Chapter Text
It was like any other day. You were heading to Mydei's cafe, where most of your friends were each morning. It became a regular occurrence to meet here just before the cafe officially opened for the day, for customers. You had agreed to meet Phainon there, and since today was your day off, you decided to pay the cafe a visit. Luckily, it wasn't too far from your apartment, so it took no time at all to get there.
Opening the door, you see several familiar faces. Mydei, who you notice behind the counter, nods to you before returning to what he was doing. Then there was Phainon, whom you heard before you saw him. "Y/N, over here!" he exclaims, his cheerful voice grabbing your attention. Like usual, he was sitting at the table at the window as he often did, saying the sunlit spot reminded him of home. Giving him a quick smile, you sit beside him, being the only chair left, as Castorice, Aglaea, and Cipher had taken the other three chairs. However, it was only when you sat beside him that you noticed the atrocity that was his outfit. Despite how calmly Aglaea was currently drinking her tea, it was evident that she was more upset about Phainon's outfit than you were. Considering her nature when it comes to fashion and being a tailor herself, it came as no surprise that she hated his outfit. Then there was Cipher, who was happily watching from the sidelines, almost waiting for Aglaea to berate Phainon. Castorice, on the other hand, was pretending not to notice, too busy on her tablet, fulfilling commissions as she usually received a lot as an artist. "What's with that look?" Phainon asks you, tilting his head as he looks at you confused, almost like a cute puppy.
You really couldn't tell if he was clueless about how horrific his outfit was, or if he's playing dumb. Glancing at Aglaea, you can see that she's almost screaming at you to tell him off for it, which leaves you to bring it up. "Say, Phainon...I was hoping to do some clothes shopping since it's my day off, how about coming with me?" you ask, your conscience getting the better of you, making you want to avoid hurting his feelings.
Phainon looks at you for a moment before grinning at you happily. "Sounds great," he replies, his joy making you feel a little guilty about making up the lie. You didn't actually have any plans today, but Phainon needed a less questionable outfit. You only hoped that he wouldn't mind if you bought him a few new clothes.
"Oi, Deliverer."
"Do you have to keep calling me that, Mydei?"
Phainon stood up and walked towards the counter to see what Mydei wanted, leaving you wondering about the history behind that odd nickname. "The little prince calls him that because he used to work as a deliveryman, turns out he wasn't very good at it, though," Cipher explains, finding it amusing as she continues to eat her goat's milk honey cakes. There had to be more to it, but you figured Cipher, being the mischievous person she was, would no doubt spin a tale to pull your leg if you continued to ask for more details. Moving your attention elsewhere, you look at Phainon, who was talking to Mydei, and from the looks of it, Mydei was complaining to him as usual. That was when he turned around, his gentle smile turning brighter as he looked at you, waving happily.
Walking over, places one strawberry milkshake onto the table, then holds up a small takeout box and his own strawberry milkshake as if showing it off, clearly having ordered stuff to go. It was the drink that both you and Phainon usually ordered. With it being made of ice cream and topped with cream, it was a favourite of yours to get from the cafe. "I even got us honeycakes since I figured you forgot to eat breakfast again," he mentions, hitting the mark with his guess. Looking at Phainon, you could tell he was excited to go, so you sighed, took the shake and stood up. "We'll be off first, see you around, Castorice, Cipher, Aglaea!" Phainon chimes, waving everyone goodbye as he drags you out of the cafe as if in a hurry.
You would never have thought he would seem so eager to go shopping with you, but at least it made it easier to find him better clothes that weren't so mismatched. Walking alongside him, you continued to talk about everyday things until you finally arrived at the first clothes store. "I forgot to ask, what's with that nickname, Deliverer?" you question, remembering to ask him about it.
Yet Phainon only looks at you, somewhat embarrassed, making you all the more curious about the story behind it. "It's actually how I first met Mydei, back then, he was still the heir to the huge Kremnos company, and I had a job part-time delivering packages..." he mentions, pausing halfway, his face growing pink as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. However, you only looked at him curiously as you sipped your drink, making him continue the story. "It was my first job in the big city...so I wasn't very good at it, after getting his order wrong...several times...he started calling me that," Phainon finishes, glancing at your face to gauge your reaction to the story. You, on the other hand, can't help but laugh at the absurd tale, resulting in him becoming more embarrassed. "Don't tell me you're going to start calling me that now, are you...?" he asks, the pink on his cheeks clear as day.
The expression he was making almost makes you want to ruffle his hair, yet you resisted the urge to mess up his hair since you were in public. "Not when I already have a nickname for you," you answer, browsing through the clothes you had spotted, after dragging Phainon to the men's section of the store. That was when you noticed a plain white t-shirt, which would match with almost anything.
However, you weren't sure of his sizing. Luckily, Aglaea had sent you that information, already knowing his measurements after making an outfit for him in the past. Quickly checking your phone, you take the t-shirt off the rack."You do? What nickname?" he asks, clearly having not remembered. However, before you answer his question, you're already walking to a different part of the store, with Phainon still in tow.
It wasn't long until you spotted the jackets and stopped to browse. "Did you forget, Snowy?" you respond, reminding him of the name you used to call him during your childhood days. Back when you were kids, you would visit his small village during school holidays, one day sneaking into his family's wheat field, where you met him for the first time. You recall dozing beside him after finding him already lying there, staring at the clouds. Despite being scolded by the adults, you later ended up visiting his village many more times afterwards.
"You're still using the nickname you gave me as kids?" he questions, his once curious face turning to embarrassment once more. The reason behind the nickname was that he reminded you of a Samoyed puppy, with white fur, excitable and the cutest faces. You still felt the same, the only difference was how much he had grown; you would no doubt find yourself falling to the ground if he tried tackling you now. "But- We're adults now..." he adds, his words faltering, his face turning a deeper shade of pink. "It's so embarrassing..." he whines, clearly unhappy about the nickname having stuck with him all this time.
You only laugh at his cute reactions, imagining those little puppy ears drooping. "Why change it, when it's so cute," you replied, refusing to stop using the nickname for him, still seeing him as a loveable puppy like you did as a child. After that, Phainon almost looked as if he was sulking, which gave you the chance to pick up several pieces of clothing for him. Yet you stopped on a black t-shirt that clearly clung to the body a little too much. It was enough for you to wonder what such a thing would look like on him; he definitely had the body for it. However, after looking at it for a few moments, you shake your head and turn to Phainon, who still looks like a mopey dog. "Anyway enough talk, try this on!" you encouraged, holding up the several pieces of clothing to Phainon.
That was when he glanced at the clothes before looking at you, confused. "Me? But aren't we shopping for you?" he questions, having now realised you had been looking for him this entire time.
"We can do both, now try it," you insist, as he finally takes the clothing off your hands, looking at what you had picked. "While you're at it, I'm going to look for something, if you can't find me just send me a text alright?" you add, walking off into the women's section. However, before he leaves to try on the clothes, he glances at the black t-shirt you had been looking at moments ago. Checking to see if you're out of sight, he ultimately takes his sizing and heads towards the changing rooms.
Despite having no need for any more clothes, you decided to browse the dresses since summer was around the corner, even though you had no intention of buying anything. However, after looking, you found nothing that particularly called out to you. Which led you to look at swimwear, as you needed something for the upcoming beach party at the end of next month. That was when you spotted something in your favourite colour. Picking it up, you notice that it was a two-piece and question whether this was the style you wanted.
That was when Phainon finally returned. However, instead of returning in his atrocious outfit, he returned with the one you had picked out. "How do I look? I didn't actually go to try it on, I went to pay for it," he states, turning around to show off his new outfit. His new outfit consisted of a white t-shirt, black jeans, and a faded denim jacket. The only thing that didn't change was the black leather choker he always wore and his black shoes. That was when your eyes landed on the bag in his hand, where his other clothes were, making you wish that he would get rid of them. Not that you had the heart to tell him that. "Oh, are you looking at stuff for the beach party?" he asks, suddenly curious about what you were browsing at. Then his eyes soon landed on the swimming costume in your hand, before you tried hiding it behind your back out of embarrassment. Unfortunately for you, he manages to take it off you, holding it up to look at it. "So this is what you were looking at..." Phainon remarked as he glanced at you before handing it back after seeing your annoyed expression. "Sorry, sorry, don't be mad at me," he apologises, a faint pink appearing on his cheeks; not that you noticed.
Putting it back where it was, you look at him, still feeling a little embarrassed. "I'll let you off the hook since you got me that drink," you remark, sighing in defeat as you soon glance around for a one-piece.
Phainn perked up after your response and joined in looking for something for you to wear next month. Yet it wasn't long until something caught his eye, and he disappeared, not that you noticed his short departure. He quickly returns, looking at you all proudly with what he found. Considering his poor choice in attire, you never actually expected him to find something you liked. It was a one-piece and had a bright cyan colour. It wasn't something you could typically go for, but it had a cute style to it. Taking it, you turn it around to check the back, or lack thereof. Phainon, who looked all proud with his find, soon turned flush pink after noticing that it was backless. "W-wait, I didn't know, I swear!" he exclaims, yet his reaction only causes you to laugh, finding his embarrassed reactions cute.
"I figured as much, it's not bad though, I think I'll get it."
"You will?"
"Sure, why not?"
After that, you pay for it, soon stopping off for a break as you both share the strawberry honey cakes together. "How's that new job of yours been going, the one at the antique shop?" you ask, recalling that Phainon had recently started working a new job.
"It's good, the owner, Theodoros, has been showing me how to appraise each item even before I started working there, even teaching me the history behind them occasionally!" he happily chatters away, clearly enthusiastic. You couldn't help but stare at him as he talked about each appraisal he's done, seeing how genuinely happy he was right now. "But practising appraisal requires buying lots of items that might or might not be genuine, perhaps due to my bad luck, I often end up with a whole sack full of fakes..." he mentions, looking disappointed now. Wanting to cheer him up, you end up unconsciously patting him on the head, soon realising what you have just done. He looks at you, surprised, while your face turns pink. Yet he soon cheers up, grinning at you. "Aww, are you trying to make me feel better, don't worry about me, Y/N!" he exclaims, suddenly hugging you.
Due to his height, your face ended up being forced into his neck, and how tightly he was hugging you didn't help at all. "Hey, ease up, you're squishing me, Phainon!" you complain, to no avail, making you give up and let him have this. Sighing in defeat, you softly ruffle his hair until he finally releases you, now having a giant grin on his face. "Seriously, you and those bear hugs," you sighed, looking at Phainon, who still had that idiotic grin on his face. You wanted to complain, to scold him, but that joyful look he had weakened your resolve. "Alright, what should we do next?" you ask, not wanting the day to be over yet, especially since its end would mean work would be closer.
However, before Phainon can answer, his phone rings. Looking at his phone, you notice a faint frown, as he ignores the call and brings his attention back to you, smiling as if nothing had happened. Yet it didn't stop there, until finally Phainon snapped. "I'm sorry, but I have to take this, I'll be just a moment," he apologises, smiling through the anger, as he stands up, soon taking several paces away from you, so that you could no longer hear him speak on the phone. Having his back to you, you couldn't even see what kind of face he was making. But whoever it was on the other side, he had issues with. Despite the curiosity, you decided it was best not to ask about it; if he wanted to talk about it, then you would lend him an ear; if not, then it was his business. The call continued on for a few minutes until he put away his phone and returned to you, looking even more vexed despite his attempts to hide his irritation behind a smile. "I know you wanted to hang out more, but something's come up, I'm really sorry," he mentions, soon looking rather down, as if he was worried about upsetting you.
"There's always next time, but if you're that bothered by it, then buy me ice cream next time," you answer, grinning at him.
Luckily, your response perks him up somewhat. "It's a deal! See you Sunday at noon then!" he exclaims, already running off as he says this, which doesn't give you enough time to respond to his words. Shaking your head, you look at him running off, chuckling to yourself as if you see a tail wagging. His bright and sunny personality certainly had a way of lifting your spirits even when you weren't in a bad mood.
Chapter 2: Days Out
Chapter Text
It was finally the weekend, and today you were off to the arcade with Cipher, Hyacine, Castorice, Mydei and Phainon. It all started when Castorice mentioned new claw machine installations being added. At first, you and Hyacine agreed to come along, then Phainon and Mydei joined in. However, Cipher decided to surprise everyone by being the first to arrive without even mentioning anything. Once everyone had arrived, you all decided to split into two groups. So Cipher, Hyacine, and Castorice went to the claw machines. While you, Phainon and Mydei headed towards the multiplayer arcade machines. The main reason you decided to follow Phainon and Mydei was to prevent them from getting kicked out again for getting too competitive. In other words, it was your job to babysit them; otherwise, they would eventually get banned.
Although even you had to admit it was fun watching their little competitions. You couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement as you watched and waited to see who the victor would be in each contest. Not that you would admit it. Unfortunately, this was one time you had to try and keep the reins in a bit. This time, it was Phainon's usual provocation that started it. It was this kind of behaviour of his that earned him the disaster recipes Mydei cooks up for those who get on his nerves. It was probably one of the first things you were warned about when you first got introduced to everyone at the cafe. However, it seemed Phainon never learned, which is why you occasionally shared your food with him. So you ultimately had to intervene to prevent an escalation. "Why not try a different machine, one that neither of you has experience on?" you suggest, hoping that directing their attention for a moment would help ease things. "If you think about it, you two are always on these racing or shooting games," you add.
The pair of them look at each other before looking at you as if thinking about going along with your suggestion. "Hmph, you better not be trying to propose something absurd," Mydei responds, wary of what you might suggest. Phainon, on the other hand, was fully prepared for whatever challenge you would offer.
"Don't tell me you're chickening out, Mydei."
With that, Mydei was now on board to try whatever you had for them. Sighing, you shook your head at them. They definitely knew how to bring out each other's competitive sides; that much was apparent. That was when an idea came to mind: if you had to keep them under control, you might as well have some fun with it. "How does that machine sound?" you mention, pointing towards the Dance Dance Revolution machine, innocently smiling at them. Luckily, the two of them refused to back down, no matter how absurd the contest was this time. Now you could watch them flail around while they essentially had a dance off.
Yet contrary to your expectations, they weren't doing as bad as you thought they would. They still weren't great at it, though, which still added to your own entertainment. So you watched from the sidelines as their contest continued, until the song was over at last. "How was that for you, Y/N?" Phainon asks, grinning from the victory. Glancing at Mydei, then at Phainon, you knew that there was no stopping these two now. You only hoped that you wouldn't get kicked out with them when it eventually happens.
That was when you received a text from Hyacine, who was asking for reinforcements to win a particular plushie for Castorice. Showing the message to the pair, the three of you decided to join with the others, in hopes of winning something. However, even this turned into yet another competition, only this time you were joining in. Yet it took no time for you to eventually run out of coins to feed into the machine, leading you to watch how Phainon was doing. It was then that you noticed he wasn't even on the claw machine that had that one specific plush inside. "These ones are cute," you comment, popping your head from behind him, startling him.
"You surprised me there, Y/N," he responds, while you were already looking into the machine he was at, not paying much mind to his words. However, it wasn't long until your eyes landed on a cute white puppy plush, the very one Phainon had been trying for all this time. On the other hand, he was watching where your gaze had landed before going back to the machine. "Cute isn't he?" he asks, yet you only give him a simple mhm response, too distracted by the moving machine as Phainon keeps trying.
As time went on, and who knows how many coins were fed into the claw machine, it finally happened. You watched as the plush rose, dangling as if it might fall at any moment, until at last it fell through the hole. Phainon had won. "You got it!" you excitedly cheered, after anxiously watching him fail time and time again. Despite Phainon being the one who prevailed, it felt good seeing him succeed after so many attempts.
As he kneels down to grab it, he glances at you, who is still smiling at his victory. Soon, standing up, he holds it out to you. "You can have it, I don't have the space for him anyway," he lies, not that you saw through it. In actuality, the whole reason he was at a different claw machine than agreed upon was because he wanted to win you something. "I know your apartment doesn't allow pets, so this can be a way of having one," he proposes, his face almost begging you to take it.
Eventually, after some hesitation, you took the plush. "Well...I suppose I have been wanting to own a cute puppy," you answer, still unsure if you should be accepting this after he had tried so hard to get it. Although you had to admit it was adorable, and who were you to refuse something cute? "Alright then, if you don't want him I'm keeping Snowy," you declare, hugging the plush, resting your chin on top of it, smiling. With it somewhat reminding you of Phainon, you couldn't resist teasing him and naming it the same thing as his nickname. Meanwhile, Phainon's mind was now a complete jumble, both taken aback and embarrassed, and now unable to speak.
It was in that moment that Hyacine saw this and decided to take a photograph with her Polaroid camera. Unlike you, who was still oblivious to Phainon's feelings, Hyacine was all too aware, encouraging him and cheering him on from the sidelines. Luckily for him, Mydei also took notice of what she was doing and thus decided to call you over to the machine that he, Castorice and Cipher were at. Now having the chance, Hyacine walked over to Phainon. "You'll get through to her someday," she encourages, sighing at how oblivious you were to all things romance. Yet words alone weren't going to lift his spirits, which is why she handed the photograph she had taken of both of you. "Maybe try a different approach, be straightforward with her," she suggests, knowing that continuously testing the waters when it came to confessing had failed to work all the time for him.
Unfortunately, Phainon wasn't convinced that being direct was right, worried that if he was too direct, it would chase you away. "Thanks, Hyacine," he answers, looking at the photo before stashing it underneath his phone case, hidden away. Seeing that Phainon needed a moment, Hyacine chose to join the rest of you. Sighing, he looks over to you, who was now cheering as Castorice had finally got her hands on the Chimera plush thanks to Mydei. It was moments like these that made him refuse to give up, no matter how hopeless he felt sometimes when it came to you. Seeing that excitable expression on your face, he can't help but smile tenderly as he watches you from afar. However, as soon as he realised the expression on his face, he instinctively covered his mouth with his hand, feeling a little bashful. Yet something soon catches his attention as he spots someone in the distance, noticing that the figure glanced at you before looking back at him, smirking at him, taunting him almost. This caused him to walk towards the person, who was disappearing into the crowd.
It wasn't long after Hyacine had joined you all that you took notice of Phainon's disappearance, looking around to see if you could spot him nearby, but to no avail. Yet you decided not to question it too much, presuming he found something interesting somewhere else in the arcade. As you, Castorice, Cipher and Hyacine talked amongst yourselves, Mydei had received a message from Phainon. A rather cryptic one at that, too. It could barely be considered a proper message since it was a mix of emojis, irritating Mydei, who now had to decipher the nonsense. "Say, Cas, how many out of the twelve Chimera Heirs do you have now?" you question, looking at the red and white Chimera with a flower accessory plush in her arms.
Castorice thinks for a moment, trying to remember the names of each one she had collected. "I believe this makes five," she answers, which shocks you since each one was difficult to find and get. The reason they were so challenging to collect depended on which one you wanted; you had to do a different activity to get it. The one she held in her arms had the name passage. It was a strange name, but in all honesty, they all had bizarre names, just as they had peculiar ways of collecting them. Recalling the time she had entered a quiz competition with Anaxa to earn the Chimera Heir named reason, which was the first-place prize. Cipher was the one who had mysteriously got her hands on trickery for Castorice. Yet still refuses to say how she got it. Then there was Mydei and Phainon, who were maybe a little too eager to join a fighting competition to win the strife Chimera. Finally, there was Hyacine, who entered a kite flying competition to get the sky Chimera for her. Although it was Castorice who had made her kite in the first place, using her favourite keyring design as a basis for the kite. Frankly, you remember being surprised that such a wide-looking white horse with wings would do so well. Considering it was named Little Ica, it was far from little, and the same went for the plushie of it that Hyacine was occasionally seen with. But you did have to admit you sometimes wanted nothing more than to bury your face into the chubby plushie, not that you would confess that openly.
"I do wonder what kind of strange ways they'll come up for people to get the rest of the Chimeras," you comment, only knowing the names of each Chimera since they only announced the method of obtaining them one by one. With the passage Chimera being their newest announcement. Earth, ocean and time seemed self-explanatory to how one might acquire them, but there were more concerning ones like death. But if one did puzzle you the most, it was worldbearing. "Wait, what are we going to do about romance? Because I'm guessing it has something to do with love, so it might involve couples," you mention, trying to guess how to get the next rumoured Chimera to officially release.
"Hmph, just pretend to be a couple then."
The answer seemed too clear now that Mydei had mentioned it, to the point you questioned how it didn't even come to mind. "That reminds me, where is our Deliverer boy?" Cipher asks, making everyone realise that Phainon was yet to return. However, you wondered how the topic of romance and couples led her to be reminded of Phainon, making you wonder if he was secretly in a relationship or something. Making you want to ask him about it, until you realised it was his business and you shouldn't be nosy in private stuff like that. "Heard anything from him, Little Prince?" she questions, looking at Mydei.
That was when Mydei took out his phone. Show the messages; Phainon's message had several emojis yet no words, some of which you had never seen him use, then several of Mydei's responses, which were left unopened. "The only thing he's said is a bunch of cryptic nonsense," he complains, now thinking that Phainon was messing with him again.
Taking Mydei's phone, you carefully look at the string of emojis, trying to think what each one could mean. "Well, the first one is a zodiac emoji, Gemini, but that means twins?" you remark, confused as to why he would use that emoji, especially since you knew Castorice's twin, Polyxia, was currently abroad. However, you were too distracted by Phainon's message to notice the change in Mydei's face at your words, almost as if he had realised something. "I'm guessing the sun is supposed to mean him because of his tattoo, but why'd he use both versions in a row, then a crescent moon, unless it was a typo?" you question, looking to the next ones, which were eyes and a rose emoji, making you think of romance. Which leads you to consider the pair of emojis meant to watch someone he loved. Then there were the wolf and warning sign emojis, making you even more puzzled. "Yeah, I'm just as stumped as you, Mydei," you comment, sighing in defeat as you hand his phone back, just as he receives a new message.
It was Phainon. Mydei reads it, his screen just out of your line of sight, making you wonder what caused him to look irritated but almost uneasy. "Don't worry about that moron, his phone died, so he went home to get his charger, those emojis were just nonsense," Mydei complains, his annoyance evident all over his face. "Clearly, he's too absentminded to even tell anyone before running off!" he adds. Yet at the same time, you couldn't help but feel like you saw a hint of uneasiness in his eyes moments ago. Making you wonder why he would lie, then it hit you, maybe those strings of emojis weren't just gibberish, and he really did just run off to spend time with a possible partner. Not knowing how to feel about that, you eventually made up an excuse to head home. While Mydei left before you, saying he had a bone to pick with Phainon. Since you all met up late afternoon, it was already getting late, which gave you the perfect excuse.
So now you were slowly making your way home, just as the sun set. With one earbud in your ear as you listened to music, you continued through each twist and turn you usually take to return home from the arcade. However, if there was one person you didn't expect to see, it was Phainon, who was not far ahead of you. Yet he was wearing different clothing from what you saw him wearing an hour ago. You didn't even know he owned any black hoodies, unless he went clothes shopping with the mystery rose, as you decided to dub his possible lover. Unfortunately, due to your evolving misunderstanding, you ultimately chose not to call out his name; you went straight home. Yet despite the distance between you and Phainon, you couldn't help but feel he seemed a little taller. However, you chalked it down to different shoes.
Chapter 3: New Moon
Chapter Text
After what happened yesterday, today's plans with Phainon were ultimately cancelled. However, he never really did give you a proper reason as to why. So you ended up at a new cafe since Mydei's cafe was closed during the weekend. Luckily, the weather was great, so you were currently sitting in the outside area, waiting for the drink you had ordered. Yet you couldn't feel a little listless as you leaned back in your chair, staring at the sky. Feeling the warm summer breeze on your skin, you can't help but relax and close your eyes for a moment. It was nice to let time pass without a care, even if you didn't want to waste the entire day, especially since it was yet another workday tomorrow. You continued to lean back in your chair, eyes closed, at least until you felt a shadow suddenly loom over you. Opening your eyes, you see a familiar face. "Phainon?" you question, something feeling off in that smile of his as he leaned over you.
After what felt like minutes, he finally stands up straight, yet still looking down at you. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm his older brother," he answers, his voice deeper than what you expected, especially since you thought this figure before you was Phainon. You could hardly believe how identical he looked to Phainon; if his style wasn't so dissimilar, you wouldn't even be able to tell the difference. This encounter took you off guard that much; you didn't even process the second half of his words, merely staring at him, dumbfounded. A reaction that causes him to chuckle, leading you to soon snap back to reality, quickly sitting up straight. "Surprised are we? I suppose we do look alike being identical twins," he mentions, sitting across the table from you, entertained with your responses.
That was when you finally processed what he had just said. "Wait, twins!? Phainon never mentioned anything about having siblings nevermind an identical twin!" you responded, forgetting to even ask what his name was. "You even have mataching sun tattoos..." you remark, your eyes shifting towards his neck, as the tattoo peeked out of his black hood. Even Cyrene, who had grown up in the same small village, had never once mentioned him. Yet here he was with the exact same tattoo as Phainon.
But now that you think about it, you couldn't recall having any memories of meeting him as children when you visited Phainon's home village during school breaks. Leading you to put up your guard, especially since the way he talked rubbed you the wrong way. He wasn't just mysterious, he almost felt dangerous. That was when you looked directly at him, feeling that there was something off about the look in his eyes, as if the value of life was nonexistent to him. A wolf in sheep's clothing. "You could say we had a bit of a falling out, not long after getting tattoos with Mydeimos as teens," he states, pulling his hood down, and placing the soda can he was holding onto the table. "But I'm surprised you don't remember me, Y/N," he adds, making you unsure how to feel about him calling your name, especially in that sly tone of his. Pretending as if it had no effect on you, knowing that information was far more essential now, especially since he's talking as if he knew you as a child. Unfortunately, he had quickly taken notice of that flicker in your eyes as you briefly widened your eyes as soon as he had spoken your name. Having noticed a slight reaction, he decided to try it once more in hopes of a bigger response. "If you have any questions Y/N, all you need to do is ask me," he remarks, watching you react once more to the sound of him uttering your name.
"First of all, stop saying my name like-"
He tilted his head, playing dumb, while knowing precisely what he was doing; he decided to tease you more. "Like what?" he asks, resting his chin in his hand as he leans his arm on the table, he looks at you rather smugly. You were already getting distracted as he continued to get under your skin, purposely pressing your buttons. "If you'd like, you can call out my name, it's Khaslana if you've forgotten it," he comments, amused by your annoyed yet slightly embarrassed expression.
Before you can say anything, the drink you had long forgotten about finally arrived. Its arrival soon diverted your attention, causing you to look away from Khaslana as you tried the drink. On the other hand, he had shot a quick glance at the waiter who soon made a swift escape into the cafe. Yet it didn't take long for your attention to shift back to him, a frown appearing once more. "Look here, Khaslana, I-" you falter, watching him as he playfully smiles at you, taunting you.
It made it all the more difficult since he had the same face as Phainon, yet had the personality of a sly dog. You couldn't help but feel conflicted being teased by someone who shares the same features as Phainon, whom you always saw as bright and sunny. Then there was Khaslana, who was the opposite, mysterious and borderline intimidating. However, despite that gut feeling, he hadn't actually done anything notably bad towards you and being out in the open, you were sure that it would remain that way. So you ultimately put aside that bad feeling and tried to calm down, refusing to continue giving him what he wanted. "Finished comparing me to my brother?" he questions, having read you like an open book, taking you aback for a moment. He can't help but chuckle at your reaction once again, finding it amusing just how easily you responded to his words and provocations. "You know...it isn't just our personalities that differ," he remarks, as you furrow your eyebrows, not knowing where he was going with this.
"What kind of differences?"
You had to admit you were curious, if even only a small amount. However, you still remained guarded as to where this conversation was going. "The physical kind," Khaslana answers, refusing to elaborate on what he had just said. Having the dirty mind that you had, your thoughts quickly went to some rather explicit differences. "For example, I'm taller," he comments, finally elaborating on his earlier response. You couldn't believe where your mind had just gone, causing you to become embarrassed, your ears soon turning red as you looked away from him. "What's with that face you're making? Don't tell me you were thinking of something else?" he asks, yet your refusal to respond was all the answer he needed. "Sorry to disappoint but I don't know how we differ in that way," he adds, causing you to look at him with a flushed face, knowing exactly what he was referring to, or at least you think you did this time.
Despite how much he was getting under your skin with the jests and provocations, you were far too interested in getting the upper hand than simply walking away, not even realising this was exactly as he had hoped. You weren't used to trying to get the upper hand in a conversation, resulting in you blurt out the first thing that you thought of, the choker around his neck. "Alright then, Khaslana, what's with the collar you're wearing?" you question, trying to be the one to catch him off guard rather than the other way around. "Don't tell me that you-" you stop, pretending to suggest something more, yet refusing to elaborate just as he did with you.
Sadly, this didn't garner the reaction you were hoping for, having the opposite effect instead. Khaslana chuckles, soon moving to the empty chair beside you, leaning closer to your ear. "Why are you hoping to put a leash on me, Y/N?" he whispers, making you realise you had made a mistake with your words. This is far from what you wanted, and you hated how his provocation made you feel. Moving away, he soon leans his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his palm once more, looking at you, amused. He was toying with you at this point. You knew that, but at the same time, you showed no signs of leaving. In fact, it made you want to see just how far he would take his jests; however, you had a sinking feeling that this wasn't something you would win. After a few moments of silence, your phone soon started to ring, causing you to check who exactly was calling you now. It was Phainon.
Glancing at Khaslana, you decided to accept the call, having several questions you wanted to ask. "You've sure got some explaining to do, Phainon," you start, feeling irritated but not particularly because of him, because of the crafty wolf sitting beside you. However, as soon as you say Phainon's name, you notice a faint twitch in Khaslana's playful smile. It was this subtle change in his expression that made you question if you had found what got under his skin. Yet you would test that theory after you finished getting an explanation from Phainon. "What am I talking about? I'm referring to Khaslana-" you state, soon getting interrupted from the other side of the phone. It almost sounded as if he was more concerned with how exactly you came to find out about him rather than giving you an explanation.
Yet before you can respond to his questions, Khaslana takes your phone, placing it against his ear to speak with Phainon. "You know you really shouldn't get all worked up over nothing, little brother," he remarks, the look in his eyes changing somewhat, to something you couldn't even start to describe. That was when he momentarily moved the phone away from his ear, as if knowing Phainon would start yelling.
Getting irritated, you take back your phone, now annoyed with how Phainon was reacting to his own brother, even if you knew the pair of them didn't like each other. But at the same time, this was the first time you had ever seen him so worked up. "I don't know what's with you two, but I refuse to be in the middle of it, so cool off then we can talk, maybe you'll give me an explanation then," you sighed, soon enough ending the call, wanting no part of whatever this brotherly drama was about. But since Phainon was refusing to give you a proper explanation, you thought you would try your luck by asking Khaslana, not that you trusted him all that much, having just met and with his habit of trying to get under your skin.
Glancing at him, he was quietly drinking whatever soda he had on the table, that was until he noticed you looking at him, causing him to place the can back on the table and lick his lips, making you more annoyed at his provocations. "Curious to see what it tastes like?" he asks, as if suggesting something. Once again, your mind went elsewhere, somewhere it shouldn't. "I was going to offer the drink to you, but it seems you have a different method in mind," he teases, knowing that you would misunderstand his offer.
"And what makes you think I would be the kind of person who would do that to someone I just met?"
He chuckles at your words, making you realise you were still falling for each trick he sent your way. "But this isn't our first meeting, you might have forgotten, but to me, you're no stranger," he answers, his amused smile nowhere to be seen, making you lower your guard somewhat. However, you weren't ready to give up trying to get back at him. That's when it hit you, the faint twitching of his face when you had mentioned Phainon's name. Clearly, this was something that would get under his skin, yet at the same time, you didn't want to add fuel to the fire of whatever sibling nonsense they had going on.
Nevertheless, that feeling soon faded when that playful smirk appeared once more. "Well, to me, you are nothing but a stranger; all I remember is Phainon," you respond, seeing that subtle change in his expression once more, confirming that this was, in fact, a way to get your revenge. However, you weren't satisfied; you were determined to see just how far you could take this. Standing up, you look down at him, leaning your hand onto the table. "Don't tell me you're bothered with how close I am to him while I can't even remember you," you chuckled, trying to play it cool while feeling nervous the entire time. Finally, you decided to softly grab onto his hood with both hands, still looking down at him as that smug look was wiped from his face. "Sorry to disappoint, but I much prefer Phainon, he's much cuter," you remark, pulling his hood over his head and soon walking off, satisfied that you were eventually able to get back at him.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of it, like you thought. Unbeknownst to you, Khaslana was not far behind you, lying in wait to strike. Still in a good mood, you softly hum a random tune you had heard recently, taking a shortcut home, making the journey far quieter and faster. However, he never did approach you, having changed his mind and choosing a different tactic. "Just you wait, Y/N," he mutters, watching you enter the building to return to your apartment.
Chapter 4: Intruders
Chapter Text
It was now Friday, and having just finished work, you intended to head straight home. However, just as you finished up and left work, you received a message from Phainon, who was claiming that he would finally explain. Despite being tired from yet another draining day at work, you decided to pay him a visit. Luckily, he lived around the corner from the bar that you worked at, making it a short journey.
However, you weren't expecting to see the state Phainon was in when he opened the door to his apartment. It was clear that he hadn't long since gotten out of the shower. You were only glad he didn't answer the door in just a towel, although the lack of a shirt did bother you to some degree. Not that you would openly admit that. His hair was still wet, and despite only having the bottom half clothed, he still looked like his usual lively self. "Y/N, you got here sooner than I thought you would, come in!" he tells you, stepping aside to let you in. "Sorry to call you here after you just finished work, I'll get us some drinks," he mentions before disappearing into the kitchen, still not bothering to dry off his hair. Sighing, you decided to sit down and wait for him.
As soon as he returns, he hands you the drink you usually liked to have during summer, making you wonder if he enjoyed the same drink even though you've never seen him drink it before. Looking at him with a small towel still around his neck, you decided he couldn't keep walking around like that even if it was warm. "Phainon let me dry off your hair since you won't do it," you offered, placing the drink he had just given you on the table. For a moment, he looks at you, surprised, yet soon enough, he sits on the floor just in front of you without another word. "You didn't have to sit on the floor you know," you comment, thinking it must be uncomfortable for him to sit there.
"It's fine, the least I can do is make things easier for you when you offered to help me."
He had a point; with him being taller than you, it would have been difficult if he were sitting beside you. Seeing no point in arguing, you took the towel from around his shoulders and started to dry off his hair. Despite being the one who offered to do this, you couldn't help but feel a little conscious of how close he was to you, especially since he was only half-dressed. So you tried to ignore it and continued to dry off his hair as much as possible; luckily, it didn't take all that long. "Alright, that should do it, you can get up now," you state, yet he doesn't move from where he is.
Instead, he leans backwards, his back now leaning against your legs, leaving your dress the only thing separating you and him. "Let me stay here a bit longer..." he requests, sounding half asleep. He really did seem tired, so you left him be, at least for now. Seeing him like this was a rare occurrence, and it was enough for you to put aside what you came here for.
After more time passed, you decided he couldn't stay on the floor forever. "Come on, Phainon, you can't stay on the floor, at least sit on the sofa, will you?" you request, hoping he would finally move, which he did luckily. Although he looked like a sad puppy doing it, as if you just told him off. You hated that look he sometimes gave you. That look would always make you feel a little guilty, even if he wasn't doing it on purpose. Sighing in defeat, you decided to place a pillow on your lap and pat it as if to give him an invitation. "Lie down if you're that tired," you suggest, as you place an elbow on the arm of the sofa and rest your chin on your hand, not even checking to see what face he was making. There was a brief silence until you felt Phainon put his head down onto the pillow, now lying on his side, facing away from you. "You don't need to be so tense, you used to do this all the time as kids, so just close your eyes," you insisted, recalling all the times he would do this as a child, when both of you were hiding in the wheat fields. You hear him muttering, but can't make out what he is saying, yet you choose not to mention it. Yet despite your own words, you couldn't help but question if this was a good idea or not, making you place a hand over his eyes, forcing him to shut his eyes. Deciding that it was too late to take back your words, you chose to lean back into the sofa and shut your eyes for just a moment.
However, it was never really just a moment, as you soon drifted off to sleep. On the other hand, Phainon was too nervous to fall asleep, being far too conscious of where his head was resting, even if there was a pillow in between. "Y/N?" he calls out, yet receives no response. He pauses for a moment before removing your hand from his face and sits up to look at you, who was now fast asleep. "Looks like you were more tired than you let on after all," he quietly laughs, softly brushing your hair out of your face, his fingertips lingering on your cheek, until he moves his hand away. Sighing, dissatisfied, he looks at you, not knowing what to do. "Maybe one day I'll find the courage to tell you that I love you..." he mumbles, gently picking you up and moving you to the guest bedroom, where he slowly places you down, careful not to wake you. "Sleep well, Y/N," he expresses, knowing full well you would not answer. He walks into his own room, deciding now is the time to put on a shirt. As soon as he did, he collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Some time passes, and Phainon is still lying there awake, unable to sleep, his mind still a jumble. Groaning, he decides to sit up, glance around the room, before he ultimately heads towards the kitchen for a drink. However, on his way, he noticed something from the corner of his eye as he walked past the room you were currently sleeping in. Freezing up, he turns his head to look through the ajar door. "You know you should really lock your door, you never know who might just walk in, it would be a shame to lose her," a voice utters, causing Phainon to barge into the room, knowing who exactly was sitting beside your sleeping figure. Khaslana. Chuckling, he continues to run his fingers through your hair as you bury your face into the blanket, almost being woken up by the noise. "Careful now, you don't want to wake her do you?" he warns, smirking at Phainon, taunting him.
Nevertheless, Phainon refused to merely stand there and do nothing. Eventually, he forcefully grabbed the scruff of Khaslana's hood. "You have some nerve breaking in," he snarled, ready to punch him in the face at any given time. However, Khaslana was amused by his reaction, not even seeing him as a threat. That was when Phainon forced him to stand up, dragging him away from you and shoving him against a wall. "You better not lay a hand on her," he warns, his grip tightening on Khaslana's hood.
"Hurt her? Never," he answers, sending his fist into Phainon's stomach, forcing Phainon to release him and stumble backwards. "But you, on the other hand, brother, I have no issue with hurting," he chuckles. Running his fingers through his hair, he looks at Phainon, wanting a fight. Wanting to cause bloodshed. However, it was Phainon who looked at Khaslana, as if he wanted to kill him. "Look at you, what would Y/N think if she knew just what lies behind that pathetic puppy act of yours?" Khaslana questions, taunting Phainon, provoking him to attack, knowing full well it would wake you. In fact, he was hoping for it. For you to witness Phainon at his worst. Sending another punch his way, Phainon manages to block using both arms. Yet leaves himself wide open, resulting in Khaslana kicking him in the stomach this time. However, the kick didn't pack much force, only causing Phainon to flinch at the pain. So the pair of them continued to attack each other until finally Phainon managed to put Khaslana into a headlock. Tightening his grip, refusing to let go. However, Khaslana remained unfazed as he slowly struggled to breathe, yet this was precisely what he wanted to happen. Having the slightly larger build, Khaslana managed to force Phainon backwards, loudly slamming him into the wall. Waking you.
Jolting up at the noise, you glance around, still half asleep, and soon take notice of the two figures before you. "What the hell are you two doing!?" you yell out, scrambling out of bed in an attempt to pry them away. However, before you even exit the bed, Phainon finally released his grip at hearing your voice, resulting in Khaslana dropping to his knees, coughing as he tried to breathe. With his face now being covered as he hunches over, he can't help but smirk, feeling as if he had won a small victory this time. "Just what the hell was that Phainon?" you demand. But Phainon fails to answer you, taken aback by your reaction, wanting to explain what happened, but unable to upon seeing your infuriated expression. In the end, all he does is look away, feeling ashamed that you had seen him like this, causing you to become even more annoyed. "Just sit on the sofa, I'll deal with you in a minute," you order, as Phainon looks at you, ready to argue, yet falters when he looks at the face you were making. Defeated, he goes into the living room, leaving you alone with Khaslana, who was still kneeling on the floor. "Get up, I know this started with you," you complain, knowing full well he wasn't invited in and certainly didn't have a key of his own. Meaning he either broke in or barged in when Phainon opened the door.
Khaslana chuckles, knowing that he wasn't going to fool you. He finally stood up, amused, looking down at you, being as tall as he was. "Not nearly as naive and gullible as you were as a child, I see," he comments, making you question just what sort of nonsense you had fallen for as a child that he was referring to. "Curious are we?" he asks, reading you like an open book once more. He leans closer, causing you to step backwards to maintain a certain distance from him, a response that results in him chuckling at you once more. "No need to be so timid, I only wanted to satisfy your curiosity," he states, taking a step closer to you once more, ending in you moving backwards yet again. Unfortunately for you, he quickly takes notice of what you'll soon collide with if you continue to back away from him. Without another word, he continued forward until at last your legs hit the bed, resulting in you falling down, now sitting on the edge of the bed. While he looks at you, amused, he no longer approaches you. Despite your expectations, Khaslana kneels down and pulls his hood down. However, he does something even more unexpected by grabbing your hand and guiding your fingers to softly wrap around his neck, his hand remaining on top of yours. "You might see me as the big bad wolf, but it's you who is in control, my shy lamb," he states, and that was when you finally had enough, yanking your hand away from him.
Unable to think straight, you grabbed onto the closest thing, a pillow and hit him in the face as hard as you could. Yet he did not flinch at the sad excuse of an attack. "Get out, now!" you demand, repeatedly hitting him until he finally stands up, towering over you, making you nervous about what he would do next. Regardless, all he does is stand there, entertained by your embarrassed state, finding it rather cute. After a bit of silence, he shrugs and finally leaves the room, leaving you alone. You didn't know what to do anymore. On one side, there was Phainon, and on the other, there was Khaslana. You had many memories as a child with Phainon and reconnected with him over two years ago. Then there was Khaslana, with whom you can't recall a single childhood memory, and you met him not even a week ago. Yet here you were now questioning your entire relationship with the pair of them. But before you even started to question the future, you had to learn about the past. This meant forcing answers out of Phainon and Khaslana and not getting distracted by whatever nonsense they came up with.
Sighing in annoyance, you stand up, making your way into the living room where you found the pair sitting at opposite ends of the sofa, refusing to look at each other. Frankly, you were expecting them to be at each other's throats again, so you were at least glad that you didn't return to that nonsense. "I want answers, so no fighting and no provocations!" you instruct, folding your arms as they both looked up at you.
"Are you sure you can handle us both, Y/N?"
Now wasn't the time to get distracted, no matter what came out of Khaslana's mouth, or how much your thoughts ran rampant with misunderstandings. You could hardly believe that your mind was even going to the places it was, with not just someone you saw as a stranger, but someone you called your friend since you were children. "Tell me, Phainon, and honestly, is it true that I knew Khaslana when we were kids?" you question, looking at Phainon, yet he looks at you, surprised.
"You mean you really don't remember?"
It was almost as if Phainon had thought this entire time that you recalled everything from your childhood. But with your memory, how could you remember every detail? Things were bound to be forgotten, but an entire person? That was when Khaslana started to chuckle, finding the situation amusing. "You always did have a bad habit of mistaking me for this dipshit," he remarks, making you realise what he meant earlier when he said that you used to be gullible. You questioned just how many times he had played this trick on you. It was enough for you to wonder just how many memories were actually with Khaslana pretending to be Phainon. That was when he tapped his lips a few times, while Phainon had his eyes on you. That little hint was all you needed to confirm a memory you decided to not bring up to Phainon as adults, not since it was just an innocent childhood kiss. It was a good thing that you didn't, since it wasn't him after all. "So you do remember me," Khaslana chuckles, watching your ears turn red with embarrassment, leaving Phainon confused as to what was going on. "Makes you think just how many moments were with me, doesn't it?" he asks, hitting the nail on the head. It was true that you were not only questioning what lies ahead but what lies in the past.
Just how many memories weren't Phainon, and just who was it that you came to have as your very first love?
Chapter 5: Fights
Chapter Text
Three weeks have passed, and since then, you have grown more accustomed to the brothers' antics. Although you did wish Cyrene were here to help you deal with their nonsense. Unfortunately, she wasn't set to return until the beach party. If there's one particular thing that took the longest to get used to, it was Khaslana's habit of breaking and entering whenever he felt like it. Today was such a day, as he seemed to have a routine of doing it on certain days. It got to the point where you had debated on just giving him a key to your apartment, but you decided against it out of spite. However, for some reason, he was nowhere to be seen. The usual hour he likes to waltz in had long since passed, making you question if he had finally given up. At the same time, you had unknowingly been waiting in your apartment as if waiting for his arrival. So to pass the time, you had decided to read the first book you hadn't touched since buying, only to realise it wasn't just any of your regular books. It was similar to the kind of romantic tales Cyrene would recommend to you. Yet, this time there were some especially steamy parts, which is why you hadn't read it until now. Glancing towards the entrance to your apartment, you went ahead, curling up on your sofa, opening the book. Diving straight into the novel, thinking Khaslana was a no-show today.
Unfortunately, after an hour or so, you had become so invested in the book that you failed to notice the arrival of a sly wolf. Quickly taking notice of how you were so focused on what you were reading, having furrowed your eyebrows and having the book close to your face, he takes this as his opportunity to sneak up on you. Due to the open plan layout of your apartment, your sofa was situated in the middle of the living room, making it all too easy for him to sneak around you. However, before he tries to surprise you, he glances at what you are currently reading. Having read a few lines, a new devious plan comes to his mind, and he chooses to tease you while startling you. Now standing right behind you, he places his hands onto the sofa back, soon leaning forward, but just enough to not be noticed just yet. "What do you have there, Y/N? Something interesting enough to not even notice me?" he asks, causing you to slam your book closed with both hands. It was probably the quickest he had seen you turn around to face him, causing him to chuckle, satisfied that his surprise garnered such a strong reaction from you. As soon as you saw that smirk on his face, you knew that he had at least read what you were reading, making your face turn red. "Hoping to get some ideas, are you?" he asks, sitting on the sofa back, as you try to keep the book far away from his prying hands.
"Like hell I am!" you respond, becoming flustered enough to forget all reason and attempt to hit him with the very same book you wanted to keep out of his grasp. Unfortunately, this was a mistake on your part, as he easily grabs your wrist, preventing you from hitting him, allowing him to take the book from your hands. Standing up, he opens the book, flicking through the pages, pretending to look for the same page you were on. That was when you scrambled to seize the book back, leaning on the sofa back, not watching your balance as you desperately tried to claim the book. "Give it back, Khaslana!" you complain, now essentially kneeling on the edge of the sofa, one misstep from falling off. He, on the other hand, had taken notice of how close you were to falling off, and instead of stopping his antics. He chose to use it to his advantage instead.
It was then that he extended his arm into the air to force you to stretch and reach even higher. Not watching your footing, you had removed the hand you had on the sofa to support you in a last-ditch attempt to seize the book, only for it to end in disaster for you. Feeling yourself fall too far forward, you brace yourself to hit the floor, only to feel something else. Khaslana. He had used his body to cushion your fall, which ended up with you now being on top of him as you both lay on the floor. "Having fun face-planting into my chest there?" he teases, not even bothering to move. It was hard to say if you wanted to die of embarrassment then and there or try to hit him again in a fit of rage. Yet all you could do in that moment was clench your fists that were resting on his chest, and keep your face hidden. Unfortunately for you, Khaslana was far from finished teasing you, now slowly wrapping his arms around your waist and sitting up straight, keeping you against him. All the while, you froze up, internally panicking, your face remaining hidden. Smirking, he slowly moves his face towards the side of your face, soon softly blowing into your ear. Having been startled, you flinch, now moving your face away from him and hitting his chest with your fists repeatedly. A reaction that has no effect on him whatsoever.
Seeing that your attempt to make him pay was to no avail, you soon cease your efforts, glaring at him amidst your flustered state. "Let go of me," you demand, unhappy with the current situation you are in, yet for different reasons that you were unwilling to admit to. However, this entire time, you had failed to notice that Khaslana's grip around your waist was loose enough for you to escape at a moment's notice. He, on the other hand, had done this on purpose, holding you just enough to keep you close but loosely enough to allow you to get away from him if you so desired.
It was almost as if there was a gentler side to him behind those empty eyes of his. Not that you, in this moment, noticed such details, having your mind racing from being so flustered. "You say that, but other than hitting me, I don't see you trying to get away from me," he remarks, whispering into your ear, causing you to flinch once more at the sound of his voice being so near and his breath tickling your ear. He had a point. Despite your feeble attacks, not once did you try to scurry away. His words caught you off guard, making you unable to respond, once more, too flustered to utter words. So you merely sat there, mouth open, taken aback. "Is it possible that somewhere deep inside, you want something to happen?" he asks, moving his face away from your ear and directly looking at you. Yet you refused to make eye contact or even give an answer to his question. Instead, you instinctively covered your mouth with your hands, becoming nervous that was precisely what he was after. "Is that what you thought I was after?" he chuckles, making you realise you had fallen for yet another one of his tricks.
With your frustration increasing, it soon outgrows your embarrassment, resulting in you grabbing his collar with both hands. "Just what's your angle here, putting stupid ideas like that into my head?" you question, tightly gripping onto his collar.
Yet instead of getting the answer you wanted, Khaslana decides to keep having his fun. "If you keep yanking like that, then before you know it, a few buttons might break off, or is that what you want, to see my bare chest?" he asks, yet you refused to fall for yet another taunt this time. Seeing that words alone would no longer sway you, he decided to take a slightly different approach. Still making sure that his grip around you wasn't too tight, he gently pulls you in closer. An action that surprises you enough to loosen your grip on his clothing. "Close your eyes, and I'll tell you my angle if you want to know that much," he whispers, making you question what he was trying to achieve this time.
"And why would I?"
"Because you might just get what you want."
Despite how sceptical you were, you decided to shut your eyes, while still clinging to his clothes. There was a brief moment of silence, and you felt no movement from him, causing you to think this was very much a bad idea. The longer the silence persisted, the more you started to think that opening your eyes would be a far better option. After all, you were both sitting on the floor, and you were basically sitting on top of his lap. That was when you started to become overly conscious of his arms wrapped around your waist. However, before you can even attempt to reopen your eyes, you feel him remove one arm from around you to place a hand over your eyes. "So impatient," he remarks, his glove feeling somewhat cool against your face.
You couldn't help but feel there was a hint of uncertainty in that teasing tone of his. It was enough for you to wonder what exactly was causing him to hesitate; it was far from the usual Khaslana behaviour that you knew. "Stop with the games then," you complain. But despite your words, you were curious about the expression he was making, especially since he was so adamant about you keeping your eyes closed. Unless that was another part of whatever game he was playing, which made you feel annoyed thinking about it.
"If you insist, then who am I to refuse?" he responds, as you feel his breath on your face, making you realise just how close he was right now. Yet before you could say another word, you felt something soft press against your lips, startling you enough to grip tightly onto his collar. Despite all of his taunts and his teasing, this was one thing you didn't expect, having come to assume everything he said was a joke or provocation. Yet here he was kissing you, his arm around your waist, slowly moving upwards to your back, supporting you as he leaned forward, and causing you to lean more backwards. You could hardly believe what you were doing right now, and it was even harder to believe that you were starting to enjoy it. But if there was one thing that you knew, you wanted more, even if your reasoning was telling you to stop. Deciding to give in, you released his clothing, starting to slide your hands up his body, and eventually wrapping your arms around his neck. It was that moment that you felt the hand covering your eyes move and find its way back around your waist, with both arms now tightly around you, pulling you as close as possible. As the kissing became deeper and lasted longer, Khaslana soon bit your bottom lip hard enough for you to gasp in surprise, allowing him to slide his tongue into your mouth. It was that moment that you tensed up a little, a reaction that he took notice of almost instantly. After studying your expression for a moment, he soon pulls away from you, knowing that continuing would only cause you to become more nervous.
Khaslana unwraps his arms from around you and cups your face in his hands, making you open your eyes, wondering why he had stopped. "Why did you stop...?" you ask, removing your arms from his neck and placing your hands over his. You could hardly believe how you sounded right now, talking as if you wanted it to continue.
Despite your momentary freeze-up when you felt his tongue enter your mouth, there was a part of you that wanted more. But it was hard to say if you had missed being this close with another person, or if it was Khaslana that you wanted to be like this with. "If we don't stop here, I won't be able to hold back anymore," he answers, his lips now hovering over yours, as if he were going to kiss you once more. Yet that kiss never did come. "You can have all that I am, but before that I want to be the only one in your heart," he whispers, releasing your face and moving his face away from yours. It was then that you started to feel a little guilty, wanting to keep indulging that desire of yours.
It was clear to you that there were still feelings to be sorted out regarding both brothers. The last thing you needed right now was to impulsively act like this. "I'm sorry..." you mutter, as you get off him and sit beside him on the floor.
Yet he chuckles in response to your words, standing up and offering a hand to you. Taking his hand, he helps you to your feet. But as soon as you stand, you feel him wrap one arm around your waist. "Just be ready when I make you fall for me," he whispers into your ear, startling you and causing you to softly frown, a reaction that results in him chuckling once more. "How cute," he teases, clearly enjoying how you looked when you frowned slightly. After removing his arm from around you, he glances around before his gaze returns to you. "I have a feeling you won't be sleeping any time soon, so how does a short walk sound?" he suggests, his suggestion sounding far more tame than his usual ones, making you more inclined to accept, nodding your head in response. "And since I'll be with you, there won't be any danger coming your way," he remarks, confident in his ability to deter delinquents or criminals that were usually found everywhere late at night in the city.
Nevertheless, you couldn't help but worry, and that feeling only grew as the cold air hit you after you finally left the building. "I've been meaning to ask...but what's with the wardrobe change all of a sudden?" you ask, glancing at Khaslana's clothes. It was still his usual dark aesthetic, yet instead of a hoodie, it was a black shirt. His choker had been replaced with a small cloth scarf with a sun motif. It was definitely more formal than you had ever seen him, and more revealing since you could see a bit of his chest since a few buttons were left undone. It almost looked like the kind of style Aglaea creates.
"It's because of this outfit that I was late to see you-"
"You mean breaking and entering-"
"And yet you waited for me," he teases, hitting the mark with his comment. It wasn't intentional, but you had been waiting for him to arrive today. Although the main reason was that he wasn't going to do any snooping while you weren't there. Not that you had caught him doing anything of that sort. Furrowing your eyebrows in annoyance, you found yourself short of any comebacks after that. "But to answer your question, it's that Seamstress's work," he responds, tapping his finger on the black ear accessory he was wearing to grab your attention. "She was so adamant that it wasn't to be worn until that little photoshoot, but how could I resist seeing the look you keep giving me," he remarks, chuckling as you look at him, taken aback, awkwardly coughing after having been caught taking a few glances.
However, if one thing was clear, he wasn't aware of the other models that Aglaea was using. Since you were friends with Aglaea, you were already privy to the information about that photoshoot that would showcase her upcoming line of work. Especially since you were one of the models. The problem was that Phainon was also one of the models, making you question if she knew about Khaslana in the first place or if she happened to come across him. Unfortunately, you knew how badly each other would react to each other, so you decided not to bring it up. Not when it could become next week's problem, and there would be more people to prevent them from attacking each other. It was still hard to believe how the two of them behaved when left to their own devices for too long; they definitely had to be supervised like children when they were together in a room. Sighing at the thought, you glanced at Khaslana, who was looking straight ahead and still seemed satisfied with himself.
However, that distraction caused you to lose your bag to a thief who was now running off. Before you can even react, Khaslana had already run off, chasing after the thief who has your bag. Not knowing what else to do, you decided to try to follow him, which turned out to be a fruitless endeavour as you soon lost sight of him. While trying to catch your breath, a trio of delinquents spots you, now alone, already out of breath. Thinking that tonight couldn't get any worse, you were soon proven wrong as the trio of men approached you, cornering you into an alleyway. The look in their eyes made it all too clear what exactly they wanted from you.
Fortunately, Khaslana had already found you, clutching the bag you had lost moments ago. "You should all leave while I'm being nice," he warns, his expression growing darker the longer the trio ignores his words, continuing to corner you.
"Ha and what can you do against us?" one of them taunts him, clearly interested in what Khaslana had to say. Yet it was then that he snapped, grabbing a fistful of the guy's hair and slamming his face into the wall with as much force as he could.
That was when the other two took his warnings far more seriously. But Khaslana was no longer willing to let any of them go. "Here's your bag," he comments, stepping over the man's unconscious body and handing you your bag before looking at the remaining two men standing. Holding onto your bag, you can't help but slowly move your gaze towards the man who was now slumped on the floor, bleeding, unmoving. Seeing such a scene, you couldn't help but go into a haze, your mind going blank as you soon see Khaslana walk towards the other two men as they slowly backed away. "Look at you both, tails between your legs at the first sight of blood, but it's too late, you went after the wrong person," he laughs, sending a shiver down your spine as you watch him mercilessly thrash both males, who were practically helpless now.
They cried out in pain until their voices soon grew quiet, which snapped you back to reality, unable to watch this unfold any further. "Khaslana, stop!" you yell out, stumbling towards him, soon tugging at his arm as he continued to smash into one of the men's faces, his expression dark and empty. Blood continued to splatter, an iron-like smell hitting your nose. "You're going to kill them at this rate-"
"So?" he responds, finally stopping as he sat atop the now unconscious male. "They deserve this much for daring to hurt you," he adds, unnerving you significantly as he punches the male once more, still unsatisfied with the damage he had already done.
With those words, you recalled the feeling when you first encountered him. The ominous look in his eyes was constantly there, as if he couldn't see the value of life. Sighing, he stands up, unfazed by what he had just done, acting as if it were like any other day. "Are you okay? They didn't hurt you, did they?" he asks, more bothered about you than his own actions or the possible consequences that may follow.
Tonight's events only confirmed the feeling you had weeks ago, yet decided to ignore. Releasing Khaslana's clothing, you stand there, glancing at the scene before you, witnessing just what Khaslana was capable of doing. The blood, the lack of remorse, even if it was thanks to him that you weren't hurt, this was too much. You felt sick, this being your first time witnessing a scene like this unfold before your very eyes. "I-I'm fine, but you-" you stop, hesitating on what you should or shouldn't say. There was no denying that he had just saved you, and he had done all this for your sake. But a thought soon came to mind: if you hadn't insisted on his stopping, would he have continued until all three of them were dead? The first man he attacked still hadn't moved. Was he even unconscious? You felt nauseous, you couldn't even finish that thought. "Khaslana-" you utter, unable to speak your mind as it was racing far too fast for you to articulate what you wanted.
He looks at you, soon cupping your face, a warm liquid still covering the back of his gloves. "Hm, what is it?" he asks, his eyes trailing to his gloves, which were stained with blood. Seeing that a few drips of blood were now on you, he removed his hands from your face, looking dissatisfied that there was now blood on your face. "Forgive me, Y/N, there's a bit of blood on your face," he apologises, more bothered about the fact that there were traces of someone else's blood on you than the amount of bloodshed he had caused.
That was when you finally snapped, trying to push him away but only finding yourself stumbling backwards. "Don't you feel anything after what you just did? You might have helped me, but that was too far!" you shout, your hands trembling. But it was hard to say if the trembling was caused by the shock or the increasing fear of what exactly Khaslana was capable of. "I'll never fall for a person like you," you blurt out, soon running off, clinging to your bag, not looking back even once.
Not knowing where else to go, you went to the first person that came to mind as you ran through the streets, even if you weren't in the mind to make the best judgment right now. It had to be better than returning home, where Khaslana might be waiting.
Finally reaching your intended destination, you knock on the apartment door, dizzy from how far you had run, everything feeling like a blur as you try to catch your breath. You only hoped that the door before you would open. However, that worry disappeared quickly as you heard the dropping of keys and then the rattling of the door being unlocked, and that familiar face appeared. "I know it's late, but-"
Yet before you finish your sentence, he lets you in without another word, as you awkwardly walk into his apartment, still questioning if you should have gone to someone else. "Y/N it's alright, you can tell me about it in the morning," he reassures, looking at you worriedly while you were unable to look him in the eyes. "Your shaking, let me get you a blanket, you must be cold in that outfit," he offers, disappearing into one room and soon returning with a thin blanket, gently draping it over your shoulders.
It was hard to say if you should even tell him the real reason you were shaking, but for tonight, you wanted to forget what you had just watched unfold. "Thanks..." you respond, clutching onto the blanket. Even though Phainon had told you that he was willing to wait until morning to hear your explanation, he couldn't help but have many questions. The faint marks of smudged blood on your cheek, why you were so out of breath when you arrived, that look in your eyes and how you would refuse to look him directly in the eyes. Feeling uneasy, he guided you to the spare bedroom, sitting beside you on the bed, unsure if what you needed was silence, a hug or time alone. "Would it be alright if I were selfish right now...?" you quietly ask, unable to look at Phainon, as you hesitate to request what you were going to ask for.
"Be as selfish as you want, it's okay," he answers softly with no hesitation whatsoever. Even after his reassurance, you continued to hesitate, wondering if you were even allowed to request such a thing from him, not after what you had done this evening. Not with the person he hates the most. "If I can help, then let me help you, please Y/N," he insists, the worry in his voice evident.
It was enough for you to ultimately tell him what you were hesitating to say. "Could- could you stay here with me...?" you request, your voice growing quieter word by word, feeling embarrassed to even be asking for such a thing. That was when your conscience took over, making you regret your words, and soon changing your mind. "A-actually forget what I said-" you try to say, yet stop midway, your face becoming more flushed. Even if he had told you to be as selfish as you wanted with your request, you couldn't believe that you were asking for him to essentially share the same bed as you, simply because you were a little unnerved. You weren't kids anymore; there was no way he would even agree to something like that. Or at least that's what you had convinced yourself.
Without saying another word, you hear Phainon moving as the bedsheets rustle, causing you to finally look at him. To your surprise, he was now lying down, patting the bed to invite you to lie down. Without even questioning your reason to ask for such a thing, he had already decided to stay. In fact, he wanted to stay; your asking was the thing that gave him a valid excuse to do so. After all, he still had his own selfish desires he wasn't willing to speak aloud, at least not yet. Upon seeing that comforting smile of his, he always gave you when he knew there was something wrong, you chose to lie down, facing away from him. "Y/N?" Phainon calls out as you hear the sheets rustling once more, as you hear him inch a little closer to you. "Could you face me for a moment?" he asks, yet there was a part of you that didn't want to, and for two reasons.
Despite the cheerful and lively expressions and look in his eyes, being identical twins, his face reminded you of Khaslana, and he was the last person you needed to be thinking about right now. While the other reason was that you were feeling rather shy, the realisation that you were currently sharing a bed with him was hitting you. "I can't, I'm too...embarrassed, you mumble, and while it was the truth, it wasn't the entire truth.
Phainon is a little taken aback by your words, wondering why you would be feeling shy, especially since you had never seemed bothered when he acted overly affectionate towards you. However, this side of you only made him want to be selfish in his own way. After some indecisiveness, he decided to act cute, something that usually got him what he wanted from you. "Y/N..." he calls out, almost sounding like a dejected puppy, something that you found yourself weak to. It was always during times like this that your conscience got the better of you, not wanting to upset him.
Giving in, you turned around to face him, only to see his dejected expression quickly change to a more content one. However, what you didn't expect was for him to suddenly embrace you, your face now nestled into his chest. "H-hey wait we're not kids anymore, you can't just use me as some sort of pillow to hug!" you argue, your face turning even more red as your heart starts to race.
"But-"
That was when you started to feel him run his fingers through your hair, something that he used to do as kids to help you fall asleep. Yet even now, as an adult, that same motion still had an effect on you. At this point, you had no more fight in you to argue or refuse. "Fine, I give up, you win," you respond, sighing, trying not to become too conscious of his embrace. However, it was too late for that, and his being half-naked didn't help at all. You decided it was best to close your eyes and hopefully fall asleep soon.
On the other hand, Phainon was happy that you indulged his selfish desires, still unable to believe that he was currently holding you like this. However, despite that momentary joy, he still couldn't help but worry about what had led you here in the first place and late at night at that. But with you here, safe with him, he could at least watch over you. "Y/N, if you don't have any plans tomorrow...then maybe you could spend the day with me?" he suggests, trying his luck with spending more time with you. Yet all you gave him in response was a simple 'mhm', too sleepy to give a proper answer. "How does that ice cream I promised a few weeks ago sound?" he asks, yet you give the same response as before.
"Mmm...I'm listening, I promise..." you mutter. However, despite your words, you were slowly drifting off to sleep while listening to his voice. Despite all your initial hesitation and objections to being this close, it didn't take long for you to grow comfortable, feeling safe in his embrace. "I'm glad...I came to you...Phainon," you murmur, soon falling asleep after uttering those words.
Chapter 6: Summer Days
Chapter Text
Morning finally arrived, and Phainon was the first to wake up. At least that was what he believed. Not being ready to leave the bed, you had kept your eyes shut, wanting to sleep a little longer, yet were unable to do so. At some point before Phainon had woken up, you had turned around to face away from him, in an attempt to get comfy and go back to sleep. He moved nearer, after you had increased the distance not long ago and thinking you were still asleep, he took his opportunity to get close to you. That was when you felt his arms wrap around you, as he hugged you from behind, startling you. Despite the initial surprise, you were able to keep up the sleeping act and remained still, questioning what he was doing.
"Y/N..." he mutters, his voice sounding half asleep, but there was also something else to the way he uttered your name. You had almost answered him, not wanting to ignore him. However, the way he sounded made you want to wait and see where this was going. Even if you felt guilty doing this. "I love you, Y/N, I have always loved you..." he whispers, nestling his face into your neck, his breath on your skin. But there was no way you could come clean about being awake now, so you did what you could to keep up the act. However, you couldn't help but react a little, feeling his face against your bare skin, causing him to notice. "Ah, what am I doing right now...I shouldn't be doing this...I'm going to wake her up..." he mumbles, soon moving away from you and sitting up. Luckily, he leans his head backwards, staring at the ceiling, not even noticing the faint pink on your cheeks. So you lay there silent until Phainon had finally left the room.
Burying your face into the pillow, you mentally scream, not even sure what you should do with this information. Yet the more you thought about it, the more everything started to make sense. The way he hugged you, the determination to win that plush, only to give it to you with the excuse he didn't have space for it, when clearly there were tons of spaces in his apartment. Then there was the way he would act like either an excited or dejected puppy based on how you responded to him. You couldn't even begin to imagine how he would possibly react if he were to find out that you had already kissed Khaslana, and rather passionately at that. If it were just one of them who had their eyes set on you, it would be much easier. But this was your reality, and there was no escaping it, as much as you wanted to run from it. Yet if there was one thing you needed to do first, it was to sort out your own feelings regarding the twins. Until then, you planned to pretend you hadn't just heard Phainon's confession.
After a while, you finally sat up and sighed as you hung your head, feeling lost as to what to do. Was it even a good idea to ask for advice from any of your friends? You couldn't say, but deliberating things alone wasn't going to get you anywhere. The question was who exactly was the best choice to ask regarding romance. Cyrene. She was the one who had grown up with both of them, and she seemed to know the most about love. Unfortunately, you wouldn't see her for another few weeks. What made it worse was that she was currently off the grid while she looked for inspiration for her work. Meaning there was no way of contacting her until she returned. Until then, you had decided to act as if you knew nothing about Phainon's feelings. Though when it came to Khaslana, you had no idea how to deal with him during those three weeks, not after what he had done last night. Despite how incomplete your plan was, it was still something, which gave you some sanity regarding the romance mess with the pair. However, whether or not you could stick to that plan was another problem.
Not that you had realised that, as you walked out of the room looking for Phainon. Then you noticed him sitting on the floor, mouth wide open as he sat in front of a fan, trying to cool down. Yet it took him no time to notice you walking towards him, his face lighting up as he smiles at you like an excited puppy. The same expression he had given you many times over, causing you to curse yourself that you were too blind to see the reason behind that smile. Having thought that this entire time, that was something he did with everyone, and that there was no way someone as radiant as him would come to love you. But here he was smiling at you, as if seeing you was reason enough to make that face. Sitting down beside him, you acted as if your reddened face was due to the heat. "Scoot over, Snowy," you told him, leaning your face towards the fan, feeling especially warm now. Yet it wasn't the heat that was getting to you as it was for him.
He groans in embarrassment at the nickname, yet doesn't outright complain about it this time. "Are you going to keep using that nickname?" he asks, clearly unhappy that you still refuse to drop the nickname. However, you couldn't help it, especially now, not when he smiled like that at you.
It was bad enough that you sometimes wanted to ruffle his hair when he looked at you like that. Which reminded you of a memory from when you were a child, making you laugh suddenly at the thought. At hearing your laughter, Phainon tilts his head slightly, looking confused at why you started laughing all of a sudden. "Look on the bright side, Phainon, at least I'm not giving you belly scratches like when we were kids," you comment, his face and ears turning red at being reminded of such an embarrassing memory.
"Please, don't remind me, Y/N..."
His reaction only made you laugh more. "It's not my fault you kept playing the dog when we played house as kids," you respond, thinking back to the many times Phainon got stuck playing the puppy every time you all played house. It was probably the main reason he wanted to play different games, like pretending to be a hero who could defeat any foe. "Okay, okay, Phainon," you reply, emphasising his name, nudging your shoulder against his, softly laughing, having forgotten for just a moment what you had learned not long ago.
"I might as well be wearing puppy ears in your eyes..." he grumbles, dissatisfied with the way you were currently treating him. Now looking like a pouty puppy, you couldn't help but think about what he said, wondering if it was possible to get him to actually wear something like that. And the more you thought about it, the more you wanted to see it happen, causing you to grin at him, clearly wanting to see it happen now. However, Phainon was far from willing to agree to your idea. "I'm not wearing something so embarrassing!" he exclaims, his face and ears red from embarrassment, only adding to how warm he already was.
You start to pout at his insistence on refusing to even give it a chance. "Aw, but you would look so cute," you respond, teasing him, soon unable to resist your urge to ruffle his hair. That was when you noticed the look he was giving you, the kind of look he hadn't given you since you were kids. It was that same look he would give you before tackling you to the floor. "I know that look- don't you dare-" you complained, yet your complaints fell on deaf ears. Just as you try to scurry away, Phainon tackles you, his whole body weight now on you as you lie there on your stomach, unable to get away. "Don't just lie on me, you're heavy!" you protest, seeing no point in struggling to get from underneath him since this was clearly a fight you weren't going to win. "Fine, you win! I'll stop calling you Snowy! Just get off me, you ain't a little kid no more," you complain, soon feeling him get off you as he sits beside you, pleased. Groaning on the floor, you stay where you are for a moment, cussing under your breath at your loss. "Seriously what did they feed you as a teen for you to grow this much...?" you mutter, finally sitting up, looking a little annoyed at Phainon.
"It was probably because I ate a lot," he replies, looking a little bashful now as he rubs the back of his head. "Mom and dad had to spend a lot on food for me," he admits, which got you thinking about his village, and if anything about it had changed since the last time you were there as a child. It had been a long time since you had visited, and it made you want to see the place again.
"How much has the village changed? It feels like it's been forever since I was there."
Phainon leans back, thinking of the place he was born and raised, trying to recall if anything notable had changed since you had last visited. "It's still the same as ever," he answers, glancing at you, who was now enjoying the cold air from the fan, feeling your hair softly sway. "Why not come with me when I next go to visit my parents, they keep asking when you'll visit again," he mentions, hoping that you'll accept his offer.
You didn't really give it much thought, but you didn't have to. "Sure, I've still got a few weeks I can book off work, so just let me know when you plan to go," you respond, still facing the fan, and failing to see Phainon's mini celebration at you agreeing to come along. That was when he noticed how you were still in yesterday's clothes. His first thought was to offer some of his clothes. But he realised he should really walk you home to get a proper change of clothes since his clothes would be too large, and he assumed the offer would only make you uncomfortable. "Oh yeah, Phainon, is it alright if we make a quick stop at my apartment? I could do with a new change of clothes before we head out," you ask, glancing at your clothes.
"Y-yes of course!" he quickly answers, almost too quickly. Turning your head to look at him, you notice a faint pink to his ears, making you question what the sudden bashfulness was about. You look at him with a sceptical look, only for him to glance away, avoiding your gaze. Brushing off his odd behaviour, you stand up, leaving for the guest room to grab your phone that you had forgotten in there.
However, as soon as you grab your phone, you notice several messages from a number you didn't recognise. Opening up the messages you skim through to see who it was, only to feel a little uneasy when you found out who exactly it was. Khaslana. Somehow, he had gotten your number, despite you never telling him your phone number. However, as you read his messages, that uneasiness soon turned to annoyance. It turned out that Mydei was the one who had given him your number. His messages sounded a little different to his usual way of speaking, or at least they sounded less condescending and playful. Which got you thinking he had some help with putting together his apology. So as you read everything, you couldn't help but start to feel a little guilty about how you reacted last night. He clearly had issues, but you could have handled it a little better.
Sighing in annoyance, you realised that clearly there was a conversation that needed to be had, but now was not the time. Still feeling a little bothered, you had responded with a simple text saying, 'I'll deal with you later.' Not long after turning off your phone, it lights up with a new message, but you shove your phone into your bag, ignoring whatever Khaslana had to say.
However, you couldn't help but wonder what it was he responded with, or why he had answered so quickly in the first place. Still deciding that you would deal with him later, you return to find Phainon still sitting on the floor near the fan. That is, until he notices you and stands up, smiling. "Ready to go?" he asks, and upon seeing that smile of his, you can't help but softly smile in return and nod in response to his question. With that, the two of you left his apartment and went straight to yours.
Luckily, there were no intruders in your apartment when you arrived, contrary to your worries during your walk towards your apartment. "Take a drink out of the fridge if you're warm, I stocked up recently, so there should be something that you like in there," you tell Phainon as you walk into your bedroom, glancing around to see that nothing has changed. Frankly, you didn't know what you expected to see; you had only hoped that Khaslana hadn't returned to your apartment after what happened. It was clear that he could break in whenever he felt like it, as he had already proven several times now. Running your fingers through your hair, you throw your bag onto your bed and start to search your closet for something to wear. That was when you noticed the swimsuit that you had hung up, only now realising that the colour of it was the same blue as Phainon's eyes. "Just how did I not notice this entire time..." you mutter to yourself, mentally cussing at yourself for your cluelessness. Now that you thought about it, he really wasn't all that subtle with some of his hints; you were just too blind to see it. Burying your face into the swimsuit, you sigh deeply, soon slowly moving your face out of the clothing to see what you could actually wear, like you were supposed to be doing. After a short existential crisis, you finally got into a different set of clothes.
Taking one deep breath, you leave your bedroom to see Phainon waiting in the living room, with an awfully familiar book in his hands. "Hey, you found my photo album, I knew it was somewhere in the apartment," you comment, leaning on the back of the sofa, as you glance at the photo book. However, Phainon freezes up as if he had been caught doing something he shouldn't have. "What's with that reaction? It's not like I care if you look through there," you told him, soon jumping onto the sofa beside him and leaning over to see the photos. "Actually, I want to look through it too, since you found it, I bet there are photos of us in here somewhere," you grinned, not even realising just how close you were currently sitting to Phainon, your excitement clouding your judgement. Phainon remained silent as the two of you flicked through the pages, too nervous about how close you were right now, despite hiding it very well, not that you were paying attention to his expressions to begin with. That was when your attention was brought to a particular photo that you didn't remember; in fact, there were several that you couldn't recall. "Huh, I don't remember these..." you remark, removing the photo from the album to look at it closely.
It was a photograph of you with both Phainon and Khaslana as kids, all sleeping in the wheat field. With the matching outfits, it was almost eerie just how identical they looked, and them being asleep made it even more difficult to tell them apart in the photo. But it was no wonder you fell for Khaslana's tricks when he pretended to be Phainon as kids. "I remember that day, we were climbing the tree where Cyrene's swing is, then I fell into the pond..." Phainon recalls, looking a little bashful at thinking back to his embarrassing tumble. "Then, while waiting for my clothes to dry, we fell asleep," he adds. "Oh! If you couldn't tell, I'm on the left," he notes, pointing to himself in the picture.
You couldn't tell who was who, not that you would openly admit that to him. "It makes me wonder what other photos I forgot about," you remark, keeping hold of the photo as you flick through more pages with Phainon, as you both recall several memories, until a particular picture comes up. It was a picture of your first kiss, an innocent childhood memory. "I can't believe this was photographed..." you groan, not even realising who exactly it was you were kissing in the photo.
"Hmm, I don't remember this one."
Awkwardly laughing, you look away from Phainon, the realisation only now hitting you of who exactly it was. "That's because...it wasn't-" you answer, your words slowly growing quieter as you feel more embarrassed. "I thought it was you, but apparently that scoundrel was playing the swaparoo stunt on me that day," you sheepishly confess, grabbing the album from him and closing it shut. "But hey, all in the past, right?" you add, standing up and putting it onto your bookcase, where you will be able to find it easily this time. Then you took notice of an empty photo frame you had left on the bookcase, insisting that one day you'll look through the photo album and put something inside it. After looking at the photo you hadn't put back into the album, you decided this could be the one to be on display, soon slotting it into the photo frame and standing it up. However, as you had your back to Phainon, he couldn't help but look at you, surprised. Yet it soon turned to jealousy, despite it happening so long ago.
That was when his thoughts went back to last night's events, making him want to get an answer out of you now. Yet at the same time, he didn't want to bring it up and have that smile on your face disappear. You, on the other hand, were already thinking of giving Phainon an explanation of sorts; he at least deserved that much after last night. Nevertheless, you decided now wasn't the time and turned around to see his gentle expression. "Should we head out then, Y/N?" he asks, to which you nod in response, prompting him to stand up from the sofa. With that, the pair of you left your apartment and headed to one of the new dessert shops that was growing in popularity.
Once you arrived, you noticed the long line, something neither of you wanted to stand in for who knew how long. "Let's just go to that one convenience store that always seems to have those interesting flavours," you suggest, leading you both to walk towards the store you had mentioned. The store, just as always, was quiet, with only one other customer inside. It wasn't that the place wasn't good, it was just a little tricky to find. But they did have some obscure flavours when it came to certain foods and drinks, which you liked about the place. Heading straight for the freezers, you slid the door open, feeling the cold air hit you. "Wow, they got those mocktail popsicles back in, I thought those were discontinued," you comment, taking one of them out of the freezer to show Phainon.
As you put it back, Phainon takes a different flavour out, one that makes you pull a face at how strange it sounded. It was strawberry and balsamic vinegar flavoured, definitely a unique popsicle flavour to try. "What's with that look, it's got strawberry, it can't be that bad," he responds, yet you only gave him a sceptical look, doubtful that it was going to be enjoyable.
"As long as it isn't as bad as that cottage cheese flavour, I still can't believe you got me to try something like that..." you sighed, taking out a lavender and honey popsicle.
After you had both paid for your popsicles, you stood outside in the shade, trying out the flavours you had bought. Yet due to the heat, it wasn't long until they started to slowly melt. Annoyed that some had melted onto your hand, you quickly licked the popsicle before swapping hands, then proceeded to lick the drips that had trickled onto your fingers and returned to the popsicle. However, while you were busy trying to contain the melting, Phainon had his eyes on you, his mind elsewhere as he watched you. It wasn't until you had stopped and put it into your mouth to bite a chunk off that you saw Phainon's reddening face, making you wonder why he was so red. After finishing the piece you had bitten off, you speak up. "What's with that face? Don't tell me you're heating up," you mention, pressing the back of your hand against his forehead. "Hm, you don't feel that warm, you sure you don't need another drink?" you ask, finally removing your hand from his forehead.
"Y-yeah! I'll get some drinks now!" he blurts out, heading back inside the store, making you realise that his face wasn't red from the heat, it was embarrassment. Trying to think of why he would make that face, you realised just what exactly you were doing moments ago, realising that his mind was going off to somewhere a little more explicit. After this realisation, you start to feel your own face become warmer, feeling awkward that you weren't a little more aware of what exactly you were doing.
Luckily, you had a few minutes to calm down until Phainon returned with drinks in hand. Giving you one of them, he opens his can of soda, looking away as he drinks it. Glancing at him, you notice that the red on his face has turned into a soft pink, yet it wasn't long until he took notice of your occasional glances at him. "Do you want to try?" he asks, thinking that was what you were looking at, when in reality it was him you kept trying to sneak glances at.
Deciding it was better to play along, you nod and accept the can from him to try it. It was a much more normal flavour than the popsicle was, and definitely the kind of drink Phainon typically enjoyed. "You really do like strawberry-flavoured stuff, don't you?" you comment, handing him the soda back and finally opening yours. It was impossible to not notice how often he went for strawberry-flavoured sweet treats and drinks. Not when he would routinely order honeycakes with strawberry syrup every time he visited Mydei's cafe. "Oh wait, I think I got some of my lipstick on your can..." you nonchalantly remark, noticing that your lipstick was uneven now. That was when Phainon started to choke on his drink, coughing as he tried to calm down. "H-hey are you okay?" you ask, startled by his reaction, making you think you shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place. But at the same time, you couldn't just let him walk around with some of your smudged lipstick on his lips. "I'm sorry I should have realised it sooner," you apologised, looking guilty because of it.
"I-it's okay, I just- I drank it too fast is all!" he exclaims, trying to come up with the best lie he could, not that you fell for it. If you were still oblivious about his feelings, then you might have, but not anymore. He really wasn't slick with his excuses; you couldn't believe how you didn't take notice sooner. "Is there anything on my lips?" he asks, still looking rather flustered.
There was, but you almost didn't want to tell him; there was a part of you that wanted to play a trick on him. But now wasn't the time. Or at least it wasn't the type of joke that you wanted to do. "Hm, let me see," you mutter, placing your hands on the sides of his face, and giving him a proper look. In doing this, Phainon suddenly freezes up, unsure of what you were up to, but too nervous to remove your hands from his face. "Here, let me help you get it off," you tell him, brushing your thumbs against his lips to remove what lipstick you could. Finally, you removed your hands and stepped back, casually drinking your soda as if nothing had happened, as you leaned against a wall.
On the other hand, Phainon was a mess after what you had just done to him. You pretended not to notice how speechless he looked with his mouth agape as he stared at you. "What was that for!?" he blurts out, taken aback by your mischievous side. Yet you looked at him, acting as if it was a perfectly normal thing to do, when in fact you secretly were dying of embarrassment for doing that.
"Whatever do you mean?" you respond, soon drinking your soda, licking your lips as you feel a bit trickle down your bottom lip. Just as you went to look straight ahead, you noticed that Phainon had squished the can in his hands, most likely due to how taken aback he was. He opens his mouth to speak, but stops before he can say anything, frowning at you as he bites his lip, his face red with embarrassment still.
However, if there was one thing both of you failed to notice, it was a figure who had long since spotted you both and hesitated to approach this entire time. Especially having seen you both so close. Yet it wasn't long until the hooded figure could no longer watch from afar and disappeared.
Chapter 7: Photoshoot Drama
Chapter Text
It was finally the day of the photoshoot that Aglaea had organised, and as soon as you arrived, you knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park. In fact, you knew there was bound to be trouble with who was here today. Not only were there Phainon and Khaslana, whom you had still not had a proper conversation with due to work. Someone had gone and invited Anaxa, and it was well known that he and Aglaea were far from civil with each other. Yet after glancing at Cipher, it became clear who had somehow convinced him to become one of Aglaea's male models. Aglaea had requested the help of six models, requiring three men and three women to showcase some of her works. There was Phainon, Khaslana, and now Anaxa for the male models, and you really couldn't say how two of them ended up with this role in the first place. Phainon, you could understand since Aglaea seems somewhat fond of Phainon, despite his occasional questionable fashion sense. But Khaslana and Anaxa, you definitely couldn't come up with how they ended here today. Other than those three, there was you, Cipher and Tribios, whom Aglaea had personally asked for. Frankly, you had no idea why she had asked for your help and not someone like Hyacine or Casorice.
Sighing, you walked into the studio towards Cipher and Tribios, who were watching Aglaea and Anaxa arguing. "They really do bicker like a married couple sometimes," Tribios comments, leaning her face into her palm, softly laughing as she looks at Aglaea. That was when the pair took notice of you as you waved them hello and stood beside them, watching the chaos with them. "It has been a long time, Y/N you're just in time," she greets, smiling at you. Unfortunately, before you could say anything, you all heard the loud arguing of Phainon and Khaslana, who were basically at each other's throats again as Phainon yanked at Khaslana's silk scarf and Khaslana yanked at Phainon's tie. This soon led to them earning Aglaea's ire as she approached them, seething that they were running the clothes they were to use for the photoshoot. Then you watched as she proceeded to scold the pair, treating them as if they were children, since they were acting like kids. Sighing at their nonsense, you felt unprepared for today, especially since some shots would include you with either one or both of them. "Y/N, if it's not too much trouble, could you help Agy with making those two behave today?" she requests, knowing full well that you didn't want to deal with the pair.
Yet after seeing her clasp her hands together, giving you that pleading smile, you eventually gave in, knowing that you couldn't refuse her. "Alright, for Aglaea," you respond, looking at Phainon and Khaslana, who were still getting chewed out by Aglaea. "And Cipher, before I forget, it was you who decided to invite Anaxa, wasn't it?" you ask, already knowing the answer. Yet she doesn't answer, instead she puts her hands behind her head, mischievously grinning while she looks away, acting as if this wasn't her doing. Considering how much she cared for Aglaea, she sure did have her ways of pulling tricks on her.
Rolling your eyes at her, you headed towards the twins and Aglaea, who had finally finished with her scolding. "Y/N when did you arrive?" Phainon asks, his face lighting up as soon as he notices you walking over. On the other hand, Khaslana was remaining strangely quiet, his eyes elsewhere, his smirk nowhere to be seen.
"That's because you were too busy fighting to notice me," you answer, not impressed with their behaviour. With those words, Phainon looked a little taken aback, not expecting you to react that way, and soon looked like a dejected puppy. "Tribios asked me to help babysit, so please don't worry," you mention, looking at Aglaea, not even caring about how the pair could hear your remark.
Yet she still looked a little unsure as she glanced at Phainon, then at Khaslana, before looking back at you. "Very well, I shall entrust these children to you," she responds, sighing in annoyance. "But first, Phainon, come with me, you're scheduled to be up first," Aglaea adds as he looks at her, surprised, hesitating to leave you with Khaslana, even if there were other people scattered across the studio. "Phainon, now is not the time," she warns, furrowing her eyebrows at him. Phainon was ready to argue with her, something he had never done before, until he glanced at you, seeing how irritated you looked right now, weakening his resolve to protest. Defeated, Phainon follows after Aglaea, leaving you with Khaslana, who was refusing to look at you, his expression dark. It felt unfamiliar seeing him be so quiet, and that sly smirk of his was nowhere to be seen.
Yet you were the one who left him waiting almost a week for a response after you had texted him that you would deal with him later. What came as a surprise to you was that after he responded to that text, he had gone silent, not once trying to break into your apartment or contact you in any way. Pushing whatever thoughts you had about that night to the back of your mind, you walked up to Khaslana, starting to straighten his clothes since they were a little ruffled due to his little spat with Phainon. "You're awfully quiet today, cat got your tongue?" you joke, trying to lighten the mood, but to no avail. Khaslana continues to remain silent, refusing to look at you. After you finish straightening his outfit, you lean to the side, trying to get him to look at you, yet he only looks in the other direction. That was when you went on your tiptoes to try to reach his level.
A mistake when wearing heels. Feeling yourself fall forward, you brace yourself for impact, only to feel an arm wrap around your waist from underneath you, preventing you from hitting the floor. Khaslana helps you back up and is now finally looking at you, yet due to your embarrassment, you couldn't help but avoid making eye contact after trying for several minutes to get him to look at you. "T-thank you," you thanked, not noticing the expression he had as he looked at you. It was usually during times like these that he would take the opportunity to tease you; however, this time, he remained silent. "Give me the silent treatment all you want, I just came to apologise," you began, trailing off as you tried to find the right words to say. "Look, I know you did all that to protect me, it's just...that was a lot to watch happen, I freaked out...I said stuff I didn't mean...I'm sorry, Khaslana," you finish, unable to look at him as you tried to explain yourself, feeling guilty about the way you reacted, even if it was a normal reaction to have in that situation. After a few moments of silence, you decided that he would continue giving you the silent treatment, which led you to begin walking off, but that was until he spoke at last.
"You look good, Y/N."
You were a little taken aback by the compliment, but turned your head to look at him and smiled. "Thanks, and please behave today," you answer, emphasising the please as you walk off back to see how the shoot was proceeding.
Currently, Anaxa was the one in the spotlight, and Phainon was nowhere to be seen. Glancing around the room, you noticed Tribios and Aglaea talking together, and Cipher was also nowhere to be seen, making you question what mischief she was up to now. That was when you felt someone lean against you as they continued to lean back more, stretching their arms out. It was Cipher. "Looking for someone?~" Cipher asks, soon turning around and flinging her arms over your shoulders as she used you as a leaning post. She sighs, clearly bored, most likely because there wasn't as much entertainment as she had hoped, leaving her to annoy you as she continues to slump over you, soon resting her chin on your shoulder. "If you're looking for the Deliverer boy then he's currently-" she goes to say before stopping midway, her expression going from bored to playful. "Actually, let me show you where he is, come on!" she grins, making you wonder what trickery she was up to this time. Yet for once, you decided to go along with it; after all, she looked so happy and excited right now, almost like a content cat. It was times like these, and when she was enjoying her fish dishes, that she really seemed like a cat, causing you to let out a muffled laugh as you covered your mouth thinking about it. However, due to her sensitive ears, she had heard the laughter you tried to hide, causing her to play a far more mischievous trick on you. Finally stopping at a door, she stops dragging you along and smiles innocently at you, as if hinting for you to walk inside. "What are you waiting for?" she asks, trying to act innocent, which is when you start to think that playing along with her prank wasn't a good idea anymore.
However, it was too late. Cipher decided to open the door and push you inside before locking the door behind you. "What are you playing at Cipher, unlock the door now!" you shout, not even noticing Phainon, who was currently changing outfits. Luckily, with your attention being elsewhere right now, he was given just enough time to fully dress himself before you noticed him from the corner of your eye. "Huh, Phainon? So Cipher wasn't lying about you being in here-" you speak, your words trailing off as you notice his taken aback face, making you confused as to why he was looking at you like that. "What's with that face?" you question, your words snapping him back to reality, causing his ears to redden in embarrassment.
"Y-you just surprised me, is all," he answers, walking towards you as he tries to hide his embarrassment at you being moments from having seen him in nothing but his underwear. He didn't even have time to properly button up his shirt. Something that you took notice of rather quickly. "Here let me try the door," Phainon offers, walking up to the door, rattling the doorknob to no avail.
You looked at him as if to say, Really? "I never thought to try the door handle," you sarcastically comment, sighing as you shake your head at him. You had a feeling Cipher would do something like this as soon as she started to smile so innocently at you, yet you still fell into her little trap. Not knowing what to do, you walked over towards the window, but then you realised what floor you were currently on. Clicking your tongue, you turn around to slump against the wall, looking at Phainon, who was still looking at the door.
Phainon sheepishly laughs at your comment, before looking around to see that this really was the only door, and the one window wasn't a good idea, not when you were on the third floor. "Any chance you have your phone on you? Cipher took mine earlier saying she needed it for something..." he asks, looking at you, lost for what to do. It was in that moment that you realised Cipher had planned this before Phainon had disappeared. She knew you would go looking for him as a means to make sure he wasn't picking fights. So you patted your pockets to realise your phone was now missing. Cipher had swiped your phone as she shoved you into the room, leaving both of you unable to call for help. "No luck, huh?" Phainon remarks, sighing in defeat, leaning his head against the door, unsure what to do.
It didn't help that the room was on the smaller side, enough for two people. But it was small enough for both of you to feel a little awkward, especially Phainon, whose heart was beating faster than usual at the thought of being locked in here with you. "I'm sure someone will let us out soon, especially since Aglaea wanted me to get some shots after Khaslana," you comment, sliding down the wall and sitting on the floor, leaning your head back as you stare at the ceiling. Unlike Phainon, you already knew the scheduling for the photoshoot today, meaning once Anaxa and then Khaslana were finished, you were bound to be released. You only looked forward to getting your revenge at the beach party in two weeks. Especially since you had purchased water guns, and Cipher was far from a person who enjoyed the water, unlike Hysilens. The only problem was the waiting game. "Phainon, I can hear you shuffling over there, just sit down, will you?" you sighed, after hearing him figeting near the door for several minutes already. However, after a moment of silence, he finally sits on the floor beside you, his hand accidentally brushing against your dress.
"Ah, s-sorry!"
It was all too clear how on edge he was right now, but you feigned ignorance for the sake of not making him feel more awkward. "Say Phainon, do you remember that time we got locked in that old storage house as kids?" you ask, doing what you could to take his mind off things, or rather, take your mind off the situation. "I still recall you trying to comfort me since I was still afraid of the dark back then," you continue musing about the past. That day, you had insisted on exploring the place, dragging Phainon along with your shenanigans as you played make-believe, pretending to be a grand explorer, searching for treasure, only for the doors to slam shut. Being children back then, neither of you was strong enough to pry the doors open. Not with how large they were, since it was a small barn being reused as a storage place for tools and stacks of hay.
Phainon laughs, thinking back to that day. "How could I forget? I remember panicking, trying to calm you down, so I patted your head to help, but you only cried more after that!" he exclaims, as you both find the whole ordeal funny after all these years. You really were a scardy cat when it came to the dark as a kid, to the point you would follow Phainon around, holding onto the corner of his t-shirt. But now that you really thought about it, with the tricks Khaslana said he played as a child, you wondered if you did the same thing with him, thinking it was Phainon you were clinging to. "But it turns out you just needed to hold my hand," he adds, softly laughing as he reminisces about the past.
Hearing you laugh, Phainon glances at you, softly smiling as he looks at you, finding your laugh cute. It wasn't a notably cute laugh or anything, but it was you, and that was enough for him to smile. You were happy, and he couldn't help but feel that infectious happiness. "We were stuck in there all night, then your mom found us sleeping together in a haystack," you recall, smiling at the memory.
After that, the two of you continued to reminisce until finally Aglaea located you and unlocked the door, letting you both out. However, she was far from impressed by your disappearance. Then her patience was further tested when she noticed the dust and dirt on the back of your dress after you had sat on the floor, the same went for Phainon, the grey standing out on his black pants. "Care to explain why you thought it was a good idea to sit on the floor?" she questions, her subtle expressions clearly showing that she was moments away from scolding you both. Yet you both looked away sheepishly, unsure how to give her a reason that she would be satisfied with. Irritated, she sighs, looking at you both as if she had given up on scolding either of you. "Tidy yourselves before you return, I shall speak to Cifera," she orders before returning to the studio space.
Feeling relieved, you let out a sigh, glancing at Phainon as you both laugh, as you walk towards the studio after Aglaea. Along the way, you both tried to dust off what dirt you could and soon returned. That was when your eyes landed on Cipher, who was grinning upon noticing you. However, you angrily smiled at her, making a finger gun at her, hinting at your plan to get revenge in a fortnight, taking her aback as she gets the hint. During your little telepathic threats to Cipher, you failed to notice the look Phainon was giving you. The look of longing. However, it doesn't last long as his attention is caught by Khaslana, who was just about finished on the studio set, playfully smirking, taunting him as per usual. All the while, you remained oblivious to the upcoming trouble. Aglaea, on the other hand, watched as Khaslana walked towards you and Phainon, who was getting more on edge the closer Khaslana got to you. Knowing that she had to intervene, she decided to alter the schedule to maintain the peace; otherwise, today's plans would quickly become derailed at this point.
"Phainon, Khaslana, a slight change in plans, I now require you both here."
This grabs your attention, who was still frowning at Cipher, especially since Aglaea wasn't usually the type to change her plans at the last minute. However, you can't help but feel a little uneasy, especially since the pair now had to be close enough to pose for the photographs, and for long enough to allow the photographer to take enough shots. You only hoped that Khaslana would finally listen to your request this time, but you felt doubtful that it would be the case. Keeping an eye on the pair as you stood several meters away, furrowing your eyebrows as if telling them to not start anything. Yet contrary to your expectations, things went smoothly, and there were no issues. However, as you continued to watch the pair, you noticed a contrast yet similarities in the outfits Aglaea had tailored for them. Phainon wore a white shirt with a sun motif on the shoulder and black pants, paired with a black tie featuring additional sun motifs. Then there was Khaslana, wearing a black shirt and white pants, with the silk scarf with a small metal sun motif attached to match. The gold being the only colour in their outfits is what really made them look like a matching set. Yet it was clear who had the darker and who had the lighter styles. Phainon's playful smiles and Khaslana's frowns all added to the theme of light and dark, too. And you found yourself unable to look away as you watched them go through the motions as Aglaea directed them.
After the pair was finished, Anaxa was due to return for a trio shot. Yet he never did return after his first initial solo shots, leaving you, Cipher, and then Tribios. One after another, you were finally finished until Phainon was to finish the photoshoot, this time adding a more drenched look. He was left in soaking wet clothes, sitting with one knee up, and resting his arm on his leg. However, it took some time for the photographer to be satisfied with the look, leaving you standing there watching as Khaslana stands beside you. "Don't tell me you're having such thoughts again, Y/N?" he teases you, clearly having returned to his usual antics, something that you had and hadn't missed.
Glaring at him, you grab the end of his scarf, irritated, but also embarrassed. "Oh, I see you finally stopped sulking," you remark, trying to make a jab at him. All the while, Phainon had his gaze on you, unknowingly giving off a solemn look as he watched Khaslana continue pushing your buttons, as he playfully smirked at you. Yet for a brief moment, his eyes looked up to Phainon, and he mouthed something to him before chuckling and looking back at you. It was during these few moments that the photographer had a stroke of inspiration, proceeding to capture the more darker expressions of Phainon.
"Sulking? Now, why would I do that? Maybe I was doing it to grab your attention, it was rather cute how you kept moving around to force yourself into my line of sight," he mentions, chuckling as he watches your face turn from annoyance to surprise. Yet it was all a lie; he was still affected by the way you reacted that night, yet chose to pretend otherwise. "And the way you fell, were you perhaps hoping that I would catch you?" he asks, leaning towards your ear, not even caring about everyone else in the room.
Getting flustered, you instinctively swing your arm upwards at him, but he easily dodges your feeble attack. "Damnit, I guess I was worried for nothing, I'm leaving," you complain, walking off towards Tribios to talk with her since you had had enough of Khaslana's teasing. But he, for even just a second, looked surprised at hearing that you were worried about him, of all people. It almost made him genuinely smile, something he had not done in a very long time. Having long since gotten used to the insincere smirks.
After all, he was afraid that if he were to fully be honest with the kind of person he truly was around you, you would really come to dislike or fear him as many others have before, even when he was but a child. Yet cracks had already started to show, and he could only avoid it for so long.
Chapter 8: Beach Parties
Chapter Text
Somehow, you managed to deal with Phainon and Khaslana's antics long enough to last to the beach party, or beach stay as it had evolved into. Turning from just the one night of fun into a three-day weekend trip. Just as it turned out, the person you were rooming with was Cyrene, the very person you needed to talk to about your little duo dilemma. However, if there was one thing you failed to consider, it was her sometimes playful nature, which is what got you into the little situation you were currently in.
The problem was that it was a three-hour journey to the beach. Since there were so many of you, a slight debate arose about who was driving and who got into whose car. Since Mydei, despite being the youngest, had his license and a car, you went in his, which wasn't the problem. The issue you had was that Cyrene insisted on riding in the front, and you quite literally got stuck between Phainon and Khaslana. However, having hardly got any sleep the night before, you decided to try to deal with it and sleep during the journey, hoping that both of them would at least give you some peace. Luckily for a while, they did. Yet being far too conscious of how close the pair of them were to you, their legs brushing against both of yours, you failed to fall asleep but continued to refuse to open your eyes. After almost two whole hours of being unable to sleep, a particular sly wolf decided to play his usual tricks. Having noticed this entire time that you weren't sleeping, he smirks, moving his face closer to your ear, before he softly blows into it, startling you. "Finished pretending to be asleep?" he asks, chuckling as you place your hand against your ear, glaring at him, embarrassed.
If you weren't in the car, you would have taken full advantage of the fact that you had stashed water guns for this trip and already had a hit list of sorts, with him at the top. "I wasn't pretending, I was trying to sleep!" you assert, knowing that arguing with him was pointless, yet you still couldn't help yourself. "If you were that desperate for my attention then do it like a normal person," you complain, now looking straight ahead, feeling irritable.
That was when you noticed Cyrene in the rearview mirror, looking as if she was finding this fun to watch, quietly laughing until she saw you from the mirror, which caused her to give you a quick, playful wink. It was clear that you were on your own for this, especially since Mydei had more important things to do and needed to focus. Cyrene was showing no signs of lending a helping hand either. "Oh? Struggling to sleep, are we? I wonder why that is?" Khaslana questions, leaning his face closer to yours, knowing full well that his words would lead your mind elsewhere.
However, before you can argue with him, Phainon pulls you closer and glares at Khaslana as if trying to warn him to back off. A provocation that ultimately had the opposite effect and only proved to make Khaslana more determined. "Stop trying to put weird ideas into her head," Phainon cautions, moving his arm in front of you, then wrapping around your shoulders, as if trying to protect you from Khaslana.
However, in the process of causing you to sit more sideways, your legs were forced to become more pressed against Khaslana's legs. Unfortunately, with Phainon's attention elsewhere, he fails to notice. "You say that, but here you are forcing her into a position that means she's even more pressed against us both," Khaslana answers, places his hands onto your legs and guides them to a spot that makes it more comfortable for you to continue sitting like this. "Don't tell me you plan to have her sit on your lap-"
"Enough!" Mydei yells, clearly unable to listen to this nonsense any longer. All the while, Cyrene laughs, having noticed that Phainon was now looking at Mydei, taken aback as if he were expecting Mydei to take his side. "Both of you sit still and keep your hands to yourselves," he orders, keeping his eyes on the road as you could hear him repeatedly tapping one finger on the wheel out of annoyance. After that, the three of you finally sit normally, and you're no longer in the middle of this tug of war. Luckily, you were saved from Khaslana's taunts and teasing, too, meaning Phainon remained silent, side eyeing Khaslana, making sure he wasn't up to anything. With that, the rest of the journey was in silence, as everyone wanted to avoid earning Mydei's ire.
After you had all arrived, you essentially scurried out of the car at your first opportunity to do so. Even without Khaslana's teasing and Phainon's reactions to those provocations, there was still so long that you could deal with being sandwiched between the two of them. So without another word, you fled to the room where Cyrene soon followed you.
As soon as you got to the room you would be staying in, you flopped onto the bed, lying on your stomach and sighed deeply, unsure of what to do. Yet it wasn't long until you heard voices outside the room. It was Cyrene talking to both Khaslana and Phainon, who seemed upset about having to share a room together. However, aside from their occasional bickering, the conversation wasn't loud enough for you to eavesdrop, and you were too tired to get off the bed.
Soon after it grows quiet, the door opens, and you turn your face to the side to see who it was: Cyrene. "Goodness, a pair of cute puppies were so eager to see you after you ran away like that~" she comments, giggling, causing you to bury your face into the sheets, sighing once more. You couldn't tell if she was going to keep teasing you while watching from the sidelines or if she would help you with your romantic endeavours.
"Pair of puppies? Phainon's the only cute one out of those two; Khaslana is definitely more of a sly wolf with the way he talks."
Cyrene laughs at your words, all the while studying your reactions. "Oh?~ So you admit that Phainon is cute?" she asks, resulting in you scrambling to sit up, as you looked at her, taken aback as you basically confessed aloud that you thought of Phainon as cute. It was true, you did think of him in that way, but it still felt embarrassing to openly admit it. Feeling a little annoyed, you flopped back onto the bed, now lying on your back, staring at the ceiling. "Did you know, Khaslana only talks that way around you? You don't see that many smiles or rather smirks from him when you're not around," she notes, sitting on the edge of your bed, facing away from you.
Glancing at her, you start to question how exactly he acted around others when you were absent. You knew so much about Phainon, from his habits to his embarrassing moments. Yet when it came to Khaslana, there were so many unknowns. "Curious are we?" she asks, smiling, now sitting closer, having moved to you while you were deep in thought.
There was no denying it; you wanted to know more. But for whatever reason, when you tried to learn more about Khaslana, he would either evade the question or distract you long enough to forget what you even wanted to ask in the first place. Then a thought came to mind. Khaslana had once told you that he wanted to be the only one that you held in your heart, yet he was the one who continued to keep a certain amount of distance from you. It was almost as if he wanted to avoid showing you the more unsavoury parts of him, the part of him that you reacted so badly to once already. "But what about Phainon?"
"Then how about a helping hand from a cute girl?" she offers, winking at you. It was clear from the expression she had that she had a plan in mind. At this point, you were willing to try anything to figure out your feelings and put a close to this romantic puzzle of yours. You only hoped that this little cupid wouldn't play any tricks while she was at it. "I'll enlist the help of Mydei to distract Phainon so you can have a chance to speak with Khaslana," she states, figuring out how exactly she planned to use Mydei as a distraction. It was well known just how competitive those two got. If Phainon got too absorbed into whatever competition he got dragged into, then you could pester Khaslana with whatever questions you had as much as you wanted without being interrupted. Finally getting off the bed and standing up, you felt a little confident about this plan, since you had the help of Cyrene. Being known as quite the romantic expert, especially since she had made her entire living from writing romantic tales and even played matchmaker for a few of your friends.
With that, the two of you set the plan in motion. Firstly, you had to wait for Cyrene to make her moves before you could do anything, since distracting Phainon was the first step to getting the twins separated. After that, you headed to the beach where you noticed Khaslana sat on the sidelines. While everyone was either busy playing a game of volleyball or relaxing somewhere else.
Glancing at Phainon, who had yet to notice your arrival, you sit beside Khaslana, watching the game unfold as Phainon and Mydei's competitiveness grows. "Trying to get me along, are you? To what do I owe the honour?" he teases, having already seen through Cyrene's little plan, catching you off guard.
However, you came prepared this time. Without even giving Khaslana a glance, you raise the small water gun, aiming at his face and shoot, before spinning it on your index finger, smiling. "I came to settle a score," you answer, pointing the water gun at him and finally looking his way. "Now be a good doggie and answer some questions," you order, trying a new approach to getting what you wanted from him. However, this time, Khaslana decided to play along, wanting to see where you were going with this little brave act of yours and how long it would be until it shattered. "If you desire my heart as you claimed, then you'll have to give me something more than smoke and mirrors," you add, acting as if you were currently holding him at gunpoint with that water gun you continued to keep directing at him.
If those hints Cyrene were anything to go by, then how he was currently acting around you was nothing but a facade. An act hiding the true Khaslana. There was something darker clearly hiding behind those jokes and smirks; that much was clear after witnessing the way he brutally attacked those delinquents. Yet despite that, you were at least willing to give him a chance; all he had to do was stop hiding behind that mask. "Smoke and mirrors, is that what you think I'm doing?" he questions, unwilling to let go of the act he puts on around you. But you weren't ready to give up just yet, so in response, you decided to shoot him once more. However, he only chuckles in response to your actions, which irritates you further, so you shoot him twice more. Unfortunately for you, Khaslana was no longer going to continue playing along and thus seized the gun from your grasp and threw it some distance behind him. "Not so brave now, are we?" he asks, seeing how alarmed we are from his reaction.
Yet this time, rather than fleeing or turning into an embarrassed mess, you doubled down. "Did you think I didn't prepare for that?" you respond, taking out yet another small water gun from your bag that lay beside you, away from Khaslana. "I have plenty to keep going, so are you going to behave now?" you ask, playfully smiling. However, despite your words, you only had one more stashed within your bag. You had only hoped that he wouldn't see through your bluff.
Unfortunately, he was always able to see through you. So in response to your threats, he leans his face closer to yours, smirking, seeing how long it would be until this act of yours would disappear. "Something tells me that you aren't as prepared as you claim," he taunts, continuing his advances until at last you start to retreat somewhat, allowing him the opportunity to seize the water gun in your hand once more. Yet this time, he does not throw it away; instead, he points it at you, directly at your heart. With that, his smirk soon disappears, and he looks directly into your eyes. That was when you were reminded of the expression he wore as he mercilessly beat those men.
But this time, you didn't run, nor did you shy away from the person before you. Instead, you saw something that you didn't see before, and it was enough for you to instinctively place your hands on his cheeks and continue looking into those seemingly empty eyes of his. This was the first time you had caught Khaslana off guard, especially since he had expected you to react badly to this side of him, just like you had in the past. Sadly, being taken aback by your response, he grows uneasy, still unwilling to show you the true him and thus points the water gun at your face before shooting. Feeling irritated, you remove your hands from him and take the final water gun out of your bag to shoot him in response. However, amidst your rush to take it out, you miss his face completely. Against all reasoning, you ultimately decided to throw the gun at him, to which he easily dodges, making you regret your decision very quickly. "I'm not done with you, just you wait!" you complain, standing up and leaving, feeling more frustrated than before.
It wasn't long after that, the volleyball game was finished, and Phainon had quickly taken notice of you walking towards him. "Y/N, you're wearing the swimming costume I helped you pick!" he exclaims, happily running up to you like an excited puppy. Smiling at him, you spun around to show him how it looked on you. However, with the help of Aglaea, it now had some changes. Rather than just a plain cyan swimsuit, it now featured small forget-me-not flower motifs and golden frills here and there, giving it a more cute look.
This was a change that Phainon instantly took notice of. "How do I look? Aglaea helped with the design and modifications," you ask, smiling at him, curious about how he'll react. While it was true Aglaea had a hand in the overall design choice, it was you who picked the flower and colour scheme. Deciding to purposefully pick colours that resembled his eyes, since he was the first one to choose the outfit, due to it being the same blue as his eyes. The reason behind the forget-me-nots wasn't for its romantic meaning but simply because its blue, yellow, and white colours reminded you of Phainon. Although you had always liked the way those cute little flowers looked, it wasn't until recently that they started to remind you of him. "Phainon?" you call out, as he stares at you, taken aback, unsure how to respond.
He ends up covering his mouth, and his eyes slowly shift elsewhere as he is no longer able to look at you. That was when you noticed his red ears, causing you to softly laugh, pleased with his cute reaction. "Y-you look pretty..." he finally answers, embarrassed. "P-pretty great! I meant to say pretty great," he blurts, realising what he had just said moments ago, causing you to laugh at his reaction, causing him to feel more embarrassed. "Please don't make fun of me..." he whines, unhappy with your response to his actions.
However, you couldn't help it, not when you found this side of him cute. "Okay, okay, I won't, just give me your hand a sec," you instruct, holding out your hand, waiting for him to grab it. However, he looks at you hesitantly, worried about what you are up to. Yet after some time passes, you decide to take his hand and begin to tug him along as you walk towards the ocean. "You had your fun during that volleyball game, now it's time you had some fun with me," you demand, not even caring if the second half of your words could be misunderstood, which it was.
After dragging Phainon to go snorkelling, the pair of you finally finished just in time when everyone was ready to start drinking. The part of the day that was favoured by some, especially Hysilens, who was known to be a big heavyweight drinker and a competitive eater on top of that. What was more shocking was how she was able to go straight to diving after drinking so much alcohol as if it was nothing. Unfortunately, Phainon took this as a challenge and decided to challenge her, while also dragging Mydei into it. To say he didn't last long until he was a mumbling mess, barely staying conscious.
On the other hand, Mydei, who was well aware of his limits, decided to stop not long after Phainon was unable to continue. Yet unlike Phainon, Mydei was able to handle his alcohol a lot more than he could, meaning he was tipsy at best. This all happened as you watched on the sidelines, cheering for them all as you ordered drink after drink, the excitement getting to you as you forgot to watch your alcohol intake. "Go Hysilens! Show them whose boss!" you yell, raising your glass in the air, moments before Phainon falls backwards in his chair, causing a loud thud.
He was out cold. "Fucking moron, he should know better than to drink way over his limits," Mydei complains, irritated, as he throws Phainon over his shoulder. "Don't worry about this idiot I'll take him back to our room," he states, carrying Phainon back to the beach house you were all staying at.
Just as the pair of them leave, Khaslana arrives, chuckling at the display as he sits down beside you and places a drink in front of you. "Mydei's being generous by calling him an idiot," he remarks, bringing his own drink to his lips as you look at him from the corner of your eye. However, you decided to let his comment go at least for tonight, not when things were so lively, so you went ahead and started drinking the cocktail he had given you. The night continues on, and so do the drinks, with you ordering one after another, too busy with the atmosphere to pay much attention to your numbing senses as the alcohol slowly has more of an effect on you. "Slow down," Khaslana warns, grabbing the drink from your hands as you weakly frown at him, clearly already long past being tipsy.
Unfortunately, being the sort of drunk that you are, you weren't going to take no as an answer. "Make me," you answer, seizing the cocktail from Khaslana and drinking the rest of it before he can swipe the glass from you once more. Smugly looking at him amidst your drunkenness, you felt as if you had just bested him, yet it didn't stop there. You were far from satisfied. You wanted more, as you struggled to stand up, you headed towards the bar, planning to order more drinks, unaware of your surroundings.
Yet Khaslana soon stood in your way, intending to put a stop to your pursuit of more alcoholic beverages. "I think you've had enough for tonight," he states, refusing to get out of your way. Annoyed, you step to the side to walk around him, only to sway too much and almost fall. Luckily, instead of falling to the floor, you feel yourself hit Khaslana's back. Sighing, he grabs your legs and lifts you up, giving you a piggyback ride. "Party's over for you, it's time for bed," he orders, slowly carrying you towards your room. "Cyrene, I'm taking her back," he calls out, making sure she knows where you were.
With that, the pair of you left the party. However, you were too drunk to realise what was going on and decided to wrap your arms around Khaslana's neck, nuzzling your face into his neck. "You smell nice..." you mutter, drunkenly giggling, clueless about what effects your actions were having. "Wait... which one are you again...?" you question, finally moving your face away from his neck and leaning forward to get a look at his face. Furrowing your eyebrows, you stare at him intently, trying to figure out which twin was currently carrying you. Khaslana chuckles at your drunken state as you try to determine which brother you were staring at.
"Your favourite one."
His response to your question wasn't him claiming to be your favourite; instead, it was him trying to find out who you favoured between him and Phainon. However, you only frowned at him more. "I don't have- wait, I know!" you yell out, having thought of a way to figure out who exactly was carrying you.
Your loud words only prove to hurt Khaslana's ears, causing him to turn his head to look at you, an unfortunate move on his part with the plan you had devised seconds ago. For you had decided to kiss him to figure out which twin you were talking to. Taken aback by your rash actions, Khaslana stops in his tracks, his hands squeezing your thighs that he was holding onto as you drunkenly kissed him, the intoxicating taste of alcohol from your lips hitting him. After you were finally satisfied, you moved your face away from him before resting your chin on his shoulder. "Khaslana, it's you," you murmured, having finally figured out who it was.
"Oh? Is that all you needed to know it was me?" he asks, eventually resuming his walk towards your room. However, you were no longer in a state to respond to his words. "You caught me off guard this time, but not that I mind this kind of surprise," he chuckles, having finally arrived at the room you were staying in. After a bit of struggling, Khaslana got you to bed and glanced at you one more time before leaving the room and shutting the door behind him.
Chapter 9: Hangovers
Chapter Text
After a long night, you finally wake up around noon, a splitting headache being the first thing to greet you. Unfortunately, the hangover wasn't the only thing you woke up to, as the embarrassing display you made last night came flooding in. You could hardly believe how shameless you were, and you no longer wanted to leave the room; you just wanted to hide in a corner, away from Khaslana. But you couldn't do that, hiding from your problems was not the solution, even if you wanted to avoid the issue entirely.
Unfortunately, that desire to hide was thrown out the window as soon as you heard the door to the room open, as an excitable puppy waltzes in. "Y/N! Don't tell me you plan to stay in bed all day!" Phainon exclaims, his loud voice causing you to bury your head underneath the array of pillows and groan in pain. "Huh, are you hungover? I'll get something to help," he offers, disappearing off somewhere, leaving the room to return to silence once more. However, regardless of the quiet, you couldn't help but feel more annoyed at Phainon's lack of hangover despite having gotten blacked out drunk last night. It didn't feel fair that here he was as excitable as usual, and here you were suffering for your actions, even if you knew it wasn't his fault.
Not long after, you hear Phainon return, shutting the door behind him as quietly as he could, so as not to irritate your headache further. That was when you felt him sit on the edge of the bed beside you. Yet despite knowing that he had returned, you refused to reveal your face, keeping the pillows atop your head. "Oh right sorry, the lights," he blurts, standing up, closing the curtains and turning off the lights. After he had done that, he returned to sitting beside you on the edge of the bed, and you felt him slide something underneath the pillows. It was a pair of sunglasses. "These should help with the light sensitivity," he mentions, and for a moment, you refused to move.
Until at last you shifted your hand to grab them, slowly sitting up and putting the sunglasses on. "Thanks..." you mutter, wishing you hadn't drunk so much last night. "Remind me to stay away from the cocktails tonight, I can't have another drunken disaster again," you groaned, taking the bottle of water Phainon had offered you. As soon as you drank the water, you could taste the slight saltiness from the electrolytes, making you frown slightly at the flavour. Yet you knew this would help with your hangover, so you dealt with it, and without thinking, you leaned your head against Phainon's shoulder as you continued to drink. "This reminds me of my first hangover, although I can't remember what happened the night before," you try to recall, your mind drawing a blank as you try to think back to what drunken mess you were back then.
It was just over two years ago, shortly after you had reconnected with Phainon, and it happened to be his twenty-first birthday celebration. Unfortunately, your habit of getting overexcited when it comes to parties and alcohol was the same, if not worse, back then. Frankly, you couldn't remember the majority of the night, which only worried you the more you thought about it. "About that night..." Phainon begins, trailing off with his words, hesitating to tell you what exactly happened. "You were already drunk when Khaslana crashed the party so you thought you were seeing double that night..." he adds, stopping yet again, his hesitance now worrying you considerably as to what chaos you had caused that night.
"Phainon, what did I do?"
At this point, you had moved your head from his shoulder and looked him directly in the eyes, while he was looking elsewhere, looking awkward. "So...to find out who was who, you might have...kissed me?" he finally answers, his face turning pink from embarrassment.
Now you really wanted to hide in a hole somewhere. Not only had you done this to Khaslana last night, you had done the same thing to Phainon two years ago. A repeat offender in a way. Groaning as you bury your face into your hands, you couldn't believe what he had told you, but you knew Phainon wasn't the type to lie about things like this. "No wonder Cyrene kept laughing at me the day after," you lamented, recalling Cyrene's strange behaviour as she refused to tell you what happened and instead gave you vague answers.
"I-it's okay though! You were drunk, I know you wouldn't do that sober!"
Despite his attempts to reassure you, you only felt worse knowing that you had done it again, this time with Khaslana. "Of course I wouldn't! I-I mean, who does that to figure which twin is which!?" you yell, finally removing your hands from your face, to reveal how red it was. "Why didn't you stop me?" you ask, hanging your head in shame as you become unable to look him in the eyes.
Yet before Phainon even responds to your question, it hits you. He must have liked you far longer than you initially thought. That realisation only deepens your guilt for your recent activities. "B-because I like you...?" he awkwardly answers, his words barely audible, yet loud enough for you to make out just what he said.
Unfortunately, due to your hangover, you failed to properly process just what he had said. "Well, I know that, but-!" you exclaim, before stopping and staring at him, mouth agape as the realisation eventually hits you. "Hey, wait a minute! What did you just say?" you ask, surprised at what he had just said, and it wasn't in the past tense he was talking in either.
Yet it was Phainon who was more surprised by your words, his face turning red. "You knew!?" he shouts, unconsciously grabbing onto the sides of your shoulders, shocked at the news that you had already found out. Not that he was being subtle with his feelings at times. "How long have you known?" he questions, noticing how he was gripping onto you and soon releasing you to look away sheepishly. "S-sorry I didn't hurt you did I?" he asks, feeling guilty for grabbing you like that.
Regardless of his actions, your focus was elsewhere, more occupied with the topic at hand. "I only found out because I wasn't actually asleep that one morning!" you answer, ignoring his last question. "I-I was going to say something, but at that point- I didn't know how to bring it up!" you claimed, standing up from the bed and facing away from him, soon pacing around the room. Until you finally stopped in your tracks, the effects of your hangover still had an impact on you. "I mean, what was I supposed to say, oh, hey Phainon, remember when I stayed at yours? Funny thing is I was awake when you whispered in my ear that you love me, seriously just how many times have you done that?" you question, stopping to finally take a breather and drink the water that you had in your hand. You really didn't know what to do in this situation, and you only hoped that it didn't get worse. That being Khaslana.
As if summoning the devil himself, Khaslana barges into the room, glancing at both you and Phainon, quickly catching on to what exactly was going on. "So you do have some guts after all, little brother," he mocks, sneering at Phainon. However, before he walks towards Phainon, you move to stand in his way, not wanting either of them to fight again. Sadly, this wasn't enough to stop the pair. Soon enough, Phainon stood up, now standing behind you, glaring at Khaslana. Yet he only takes his glaring as a challenge. Now smirking, Khaslana walks closer, making you nervous about what he is about to do. Yet you stood your ground. Unfortunately, you quickly regretted that decision. Before you could react, you soon found yourself between them and being as close to them as you were, your nervousness only grew. With Phainon standing behind you as he kept his hands on your shoulders, and Khaslana, who stood in front of you, eventually placed his hands on your waist. "What do you say to sharing her then?" he sarcastically asks, purposefully trying to rile up Phainon. Yet, being in the situation that you were currently in, your mind wanders elsewhere, misunderstanding his words, just as you usually did, unable to pay much attention to the tension between the twins. "Still think you can handle us both, Y/N?" he questions, looking at you as you stare at him, mouth agape, causing him to chuckle, knowing where your mind just went. "Look at you, tensing up like that just because of a simple question," he teases, now completely ignoring Phainon and wholly having his attention on you. But you're still too nervous and too hungover to respond to his words and are left staring at him, even as he lowers his head to whisper into your ear. "Don't tell me you're really imagining taking us both like that, are you?" he whispers, his breath tickling your ear, causing you to instinctively try to move your head away from his, resulting in you pressing your head into Phainon's shoulder.
It was at that point that Phainon intervened, taking a few steps backwards and tugging you along, prying you away from Khaslana, who now looked irritated as he scowled at Phainon. "Cut the crap, Khaslana, share her? She's not some possession, don't decide stuff for her," he barks, shifting to stand in front of you as if shielding you. However, it appeared that the meaning behind Khaslana's remarks completely went over Phainon's head. For that, you were at least glad since it made it easier to hide your own dirty thoughts you had just moments ago.
"Naive little brother, how innocent you are."
At this point, you decided to butt into the conversation before Khaslana says something you would rather he didn't. "Enough! I don't want either of you if you keep acting like this every time I'm with you both!" you yell out, forcing yourself away from Phainon. Yet for once, Khaslana doesn't tease you; instead, he merely watches, waiting to see what you'll do next. "I'm leaving, I need a drink," you complain, walking past Khaslana.
However, before you can reach for the door handle to leave, you hear Khaslana chuckle, amused by your cute fits of anger. "Why are you not sober enough to kiss one of us again?" he asks, emphasising the word kiss, making sure that Phainon had heard him, clearly hoping to put a wedge between you and him and give himself more of a chance.
"Not alcohol, you Ass! And maybe I should punch your face instead next time!" you respond, opening the door before slamming it behind you, storming off. Yet despite your temper, it wasn't solely because of Phainon or even Khaslana's behaviour. It was because of the embarrassment you were currently feeling, still thinking about that moment you were stuck between the pair of them, and you didn't know how you felt about slightly enjoying it. You had only hoped that the pair of them had failed to notice that hint of enjoyment in your eyes.
Moments after you had left, Khaslana began to laugh, unable to control his laughter, a reaction that unnerved Phainon. "Would you look at that," he remarks, his laughter soon dying down, his expression soon turning far darker than what you had seen as he turned to look at Phainon. "You're lucky that seeing you get hurt upsets Y/N; otherwise, I would have happily broken your arm again," he warns, not even seeing Phainon as a threat when it came to a fight. Not when he had yet to lose against Phainon in that regard. However, when it came to earning your affection, he felt far inferior. After all, in his mind, what person would fall for someone as broken as he was? So he sought to beat Phainon using more questionable methods. Tactics he would ensure that you wouldn't find out about, as nothing was off the table when it came to you. He was determined to keep this sly act around you while shielding your eyes from what he was really capable of. "You should watch your back," he warns, just as he opens the door to leave, pausing midway. "It would be a real shame if any accidents happened on this trip," he finishes, finally leaving the room only to run into a familiar face. Cyrene.
She had only returned in search of you, only to find Khaslana leaving the room she was sharing with you. With one look at his irritated expression, she had quickly gathered that you were long gone and Phainon had to be somewhere nearby. "Fighting again, are we?" she asks, sighing, already knowing the answer. "And let me guess, you've upset our cute little Y/N again," she speculates, hitting the mark immediately. Khaslana remains silent, and instead of answering, he pulls his hood over. Yet he didn't need to speak for Cyrene to know what was going on in his head. Smiling at him, she places her hand on his back and urges him to walk alongside her as she begins to walk. Just before Phainon finally emerges from the room, glancing at Khaslana and Cyrene, who were just about turning the corner.
"I know what you're going to say," Khaslana finally speaks, not interested in whatever advice Cyrene had for him. Yet despite his cold tone, he continued to walk alongside her, his annoyance slowly subsiding and his expression going from hostile to deadpan. However, Cyrene did not respond to his words. She merely continued to walk alongside him, soon enough humming a tune to end the silence.
Until at last the pair of them reached the beach where almost everyone was. It didn't take long for Khaslana to spot you, and it was hard not to notice you. Not when you were currently chasing after Cipher with a large water gun in hand, determined to get your revenge for locking you in a room with Phainon. Unfortunately, being as fast and nimble as she was, you had very quickly lost the game of chase. However, after feeling a bit of excitement from the hunt, you soon see a new target. "Looks like she's set her eyes on a lion after losing the little kitty," Cyrene comments, laughing as she watches you shoot Mydei in the back. However, what you didn't notice was the water gun that he had in his hands, making you regret your decision very quickly. Sadly, it was a battle that Mydei claimed a swift victory, forcing you to surrender. "I know you and Phainon don't get along, but do it for Y/N, alright? Who knows if you stop fighting so much, she might stop running away from you both," she advises, leaning forward to look at Khaslana, giving him a quick, playful wink before walking off towards you.
Despite the lack of conversation had, Khaslana no longer felt the urge to cause harm to Phainon, not after seeing how happy you look right now. So he merely remained on the sidelines, watching everyone else have their fun as he sat on the sand. After all, you were happy now, and he didn't want to ruin that. So he continued to sit there alone until a shadow loomed over him, causing him to look at who was standing next to him. "Quit watching her like a dejected dog," Mydei complains. However, Khaslana doesn't respond, choosing to remain silent. Annoyed, Mydei clicks his tongue before sighing out of vexation. "Look, I know you don't have an interest in this kind of stuff or anything for that matter, but if you give it a go, then it might be different this time," he encourages, still being unsure if what he said was the right thing to say to Khaslana. Yet he had said what he wanted to say, so he dropped the water gun in his hands onto the sand beside Khaslana and walked off to join in with everyone else, hoping that his words had an effect.
Yet words alone weren't going to cut it for Khaslana. Not when he had grown accustomed to being like this for so long. So he ignored Mydei's suggestions and remained where he was, soon hearing the whispers of others as they walked past him. Something that only proved to anger him, especially since their conversation was about Khaslana. "Did you see that guy sitting there by himself? He looks kind of hot, but did you see the look in his eyes?" one of the passerbys says in a hushed tone, thinking that Khaslana had heard nothing of what they said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he's even killed a guy," the other person adds, as they walked past Khaslana and eventually left the beach entirely. At this point, Khaslana was used to hearing these types of whispers about him. Yet, being in the kind of mood he was in currently, the comments got under his skin and with no one to watch his behaviour, he was as close as ever to letting his destructive tendencies out. However, seeing you in the distance, he clung to what little rationality he had, knowing that if he gave in to that violent outburst, it would only end poorly.
Unfortunately, that patience soon disappeared, and with that, he too disappeared from the beach.
All the while, you were blissfully unaware of Khaslana's doings, too busy enjoying yourself as you sat underneath the parasol beside a resting Aglaea. Currently, you are attempting to reapply a new layer of suncream and struggle to reach your back, making you question why you decided to wear a backless swimsuit in the first place. "Need a hand, Y/N?" a voice offers, causing you to look upwards and see Phainon standing there, and you look at him skeptically at first. As he awkwardly rubs the back of his head, you sigh in defeat and hold out the bottle of suncream to him, to which he happily takes it and sits behind you. You glanced at Aglaea, who was paying no mind to the pair of you, and then flinched a little as soon as you felt the cold suncream being applied to your back. "S-sorry, I didn't startle you did I?" Phainon asks, still worried that you were still upset with him from earlier.
However, it wasn't just the coldness of it that surprised you; it was the feeling of his hands being pressed against your back. "It's just- I didn't expect it to feel so cold," you answer, your face growing warmer. Frowning a little, you start to wonder if it would have been a better idea to have someone else help you because you were far too conscious of his touch. Luckily, it was over before you knew it, and Phainon shuffles to sit beside you, looking content while you weakly frowned from embarrassment. "I feel like you enjoyed that a little too much," you remark, your comment catching him off guard.
"W-would you look at that I think Cyrene is calling for me!"
Phainon makes a quick escape, blurting out whatever excuse he could think of to leave. Yet you could clearly see that Cyrene was currently busy enjoying the waters with Hyacine and Castorice. "It would seem that he is still inept at lying and hiding his true feelings," Aglaea comments, clearly awake, unlike what you initially thought. There was plenty of truth behind her words, though.
When it came to Phainon, he was like an open book most of the time, unlike a particular sly wolf. Which got you thinking. You hadn't seen Khaslana since you had rushed out of your room hours ago, making you wonder where he was. After a moment of pause, you decided to take your phone out of your bag and send him a message. You wanted to believe that his disappearance was nothing to concern yourself over, yet you couldn't help but worry. Not when it was Khaslana, whom you already had a warped opinion of. As much as you tried to ignore it, that dead look in his eyes that he constantly had caused you to stress about what exactly he was capable of when found in a foul mood. So after opening your messages, you stare at the screen for a while, deliberating what exactly to say. On one hand, you didn't want to presume he was up to no good simply because he was nowhere to be seen, and on the other hand, you didn't want to sound like you were missing him. You knew that, depending on what you wrote, he would either tease you or take offence. After ruffling your hair while being at a loss for what to do, you decided being teased was a better outcome than angering him.
[Hey Wolfie, where are you hiding?]
With that, you had finally sent the message after typing and deleting the text several times, going for a more playful approach to conceal the lingering anxieties you had. However, you sit there for several minutes and receive no response. Sighing, you hang your head, feeling stupid for going for that nickname instead of using his actual name. Yet it was already too late to delete the text and send a different message, as you soon hear your phone ping from a message notification. You freeze up a little before lifting up your head to see that the notification was indeed from Khaslana. After some hesitation, you open up your messages to see his response.
[Using nicknames now, are we? I like it, it's very you.]
[Maybe I should start calling you Little Red, since you seem to love scurrying away from me.]
Now you really wish that you had sent a different message. You couldn't tell if Khaslana was teasing you or trying to make you feel guilty about how you reacted to him after that incident. But despite how annoyed you were feeling with his response, you still wanted to see if that unease you had was unfounded or not.
[I was going to ask you if you wanted to explore the area with me, but I think I might do it alone after that.]
Trying to play it cool, you acted as if you were no longer interested, hoping the reverse psychology would have an effect on him. Unfortunately, after that message, you were met with silence for some time. So once again, you're sitting looking at your phone, wondering why exactly you were doing this and if this was a bad idea after all. Groaning out of frustration, you flop onto the sand, closing your eyes as you lie there for some time. It wasn't until much longer that you heard your phone go off, making you sit up and see what it was.
[Trying to get me alone, are we? Alright, I'll bite.]
Grumbling at his response, you frown at the screen, too distracted to pay much mind to your surroundings. That distraction is what allowed Khaslana to sneak up behind you, having long since noticed you lying on the sand. Just as you were busy typing away, he crouched down behind you, thinking about how fun your reaction would be to his sudden appearance. With you wearing a backless swimsuit, he knew exactly how to surprise you. By ever so softly dragging his fingertips down your back. This causes you to shriek in surprise as you scramble to turn around, dropping your phone in the process. "And what got you so distracted?" he asks, smirking, clearly enjoying your reaction as you glared at him, your face red from embarrassment. That was when he noticed your phone and decided to pick it up, glancing at the screen. "Maybe I am," he reads out, looking at the unsent message you were about to rewrite before he scared you. It took a few moments for him to shift his eyes from your phone before he looked at you, almost appearing taken aback by what he had just read aloud. It was the first time he looked genuinely surprised, even if his eyes were only ever so slightly widened. Yet it didn't take long for him to start smirking at you as usual. "To think that I almost didn't see this message, you really are something you know that?" he remarks, just as you snatch your phone back and shove it into your bag. Annoyed, you grab your bag and stand up, refusing to look in his direction as he sat there looking up at you with that irritating smirk of his.
Khaslana half expected you to change your mind and leave him behind. But just as you stepped past him, you stopped as if waiting. "Aglaea, sorry for the noise," you apologise, glancing at her from the corner of your eye. While she didn't answer, you knew that she had heard you. Then you turned around to look at Khaslana leaning forward, so your head was above him as you looked down at him. "Well, are you coming or not?" you ask, your eyebrows slightly furrowed and ears red. Khaslana chuckles before standing up, and that was when you glanced at his outfit. "What's with the sudden outfit change? Finally decided that a white hoodie wasn't doing you any favours in this heat?" you question, looking at the open blue shirt he was now wearing. He had even ditched the choker he usually wore, his tattoo now on show. But the one thing about his change in attire was the brightly coloured yellow sunglasses that were resting on his head. "Wait, are those the limited edition Chimera sunglasses?" you ask, looking at him, surprised as you walk alongside him, making your way off the beach. "And that necklace it looks familiar," you note, looking at the little blue and golden charm at the end of the chain. The golden symbol almost resembled a halo with twelve points and a four-pointed star at its centre.
"They are indeed, you could say I'm borrowing them right now and the necklace-"
"Wait, I know! It's those Core necklaces that are shaped like flames and come with which ever Chimera Heir you get!" you exclaim, interrupting him. Yet out of the five symbols you had seen so far, this was a new one you hadn't seen before. Too absorbed with the necklace, you failed to notice where exactly you were staring: his chest.
He chuckles, grabbing your attention and causing you to look at him, confused as to why he was laughing at you this time. "Curious in the necklace, or are you really just using it as an excuse to stare at my bare chest?" he asks, smirking at you, amused. "With all that staring you do when I show even the slightest bit of my chest, it makes all that training I do worthwhile," he comments.
While he was thoroughly enjoying teasing you, you were getting ready to give him a good hit. And that is precisely what happened. At first, you thought of kicking him behind the knees, yet you ultimately decided on stomping your foot onto his as hard as you could. "Don't make me sound like some kind of Pervert!" you yell out, enraged by his last comment.
"Stare all you like, I don't mind...actually I quite like it when those pretty eyes of yours are on me."
Now you really didn't know how to respond to that. Any and all comebacks you had were now gone after those words, leaving you to mutter complaints as you walked faster, now being a step or two ahead of Khaslana. All the while, Khaslana watched you angrily walk in front of him, as he found your outrage to be cute. Yet despite all that annoyance and cursing under your breath, you couldn't help but feel a little swayed by what he said this time. With that, the pair of you finally left the beach entirely, going on to explore the nearby area just as you had suggested.
Chapter 10: Party Mayhems
Chapter Text
Contrary to your original plans, you didn't really explore much of the surrounding area and ended up at a nearby ice cream parlour. Yet after that last incident with the popsicles, you went for an ice cream cone, thinking that nothing could possibly go wrong. But you were with Khaslana and not Phainon. He takes whatever chance he can to tease you. Fortunately, so far, he had been relatively tame, too tame in your opinion. It was almost as if he were planning something. You didn't like how quiet he was being. "And what's with that look? Thinking I'm up to no good again?" Khaslana suddenly asks, hitting the mark which catches you off guard. "Relax, I'm not always out to get you," he remarks, drinking the soda he had bought. But you didn't believe him, not after all those times he had relentlessly teased and provoked you.
So you decided to see just how long that good behaviour would last. "Alright then, Mr I'm on my best behaviour, answer me this, since you know where I live, I want to know where you live," you demand, seeing if he'll actually give you a straight answer this time. There wasn't much thought or reason behind the question, but you had questioned it at some point.
"It's the same building as you, in fact, I'm directly below you, apartment 403."
His straightforward answer takes you by surprise, and he casually returns to his drink, not even taking the opportunity to tease you. Not knowing what else to do, you went back to enjoying your ice cream, watching him from the corner of your eye. But that prolonged silence between you started to bother you more than his incessant teasing. You had grown so accustomed to the way he acted around you that it felt strange that he was actually behaving. For the first time, you were the one who provoked him before he provoked you. "Since you didn't get any ice cream, want to try some of mine?" you begin, trying to test the waters, as when you had attempted to tease him in the past, it had only backfired. You recalled the day he suddenly appeared before you while you were relaxing at the cafe, and he had done a similar trick to you with the soda he was drinking.
However, just as before, your attempts at provoking him only had the opposite effect. Just as he was about to lean closer towards you, you had planned to pull the ice cream away from him and tease him. Yet, your plans for him never went the way you wanted them to. Rather than moving in to try the sweet treat in your hand, he instead goes for your lips, pressing his against yours before you can react. Just as he kisses you, his thumb wipes just to the side of your lips and with that, he moves away a bit of ice cream on his thumb. After a surprise like that, you had unconsciously released your grip on the ice cream cone, letting it drop onto the table. Smirking, he licks the ice cream from his finger as he watches you stare at him, dumbstruck. "How sweet," he remarks, resting his chin in his palm as he rests his elbow on the table. It was hard to tell if he was talking about the ice cream or your lips, but either way, you didn't know how to respond. "You'll have to try a little harder to fluster me, but it is cute to see you try," he states, watching as your face turns from stunned to your usual weak frown that you give him when you're embarrassed. That was when an idea came to his mind, and he decided to test his luck to get what he wanted from you. "Here's an idea, since you're so curious about me, I'll be nice and truthfully answer three questions," he starts, pausing halfway to gauge your reaction. "But, I want something in return," he adds, folding his arms, playfully smirking at you. However, he refused to elaborate on what exactly he wanted from you. Leaving your imagination to run wild as to what he could possibly want. Yet you wanted to know more about him. With only three questions on the line, there was only so much you were willing to do, especially since the two of you were still outdoors. While you were busy deliberating things and thinking about what exactly you could do, Khaslana had noticed someone in the distance and decided to make the offer more enticing for you. "I'm feeling generous, so-" he attempts to say before you interrupt him, having already made up your mind.
After thinking about it, you had decided to grab his shirt with both hands, pulling him closer to you as you kissed him, your hands tightening on his clothing as you tensed up a little. Despite the brief moment of surprise, Khaslana glances at your embarrassed face as you kept your eyes tightly shut before kissing you back, his hand sliding its way down as he wrapped his arm around your waist. It was apparent how nervous you were, yet you continued. Until at last you had had enough and inched your face away from his, still clinging to his shirt. "I-is this enough?" you ask, your eyes looking downwards as you were too shy to directly look him in the eyes after doing such a thing, even if it wasn't the first time that you had kissed him.
This gave Khaslana a chance to glance at what had caught his attention moments ago, and seeing that figure no more, he smirks as his eyes land on you. "Look at you, stealing a kiss like that," he teases, using his free hand to gently grasp your chin and cause you to look at him. "But I must admit I did enjoy it, so yes, ask whatever you desire and I will answer truthfully," he answers, removing his hand from your chin yet keeping his other arm around your waist, something that you decided not to protest about this time. Shifting your chair to be closer, so you are now sitting next to him rather than in front of him, making it easier for him to keep his arm around you.
Before he can say anything to tease you for your sudden willingness to remain close, you place a hand over his mouth to keep him quiet. "Quiet or I'm moving away," you demand, soon removing your hand from his face and placing it onto the table. "So tell me, what were you like when we were kids?" you ask, still unable to remember much of him during those days.
It was a perfectly innocent question to ask, yet it happened to be one that he didn't want to confess the entire truth about, so instead, he gave what little he was willing to say. "Hmm, I was...unsociable, even to you at first, I didn't see a point in getting along with others," he answers. But that wasn't enough of an answer to satisfy you, and it was evident from the expression you had given him. "I never said just how much I would tell you," he remarks, chuckling at your annoyed expression.
"Alright then, tell me how we met, I want a proper answer this time."
It was your first day in that quiet little village, and you had gotten separated from your parents. After running through the wheat fields, becoming even more lost, you eventually found a large oak tree at the end of it. Not knowing what else to do, you sat there with teary eyes. However, being too concerned with having lost your parents, you failed to notice the figure sitting in the tree watching you. Just like you, he was a small child, but unlike you, he wanted to be left alone and certainly didn't want to hear your sniffles and whimpering. Unfortunately for him, and especially his ears, you started crying and, rather loudly, after hitting your limit. Annoyed, he tries to cover his ears but to no avail, and it doesn't take him long to snap. "Shut up will you?" he yells, startling you and momentarily causing you to cease your crying.
You looked around, confused, not knowing where the voice had come from. "W-who are you?" you timidly ask, gripping the ends of your dress, ready to begin crying at any moment. That was when Khaslana had the bright idea to scare you away so he could get some peace. After all, it was better to be in solitude than deal with the whispers and scorn from others.
"Me? I'm a ghost who's hungry for crybabies!" he shouts, trying to make his voice sound deeper, hoping that you'll finally leave his little hiding spot. Sadly, it had the opposite effect that he wanted. So once again, you burst into tears, yet remained where you were, too scared to run away. Not knowing what else to do, Khaslana jumps down from the tree, landing in front of you and once again startling you. Looking at him with tears running down your face, you look up at him as you continue to sit on the ground. He looks angry as you sniffled and whimpered, which only proved to scare you even further, to the point of trying to quieten your noises. Scowling at you, he remains where he was at first, wondering what to do to make you leave. So he does the first thing that comes to his mind. He kneels down to you and leans forward, only to cover your mouth, thinking that this method would work. But it didn't. In fact, just as last time, it had the opposite effect. "Quit crying!" he complains, yet it does nothing to stop the tears from flowing as you sit there still gripping onto your dress, too scared and upset to do anything else.
"Seriously, sounds like you were a real bundle of joy back then, Khaslana," you sarcastically comment, interrupting his story. However, despite your mocking remarks, you were happily listening to the story up until this point. Those missing memories from your childhood bothered you after meeting Khaslana, so you were happy to have those missing pieces of the past filled in through his tale. Although you can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu while listening. Yet you couldn't figure out why exactly. So you decided that listening to the entire story might help you figure out why you had that sense of déjà vu.
"I can stop if you would prefer that instead."
"What, no, you can't stop halfway!"
"It sounds like you're too busy mocking me to listen."
"Fine! I'll be quiet just continue, please."
"How can I refuse if you ask so earnestly."
Since scaring you and trying to physically quieten you failed, Khaslana was forced to try a method he wanted to avoid. Comforting you. Removing his hand from your mouth, he starts patting you on the head, trying to calm you down, and it does work in a way. Although you were more confused than comforted. "There, there, no need to cry," he tells you in a flat tone, his movements a little stiff, having never tried to comfort someone before. However, as soon as your confusion passed, you launched at him, tackling him to the floor, hugging him tightly. "H-hey, you can't just-" he tries to protest, but seeing how quiet you were now, he decided to put up with it for a while. Sighing out of frustration, he sits on the ground, placing a hand on your back and using his other arm to support himself. You, on the other hand, were finally calming down, yet kept your face buried in his t-shirt, not ready to show your face.
It wasn't until a lot longer that you eventually lifted your head and looked him in the eyes, or what part of his eyes you could see underneath his hair. "Is the scary ghost gone...?" you timidly ask, ready to start crying once more at the wrong answer.
Luckily, this time, Khaslana had learned his lesson that scaring you only meant more noise. "I scared him away for you," he dryly answers, not bothering to put any effort into comforting you. Yet despite that, you finally smiled before hugging him once more, your face now nestling into his neck. But this time it wasn't because you were afraid, it was because you were grateful. "Don't my eyes scare you?" he asks, expecting your answer to be like everyone else's.
This question grabs your attention, and you finally move away from him a little to look at his eyes. Squinting your eyes, you leaned closer to his face, but you couldn't see them properly due to his trying to hide them behind his hair. "But your eyes are pretty..." you respond, looking at him, confused as to why someone would be afraid of his eyes. "But..." you start, going into deep thought as you intently stare at him, feeling something was off about him. "I know!" you yell out, hurting his ears and causing him to wince at the noise, not that you notice. Removing a hair clip from your hair, you put it into his hair, using it to reveal his eyes, causing you to smile happily.
However, that was when you could hear your parents shouting for you in the distance, causing you to stand up in a rush. "They found me!" you yell out, excited at the sound of your parents' voices, forgetting that Khaslana was still sitting underneath you. Just as you begin to run towards the voices, you suddenly stop to turn around and look at Khaslana. "Y-your name!" you shout, running back to him as he stares at you, taken aback as you stand before him once more, looking excited and happy.
He never expected to see you again, so he did something he hadn't done before: lie. "P-Phainon..." he blurts out, pretending to be someone else, and who better than his identical twin, whom he could easily pretend to be.
You smiled at him brightly as you giggled cheerfully. "Thanks for saving me from the scary ghost!" you exclaimed, kneeling down beside him and giving him a light peck on the cheek as a way to thank him, something that you had learned from a movie you once saw. "Bye-bye!" you shout just as you start running off again, this time not looking back once. Leaving Khaslana to sit on the floor, I was taken aback at what had just happened. Yet he believed that was the last of you he would see, but that didn't happen.
The very next day, you ran to the same tree, this time knowing your way to get there and still return to where you were staying for the next few weeks. "Phainon! Phainon! Phainon!" you yell out, thinking that he would appear out of nowhere and failing to realise he was hiding in the tree just above you. Just like that, he jumped down from the tree branches and stood before you as your face lit up from excitement, thinking what he was doing was a magic trick. "Wow! You appeared out of nowhere again!" you excitedly exclaim, happy to see him. Happy enough to attempt to hug him, yet this time he managed to dodge in time, causing you to land on the floor. The tumble only results in you bursting into tears, which forces Khaslana to do the only thing he knew to do to calm you down: hug you.
After that, you would return each day, yelling out a name that wasn't his thrice, thinking this was the magic trick to summon him, and he would play along, slowly warming up to you. He even grew used to the hugs you would give him every time he jumped down, no longer trying to avoid you. Yet this didn't last, as after almost two weeks had passed, you failed to appear one day. This led Khaslana to leave his little hiding spot to try to find you. However, once he had found you, he was not happy with what he saw. You were sleeping in the middle of the wheat fields and beside his brother, the real Phainon. Instead of deciding to tell you the truth, he continued that lie, pretending to be Phainon.
Making you believe that there was only one brother.
After he had finished the story, you stared at him for a minute, too shocked to even speak. You really didn't know what to say. That was when you recalled that photograph of you sleeping between Phainon and Khaslana. Yet you only remembered seeing one of them that day. Which meant one thing. Khaslana lay down beside you, after you and Phainon had fallen asleep, and one of them had left before you woke up. Then came the dilemma: should you be angry about this or feel bad that he felt the need to pretend to be someone else? With your final question, you decided to find out why he did this. "So why did you pretend to be Phainon?" you ask, not even knowing what expression you were making now as you looked at him directly in the eyes. It was clear now that the dead look in his eyes was something of a sensitive area for him. But you couldn't prepare yourself for the answer that he gave you. The first time he had ever been wholly truthful with you.
"Why? Because I'm nothing but a villain, no, a monster in people's eyes, I always have been and will be, so I pretended to be the person I was always told to act more like, the better me if you will, but you wanted a hero, and that wasn't me, so I lied."
Now you really didn't know what to say. But how could you respond to something like that? Yet you knew you had to reply somehow, not after a confession like that. However, Khaslana never really gives you the chance to respond as he stands up and places a hand on your head. "Time's up, Little Red, this Wolfie has something he needs to do," he mentions, ruffling your hair before leaving you sitting there dumbstruck. Before you could snap back to your senses, Khaslana was already long gone, leaving you to worry about him. Despite that worry, you made no attempt to chase after him, believing that what he wanted now was to be left alone. So instead, you made your way back to the beach house where everyone was gathering for the barbecue party set to start within the hour. After looking around, you decided to sit next to Cyrene, who was sitting in a quiet corner as if expecting you. She pats the space beside her, inviting you to sit. Sitting beside her, you glance at the notepad she was scribbling in moments before your arrival. The notes were messy, but it was clear what they were for. "Brainstorming for your next romantic tale already?" you ask.
But Cyrene already knew that wasn't what you really wanted to ask, seeing the look in your eyes. Something had happened, and she knew it. "It is~" she answers, talking in her usual playful tone. "But that isn't what you want to talk about now, is it?" she asks, smiling at you knowingly, catching you off guard. There was no hiding things from her, you knew that, but you at least wanted to make idle conversation before talking about what was on your mind. "It's Khaslana, isn't it?~" she questions, already knowing the answer. You awkwardly nod in response, unsure where to even start, what he said still fresh in your mind. "Then let this cutie put your worries to ease~" she smiles, ruffling your hair, treating you like a child as she sometimes did, even though she was only a year older than you.
Sighing, you let her do what she wants, just as you always did. "Did you know about Khaslana pretending to be Phainon? And I don't mean just a few times, I mean the entire time," you ask, glancing at Phainon, who was excitedly getting the barbecue started, turning it into a competition with Mydei.
That was when Cyrene stopped messing with your hair and soon removed it from your head. She looked to Phainon with a saddened smile. "I knew Khaslana wanted you to believe that the only person who existed was Phainon, thinking that..." she stopped, her eyes shifting to the notebook in her hands as she traced her fingers across the pages. It was the first time you had seen her hesitate to answer. You almost didn't want to listen to the answer, wondering if this was something you should hear from Khaslana directly. But at the same time, you wanted to know the real Khaslana, to learn why exactly he is the way he is. There was no doubt in your mind that Khaslana seemed to have some deep-rooted issues when it came to Phainon, and you weren't sure if Phainon himself was even aware of the reasons. That sense of inferiority, speaking as if he were some villain, and that mask he wears around you, it had to start somewhere. What he said to you earlier almost sounded as if, by coping, Phainon brings him a little closer to being likeable or even desirable. The tattoo, the hairstyle, the cheerful act, it was almost as if he was trying to recreate what Phainon does and acts like, but with his own spin on things. Although you hadn't personally seen it for yourself, you knew Phainon had a more playful side to him; he didn't show it around you, at least not to a full extent. You felt sick at this realisation, causing you to instinctively cover your mouth. "So you realised it then?" Cyrene asks, her playful tone replaced with a more saddened one. "If you're wondering if I should be telling you this, then it was actually Khaslana who wanted me to tell you," she states, taking her phone out and showing you the last message Khaslana had sent her.
It wasn't long after he had disappeared, which meant he knew you would go looking for answers from Cyrene. "Now I really don't know what to do..." you agonised, leaning over and hanging your head as you stared at the ground.
"Follow your heart."
With that, Cyrene pats you on the back before joining everyone else. It was a very Cyrene response; not so much an answer to your question, but a vague hint. Then came yet another question: just how much of Phainon was he imitating and how much was actually him? Had you ever seen the real Khaslana? You needed to clear your head, and what better than a party? There was always time to talk things out with Khaslana.
So you lifted your head and glanced around to see everyone busy. All but one, Cerydra, who had taken notice of you glancing around. "Come sit, play a game with me," she orders with her usual demanding tone, but you had grown used to the way she spoke. Doing as she says, you sit across from her, looking down at the chessboard. You were far from being a master of the game like her, yet you thought a game or two to pass the time couldn't hurt. Unfortunately, that first game didn't take long for you to receive an utter defeat. "Hmph, it would seem that there is much on your mind, tell me what worries you?" she instructs, having studied your moves as if they were an extension of your thoughts.
While you were oblivious to this fact, Cerydra used chess as a means to understand others, not just to help her determine the future of the company that she owns. You recall the first time she had met you, and how she demanded to play a game of chess against you, just like now, to glimpse into the kind of person you are. However demanding as she sounded or cold and cunning she appeared, through that logical mindset of hers, she wasn't heartless. "I have a dilemma of the...romantic kind," you sheepishly whisper to her, hoping that no one else hears, just as she finishes resetting the chessboard.
"Go on."
With those words, she makes her first move on the board, her eyes not once leaving the pieces. This time, the game spanned much longer, meaning you had more time to talk with her about your predicament. "Let's say...there are two options, a safe option and, for lack of a better word, a not-so-safe one," you answer, your focus on the game helping you sort through your thoughts regarding Phainon and Khaslana. As your mind started to concentrate more, the more it began to show how long you lasted against Cerydra.
Yet that didn't prevent your second defeat. "Now tell me, Y/N, what makes you hesitate? Why not simply go for the easier option?" she asks, once again resetting the board. Yet this time, she allows you to make the first move. "Hesitating will only cause you to remain in a stalemate; you must take risks or there shall be no rewards," she advises, just as she loses several pieces to you. Yet that loss only grants her third victory. You were far from finished, now being the one to reset the chessboard as you keenly await her first move, causing her to smile at your eagerness to learn from her. Unfortunately, despite everything, she was still not willing to let you win even a single game, and with your current skill, only catching her off guard would give you that chance at victory. For you were against a chess master. Not that you knew that, hardly knowing much about her, other than being the ceo of one of the largest corporations, Okhema. A company that usually butted heads with another leading corporation, Kremnos, which was owned by Mydei's father. "You need not worry about the feelings of others so much, after all, your own interests should come first and foremost before anyone elses," she urges, trying to make you see it from a different point of view. Luckily, it helped, at least to some degree. "Very good, it would seem that you have made a decision at least," she remarks, claiming victory one last time.
"I appreciate the advice, but...couldn't you have shown a little mercy during those chess games?"
"Allowing you the chance to win brings me no benefits," she responds, refusing to budge on her pride as a chess master. However, before you can argue, you hear the sound of a violin start to play, causing you to look in the direction of the music. It was Hysilens. Paired with her singing, everyone fell silent as they listened to her song. Hysilens was a well-known violinist, so you had heard her music pieces many times over. However, her singing was something that she only did during parties like these, where everyone was gathered. As soon as she had finished with her little show for everyone, the party finally began. "Now put aside your worries and enjoy the festivities," Cerydra tells you, shooing you away as Hysilens makes her way towards her.
Despite her way of telling you to run along, you do exactly that, seeing what nonsense Phainon and Mydei were getting to. "You dare challenge me, Deliverer?" Mydei warns already, butting heads with Phainon after being provoked. Fortunately, it ends before it could even start as Mydei's phone starts to ring. "It's my mother, this isn't over," he hisses, walking off to answer the call. Leaving you and Phainon.
Luckily, this is precisely what you wanted: a chance to properly talk with him. "Say, Phainon, is it alright if we talk somewhere else for a minute?" you ask as he looks at you, feeling a little worried about what exactly it was you wanted to talk about. "I'm not going to yell at you if that's what you're looking at me like that for," you sighed, clearly seeing that apprehension in his eyes. Yet your words do nothing to ease his worries. So you grab his hand and tug him into the beach house, continuing to drag him until you reach the living room.
After stopping, you stand there for a moment, still tightly holding onto his hand, unsure where to start as you keep your eyes on something that isn't in his direction. "Is this about you kissing Khaslana earlier today?" he asks, catching you off guard more than you expected him to. You stared at him for a while, too taken aback to respond at first. Yet you eventually recovered, now wondering how he even found out. Khaslana was your first suspect.
"How did you-"
"You were gone for a while and no one knew where you were so after you didn't respond to any of my messages I went to look for you..."
"Why do I have the feeling that the timing was a little too convenient?"
"I don't know what he said to you, but he knew I was there-"
"I fucking knew it, the sly Bastard was doing it on purpose! Anyway! That's not what I wanted to talk about."
"Then what do you...?"
Realising that you were still tightly holding onto his hand, you slowly release your grip and let go of his hand, feeling a little embarrassed. "Look, Phainon, I know that you love me, and...well, it remains to be seen if Khaslana genuinely feels the same way towards me, but I've never really thought about anything like that, not in a long time..." you answer, your words trailing off as you feel more awkward as you continue this conversation. However, you knew this conversation needed to happen. It was just like Cerydra said, you needed to take some risks. Something needed to change. So you decided that it was your approach towards the pair that needed to change first. "I wanted you to know that I'm not outright saying no to either of you, I just need to figure out my feelings first-" you try to explain, getting interrupted by Phainon as he tightly hugs you. Despite feeling as embarrassed as you were, you ultimately decided to let him hug you, having the feeling that it was the least you could do.
"Y/N, could I be selfish for a moment...?"
"Do what you want."
However, you severely underestimated Phainon and his feelings for you. Still having his arms wrapped around you, he inches away for a moment to look you directly in the eyes. On the other hand, you looked at him, wondering what exactly he was doing, seeing how hesitant and shy he appeared right now. It was a few minutes until you decided to speak up. Although you never really did get the chance to open your mouth, you felt something soft press against your lips. Having been startled, you instinctively tightly grip onto his clothing, and it was over before you knew it. He wanted more. This kiss was only the tip of the iceberg of what he wanted to do, yet he did his best to restrain himself. Weakly frowning at him as you always do when you are embarrassed, you saw the look on his face. It was unmistakable at a glance how happy he was and that he wanted more. You weren't entirely against the idea of allowing him to have more, but doing this with Khaslana and now Phainon, on the same day, too, was starting to gnaw at your conscience. Believing that you could only have moments like these with one of them, you decided to draw a line. "Phainon I-" you tried to speak, but stopped your rationality swaying.
While you were obliviously unaware of the expression you were making, Phainon felt it more difficult to resist. The way you were still clinging to his clothes didn't help either. "One more, please Y/N?" he begs, weakening your resolve to say no. That pleading puppy expression of his was always hard to refuse. Unfortunately, you yourself wanted more, having been starved of something more intimate for a long time, even if all reason was telling you to stop.
Yet as much as you wished to forget everything else, this wasn't the time or place. Despite that, you wanted that one more kiss too. "Just hurry up before-" you couldn't finish your sentence because of Phainon hurriedly kissing you, greedily trying to enjoy this moment for as long as you allowed him to. Though he wasn't the only one enjoying this moment, as you kissed him back, one short kiss leading to several longer ones. That line that you wanted to draw was slowly blurring as you lost yourself in the moment.
Until at last Phainon moved away, his face inches away from yours. "S-sorry, I got a little carried away," he apologised, but after seeing the face you were making, he knew you were enjoying it as much as he was. It made him happy. But at the same time, he knew he had yet to win your heart. He was already aware of the many advances Khaslana had made on you, meaning there was no more time for him to keep hesitating. Regrettably, the moment was cut short by the sound of loud banging on the large glass window, causing you both to look in the direction of the noise. It was Cipher, and with a camera too. "C-Cipher!" Phainon exclaims, still having his arms wrapped around you tightly. With that, she captures a picture of you both and runs off laughing mischievously. That was the moment you decided to pull away from Phainon and chase after her, leaving him to stand there, baffled as to what just happened.
He could have gone after you, but instead, he stayed where he was for a moment, covering his mouth, thinking about what he had just done with you moments ago. Fearing that if he were to see you again, he would get a little too excited, he chose to leave the beach house and go for a walk to cool his head. Unfortunately, Khaslana's mistake from earlier came back to bite and found its way to Phainon instead. For when you cause destruction, it will only result in more destruction.
On the other hand, you were too distracted to even think about where Phainon had gone off to. "I can't believe you had bets on who I'd kiss first?" you complain, having long since tired yourself out from chasing after Cipher, who was now perched on the roof. While Cipher was happily sitting on the roof waving the photograph in her hand, you stood there on the balcony, wondering how she had even managed to get onto the roof in the first place. Glancing around, you realised that there was no safe way of reaching her, making you give up on the pursuit.
All the while, she was mischievously smiling at you, knowing that she was practically unreachable. That is, as long as you didn't do anything too reckless. "When there's money to be made? Of course~" she answers, still taunting you with the photo. As annoyed as you were, there was nothing you could do, at least not yet. There was always time to get your revenge. At this point, it was a growing list. "I had my bets on the little Deliverer boy, of course; that other one gives me the creeps, especially after I locked you in that room," she adds, looking unsettled as she recalls his reaction to finding out that she had locked you in a room with Phainon. It wasn't the look in his eyes that bothered her; it was his behaviour when you weren't around. "Oh Y/N, meow, meow, notice me, meow," she calls out mimicking Khaslana's voice, a trick that she sometimes did to play pranks on you or the others. Soon, she bursts out into laughter as her near-perfect imitation of Khaslana's voice disturbs you. "Or would you prefer this voice?~" she asks, amused by how much of an effect her tricks had on you. "Kiss me more Y/N~" she calls out now mimicking Phainon's voice.
"Whoa there! Wait a minute, you damn cat!" you yell, now determined as ever to catch her and make her pay. However, before you can even attempt to make your way onto the roof somehow, Cipher jumps down onto the balcony with ease, something having caught her attention. Enough to even ignore you as she leaned over the balcony edge, looking directly below. Her reaction was strong enough to cause you to look in the direction she was staring at. You had only wished that she was pulling your leg as usual. But this was not one of those times. Having seen what you had, you tumbled and tripped as you ran downstairs. Yet the pain from falling down that final step wasn't enough to make you stop. Slipping as you ran the corner due to the slippery flooring, you hit the ground hard once more.
Looking upwards, you finally see what you were running towards. "Phainon!" you yell, scrambling to your feet as you stumble towards him, your words getting stuck in your throat as you see Phainon leaning against a wall, barely able to stand. Then came the stinging scent of iron. He was bleeding. You felt dizzy. But he needed help. Medical help. However, before you could even think to find Hyacine, he collapses onto you, his weight too much to handle, resulting in you both crashing onto the ground, and hard. Unfortunately, with Phainon's size, you weren't strong enough to move him or even get out from underneath him for the matter. So you did the only thing you could in this moment. Cry out. Hoping someone was nearby. "Someone, anyone, please! Phainon he-" you cried out. His blood was trickling onto you. The panic only increased with that warmth trailing down your body. Tears formed in the corners of your eyes. Your vision was blurry.
However, that was the moment when you see Cipher running towards you with Hyacine, Mydei and Cyrene in tow. With Mydei's help, Phainon was carried into the room he was staying in, and Hyacine followed after. Leaving you to sit on the floor, your mind blank. All you could see was Phainon's unconscious figure in your mind. That moment of being trapped, unable to help him, replayed again and again. Yet no matter how many times Cyrene called out, you wouldn't respond, not even hearing her. That was until she placed a hand on your shoulder, startling you significantly. "Wait, P-Phainon he-" you stammered, turning your head towards the door that was just beyond. You needed to see him, make sure that he was still breathing, yet it was your own breathing that you could no longer control. Having not realised the state that you were in. You didn't know why your surroundings continued to blur, your senses growing hazy along with your already clouded mind. With that, everything grew dark.
Eventually waking up after an unknown amount of time, you jolt up, looking around to see Phainon in the other bed next to you. Someone had moved you into the same room as him while you were out cold, but that was on your mind as you were far more concerned about the current state Phainon was in. Falling off the bed in a rush, you scrambled to the bedside, checking his breathing at your first opportunity. He was breathing. It was steady and calm. But he had yet to wake. Knowing that he was alive, you kneeled next to the bed, tightly holding onto his wrist where you had checked for a pulse. Knowing that he was at least alive, you finally calmed down enough to release his wrist and then drag a chair to the side of the bed. As soon as you had sat down, you took his hand into both of yours, hoping that he would wake up soon. Being too concerned for him to even begin questioning how this happened in the first place.
It was some time until the door opened, and someone entered the room. But you made no effort to even look at who it was, your attention wholly on Phainon. "So this is what all the fuss was about," Khaslana comments, walking to the opposite side of the bed from you, looking down at Phainon, unfazed by the state his own brother was in. "To think that he lost to a bunch of nobodies," Khaslana mocks, clearly apathetic towards Phainon. You couldn't believe what you were hearing right now. Here was Phainon bruised and beaten to the point of unconsciousness, and Khaslana was mocking him, acting as if Phainon were pathetic for ending up in this state. You knew he didn't like Phainon, but this was too much. Being in the emotional state you were. You snapped at Khaslana.
"How could you say-" you start to shout, stopping mid-sentence as if you had realised something. And you had. Phainon had no enemies to speak of; even when conflict arose, he would always defuse the situation, knowing how to deal with people. But Khaslana most definitely had. So your eyes slowly looked up, soon landing on Khaslana. That shock turned into anger, a rage you had not felt, ever. "This happened because of you," you yell, standing up and knocking the chair backwards. There was no proof. You had only your intuition to go off. This no doubt started with Khaslana and ended with Phainon. Then you thought back to earlier today when Khaslana had disappeared for some time, with Mydei being the last person to see him. "They were after you, weren't they?" you continued to yell, that anger blinding you. Worst of all, Khaslana showed no remorse that Phainon was the one to pay for his own actions. In fact, it almost looked as if he was glad that Phainon got hurt. "Get. Out."
You had nothing more to say to him, and you certainly weren't willing to listen to anything he had to say. Not anymore. Now staring downwards at Phainon, you failed to see what expression Khaslana had on his face, not that it would have mattered to you. Several minutes of silence passed until the sound of his footsteps soon rang out. The sound of his shoes against the floor as he walked gradually became quieter until you heard the door opening. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words left his lips. Instead, he gave you one last look before leaving the room entirely. It was soon after that you could hear Mydei's voice yelling, something, but your mind was in too much of a haze to really listen to what he was saying. Then the sound of something or someone being slammed against the wall, right beside the door, reached your ears. More yelling followed, all of it being Mydei's voice, then there was quiet. Yet you merely grabbed the chair and soon sat down, your eyes remaining on Phainon. It was finally silent. But it was far from quiet within your mind. Yet you refused to leave his side. You still had his dried blood on your clothes, but you didn't care. Nothing mattered to you other than Phainon regaining consciousness.
"Phainon, please wake up soon..."
Bianca (Guest) on Chapter 1 Sat 26 Jul 2025 09:00AM UTC
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tqilet on Chapter 4 Sun 03 Aug 2025 05:09AM UTC
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Lumoscosmos on Chapter 5 Sun 10 Aug 2025 05:51PM UTC
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RAyneii on Chapter 7 Sun 17 Aug 2025 11:13AM UTC
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TrailblazerRacoon on Chapter 7 Sun 17 Aug 2025 02:11PM UTC
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Lumi_912 (Guest) on Chapter 10 Sun 07 Sep 2025 06:56PM UTC
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