clothes to wash. Damn! Well, there was only one thing left - to hope no one saw you while you left to retrieve your clothes. Smoothing down your hair and clothes as best you could, you approached the door and swung it open, only to be greeted by a handful of maids, who nearly jumped at the sight of you.

"L-Lady (Name)! My apologies, we were going to deliver your fresh clothes earlier, but we feared we would wake you..."

You smiled and shook your head, opening the door wider. "It's fine, I'm awake now. I was just wondering to myself how late it was already... isn't there an event for the race?"

"Do not worry. The interview isn't until a few days from now. Many of the racers have taken the opportunity to relax and sleep in, or even visit our lovely town. Please feel free to do whatever you like," one of the maids smiled politely and placed your clothes in your hands.

"And if you do feel like taking a visit to the shops, please use these funds," another said, setting a coin purse on top of your pile, revealing a rather generous amount.

"But I couldn't-"

"The money was supplied from the race officials to all the contestants. Please use it. I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay at our fine establishment," the other maids nodded rather excitedly.

"And don't be afraid to ask for anything!" an older maid leaned in. "My daughter and I are cheering for you! She never wants to read, but whenever the newspapers involve you, she's up early in the morning to read it!"

Another maid chipped in. "Yeah, you're so brave! Oh... if only my life could be so exciting..."

You rubbed your head bashfully. They were making you feel like a hero out of a storybook or something. "Really, you all are too kind. But thank you, that means a lot!"

The maids smiled and bowed before leaving you. Closing the door, you leaned against it. It always felt nice to have someone praise you for your efforts. Now, it was time to decide what to do. You felt quite rested, so you didn't want to go back to sleep. The town seemed to pique your interest more, and you did have a whole lot of money, so why not go and check it out?