When Beauty Destroys The BL World

Temptation

Lucas couldn't sleep. He can't take off the image of Irene naked body from his head.
Though it not clear because the curtain block his view. He can still see her faint figure.
That slender body. Lucas suddenly feel hot.
His heart is beating loudly. He gets up trying to loosen his clothes. Still, he feels so uncomfortable. He open the window, hoping the cold air could cooldown his body heat. Still he can't get rid of that image. Such memory make him think wild things.
Lucas shake his head from reverie. He mustn't think such lewd thoughts towards Irene, his saviour.
Lucas never thought he will be this kind of person. If he can, he wants to beat himself badly, for thinking such thoughts. He tries to meditate, to calm his mind and heart. It seems that he won't be able to sleep tonight.
The same goes to Irene, she keeps fidgeting on her bed. Everything is messed up.
The male protagonist has seen her naked backside!!
Just as she rolling on her sheet in embarrassment, Irene suddenly remembers something.
She wonder if he saw her face?
But reminded by his reaction, it didn't seem that he seen her face.
However, it makes Irene recalled back to that moment. Her naked body is seen by a man. She can't help but feels so violated.

That morning, Old Judy and Lydia set up the tavern before opening hour.
Irene then came in, still wearing a veil on her face.
"You have rest early yesterday, so why do you look like this?" Old Judy was surprised to see a obvious dark circles under her eyes.
"Because last night..."
"Lydia!" Just as Lydia was about to explain, Irene stops her. Seeing Irene stern eyes and angry voice, Lydia swiftly shut her mouth and return back to her work. Old Judy looks confused. She turn to look at Irene.
"Nothing that you need to be concerned about." Irene said as she goes to the back counter.
"Good morning everyone." When suddenly, Lucas come downstairs. Irene froze when hearing his voice.
Old Judy also notice the dark circles under his eyes.
"You too can't sleep well last night?"
"Ah...do I? No, I sleep just fine." Lucas laugh awkwardly as he glances towards Irene.
"You don't seem like it." Old Judy insisted.
"I...I'm going to the market." Irene quickly left the tavern as she couldn't face him yet.

At the busy market, Irene still walking in a dazed. When will they be gone? She can't spend an hour with them. Not after what happened yesterday. It's hard for her to face the male protagonist, as if nothing has happened.

"Excuse me, coming through." A man carrying his heavy cart full of apples trying to pass through many people. Everyone give him a way, while the oblivious Irene still standing in the way.
"Miss, give way!" The man shouted.
Irene was too caught up in reverie, that she didn't heard him.
Just then, a firm hand grabbed her to the side.
Finally aware of her surroundings, Irene looks up to see, Arlo in front of her. As she was staring at him, he also gaze into her eyes.
Irene felt a burn on her cheeks, hurriedly make some distance between them. Seeing how close they are just now.
"Thank you." Irene tries hard to calm down her heart. Did she just experience the 'infamous hand grabbing moment scene'?  Such moment is one of the scene of how the romance of every lead in the stories developed. With such handsome lad to save her, it is not possible for her not to feel flustered. 
"I happened to be around here, when I saw you walking. Do you mind if I accompany you?" With such polite demeanor, how can she declined. Irene then nods her head. As they continue walking, Arlo tries to converse with her.
"Do you usually go to the market by yourself?"
"Yes, every morning the trader will come to bring their fresh batch vegetables and fish to sell here. It will always sold out, so I don't want to missed the opportunity." Arlo smiles hearing the reason.
"No wonders the food at the tavern is delicious. It because it was cooked with such care." Arlo said with such charming smiles. It shook her heart. 
The second male lead behavior right now is so out of character. He is known to be coldhearted and quiet person. The only one he treat warmly and talks to is the male protagonist, Lucas! 
Irene tries to distract her thought. 
"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"No, go ahead." Arlo reply.
"When will the two of you leaving?"
Arlo stops his track, which make Irene do the same. He turn to look at Irene. Leaning down to her eye level. Irene feels that she stopped breathing at that moment.
"Are you that curious? Do you want me to leave?"
With such questions, how can she answer. Moreover, he's looking at her with such dazzling eyes.
Arlo then chuckles as they broke their eyes contact. Which give Irene a moment to breathe.
"Be at ease. We will leave this place, before you know it." He said as he continues to walks.
Leaving Irene speechless for a moment. Is the second male lead flirting with her???