4 LOVERS

It's been three days since that night—the night when Louise and I got caught up in kisses, hugs, and those still-faint red marks all over my skin. Three days since the strange symbol on my chest glowed again, like it was waking up something inside me I still couldn't figure out.

But more than anything...

Arven hasn't come.

Even after the scheduled training, he didn't show. No message. No breeze or faint magical glow that usually hinted at his arrival. The silence was... a little unsettling. But oddly, I was also relieved.

At least I could breathe easier.

This bright morning, I was perched on the windowsill of the bar's second floor, wearing a soft beige sweater and loose cotton shorts. My hair was still damp from a shower, cheeks a bit pink from the morning breeze. I held a cup of hot chocolate in my hands, eyes staring blankly at the slowly waking city below.

Suddenly, quick footsteps approached. My door creaked open, and there he was—Louise, tall and smug, flashing that signature mischievous grin.

"Morning, sunshine," he greeted.

I clicked my tongue, pretending to be annoyed. "If you keep calling me that, I'm gonna throw this pillow at your face."

"Go ahead," he said, plopping down on the floor right next to my feet, holding the pillow. "But in exchange, you have to come with me today."

I tilted my head. "With you? Where to?"

He gave me that sharp look, nodding toward the window. "Out. A walk. The city's chill today, and you need fresh air. Besides... you're way too sweet to keep locked up inside."

My face immediately heated. "I'm not some kind of dessert!"

"But I do wanna eat you up," he whispered low, making me choke on my hot chocolate.

"LOUISE!"

He laughed, ruffling my still-damp hair as he stood. "Go get ready. I'll wait downstairs. And don't spend too much time on your face. You're pretty with or without it."

I gawked after him and chucked the pillow at the door as he walked out laughing.

The sky was crystal clear that morning. No dark clouds. No gloomy air. The whole town felt like it was smiling at me—even though my mind was still stuck on one thing: Arven didn't show up last night.

Louise was being way too cheerful. He even made a full-on breakfast, from strawberry jam toast to hand-squeezed orange juice—though honestly, it had more pulp than juice.

"Why are you so hyped today?" I asked suspiciously, watching him neatly set the table.

Louise gave me a way-too-calm smile. "Can't a guy just be happy in the morning?"

"If it's because the toast is burned... be my guest," I said, poking the rock-hard bread with my fork.

"That's just... texture. The taste is still divine." He sat across from me and winked.

I shook my head. "You're weird."

"And you're cute," he shot back instantly.

I raised an eyebrow.

"You usually only go out if you need to shop for supplies or kick someone out of the bar."

"That's because today's special. I wanna... spend time with you."

I fell silent. Then gave him a small smile. "Fine. But you're paying."

Louise fake-sighed. "Why is it always my wallet that suffers for love?"

And just like that, we headed out after lunch. The city streets were bathed in soft sunlight, gentle wind tossing our hair, the scent of toasted bread drifting from tiny shop windows.

I wore a light outfit with a hooded top. But I wasn't expecting Louise to stare that long when I came out of my room.

"You look... gorgeous," he mumbled, almost to himself.

I instantly freaked. "Don't say stuff like that! I'm a guy!"

"If guys like you exist, every man in this town is in danger."

I eyed him. "Jealous much?"

"Not yet," he replied smoothly. "But I will be. Soon."

And yup. He was right.

When we passed a small market, a few dudes hauling flour sacks straight-up stopped and stared. I felt their gazes crawling over my face.

"Hey, you from around here? Haven't seen you before," one of them asked with a wide grin.

I froze. "Uh, I..."

Suddenly, Louise's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. "He's from here. And he's mine."

The guys exchanged awkward looks, then forced some half-laughs.

"R-Right... we were just curious," they muttered before awkwardly backing off.

I looked up at Louise. "Your face was so serious just now..."

He sighed. "What did I say? Everyone's checking you out."

"I can't change my face."

"You can. Big hat. Giant sunglasses," he grumbled.

I laughed. "You're cute when you're jealous."

"I'm dead serious."

We kept strolling. Store after store. I bought candies, stared at some cats in a pet shop window, even snapped a photo in front of a little fountain that supposedly grants luck if you toss a coin.

When we got to the ice cream stall, I instantly shouted, "Strawberry for me!"

Louise bought us two cones, handing me mine.

As I took the first bite... someone walked up. Again.

A young man with a painter's cap and face like he stepped out of a magazine. "Excuse me, I'm an artist. Can I paint your face?"

I blinked. "Huh?"

"Your face is unique. Soft and beautiful. I wanna use it as a reference."

Before I could reply, splat — Louise smushed his ice cream onto my cheek. On purpose.

"Hey! What the hell—"

"Oops," Louise said, grinning. "You got a little something there."

The painter just stood there, confused as hell.

Louise casually wiped my cheek with his fingers... then licked them.

My eyes flew wide. "LOUISE!!"

I glared at him. "You're insane."

"You're so sweet when you're mad," he said smugly. "And I can't let anyone steal you."

I sighed.

But honestly... my heart was melting. So bad.

Louise stood beside me. Eyes sharp. "Him?"

The painter nodded eagerly. "Of course! His face is like a blend of god and angel. Soft lines, strong vibe. Perfect jawline. Eyes that—"

"Cool," Louise cut in, his tone colder. "But I got great features too. Why not paint both of us?"

The painter hesitated. "Uhh... your face is a bit too sharp and... intense. I prefer subjects that look more like flowers."

I almost burst out laughing.

Before I could, Louise threw his arm around my waist.

"Then let me sit beside him. So the whole world knows... this flower is already taken."

The painter paused. I groaned, blushing hard. "Lou... you don't have to go that far."

"Yes, I do," he replied fast, glaring like a guard dog. "This city's trying to steal you right in front of me."

Half embarrassed, half confused, I ended up sitting on the little stool provided. Louise plopped down beside me, staring like he was guarding treasure.

"Don't tense up too much," Louise whispered in my ear. "But if that guy tries to touch your chin to pose you... I'll break his pencil."

I snorted and gave his sleeve a little pinch.

Ten minutes later, the painter handed over the sketch.

I was stunned.

It was detailed as heck—my big eyes, wavy hair, even the tiny smile I didn't realize I had. But the shocker? Louise was in it too. Not sitting. Standing behind me, like a bodyguard. Sharp eyes, but somehow warm.

"Sorry," the painter said. "He just felt way too possessive to leave out."

I blushed. Louise looked beyond satisfied. "Perfect. Let's pay."

"B-But he said it's free—" I started.

"Nothing involving you is free," Louise whispered, slipping some gold coins into the artist's hand. "You're too precious."

The guy looked a little flustered. "Oh... sure, sure... sorry."

I turned to Louise, cheeks flaming. "You're kinda... too much."

He leaned close, murmuring into my ear, "I don't like people staring at you like you're candy in a shop window."

"Isn't that because I am sweet?" I teased weakly.

Louise stared for a second, then smiled. "Yeah. Sweet, soft, and mine."

I ducked my head, face on fire. "Louise...! You... idiot...!"

He grabbed my hand tight. "Let's go. Next treat's on me."

"Where now?" I mumbled, still blushing.

"Clothing store."

I stared. "What? Why?!"

"You need new clothes. And I... wanna see you in something cute," he said like it was the most normal thing ever for a hot guy to say to another gorgeous guy.

"I'm not a doll!"

"But your face says otherwise."

"LOUISE!!"

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