My Demon, My Angel (OC x Alastor) and Others English Version

An Enjoyable Morning (Alastor's pov)

I wake up with surprise, struck by an odd and unfamiliar sensation. Last night, there were no nightmares to disturb my sleep. On the contrary, I slept deeply, as if wrapped in a cocoon of tranquility. My gaze wanders around the room and lands on the photo resting on the nightstand. Seeing it, a wave of tender butterflies fills my stomach, making me smile uncontrollably. Just thinking about her is enough to brighten my day. Melody...

I get up slowly, taking the photo and gazing at it for a long time. Every detail of her face fascinates me, and I lose myself in my thoughts, carried away by the sweet melody of my memories.

Suddenly, I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I startle, jolted from my reverie. My shadow seems to be reminding me of reality.

Me: - What is it, Shadow?

My shadow points to the clock. No! This can't be happening! How did this happen? It's already 10:30!

I feel a surge of panic. Leaping out of bed, I rush to the bathroom. The cold water on my face wakes me up completely, each drop seeming to accelerate the passing time. I quickly dress, my hands trembling with urgency. Grabbing my monocle from the dresser, I cast one last glance at Melody's photo, then rush out of the room. The stairs blur beneath my feet as I descend two at a time, my heart racing. The hall opens up before me.

Husker: - Well, old man! This is the first time since I've known you that you've slept in. Usually, you're the first one up...

Me: - Yes, I know... I just slept well, Husker.

Husker: You? Slept well?

I sigh as I sit at the bar, raising my hand to indicate that I want a coffee. Without hesitation, he grabs a cup and begins to prepare the drink.

Husker: - Come on, tell me how the great demon of the radio, with several deaths on his conscience, managed to "sleep well"?

Me: - Husker, please...

He looks at me with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. His gaze slowly drops to my suit pocket, where Melody's photo slightly peeks out, revealing the secret of my peaceful night.

Husker: - What's that?

When my eyes land on the pocket where I had unconsciously slipped the photo, a wave of panic overwhelms my senses. My heart pounds in my chest, and my hands become clammy.

I tense up, feeling a mix of distress and self-reproach for being so careless. Every second seems suspended in the air, charged with tension and apprehension, as I struggle to come up with a plausible excuse for this oversight.

Me: - No, Husker, I... Too late. Husker had already taken the photo, and as soon as he looked at it, a mischievous smile lit up his face.

Husker: - It's Melody... And she looks pretty good in this photo... Where did you get it?

My cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I hide behind my hands, taking a sip of coffee to try to mask my discomfort.

Me: - I... I'd rather not tell you about it.

Husker bursts into laughter, and I stare at him intensely, hoping to dissuade him from continuing his teasing.

Husker: - Well, well, it looks like someone has fallen for the lady.

A sudden urge to cut off his tongue crosses my mind, but I restrain myself, aware of the need for control.

Me: - HUSKER, I'M NOT IN LOVE WITH MELODY!

Husker: - Alright, alright, calm down, I believe you...

Husker takes the photo and examines it with puzzlement, his eyes scanning every detail as if he were trying to solve a riddle.

Husker: - Did you see this?

I squint to see what he's pointing at.

Me: - What?

Husker: - That?

His finger points to the back of the photo where "JR 2058" is written.

Me: - JR?

I feel a wave of confusion wash over me as I lean in to examine the inscription more closely. Normally, on a photo like this, it would be the initials of the person in the picture. But "JR"? That doesn't fit at all. Melody starts with an M, not an R.

Husker: - It might be the initials of the photographer.

I nod, trying to convince myself of this explanation.

Me: - Yes, that must be it... I think Melody trusts me enough to tell me her real name... Right?

Husker: - You're probably right.

I take a deep breath before asking:

Me: - Husker, can you give it back to me?

Husker nods and hands me the photo. I quickly slip it back into my pocket, this time taking care to hide it well, as if I'm afraid it will disappear under everyone's curious gaze. Once it's safely tucked away, I can't help but wonder who this JR is and what their connection to Melody might be. A mystery I am determined to solve.

I finish my coffee, lost in thought, when Husker's amused look brings me back to reality.

Me: - What now?

Husker: - If you're looking for Melody, I saw her go into the garden. She was wearing...

My heart skips a beat, anticipating his next words.

Husker: - The glasses she's wearing in your photo.

A thrill of excitement runs through me, and I leap off my stool, eager to find her. Amidst Husker's teasing laughter, I rush toward the garden. Passing by Nifty, I give her a brief nod, indifferent to her curiosity. She heads toward the bar, but I am already too absorbed in my quest.

In the garden, I instantly spot her, standing in front of the rose bushes, lost in thought.

Me: - Hello, my dear.

Melody jumps and turns abruptly towards me, glaring with intensity. Her reaction makes me quietly laugh inside, even as I try to keep my expression neutral. Husker was right; she looks rather lovely like this.

I see her lift the water pistol, aiming at me with a determined expression. Preparing myself mentally to get soaked as I did last time, I am taken aback when a slight grimace crosses her face, and she eventually lowers the pistol. An odd reaction that piques my curiosity.

Me: - You can, I deserve it, darling.

Melody: - No, I don't feel like it anymore.

Suddenly, my heart tightens. What's she doing? Her smile seems forced... Is she still mad at me for our argument yesterday? Yet, I thought she had forgiven me. I move closer to her to get a better look at her face as she turns back to the roses, slightly blushing. Does it bother her? Is it the kiss from last night she didn't like? Confusion overwhelms me as I search for answers in her features.

Melody: - What do you want, Alastor?

That's true; why did I come straight to see her? What am I doing here, exactly?... I... I just wanted to see you, my dear, and say hello... I don't want anything more... For now.

Me: - Humm... Nothing, my dear...

A fleeting smile escapes my lips, uncontrollable. When she turns around, surprised by my answer, my heart races in my chest. She seems to blush again, ready to slap her cheeks. With a quick motion, I grab her wrists, stopping her from doing so. No, I want to see this emotion on her face...

Me: - Don't do that anymore, Melody. I don't like it when you do that...

The little rosy tint coloring her passionate cheeks makes me lose all my composure and speeds up the beat of my heart even more...

Suddenly, Melody pushes me away and runs out of the garden at full speed... I stand frozen, unable to react to her sudden departure... Did I go too far? What got into me to do that? I suddenly feel disoriented, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of my own thoughts.

Heading toward the kitchen, my heart heavy with confusion, I try to clear my mind by preparing lunch, hoping it will help me sort through my thoughts.