Archive of Our Own

It was the middle of winter, the Roan kingdom was covered in white and sparkly powder.

It was snowing like a storm the whole night but now the sun was out again and shined on the beautiful white landscape. Even the land of the duchy in Rain City was covered in snow.

The kids, On, Hong and Raon, immediately ran out when breakfast was over. It's been a long time since the kids had a chance to act their age.

They all fought hard for months against the White Star. However, the more their enemy met Cale the more he acted weird to the point where he intentionally didn't attack Cale.

They went through many battles, and even when every battle ended up successful, they could not always celebrate.

Cale was the most affected as the only one who got badly injured and was bedridden for days. Raon often would sit next to his human and count the time he had been unconscious.

Not only the kids were worried, but of course, the other part of the now big family was worried. They only stayed next to Cale all the time and Eruhaben, the oldest dragon, would do the same thing.

Ron would sharpen his knives to perfection. His son Beacrox was sometimes by his father's side and at times he went back to his kitchen, preparing too much food with his great sword. Choi Han wouldn't stop training with his sword and blamed himself for not being able to protect Cale. The father of the young noble spent more money to hire even stronger knights and soldiers.

But now everything was peaceful. Cale woke up from his coma and was no longer hurt. He listened to his family and stayed in bed and ate three meals a day.

There were no movements from the White Star so they took the chance to relax once in a while. Of course, they didn't put their guard down entirely.

Right now, Cale was looking out of the window, watching the kids while sitting in his comfy rocking chair and eating small fruits.

He saw how Raon, On, and Hong began to wave at him before starting to build their snowmen.

Cale wondered how many snowmen they would build since there was so much snow that if Raon tried to reach the bottom of the snow he would completely vanish.

On and Hong already had some problems walking in the snow, but it seemed like Raon helped them out with some flight magic.

It was great to see the kids acting like kids. Cale hoped they soon could grow up without violence and suffering. He would make sure of it.

Cale wanted to reach for the book he got for himself. His plan for today was to slack off all day and do nothing; the only time he wanted to stand up was when it was time for dinner or when he needed to go to the bathroom.

However, things changed after he noticed cold fingers that didn't belong to him. At first, he was a bit startled, thinking it must be Choi Han or his butler but when he made eye contact with the very person he had to realize it was neither of them.

Cale sprang from his chair and went into a defending position even though he knew he couldn't protect himself without his ancient powers.

"What? Didn't you want this book? Or did I surprise you? Well, it would make sense since you wouldn't expect me to be here."

A cold voice that belonged only to one person; his enemy, the White Star.

He was all well, healed from his wounds. Standing in his brown plain robe and wearing his usual white mask.

The man had a light smile on his face, pretending as if he belonged there. Something seemed to be off since he was not attacking but Cale couldn't care less, he looked out of the window behind him, checking on his kids. However, all he saw was pitch black.

"Bastard, what do you want?"

The White Star's lips twitched up even more.

"Let's go somewhere."

"What-"

With fast steps the White Star marched forward towards Cale and grabbed his wrist before Cale could do anything. the man snapped his fingers and light began to embrace them.

By the time Cale could see again, he was at a place he didn't know. White glittering snow covered a small city and it didn't seem to be Roan Kingdom.

Just where was he?

He looked around confused, forgetting his enemy was right next to him still holding his wrist. Was this place even on the western continent?

Just then Cale realized the cold wind and snow on his skin. He was in his bedroom just now but now he was outside with only his thin nightgown.

He wanted to hug himself to keep himself warm, but then he remembered what happened. His gaze went to the White Star who was watching him the entire time.

His enemy let go of his wrist and gave a little smile before snapping his fingers again.

"I am sorry I was so mesmerized by your actions."

Again light embraced Cale, this time only Cale and when it was gone once again, he noticed that his clothes had changed into warmer and thicker ones.

Now he wore a cloak that matched his hair color, and brown boots, both of which were lined with white fur. Cale also had white gloves and a hat with a huge fluffy bobble.

"The actual fuck."

His focus switched from the clothes to the White Star. Cale was kidnapped yet the White Star didn't do anything but give him clothes.

"The town is celebrating a little festival. Why don't we go there? Alone, only the two of us."

"What bullshit are you planning?"

Cale could use his ancient powers to attack his enemy however he was alone and not strong enough to fight him. He couldn't take a risk.

"Just follow me."

A second time the White Star took Cale's wrist and guided him gently towards the festival, his gaze was locked on the other redhead.

"Don't worry, no one will recognize us. This is a small kingdom from the eastern continent.”

Cale didn't even think about being recognized, his head was full of other thoughts. Thinking about what the White Star might do and how to escape from him.

It was just weird. Why would the White Star bring Cale to this place? Second, how could he be so gentle towards him, how could the White Star make such a sweet smile?

He knew about the White Star's curse. A curse not being able to adore anything so what Cale was seeing must have been an act but why did it feel so genuine?

Since there was no other choice, Cale had to follow him.

Soon Cale could see a town decorated with colorful lights and markets and places where it seemed you could play games. The White Star didn’t lie about the festival.

Maybe magic bombs would go off soon? Wouldn't be the first time.

"What do you think we should do first? I've never been on a festival."

"H-huh? Are we going to do something?"

"Of course."

"What?"

Cale was shocked. White Star intended to enjoy the festival with him…wait he wouldn't be able to enjoy it. What kind of tricks was he playing?

"Forget it, just let's go to the pink thing."

It was the third time White Star grabbed Cale, however this time he took his hands.

People were already starting to look at them, speaking in a low tone. Cale and the White Star were an eyesore with their blood-red hair yet somehow the people didn't look confused or annoyed.

They were blushing and giggling while trying to point unobtrusively toward them.

"There."

Cale changed his focus after hearing the White Star's voice.

He looked towards the little pink tent they were talking about before.

"Hello! Are you interested in getting make-up done by us?"

The woman looked toward Cale and the White Star and she immediately knew she had to convince them. One was beautiful meanwhile the other was super handsome even with his mask on, you could tell how good-looking he was.

She scanned them from head to toe and saw the two men holding hands together. Her eyes began to sparkle.

"Couples get an extra promotion."

Cale was stunned.

'Couple? What?’

Cale opened his mouth to say something however the White Star was faster.

"We do whatever you have for us."

What the fuck?! Shocked, Cale stared at the White Star. Was he serious? It couldn't be yet Cale didn't say anything, he was curious about where this was going.

Meanwhile, the woman couldn't be happier.

"Alright, this makes three silver coins."

The White tossed the coins coldly towards the woman, but she wasn't feeling offended, thinking how cool the White Star acted.

'A cold guy whose heart was melted by his lover, how romantic.'

She gave them a wink.

"Alright follow me."

They entered the tent which looked smaller than it was from the inside. There was a big space with many other people ready to get their make-up done.

Little stars, snowflakes, and other things were drawn on their faces, and the make-up artists used as much glitter and colors as they could.

Cale shuddered, he didn't want any of this. He didn't mind if his kids drew on his face but right now it was a different situation.

"Please sit down and wait here."

However, now that Cale was thinking about it… not only he would get such make-up but also the White Star would too. Cale's gaze wandered to the White Star.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I don't know what make-up is."

"....are you serious?"

The White Star raised his eyebrow at this question.

"I always am."

Cale had to snicker a bit. The White Star, his biggest enemy who lived for a thousand years, didn't know what make-up was. It would be worth doing this just for his reaction.

They didn't have to wait long till another woman came to them, however, she was not alone, she had an assistant with her and he had lots of clothes in his arms.

"It's time to begin! Young man, follow me, we have to separate you two. You will see each other again after we are done."

Cale stood up without any comment and was about to follow the woman but was stopped by the White Star.

"Don't you try to flee."

"I won't."

"Good."

The young noble sighed, just what did he get into?

Cale followed the woman into a more secluded place. Blue fabrics served as walls which he couldn't see through them since they were so thick.

"Shall we begin?"

"Yes…"

There was a bad taste in Cale's mouth, not that he suspected something bad might happen but something embarrassing.

_____________________

"Phew, done!"

Time passed and Cale was sitting the entire time watching the woman doing her job. In the tent, there was no mirror so Cale couldn't see how he looked.

He wanted to ask yet the woman was busy looking through clothes. Cale feared he had to wear a costume.

"This is perfect!"

She picked up some clothes that looked expensive and well-decorated.

"I will help you to change, come come! We can't let your partner wait."

Hm? Was the White Star already done? Cale couldn't know, the only thing he saw was the tent's fabric and the woman.

_____________________

The White Star waited for Cale, since they said he wasn't done yet. It was ridiculous for the White Star to work so much on his appearance.

He never cared for his looks, it was a useless thing to care about, plus when he went into battles and fights he would end up messy. One reason why he always wore plain clothes even when he had money: it was more important to spend on something else that would last longer than some stupid shiny clothes.

The clothes he now wore were impractical and not comfy at all, it was hard to move in them without ripping them.

The White Star wore a black attire with a red vest that was embedded in golden threads, making beautiful patterns, and jewels that weren't even real. He wore tight black pants and black leather shoes. Over his shoulder was a cape long enough to touch the ground.

"Your partner is coming,"

said the man who did his make-up and changed his clothes.

When the White Star looked toward Cale, his eyes widened.

Cale wore the same clothes as him but in the opposite color. The clothes weren't what took his breath, it was Cale's face.

His hair was adorned with white flowers and pearls, and some of Cale's hair was braided.

Long lashes and glitter embellished his face and his brown eyes looked somehow more gorgeous than ever before, shining like gold and ember on one spot. His cheeks had a beautiful pinkish hue, his lips were red as his hair and his pale skin became more lively.

On both corners of his eyes were little white stars drawn on it which made the White Star's heart skip a beat. It was like telling everyone that Cale belonged to him.

Not only was the White Star awestruck, but Cale also couldn't take his eyes off of the White Star.

The once tired eyes were replaced by glowing vigorous ones. The plain white mask had some sparkle and little drawings on it. White Star's face looked more dynamic. He looked so different with those pink cheeks however Cale had to notice that White Star was blushing and the pink cheeks were natural.

"You look so beautiful! Both of you will be the stars of the festival!"

Cale and the White Star had no words left, they just nodded.

Both didn't notice how everyone was looking at them. They looked like a match made in heaven.

Wordlessly, they left the tent. The two didn't stop looking at each other. It was only after Cale noticed how long he had been staring at the White Star and that he began to question himself about what he was doing.

"You look beautiful."

The White Star was the first to break the silence.

"Stop talking nonsense."

"I am honest. You are beautiful."

Now White Star realized why looks were so important to others.

"L-let's go somewhere else."

Cale started walking at a fast pace. He wanted to hide his blush but the White Star already took notice of it and chuckled.

"Yes."

He followed him to the next stand.

"Welcome!"

The stand had many targets set up, which meant it was probably a shooting game with arrowsor knives. It should be easy for the White Star to hit the bullseyes and win a prize.

"What is this."

And of course, the White Star had no idea.

"Shoot all targets using a bow and win a prize! What prize you get depends on the spots you hit, an easy rule. Five arrows for one silver coin."

The man rubbed his hands. He probably did something to the bows. Well, Cale didn’t have to do it.

"You do it, I suck at this."

White Star raised his eyebrow.

"Can’t you handle a simple weapon like this?"

"I can only swing a stick."

White Star chuckled at his response.

"Alright."

'Really? I made him laugh?"

The smile made Cale shudder. Should he even be able to laugh? Cale had so many questions. Was his curse gone? It would make things easier if the answer was yes.

Meanwhile, the White Star took the bow made out of wood. The arrows were also entirely made out of wood. Probably for safety so no one gets hurt or threatens the man.

"This should be easy."

White Star took it, drew the bow, and let the first arrow fly.

…

…

…

…

…

And it missed. It didn't hit the target but the wooden wall. The arrow was so strong it pierced right through the wall making a huge hole. It shouldn't even be possible to make such a huge hole.

It also almost hit the man who was now standing in the corner, shaking in fear.

Cale was stunned. He couldn't believe the White Star missed the target; he also thought the White Star might be weaker with a bow, however…that wasn't the case.

The White Star was touching his clothes as if they were too tight.

"Because of those stupid clothes I missed and this bow is also useless. You can't fight with this thing. Owner, give me a better bow, and let me try again."

He was disappointed and mad. White Star's goal was to impress Cale but now he made a mess. He couldn't leave it like that.

The owner, still shaking in fear, slowly went to a little box and gave it to the White Star.

"Have the grand prize, please! Have mercy and please don't kill me!"

Tears were flowing as the owner shouted for his dear life, and people were looking over. Luckily they didn't pay much attention to it. They knew the owner for years, and he fooled and scammed many. They just thought someone gave him what he deserved.

"What a crybaby."

The White Star took the box, clearly disappointed.

He opened it after taking some steps. Cale looked over his shoulder. He would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in the prize.

What both saw was a beautiful hairpin. It was a flower decorated with many small white jewels. White Star took the hairpin out and threw the box away.

He turned to Cale who had a confused look on his face. Cale even took some steps backward.

"Stand still, would you?"

As commanded, Cale just let the White Star do what he planned with care; he put the hairpin in Cale's red hair. It looked messy and ruined Cale's hairstyle a bit, but Cale could care less about his hair.

"Looks good on you. I’ll give it to you, I have no use for it."

Carefully, Cale touched the hairpin. The White Star was acting weird.

"Thanks…"

White Star didn't fail to see the blush on Cale's ears.

"Maybe winning this wasn't bad at all."

"Huh?"

"Nevermind, let's go."

Taking Cale's hand, White Star led Cale to the next attraction. It was amazing how White Star now decided where to go when he before said that Cale should go forward and decide.

The next stop was a circle-like place surrounded by fences. There were many people gathered around, you couldn't see what happened inside the circle.

They were screaming and shouting. Cale guessed there might be a fight going on. He just didn't know if people fought against each other or animals.

"I can hear sword clashing from there, it must be something interesting."

Just how the fuck could the White Star hear that? It was no wonder why he came here. He seemed to be crazy about fights. Well, it suited him as a villain and a dragonslayer.

Either way, he was a crazy bastard.

Without comment, Cale followed him, or more like let himself get dragged by hand. The White Star was walking faster and faster with each step.

Was he that excited? It seemed like the curse didn't take away all of his positive feelings.

Both stopped when they arrived before the mass of people, with his finger the White Star poked a random person. He didn't do it gently like he was to Cale all the time so the person turned around annoyed.

"Man, that hurts! What do you want?"

"What is this place?"

The man crossed his arms.

"What? You don't know? Seems like you are not from here."

"The one and only knight, Samantha, of town came back to the festival and is willing to fight anyone brave enough."

"Hoo?"

White Star got interested. After the disappointment he hoped he could take his frustration out somewhere. Good thing he found a place.

Hearing the White Star, Cale got worried. The knight won't be anywhere as strong as him. He decided to whisper to White Star.

"Hey, you know it's not a battle about fighting till death."

"Hmmm, a pity."

It was expected what the White Star was thinking.

"I would still participate."

"Huh? Oh really…? Then you have to wait till the current fight is over."

The man was astonished, he didn't think the White Star would fight against their knight. He didn't look that well trained, fit but not full of muscle and he had such a tired voice.

He then noticed how the White Star held Cale's hand with his own.

"Hehe, trying to impress your partner?"

Cale looked so pretty and feeble that the man couldn't think of anything else than that. To be honest he first thought Cale was a woman.

"Let me through."

"Sure sure, here you go."

Others listened to the conversation and moved away to make space. All of the citizens adored Samantha and they couldn't wait to see the next opponent lose against her.

White Star and Cale moved to the fence and watched the fight that had already started.

The first thing they saw was a man full of muscles and a big axe.

Fighting with an axe, was this allowed? Seemed like this knight was a crazy woman.

Cale was used to seeing crazy people but the White Star who was also a crazy man looked interested in the man.

"He seems to be stupid."

The opponent had a similar aura to Toonka, meaning his brain was probably filled with fighing and nothing else. However, Toonka could use at least some of his brain. Cale doubted this man before he could.

Between him and Samantha, there was quite a distance.

Samantha was holding a classic sword and was fully armored, it was impossible to see her face. Yet her eyes were visible, they had a beautiful silver shine, glittering like the fresh snow on the ground.

Her eyes were fixed on the opponent. You could tell she had only one goal. Making the man surrender.

Her opponent seemed already out of breath yet he was excited.

"Guess I am going to lose again, Samantha."

"Like every year, Heinz."

"It's not the end yet."

"Bring it on."

Cale sighed.

'Both are crazy.'

The world was full of crazy people, even his family he cared about so much was full of them. Even the man next to him who was his supposed enemy was crazy.

Luckily he won't have to deal with the ones before him.

Heinz stomped with his foot as hard as he could and ran towards the knight. He looked strong and scary but White Star knew the man was full of openings.

It was not unnoticed by the knight. She didn't even use her sword. She formed her hand into a fist and slammed it into the stomach of the man. This action made him let go of his axe and fall to the ground.

"Disappointing."

White Star knew he shouldn't expect anything great from the fight, however, seeing such a crushing defeat hindered him from seeing her skills. It made him shake his head, thinking he might not be able to release all his frustration in the upcoming fight.

He forgot how this woman was a simple knight, not even a swordmaster. Still, he didn't mind showing this proud woman how she was nothing compared to him.

Samantha pierced her sword into the ground.

"Who is next?"

Everyone began to look at the White Star while he raised his hand with a stoic face.

She raised her eyebrow at him.

"You? Guess you are a brave one."

The woman laughed loudly while the others also began to chuckle.

"Wanna change clothes, handsome? They look uncomfortable."

"They might be troublesome but that's fine."

Letting go of Cale's hand, the White Star climbed over the fence with ease, leaving Cale behind with a look of disbelief.

Samantha watched every step and had to laugh again.

"Cute partner you have there. Why don't we have a little contest? If you lose I will have your partner for the rest of the festival."

"Hmm?"

Cale was able to feel the anger of the White Star rising. Samantha had chosen the wrong words even when Cale couldn't understand why. He was the enemy of the White Star yet the White Star went with him to a festival and got angered by some small words.

Why bother, when the woman would lose anyway? However, the White Star didn't think so.

"Then when you lose, I will cut off your tongue since you only talk bullshit."

It scared the woman a bit but looking at the White Star again, she chuckled. Samantha was way bigger than him, she always knew the small ones were all bark and no bite.

"You are a cocky one, aren't you?"

"If you keep talking, you won't even notice your loss."

Samantha gasped.

"Ohh, how scary."

She took her sword out of the ground and threw it to the White Star.

"Since you talk so big, you won't mind using my sword."

White Star didn't react to her words. He just glanced at the sword and when he looked up, Samantha was already charging towards him, about to take her sword. A big smile formed on her face, thinking it would be enough to defeat him.

Immediately he took the sword and avoided her attack. The White Star wanted to prolong the fight a bit but it was tempting to crush her in seconds.

"Wow, your boyfriend wasn't just saying empty words."

A stranger next to Cale began to speak to him. Cale was appalled, wondering why this guy was thinking in a such stupid way.

"He is not my boyfriend."

"Oh, I am sorry. I meant husband."

Flabbergasted and at a loss for words, Cale looked at the man.

Husband? Cale didn't even have a relationship back then as Kim Rok Soo nor did he have any crushes.

And the man fighting the knight was not his crush, boyfriend, or husband. The White Star was his enemy, someone he had to kill soon.

Seeing Cale’s expression the stranger began to misunderstand.

"Haaaa…young love. Anyway, I will be rooting for your lover."

'Lover?!'

Cale began to ponder if he should just leave this place yet thinking about it… he would be lost alone in the cold. Cale didn't know where he was and saw no possible ways to escape from White Star without his enemy noticing him

So he continued watching the fight.

The White Star accidentally ripped a bit of his clothes. The sleeve on his left arm was torn apart, but he was not hit by Samantha. His movements should be limited by his clothes but White Star chose to ignore it and this was the result.

"Tsk. These damn cramped clothes."

Samantha used the moment of distraction and swung her sword directly at him. She didn't care if she would hit the White Star critically, it would be his fault for saying big words casually.

However, the White Star parried her sword with his own. Samantha was impressed.

"Nice move, pretty boy."

The White Star didn't think the same way.

He pushed the woman backward by putting some strength in his sword. She backed away which was a smart move, still, she left an opening and the White Star attacked without wasting time.

The White knew how Samantha was aware she could hurt the White Star badly so why couldn’t he return with the same act? His intention however, was not to put all his strength into the attack. It could hurt her but if she was smart and experienced, Samantha could block it.

It would be interesting if she could grow more.

Even now at the festival, White Star would always be searching for people who could become useful. It was a habit and not intentionally planned.

Her reaction was fast. She evaded the attack and tried to counter it, using her leg in hopes to make the White Star fall, a dirty trick, however not every knight fights with honor and class.

A grin appeared on the White Star’s face, she had more than he expected. However he thought he spent enough time playing around, he still needed to cut her silver tongue off.

He avoided her kick and swung his sword with a stronger force, targeting her neck. Samantha noticed his move and tried to block it with her sword. However, as the two swords met, hers broke into pieces.

When the White Star's sword was about to slice her neck open, he stopped beforehand.

The shock hit the knight so hard that she fell onto the ground. Eyes that shimmered like the snow were now lifeless.

The crowd who watched went quiet, for the first time they saw their only knight fall.

Only two began to clap, slowly and as soundlessly as possible. This person was no other than Cale Henituse…the second one however was the opposite, clapping as loud and fast as possible.

"Wow! That was amazing!"

It was the stranger who mistook the White Star and Cale as a couple.

White Star ignored both of them but he still began to blush around the tips of his ears. Only Samantha could see how the cold man turned softer by such a simple act.

However, the adorable yet weird moment soon turned into something horrifying.

"I won so your tongue is mine."

Samantha only could look into his dead eyes and gasp in fear as the White Star raised his sword near her face. With his other hand, he forced her tongue out. She closed her eyes in despair.

But after a few seconds, nothing happened, so she opened them back again to not only see the White Star but also his partner holding the White Star's wrist.

"Crazy bastard, you can’t be planning to do that?"

The White Star lowered his sword.

"What did you think? I always keep my word."

"Fucki-. You won't this time."

"Tsk, fine."

He let go of Samantha and turned towards Cale.

"Still, I want my reward."

Cale didn't know how to react. If this bastard still wanted something why not think of something else and why was he looking at Cale so intensely?

"Why are you looking at me?"

"Soon the festival is over and it will end with a dance. I want you to be my dance partner."

…

…

…

…

…

…

"Huh?!"

It took some time till he processed what the White Star had said to him. Dance with him?

"You planned this, didn't you?"

"That’s the whole reason why I brought you here."

The White Star expected a rejection so he slowly raised his sword again. If he couldn't have his dance then this woman should be punished.

Cale shook his head multiple times and let out a big sigh before he began to speak again.

"Haaaah…okay fine, I will dance with you."

Immediately, the White Star put down his sword, he wanted to hug Cale tightly but decided against it. It wouldn't be in his character so he should keep his composure.

Instead, he once again took Cale's hand.

"I know where it will be held."

It seemed like the White Star planned everything.

_______________________________

Soon, both of them arrived at the huge plaza where people already began to dance. It was full of laughter and smiles. It was a place not suited for Cale or the White Star yet here they were. Both were together even when they were supposedly enemies.

Music played in the background, farther away you could see three different people playing instruments, they also danced a bit to their music.

The White Star gripped Cale's hand more tightly.

"Just follow my lead, I know how to dance."

It sounded like the White Star knew Cale wasn't good at dancing.

With care, the White Star put his hands on Cale's shoulder and the other on his waist. With that he began dancing, making the first steps.

Cale already almost stumbled over White Star's foot. Well, he didn't mind if he stepped on the White Star a few times.

"Do the same movements I do and you should be fine."

What Cale didn’t expect was that the White Star seemed to be fine with Cale stepping on his feet. It took the fun away so Cale listened to his words.

Their steps were slow even when the music played faster; this shared moment was the only important thing. Why should White Star care if they danced not properly?

Their movements soon became synchronized as they danced in circles, and their capes fluttered in the wind.

White Star's eyes were locked on Cale who observed the steps of the White Star with great care while wearing his usual stoic expression.

Soon their bodies moved closer to each other. White Star could feel Cale's warm breath and even his heartbeat, or was it his own? It was fluttering so fast.

Moving closer and closer till there was no space between them, White Star could feel his addiction to Cale's touch, he wanted to feel more. He could see how Cale fit perfectly in his arms as if destiny wanted them together.

The steps became faster and White Star even lifted Cale up a bit in the air. Of course, Cale was surprised, however, White Star just smiled at his reaction.

He could see so many different expressions from Cale which wasn't common. All that the White Star saw before was a stoic face and a sly smile.

Cale looked already beautiful but this look was ethereal. White Star couldn't imagine anyone more beautiful than Cale.

White Star danced with Cale in rhythm with the music. The White Star sank into memories. Memories of how he first heard of Cale, how he thought he would kill Cale immediately if he ever became a thorn in his way.

When Cale became his enemy, the White Star saw him for the first time. He was confused, not only because Cale's time was warped but also because he could feel him. The White Star could feel his warmth and the anticipation to have met someone interesting.

He began to research Cale Henituse and the more the White Star saw Cale the more he felt weird.

It began with simply looking in Cale's direction then his heart skipped a beat with every eye contact. Later he felt heat rising in his body. He shouldn't be able to yet he felt hot.

The White Star began to blush and suddenly he had difficulties looking at Cale since his heart would beat so fast and his lips began to twitch trying to form a bright smile.

Then he realized his feelings.

It took him a while since he never fell in love, not even before he received the curse. However, after reading books and lastly asking Sayeru, everything came together.

He first denied those feelings, saying it was nonsense then he tried to forget them. The White Star gave up after he always got goosebumps when Cale's name was mentioned.

The White Star tried to find ways to get together with Cale Henituse and could only find one.

More circles were spun, and Cale stomped over White Star's foot and began to fall over; however, the White Star caught him at the last moment.

Their faces were closer than ever before and the White Star used this moment.

With the music ending their dance ended with a kiss on their lips.

White Star's hands cupped Cale's cheeks and when the kiss broke apart, White Star smiled at Cale softly with a hint of blush on his face and sparkling eyes.

"Cale Henituse, I love you."

This was the only moment in his life where the White Star felt alive and happy.

______________________________________

Both left the festival without words.

Again White Star was leading Cale by hand. He gripped tightly, not wanting Cale to leave his side.

The young noble just followed him, he knew that White Star won't harm him.

The White Star stopped walking when they were in the middle of a forest. The White Star turned around and looked into Cale's eyes.

"Your friends will appear here soon. They will probably be furious and worried."

Cale raised an eyebrow at White Star's words.

"So you won’t be the one who brings me back?"

White Star shook his head. He looked sad for some reason.

"No, I planned to end everything here…"

"What?"

Cale was ready to draw one of his ancient powers. Was he wrong? Would the White Star try to hurt and kill him after all, and let his friends find his corpse? Was this his plan?

"You have a method to kill me, right, Cale?"

"What are you trying to say?"

Cale didn't understand what was going on.

"Your friends would never accept me and you also won't, right? All the things I have done are unforgiveable. I don't deserve your love or anyone else's love."

The White Star continued.

"I could just take you away and kill your friends but I realized that I want you to be happy and that I can't make you happy. It is more important than my goals…"

"And the only solution to do at least one good deed is for you to kill me once and for all…"

"My only wish was before I die, I want to spend time with you. To know how it feels like to be with you without fighting and hatred."

Even with those sad eyes that didn't lose their shimmer since their dance, White Star smiled gently like before.

Cale looked at his now empty hands before making eye contact. In a whisper he said.

"You are right…"

His words got louder with each word.

"I can never forgive you and my hatred began to grow after you said you would use Raon's heart as a tool to make me a dragonslayer..."

"You said you love me and want me to be happy, but you don't regret your actions nor do you know how much suffering you put into this world.

White Star began to laugh.

"Of course, I don't regret it. I would never have met you if I didn't do all this. I am glad that I got blood on my hands because I was able to see you."

"You are disgusting."

"Anything for you."

He scoffed.

"The world may have suffered because of me but I also have suffered…"

"I don't care."

"I love that about you."

The words White Star said were true. He loved Cale for who he was. He didn't mind listening to Cale's words of how much of a bastard he was.

However, time was ticking.

"Let's end this."

Cale already took hold of his mother's diary, he was able to see White Star's annual rings.

They were of all different sizes and consistency based on the countless bodies he had reincarnated through.

However, all of those numerous circles were captured inside one large circle.

'That must be it.'

This large annual ring contained all those almost disgustingly large amounts of circles.

It was quite large, but it was ripped in multiple places and losing its form.

'It really is a curse, you have…Cale Barrow.'

Cale could feel it now that he could see the annual rings.

The White Star’s largest annual ring would break completely in a few more lives and crumble to the point it will lose its function.

Then the White Star would continue reincarnating without maintaining his identity.

This curse that makes him lose things he cherishes…

The curse from the God of Death would take the one last thing he cherishes in the end.

It would make him lose himself as well.

"It seems like I will be the one who kills and saves you in the end."

"What do you mean?"

White Star's eyes were shaking

He raised the dagger-like tree root in the air and stabbed himself in his heart. Red leaves from the book were surrounding him. The act looked beautiful.

…

…

…

…

…

The White Star who didn't know any of this was beyond shocked.

"CALE!"

"Shut up…I am fine."

Blood was dripping out of Cale's wound, dyeing the snow under his feet red. Cale didn't waste more time and gashed the blood-soaked world tree's root into the White Star while looking into White Star's eyes one last time.

'What is going on?'

Even when Cale made eye contact, it didn't feel like he was looking at the White Star.

The dagger went right into the White Star.

At that moment White Star could feel his world start shaking.

White Star looked down where the dagger was placed….right in the collarbone. An injury that wouldn't leave even a scratch, however, he felt as if something of his was being ripped apart.

He saw nothing but he realized that something was breaking.

All the strength suddenly left his body and his world was still shaking. He lost balance and fell onto the ground, the White Star looked above him…at Cale.

His shaking hand reached for Cale's which was also shaking and full of his blood.

Cale bent down to the White Star, saying only four words in a calm voice.

"This is the end."

Eyes met again.

The White Star couldn't hear Cale's voice, his ears became deaf the moment he realized, the world was separating from him, and he was indeed dying.

This death felt different from the others he faced.

The aura of the God of Death that had been on his body was disappearing.

The power of that curse had been on the White Star’s body through his endless reincarnations. The God of Death’s aura which had been the driving force of his reincarnation was scattering away like smoke.

'Unbelievable…it really ends here.'

He was facing eternal death.

His hand that was holding Cale's hand, he let go and it took every last strength he had to reach Cale's cheek.

"One last time…"

He caressed Cale's cheek and the White Star's head moved closer till no distance was left and their lips met once more.

Cale watched how White Star's eyes lost their shimmer and color. His gaze didn't leave the White Star.

"I rea…ly…don't re….gret…"

He saw how the White Star turned into dust and slowly disappeared, leaving only his mask behind in the snow.

Tears suddenly began to flow.

"Why?"

Cale shouldn't be crying, he shouldn't be sad yet he was.

"You stupid bastard."