when I got reincarnated in a demon world (light novel)

Chapter 3

note: listen to senorita slowed while reading

[ ]: whispers

Sama: calls it after a name for high respect

Kimiko-sama's voice was calm, but her eyes gleamed with curiosity as she spoke to Kurai.
"I know... she was reincarnated. You figured it out late, didn't you? Can I ask why?"

Kurai hesitated, uncharacteristically uncertain. His crimson gaze flicked away before he finally replied, "I saw it in her tears... I don't know if she cried on purpose to manipulate me or if she really is as pitiful as she seems."

Kimiko-sama's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "She cried? In front of you?"

Kurai raised an eyebrow at her reaction. "Yeah? Why is that so shocking?"

Kimiko-sama's voice softened, her expression thoughtful. "Y/N is heartless, cold, and unemotional, or at least, she's supposed to be. She never expresses herself openly. For her to cry in front of you... that's significant. Perhaps you'll understand her better if you spend more time with her."

Kurai sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Hmph."

Kimiko-sama smiled mischievously. "Sleep with her tonight."

Kurai's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? No way!"

Kimiko-sama tilted her head, raising an elegant eyebrow. Her silent, expectant gaze bore into him, leaving no room for negotiation. After a moment, Kurai sighed in defeat and nodded reluctantly.

That Night

You sat in your room, lost in thought. Dinner had been an afterthought, and you hadn't bothered attending. The silence was heavy, interrupted only by the faint rustle of the wind outside.

A knock at the door startled you. Opening it, you found Kurai standing there in royal pajamas, his expression unreadable. Without a word, you stepped aside, letting him in.

Kurai walked in with an air of indifference, settling on the bed as though it were his own. You joined him, lying down on your side without so much as a glance in his direction. The room was dimly lit, save for the moonlight streaming through the window, casting a soft glow on the bed.

Minutes stretched into an uncomfortable silence. Eventually, unable to stay still, you stood and left the room, your bare feet making no sound on the cool floor.

The garden wasn't far, and you found solace in its quiet beauty. The night sky was painted with an unusual blue moon, its light shimmering over the lush grass. You touched the locket around your neck, running your fingers over its smooth surface as you stared up at the stars.

The wind tugged at your long purple hair, making it dance around your elf-like ears. For a fleeting moment, you felt empty, a fragile kind of peace amidst the chaos within you. Slowly, you unclasped the locket and held it in your palm, your mind flooded with memories you wished you could forget.

Kurai watched you from a distance, his sharp eyes following your every movement. Something about the way you stood, your silhouette framed by the moonlight, made his chest tighten, a feeling he couldn't place.

Your heightened senses picked up on his approach before you saw him. Turning, you caught sight of him standing a few feet away. His crimson eyes met your gaze, his expression unreadable.

A soft, bittersweet smile crossed your lips, though your heart felt heavy. You wanted to cry, to release the unbearable weight you carried, but your tears remained locked away.

Kurai took a step closer, his gaze lingering on your silver-grey eyes, which seemed to glow under the moonlight. He was mesmerized, though he didn't let it show.

Without warning, Kurai gripped your wrist and started pulling you back toward your room.

"What are you doing?" you demanded, trying to free yourself from his grasp.

He stopped abruptly, releasing your wrist. His voice was low, almost uncertain. "Y-you... are terrified. Scared from your past life."

You froze, your heart skipping a beat. "How do you know that?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

His crimson eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm the Demon King," he replied coldly, as though that explained everything.

Anger bubbled within you. You had worked so hard to hide your pain, to shield yourself from pity. His discovery felt like an invasion. "EVEN IF YOU KNOW, YOU CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND THAT PAIN!" you yelled, your voice trembling with fury.

Kurai closed his eyes briefly, your words echoing in his mind. Pain, she says...

"I may not understand your heart," he finally said, his tone as cold as ever. "It's filled with emotions I can't feel. But let me make one thing clear, I can never give you happiness. I wouldn't comfort you. I wouldn't wipe your tears. I wouldn't say everything will be fine. I wouldn't even hug you."

His words hit like daggers, but you forced yourself to remain calm. "Did nothing ever happen to you that completely broke you? That made you feel like the world was ending, like living wasn't worth it? Did you ever feel like everyone hated you, yet you still wanted to live... and die... at the same time?"

Kurai's expression faltered for a fraction of a second before he looked down. "I... I cannot feel emotions," he said, his voice barely audible.

You sighed heavily, the fight draining out of you. Without another word, you turned and went to bed, pulling the covers over yourself.

Kurai didn't sleep that night. He sat beside you, your earlier words replaying in his mind. He watched the faint rise and fall of your chest, his emotions, or lack thereof, a tangled mess.

When dawn broke, you woke to find Kurai still beside you, a book in his hands. He didn't acknowledge you, his gaze fixed on the pages.

Without saying good morning, you sighed, standing to get ready for the day.

As he left the room, Kurai paused at the door, glancing back at you briefly before shutting it behind him.

"Tch," you muttered under your breath, shaking your head.

Breakfast

Downstairs, Kimiko-sama greeted you with a cheerful smile. "Y/N, dear," she said warmly.

You hummed in response, not bothering to hide your lack of enthusiasm.

"How was your night with him?" she asked, her tone teasing.

You sighed, rubbing your temples. "Terrible," you replied bluntly.

Kimiko-sama's gaze flicked to Kurai, who was seated at the dining table. His normally stoic expression wavered as he quickly blurted, 

He turned to me, incredulous. "HAH!? What did you just say?"

Kimiko-sama chuckled softly, a knowing smile gracing her lips. They'll definitely get along eventually, she thought, her confidence unwavering.

Days passed, and the distance between you and Kurai only grew. Both of you avoided each other, neither willing to bridge the gap. The tension simmered, unspoken and unresolved.

And then, the day before the wedding arrived.