From the very moment we crossed paths, I never paid much attention to him.


    He was just another friend, a reliablepanion with whom I navigated the routine of sses and sharedughter during lunch with our group.


    Our connection wasfortable….


    Yes, it was toofortable and before I knew it, I fell.


    Under the watchful gaze of the moon and stars, a realization dawned on me — a realization that altered the course of our friendship.


    In that moment, as the moonlight bathed us in its gentle glow, I discovered a depth of emotion I had been oblivious to.


    His touches resonated within me, his voice became a balm to my restless mind, and his mere presence had the power to evoke a smile from the depths of my being.


    It was then, on that rooftop, that I acknowledged the blossoming feelings I held for him.


    My heart, once indifferent, now throbbed with an undeniable affection. Adrian was no longer just a friend; he had transcended that role.


    He wasn''t merely the savior who had rescued me from potential tragedy but the man who had captured my heart.


    However, even in the warmth of this realization, I couldn''t ignore the reality that loomed ahead. From the outset, I understood that my chances with him were slim.


    Adrian was surrounded by a bunch of women, a fact that cast a shadow of doubt on the possibility of us being more than friends.


    Nevertheless, the presence ofpetition did not mean surrender was my only option.


    Aria, Elena, Lilliana, and even the unexpected addition of Analise, not to mention that ever nosy Euphemia.


    They were the vibrant souls close to him, upying spaces that felt both near and distant at the same time.


    What struck me was not just their presence but the fact that they seemed to have a much smoother path to romance with Adrian than I ever could.


    Elena, the current me in his life, stood out prominently. Among these amazing women, I couldn''t help but wonder if I stood a chance against them.


    They weren''t just individuals; they were powerhouses, each holding a social standing that felt worlds away from my humble position as the daughter of a baron.


    The daunting realization of this difference in status left me feeling like I was attempting the impossible – challenging these formidable women for Adrian''s attention. It was a battle I was unsure I could win.


    But then, there was anotheryer to this story. Beyond the apparent barriers, Aria, Elena, Lilliana, and Analise were not just friends; they were my sanctuary.


    These were the people who embraced me, ws and all, sheltering me from the storms life had thrown my way.


    It was a kind of friendship I never imagined finding – a connection that felt like family, despite our differences.


    As we navigated life together, their unwavering support became a beacon of light.


    They saw past the rumors and judgments, understanding me in ways that went beyond the societalbels.


    In theirpany, I found eptance and love, making our bonds more than just friendships.


    Yet, in the midst of this warmth, there was the undeniable truth – they all harbored deep affections for Adrian.


    It was evident in the sparkle of their eyes and the shared moments that spoke volumes about their connection.


    Even as I tried to push those feelings aside, I couldn''t ignore the love that radiated between them


    Every single day, a subtle yet piercing ache would settle in my heart whenever Adrian engaged with the other girls.


    Despite the searing difort, I made a conscious choice not to react outwardly.


    Jealousy threatened to surface, but I couldn''t afford to let it tarnish the close rtionship we had built. I couldn''t be the one to introduce discord into our connection.


    For far too long, I had been suppressing my feelings, locking them away to prevent any hint of envy from escaping.


    It wasn''t that I was oblivious to the emotions swirling within me; rather, it was a deliberate effort to safeguard what we had. I didn''t want my unspoken affection to be the catalyst for the ruin of a bond that meant the world to me.


    Yet, everything changed when Adrian stepped into the role of the academy''s savior.


    It was a moment etched in my memory, one where I witnessed the sun''s golden embrace enveloping him and Elena as they stood, locked in an embrace that mirrored the pages of a perfect love story, the kind you find in novels.


    In that instance, the realization struck me like a bolt of lightning – if I continued to hold back and remained a mere bystander in his life, I risked forever being on the fringes of his world.


    So, armed with the determination to finallyy my feelings bare, I decided to take the plunge and ask Adrian for a favor. The anticipation built up within me as I mustered the courage to breach the topic.


    "Uhm, Adrian, can I ask you a favor?" I inquired, hoping that the vulnerability in my voice wouldn''t betray the whirlwind of emotions I felt inside.


    "Sure" he replied casually, but that simple ''sure'' felt like a resounding ''yes'' echoing in my ears. The surge of adrenaline propelled me forward as I began to n my approach.


    "Can you meet me in the spring fountainter?"


    "Ok"


    Seeking guidance from my spirits, I adorned myself in the most exquisite dress I owned, convinced that my beauty wouldpensate for theck of extravagance in my choice of location.


    I was well aware that this wasn''t a conventional date for Adrian, but I aimed to effortlessly guide the atmosphere into something resembling one.


    Confidence fueled my steps as I envisioned a scenario where he found himself unwittingly caught in my charms.


    "Adrian!"


    "So, what exactly is your favor?"


    "Let''s go to the church…!" I blurted out, my words slipping out faster than my mind couldprehend. A wave of regret washed over me as I realized the gravity of my choice.


    Why on earth did I suggest a church? The nerves had overridden my logical thinking, and now I was faced with the absurdity of inviting someone to a mass for what I intended to be a date.


    The irony wasn''t lost on me – the grandiosity of a cathedral, the serene atmosphere, it all seemed perfect, but only for those with religious inclinations. I doubted Adrian fell into that category, despite his now heroic background.


    As we stood there, the awkwardness hung in the air like a heavy mist.


    My attempt to create a romantic setting had backfired, and I couldn''t help but mentally kick myself for not choosing a more suitable location.


    The scenic beauty and perfect atmosphere meant little when the context was as misced as it could be.


    In the aftermath of that gut-wrenching afternoon, I found myself plunged into a sea of tears that refused to ebb as nightfall draped the world in shadows.


    Seeking sce, I listened to Cecilia''sforting words but her attempts to console me inadvertently stirred the tempest within, making my already broken heart cry even more.


    Amidst the tear-stained confessions, a heavy realization settled upon me like a weighty shroud – I couldn''t escape the fact that I was the architect of my own heartbreak.


    Every nuance of that ill-fated rendezvous, from the poorly thought-out setup to its inevitable conclusion, bore the unmistakable imprint of my own choices.


    ''From the start to finish I knew It was over''


    In the aftermath of my self-inflicted heartache, a storm of self-loathing raged within me.


    Yet, in the face of my own despair, a stubborn me of hope refused to be extinguished. Despite the weight of my mistakes, I couldn''t bring myself to surrender to the shadows.


    ''Tomorrow, would be different…!''


    Tomorrow, I would summon the courage to ask Adrian out again, this timeying bare the true feelings that had long been concealed.


    Adrian and I didn''t share an abundance of time together, but there was a subtle shift in the air. Since that ill-fated day, he seemed morefortable with my open disys of affection.


    It was as if he had caught a glimpse of the emotions I harbored, even if they remained unspoken.


    Utilizing this newfound insight might be perceived as maniptive, but I feltpelled to seize any opportunity avable.


    The other girls were already steps ahead, and I couldn''t afford to let any chance slip through my fingers. Tomorrow was the day, the day I would ask him out once more.


    I couldn''t shake the belief that Adrian, being the man he was, wouldn''t outright deny my request.


    It wasn''t just wishful thinking; it was a gut feeling rooted in the understanding we had cultivated over time.


    ''I''m sorry but…. I''ll make sure to fulfill all your wishes even if he asks for a k-kiss I wouldn''t mind….!''


    Yes, I won''t….


    ….


    Morning arrived, and there I stood, nervously facing Adrian''s room. It might have seemed early, but after spending three days within the holy kingdom, I hade to realize that the day started early for the people here.


    The clock had just struck 8, and I was certain Adrian was already awake.


    "You can do it, master!" Cecilia tried to cheer me on, her encouragement ringing in my ears. I shot her a re, silencing her instantly. After the emotional rollercoaster ofst night, I couldn''t afford any missteps, especially considering some of Cecilia''s questionable advice.


    Knocking on the door, my mind raced with a cascade of thoughts.


    What if he still thinks I''m weird? Would meeting him like this be awkward? I had skipped dinnerst night; would he find that odd? Was my dress okay, or did it scream ''weird''? What if he''s not even inside? Is Ana with him? Is my hair fine?


    "Good morning, Louise," his voice greeted me as the door swung open. I returned the greeting, but internally, my mind felt like a chaotic symphony, thousands of birds ringing the bells of a church in cacophony.


    "Good morning"


    Adrian stood before me, the morning light casting a warm glow on his features.


    Despite my internal turmoil, I managed a smile, hoping to conceal the nervous excitement within me.


    The air felt charged with anticipation, a palpable tension that hung between us.


    But I was d. d that he seemed fine talking to me even after yesterday. I could tell from his natural actions that he didn''t want to make me feel ufortable – that was so like him.


    "Adrian, can I ask you another favor?" I finally managed to tell him.


    "…ok" he responded with a hesitant nod. Yes, now was the time. It was probably going to be myst chance. Probably. I couldn''t afford to get distracted now.


    Everything was perfect – the atmosphere, my dress, my demeanor, and even my smile.


    Yes, everything was perfect.


    His face looked perfect too. The more I gazed at him – his dark hair, his gray eyes, and even his sharp look – everything was perfect.


    Yup, he was perfect.


    Too perfect. Looking at his face intensely, I realized that he had no imperfections. From his eyes to his brows, his nose to his ears, and finally his lips that looked so sweet.


    ''I wonder how they taste?'' My mind raced with thoughts I knew I shouldn''t entertain. I''m sure Elena had already gotten her fair share of indulging on those lips, right?


    I should''ve stopped then….


    "Can I kiss you?" My lips blurted out, surprising even myself. What did I just say? His eyes widened, mirroring my own shock.


    The words hung in the air, a deration I hadn''t anticipated making, leaving my face flushed and my entire body trembling with a mixture of anticipation and embarrassment.


    "Louise?"


    A voice called out from just behind Adrian.


    My heart sank as I turned to find Elena standing there, her white hair glistening in the morning light, and her sky blue eyes wide with shock. Time seemed to freeze, and the room suddenly felt stifling.


    Elena looked at me with a mixture of surprise and disbelief, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as if to stifle any gasp that might escape.


    In that moment, I felt like I was under the harsh spotlight of judgment, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.


    ''Oh, dear goddess, please kill me!''


    Please kill me….!