True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 64 - Whirlwind of Emotions

Sylvia POV

Rimuru's smile hit me like a ray of sunshine, warming me from the inside out. My heart fluttered wildly, a now-familiar sensation that seemed to happen more and more around him lately. It was like a swarm of butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach, their wings tickling my insides.

When he reached out, I felt my whole body tense up. My breath caught in my throat, and I swear time slowed down. His fingers were impossibly gentle as they tucked my hair behind my ear. The touch sent shivers down my spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

I couldn't help the soft gasp that escaped me as his hand lingered on my cheek. His skin was warm against mine, almost electric. It felt like tiny sparks were dancing between us where we touched. I found myself fighting the urge to lean into his hand, to nuzzle against his palm like a cat seeking affection.

My senses went into overdrive. Suddenly, I was hyper-aware of everything about him. The flecks of gold in his eyes seemed to shimmer, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. The slight curve of his lips made my own tingle in response. The faint scent of his cologne, a mix of citrus and wood that I'd come to associate with comfort and safety, filled my lungs with each shaky breath.

My mind was spinning, thoughts whirling like a tornado. This was Rimuru, my friend, my confidant. But in that moment, he felt like so much more. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my fingertips, hear it rushing in my ears. A warmth spread through my chest, a feeling so intense it was almost overwhelming.

I couldn't help but let my gaze drop to his lips. They looked so soft, so inviting. I found myself wondering how they'd feel against mine, imagining the pressure, the warmth. When I looked back up, the intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. It felt like he was looking right into my soul, seeing every hidden thought and feeling.

As he leaned in, it felt like gravity itself was pulling us together. An invisible force, strong and insistent, urging us closer. Our faces were so close I could feel the warmth of his breath mixing with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. My skin tingled with anticipation, every nerve ending on high alert.

Just as our lips were about to touch, Ciel's face flashed in my mind. It was like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over me. Guilt hit me like a punch to the gut, making me feel physically ill. My stomach churned, and I felt a cold sweat break out on my skin.

I jerked back, my cheeks burning with a confusing mix of excitement and shame. My heart, which had been soaring moments ago, now felt heavy in my chest.

"Oh! I just remembered," I blurted out, wincing at how high and unnatural my voice sounded. It was like someone else was speaking through me. "I have a class starting soon. I should probably get going before I'm late."

Rimuru looked as dazed as I felt, blinking slowly as if coming out of a trance. His eyes were unfocused, and I could see the confusion and hint of hurt settling in. "Oh, right. Of course," he said, his voice sounding distant.

I tried to smile, but it felt wobbly and forced. My facial muscles seemed to be fighting against the expression. "I'll see you later, Rimuru," I managed, before practically fleeing down the path. My heart was racing, pounding against my ribcage like it was trying to escape. My mind was a tornado of conflicting thoughts and emotions, making me feel dizzy and off-balance.

Once I was out of sight, I sagged against a tree, my legs feeling like jelly. My cheeks were on fire, and I could still feel the ghost of Rimuru's touch on my skin, a phantom sensation that refused to fade. My breath came in short, sharp gasps as I tried to process what had just happened - and what had almost happened.