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Author's Note: Double update! Now, imma fly away!

After the whole kissing fiasco by the drunken Kiyae, K’xug and Xue ensured that the only people beside Kiyae would be Haru and the others the entire time. 

The two ladies, Hana and Cecil, were seated in between the two men and the two of them scowled at the sleeping Kiyae snoring away on the ground. 

K’xug frowned at Hana. 

Don’t let her kiss you again. 

Hana could understand his words in an instant. 

“It was just a peck on the lips!” Hana laughed nervously. “Kiyae is a girl like me, so it’s fine!” 

Hana did not want to admit that she was slightly disappointed that the first peck she was saving for...was gone easily like that. 

Moreover, she had a feeling she might burst out that she wanted it to be K’xug. 

Nope. 

She would definitely not do it. 

She just had to shrug it off, yes, shrug it all off. 

Somehow, she could not understand why, but a part inside her is insistent on keeping her feelings hidden. It was as if...that part of her was afraid to expose her feelings to the copper brown-haired handsome man before her. 

She did not know why she felt that way. 

K’xug grabbed Hana by the shoulders gently, a warning look in his eyes. 

That woman, Kiyae, is not a normal girl like you think. 

Hana tilted her head in confusion, not understanding what K’xug meant. 

At that moment, she recalled how K’xug had pulled her away from Kiyae and hugged her possessively. 

His arms...they felt strong and nice. 

Mhmm...

Hana gasped at her thoughts, her eyes widening and her hands flew to her cheeks that were growing warm. She avoided K’xug’s gaze, looking away in a flustered manner. 

This time, K’xug tilted his head in confusion. 

I am a huge pervert! 

Ahhhh! 

How can I look at K’xug now?!

Hana was screaming internally in her mind, ducking her head as she was unable to meet his different coloured eyes. 

“Don’t let her kiss you too.” 

Xue warned Cecil. 

“Kiyae has already passed out,” Cecil smiled helplessly. “Besides, like what Hana said, it’s just a peck on the lips--” 

“If it’s from me, would you consider it a peck on the lips?” 

“Wh-what?” 

“Would you?” 

Cecil was speechless.

How did the conversation become like this?! 

Xue was serious about his question, staring intently at Cecil. 

Cecil had realised her feelings towards Xue not too long ago, and being asked such a question from the man she likes…

She became flustered. 

“O-of co-course not!” 

Cecil lowered her gaze quickly. 

Ho-how can it be a simple peck if it’s from you?! 

Cecil suddenly recalled their accidental kiss back in the academy, and she wanted to burst into flames. 

I can’t take this! 

My heart--my heart is going to jump out from my chest!

She bit on her lower lip, her eyes wandering around as she felt her heart drumming her ears. 

On the other hand, Xue was taken aback by her nervous response. He had expected such words from her, but in a lukewarm manner. 

Not in such a…shy and coquettish manner.

Xue did not know how to react, he was frozen like a statue. 

Is she shy because of me? 

Is she shy because I casually mentioned it? 

Just like that, the tiny bud of hope inside his heart started to blossom. At the same time, he was bewildered, he did not know the actual reason behind Cecil’s flustered actions. 

Haru watched the loving scene between the two couples with a deadpan as he was seated opposite them. 

“Yun…” 

Yun placed his drink down, looking at Haru. 

“Why do I have to witness the birth of these two idiotic couples?” 

“Seems like we are not only celebrating for Shin,” Yun brought his drink up, smiling slightly. “We are celebrating the budding romantic phase of couples.” 

“Captain! Yun!” Ryo exclaimed, throwing his arms around their shoulders as he bumped his drinks with them. “Cheers!” 

Some of the beverages spilt out, staining Yun’s kimono and Haru’s face. 

The two of them remained nonchalant with a sigh, clearly used to this. 

Meanwhile, Shin who sat beside Haru and observed the romantic scene of Cecil and Xue felt somewhat aggrieved. He reached out for the drink that Kiyae left behind, and almost gulped in down when he felt a force tugging his hand away. 

“No no, you little guy,” Kiyae grinned, her face flushed. “You aren’t legal, only juice for you!” 

“Oh, she’s awake.” 

“Damn drunk kissing monster.” 

“She might try to kiss someone again.” 

Shin grimaced, accepting the juice offered to him. 

“Little Shin, cute little Shin,” Kiyae hiccuped, leaning in. “Come, let this big sister give you a kiss to spread the joy…” 

Shin blanched, feeling a shudder down his spine. 

Haru and Yun rushed forward, paling and they held the drunk Kiyae back. She was still pouting her lips, and Shin scuttled back in horror. 

“You crazy drunkard!” 

“Kiyae, wake up!” 

Ryo laughed once again. 

“You idiot Ryo, don’t just stand there and laugh!” 


***

The banquet was over. 

Everyone was sleeping in their respective rooms.

Cecil awoke some time later, heading down the corridor to the kitchen of the inn, wanting to grab some water to quench her thirst. 

She was on her way back to her room, when she noticed the light leaking out through the sliding wooden doors that led to Shin’s room. She blinked sleepily, befuddled and she pushed the door open. 

She gasped, seeing the numerous drawing papers scattered across the floor. Shin was immersed in his painting, his eyes sunken from the lack of sleep but they were gleaming with determination.

The papers were already drawn on, and some of them were crushed into a ball. 

“Shin?” 

Shin did not stop his movements, he seemed to be applying some finishing touches on his painting. 

“Have you been painting the entire night?” Cecil questioned, walking over as she was careful not to step on the papers. “Isn’t this...the painting you drew the other day?” 

On the easel, it was the previous painting that Haru requested him to draw, the painting of the previous banquet with Veau in it. 

“I was thinking of a farewell gift.”

“...?!”

Cecil widened her eyes, snapping her head towards Shin. 

“This was the best one I could give.”

“Fa-farewell?” she stuttered out, incredulous. “Shin, you...are you planning to leave?” 

Shin continued looking at Cecil, despite how fatigued he looked, he was still alert. 

“You...weren’t there.”

Cecil blinked in confusion. “Wh-what?”

“In our past memories, you did not exist,” Shin smiled faintly, placing his paintbrush down. “But now, I am grateful for you appearing and existing, I am sure...he is too.” 

Cecil was still confused, not fully awake. 

Shin proceeded to reach into his kimono, taking out an envelope and placing it in front of the painting. Due to the lack of materials, Shin did not colour the painting, leaving it as black and white. 

However, like he said, this was the best gift he could leave for them. 

Inside the envelope, he had written his last message to them. 

“After this,” Shin reached out to grab Cecil’s wrist, pointing at the painting and the envelope. “Can you pass this to them?” 

“...”

Cecil was still trying to comprehend the situation. 

“I know you will,” Shin smiled, going down from the stool. “Come.” 

He started to pull her along towards the wooden sliding doors and Cecil followed him cluelessly, staring between Shin and the painting he left behind.
 
“I was thinking of a farewell gift.” 

Cecil was speechless. 

Is he...really serious about this? 

But...why? 

Cecil knew her questions would only be answered if she followed Shin, hence she allowed him to drag her along. 


***

They passed several rooms.

In the end, they ended in front of a room. Every room in this inn looked the same with similar wooden sliding doors, however, Cecil had been here for several days. 

She knew this room belonged to Xue. 

Just like Shin’s room, the lights were still on and leaking out of the translucent covers of the wooden sliding door. 

“It’s me.” 

“...come in.” Xue called out, his voice muffled. 

Shin slid the doors open, still dragging Cecil along with him. 

Xue was seated on the chair beside the window dressed in the kimono provided by the inn for sleepwear. His elbow was on the table and his chin was on his palm, he was staring out the window with his grey eyes, his expression inscrutable since his eyes were closed. 

He seemed to be enjoying the soft breeze caressing his face, the moonlight highlighting his handsome features. 

“I came here, like I promised.” Shin spoke. 

Xue slowly opened his eyes, turning to look at the young boy. His eyes widened and he bolted up from his seat when he saw Cecil beside him. 

“Cecil?” 

Cecil gave Xue a confused smile. 

“Why did you bring her here?” Xue frowned. “This is between us two.” 

“With her here, I...won’t feel so hesitant.” 

At that moment, the notifications from the system rang in her mind. Windows after windows popped up. 

[ Congratulations, Cecil Lan! ]

[ The soul fragment, Shin, has avoided the tragic fate of his death in the original storyline! ]

[ You have now met both requirements for the secret mission! ]

[ Secret Mission #7: The Lonely Painter
Requirement #1: Give him a reason to live
Requirement #2: Make him willingly be absorbed by Xue
Objective: Help protagonist “Xue” assimilate with Shin
Reward: 10,000 points
Time Limit: 1 hour ]

Cecil read the notifications carefully, one after another. She widened her eyes in disbelief, looking down at Shin in front of her. 

“Shin? You...know?” Cecil furrowed her eyebrows. “How did you…” 

“Just before the banquet ended, he told me he recovered his memories,” Xue explained, approaching them. “And that...he wants to be absorbed.” 

Cecil was shocked. 

“You really want to be absorbed? Just like that?” 

Shin nodded, his face indifferent. 

“Shin, hold on. What about Haru, Kiyae and the others? Your friends at the orphanage?” Cecil frowned, concerned. “Are you not going to say goodbye to them?” 

“The letter.” 

Cecil paused. 

That’s right. 

The envelope. 

Nevertheless, Cecil still found it disheartening. 

“That’s all? That’s all you are going to leave them with?” 

Shin nodded again after a moment. 

The soul fragments inside Xue were equally shocked like Cecil. 

Kai: “Even I said goodbye to my master…” 

Zasiok: “I said goodbye to my parents.” 

Alric: “I-I said goodbye to my friend too…” 

Leonaut: “This kid...isn’t he a bit too cruel?” 

Sid: “I didn’t have anyone to say goodbye to.” 

Sid shrugged. 

Isleif snorted, not bothering about the other sentimental versions of him. 

Meanwhile, Xue did not say a word, his expression unreadable. 

“I...am tired,” Shin finally admitted, his face appearing haggard right now. “I do not want to face anything...or anyone.” 

He did not want to return to the orphanage and see the pitiful looks from the children around his age or younger than him. 

He did not want Haru and the others to feel burdened by the fact that they could not save his parents on time. 

Most of all, he just wanted to be alone. 

At the same time, he wants someone by his side and just one person is enough. 

The comforting hug that Cecil gave him that allowed him to cry his heart out, and the soothing words that said everything was going to be alright. 

That was all he needed. 

Alone and...peace that Cecil gave. 

“I want to be alone,” Shin smiled at Cecil. “And stay quietly by your side.” 

“...”

Xue was surprised. 

I want to be alone. 

That was what he had felt at the moment of utter despair, when he had lost everything and everyone. He had the same exact thought, but at the same time, he actually wanted someone to just be there. 

He wanted someone to stay quietly by his side, and just one person is enough. 

Xue frowned to himself. 

He really is me. 

Whereas, Cecil was speechless. 

There were many words in her mind, words that she wanted to speak. 

How can you be so cruel to leave the people that care for you like that? 

How can you just say goodbye with just a letter? 

How can you be alone like this? 

However, she could not say those words. 

Ultimately, it was Shin’s choice and he made his own choice like that. No one could tell him otherwise, since it was his own decision. 

Moreover, his last few words made her feel conflicted. 

In the end, Cecil sighed in resignation. She lifted her hand and patted Shin on the head. 

“Alright, I...can’t change your mind,” Cecil smiled helplessly, withdrawing her hand. “I’ll stay by your side like you want me to.” 

Shin nodded his head, his expression warm unlike his nonchalant look. 

“Are you sure about this?” Xue questioned. 

Both Shin and Cecil did not expect Xue to ask that question. 

Even the soul fragments inside Xue were shocked.

Cecil was the first to recover from the surprise, and she smiled to herself. 

That’s right. 

Xue is slowly starting to change. 

“I did not expect you to ask me that.” Shin stated. 

“That’s because…” Xue answered in a lukewarm manner as he lowered his voice. “...not saying proper goodbyes...may hurt more than you think.” 

Shin hesitated, seemingly troubled now. “Then...I have a condition.”

“Say it.” 

Cecil watched their exchange, still smiling. This exchange was definitely more cordial compared to the other soul fragments Xue had come across. 

“When you come face to face with Ephert again, let me see him once more,” Shin demanded. “After that, if…I really need to, I will say my final goodbyes to all of them.” 

Cecil’s smile faltered slightly. 

Xue extended his hand out, the blue marble hovering above his palm. “Fine.” 

The process started without any difficulty. 

Xue glanced at Cecil, noticing how upset she looked. 

Is she going to cry again? 

How many times is she going to cry over my souls? 

A smile flitted past his lips. 

She is always crying because of me, it seems. 

Just then, Shin spun around and he beckoned Cecil with his finger. 

“What is it?” Cecil bent down as she leaned in. “You want me to come closer?” 

Shin nodded. 

Cecil leaned in even more. 

The next moment, Shin tiptoed and pecked Cecil on the lips softly. 

“...!” 

“...?!” 

Xue and Cecil froze on the spot. 

Kai: “Ahh! That brat!” 

Zasiok: “He…”

Alric: “...ki-kissed…”

Leonaut: “...Cecil!”

Isleif: “How dare he…”

Sid: “He kissed my goddess!” 

Shin withdrew back and his face started to crumble. A tell-tale sign that the assimilation process was almost completed. 

At that moment, he showed a rare cheeky smile. “It’s just a peck, right?” 

His body then crumbled away into dust. 

[ Secret Mission #7: The Lonely Painter
Objective completed!
Reward: 10,000 points
Remaining points: 20,000 points ]

[ You bit yourself in the ass. ]

[ As the saying goes in your world~ ]

“...” 

“D-do you really have to say that?!” 

Cecil covered her mouth with her hand, blinking rapidly. 

Truthfully, she was going to tear up since Shin was going off in such a miserable state. Where he wanted to be alone and not see anyone. 

Thus, she was speechless at his actions just before he was absorbed. 

At least she did not tear up this time. 

Just then, Cecil felt a chill in the air. 

This...this is...

She gasped, swivelling her head towards Xue. 

There was a terrifying aura surrounding the handsome ash blonde-haired man. He marched towards Cecil, his eyes shadowed over. 

“Xu-Xue...” 

Cecil stumbled back with every step he took. 

“Xue, that was--” 

Cecil banged onto the wall behind her, her words halting abruptly. He slammed his hand against the wall right beside her head, making her flinch. 

She could see the jealousy unbridled in his grey eyes. 

Xue leaned in and her breath hitched. 

“That was just--mmm.” 

She started to say when Xue pressed his finger on her lips, making her unable to talk. Her eyelashes fluttered and all Cecil could hear was the heart palpitating along with Xue’s shaky breathing. 

It was as if he was restraining himself. 

His finger brushed across her lips gently, his eyes fixated on her lips. 

At this point, Cecil’s head was spinning. 

Wh-what do I do? 

What am I doing?

Who am I?

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?!

Xue leaned in further, his breath fanning her face. 

Cecil widened her eyes, her entire being rooted to the spot. 

Just before their lips met, Xue stopped and he squeezed his eyes close. 

“Fuck.” 

He withdrew hastily, sliding the wooden door open beside Cecil. He glanced over to her, swallowing his saliva to clear his dry throat. 

“Don’t...don’t follow me right now,” his voice was low and dangerous, a hint of desire swirling in his eyes. “Or I won’t be able to control myself.” 

Her heart skipped a beat. 

Xue exited the room swiftly as if someone was chasing after him. 

The lights from the lanterns outside entered the room along with a light breeze, it blew away any remnants of Shin’s body on the ground. 

Cecil stared blankly at the remnants being blown away, however, the young boy was now far from her mind. 

Right now, all she could think about was the dangerous situation beforehand. 

She could still feel it. 

His breath on her face. 

His finger brushing against her lips. 

The way he leaned in so sensually. 

Her knees buckled and she slid down from the wall, collapsing on the ground. Her heart was still racing as if she had gone on a marathon. 

She could feel her face burning, covering her mouth with her hand. 

I...I was...

I was disappointed. 

Cecil buried her head in her knees. 

I...really wanted him to--to kiss me. 

Cecil let out an embarrassed noise, a mix between a groan and a squeal. 


***

《 start 》

Erase it. 

I want to erase it. 

Erase it with a peck--no.

A peck won’t do. 

I want to do more. 

I want more. 

I want to kiss

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