Kazien did not expect that question—absolutely not. It struck him like a sudden gust of wind, halting his thoughts and leaving him staring at Alvin with an expression caught somewhere between confusion and disbelief. The quiet rustling of the late afternoon forest could not fill the silence that fell abruptly between them.
Alvin fidgeted under his gaze, his fingers nervously twisting the hem of his sleeve. Even he seemed surprised by the words that had slipped from his mouth.
Kazien closed his eyes briefly, inhaling slowly.
He truly never imagined that Alvin, of all people, would ask something like that.
When he opened his eyes again, his voice was firm but calm.
"Even though I am a noble, and it is normal for a noble to have more than one spouse… I never thought about such a thing." His brows knitted slightly. "Why did you suddenly ask me something like that?"
Alvin swallowed hard. "I… just wanted to make sure. When we enter the academy, we don't know what will happen to our relationship. Maybe someone will—"
Snap!
A sharp flick hit Alvin's forehead before he could finish.
"Ah—! Ouch!" He immediately cupped his forehead with both hands, eyes watering slightly. "My dear! Why did you flick me so hard?!"
Kazien's expression sharpened; his eyes narrowed as he leaned slightly closer.
"I don't care about your worries." he said flatly. "And I don't want to hear you doubting my feelings or my vows—not even once."
Alvin froze.
His lips parted in surprise, unsure whether he should apologize or defend himself.
But Kazien didn't give him the chance.
He stepped forward, standing close enough that Alvin could feel the warmth radiating from him. His voice dropped to a low, unwavering tone—one that carried absolute certainty.
"I'll say this once. Clearly. So it enters your stubborn head."
Alvin's breath hitched as Kazien lifted his chin gently.
"The one I love is only one. The one I have chosen is only one. The one I want to marry is only one. The one who will stay by my side is only one. The one who fills my heart is only one. And that person is you, Alvin."
The firmness… the confidence… the unwavering resolve in Kazien's eyes pierced through Alvin like an arrow.
His chest tightened—not with fear, but with overwhelming guilt.
"I… I'm sorry," Alvin whispered, dropping his gaze. "I shouldn't have doubted you. It's just… somehow, I feel like our future is going to be really troublesome. And it scares me. I'm terrified of losing you."
The confession seemed to soften something in Kazien's expression. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and the intensity in his eyes mellowed—not disappearing, but shifting into something more tender.
Kazien gently placed a hand on Alvin's cheek.
"Alvin… what exactly are you thinking that made you this afraid?"
Alvin could not answer. His lips trembled as he searched for words but found none.
Seeing his silence, Kazien exhaled softly and brought his forehead against Alvin's, closing their distance completely.
"Listen carefully," Kazien murmured, his voice now deep and steady. "Right now, my mind is filled only with the future death of my entire family—something I cannot avoid. I have to prepare myself to be strong enough to watch them leave me one by one."
Alvin stiffened.
He knew it. He knew how heavy that burden was for Kazien.
Yet he had still asked something so trivial by comparison.
His heart twisted painfully.
What kind of future wife am I, he thought bitterly, if I can't even carry his feelings with him?
Kazien caressed his cheek, thumb brushing lightly over his skin.
"So please," he continued softly, "don't let others influence you… and don't add more weight to the thoughts that already make me feel like I'm suffocating."
Alvin's eyes burned. He felt guilt crash over him like a rising tide.
"I'm the one who's stupid… I should have realized what's weighing on your heart," Alvin replied, biting his lip. "I knew. I already knew. But I still asked you something like that… I'm really the stupid future wife…"
Kazien chuckled softly—not mocking, but warm—and pressed his hand to the back of Alvin's head, pulling him into a gentle forehead touch again.
"Besides my family," he whispered, "you are my weak point."
Alvin's breath trembled. "Me?"
"Yes." Kazien's hand slid down to intertwine their fingers. "If one day you're afraid something bad will happen to us, don't try to leave my side. Ever."
Alvin blinked up at him, eyes widening. "So… wherever you go, I have to be by your side?"
"That's right!" Kazien replied without hesitation. "And I'll make you a necklace—one that can detect malicious intentions from anyone. You'll always be safe."
Alvin's heart swelled so hard it almost hurt.
"Then…" he said, squeezing Kazien's hand, "whatever happens… I swear I will never leave your side."
And for the first time since the conversation began, a soft smile bloomed on Kazien's lips—a rare, gentle smile reserved only for Alvin. "That," Kazien murmured, "is the answer I wanted to hear!"
Alvin couldn't help it—he beamed. His smile was radiant, pure, and overflowing with affection.
Without waiting another second, Kazien pulled Alvin into a full embrace—the kind that made Alvin melt into his arms completely. It was warm, strong, and grounding, as if Kazien was silently saying, You belong here.
Alvin wrapped his arms around him tightly. He could hear Kazien's heartbeat. Steady. Comforting. Real. Their chests pressed together, and the world outside their embrace faded away.
"My dear…" Alvin called softly.
"Mm?"
"I love you."
Kazien loosened the embrace just enough to look at him. His gaze was soft, glowing with affection.
"And I love you," he responded, brushing a strand of hair behind Alvin's ear. "And I will never stop loving you."
Alvin felt heat rise to his cheeks. Hearing those words from Kazien always felt like experiencing the sunrise directly in his heart.
Kazien cupped his cheek again and leaned down. Alvin closed his eyes instinctively, expecting a kiss on the lips.
But instead, Kazien kissed his forehead first. A slow, tender kiss. Then the bridge of his nose. Then his left cheek. Then his right.
Each kiss was gentle, deliberate—filled with emotion rather than urgency.
Finally, he reached Alvin's lips. Their kiss was deep yet soft. A promise. A bond. A vow sealed without words.
Alvin's knees nearly weakened. His fingers clutched the fabric of Kazien's clothes as if anchoring himself. He could feel Kazien smiling slightly against his lips, sensing his reaction.
"Our relationship…" Kazien whispered, "…has become stronger than ever."
Alvin nodded, a warm smile growing on his lips. "Yes… I can feel it too."
Kazien brushed his thumb across Alvin's lower lip, as though memorizing its shape.
"As long as you're by my side," he murmured, "I can face anything."
They leaned into another embrace—slower, calmer, enveloped in a profound tranquility. No words were needed. Their hearts were already speaking.
Minutes passed. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose. The forest around them glowed softly, as if nature itself acknowledged the sacred promise between them.
Eventually, Kazien loosened his hold just slightly, brushing Alvin's hair once more.
"Let's stay like this a little longer," he said.
Alvin nodded into his chest.
"I want that too."