You Are Hot Then You Are Cold

Vol 3 - Week 8 (4)

Ash replies lovely. The two of them go down the stairs and start walking to the back of the mansion towards the garden. Marquis Gordon's mansion is famous for its beautiful fountains and lighting. It's autumn and there are no flowers but the garden has its own charm.

"My mother passed away early. And Phillip was the one my mother once loved. They hadn't seen each other since she got married, but they were still good friends."

Karlyle pauses. He knows Ash once mentioned his mother in the past tense. Facts and unimaginable stories are added. Karlyle tightens his grip on Ash. Smiling softly and looking down at his hand, Ash continues.

"My mother died of a terrorist attack when I was small. It's sad. She went out to buy art supplies for me... and met Phillip there. At that time, Phillip was still not married. He hadn't forgotten my mother. Oh, looks like he is fine now. He has a son, and he seems happy, too."

Karlyle's heart aches. Ash casually pours out his sadness. He feels sad for Ash. Looking at the man's smile, who would have known he has gone through such a tragedy. Karlyle wants to hug Ash in his arms, he wants to give him all the beautiful things. He wants to make Ash happy.

"Anyway, that day... my mother died saving Phillip and me. Phillip has always wanted to repay it. He thought I lost my mother because of him. Even though it's not the truth... but still, it's painful."

While the quiet conversation continues, they reach the end of the hallway. As he opens the door to the garden, a cold wind blows past them. Ash reaches the other hand out to fix Karlyle's suit.

"Is it cold? Shall we talk here instead of going out?"

"If Mr. Jones is cold, we can talk inside."

At the name Mr. Jones, Ash pauses. Rolling his eyes sadly, Ash quietly looks at the garden.

"Then... If anyone gets cold, we'll come in right away."

"Let's go with that."

Karlyle turns in the direction of the wind so that Ash doesn't catch the wind. The sound of water echoes softly from the fountain. Ash looks at Karlyle for a moment, then pulls him in. He opens his coat a little and takes Karlyle into his arms. It's warm.

"How is it?"

"Is it less cold?" Ash asks, rolling his eyes. Lifting his face up slightly to meet Ash's gaze, Karlyle gently closes his eyes.

"It's warm."

Ash is silent. He looks at Karlyle quietly, then, as if unbearable, his other arm grabs Karlyle tightly.

"Just a moment... can you stay like this? I can't take it anymore."

Karlyle buries his face in Ash's arms. His whole body is tickled. Raising the other hand that is still on the side of his thigh, Karlyle slowly slides his arm into Ash's coat and embraces him.

Ash's arms smell of wind. He can feel the delicate and beautiful smell of Ash's body. He can hear his heart beating. A beautiful sound that he would never get tired of.

"Pretty."

Ash's lips touch his ear. The warm breath tickles his ear. Karlyle rests his forehead on Ash's neck and closes his eyes.

"The engagement... are you okay?"

Ash asks cautiously. Karlyle blinks for a moment at those words. He still cannot believe it. That suddenly he is released from his duty. This thought is a little shameful, but... he is happy.

"You don't have to worry about that part."

"It's selfish, but... I'm happy."

The arm holding Karlyle becomes even stronger. The strong power is somewhat painful, but Karlyle loves it.