[Small note: Some readers consider Corin a minor, which makes them dislike her as a love interest. However, in this fic, all characters are 18+. If you still don't like it, there isn't much I can do.]
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Corin couldn't understand the heaviness in her chest. This feeling was unfamiliar, far worse than the anxiety she felt when trying not to disappoint Wise.
Her eyes, once bright, had turned dim and hollow, giving her a strangely eerie presence. Even from another room, Wise felt a chill crawl down his spine.
"What's wrong?"
Rain glanced at him in confusion after he suddenly shivered. Even earlier, when she had pushed him to his limits, he hadn't reacted like this.
"It's nothing, Rain. Go ahead and eat. I'll check on something," he said before excusing himself.
"Oh, is it because of little Corin? Then go ahead."
Rain watched him leave the bedroom without another word. She simply picked up her tablet, resting it on her bent knees as she continued eating.
When Wise stepped into the living room, he saw Corin sitting there in silence, her head lowered. Her long, matcha-colored hair draped over her small face, hiding her expression completely.
The moment he saw her, he knew something was wrong. With his experience, it wasn't hard to connect the situation to her.
After all, Corin's favorability toward him had already surpassed ninety. Given everything, it was likely she had seen him and Rain being intimate earlier.
Thinking of this, Wise clicked his tongue inwardly. He was still inexperienced when it came to these situations and hadn't expected something like this to happen.
Fortunately, there was still a chance to fix things. At least, that was what he believed as he stepped forward and gently stroked Corin's head.
She finally reacted, slowly lifting her head. Her hollow, chaotic eyes met his from beneath her bangs.
"What's wrong, Wise? Has that wom... sister Rain finished eating? Then I'll wash the dishes..."
She tried to stand, but Wise wouldn't let her leave like that. He reached out and caught her slender, pale arm.
Her skin was soft and delicate, yet a sudden resistance made him tighten his grip slightly.
Corin was already shaken, and with that pull, she lost her balance.
Normally, she would have steadied herself, but now all she felt was weightlessness as her body tilted backward. Just as she expected to hit the floor, she was caught in a warm embrace instead.
Startled, she looked up and met Wise's gaze as he leaned over her. Her head rested against his chest, his arms naturally wrapped around her.
Corin, who hadn't reacted at first, blinked her bright, lovely eyes as Wise spoke softly.
"Are you alright, little Corin?"
Hearing his gentle voice and feeling the warmth of his embrace, her small face quickly flushed, and her heart began to race.
"Wise... Wise..." Her voice came out soft and trembling.
Noticing the light returning to her eyes, Wise let out a quiet breath of relief.
"It seems you're fine now."
His words made something click in Corin's mind.
If she were fine, would he let go?
'No... no, I still want him to hold me a little longer. It's so warm, so comforting, but...' She felt torn.
Part of her wanted to pretend she was still weak just to remain in his arms, while her body instinctively leaned closer, as if trying to sink deeper into his embrace.
What she didn't realize was that Wise had no intention of letting her go just yet.
"What was wrong just now? You looked really upset."
His soft voice made her feel embarrassed. She opened her mouth several times, but no words came out.
Seeing this, Wise decided to be direct.
"Is it because you saw what happened in the room earlier?"
Her body trembled slightly. After a long pause, she nodded.
"Yes... I don't understand why I felt sad... so sad..."
She stopped there, unwilling to say more, afraid of making him worry.
"I see. Then what can I do to make you feel better?"
As he spoke, he gently lifted her chin, making her meet his gaze while leaning a little closer.
Corin instinctively tried to lower her head, but his hand held her in place, forcing her to look at him shyly.
At the same time, a voice inside her urged her to speak, telling her that if she stayed silent now, she would regret it.
Gathering her courage, she finally opened her mouth.
"Um... Wise, I want to... to..." Her words trailed off, her face burning with embarrassment.
'Wuuu... I'm so useless. I can't even say it. The chance is right here, and I'm letting it slip away. He's going to leave me... I'm only meant to stay alone in some dark corner...'
Her thoughts spiraled, and the light in her eyes began to fade again.
But Wise didn't ignore her. To her complete surprise, he lowered his head. A gentle touch met her lips.
In that instant, her mind went blank, as if something had filled it completely.
Soon, she understood what it was.
Happiness.
A pure, overwhelming happiness.
Joy and excitement surged through her, and for the first time in her life, she acted boldly.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and rose onto her tiptoes, wanting to prolong the moment just a little more.
But even the sweetest moments come to an end.
Just as Corin was lost in it, the sound of footsteps came from the bedroom. They stopped at the doorway.
It was Rain. Hearing their voices earlier had made her uneasy, prompting her to check.
She hadn't expected to see this.
'There's a bull... and it's right inside my house!' she thought, completely stunned.
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Novels Available:
-> Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street. (Translation)
-> Azur Lane: Don't Fight! You're All My Wives! (Translation)
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