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“Ah, Child of Man. I see you are still up at this hour,” Malleus smiled at Yuu as she stepped out of Ramshackle. She jogged over to the fae in the decrepit garden.
“Hey, Hornton. It’s nice to see you tonight,” Yuu returned the smile and looked up to meet his eyes. They were bright mesmerizing green that seemed brighter than ever.
“It is a pleasant surprise to see you tonight. I was taking a stroll and thought I should visit,” he explained. His pale skin was practically glowing in the moon’s light.
“Well, would you mind if I joined you?” Yuu sheepishly asked. She looked away, her face turning a few shades pinker.
“I would not mind at all. I was simply wandering campus,” Malleus nodded. He motioned for Yuu to follow him and they approached the small fence.
He went ahead first and opened the gate, allowing Yuu through first. The two walked side by side as they traveled down the cobblestone road.
Usually, the night’s darkness brought terror to the environment, but tonight it felt peaceful instead. The soft hum of crickets blanketed the street. Trees swayed gently in the breeze.
“I’m glad I met with you tonight, Yuu. I have been thinking quite a bit lately,” Malleus broke through the silence. He turned his head to look at Yuu who returned his gaze.
“About what?” She asked. Malleus stopped moving and Yuu followed. She looked up at him and tilted her head while raising an eyebrow.
He took a deep breath and thought for a moment. “Well. We have known each other for quite a while now, and I can’t help but notice how beautiful you are,” Malleus began. He studied the woods in front of them, keeping his eyes away from Yuu. “I have enjoyed getting to know you.”
“Oh. Malleus…” Yuu’s face turned a bright red and she looked to the ground. She brought her hands to her chest. “I… um… also have noticed that about you,” she almost whispered.
“Really? Then this is great news. I am happy that we both feel the same way,” he turned back to Yuu and smiled softly as his eyes closed.
“I’m sorry but… I don’t think this will work out like we want it to,” Yuu gently began. She finally looked up to the fae beside her. His beauty was breathtaking and his horns glistened in the moonlight. He was the definition of perfection, but she knew it would never get to be with him.
“Why do you mean?” Malleus asked. He furrowed his brows and frowned.
Yuu hesitated, fumbling on her words. “Fae… fae live a lot longer than humans, right? If that’s true, then I won’t live for much longer compared to you.”
Malleus considered her words. He put a hand to his chin in thought before speaking, “I do not care. I love you, Yuu.”
“I love you too, but you have to think about the long term. I won’t be alive when you reach three hundred. Ten years for me feels like a long time, but it’s barely anything for you. I’ll quickly surpass you in age,” Yuu despised every word that she spoke, but it was the truth. She hated herself for thinking about it deeper than surface level.
“Yes… I am aware of that fact. But again, it does not matter to me. There is no one else in this world I would rather spend my time with,” he spoke. His words resonated within Yuu’s heart. “You are truly the only one for me and I will love you forever.”
Tears silently fell down Yuu’s face. Malleus grabbed her cheek with his hand and she held it with her own. She wanted to stay like this forever. She wanted so desperately to freeze time and be with him until she hated him. Her love overflowed from her heart and it was almost palpable.
“I love you so much,” Yuu murmured. She wiped the tears from her face and Malleus let go. She wished he hadn’t.
“It’s getting very late. Would you like for me to visit you tomorrow morning?” Malleus offered. Yuu nodded and smiled.
The two began to walk back to their dorm, hand in hand.