4 LOVERS

The midday sky over the royal city was a clear, crisp blue. Gentle sunlight warmed the rooftops, casting a soft golden glow. The carriage halted at the edge of the palace garden before rolling slowly onto the cobbled streets that led to the heart of the kingdom. The air was a mix of blooming spring flowers and the smell of toasted bread and sweet drinks from the bustling shops.

Duke Nicholas and I walked side by side on the crowded sidewalk. No guards, no servants. Just us. His noble outfit was more relaxed today, though still screamed aristocrat. I wore a light coat and scarf, and for some reason, every step felt like I was walking a tightrope between two rooftops.

"You look nervous," Duke said suddenly, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at me.

I quickly looked away. "I'm not used to walking around the city with a Duke."

He chuckled softly. "Forget that title today. Just call me Nicholas."

"That doesn't exactly make this normal."

"Is it because of the kiss?" he whispered, way too close.

I stopped for a moment and looked at him. "That's... none of your business."

"But it's everyone's business now. The whole city probably saw how Louise practically claimed you. You know, Airi, real love doesn't need a show." He glanced sideways at me. "But fear of losing someone? That always comes with drama."

I fell silent. His words hit hard—not because he was cruel, but because... he was right. Louise had been dramatic this morning. But wasn't that part of why I loved him? Or...

We arrived at a small café with wooden tables outside, shaded by blooming magnolia trees. The server looked surprised to see Nicholas but quickly masked it with polite professionalism. We sat at a corner table, surrounded by hanging flower pots and small lanterns that swayed gently in the breeze.

"Tea? Or... something braver?" Duke asked.

I hesitated. "Braver?"

He signaled the waiter. "Two cups of hot apple wine."

I frowned. "Wine? In the middle of the day?"

"Sometimes, the unusual brings out the parts of you you've been hiding."

Soon, two steaming cups were placed in front of us. Sweet, spiced aroma wafted up.

"Cheers—to honesty," Duke said, lifting his cup.

I hesitated, then lifted mine. "To... honesty."

The first sip made me wince, but its warmth spread fast. Not too strong, but enough to make my heart race a little.

"You're still young, Airi," Duke said softly. "And young people often mistake protection for love."

I snapped my head toward him. "Is that a dig?"

"An observation." He stared at me, unblinking. "Louise protects you like a lion. But does he really know who you are beneath all that hurt and fear? Or does he just love the version of you he thinks he can save?"

I bit my lip. That question stung.

"I... don't know," I whispered.

"And if one day, you're no longer broken, no longer needing to be protected... will he still love you?"

I closed my eyes for a moment. In the distance, kids were laughing, a shop bell jingled. The world kept spinning, but inside my cup, doubt swirled like an invisible whirlpool.

"Are you asking me to leave Louise?" I asked, more accusation than question.

"I'm asking you to love someone because your heart skips a beat—not because your soul wants to be rescued."

I said nothing. The wine tasted sweeter now—or maybe it was my thoughts turning bitter.

"Are you sure you can't love two people at once, Airi?" he asked suddenly.

I shook my head. "That's... wrong."

"Feelings are never wrong," he said calmly. "Only hiding them is."

We walked again after finishing our drinks. The city was alive—florists, kids running, couples lounging on benches.

Duke led me to an old balcony at the end of a narrow alley overlooking the valley. The wind was strong, messing up my hair.

"You know what's most captivating about you, Airi?" Duke asked quietly.

I looked at him, clutching my coat.

"You haven't realized how valuable you are. Everyone around you sees it, but you still think you're someone who needs to be protected or hidden. When really... one smile from you could break anyone."

I gave a nervous laugh. "That's too much."

"Then tell me... why am I standing here, and Louise kissed you like it was the end of the world?"

That question squeezed my chest.

"I don't want to choose anyone..."

"But life will force you to. And sometimes, what makes you feel safest isn't what makes you feel most alive."

I looked into his eyes. "So you think you're the one who could make me 'feel alive'?"

He leaned in slowly, face inches from mine. "Not me. But choice. Bravery. And the chance to feel something that's not just safety."

In that second... I faltered.

My smile faded. My breath caught.

And for the first time, I wasn't sure if I could look Louise in the eye when I got home.

My cup was empty.

But now, my chest was full—of doubt.

The bar door chimed as I walked in. The late afternoon air had cooled, and the scent of damp wood and cocoa powder greeted me like always.

But something was different today. Not the place... me.

Louise appeared from behind the kitchen counter, apron still around his neck. His face lit up when he saw me—warm, playful, and... hopeful.

"Airi!" he called, tossing off his apron and heading over quickly. "You're back earlier than I thought."

I gave a small smile and a nod. But unlike usual, I didn't return his hug or toss a cheeky comment.

Just a smile. Then silence.

He paused, eyes scanning my face, trying to read me. "You... tired?"

I shook my head. "No. Just wanna sit."

I passed him and headed to my favorite spot by the window. Louise frowned a little and followed slowly, sitting across from me.

"Nice walk?" he asked.

I kept my gaze on the outside. "Mm... yeah. It was alright."

"Alright?" he repeated, confused. "Usually you'd go on and on about the colors of the flowers or how cute some bird looked on a rooftop."

I looked down. Smiled faintly. But no laugh.

"Something happen?" he asked again, softer this time.

I turned to him. And there it was—the worry he couldn't hide, no matter how smooth he tried to be.

"Did it have to do with Duke Nicholas?" he finally asked, straight to the point.

I stayed quiet. My eyes drifted back to the window.

"He said something? Something that got you... thinking?"

I let out a slow breath. "He just talked. About a lot of things."

"And that was enough to change your whole vibe in a few hours?" His tone stayed gentle, but I knew—Louise was working hard not to sound jealous, or angry... or scared.

"He said... sometimes we stay with someone not out of love, but because they make us feel safe," I said quietly. Duke's words still echoed in my chest.

Louise stared deep into me. "And now you're questioning what you feel for me?"

I bit my lower lip. Didn't answer. My silence was an answer.

Louise slowly stood up. Not angry. Not demanding. But the look on his face made my chest hurt—because I knew Louise could hide his pain from the world... but not from me.

"Airi..." he said gently, walking around the table and kneeling in front of me, taking my hands. "If you need time... or space to figure things out... I won't stop you. I just want one thing."

I looked at him.

"Don't make your choice based on someone else's words. Not mine. Not his. Listen to your heart—not all the logic being thrown at you."

I gripped his hands back. "I don't want to hurt you."

He gave a small smile. "You're part of my life, Airi. If getting hurt is what it takes for you to find your answer... so be it."

I lowered my head, eyes burning.

Louise leaned in and kissed the back of my hand softly. "I'll still wait for you. Even if you come home wearing a different look in your eyes like today."

He stood and walked back to the kitchen, leaving me by the window, with a cooling cup of tea...

...and a mind messier than ever.