Ch. 6: This is the Thing Called Love (MOON)
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a room lying on a bed.
It was the middle of the night, and it was incredibly silent.
Apis: "OO…are you awake?"
I could vaguely make out Apis’ face, and for some reason he looked really relieved.
I…? I was stung right…?
Apis: "We got you to take the antidote…but tonight is probably still going to be a little rough."
OO: "…sorry for troubling you."
My throat was pained and scratchy, and my voice came out hoarse.
Apis: "…you really are an idiot, trying to protect me like that."
Apis touched my cheek.
Apis: "You didn’t wake up for a long time…I was worried."
Was me with me the whole time?
OO: "Apis, your fever…"
Apis: "It vanished as soon as you collapsed. Seems our positions are reversed from this afternoon."
Looking at me, Apis’ smiling eyes were kind and beautiful…
Apis: "…sleep. I’m here, so if you need anything, just say."
While feeling a warmth in my chest, before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
Without realizing the change that had come over Apis…
The next morning…
Because of the effectiveness of the antidote, my fever seemed to have gone down.
I have to thank Apis.
At that time, I heard a loud noise from outside the window.
…what’s that!?
Confused, I went to the courtyard and…
OO: "Eh…"
The castle gardeners were wearing protective clothing and cutting down trees and flowers in the garden.
What on earth…!?
Apis: "OO…are you ok to be up?"
OO: "Apis, what is…!?"
Apis: "I’m exterminating the hornets like the one that stung you. It’s dangerous, so don’t come any closer."
As I stood there dumfounded, Apis took my hand and stared at it.
Apis: "Good, the swelling’s gone down."
OO: "U-um…?"
Apis: "Ah, but your face is still a little red."
Saying so, Apis suddenly pulled me into an embrace.
OO: "A-Apis…!?"
Apis: "You collapsing yesterday threw my heart into a panic. I couldn’t help but worry. Is this what love is?"
OO: "Eh…um…?"
Apis: "…I finally understand my mother’s feelings. Love, it’s when you want to meddle in another person’s life."
Apis continued to talk, paying no attention to how bewildered I was.
Apis: "I despise the hornet that stung you. So I don’t want any of them near here. I worry that your face is still red. So I want to take you back to bed. I want to touch you like this…even though I hate touching."
He spoke, and a chuckle escaped his lips.
What…the heck is going on?
Unbelievable things kept coming from his mouth, and I had no idea what to do.
Apis: "Why are you making that face?"
Saying so, Apis took my hand and kissed it.
OO: "…!!"
The gesture was so elegant I felt my heart leap in my chest.
Apis: "I want…to always be as you deem worthy."
Apis’ whole face lit up in a smile.
Apis: "You better be prepared OO. I won’t let you go that easily."
Apis’ bright expression was so beautifully captivating…
I wonder what’s going to happen now…
Looking at him, a strange mixture of hope and anxiety filled my heart.
END