I'm Reborn as A Villian in A Otome Sim

Chapter Thirteen: Azrael's realization

Azrael's eyes softened as he looked at Xavier. Xavier's concern and presence brought back memories of their shared moments. He wanted to bridge the gap between them, to acknowledge the growing bond he felt, but he wasn't sure how to express it.
"You should join me for a short break," Azrael suggested, motioning to the space beside him on the sofa. "We can talk. I'd like to hear how you've been."
Xavier hesitated, feeling the weight of his dream and his feelings all over again. His heart raced at the idea of sitting so close to Azrael, and a wave of anxiety washed over him. He felt exposed, his emotions vulnerable.
"Alright," Xavier said, his voice steady despite his turmoil.
"I'd like that."
Sitting beside Azrael, he instinctively shifted a little away, maintaining a polite distance. The proximity made him uncomfortable, and he tried to focus on the conversation rather than the physical closeness. Azrael noticed Xavier's slight shift away and his tense posture. His concern deepened. He wanted to offer comfort but was unsure how to do so without overstepping boundaries. He decided to place a gentle hand on Xavier's shoulder.
"Xavier, I'm glad you're here," Azrael said softly.
The touch, though light and meant to be reassuring, seemed to send Xavier into a spiral of anxiety. His eyes widened, and he stiffened, his entire body tensing at the contact.
"D-Duke Azrael!" Xavier exclaimed, his voice trembling.
His cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and he quickly shifted away from Azrael's touch, his heart pounding.Azrael pulled back his arm, his eyes widening in surprise at Xavier's reaction.
"I'm sorry, Xavier. I didn't mean to—"Xavier's face reddened, and he struggled to find his words.
"It's not— It's just— I didn't expect—"Xavier let out with stutter after stutter.
He was unable to articulate his feelings clearly, the anxiety overwhelming him. Azrael's touch, though meant to be comforting, had only intensified his unease.Feeling a pang of guilt, Azrael reached out with a gesture that was meant to be soothing but now seemed inappropriate.

"Xavier, please, calm down. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. If you need space, I'll give it to you."
Xavier took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.
"I'm sorry, Duke. I just... I'm not good with physical closeness. It's a bit overwhelming."

Azrael's expression softened, and he nodded understandingly.
"I see. I'll be more mindful. You're important to me, and I don't want to cause you any distress."
The words hit Xavier like a gentle breeze, stirring a storm of emotions within him. He looked up at Azrael, his cheeks now a vibrant shade of red.
"I... I'm important to you?"
Azrael nodded, his gaze sincere.
"Yes, you are. Your well-being matters to me."
Xavier felt his heart skip a beat. The warmth in Azrael's voice and the earnestness in his eyes made his face burn even more.

"D-Duke Azrael, you don't know how much that means to me," he stammered, trying to hide his blush by looking down at his hands.

Azrael smiled softly, feeling a mix of relief and affection.
"I'm glad. I want to make sure you're comfortable and happy."
Xavier nodded, still flushed but feeling a strange comfort in Azrael's words. The gentle affirmation from the Duke overshadowed the embarrassment of the earlier moment. "Thank you, Duke Azrael," he said quietly.

"Ah, I see what's going on here; so the game was talking about Duke Azrael when they said Xavier had a previous love, and it didn't end well, mainly because of the arguments over his working habits. To think Xavier liked both women and men, that's why his route was the toughest," Abel thought.

"I'm going to let you guys talk; I'm going to go find Damie," Abel said, waving as he exited the office.

"Xavier, I want to know something," Azrael said.

"What's wrong?"

"Your face is always red when you're around. Am I doing something to upset you?"

"THIS DENSE MAN," Xavier yelled in his mind.