Limerence

Meeting

Limerence (n.)

- the state of being infatuated with another person.

William strolled the entirety of the path leading to his chambers, thinking back to the Magic Knight's Examination he conducted. There were fewer participants this year, but he can't blame them. The disaster brought forth by the elves' rampage left a bile taste within the citizens of the Clover Kingdom. He'd be more surprised if the numbers were increased or even sustained as last year's. 

Still, he wasn't able to stop the smile that was spreading on his face. He had witnessed so many talented people today. He was honored to be allowed to protect the citizen and work under the orders of the current Wizard King, Julius Novachrono. He was thankful for the King's pardon that allowed him to atone for his sin while still being the captain of the most respected squad in the kingdom.

Lost in his thoughts, William didn't notice the girl walking towards him. The girl stopped just a few feet from him before speaking, "Rumor has it that you're a so called hero now, Captain William,"

William stopped in his tracks, alarmed at the unfamiliar voice until he gazed at her hooded figure. He regained his smile and gave a brief chuckle, "I didn't know that you were so formal now, (Name)."

The girl pushed back her hood to give him a cheeky grin, "Well, I have to be on my best behavior around the strongest Magic Knight, don't I?"

"I'm flattered that you think that, but I'd rather have a casual conversation with my friend, please."

(Name) just giggled and ran the short distance between them, wrapping her arms around his shoulders when she had reached her destination, "I missed you, William."

William gently raised his hand and caressed the top of her brown locks, "And I, you, (Name)."

The girl pulled back with a small pout on her face, "You say that, but you rarely answer my letters." 

William looked guilty and sighed, "Being a Captain has its consequences. I apologize, (Name). I have been busy with my work that I didn't have the time to respond to your letters."

The girl still looked put off so he continued, "But, I do read them."

(Name) raised a brow, "Oh, really?"

"Indeed. Every. Single. One," answered the Captain confidently.

"Is that so? Then you should know why I'm here then."

"I-," (Name) looked at him questioningly, he cleared his throat, "I have been busy as of today and with the preparations for the Examination. I sincerely apologize."

"Oh? Who's being formal now? I understand, William." She opened her arms again, "You haven't given me a proper embrace yet."

William loosely looped his arms around his friend's petite frame, resting his chin atop her head, "So, why are you here?"

"First things first," the girl squirmed, and William let her put a few inch of space between them. She looked at him disapprovingly, "Why are you still wearing this gaudy mask? I can't see your handsome face."

This caused William to drop his arms, he was thankful for the said attire as he could feel the blood rushing to his pale face. Once he was sure that the tinge of pink was mostly gone from his cheeks, he carefully remove his vizard.

"And you still haven't changed yet, (Name). You're as still as flirtatious as when we were in our youth."

"Flirtatious? Only for you, my dear Captain," She winked for an added flare, "Or have you forgotten all the confessions you received from me?"

"Christ, (Name). We were children. How could I trust the confession of someone whose age I could fit in one hand then?" Even if he looked flustered, his tone contained mirth.

"Oh, okay then," (Name) straightened herself and cleared her throat, "Captain William of the Golden Dawn Squad, I like you. Very much so,"  

William decided to humor her and straightened as well, "I commend you for your bravery, (First Name), (Last Name). I'm honored to receive such a heartfelt confession from such a lady as you."

The said girl snorted, "Lady, huh? Oh how my father wished that were the case," she glared at him and lightly punched his arm, "And you're also still the same! Skirting around my confession like that!"

The masked Captain didn't manage to contain his laugh, his sonorous voice filling the otherwise empty hallway. The gentle glow of the moon cascaded along the corridor, saturating them both with the dim light.

 (Name) couldn't look away even if she wanted to, his face looked otherwordly to her. She was convinced that God does have favorites. After all, how can a human be as perfect as him? Some time passed and his laughter subsided into a small smile. He opened his eyes that had fluttered shut during his amusement. The girl's breath hitched,

There was nothing in this world that could subdue his beauty. Not even the scars covering half his face. The intricate pattern only accentuated the exquisite color of his eyes in her opinion, 

(Name) was the first to speak, "I didn't find your rejection humorous at all, Captain. So sorry if I hadn't joined you in your mirth. My poor heart had known nothing but dejection when it comes to you," She clutched her chest dramatically, "Oh, the woes of being in love,"

William shook his head at the action of his dearest friend. (Name) was for sure one in a million. In his years of working for his beloved Kingdom, there was no other woman who could match the confidence of (Name) (Last Name) when it comes to talking to him. She was the only one who doesn't fear in speaking her mind when it comes to him. He supposed that growing up together had been a tremendous factor for that.

 "Oh? Don't put words in my mouth, dear (Name)," The Magic Knight smirked, "I never said anything about rejecting you, have I?"

The blush that bloomed on her face was enough to make William laugh again. How could he not teaser her when she rewards him with the most interesting expressions?

The girl simply stared at him in awe. The affection she felt for him reaching new heights. 

"Oh, William." she whispered,

↞♡↠

"Offu, T-teruhashi-san."