==== Chapter 9 [ Part 1 ] ====

Dante is seriously acting weird.

That is the only "one" thought that is revolving your mind right now while you stay in their house— a house that can definitely shelter a whole family.  Why? You are probably asking that, and honestly you do not know. But ever since earlier, he's just treating you good. No. Actually, Dante is treating you better than the last few days.

He definitely is warming up to me.

A soft smile falls on your pink lips. You are quietly glad because of the changes. Maybe you and Dante can be— uh?— friends? You do not think he's a bad person at all. Not after he saved you from Ashes. While you're gladly thinking to yourself, you don't notice the silver spoon. It still is in the air, and Kielle is not taking it.

Why is he not taking it?

Oh, he is mildly curious of your smile.

Why are you smiling at him? He blinks his golden eyes, confused. But you still remain with that soft smile quite awhile now. Strangely, Kielle can't seem to stare at that smile of yours anymore.

He slowly looks away, resettling his own golden-shaded eyes on the spoon filled with food.

Peach enters the room with a glass of juice for Kielle. A sudden concern- filled expression crosses her face when Peach perceives you both not moving. "Is. Is something wrong?" she asks, a tone of worry.

She places that glass of orange juice on the table beside Kielle's king- sized bed. From her arrival, you snap out from your thoughts and might have accidentally shoved that spoon towards Kielle's mouth.

Blush dusts your cheeks.

Your hands immediately grab few tissues from its box. Then wipe his lips that have been tainted by some rice grains because of you.

"I'm sorry about that."

Kielle blinks at you. Your heart secretly flutters. He is totally cute whenever he's silent. Actually, he is better being silent than being so rude. But of course, you do sincerely hope that he will return back to his past self. Since being mute and reserved forever is not really so healthy for him. He's actually pretty lucky that he has Peach and others (?) to take care for him.

While the platinum blonde haired girl observes you feed Kielle, she smiles yet again; her mind also can't help but ship you guys. If this continues, then will it be possible.. for you and Kielle to fall in love for each other? It would be great, honestly great. For you guys to end up while— while she ends up with Alessio!

She giggles to herself.

While Dante— oh poor Dante. Forever alone. Actually. Dante can be just married to his gun. He always bring it anyways. Well that's what Peach has gathered after you know being with him and living in the same house with him. Peach mentally snickers to herself.

And speaking of the devil, he's here.

Dante enters the room with a glass of orange juice in his hand. Surprisingy, he instantly heads towards you. Then offers that juice to you.

What?

"You're giving this to me?" you ask, astonished like the other girl in the room as well. For a moment, he doesn't respond. He bites the inside of his cheeks before finally saying a word.

"Well, you're my guest."

He almost rolls his eyes. Almost. But he has to keep his good act if he wants to be close to you... If he is in your good side, then maybe he is also secured in Boss's good side.

"Dante, I think you mean our guest."

Peach rolls her light blue eyes, not liking what the young man is planning to do with you. Peach can smell it— the fishiness behind those kind gestures. Well why would he even be kind to you? It's suspicious; so so suspiscious. A laugh; Dante laughs.

"Oops, wrong wording."

You easily note the tension between them and decide to break it by taking the glass. "Thank you, Dante." A tiny smile is on your face, gratefully staring up at him. Then you take small sips, savoring the taste of fresh orange— even when it isn't exactly your favorites.

He stares at your smile for a while then smirks.

"You're welcome, (Y/N)."

Peach looks at you, wide-eyed. But she doesn't have the right to judge you for being a friendly to Dante. So that friend of yours just sulk for the current time being. But Peach won't remain quiet if she does find out the exact reasons. You're her friend, and she will do anything for you. Just like Kielle and Alessio is to Peach, you're also very important to her.

"Do you want some orange juice too, Kielle?" You ask when you notice his golden eyes on your almost half - filled glass. Kielle of course doesn't say anything. But rather than doing nothing about it, you stand up and is about to get some glass for him.

"I'll come with you," Dante suddenly offers.

You are surprised, and then you send him a smile. Damn. This man is really strange right now— strange in a good way, I guess. I hope he continues to be like this. You tell him your thanks and let him guide you since you are not yet familiar with their home.

Actually Peach wants to come with you guys, but Peach has to stick with her unresponsive cousin. "Dante— he's definitely planning something!" she grumbles to herself, talking to no one at all; but Kielle is there. Despite never saying a word since he woke up, he has been listening to his surroundings.

He looks down at his hands.

Then to your glass of orange drink.. His stomach makes noises. Hearing it, Peach's ears perk up. "Oh, I see! You still are hungry!" she exclaims. His gaze still remains on your glass; and of course, Peach is not that stupid to take note of that.

"Thirsty?"

Again, silence.

That doesn't stop Peach though. She grabs the drink and brings it up to his lips. "Here, you can have this." A light smirk is on her face when Kielle silently accepts the half- filled glass.

He gulps it down until there is nothing to drink anymore. After that moment, Peach wishes that you and Kielle are each other's first indirect kiss. Well, anyways. While you are downstairs with Dante, you share a small light convo with him.

And you think to yourself that he is not that bad at all... Dante is just intimidating because he is just like that. As you continue your chat with him, Dante seems to maybe like you too. Like as not like "like." You aren't that bad. But nonetheless, you are still a tool.