Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 28

Lady Shin gave me a quick rundown of the people who attend the lavish gatherings at the palace. With the guest list consisting of family, close friends, and a few nobles from the neighboring lands, I was able to get an idea of the types of guests that would be attending the spring festival. She was even able to give me a few names as well. None of them were people that Lord Baldwin would be interested in.

Well, that's good.

At least I don't have to worry about him crashing the event and causing trouble.

But there is still one problem. It's been two days since Yohan and I slept together. And I've been desperately trying my best to avoid him. Whenever I see him, I run in the opposite direction. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still embarrassed about our first time. It's just that I've never been complimented on...that. How could that possibly turn him on? I just don't get it. Thankfully, Yohan was so busy with the preparations for the festival that he hasn't had time to see me. That's good though. That's exactly what I needed right now. I just wish it had lasted.

"Why are you avoiding me?"

"...Uh..." I sat across from Yohan at the table in my bedroom. As always, he came with treats; grapes, fried pancakes, peaches, rice cakes, and tea. I've noticed that he always brings food when he visits me. But this is much more than usual.

"Are you mad at me?" he placed a cup of tea in front of me.

"N-No..." I looked away trying to evade his gaze.

"Then why are you avoiding me? Have I done something to upset you?"

"...No..." shit I wasn't expecting him to come by my room during the day.

"Are you sick?" he pressed.

"N-."

"If you are sick, then I will call for Elder Kang or the royal physician."

"No, I'm not sick." I sighed heavily. "I just...wanted some space." that's not a total lie. But it's a nice way to put it for now.

Yohan took my hand and held it to his lips. "Do you not like me?"

"What?" when our eyes met, I saw his soft loving expression. It was almost like he was hoping that our feelings were mutual. I do like him. But I can't let him know that. I can't even let him think that I do.

"It's just...I don't think you can have sex with someone that you don't like." he murmured.

"W-Wait a damn minute!" I barked. "You were fucking Hyo-rin way before you even met me! So did you lie about liking her?"

Yohan shook his head. "I only slept with her out of convenience. But no, I did not like her. I have never liked her."

"...But...you like me?"

Yohan nodded his head. "I like you very much. Every day, my feelings for you grow."

"...Oh..." shit, this is exactly what I wanted to avoid.

"I know many people can have sex with others whether they like them or not. Especially humans. But you...you are different."

"Different how?" I asked.

"Your gestures that night..." his cheeks reddened. "Your kisses were sweet."

I felt my heart tighten. How can he be this cute right now?

"That's why I don't think it is possible for you to have sex with someone if you don't like them.

It's like pulling a splinter from your finger. You just have to do it. "It was just sex. There wasn't any meaning behind it. I just wanted to fuck."