THHAAWMF

Chapter 136

Reynos whispered into my ear, his head slightly lowered. Perhaps it wasn't just my imagination; his voice sounded deeper and more resonant than usual.

Oh, I'm not prepared for this yet.

His warm breath, tingling against my cheek, and the way a loose strand of my hair floated in the air created a sense of urgency. My response came out as a squeak, akin to that of a malfunctioning toy.

"Y-you're here."

Panic surged within me.

I had checked earlier, and there was no mistletoe positioned above me. Relief washed over me, as I was not ready for this moment.

Inhaling deeply, I attempted to regain my composure, but Reynos's next words shattered any semblance of calm I had left.

"Why did you hang so much mistletoe?"

His voice felt like a sweet trap, and as I continued to inhale and exhale, Reynos tightened his embrace around me.

"Huh? Young lady."

"It's, uh, it's, uh, May's doing. She's been obsessing over wanting to kiss."

I felt guilty for throwing May under the bus, but it was the truth. I'm sorry, May.

"Aha."

Reynos responded in a nonchalant manner and embraced me tightly.

At that moment, I sensed his hand against the back of mine, and then he subtly maneuvered, leading us away from the mistletoe. I momentarily felt puzzled as the mistletoe gradually faded into the distance. Oh, what? Huh? Did Reynos notice my unease?

"We don't want anyone else to catch sight of us."

"Oh..."

No, that's not why I'm feeling flustered right now.'

Naturally, I had anticipated standing beneath the mistletoe with Reynos.

The circumstances, the atmosphere, and the emotions we shared-all pointed in that direction.

Yet, he casually walked away, and that's when it hit me.

'He knows I'm nervous.'

Or maybe he knew I wasn't ready, but how did he know without seeing my face....

By now, we had distanced ourselves considerably from the mistletoe. Reynos released his hold on me and turned to face me, delicately cupping my cheeks in his hands. He whispered softly,

"Why are you so nervous?"

"What?"

"Your complexion seems pale."

"...It's because I didn't get much sleep last night, preparing for the banquet."

Attempting to avert his gaze, I excused myself, rubbing my cold hands together to stimulate blood circulation.

Inwardly, I contemplated the situation.

Reynos is a man, after all, and it wouldn't be surprising if he found amusement in a banquet hall adorned with mistletoe.

No, if I were in his shoes, I would certainly be entertained.

However, he displayed no such reaction.

To be more precise, he appeared to perceive my nervousness and acted more nonchalantly than usual.

As this realization dawned upon me, a strange sensation coursed through me, leaving me cold as if I hadn't even glanced at the mistletoe. Something feels amiss.