Unfamiliar: Obi x OC snow white with the red hair fanfiction

22

Cress's POV

When I don't get an answer from Obi right away, I repeat the question. "So? Do you like her?"

"Eh?" Obi says nervously, trying to change the subject. "Oh, uh, y-you went to the archery range, right? Why don't you tell me about-"

"Stop trying to change the subject and answer the question." I cut him off, waiting for his reply.

Obi sighs, looking off into the distance, away from me. "It doesn't matter whether I like her or not. The Miss loves the Master, and Master loves her back. I can't exactly interfere, can I?" He lets out a sad chuckle.

So he does like her. I realize, a slight pain jabbing into my heart. I'm surprised that the strange emotion has returned again. Disappointment, sadness, and something else. No way... is this jealousy? I give my head a slight shake. Why would I even be jealous? I don't even like him... do I?

Then I notice how just how sad and wistful Obi looks. Pushing aside my conflicted feelings for now, I try and cheer him up. "...you know, Obi," I say softly, staring into his eyes. "I know it must be hard to stand by and watch as the girl you like falls for someone else. Yet you respect their feelings without any ill intentions." I smile. "I admire your selflessness."

Obi's eyes widen, his golden orbs growing bigger. Then he grins, most of his sadness melting away. It worked! I silently cheer in my head. "Blue, am I allowed to ask you a question since you asked me one?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

"Do you like anyone?" Obi asks me, watching my face carefully.

I'm caught off guard by the question. "Eh?" I take a moment to actually consider it. Hmm. The guys I've met so far: Zen is a great friend, but it's clear he cares the most about Shirayuki. Mitsuhide's only loyal to Zen. Ryuu's cute, but not in that way - plus he's a kid. And Obi... I sneak a glance at his face. He stares back questioningly, and I quickly whisk my eyes downward.

I don't like him! He's just my partner, nothing more. I yell at myself in my head. "I don't really know," I finally mutter to my partner.

"Heh, is that your honest answer?" Obi chuckles, sending me a wink and a charming smile. "I mean, I'm almost certain you've fallen for me~."

He says it jokingly, but it makes my heart skip a beat. "As if." I mutter, rolling my eyes. But I can't deny the flutter of butterflies in my stomach as we reach the castle.

"There you two are." Hearing Zen's voice, I glance up to see the prince leaning against a wall nearby. "How was your first day as bodyguards?"

"A bit less eventful than I would have liked." Obi replies with a yawn. "Never knew this job would be so boring."

"That's too bad," Zen rolls his eyes at Obi. "Anyway, I was looking for you two."

"What for?" I ask.

"I wanted to give you this," Zen explains, tossing something in my direction, and then in Obi's.

I catch the object, holding it up to my eyes in the dim light. It's a tag with writing on it, with a string to go around my neck. My identification card? My eyes widen and I gape at Zen, who smiles in amusement. Obi's eyes are round, too.

"Prince Zen's personal attendant and official messenger of Clarines," I read the writing on my tag. I turn to Zen. "I-I don't know what to say. Thank you!"

Obi frowns skeptically and he swings his tag on his finger. "Should it be this easy to get an official title?"

Zen retorts, "There's nothing easy about it. You two earned it. You've earned my trust and proven your loyalty again and again. I have no doubt that you deserve this."

He trusts me. I mull over his words for a second before breaking out into a wide smile. "Thanks, Zen." I sincerely tell him. "I'll make sure to work hard."

Obi continues staring at Zen as the prince gives me a friendly nod. "Say, Master." My partner says suddenly. "I never noticed how beautiful your eyes are." His tone is as mischievous as ever.

Zen and I stare at Obi in disbelief. "Obi, you say the most random things." Zen sighs, but with a small hidden smile that i catch. My my... aren't these two affectionate. I think in amusement.

"If that's all, I'd like to head inside." I comment as I stuff my identification tag into my pocket. "It's getting late."

"Right." Zen nods at me, giving me permission to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot- get ready to have some fun tomorrow."

"What?" I'm puzzled. "Why?"

"You'll see." is the only answer I get.

"Fine. Good night, Zen." I huff. "You too, Obi." My throat tightens slightly when I speak his name and he waves goodbye.

As i walk off to my room, I hear Zen tell Obi, "Alright then. Would you like to have a quick drink with me?"

"Of course, Master. Want to see who can hold the most liquor?" 

At the mention of drinking, my mind wanders back to the scene outside the medical wing. I think about Obi's crush on Shirayuki, and feel that feeling twisting in my stomach again. Letting out a sigh, I force myself to brush it aside. I really shouldn't  feel this way. I close the door behind me as I enter my room, leaving the thought behind me.