yeosang and his ethereal beauty because there's no other word that has fit him so well. yeosang and his sculpted-with-special-care features. yeosang and his little birthmark on the temple where he must have received uncountable kisses in his past life. yeosang and his presence- powerful and raw, but also heartwarming and adorable in every sense. yeosang and his cute fangs smile and his adorable pout and his hair bc i love his hair sm i think ^that faded green and black looked so good ilurvhimsomuch
[2/2] Solitary Night Wanderings: Midnight Reveries
----- [2/2] Solitary Night Wanderings: Midnight Reveries
|| Kei Zaki x Fem! Reader
Summary : How could Kei trust you that he was so afraid of losing you? You used to be just a girl who was sold to him. Who was the fool here, you or him? Whether it’s you or him, he had no other choice but vowed to always protect you.
WC : 2103 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, hurt w/ comfort, historical-fantasy, assassination attempt, minor character’s death, Into the Light Once Again references, My Mother Got Married by Contract references, WMMAP references, etc.
Featured Characters : Minoru Chise, Shirokami Jae, and Reychi Bethania (mentioned)
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : FINISHHHHHH, I WILL ADD THE PART ONE HERE!!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
“YOUR Highness.”
As soon as Kei set foot in his palace, Chise immediately greeted him. He looked at the bowed pink-haired girl seriously. “I assume the princess consort has regained consciousness? How is she?”
“Yes, that is right, Your Highness. The doctor said her body is still weak, but the effects of the poison had completely disappeared. My lady is also wishing to see you.”
Kei immediately walked towards your bedchamber while Jae and Chise followed him. He also disarmed his weapon, long coat, and jacket, leaving only his black shirt and pants. When the two guards he had appointed opened your bedroom door, Kei saw how you were just sitting on your bed, staring blankly at the thick blanket that covered your legs.
"Can’t sleep?"
As soon as you heard his voice, you lifted your eyes and they seemed to sparkle more than a few seconds before. “Kei!” you called for him.
"What should we do so the pretty princess will go to sleep?"
Kei probably smiled and was sugar-coating his sentence very sweetly. But in his eyes, you could see a storm raging. You wanted to calm him down. A soft smile touched on your lips. "I just woke up this sunset, how could I go back to sleep?" you laughed softly.
The red panda incarnation sat on the empty space of your bed. "Chise said you wanted to see me." Somehow, his voice was more of a whisper, as if he was being careful not to make his voice overstimulate you and tire you out even more. "I'm here now."
You paused for a moment before saying, “Can you stay here and sleep with me until the morning? I will have a heart attack if I don't see you when I wake up and think they've done it to you again,” you requested, confessing your fear towards Kei's siblings and father.
"Alright, then." After removing his shoes, Kei lifted his feet onto the bed and leaned against the headboard. He pulled up the blanket you were using to cover his feet. "Is it okay now?"
You giggled, "Yes." Finally able to calm your nerves, you dropped your head on the pillow and pulled the covers up a little higher. You squirmed for a bit just to find the perfect, comfortable position for sleeping.
Seeing your smile, Kei also beamed a gentle smile. “You look so happy. What's so good about it?” Her rhodolite eyes stared down at you.
"I'm so glad that you're here now. I couldn't rest easy after waking up knowing you were still out, hunting the person who put poison in your glass,” you explained.
Kai was silent for a moment. He thought about the progress of the search he had previously done with Jae. The result was not much, but not zero either. Both Kei and Jae discovered that the culprit was someone from the second prince’s palace, one of Kei's older brothers who hates him very much. Unfortunately, the culprit managed to escape and was under the protection of his master, so it wasn't easy for Kei to kill the maid.
Seeing his suddenly intense and bitter expression, you grabbed his hand. “Kei,” you called his name.
Your call succeeded in bringing him out of his reverie. Kei raised his hand and caressed your hair. You looked at him worriedly, but were silence. In the end, you only leaned closer to his touch.
“Kei, weren't you scared?” you suddenly asked. “I was really scared. I don't think I can forget about it."
"If you were scared, why did you do that, then?" Instead of answering your question, Kei asked you back.
You paused for a moment, hiding half of your face under the covers. "I was really scared, but imagining your death made me more scared," you honestly said.
"And that’s also my reason," Kei leaned down a bit. "I was scared, not upon my death, but yours."
He lifted his hand from your head and held your hand tightly. He still couldn't stop thinking. He openly told his brothers that he was not interested in the crown or the throne. Why couldn't his brothers just leave him alone?
The pink haired prince looked at you. Looks like you haven't been able to fall asleep. You were still wide awake and stared blankly to the side. Kei guessed you were imagining something—possibly what happened that day.
“Dear,” Kei called you, making you raised your gaze to him. Kei smiled sweetly and reassuringly, as if no more danger would come to you. “Go to sleep. I won't let go of your hands," he whispered.
"You won't?"
"I won't, I promise." Kei could still see the worry on your face. He lifted your hand and kissed the back of it. "We're safe now. I'm here, and you're here. Everything will be fine. I won't let any harm touch you again."
At this point Kei didn’t know if he's comforting you or himself. However, when he saw you starting to relax and falling asleep, Kei breathed a sigh of relief. But shadows from the past suddenly came to him.
“You have to be strong, Your Highness. Never show them your weaknesses.”
“The king’s last concubine comes from a lowly family.”
“He might say that he has no interest in the royal throne, but be careful. He could have stabbed you in the back.”
His old nanny, the nobles, and his own brothers' words in the past suddenly pained his heart and mind. Kei's free hand grabbed her his tightly, hoping that the sudden headache would dissipate a bit.
"You don't have to love me, Kei. I will always be on your side, so the royalty won't be that harsh on you anymore."
That's what you said the first night your parents sold you to the king to marry Kei. Why did you accept the marriage? He still wonders to this day. You must have known what dangers awaited you when you married the youngest prince like him. Yet you still accept the marriage. You and Kei should both know that marriage without love is a nightmare.
“Kei, my sweet child.”
A motherly voice that he missed so much suddenly ringed from the corner of his memories. Kei was still massaging his throbbing temples, but he was too tired to fight the hallucinatory voice that echoed in his mind.
"You have to be strong, my child... to survive and be happy someday."
He remembered that voice. It was his mother's voice—weak, but warm. The memories in his mind projected an image of the past where he saw his mother lying weakly on the bed. He held his mother's hand tightly, realizing the life that had been loose from his body.
“My Kei must be happy, no matter what. Your future will certainly be difficult, but I promise you, you'll be just fine. Don't be weak or afraid, my brave son."
Kei saw her mother's faint gaze shift to the woman standing behind her. Even between life and death, his mother could still smile very warmly.
“[Y/N] is a good girl. I believe you can trust her, Kei. She will bring you down. Take good care of her, okay? Have some faith in her whenever you feel tired. I don't know, but I have a feeling he will also make you happy in the middle of this hell."
At first Kei didn't believe it. All because he never trusted anyone in his life. But how could she possibly deny a mother's instinct, moreover she was the only woman he trusted the most in this world at that time.
“Kei…”
“Kei is here, mother.”
“You’re a good child,” she smiled kindly yet painfully. “I like the fact that you are my son.”
“Me too… Kei likes the fact that you are my mother…”
Kei could feel the touch of a shadow on his cheek, a warmth that had long disappeared but he could still faintly feel. When the hand cupping his cheek fell to her mother's side and her rhodolite-like eyes closed forever, the world would end for her.
He could still remember how his face didn't show any expression, but his heart was screaming and screaming uncontrollably. His mouth might say, “Spread the words that one of the King's mistresses has passed away.”
But inside…
“Please don’t go, mother! I beg you! Don’t leave me alone! Please don’t leave me in this world where no one is on my side! Please don’t leave me among the beasts who are waiting for my weak moment to kill me! Please, mother!”
The turmoil of anger, fear, and hatred for the royal family mixed into one. Unfortunately, at that time he could not shed tears at all. Kei refused to act weak in the face of many people who want to kill him.
"I must become stronger." It was one of the decisions he made after his mother's death. Kei was dedicated to being strong like what her mother told her to be and survive. He decided never to depend on anyone. The belief he buried completely with the body of his mother.
However…
“I told you already, Kei! I won't let you die! The royal family won't harm you, I promise.”
Your dedication to protect him was as strong as his to survive. For him, you were too naive. You were so stupid to believe that. Although, Kei realized that he was the stupid one. Gradually, all the harsh remarks in his heart came out not because he hated your positivity, but because he was afraid of losing you too—he was so afraid of losing that bright smile on your face.
"It feels like she's completely on my side." Kei once told his personal guard, Jae, about you, about what his heart felt.
Kei remembered how Jae smiled at him at that time. “Then what your mother said was right, Your Highness. You could trust her. She will never bring you down, so you could have some faith in her. It could be true that she will be the key to your happiness.”
Several years later, all of that became a reality. Even in the middle of this endless hell, Kei can still smile thanks to you.
All the flashbacks in his mind came to an end. He managed to get out of his reverie and realized again that he was still in your room and stay silent on your bed. He also noticed how you were so relaxed and fast asleep by his side, his hand still holding yours.
His beautiful yet teary rhodolite eyes gazed lovingly at your sleeping form. But without him realizing it, tears started to fall down his cheeks. An overwhelming feelings dissipated from his heart. A burden that he had held in his heart for years suddenly overflowed.
Kei looked away, unable to see your face. His free hand pressed hard against his mouth, muffling the sound of his own sobs so that they wouldn't be heard by you or anyone else. He looked down and seemed to be hastily wiping his own tears.
As he looking down, when he had started to calm down, Kei looked at you who was fast asleep once again. A relieved and calm smile touched on his lips, even with the tears that had not completely stopped yet.
“Ah, look at your weak face,” Kei whispered, almost choking on his own tears. "There's no other way, I must protect you."
The real world hasn’t changed since yesterday, but one thing Kei understands is that everything will be fine. He just needs to put an unbeatable optimism.
Under his faint conscious, Kei could draw a beautiful, normal life with you. You with him, hand in hand, walking together and laughing about every small thing in life.
His tears would fall into the sheet of your bed and no one would find out. Because right after that, Kei laid himself down beside you and let his mind to rest.
With your hand that he still held, slowly sleepiness began to hit him. His rhodolite eyes grew dim with exhaustion from crying and slowly, he started to close them.
Before he actually went to the dreamland, Kei muttered to himself. “Oh, I've never fallen asleep so easily before. I guess crying isn't so bad…?” He also realized that with you, he doesn't need to pretend to be strong.
For the first time in a very long time, Kei was finally able to sleep peacefully and soundly, with no worries about who would come to her room to take her life. -----[FIN].
----- The Leader’s Companion
|| Mikazuki Arion x GN! Reader
Summary : You are the secretary to a Prime Minister, or so you thought at first. You even got entangled in a demon’s lair and now he won't let you go. You're not a mere secretary, but you are his dearest companion.
WC : 1404 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, secretary! reader, historical-fantasy, possible mischaracterization, hint of obsessiveness, WMMAP references, Ikemen Prince references, Tears of Themis references, I Became the Wife of the Male Lead references, etc.
Featured Characters : -
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : DEAREST, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DEBUT! I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR STAY IN THIS VIRTUAL WORLD!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir. I am [Y/N], your new secretary and assistant.”
It was a simple greeting that made his heart rushing with such adoration. In one glance, you might be just a normal secretary. Stiff, overly serious, a little blatant, yet clumsy. Perhaps, it's because of how you are not used to expressing their feelings, especially at workplace.
It’s cute, he said inside his heart. It is indeed cute. How your tongue would occasionally slip when he interrupted your reports with a flirt, how blushes would mess with your serious expression, and how you would scream at him when you felt he had gone too far, earning laughter from him. You amused him so much. His office is never boring and dull with you around.
It was Wednesday, 17th Night of the 12th Moon.
Around this time, Nocturne Palace will be opened for the night entities and a grand banquet will be held. This banquet was held primarily to ensure the loyalty of the Nocturne members. However, all that was usually overshadowed by the sweetness of the champagne and the heat of gossip among the guests.
“You’re nervous.” Your boss, Mikazuki Arion suddenly stated.
You sigh shakily while you once again checking yourself in the mirror. “Sir, I am not.”
“Come on, you look gorgeous. Many will want to devour you, but I will not allow that, so don’t worry.”
“That's what I'm worried about,” you gritted your teeth, hiding your nervousness from him.
His amethyst pair of eyes gazed into yours from the mirror. He knew what's bothering you. In fact, it was your first time joining the banquet as his secretary.
Yes, a human. A mere moral was about to join such a feast for the night entities.
But you are his mortal. Why should you be afraid when you are under the protection of the Primordial Demon himself? Someone has to think hundreds, thousands of times just to touch you.
“Be confident. That’s all I ask of you,” he sigh. “I held this banquet to tell them that their leader is back after playing act as a Prime Minister in a faraway place. You are my secretary, so I need to introduce you to my people. Just think of it as your debutante and I became your escort.”
“Shouldn’t the position be reversed?” you frowned. “I'm supposed to be the escort here.”
“Just make yourself home or comfortable. Nocturne Palace is mine, so you’re safe here.” Arion adjusted his gloves and pulled something from his jacket suit’s pocket. It was a thin black box. “And wear this. Pin it in a visible place.”
You received the box. “What is it?” you asked, opening the box.
There was a golden moon and silver star-shaped badge inside the box. You lifted the badge and realized that it was indeed made by a real gold. “This is…” you trailed off, admiring the sparkling glints and beautiful carves of the badge.
“It’s a Nocturne Emblem. That will show people that you are a part of Nocturne,” he said.
You looked at the badge with sparkling eyes. “Must be expensive…” you suddenly cooed, making your boss chuckles.
“It is,” Arion chuckled. “Hurry up, dear mine. The guests are waiting.”
You were glad he already walked through the door so he didn’t see how you blush toward his endearment for you. You pinned the badge to the front of your outfit and followed him outside.
Nocturne Palace’s banquet hall was filled with the guests dressed in best outfit they could get. Friendly and fake smiles were painted in many of the guests’ faces as they enjoyed the sweetness of the champagne and gossips.
You walked a couple steps behind Arion, as you were not his partner but his confidant. As both of you stepped inside the hall, the herald announced,
“Make way for Leader of Nocturne, Mikazuki Arion!”
Hearing the herald mention his arrival, all the guests looked at him—and you—with looks you couldn’t even tell with words. Everyone’s eyes were on him but you felt some kind of discomfort upon those gazes.
You could only tell a couple reasons behind those gazes. First, this was the first time they saw their leader again after he decided to roam A Thousand Memories as a Prime Minister. Second, Arion brought back a human, a mere mortal with him.
“S-Sir…” you called him in quietly, enough for him to hear.
“What is it?” Arion asked, taking to glass of champagne from an attendant.
You gulped your own saliva and whispered almost inaudibly. “I-I’m scared…”
Filled with inhuman beings, Arion understood why you could be so scared in his own place. Arion sighed and lifted his gaze, staring deadly at the guests. With that, the guests immediately lower their gazes. “There you go,” he sang, smiling at you as he passed one of the champagne glasses to you.
Once everything was set, Arion sighed and took a step. On the highest staircase in that hall, Arion stood there with dignity. Clearing his throat, Arion took a deep breath. “Entities of the Night, your presence tonight has proven your loyalty to the Nocturne, I’m glad that you all are here.” Arion started his speech as the crowd was silent.
He continued, “Many moons passed, and this is my first time attending our monthly banquet after a long time I cannot join you all here. I know I have been away for far too long that I made you restless. But fear not, for I will never be far anymore. I'll lead Nocturne as I usually do in the past.”
The sound of cheers and applause filled the hall. Whispers of joy and scathing criticism mingled along with the lively atmosphere.
“That being said…”
You failed in catching his smirk, but you were suddenly exposed to the crowd as Arion stepped aside, showing you to the guests.
“But on my journey, I met an amazing mortal who later became my dearest partner. This person made a Primordial Demon once known as his savagery into a perfect leader of his people. I can’t say for certain that I won’t revert back as I’m in the past, cruel as I am to you all, my own people. But this person will be the restrain of my uncontrollable power. A Primordial Demon like me couldn't possibly ask for anything else, as long as I can finally stop hurting my own people with this power. I’ll accept them, even if they are a human,” Arion continued his speech.
That was when you realized, Arion was talking about you to his people. Chill washed down your body as the gazes of the guests focused on you.
But then, Arion’s gloved hand comfortingly held mine. “Now, they are my secretary, but they are also a dearest companion of mine. So I proudly ordain to you all, [Y/N] [L/N], as a new part of us, Nocturne!”
“All hail Nocturne! May the darkness protect us all!” Everyone raised their glasses in a toast.
“S-Sir?!” you gasped, trying to reach him. But it looked like he was getting carried away by moment. “Sir, I beg your pardon! What’s the meaning of th—"
Arion pulled you to him as he sipped his champagne. “Now that Nocturne welcome you as you are, you can freely wander around here,” he smiled. But then, his majestic amethyst eyes darkened. Arion leaned to your ear and whispered, “And you’ll be serving me for a long time, so don’t try to run away. You’re stuck with me here. Is that understandable?”
You always assumed that Arion was using his powers as a demon to lure you into his clutches. But in the end, you will still give in and submit yourself to him. That was also the reason why you agreed to become the secretary of a Prime Minister like him in the first place. You will always dance on his fingers, entertaining him to all his amusement.
“I understand,” you whispered, as if being hypnotize.
The leader’s companion.
That's a nickname that the people of Nocturne will use when they address you. No one will dare to oppose you, because messing with you is the same as messing with their leader. To avoid his wrath, you will always be on their favor.
You were not a mere secretary of the Prime Minister anymore, but you are the Primordial Demon, Mikazuki Arion’s companion. -----[FIN].
The Leader’s Companion
Fiction by Author Xandra
July, 2023
----- [1/2] Solitary Night Wanderings: One’s Cup
|| Kei Zaki x Fem! Reader
Summary : Kei thought that the safest place for you was by his side. He thought that no harm will approach you when you were close to him. It’s all wrong. Even when you’re within his reach, Kei still couldn’t protect you from harm. In a world where he can trust no one, who will protect you if it’s not him?
WC : 2244 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, hurt w/ comfort, historical-fantasy, assassination attempt, minor character’s death, Into the Light Once Again references, My Mother Got Married by Contract references, WMMAP references, etc.
Featured Characters : Shirokami Jae, Reychi Bethania, and Minoru Chise.
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : I FINALLY FINISHED THIS PIECES, YEAYYYYYYYY!!!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
KEI Zaki never trusts others.
He only places his trust in a few certain people, and even that is not without his guard on. Day and night he’s always on alert. Otherwise, he would lose his life in an instant.
As the last prince who was born from the king's youngest mistress, Kei couldn't do anything to fight back. He could only agree with what his father and siblings told him.
His brothers fought over the throne and crown, yet he acted as if he was not interested and had no power over either of those things. He acts weak, all that he did to survive and protect his mother.
But shortly after his mother breathed her last, Kei thought he had lost everything. He felt like he had lost his purpose in life. He almost forgot that he had another woman that he had to protect.
An innocent woman who was betrothed by Kei’s eldest brother to him and married without love. A lower class noble who shared the same fate as him could only go along with what people told her to survive.
However, you were … something else to him.
Seeing how innocent you are when you see the world around you makes he want to protect you even more. Your eyes that are always glistening with light reveal an innocence beyond compare. From your eyes, he can see how you don't have the slightest ill will towards him.
You're a victim too, just like you.
The sound of wooden swords clashing was clear and deafening. Even so, you just smiled and sat yourself down on one of the chairs in the middle of the garden terrace. Various types of sweets have filled the table.
“Ah, how nice. Hasn't it been a while since the last time we gathered for tea like this?"
You who previously focused on the friendly duel in the garden immediately turned to the girl who talked. "Of course, Princess Reychi. You must be so busy with your duties in the dukedom," you chuckled at her.
She took a deep breath and sighed. “There is no harm in resting after a tiring day, no? It's nice to have a gathering like this with my dearest friends.”
Reychi Bethania is one of the few nobles you and Kei can trust. In fact, maybe Reychi is the only upper class noble he trusts. Just like Kei, Reychi never trusted her siblings. She had no interest in the position of leading her family’s dukedom or having any spotlight in high society, but her siblings still felt threatened by her presence.
Because of that friendship too, Kei's older siblings feel threatened by him. If Reychi ever changes her mind and decides to take over the power of her family's dukedom, then Kei will have a very strong backing support. Kei's chance to get the throne is getting higher.
“Should the tea be prepared now? Princess Reychi is here, and I'm sure Kei's training with Sir Shirokami is almost over,” you suggested.
Your handmaiden and lady-in-waiting, Viscountess Minoru Chise immediately asked the maids from kitchen to prepare some cups of tea for you and others to enjoy.
However, when the tea was served, you realized something unfamiliar. The maid serving the tea was not Kei’s usual maid. Come to think of it, Kei had never ordered tea from any maid other than the maids in his palace. You stared intently at the maid who served the tea. Was that maid originally from Kei's palace? you thought. That was the first time you saw her.
"Is she a new maid?" Reychi suddenly whispered to your ear, asking you. Turned out you were not the only one with the suspicions toward the maid. Reychi is an intelligent woman with high intuition. Her gut can tell if something is wrong.
Reychi noticed your confused face too. “At first I thought maybe because I haven't visited you in a while, there has been a change in the line-up of maids at Prince Kei's palace. But judging by your expression, it seems like I was wrong.”
"You know that Kei only employs people he trusts," you muttered. You turned to your lady-in-waiting as the maid serving the tea had left. "Chise, I have a question."
Chise, who had just sat down on the chair beside you, immediately answered, "Ask away, my lady."
“Did Kei just add more maids to his palace? Or maybe the king or crown prince did it?”
The viscountess became confused too and glanced at the maid from afar. "No one informed me about that. The palace's head maid should have told me and His Highness's maid first if that is indeed happened.”
You were silent for a moment, staring at the five cups of tea that had been served in front of you. "Princess Reychi, what tea did you order today from the kitchen?"
"I ordered cherry blossom tea with milk."
"What about you, Chise?"
"As usual, my lady, I ordered lavender tea,” your handmaiden asnwered.
"What about Sir Shirokami?"
Chise helped answering your question. "He usually has normal earl gray tea."
The tea that Kei ordered was the same as that of the aide he trusted the most, Jae Shirokami. However, you noticed how the tea in Kei's cup looked different from Jae's.
Right when you hung your hand over Kei's teacup, your heart seemed to stop beating. You didn’t see your reflection on the surface of the tea water, indicating that there was another ingredient mixed in the tea—poison.
You know Jae has high poison resistance, but you can't make him do the poison-tasting on his master’s tea. Besides, you would never have the heart to let Chise drink even a drop of that poison.
In the midst of that anxiety, you had a thought, who did it this time. Which sibling of Kei would have the heart to order someone to carry out this assassination attempt.
Realizing what you were thinking, Reychi immediately grabbed your wrist tightly. You looked at her and saw the horror on her face. Reychi also realized that there was poison mixed in Kei's drink. She also realized what you were thinking to save that partner of yours. Reychi shook her head, begging you not to do whatever you were thinking about.
However, you just smiled at her and touched her hand that was holding yours tightly. “I'll be fine,” you mouthed.
You stood up and walked toward the end of the terrace, making sure Kei could hear your voice. “Kei!” you called, shouting a little. Kei and Jae, who were practicing, stopped their activities to answer your call. “It seems like I ordered the wrong tea. I also wanted earl grey, but they serve me jasmine tea instead. Want to swap?”
“My lady, I could ask the maids from the kitchen to switch your cup—” Chise's sentence stopped when you suddenly raised your hand, telling her to be silent without a word.
From a distance, Kei was smiling. "Go ahead. We'll be there in a minute."
You gave him a pretty fake smile. But fortunately, Kei and Jae were able to refocus themselves on their sword practice.
Without sitting back down, you returned to the table and lifted Kei's teacup. You ignore Chise's worried look because she thought you were acting very strange.
Slowly, you sipped the tea from the cup. And sure enough, what you were thinking was real. Your tongue was immediately washed with a bitter and pale taste. If it wasn't for the wrong way of boiling the tea, then the maid in the kitchen used expired tea leaves. However, that was impossible because the royal kitchen was really meticulous. That was where you believe that there was a poison in the tea.
The poison weakened your body, making you drop the cup until it broke and your body fell to the floor. You noticed your mouth spit out not only the liquid you just drank, but also the blood that instantly stained your dress.
“Lady!!”
“My lady!!!”
That's Princess Reychi's and Chise's voice, you said inside your heart, trying to look at them. You also heard the chaos which you guessed was from your lady-in-waiting panicking. You felt your body being pulled forcefully into someone's lap.
“Your Highness!!!” Once again, you heard Chise's cries for Kei.
Meanwhile, Kei and Jae, who were shocked by Chise's screams of horror, immediately dropped their wooden swords and rushed to the terrace.
Your vision started to blur. However, you could still see the panic and horror on Kei's face. You also noticed how your body seemed to be moved again, thinking that Kei had just pulled you from Chise's arms.
Kei’s beautiful pair of rhodolite eyes were filled with tears. You would feel very guilty if those tears fall to the ground. To you, Kei's tears and life are just as precious.
“Call the royal physician here!!! Someone poisoned the princess consort!!!”
Yes, Jae's shout was the last thing you heard before you close your eyes. Everything went dark instantly.
The entire palace, not just Kei's palace, was turned upside down by the news of the princess consort being poisoned. Some of them speculated that the action was aimed at the youngest prince, but you sacrificed yourself and managed to save your partner.
Things were getting worse for everyone, especially for Chise. Even before you became a princess consort, Chise is your best friend. You and her are both from lower class nobles who never dared to dream of something like marrying a royal prince and entering the palace. With you, Chise has gone through everything. It really hit her hard. Guilt washed over her and regret gnawed at her heart.
Kei and Jae immediately hunted down the suspects and those who may be involved. The entrance and the exit door of the palace was closed, and no staffs could leave the palace. Just like Chise, regret and guilt are mixed together.
Kei thought the best way to protect you was to always be near you. However, even though he was already by your side, harms still come near you while he couldn’t do anything.
One thing he was grateful for was how Reychi was there. With the power she possesses as a divine spirit, she can practice holy magic to slow down the spread of poison in your body. Although it wasn't much, it was enough to buy some time until the royal physician came.
Currently, you were resting in your room, under the supervision of the best physician that Kei has chosen, and under the care of people he trusts only.
“Fortunately, Her Highness only took a small sip of the tea or else she would have lost her life on the spot,” the royal physician explained after administering the painkiller for you. You could finally sleep peacefully. “I've done an intense surgery and removed the poison. If her body's condition stabilizes soon, then Her Highness is expected to wake up tonight."
Kei might be able to breathe a sigh of relief, but that didn't calm him down. Until the sun has set, the prince was still busy hunting the culprits.
What the doctor said really happened. You woke up some time after the sunset. Some time after you woke up, you were immediately greeted by your friend and lady-in-waiting, who was crying and thanking you for finally waking up.
“Kei… Where is he? Is he okay?” you uttered weakly, still thinking about your partner's safety, and not worrying about your near death condition.
Chise told you what Kei was doing at that time. Honestly, you wanted to get up and stop the action of him that was blinded by rage. However, you didn’t have any power to stop him with such a weak body?
Just this one time, you said to yourself, gazing out to the window of your chamber. Instead of worrying about Kei, you should be more worried about your condition ... and your best friend who seemed to have a lot to say. You looked at her with your dimmed eyes. Looks like she’s going to scold me, you thought once again.
"Come here, Chise." You patted the space beside you on your bed. The physician just finished examining you. "I know you have so much to say."
Chise complied and the first thing she did was hugging you really tight. She striped away all formalities to you as herself—as her best friend, not her master. "Never do that again, I beg you." Chise's voice was hoarse and shaking from her tears.
She continued and whispered in your ears, still embracing you tightly, “Now it's my duty and Sir Shirokami's to protect you and His Highness. Our lives are bound to serve you two. So next time you're in this kind of position again, where your life and death flash in front of you, ask me or Sir Shirokami first! Don't run into fire by yourself! Do you understand?”
You couldn’t argue, your body was too weak to argue. “I understand,” you answered shortly.
Chise pulled herself away from the hug and looked at you deeply. “I know His Highness will also agree with me. We would rather lose our entire position in this palace than lose you.”
You and Chise ended up silently embracing each other for a while, making sure in your own heart that you and her are still by each other's side. -----[TBC].
[1/2] Solitary Night Wanderings: One’s Cup
Fiction by Author Xandra
July, 2023
----- Automaton’s End Point
|| ZEA Cornelia [NIJISANJI] x GN! Reader - A Parting Gift
Summary : That was ZEA Cornelia's final moment before she got deactivated and she decided to spend the rest of her final time with you. But parting is still parting. Even though you parted with a smile, you still end up falling, mourning your love that has gone. With memories collected in one chip, you can only hold on tight as the last thing he left behind.
WC : 2546 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, hurt w/o comfort, hint of lore, professor’s assistant! reader, Plastic Memories references, I Picked Up a Second Lead After the Ending references, Honkai: Star Rail references, Conquer the Night lyrics mentioned, etc.
Featured Characters : Taka Radjiman, Hana Macchia (mentioned), and Professor Cornelia (mentioned).
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : LISTEN, WHY DO I HAVE TO WRITE THINGS ARE A PARTING GIFT?! I WANT TO WRITE MORE ABOUT ZEAAAA!! MA’AM I WILL MISS YOU SO BAD:( WHY MY FIRST FANFIC FOR YOU IS ALSO MY PARTING GIFT FOR YOU:( This is the reason why regret always comes at the end. Be happy always, ZEA... We love you!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
“THANK you so much, Taka…”
"No, I should be the one who thank you, for everything. Sponsoring you had guided Mitaka and me to many opportunities.” The man named Taka sat himself in front of ZEA Cornelia.
ZEA could only chuckle. “And without your sponsorship, I would not have been able to come this far. Truly, the funds you invested in me as an idol were of great help.”
"Then we're even?"
"Yeah, you're right."
Silence enveloped for a few moments. The scent of jasmine tea pervaded, making the silence not awkward but comforting.
"I can't believe this is all going to end," ZEA suddenly said, staring out the window.
ZEA and Taka decided to terminate their sponsorship cooperation after the automaton decided to deactivate her program and system. She felt that her system had been running for too long and she had to take a really long break.
Taka himself terminated his cooperation contract with ZEA not only because the automaton would deactivated herself. Taka Radjiman intended to quit and dissolve his company. Mitaka Solution has achieved their highest vision and now he has decided to step down from his position.
One thing that bothered him was how ZEA's memory records will probably be erased when she is deactivated. He didn't know how exactly, but his heart ached at the thought of how ZEA wouldn't remember him and all the memories she had when her system stopped working.
"Something bothering you?" ZEA asked, noticing how Taka kept staring at his teacup blankly.
Taka was silent for a while, trying to choose the right words to convey his worry. "Have you spoken to Hana?"
ZEA nodded, a small smile touching her lips. “This is a very difficult situation for the three of us, and this also doesn’t make it easy for her. I remember Mitaka also sponsored her. Will you still sponsor her after you dissolve your company?”
"I'm still thinking about that."
ZEA knew what Taka was worried about, so she smiled. Taka didn't want to look worried, he couldn't come up with the right question. “If you're worried, Taka,” the automaton started as she took a sip of her tea. “My memories will be retrieved and collected in a single chip after I'm deactivated. If my professor's assistant decides to reactivate my system, they can simply reboot my system using the memory module in that chip."
Taka's gesture showed that the tension was released from his body. “Thank goodness,” Taka whispered, barely audible to ZEA. “Talking about Professor Cornelia's assistant, how are they? I believe this was not an easy decision for them either.”
Once again, ZEA smiled resignedly. "It seems I have caused them pain."
ZEA stood silent as she entered the laboratory. Across from where she stood, she stared at your back which she recognized so well. You sat down there and looked down. Their condition got worse after I asked her to do that, the automaton thought to herself.
"ZEA, are you sure?"
"Of course, I am. I don't think I can use this system anymore. I just wish to be reunited with Professor once more…”
ZEA still remembered how shock, worries, and fear mixed into one on your face. But the decision she made was final.
"Come on now, [Y/N]," ZEA suddenly voiced her concern and approached you, making you flinch a little. But you didn't turn your face to her. "I think this is what the Professor means by 'Don't get too attached to what you're doing or you'll go mad.' Are you feeling mad because I'm leaving?"
“I finished the preparations … Including your the chip for your memory module and its copies.” You were changing the subject. You kept looking down, while your right hand engraved the letters on the paper to make a report.
“And about your question a few days ago, ZEA,” you continued. “I will probably be a full-time lecturer after this. So you don't have to worry about me."
ZEA remembered. She asked what you were going to do after she was gone. She didn't expect you to answer her question. But at least, she could now leave in peace. “I see. That's good to hear."
An uncomfortable silence enveloped both of you again. Only the voice of your pen hitting the paper was heard at that time. You were too focused on writing something. However, when ZEA saw tears started to fall onto your paper, she knew why you kept looking down. You were crying.
That was when ZEA's arms reached for you, turning you around to look at her. The automaton embraced you and you started to cry. “I have sinned to make you cry like this. I'm sorry for causing you such pain,” ZEA muttered softly, cradling your hair.
"That's not fair," you shakily mumbled. “I've been trying so hard not to cry…”
“[Y/N],” she called your name. “Impian tuk berubah~”
You gasped when ZEA suddenly sang very softly, cradling your hair. Meanwhile, ZEA smiled because she can finally calm your crying.
“Hapuskan keluh kesah~ Redam gelisah, walau tak mudah~ Mari melangkah~”
You fell silent in her embrace. In the end, you could only lean on the front of her body when she hugged you. You tried to calm your heart and stared blankly somewhere while listening to her singing.
“Berlari di bawah kilau cahaya ini… Tak berhenti walau malam kan berganti… Free yourself and be ready… Change the destiny, for our reverie…”
ZEA continued singing at a slower pace and with a softer rhythm, as if she were singing a lullaby.
“Shout out, conquer the night~”
ZEA sighed as she finished singing the song for you. You were still silent in her arms and ZEA was still cradling you.
You almost forgot that ZEA was booted as an idol automaton by your Professor. It was only natural that you and many people really like her singing voice. It was her charm, her identity.
“[Y/N]…” Once again, she called you. You could only hum to answer her. "Tomorrow will be my last day, do you mind spending my final time with me?"
"What about others?" you asked, talking about all her friends she made during her active lifespan.
ZEA chuckled. "I've already said enough goodbye to them." She looked at you with her signature smile. "So, your answer?"
"What will Professor think if I say no, ZEA?" you asked knowingly.
"Uh... he'll be mad at you?"
“Exactly.”
ZEA seemed very excited. Because when she woke up in the morning, she immediately got ready and pulled you out of your bed. Seeing how excited she was, you smiled and could only comply.
From the sunrise to the sunset, you and ZEA visited many places in the city. It all started from the venue where she debuted. You still remember how it was only you who could see how nervous ZEA was at that time. She was professional, indeed.
You and ZEA also visited some of the dating spots you've been to. Some of them bring blushes back to your cheeks because of romantic memories and some of them bring laughter because of funny memories.
After that, ZEA asked you to take her to the post office. She intended to send her last letters to his friends. Seeing how many letters she wanted to send, you couldn’t tell when she wrote them all.
And the last place you visited before returning to the laboratory is the flyover, a place that may be ordinary to many people but very special for both of you.
With the sun just setting, you and ZEA gazed at the city cladded in colorful lights from above the flyover. You two just stood there in silence, enjoying each other's company.
"[Y/N], do you remember the first time Professor brought us here?" ZEA asked so suddenly without looking at you, breaking the silence.
"Of course, I do. It was right a few days after the Professor activated your system. I still remember how you got too excited when you saw the city lights,” you answered. You looked at her who was still looking at the city. “ZEA,” you called. “As expected…”
“Huh? What?” ZEA turned to you when she heard your sentence. "What do you expect?"
“That same euphoria is still dancing in your eyes. You have the same expression as when the Professor brought us here the first time.” But after saying that, you widen your eyes in surprise. “ZEA…?”
"Ah, what's wrong with me?" she said with a crack voice. Her hands hastily and carelessly wiped the tears that kept rolling down her cheeks. "What is this? I promised myself I wouldn't cry."
A faint smile suddenly touched your lips. “Now, now, shouldn't I be the one crying? I'm the one you're leaving, you know." You pulled ZEA in a hug and let her cry on your chest.
To be honest, the concept of “perfect human” has always frightened you. You once thought your Professor was crazy because of that concept he idealized. But after he created ZEA, you began to questioning yourself. Where that fear came from actually?
Was it because the automatons could feel human feelings as well like a normal human? You don't know, and probably never will. That would be an unanswered question forever.
“ZEA…” you called her name.
"Yes?" A sob escaped along with an answer.
“Were you happy during your active time?”
The automaton nods in your arms. "I am very happy."
"Is there anything you regret?"
Now she shook her head. "There's nothing I regret."
"A million dollars question. Are you scared, though?"
ZEA's grip on the front of your clothes was getting stronger. "I am very scared. I'm afraid to be deactivated!”
You pulled yourself from the hug and looked straight into her ocean blue eyes, a smile on your lips. "Then, it's enough. The perfect human concept that the Professor created was a success. Happiness, regret, and fear, those are human emotions and you can feel them too perfectly. I’m sure Prof will be so happy.”
You wiped her tears gently. “ZEA, you should know this too. I’m really glad that I could be both your supervisor and partner.”
You joined your forehead with hers. she cried again in your arms.
At this moment, you will ask, what will happen to you after ZEA falls into her eternal sleep? What will happen to you after you woke up from this dream?
After returning to the laboratory, you immediately had check up session on her for one last time. After making sure there were no defects on her system, ZEA immediately stepped into her artificial tube.
Before you close the tube, you hold her hand tightly. ZEA could feel how your hands were shaking. The automaton tightened her grip on your hand, making you look up at her.
Her blue jewel eyes shone in the dim light of the laboratory. With a smile on her face, ZEA nodded, reassuring you that everything will be fine. She was assuring you that you need not to be afraid and doubt what you will do.
ZEA leaned to your ear and whispered softly, "Let's meet again in the future, with a new system and program, but the same memory."
That was enough to convince you. You nodded and kissed her cheek and forehead one last time. You didn’t care about how your heart beating painfully.
It was a golden hour for an automaton and her supervisor lover.
A farewell with a smile was what you and ZEA really wanted. Therefore, no matter how painful it is, you smiled gently at her. You let go of her hand and closed the artificial tube.
"After I finish collecting your memories in the chip and make its copies, I will immediately send it to the people you ask," you informed her. ZEA nodded and thanked you.
“Thank you, ZEA…” you murmured, your palm touching the glass tube.
ZEA shook her head slowly and smiled. “No, [Y/N]. Thank you."
The automaton was resting herself and waiting for you to start progressing. She took a deep breath... for the last time.
You didn’t want to live with doubts and regrets. As soon as you saw the option to start the process, you immediately pressed the screen to start the option.
Shutting down ZEA.exe...
Restoring ZEA.exe to factory set: Progress begins…
Your breath hitched. The serene smile on her face made your heart ached. You stared at her who were sleeping in the artificial tube.
10%...
25%...
You closed your eyes, didn’t any heart to see her life essence slowly fading from her body.
50%...
75%...
100%...
Successfully restored ZEA.exe to factory set...
ZEA.exe successfully shutting down...
Shutting down system complete…
The beeping sound from your device was deafening and painful. You opened your eyes, realizing that the process of deactivating ZEA Cornelia had been completed. Without you knowing it, tears were sliding down your cheeks again.
You let go of the pain that you have been holding back for almost a month since ZEA told you her wish of being deactivated. You cried out loud in front of the artificial tube where ZEA's physical model was soundly asleep.
Successfully retrieved ZEA.exe memories module…
The sound of the device came back, making you flinch from your lamentation. You were silent for a moment, looking in the direction where you came from. That was when you remember one of the things ZEA wanted you to do.
Staggering, you got up and immediately pressed the "copy" option on your device. You made several copies of the module for you to share with ZEA's closest friends.
But when you analyzed every data in the module, one data caught your attention. You opened the data only to be surprised and start crying again.
“[Y/N], I'm happy to be with you until the end. Thank you, I love you very much."
It was the last bit in ZEA Cornelia's memory before you started the deactivation process.
Your forehead and palm touched the glass of the artificial tube. Even with tears flowing, you smiled. "I'm so glad I met you, ZEA. In the far future, we will be reunited.”
Taka stood by the glass window of his office with several papers of letter in hand. He gritted his teeth, trying to suppress his own feelings. His heart suddenly throb painfully. He didn't want to cry because basically he would also follow the sender of the letter soon. But sadness, anger, and worry still eat away at his heart.
On his desk, his device played some records of someone's point of view. The chip that was sent not long after the letter arrived played up memories of its owner. Taka have already watched some of the memories, but he was not strong enough to watch them all at once. He would end up spending almost 4 years watching all of it.
"Get my car ready," he ordered his assistant. Taka put the letter back in the envelope and took out the chip he was playing from his device. He grabbed his suit jacket.
"If I may ask, where are you going, sir?" the assistant asked.
"I have to go to Hana's place. I have to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid and is okay." -----[FIN].
Automaton’s End Point
Fiction by Author Xandra
May, 2023
----- Where the Heart Settles
|| Banzoin Hakka [HOLOSTARS EN]x GN! Reader - Birthday Fiction
Summary : Hakka used to think that a garden was nothing more than just a place filled with various flowers. However, on his birthday, you proved him wrong. Hakka found himself settling his heart in a safest haven, the garden you made only for him.
WC : 2421 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, fluff with a hint of angst, hint of TEMPUS lore, Ikemen Sengoku references, MLQC references, etc.
Featured Characters : An unnamed friend (OC), Gavis Bettel (mentioned), Josuiji Shinri (mentioned), and Magni Dezmond (mentioned).
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : IT’S MY FAVORITE BIRD’S BIRTHDAY AND FOR ONCE I MANAGED TO POST THE BIRTHDAY FICTION ON TIME YEYYYY:D
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
INDEED. From the outside, your tea shop might look like just a normal shop. That's not wrong at all. You actually run a tea house in your homeland, Xenokuni. However, everything changed when the Jester came to you. Your shop is no longer an ordinary tea house. It now also serves as an information base specifically for Adventurer's Guild TEMPUS.
You don't remember why you agreed to that. But one thing you know that once the war was over, you had to part ways with your significant other because the Jester took him to the TEMPUS Guild headquarters. And it had been quite a while since the last time you saw him.
"I'll be fine, I promise."
To be honest, those worries never went away, not only because he left you, but also because of the eroding effects of the Records Corruption on his body after he was attacked during the war.
No one knows when they will attack again. You always get scared and anxious every time you think about it. There has been no peace since the people of Xenokuni questioned the validity of Utopia that the elites of Elysium had idealized.
“Today is his birthday,” you glanced at the digital clock in the room and sighed, feeling a little disappointed. You wanted to celebrate his birthday with him too.
You don't know, but perhaps the divine forces heard your complaint and answered your wish. The sound of—specifically—okobo sandals hitting the floor can be heard clearly by your ears. However, you ignored whoever it was, considering that your close friend who also works at your tea shop was up front to greet customers.
But not long after, your friend split the curtain door open to see you. They stood there with a wide smile, it made you confused. “[Y/N],” they called, excitement could be heard in their calm voice.
"What, are they our customers who want tea or clients who need information?" you asked.
“You have a guest.”
With hesitation, you asked again, "I have a guest?"
However, your question was answered when your friend stepped back, making way for someone. From behind the curtain, you saw a figure that you would never have thought of. Your eyes widen in disbelief.
You missed this person so much. It would be a lie if you didn't expect a little bit about his sudden arrival, but you also can't hope too much because of his busy life now as a member of the Guild TEMPUS. But one thing you were sure of was that the divine forces did heard your complains about just a moment ago.
“Hakka…?” you called his name, approaching him slowly. “Is that really you?” That was a stupid question, you admit to yourself.
The purple-haired man smiled gently at you. "Of course it’s me. Is there any coolest and cutest exorcist that is better than me here? Tell me who it is!”
It was him.
You could confirm it from his antics. Your hand reached for his face, making sure that he wouldn’t disappear when you touch him. You looked down to see one last thing that could prove it was really him.
You lifted one of the Hakka's hands gently, his eroded one. When you saw the traces of the corruption on his right hand, you could finally breathe a sigh of relief. “Oh, right. It is you,” you laughed shakily, probably because of the tears you were trying to hold back.
Hakka also raised his right hand to hold yours that was cupping his cheek. "I'm home," he whispered softly.
You finally pulled him into a hug. Hakka also rested his chin on your crown. He embraced you with such tenderness while whispering sweet nothings.
Being in his arms again made you realize ... he is your home, no matter how far you two were apart.
Since Hakka left for Guild TEMPUS, you have prepared something for him when he comes back. His arrival on a birthday was perfect, so you could show the things you prepared for him as a gift.
You told Hakka there was a place you wanted to show him. You also warned him that this place would be dangerous to visit. The reason why is because this place you were going to visit has the most and strongest concentration of Records Corruption residue. You even call it the Xenokuni’s residue center of Records Corruption.
But because you told Hakka it would be a birthday gift for him, he agreed to go there with you. He paid no heed to the actual danger he was about to approach. You'd think there would be at least a bit of trauma reactions from him because of what happened to him during the war. But it seemed that he really was the coolest exorcist because he was not afraid of any dangers and obstacles before him.
"You guys will have a date?" your friend, who was serving some customers, asked.
"Not really a date, but we will take a little stroll," you answered. “You wouldn’t mind looking after the shop by yourself for a bit, right?”
Your friend laughed lightly and shook their head. "Of course I don't mind. And Hakka,” they turned to the Tengu. “I wish you a happy birthday. I thought you came here because you or someone from the guild needed information. Turns out you actually came here to meet your darling.”
Hakka touched his chest, acting dramatic. "Ouch, that's hurting me, you know?" Hakka and your friends laughed, making you smile with them.
Right after that, Hakka took something out from inside of his white kimono cloth that covered his black shirt. “Here.” Hakka took out an envelope and handed it to your friend.
"What is this?" they asked.
“Letter from Dad,” he loud-whispered to them you could hear him. "He really misses you."
You looked at your friend with teasing gazes and chuckled. “Looks like you guys miss each other. It's not a one-sided feeling."
Your friend received the letter from the Tengu. Shades of pink blushed their cheeks.
Hakka grabbed your hand to quickly step out of the tea house. “Bye, Mom! We're off."
"I'm not your mother!" they protested, but did not seem to hate it.
Before actually leaving, once again Hakka shouted, “Shinri's my dad, so you're my mom. See you!”
“Don't tease them too much,” you laughed while walking out of the tea house with him.
"It's okay. They need to know that Shinri is missing them as well." He took your hand in his. "Let's go. Should we jump down to the spot you mentioned or walk to enjoy the view instead?”
You giggled. "Let's take a walk. I want to enjoy, not only the view, but also spending time with you too.”
"That's a great idea."
With that, hand in hand, you went to the place where your gift for him was.
After a while of walking, you and Hakka finally arrived at your destination. You stared into the misty abyss in front of you. The concentration of Record Corruptions residue at the bottom of the abyss made your stomach sick. Your legs felt weak, as if you were tired. You're not sure how you came to this place for the past few months.
“Careful there.” Hakka wrapped once of his arms around your waist, making sure you didn't fall. The Tengu looked at you with a worried look.
Hakka felt the same way as how you feel. But thanks to his Karasutengu Data, Hakka could still stand and make sure he didn’t fall because of the corruption residue concentrations
“Hakka, let's go there,” your muttered weakly, pointing a dark, narrow alley. You tried to stand still. "There's a nice place at the end of the alley. I think that place has not been touched by the residue of Records Corruption," you explained.
Hakka gave you a curious look. While helping you, the two of you entered the alley way.
When you and Hakka reached there, the exorcist dropped his jaw in surprise, his periwinkle eyes was perfectly rounded. “What is… this…?” Hakka was speechless with what he saw before him. He felt like he was in a different world.
A bed of flowers stretched out in front of him. It wasn't that wide, but what was before him can spoil his eyes and it could rest his mind which was previously spinning abysmally because of the corruption residue concentration outside.
"It's a small garden," you answered his previous question. You looked at the garden fondly. “I found this place a while after you and Shinri left to join the headquarters members. Before you left, the Jester had asked me to take a few samples of the corruption residue, and the alley way caught my attention, then I found this place,” you once again explained.
Hakka listened to you carefully and you continued, “I noticed that the soil in this place is more fertile than most of the land in Xenokuni after the battle. I sent a sample of the residue that the Jester requested along with a letter containing a report about this place. Sir Dezmond replied to the report and said it seems that this place was indeed left untouched during the battle. The influence of the Records Corruption didn’t reach this place.”
What you said earlier was true. The place seemed untouched by the influence of Records Corruption at all. That place was so fresh and calming, as if it was a world apart from Elysium which is always filled with an unobtrusive aura, despite its beautiful scenery. The exorcist took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air.
A thin, soft smile touched Hakka's lips. "It's beautiful," he uttered, lightly chuckling.
A few moments after gazing at the garden, Hakka noticed how neat the garden was. The corner of the garden had been fenced in with wooden pickets. Flowers of all shapes and colors grew out of its well-tended soil. He wasn't sure everything could be this neat without someone’s hands.
"I grew all of these flowers and tended it ever since Sir Dezmond said I could plant this place with flowers and trees." As if you were reading his mind, your statement succeeded in answering Hakka’s curiosity. You smiled sweetly. “I thought I'll take care of this garden and show you someday. Apart from being located near the Records Corruption residue center, this place has become my safest haven when I need a place to clear my mind.”
Hakka looked at you in surprise. But if you look at his smile and eyes, curiosity, excitement, and pride was mixed together. “You did all this?!”
Seeing his expression, you laughed lightly. “Yup! You came here at the right time—it's your birthday, so can you consider this as your birthday present?”
"You mean... you tended these flowers for me?"
You nodded, “Do you like it—woah!”
“I love it!” Hakka interrupted your question with an instant answer as he jumped on you, hugging you tightly. You and Hakka bursted out laughing. "Are you going to continue to take care of this garden until later?" he asked.
“You bet!” You looked at him with a prideful smile. “When Xenokuni is more stable, when Elysium is fine again, I want people to see this garden too. I want to prove to them that even in the midst of despair, there is still hope blooming for us to hold on to.”
Before the war erupted, Xenokuni was a very beautiful place. The spring usually beautifies every corner of the land. The garden was like a mini version of Xenokuni's condition before the battle.
Hakka could practically see the love and devotion that had been poured into each and every flower. The sight was overwhelming yet feeling so good.
“Happy birthday, Hakka.” As he stood there in amazement, you reached out and took his hand, smiling somewhat bashfully. "Years from now, I hope we'll still be together and come out to see these flowers again."
In the hands of the elites of Elysium, Hakka never knows what will happen in the future. However, seeing you who were so committed and confident about the future, he couldn’t bear to destroy your hopes. The sights you mentioned—a stable Xenokuni without war, and a beautiful Elysium without dictatorship of the elites—Hakka really wanted to see those sights. He wanted to see the end result of his and the rest of Guild TEMPUS’ hard works.
Hakka hold your hands tight in his. “What are you talking about? Of course we will always be together. Where are you going? You're stuck with me for a really, really long time."
It might sound like a joke, but Hakka wasn’t joking at all. He was very serious about what he said. His bluish violet eyes painted dedication and compassion.
The spring breeze blew, not carrying the gray vibes of Xenokuni, but the scent of the flowers you tended to so beautifully. In your heart, you felt so proud of your gift for him, seeing how calm Hakka was when he's with you.
You noticed your hands he was holding. Hakka looked back at you with a beautiful smile on his face. He pulled you into a hug, embracing you so gently, protecting you from the outside world.
To the exorcist, this was what it’s like if pure, unadultred joy took form. “[Y/N],” he called your name softly.
“Yes, Hakka?” You shot him a questioning look as he smiled and looped his arms around you, drawing you closer.
“Thank you... Thank you so much... Thank you for being with me...”
Hakka used to think that a garden was nothing more than a place filled with various flowers. It was indeed beautiful, and colorful, and sweet. But it was just what it was. However, in that moment, you proved him wrong. Hakka found himself settling his heart in that very place. He found himself a safe haven, only for you and him. And it was a prove that love could still bloom in the midst of despair and hopeless darkness. A place that shines so brightly in the midst of chaos, it almost felt like you two were hidden away from the rest of the world.
Since the war that destroyed Xenokuni happened, Hakka no longer believes in the concept of Utopia. But maybe, with you, he can feel what they call “perfect world.”
To him, meeting you was a blessing. You turned his world upside down, yet you do it beautifully and effortlessly.
With you, his heart settled.
Forever. -----[FIN].
Where the Heart Settles
Fiction by Author Xandra
April, 2023
Summary : It was love at first sight. But you didn’t expect the gazes of his majestic rhodolite eyes would land on you. How could you possibly escape from such beautiful eyes? You won't be able to resist.
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is female. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : ASDFGHJKL CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DEBUT BABUYYYY
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
28th of January, 6th Night of the 7th Moon...
Banquets are always boring.
Banquets like this were always filled with people and their fake smiles, the people who were only concerned about their businesses and how to win over one another. The colorful lights in the hall looked monotonous to you and made you tired. You decided to quietly sneaked out to a quieter place.
The garden.
That place was a perfect spot for your escape. The dim lights also looked prettier than the chandeliers in the hall. You could see the large pool that could reflect the stars in the sky. However, you were to clumsy and didn’t see where you were going. You didn;t realize that your feet was already touching the edge of the pool.
“Young miss, be careful!”
“Oh—Ah!!” You felt your staggered body suddenly being pulled to the opposite direction, making you fall. But instead of feeling the expanse of the garden grass, you felt something else beneath you, preventing you from dirtying your dress. “Ouch,” you winched in pain. However, another pained hisses came from beneath you and it surprised you. "Oh my God, I'm sorr—"
Your words suddenly caught in your throat when a pair of beautiful rhodolite eyes met yours. Worry was implied in those eyes.
In your eyes, he was very beautiful. Jewel-like beads, a soft pink hair, and a porcelain doll-like face.
In your eyes, he is like an angel.
“Miss, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”
And his voice sounded very melodious. However, that was when you realize what was going on.
You were on top of him.
You immediately got up and back out, only to fall back down, rear was kissing the ground. “I-I deeply apologize! I was too clumsy to not see the edge of the pool. P-please get up, good sir. You're wearing a white clothing." You were flustered, but also worried that his clothes would get dirty.
The man chuckled. “Worry not about my clothes.” His chuckles sounded so light and melodic in your ear. “I am more worried about you. Are you hurt at all? I'm sorry I was a bit lacking and couldn't catch you properly." Instead of standing up, he checked on you first, making sure you weren't hurt at all.
"I-I'm fine, thanks to you, good sir." you stuttered once again. He helped you get back on your feet.
"Kei."
You raised your gaze. “Pardon me?”
"It's Kei. My name is Kei Zaki.”
Hearing that name, you immediately flinched in surprise. I'm dead, you uttered under your breath.
Kei Zaki, the heir of Ailurus Fulgens Group, is the son of this banquet’s owner. He is a famous figure, so is his son. You feel like burying yourself for falling onto him. “S-Sir, I once again apo—”
“Kei! Are you there?”
You and Kei suddenly heard a voice of a woman who you guessed was his acquaintance. “Who? Looks like she's looking for you."
“My cousins.” Kei answered, showing his displeasure. He grabbed your wrist. "Pardon my discourtesy, young miss."
“Huh?!” You then noticed he was pulling you with him as if both of you were running away from that woman.
"Let's go somewhere quieter," he said, leading you deeper into the garden.
"But she or someone inside might needs you." He is so tall. You almost had a hard time keeping up with his wide, quick steps. "Wouldn't it be better for you to just leave me here and go?"
“That's why,” he answered shortly. "I'm tired of this banquet, so I escaped to take a little rest."
“Heavens, Kei. Uncle is looking for you!” Once again, the woman sounded annoyed.
You looked back, arguing with yourself. Should you really go with him and let him sneak out? "Mister, I think it would be for the best if you just went—"
“Shh.” Kei immediately cut your sentence. Until at the last turn, Kei took you to a corner of the garden which was far more quite than the ones near the banquet hall. "We're finally here."
“Mister…”
“Please, call me comfortably. I don't want my father's title to affect me that much." Kei who was panting out of exhaustion smiled at you. "And may I know your name?"
Surprise and embarrassment mixed together. How could you forget to introduce yourself to such an important person like him? “My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I'm [Y/N] [L/N], daughter of [F/N] [L/N].”
“Oh? [Company Name] Corporation?” Interest glinted in his eyes.
It somehow made you chuckle. "You're right."
“I must have surprised you by the pool earlier. Forgive me." Kei opened a new conversation.
"No, it's fine. I should be thanking you for pulling me before I literally fell to the pool. I could have alerted everyone earlier,” you chuckled.
You averted your eyes, seeing the beautiful flowers that were only illuminated by the dim light from the garden lamp. The sound of passing vehicles at least managed to fill the silence. Meanwhile, Kei stared at you out of the corner of his eyes. He seemed interested in the expression you put on your face. Even in the dark, his eyes seemed to shine so bright.
“I saw you sneaking out earlier, and I saw how gloomy you were. So I used that as an excuse to escape from the conversations with the others. However, is there something that really bothering you?” he asked.
You were silent for a moment, letting the silence answer the man's question for a while. "I guess I'm just like you, being tired of social gatherings like this," you finally answered.
“I see...” Seeing your expression, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
To be honest, you felt a bit pressured. Being in a close position with an important figure made you feel that as if someone was watching you from a distance. You raised your gaze to him. “Kei, your cousin must be desperately looking for you. Shouldn't you go?"
"She'll be fine. My father probably wants to introduce me to some of his partners' daughters.”
That answer made you avert your gaze again. You just stood there with him, side by side. This is bad, you said to yourself.
"To tell you the truth, I hate it when my father introduced me to a random girl for business matters." Kei emphasized the word business matters in his sentence.
You stared at him, only to be surprised to see the void in his ethereal rhodolite eyes. The eyes that you previously praised for their lights and beuty now was showing the sign of loneliness.
“Even to this day,” he continued. “I was never allowed to fall in love. So I was curious what it would be like to truly love someone.”
You have one flaw, which is confusion of how to comfort people who are sad. It made you depressed and confused. You keep asking yourself how could you comfort him because basically, your heart felt heavy and angry when you see those beautiful eyes filled with sadness. You suddenly had the urge to fight someone.
"And I saw you today with your father," he started again, making you glanced at him. “Somehow, you magically caught my attention. I have a strange feeling. It's disgusting but somehow I like it. Since then, my eyes have been secretly fixed on you.”
He looked down with shame clearly painted on his face. A pitiful chuckle escaped from his lips as he said, "This is so embarrassing and I sound like a creep, I'm sorry."
Now you were fully standing face to face with him. Many questions crossed your mind. However, you were trying to sift through which questions you should ask first.
It’s right, that heir of Ailurus Fulgens Group seemed like a creep to some who listened to it. However, you were more concerned about his passive state romantic feelings because of the prohibition to fall in love carelessly. "But why?" You dared to speak up.
“I wonder that too,” he chuckled lowly, shame and grief could still be heard in his voice.
“It was such a brief encounter. My father and I hadn't even greeted you earlier.”
"I know."
His pinkish pair of eyes seemed dimmer because of the sadness and somehow, you felt that it was all your fault.
The night wind suddenly blew harshly, blowing your hair and making it messy. You raised your hand to hold your hair. However, Kei worked up the courage to take one step closer to you.
You flinched. You were shocked and intended to back off, but you felt Kei touching your face, tucking the strands of your hair behind your ear. He held your hand that previously you used it to hold your hair.
“I wonder why…” Kei whispered oh so softly to you. "But, [Y/N], will we ever meet again after this?"
A sudden tickling feeling tinged in your stomach. Along with that, your heart beat really fast. He called your name so softly. Despite that feeling, you were more taken aback by his question. You didn’t look at him directly, but you could see his grief.
"Still, it's alright if you can't answer the question now." Kei's grip on your hand suddenly loosened. “But I want you to know, I will send you an official invitation for my debutante this year. And I'm sure, that will be the day I can see you again.”
Finally, you worked up some courages to look at him. “Your debutante? Things like that still exist?”
Kei nodded. "It's still a tradition in my family. Though honestly, it was just another banquet to throw.”
“And the day is…”
"Fifteenth of April, twenty fourth of nineth moon."
Silence enveloped. You were both a child of a large company’s owner, It made you realize that your every decision is for the greater good of not only you, but for someone else too. This will lead you to a great sense of loneliness. The worst part is it will make your heart and feelings very passive.
You didn’t know what courage you suddenly had, you stared deep into his beautiful rhodolite eyes. “Kei, do you want me to come? To your debutante?”
The light suddenly seemed to return to his eyes. His pair of pinkish eyes glistened as if hope was painted in it. “I-I… It would be great if you could come. But, of course, I won't force you."
It was actually your fault for falling for him too. You even just realized how princely and charming and dreamy he was.
You smiled gently at him. You took his hand that was previously holding yours and let it touch your cheek. Receiving the green light, Kei who was slightly surprised took the opportunity to stroke it carefully as if you were a porcelain doll that could break with just a light touch.
“Then, I will come. I will come to answer your debutante invitation.”
That was all Kei wanted to hear from you. The gloomy night has now turned into a beautiful one with just your simple answer. His mood returned to bloom. “Thank you… Thank you so much!”
"But let's take everything slow, okay?" you muttered your request while softly giggling. “You need to be easy with my heart.”
Kei who was in a good mood nodded, "Hm, of course!"
15th of April, 24th Night of the 9th Moon...
You came with your father. The sparkling light of the hall looked so much more brighter than the previous banquet. In fact, the hall used was the same as the hall for the banquet three months ago.
Because you weren’t the successor of your father's company, Kei couldn’t carelessly send a private invitation to you, or else the public will get suspicious. Therefore, he sent a public invitation to your company instead, not personally to you. This was also the reason why you came with your father.
Your father was engrossed in chatting with some of his business partners who were both invited to Kei's debutante. Meanwhile, you were standing in a corner of the hall with a drink in your hand.
Your eyes were drawn to the middle of the hall, where Kei was busy greeting his guests who want to congratulate him on his debutante. Somehow, your smile widened every time that pink-haired man managed to steal a glance at you, locking your eyes together. He will chuckled at your expression.
Kei suddenly called an attendant who was on duty. He whispered something to him, making you curious. However, after he dismissed the attendant, Kei looked back up at you from where he stood and grinned. You gave him a confused look, but also curious. And not long after, your curiosity was successfully answered.
“Miss [L/N].” An attendant suddenly approached you. “Words from Young Master Kei. He said he'll be waiting for you at the garden, same spot as before."
You weren't that surprised, but when you looked at where Kei should have been, he was gone. You darted your eyes around every corner of the hall only to fail to find him. Until your eyes landed on his figure that almost disappeared behind the door.
Looks like he has important things to discuss before we meet, you say to yourself. You immediately thanked the attendant who had conveyed Kei's words to you and asked your father for permission to go out and get a little fresh air.
The night sky was filled with sparkling stars and beautiful waning crescent moon. The atmosphere was the same as three months ago. It was silent, but you didn’t feel lonely. The sound of passing vehicles could still be heard faintly behind. For a few moments you stood there, thinking what to talk to him about.
"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"
You looked up, finding a man you honestly really miss. “Kei,” you beamed, sweet smile touching your lips. You weren't even surprised by his previous statement. You just nodded in response to his words. “Not as beautiful as you,” you giggled.
"I can die happy hearing that from you." Kei chuckled.
"No, you can't," you pouted. But not so long after, you smiles bloomed again. "Kei, congratulations on your debutante."
"Thank you. I'm so glad that you could make it to my debutante today."
Silence enveloped you and him. But the silence did not make you uncomfortable. Precisely it was a very comfortable silence until you let it be like that.
“[Y/N]…” he called, breaking the silence.
You stared at him, waiting for him to finish his sentence.
“It seems like my future will not be an easy one. But to have such a smart, strong-willed, and lovely woman by my side, I don't think that would be that hard anymore," he confessed.
You froze, trying to process what he just said. And when you managed to digest it, you stared at the man before you with confusion. “Kei, what are you suggesting too…?” you asked.
You got the point. However, you got scared if you have to get your hopes up for something that isn't going to happen. Dramatically, you could have died after he threw you from a height because of your own expectations.
However, you have grossly underestimated his dedication to you. Kei was so stupid if he ever dared to drop you like that. He took one of your hands and held it tightly. He looked at your hand with warmth and affection. His gaze was so gentle that it touched your heart.
"You said I need to take it easy and slow, so I've been meaning to ask you." His pair of rhodolite eyes looked at you deeply yet so gently. "Please, allow me to take you out and have a date, with the two of us."
Suddenly you wanted to cry. It was that simple for Kei Zaki could conquer your heart. You fixed your grip on his hand and tighten it gently. With a voice that was slightly cracked by tears, you answered, "Yes, of course."
His voice that called your name tinged with warmth and lit a blazing fire inside your heart. On the path that the two of you choose, there will be a lot of obstacles that stand in your way. But ahead, you’re sure, there will definitely be adventure and beauty waiting for you and him.
One thing you are sure of is that you can find happiness on this path you are walking, with him. -----[FIN]
Fixated on You
Fiction by Author Xandra
April, 2023
----- Star River Descending
|| Rez Zotto [NIJISANJI EN] Birthday Fiction
Summary : In the dark outer space, there is a spill of stars that forms a flowing river in the sky. This silvery stream of stars will look more radiant and beautiful on the alien prince's birthday. But this year was different, for among this stream of countless shining stars, two stars could finally align.
WC : 2620 Words.
Warning : Grammar errors, teeth-rotting fluff (possible cringes), alien! reader, aide! reader, hints of lore, MLQC references, WMMAP references, etc.
Featured Characters : ILUNA members.
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : I keep questioning myself, can I write my birthday fictions on time? This is the fastest I can post. Anyway, happy birthday Ren! Please eat some cakes!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
"I heard there’s a new student in Kyo's and Mari's class." The Celestial One started the topic of gossip as soon as he entered Ren and Scarle's class with Aia.
As soon as the lunch break bell rang, the Moon Gang always gathered at the one place they agreed upon beforehand. That day, everyone agreed to gather in Ren and Scarle's class. Aster immediately turned around a chair and sat himself facing Ren while Aia stood beside him.
"Really?" Aia seemed to think, trying to remember where she heard that rumor before. “Hold on. Are they the alien-kind walking with the principal this morning?”
"Yeah, they’re the one. We saw them passing by our class with the principal today, right?” Aster confirmed Aia's statement.
Scarla who had just finished talking with her classmates also joined in the conversation. “Ah, yes. I heard about them too,” she chuckled.
As Aster, Aia, and Scarle discussed the new student, confusion was painted on Ren's face. He sat in front of Aster in silence, trying to work his brain. “What? New student? How come I'm just hearing this now?? And they’re an alien?" Ren asked in confusion.
"You don't know, Ren?" Aster was also confused. "I thought you'd know, since they’re an alien."
"No, this is a news to me."
“Ren might know them,” Scarle leaned against the frame of the window. "But for now, he might had no idea about who they are. I'll ask Kyo to bring them to us.” The enchantress distanced herself a bit from the others. She couldn't take the risk if her magic to hit her friends. She raised her staff and practiced magic to send a telepathic message to Kyo.
From the very beginning, Ren had indeed felt something strange. He had a hunch, but he still doubted it. There's no way an ordinary alien could do space-traveling. If so, what was their purpose? Were they targeting Ren? If they were indeed targeting Ren, where did this alien get information about Ren's whereabouts. Ren himself told very few people about his departure when he left his home planet.
However, something suddenly clicked inside of him, taking him by surprise. “Don’t tell me…” he mumbled. Not wanting to think about it, Ren faced the Celestial One. “Aster, you seriously can't identify her life essence? You're literally the one and only celestial being here."
"Nope, I can't. I'm sorry." Aster rejected the frustrated Ren without hesitation. “This alien really has the ability to disguise their life essence.”
Ren fell silent. Aster's statement made his doubts begin to fade. Now he was more and more sure about who this alien student is. “Disguise their life essence, huh?”
“What, you have any idea who this person is?” Aster asked the alien prince.
Meanwhile, Ren was just massaging his temples because of the sudden migraine he felt from too much thinking. "Just tell Kyo and Mari to bring them here first."
“My liege…”
Shortly after you said it, one of the friends you know from your class today, namely Kyo, suddenly bursted out laughing—again. You could see Kyo already hugging his aching stomach from laughing too much. Hearing that uncontrollable laugh, Ren glared at Kyo.
As soon as you arrived at the doorway of Ren and Scarle's class, you immediately froze. Your heart beat so fast, seeing the figure you've been longing for. Of course, the whole sentence suddenly trapped in your throat. The only thing you could say was the honorific you used to address him.
“Just Ren will do here, [Y/N],” the alien prince sighed. “We’re not on our home planet. In this institute, I'm just one among many students. I'm not a prince here, and you're not my aide either."
Those words certainly surprised you. You never once dreamed of calling him by his own name. “H-huh? Celestial Ones forbid!” You waved your hands in front of you, shook your head in denial.
"Who says?"
“Wha—?!” You turned to the bicolor-eyed man only to felt he was pressuring you with an extremely heavy aura. The man named Aster resonated his celestial power to you. It felt like a mountain crushing on you. Your body shook violently and your breathed heavily. You could only freeze in fear.
“Aster, quit it. You scared them.” With a serious tone, Ren asked Aster to release his celestial power resonance from you.
Aster could only laughed lightly, "Haha, my bad."
You immediately crumpled the light-colored uniform you were wearing and took a deep breath to fill your lungs with air. If you were not trained enough for that sort of thing, you've already fallen to the floor. Luckily, your legs were still strong enough to support your body. Moreover, Maria was also by your side and hugged your hand as Aster was pressuring his power on you. The sweet living doll asked if you were okay, making sure you weren’t hurt.
“But Ren is right,” Aster continued, a sweet smile touching his lips. Seeing his smile, you suddenly forgot about that terrifying celestial being that just had you rooted to the spot. "We're equal here. Just be at ease and casual with each other.”
"Come on, [Y/N], try it." Kyo pushed you lightly. "Or I'll laugh every time I heard you addressing him with as 'my liege.'"
You were silent for a moment, hesitant to address Ren without his honorific. But when your eyes made contact with his blue ones, you found him nodding at you and smiling, reassuring you that he has allowed it and that you may call him by his name. “R-Ren…” And you ended up stuttering.
Ren smiled proudly at you again. He nodded, satisfied with the way you addressed him. "Yeah, [Y/N]?" Ren answered, slightly teasing you.
You shook your head a little too quickly. “That feels so wrong,” you honestly murmured.
"You have to get used to it."
"I understand."
For some times, you spent your lunch break with the others in that third year’s classroom. You met and chatted with others, with the people who have accompanied Ren on this foreign planet for a quite long time.
Since you've become acquainted with Kyo and Maria, those two have been the ones to introduce you to the others. Scarle was giving you a big sister vibe while Aia was so fun to hang out with. Meanwhile, realizing the effect of what he did earlier, Aster approached you slowly so you wouldn't be scared of him and make you uncomfortable. What he did earlier really scared you. No one in outer space dared to oppose a being with celestial powers like Aster.
"So you're Ren's aide?" Aia asked, bringing a new topic for the group.
And you could only nod. “Yes, I am.”
"Wow, I can't believe an idiot like him has such an important person by his side."
“Bro, that's the reason why I laughed when they called him, 'my liege.'” Kyo pulled a chair to sit next to Aia.
You laughed lightly, "That's because he's the important one here."
Ren, who had been watching from behind, approached the circle of conversation. He stood behind you and put his hand on your shoulder, making you look up at him. "Now the real question. What are you doing here? Why are you here?" Ren interrogated you a bit. “I assume there is something urgent if you come all the way here. Did something happen after I left?”
Seeing Ren's worried face, you immediately felt guilty for coming suddenly and not explaining the reason for your visit. “Ah, no. It's important, yes, but it's not urgent, so don't worry," you explained.
"So...everything is fine?"
You nodded.
Ren sighed in relief, "Thank goodness."
"What if they just missed you, Ren?" Scarle suddenly blurted out an unexpected question, making you and Ren choke on you guys’ own saliva. Heat started to creep to your cheeks, blushing. “You're so insensitive,” the 3rd year girl laughed.
Ren made your blushes worse by asking, “Oh, were you?”
You didn’t know how to react. You were flustered. You turned your gaze to Scarle and shot her a glare.
You swallowed your saliva, daring yourself to voice a request to Ren. "Can we talk about this in a more private place, just the two of us?"
Ignoring the cheers on the background, Ren smiled and replied, "Sure."
The sound of birds chirping sounded melodious along with the sounds of tree leaves against each other, giving you comfort. You and Ren took a walk in Institute of the Mystic’s garden. In your hands, you carried a paper bag that you have brought with you. Previously, you asked Ren to let you go back to your class first to pick something up on the way to the garden.
Because it was quite a hot day, you and Ren decided to stop at a gazebo in the garden to take shelter from the scorching sunlight. Ren leaned against the fence of the gazebo. "Now, we're alone."
You stood in front of him, both hands still holding the paper bag.
“What are you doing here all of a sudden? Did you really miss me like what Scarle said?” he asked, lowkey interrogating you.
“O-one of the reasons is that, yes,” you stuttered, shades of pinks reappearing.
But apparently, Ren was much more surprised than you. “Oh,” he shortly responded.
You didn't expect to get a short response like that. You looked up to see him. "What's wrong?" you asked innocently.
“N-nothing…” Now, it was his turn to blush. He raised his hand to cover half of his face. "And the other reasons?" he asked, still hiding his blush.
You didn't buy it and took a step closer to him. "My liege, are you sure you're okay? Your face is red.”
"I told you, it's nothing." Ren slightly raised his voice. "Moreover, why are you answering my question with another question?"
"Ah, I'm sorry." Not wanting to angering him more, you stepped back. "I deeply apologize, Prince."
"It's fine," Ren sighed, managing to regain his composure. "And stop calling me with my honorifics, will you?"
Realizing your mistake, you nodded. "Alright Ren."
"That's more like it. Now, back to the question again, why are you here?”
Before you answered, you were silent for a moment. "It's... almost your birthday, so the Star River must be so much more beautiful than usual," you answered his question with the truth. You lifted your gaze to his eyes and confirmed, "That's the real reason why I'm here."
Ren fell silent for a moment. Surprised, confused, touched, and many other feelings mixed together. "What...?”
“I scoped a bit of the stars streams and put it in a clear jar. I intended to gift this to you.” You lifted the paper bag you had been carrying and handed it to him. “I think it would be a shame if you missed this year’s Star River scene. I don't want our annual ritual of watching the Star River on your birthday to suddenly be cut off.”
The alien boy was speechless. You, taking some streams of stars from the Star River and put in a jar, just so he can witness it this year too? You're crazy, was what Ren thought. However, he still accepted the paper bag that you previously handed him.
Ren opened the paper bag and took out its contents. He held up a jar filled with twinkling silver stars. Despite the fact that there weren't many of them and the light of day still illumined the world, the radiance in the jar gave off a light so bright that Ren had to slightly squint his eyes.
The jar filled with stars streams was like a mini version of the real treacherous river spilling on the dark outer space. Ren was stunned as if he fell in love for the first time again, no matter how many times he saw it … Just like when he was with you.
“Wow…” was the only word he could utter, blue eyes still on the shining stars inside the jar.
Without realizing it, tears started welling up and falling down his cheeks. You were surprised. “Ren!” You took a step to him, wanting to make sure he wasn't hurt by the sudden burning or electrocution of the stars inside the jar.
How long had he been away from his home planet that he had almost forgotten the beautiful scenery of the Star River, a view that no other planet or galaxy had. Longing suddenly washed over his heart and mind, making him cry without he realizing it.
“Ah, I'm sorry…” Ren mumbled, hastily wiped his tears. "I-I bet this will look prettier in the dark." Ren who tried to divert the topic failed because he couldn't stop his cries. "Hells, why am I like this?"
You who then understood his feelings smiled softly. The figure of the so-called deadly, cold-hearted Alien Prince who is feared by many entities on the vast never-ending space was now crying in front of you, lowering his guard recklessly.
“Oh, Ren…” you cooed, taking a step forward to him. You helped him wipe the tears as you could only smile, hearing him sob. “It's been a while since the last time I saw my beloved prince cry. This humble aide of yours forget. Was it when you were a child and fell into the Mist Pools on the Western Star?”
“Shut up,” he cracked, trying to stop you from snitching on him.
That was another story. Something suddenly caught your attention when you wiped Ren's tears. “So pretty…” you mumbled to yourself, but Ren could still hear you. You stared deep into his teary diamond orbs. You gently stroked his cheeks, while Ren cupped one of your hands. "I can see the Star River reflected in your eyes when you're crying."
“Now I know the reason why you were born when Star River was at its brightest,” you continued. "You and river resonate with each other."
“[Y/N], next year…” Ren's grip on your hand suddenly tightened, but it didn't hurt you, instead it felt comforting. "Next year, let's watch the Star River again together, just the two of us, on my birthday. I won't miss it again.”
You nodded and smiled softly at him. "Of course, we will definitely do that. But for now, I want to enjoy your birthday here with you, Ren, with the people you met on this very earth.”
Ren pulled you into his arms. “Thank you … Thank you so much,” he whispered to your ear shakily. "You gave me the most beautiful gift I could ever ask."
In his arms, you muttered, "I should be the one who thank you, my liege," you once again called him with his honorific. “Thank you for being as you are. Happy birthday.”
The lights of the stars in the jar you gave Ren radiate so far it could be seen from Ren's and Scarle's class where the others were still there. Unbeknownst to the two aliens, Aster leaned against and gazed out the window, watching them seriously.
He witnessed everything, from the first time you and Ren stepped your foot into the institute’s garden to the moment Ren pulled you into his arms. “Interesting. Ren can cry too apparently," he chuckled.
“Aster…?” Scarle asked, noticing Aster's gaze out the window. "What's wrong?"
As a celestial being who had lived for a million of years, he had witnessed countless stars collide. Some must collide and even destroy each other. However, there are some who manage to align perfectly and unite.
Aster smirked, but his gaze was very gentle. “Nothing,” he answered Scarle's question. “And the stars do align. Finally.” -----[FIN].
Star River Descending
Fiction by Author Xandra
March, 2023
Everyone, drop your favorite NIJI Boys on the note. I’m trying to write a short fiction/hcs about the boys and the streamer! reader who is a genmate of Hyakumatenbara Salome (since she’s a solo liver). They can be from EN, JP, Ex-ID, or Ex-KR. Thank you, have a nice day/night.
----- After Working Hours
|| Taka Radjiman [NIJISANJI] Late Birthday Fiction
Summary : One must just want to rest after tiring working hours. Who even likes working on their birthday? But for Taka Radjiman, it’s all worth it to spend time with you on his birthday, even after his tiring working hours. All his fatigue had strangely disappeared when he’s with you.
WC : 1792 Words.
Warning : Grammar errors, teeth-rotting fluff (possible cringes), hints of lore, MLQC references, etc.
Featured Characters : Emmet (If it count. I miss Emmet btw).
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : Very late because I have 9 college credits that I have to do. But I hope you all enjoy it. Happy birthday, Pak!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
“AND we hope … Mitaka can always provide the best for our clients. Thank you.”
The sound of silence responded to the closing statement of the Taka Radjiman’s speech. And finally, thunderous applause erupted. From behind the stage, you could see many guests whispering to each other. Many with smiles on their faces, praising the ideas in Taka’s previous speech. But some of them with cynical and sharp looks, feeling jealous, threatened, and so on.
Taka left the vodium after he bowed several times to the invited guests who were watching him.
“Wow, you looked … dignified,” you giggled.
“What should I say? Thanks?” Even though Taka doesn’t sound interested in the topic of your conversation, you knew he really enjoys his conversation with you.
“Save those thanks for your patrons and guests you will meet after this.” You handed him a stylus. There was a sudden urgent document that the CEO must sign immediately. You also handed your tablet to him, letting the man to read the digital document first.
“What now?” he asked, talking about the event’s rundowns. Taka, who understands what he need to do, immediately took the stylus from you. With a swift and quick glances, Taka read the document then he engraved his signature to approve its contents.
“Greet some guests?” You questioned your own answer, considering that Taka must already know the answer itself. Taka was just giving you a sign that he was indeed too lazy to continue the event. “I mean, there’s might be some guests for us to catch—to hook for the greater good of our beloved company?”
“You’re being dramatic,” the man commented. After signing the document, Taka returned the stylus he used to you. He sighed, “Sounds so tiring.”
While waiting for the organizer to get you and Taka, you checked the document that were previously signed by your boss. “You don’t usually complain,” you commented.
“Why do I have to work on my birthday anyway?” he asked, almost sounding like a whine. “Shouldn’t I be the one being pampered today?”
“So you’re used to birthdays now, huh?” Once again you were dramatizing yourself. “Wow, sir. I’m impressed.”
With his flat expression, Taka gently pulled your cheek. “A certain idiot forced me to get used to this kind of thing.”
“Ouch!” you winched. “Just move your birthday to weekends, then!”
“That’s not my will.”
“Sir, ma’am, this way, please.” You and Taka turned when an organizer asked you to return to your seats.
You nodded, smiled at the organizer girl before averting your attention to Taka once again. “Right,” you replied to the CEO’s earlier sentence. “So bear with me until the event is over.”
The event finished at sunset. You and Taka immediately left the event hall shortly after the event was done. Taka’s car and its personal driver were already waiting in front of the exit of the building. The driver who was assisted by several securities politely opened the car door for you and Taka.
Not even a second before he entered the car, Taka had already took his suit jacket off and loosened his tie. He sighed a bit harshly.
“Thank you for your hard work today—wha?!” You who started your sentence flatly suddenly gasped when you felt someone pulling your hand.
You turned your gaze to the person who was just grabbed your hand only to found it was Taka. He suddenly pulled your hand for him to hold as he intertwined his fingers with yours.
“W-what the—huh?!”
Taka realized you were blushing. If only he had opened his eyes, he would have seen the pinkish dusts tinted your cheeks. Luckily, you don’t have to work twice as hard to hide those hues of pink.
“Let me hold your hand for a moment,” the CEO requested. He clenched your hand tighter in his, as if he was seeking some comforts from it.
Taka looked very tired. He leaned back in his car seat and already took off his glasses without you even noticing. His eyes were closed, hiding his obsidian orbs. However, compared to when you were was still on the event earlier, his expression looked much more relaxed and calm.
“Alright.” Of course, you fulfilled his request. You let Taka hold your hand a little bit longer. That’s when you realize how tiring it is to maintain professionalism in public. You were seeing the figure of Taka Radjiman as himself, a figure that the professional world has never seen other than you.
“Where are we headed now, ma’am, sir?” the driver asked, looking at you and Taka from the rearview mirror.
“We have no other business. Let’s just go straight home,” you confirmed. After confirming the destination where the driver should take you, you and Taka enjoy the rest of the trip in silence.
“I guess I’ll tire you out even when we get home. I feel guilty, seeing your current condition,” you suddenly spoke when you remembered that you had a birthday surprise for him.
“Why? Is it related to my birthday?” the man, still with his eyes closed, asked.
You were silent for a moment. The surprise you prepared was no longer a surprise if Taka can already guess it. But what can you do? It’s better for Taka to know from the start than for you to force the exhausted Taka to celebrate his own birthday with you.
“Something like that,” you muttered softly.
He heard you. He gripped your hand softly, telling you that he agrees with whatever you’re planning. To answer your words, he mumbled, “I don’t mind then.”
“Looks like you prepared a huge surprise,” Taka, who saw your mischievous smile, could only comment.
“It’s not that huge,” you corrected him. You were telling the truth. Your surprise was not a big one. You were just making something that you and he can both enjoy. In fact, you designed this year’s surprise almost similar to the one you prepared last year.
Taka just shook his head. He inserted the passcode to unlock his house’s digital key and stepped inside with you.
In the next second, the bright light reflected the whole birthday ornament and arrangement in the living room. It took him for a moment. Bouquets of beautiful flowers, fluttering ribbons, and some floating balloons. Taka was silent for a moment—either because he was surprised or trying to admire the surprise you prepared. But whatever it was, you felt proud that you could render his speechless state like that.
“When did you … decorate my living room like this? I presume we were both had a packed schedule today?” Taka who was still amazed asked. He kept looking around the room over and over again.
“Business secrets, you know it best,” you giggled. If Taka wasn’t in a speechless state, maybe he would have glared at you. “Why are you so surprised?” you genuinely asked, pulling him to sit with you on the couch. “Wasn’t my surprise last year similar to this? Why are you still surprised?”
After regaining his composure, Taka sighed. “I’m just… touched?” he hesitated. “Maybe I’m just too tired so I feel a little bit emotional.”
You actually could chuckle to tease him, but when you heard his words—which were obviously almost never heard from him, your heart was touched. “So did I do well with this surprise? Are you happy with my surprise?” you asked shyly.
Taka took your hand in his, an overly gentle smile suddenly touched his lips. “You did a really, really great job. I remember saying this last year, but your efforts always exceed my expectations. And yeah, I’m more than happy, especially since this certain simpleton is celebrating my birthday with me.”
“Ouch!” you once again winched that day as Taka pinched your nose gently. But instead of wasting your energy getting mad, you just rubbed your nose and smiled. “I’m happy too, then.”
You stood up from your seat and walked into the kitchen. Taka watched your every move, curiosity was visible in his eyes. In the kitchen, you lit up a candles of a birthday cake. You were silent for a moment, staring at the dessert. Without you realized it, a smile touched your lips when you remember Taka’s surprised expressions and how he smooth complimented you.
You picked up the cake and walked back into the living room. “Now, I will be even happier if I can eat this sweet cake soon.”
Taka laughed lightly and shifted slightly so you could rejoin him. You handed the cake to him. The candle flame flickered silently. Even though it was faint, it was enough to illuminate the small gap between the two of you. With the candle’s light, you could see the softness in his eyes clearly.
Taka just smiled, staring at the small flame on the cake candle. “Taka,” you called him, making him look up to look at you. “Happy birthday,” you whispered.
However, before Taka could blow out the candle, you pushed the cake away from him a bit. “I said this last year too, but I need you to be serious with your once-a-year birthday wishes,” you warned him.
The CEO looked into your eyes and raised his hand to tuck the strands of your hair. “Then listen carefully to my request.” Taka closed his eyes and voiced his prayer. “For every feeling and time you invest to me, I promise to cherish, protect and repay them with all my heart. My Most Merciful God, help me make this person in front of me the happiest in the world.”
Hearing that, you blushed silently. “Taka,” you whispered weakly. Feel the heat creeping up your cheeks.
Taka blew out the candles in front of him. “Thank you,” he muttered. “Thank you so much.”
But in the middle of the silence, a sudden sound from a popping balloon could be heard, making you both flinched. You and Taka unanimously turned towards the sound. “Emmet?” you called. Both of you found Taka’s red panda pet playing with the balloons’ strings. It seemed like the popping sound earlier was the sound of the balloon Emmet had popped.
Noticing your and Taka’s attention to him, Emmet let go of the balloons it was playing with and ran towards the two of you. Emmet jumped into Taka’s lap while the man was immediately cradling the red panda’s head and chuckled. “Looks like Emmett wants cake too.”
You and Taka along with Emmet spent the night resting while enjoying cakes and nostalgic stories from the past. Taka didn’t want anything else. Being able to spend time with you is the best gift you can give him. No one can give him such a gift but you. -----[FIN]
After Working Hours
Fiction by Author Xandra
March, 2023
“To borrow a couple of words from a certain demon I know, listen, you can be anyone you want. So don’t be afraid and live your life, because this world is full of hope.”
Now imagine
Yugo to Kotoka:
“A certain police officer I know once said that he’ll be free without care in mind because he will only live the life he wants. Likewise with you, Kotoka. You have to live the life you want. Not to mention, my other friend also said that there will always be a light waiting at the door for you.”
Imagining Yugo comforting his apprentice aka Kotoka with the words Ike once said to them. Like how Kotoka can also block all the bad noises with the headset. Ike once lent his headset to them and now They lent their headset to Kotoka.
Don’t forget about how Kotoka can find many friends who are very diverse with her but can accept each other, including herself. Basically telling her that this world isn’t that scary and there are still many people that will love her as she is.
Kotoka wants to be like her sensei? Brave, highly dedicated, always upholding their ideals, always speak and stand up for himself and those he cares about. But most importantly, she wants to find and live as her true self, without fear and care about what people think.
Both Ike and Yugo encouraged their apprentices to find their true selves and accept themselves as they are. So the deja vu is real.
We seriously move on too fast from this mentorship chains, guys.
----- Sweet Night Undisturbed
|| Noir Vesper [HOLOSTARS EN] x GN! Reader - Birthday Fiction
Summary : Nothing can make you so much more happier than being able to rest on your birthday. For him who had worked so hard for so many people, this was the perfect time for him to take a break and enjoy some undisturbed night only for you and himself.
WC : 2569 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, teeth-rotting fluff (possible cringes), hints of TEMPUS lore, mentioning reader being older than Altare, etc.
Featured Characters : Regis Altare, Magni Dezmond, Banzoin Hakka.
Disclaimer : Everything written here is FICTITIOUS. This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is female. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : I need to rewrite this because I accidently delated the old version of this fic, hell on earth. And I finally post the fiction on time! Anw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OJI! I WISH ALL THE GOOD THINGS FOR YOU THIS YEAR!! WE LOVE YOU!!
Other Platforms : [TWITTER] [MEDIUM]
ADVENTURER’S Guild TEMPUS Hall never sleeps, day or night. Even when the cold winter slowly turned into a warm spring, not a single guild member was not working. You will find everyone doing their job while throwing each other jokes occasionally.
Including yourself. You were sitting at one of the guild hall tables, facing the leader. As an archivist, you have to get lots of approvals from many people to touch some related archives you need, one of which is from Regis Altare, the Leader of the Guild TEMPUS.
The light from the holographic screen illuminated his face. Skillfully, his hands carved signatures for several documents that required his attention. He seemed very focus. His eyes went around quickly reading the contents of the document before he actually signed it, making sure he didn't sign something that would lead him or his members to doom.
If you need to be honest, all these many documents weren’t for you, but for your lover, Noir Vesper, the Academic Advisor of the Guild TEMPUS. He needed a lot of archives to carry out his studies and research. Before you can provide the archives your boyfriend needs, he had to get Altare’s permission first.
And here you are, helping your lover with the complicated formal process. Naturally, getting official and valid archives in Elysium is very difficult. You'll have to deal with the elites of Elysium for just even a few copies. Plus, they'll watch your every move, making sure that you don’t use the archives to harm or go against Elysium.
"Was that all?" Altare asked after he finished signing the last document.
You smiled awkwardly. You just sent him like almost a ream of documents, but Altare still managed to smile lightly without complaining about being tired and whatnot. "Yes, that’s all. I'll let you know if there’s any document that require your attention again. Thank you, Leader."
"Don't mention it." Altare made sure all documents were sent back to you. He turned the hologram device in front of him off and breathed a sigh of relief. The scent of warm tea calmed the atmosphere around you both. “How is Vesper?” Altare suddenly asked before carefully sipping his tea.
"Hell on earth, Magni Dezmond, didn't I tell you to stop stealing my academic journals?!"
Just as you were about to answer, the sound of Vesper’s yells from the other side of the guild hall was heard. You turned around, trying to find your lover’s figure. And sure enough, you saw him almost running down the stairs and dashing towards Dezmond's place. "Still busy?" you answered in doubt.
Meanwhile, Altare could only chuckle. "I can see that."
Looking at Altare who seemed to be amused by his members’ antics, you couldn't help but smile. Altare shouted a little warning so that the two older men would not cause any accident at work. “My, my, those two,” the leader chuckled. "How about you, [Y/N]?"
“Me?!’ That took you off guard. You didn't expect his sudden question to you after witnessing the your lover and his friend’s antics. However, you were silent for a moment, thinking about what kind of answer would be appropriate to your leader's question.
You feel like you haven't done much to help the guild. To you, you are just an archivist, nothing less and nothing more. Your main task is to store and maintain all the old and new documents that the guild has entrusted to you, be it related to Tempus, to Elysium, or to other matters. And for the most of it, you mostly help Vesper in doing his academic research.
"I'm just an archivist and aide to your academic advisor. I think the credit mostly goes to Vesper,” you stated.
The leader lightly chuckled once again, “Don't be like that. You've helped us a lot, especially when it comes to the elites of Elysium. You and Vesper are the ones doing most of the works here if I should mention it.”
Silence suddenly enveloped. Both you and Altare actually didn't mind the silence. It was comfortable.
On the other hand, Altare deliberately did not dismiss you and let you sit with him. As he previously said, you and Vesper might be the overworked ones in the guild. Therefore, making you stop working for a bit and let you take a little break is a very wise choice from a leader for his members.
“You know that sometimes you have to pamper yourself too, right? I'm sure Vesper would agree with that too.” Again, Altare suddenly asked, taking you off guard. His questions never stop surprising you. As expected from Regis Altare.
“Pampering myself?” Confusion was visible on your face.
“Yup,” the leader sipped his tea before he continued. "Isn't there anything you really want?"
Once again you were silent. Altare's question this time is worth thinking about. Is there something you want? What do you really want? Have you ever wanted anything? You didn’t know. However, there was one more question crossed your mind.
When was the last time you and Vesper spent some quality time together?
You and Vesper have quite important positions in the guild, a position that not just anyone can do. You are busy as an archivist, making sure the old and new archives are preserved nicely. Not to mention that dealing with the elites when it comes to the archive that related to Elysium is really a pain in a rear. On the other hand, Vesper has to do his research to perfect the academic needs of the guild and even Elysium itself.
Exhausting? Indeed. You and Vesper don't even know why the two of you cound end up together and still have made it this far amidst your busy schedules and works. Maybe that’s how destiny works. There will always be miracles that keep you and Vesper together.
In the end, you ended up thinking about Vesper again when it's clear that the question was directed at you and about you only.
"If I ask for something, will you grant it, Leader?" you asked, working up the courage to say what you want.
Altare nodded. "Of course. As long as it's within my power, I'll try my best to work on it.”
After you were sure of what you wanted to ask for, you stared at Altare earnestly, hoping your voice wouldn't crack. “Tonight is Vesper’s birthday eve,” you started. "I want a day and a night off just for me and Vesper, so we spend some time together and rest."
Altare's pair of emerald eyes were widened. Surprise was evident on his face. The leader thought he understood all of his members well. He thought you will ask for something materialistic.
Seeing Altare's expression, you started to doubt your decision to speak up. "I mean, I know the boys have already made plans and prepared a surprise party for Vesper, so I'm worried."
Hearing that, Altare burst out laughing. "Was that what you're worried about?" he asked, still laughing.
"Did I make a strange request?" You were starting to worry.
“No, no, no, you’re not. I just thought that you would ask for something materialistic or something that would be hard to get in Elysium.”
“There's no way—”
"Of course." Altare interrupted your protests, knowing you would try to defend yourself and say that you couldn't ask the impossible. "I know you well enough, [Y/N]. But, will that be enough, though?”
You sat back down quietly. "Yeah, that's enough for me. I'm sure Vesper will appreciate it too.”
“Alright, then. Your days off start from today’s sunset until the day after tomorrow’s sunrise,” Altare declared his decision.
A worried expression suddenly appeared on your face. “Oh, no. Leader, that's too much.”
But before you could protest any further, Altare interrupted you again. "No, it's not. Take your well-deserved rest with him,” the leader looked at you gently with respect. "Also, you don't have to worry about the boys. I'll be postponing Vesper's birthday party to the following night."
Altare is a considered leader. He is younger than you, but he has all your respect. His wise knows no bounds. You can never ask for a better leader than him because he is the best. “Thank you, Leader,” you smiled, thanking him very sincerely.
He answered, "Anything for my members."
The sun had long since set and the moon was already hanging over its highest peak. The holographic clock that you put on the desk has already told you that night has turned to day.
You pushed open Vesper's study door with your shoulder since a tray with birthday cake on it were filling your hands. Vesper who was sitting at his desk didn't even pay attention and was still focused on the pile of books and documents he was studying.
Vesper knew it was you who entered his study. Not just anyone can enter his room and the only person who can just walk in his room like that is you—and Dezmond when he needs something urgent or just because he's basically being shameless.
"Didn't the leader told you that we have days off until tomorrow night?" you asked, approaching his desk.
The moment he shifted his focus from the book to you, Vesper's eyes widened in surprise. "What is this?" he asked when he saw you holding a tray of birthday cake, candle already lit in the middle.
“See, you even forgot your birthday.” You could only chuckles.
Knowing that he must fully give his attention to you, Vesper put down his pen and took off his glasses. He tried to relax his muscles which he didn't realize were already tense due to him working for too long without a break. "I'm not sure if I can rest now, seeing the state of Records Corruption lately."
You could only sigh, understanding his feelings. He's worried, you knew that. He once wanted to give up, saying that whatever he did, it would be useless if it couldn't save humanity at all. However, the child inside kept pushing him forward.
Ever since he and Altare made a deal, Vesper had risked his life for all of this. You couldn’t stop him, pure joy always shows in his smile whenever he achieves something that can help Elysium.
"It can wait, love," you uttered, putting the cake in front of him. Vesper held out his hand to you and let you hold it, helping you to walk through the piles of books he was studying and sitting you beside him. "Rest with me ... pretty please?" you asked, your dazzling eyes lowkey begging him.
How could he say no to that expression? Vesper sighed, feeling that he had no other choice. “Alright, then. Only for you.”
“Make a wish!” you pushed the cake to him.
"Won't you sing?"
You were taken aback. “Me? Singing?”
Vesper rested his chin on his palm, smirking at you. “Yeah, do me a favor, will you? Today is my birthday.”
You were silent for a moment. Never once in your relationship with Vesper did you think that he would ask you to sing. Here you think you know your own lover very well, but end up getting an unexpected request from him instead.
"But I'm not good at singing!" you protested. "What if Records Corruption finds the signal that I’m singing?"
"No, they won't. Come on, I can't judge before you actually sing."
Pinkish dust tinted your cheeks. “Fine,” you agreed. "But don't blame me if you get a hearing problem after this."
Vesper could only hum.
You took a deep breath before you sing. “Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday, dear Vesper~ Happy birthday to you~”
You slightly missed some keys. However, you managed to get light chuckles and applause from him. "That's more like it. Now I can make a wish,” the scholar smiled.
The Noir Vesper would probably protests and says that this kind of thing was childish. However, when he is with you, he can put all his guard down.
Vesper closed his eyes and joined his hands in prayer. In his heart, he prayed his wishes and hopes. He didn’t forget to mentions your name among these prayers. Then, Vesper blew out the candle gently.
"Thank you," he whispered as he kissed your forehead then your cheek softly. He dropped himself into your arms and rested his head on your chest, inhaling your relaxing scent. It was the best feeling for Vesper. He always feels easy and at home when he’s with you.
You caressed and combed your fingers through his long hair carefully. "I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for being born into this world, my love,” you whispered gently.
He hummed and hugged you tighter.
The light from the World Tree pierced through the windows of the study. However, the tree couldn't even hear what Vesper whispered to you.
“I love you, my world” he whispered only to you, without the world knowing or need to hear.
“Ves, do you have—”
“Shh!” you shushed to whoever suddenly opened the door of your lover’s study.
The person who none other than the alchemist stopped at the door frame of the room after you shushed him and saw you put your index finger on your lips. “—the data of your last research. Sorry."
After spending some time with you over tea and cake you brought, Vesper fell asleep on the sofa in his study. You've covered him body with blanket so the cold couldn’t touch him.
When Dezmond opened the door to the room, you were tidying the room up for a bit. "Let me help you find the data you need," you whispered, loud enough for Dezmond to hear you.
You really didn’t want anyone waking Vesper up and getting him back to work when he clearly needed that break. When was the last time Vesper was able to sleep so peacefully like this, anyway? Let your man rest for a bit, will they?
You started looking for the data Dezmond asked for through the papers and his device. "Is it about the World Tree branches?" you asked when you found a data about the latest research that Vesper just finished a few days ago.
"Yup, that's the one. Just send me the abstract,” the alchemist answered.
“Leader, aren't [Y/N] and Vesper currently on vacation? Look at Dez.”
You and Dezmond suddenly heard a voice that you fully recognize. That was the exorcist of Xenokuni, Banzoin Hakka. He must have just returned from his hunt.
Dezmond turned towards the sound only to be met by Altare dashing towards him in rage. “Oh, shit.” Dezmond cussed.
“Dez, you idiot! Leave the couple alone!” Altare raged, causing Dezmond to immediately run away from the leader while trying to find a good excuse. You could only chuckle at their antics.
There is no such thing as a quiet night in the TEMPUS Guild Hall and you are completely fine with it. Precisely, that’s what makes the guild hall more lively and colorful in the midst of this beautiful, yet monochromatic Utopia.
You looked at Vesper who was fast asleep. You crouched down beside the sofa where he had fallen asleep. Your fingers brushed the stray hair that was covering his face. You gently kissed his forehead.
“Happy birthday, my treasure. I love you.”
Sweet Night Undisturbed
Fiction by Author Xandra
February, 2023
----- Jewel Eyes Outshining All Beneath
|| Shu Yamino [NIJISANJI ID] x Fem! Reader
Summary : The twinkling stars in the night sky were nothing compared to his pair of jewel eyes. He has sworn to himself that he will give you anything you desire in this world. And now it’s your turn to swear that you will treasure everything he has given you and love him till the end.
WC : 1796 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, teeth-rotting fluff, WMMAP references, etc.
Featured Characters : Luxiem (mentioned).
Story Notes : This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is female. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : Yesterday was my junior's birthday. I should have given this as a birthday present to her yesterday. But due to overlapping projects for Doppio and Altare, I'm a bit overwhelmed wwww. I'll be updating the late birthday fictions for Altare and Doppio soon. And to my Kouhai. I WISH YOU A HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY!! MAY THIS YEAR AND THE YEARS AFTER THIS BE THE POGGEST YEARS FOR YOU!!
Other Platforms : [TWITTER] [MEDIUM]
THE scent of hydrangea and honey was still lingering from the scented candle that your lover burned last night, touching your sense of smell. You who was sleeping on your stomach started to shift out of uncomfortableness. Besides, the blanket that covered your shoulders last night has fallen to your waist.
You immediately regretted your decision to roll over and take a direct hit from the morning sunlight. You grumbled in annoyance and closed your eyes tighter.
But not long after, that annoyance was washed away. A familiar hand touched your forehead. You lightly whined and leaned to the touch, feeling relaxed. You felt the bed dipped slightly.
"Good morning, babe,” a certain someone greeted you gently with a small laugh.
You shifted, opening your eyes slowly. Without you knowing it, a sweet smile touches your lips. “Morning, Shu,” you greeted him back sleepily.
Seeing your adorable expression, Shu Yamino, your lover chuckled. “Aw, the birthday girl is still sleepy?”
If you were wide awake, you would respond to his teasing by soft-smacking his arms. However, you who had just woken up didn't have any energy to even raise your hands.
“Happy birthday, baby boo.” Shu leaned down and kissed you forehead, pulling some giggles out of you.
As if you were drunk, you giggled cutely as you hugged his arms. “Happy birthday to me.”
“You’re supposed to say thank you.”
And you just complied. “Thank you…”
You didn't drink at all last night and there's no reason for you to act so clingy like as if you’re drunk. However, Shu chose to let you and tended your neediness.
“What do you want to do today? It’s your birthday, so I think we can do anything you want." Shu cradled your head gently.
"I choose?" you asked, eyes still closed as you feel his touch.
Meanwhile, Shu hummed and answered your question. “You choose.”
“Do you have a stream today?”
“Nope, I still have my days off. But I still have an errand to do thought.”
You paused for a moment, thinking about what you wanted to do with him. Honestly, there are many things you want to do with him and Shu always asks you not to hesitate to say whatever you desire. Shu will be very grateful if he can fulfill your wish immediately. But if he can’t get it right away, he will always find some ways and work things out for you as soon as possible.
He planned to give you everything in this world that you desire, even if it’s impossible for him. He would do anything within his power just to satisfy you and your needs. Talk about what a man he is.
"I want a fancy, romantic dinner, with just the two of us." You rose from your sleeping position and leaned to him, both hands supporting your body. "Of course, only if you're okay with it. I won't force you."
You never doubted him even once. You believe that he can get anything you want. However, as a good lover, you always try to pay attention to his preferences too.
“Fancy dinner? Will that be enough?” he asked and you nodded, answering him. “Alright, then. Make sure you're ready this evening with your most fancy looks, okay?”
"You ... agree with that?" you asked, hesitantly.
"What makes you think that I would disagree?"
At that moment, a wide smile touched your lips once again. You throw yourself at him just for the sorcerer to hold your hips, making sure that you and him didn’t fall and get hurt. “Oh my God, Shu! I love you so much!” you cheered.
“I love you too, babe,” he laughed.
“No, I love you more!” you argued, squeezing his cheeks.
That was his cue to grab your hands and kissed your cheek. “Wrong. I love you most.”
Inexplicable sparkling, gorgeous flowers, and the majestic skies. How pretty, you uttered inside your heart.
The place was a bit quiet and secluded. However, the colorful lights along the path light the surrounding so beautifully. A small lake with calm and deep waters lied in front of you. Around the lake, a garden with pretty flowers beautifies the view. On the edge of the lake, there was a ruins-like platform with an aesthetically arranged dining table in the middle.
You'd even dare to say that your efforts to dress up for hours were nothing compared to the magnificent scene in front of you. Your jaw dropped and you were speechless.
“Do you like it?”
You gasped and turned around, finding your lover, Shu, in his semi-formal attire. You hug the bouquet of tulips he previously gave you tighter. Your smile was overly gentle until it makes the man surprised. "I love it, Shu. Thank you." you muttered softly.
Hearing that, Shu sighed in relief and smiled at you. "Please do start preparing the appetizer for tonight," Shu said to a waiter. Shu led you to the platform where the dining table was.
“How did you find such a place as beautiful as this? I didn't even know there were this kind of place in town!” you said, lowkey excited to hear his story.
Shu could only chuckle as he sat down in front of you. Before he answered your question, he whispered his thanks to the waiters who have served the appetizers for you and him. “I have my way,” he answered shortly.
“That’s not fair. I want to hear it,” you pouted.
"It's your birthday, why do you want to listen to something that isn’t about you? You’re the star today?"
"And because today is my birthday, I want you to do whatever I want," you argued.
In the end, Shu sighed and gave in. He told you how he and the boys were looking for a suitable place for a fancy, romantic dinner. Most of what Shu did for you that day was Luca’s and Vox’s suggestions.
You and Shu also exchanged stories the day. About how you desperately prepared yourself to look good and how Shu prepared the reservation while doing his errand.
In between your main courses, Shu gave you some gifts that will obviously never comes to your mind.
“Where did you get this?!” “Isn't this too expensive?!” “You must be crazy?!” And many more reactions that you could give every time Shu surprised you with his presents.
“One more, I promise,” shu said, pulling a thin black box out of nowhere.
"Shu, this is your third time saying that!" You wiped your lips with a napkin after the last spoon of the main courses. You casted a worried look at your boyfriend.
However, Shu could only chuckle. He got up from his seat and walked over to you. The sorcerer took your empty plate away and placed the thin black box in front of you. “No, no. I'm serious now. This will be the last.”
"Fine, what is it?" Shu opened the box, pulling out a gasp of disbelief from you. You eyes widened perfectly. For the umpteenth time that night, your jaw dropped from the shock.
"Babe, this is—" You were speechless. “This is so beautiful,” is the only sentence you can say. Your fingers touched the white diamond necklace placed inside the box. A shiny purple topaz pendant hung from the end of the necklace.
“You once said that you like my pair of eyes so much. So I wonder if I can make a imitation of them in jewelry form so it can remind you of me every time you wear it,” your lover explained from behind, his lips caressing your ear.
"I also don't want you to feel lonely while I'm away for business or something, like the last time I was out with the boys." Shu pulled the necklace out of the box and opened it, draping the necklace around your neck. “I cast some protection spells into it too. I hope you can always feel like I’m by your side with this necklace.”
You didn’t realize it, but your eyes suddenly get teary. You got up from your seat and held your lover's arms. “You were really having too much fun with the boys during your trip. Don't you know how much I miss you?! I was worried when you didn't notify me at all, idiot!” your fussed. “Don’t leave me hanging like that again!”
Shu could only laugh when he saw your expression, trying hard not to cry. "I already said sorry. You know I can't focus on many things at once.” Shu tried to depend on himself as he secured your body to him. "I'm sorry, okay?" Seeing your pout, he apologized once again.
“I hate you, but I love you so much,” you muttered out of nowhere.
“Are we gonna argue about this again?” he chuckled, wiping your tears carefully.
“Just say it back, Shu! Why are you like this? Why are we at it again?”
“Alright, alright.” You rested your head on his chest as he pulled you into his arms. The sorcerer stroked your hair gently and kissed the crown of it. “Happy birthday, babe. I love you. You meant the world to me.” Shu pulled himself from you and leaned down to kiss your forehead softly.
You looked up to him, finding his par of majestic eyes. There they were, eyes that outshining every sparkling thing in this world, the most beautiful one you will ever find. You need to look up at the night sky and none of those stars can match his dazzling eyes.
“I love you too, Shu. Thank you,” you blurted out, eyes on him. Smiles touched the man's lips. One thing you didn’t know that his heart was echoing his gratitude for having you in his life.
Shu is a person who can find such comforts in silences. For a while after, you and Shu enjoy the silence of the night with the calm lake waters and beautiful lights all around you. From a distance, the sound of passing vehicles could be heard faintly.
You may not have done the whole blowing out the candles rituals because the birthday cake will be served with dessert. However, that night you already made one wish. If Shu had swore to himself to give you anything you desire, then under the starry sky that night, it was your turn to promise a thing for him.
Only God who dwells up there could hear you. You swore to cherish everything he gave you and love him till the end, staying by his side for the better or worse—until death do the both of you part.
An extreme promise, indeed. But that was the first promise you made after you turned [Your Age]. -----[FIN].
Jewel Eyes Outshining All Beneath
Fiction by Author Xandra
February, 2023
Summary : Birthday without a birthday cake is not a birthday at all. You and Mysta messed up the kitchen a bit to bake a cake and celebrate his birthday. Without you realizing it, the sweetness of sugar has exposed your sincere feelings for each other.
WC : 1746 Words.
Warning : Grammar errors, teeth-rotting fluff, suggestive, etc.
Featured Characters : -
Story Notes : This story is written in second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO OUT FOX BOI!! YEAYYYY!!!!!
Other Platforms : [MEDIUM] [TWITTER]
YOU sat there for a bit longer. You were still trying to collect the remnants of your consciousness that were still left in the dreamland. It was already late and the sun was already hanging very high.
A sniffling snoring sound and a slight movement caught your attention. You turned your gaze to the side, finding your lover, Mysta Rias, still fast asleep. You gently brushed his hair away from his face, making him slightly lean to your touch.
You decided to let him sleep a little longer. Mysta went to bed very late last night because of the birthday countdown stream. With that reason, you wanted to let him rest for some more. You could celebrate his birthday later, after his today's birthday stream.
After going to the bathroom to prepare yourself for the day, you went straight down to the kitchen to get your brunch. You daydreamed while making a mug of coffee for yourself. Until suddenly something crossed your mind. “Birthday without birthday cake is not a birthday,” you mumbled to yourself. After making sure the ingredients you need were available, you decided to bake a cake.
Unfortunately to you, your mood were breaking into pieces when you realized something. Here you choose which cake recipe you will bake when you remembered, “Mysta is a picky eater,” you stated while standing there, dumbfounded, eyes blinking a couple of times. You almost forgot that your lover is very sensitive with his food.
You sighed, going back to scrolling down through the internet to find the right cake to bake. “Mysta likes chocolate, right? The allergy was not true, no? Oh!” You found a recipe and read it quickly.
"Do we even have any strawberries?" Once again you asked yourself. Your smile widened when you find a bowl of strawberries in the fridge. "Alright, let's make a strawberry chocolate cake, then!"
After finishing your coffee and brunch, you started to prepare the ingredients you need. While occasionally humming a song, you mixed your cake batter. Carefully, you poured your batter into the pan and put it in the oven.
You sighed and smiled. At the same time, the sound of footsteps was heard coming down the stairs. "You're awake?"
“Not really,” he mumbled, barely audible from his lingering sleepiness. If his chat hear this, they will get tskr-ed by him. Mysta walked straight to get a drink. "What are you doing?"
Smiling, you answered, “A cake. It’s your birthday, babe, remember?”
Mysta gulped down his water. He approached you and kissed you. However, something managed to surprise you. “Hmph!” you jumped a little when you felt Mysta's hand grab your butt. You instantly pulled away from him. “Mysta, what the—”
“I prefer this cake more,” he joked, effortlessly seductive with his morning voice. Mysta leaned down and rested his face on the crook of your neck.
You were lucky that Mysta couldn’t see the blush on your face. “Shut up! Not now, okay?” Your voice sounded panicked and flustered.
Mysta got up and lifted his face. He looked at you with his sleepy eyes. "Later, then?"
“If conditions allow us to do that, of course." You kissed his cheek softly. Mysta hummed before he took something to eat. "Anyway, want to help?" you asked out of the blue.
Mysta who was biting his brunch came to a halt. He stared at you in disbelief. "You know you shouldn't trust me with the kitchen, you know it best." His accent sounded thicker when he sulked. “Even my new Mystakes know it.”
“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean you cannot help, though,” you laughed. “I won’t force you but feel free to join me if you want to.”
Mysta was silent for a moment. He glanced at the oven. Inside his brain, he was debating whether he should help you or not. On one hand, he wanted to help you, but on the other he knew that he will mess the kitchen up as soon as he touches the icing knife. After a long silence, Mysta sighed. "I'll help you with the icing and decor."
With a smile, you answered, “Sure!”
While waiting for your cake, you prepared the ingredients you need to decorate the cake. You mixed up the syrup that you'll use to sweeten the cake. You also whip your own icing cream. Lastly, you cut the strawberries and melted some chocolate.
After a while, your oven beeped, indicating your cake is baked. “Mysta, the cake is ready!” you yelled. Carefully, you pulled out your cake from the oven.
Mysta, who has been relaxing in his studio, immediately got up from his gaming chair when he heard your voice.
“Here!” The moment he came to the kitchen, you shoved a strawberry that you've previously cut into his mouth.
Mysta let you feed him. “Ooh, sweet,” he commented, munching the strawberry happily. The detective of Luxiem also washed his hands before helping you.
“I will cut the genoise first. After that, can you add the syrup before we do the icing?” you asked.
“Sure.”
You gave him the brush. "Careful, and add it just enough." You made sure he didn't mess up the cake. After Mysta added the syrup on the first layer of genoise, you took your icing knife. "And now the icing." You neatly started spreading the whip cream you made over the cake that Mysta has covered with syrup.
Every now and then you will poke your whip cream with your finger and feed it to Mysta. You tried your best to avoid the detective's antics who wanted to smear your face with the icing.
“Now add the strawberries,” you pointed the bowl on the counter. Mysta did what you asked and put the bowl in front of you.
“Oh!” You were a little surprised when Mysta's hands suddenly caged your body. As if it was nothing, Mysta took a piece of strawberry and fed it to you. "Wow, you're right. It's sweet."
With Mysta's help, you put the strawberries on the genoise and coat them again with the whip cream. You did the same for the next two layers with Mysta's hands that were still caging you. He seemed very comfortable helping you in a position like that where your back and his front are touching.
“Now the cover icing!” you stated happily. “Oh, Mysta, could you get me the bowl of chocolate from the fridge, pretty please? I've melted it down for decoration."
The detective complied with your request. "Here you are."
"Thank you, baby." As a gift, you kissed him briefly on the cheek. You could see the smile on his face. Carefully, you pour the melted chocolate onto the cake. With the remaining strawberries, you put the final touches on the cake. "It's done!" you cheered. "But there's left over whip cream."
In the end, you took a spoon and eat the cream. You melted with the sweet taste of the sugar. “Mysta, try this!” You gave the next spoon to your lover. The fox-like man immediately eat the cream that you fed him.
“It’s so sweet, right? Woah—Mmph?!”
You were surprised. However, that surprise was drowned out by the sweet taste you felt from Mysta's lips. You voluntarily opened your mouth, letting his tongue to explore further. Getting the green light from you, Mysta immediately pushed the whip cream that was on his tongue into your mouth.
Mysta noticed that your weakened knees. He lifted you up and placed you on the counter. After you swallowed all the sugar through his kiss, Mysta pulled away. With any crazy thoughts on his mind, he once again leaned over your face and licked the remaining cream at the corner of your lips.
“W-what the heck?” You were too flustered to form a sentence. You ended up stuttering as you cussed at him—not complaining, of course.
Meanwhile, Mysta was smirking triumphantly. To be able to pull that flustered expression off of you boosted up his ego. “Good lord, look at your face. It's as red as the strawberries,” he flirted, wiping the corner of your lips that he previously licked.
“Shut up!” Too embarrassed, you pulled him closer to you. You wrapped your arms around his neck and buried your face in the crook of it.
Mysta returned your gesture by wrapping his arms around your waist. For a few moments, you and Mysta were very comfortable in that position. Mysta's fingers gently rubbed your waist. He enjoyed your warmth in silence.
“Mysta,” you whispered, breaking the silence.
“Hm?”
“Happy birthday.”
Your voice was muffled by the crook of his neck. However, Mysta could hear your clearly.
To him, you are his everything. As a person who is very difficult to get along with other people, he really appreciates you being able to always be with him and loves him for who he is. He doesn't want anything from you, but he swore to himself that he would give everything for you. Spending another year with you isn't a bad thing. In fact, he was very grateful for that. He wants to spend eternity with you.
You are safe in his arms. You will always be safe with him. No harm can ever touch you because he has sworn that he will fight heaven and earth just to protect you.
Mysta turned his head to kiss your ear sweetly. He took a bit of time to inhale your scent, to feel your warmth, to feel your presence. “Thank you,” he whispered so softly.
You pulled yourself from him. Gently, you cupped his cheeks and kissed his forehead. “I’m so glad that you were born as you are.”
If Mysta didn't know any better, he would have cried. It was just that he wanted his birthday to be a happy day without the slightest tears.
Mysta turned her head, looking for something to divert the subject of your conversation. “So,” he started. "What should we do with the cake we made?"
“Let’s enjoy it with some drinks, something that’s not too strong, of course, or we will get drunk” you smiled. “Also, maybe you can share it with your chat too for today’s birthday stream.”
Mysta’s beautiful eyes lit up. “I will brag this to my Mystakes! I will brag about how I didn’t blow up the kitchen while decorating the cake!”
Seeing your lover’s excitement, you could only laugh. “My, my. Be grateful because you're the birthday boy today." ----- [FIN]
Icing Sugar
A Fiction by Author Xandra
January, 2023
Summary : Being separated from loved ones is a very painful thing. However, missing their birthday is clearly much more painful for you. Even if it's just a fleeting moment, you wanted to celebrate her birthday and wish her a happy birthday.
WC : 1577 words.
Warning : Grammar errors, lowkey angst, fluff, Genshin Impact references, Into the Light Once More references, Descendants references, lowkey lore-wise, etc.
Featured Characters : Reza Avanluna, Nagisa Arcinia.
Story Notes : This story is written with second-person point of view and the reader is gender-neutral. The personas written here are based on the avatar of the characters as vtubers, not the person behind it. Enjoy.
A/N : DEREM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I wish you a joyful birthday! May all good things always be near you and all bad things always far away from you. Happy birthday!
Other Platform : [TWITTER] [MEDIUM]
"YOU have my permission."
Hearing that from your dean, your smile widened. "Thank you so much, Sir. Dean."
"But do remember that you can't communicate with anyone there, including your friend."
Nodding, you agreed to those terms the dean mentioned.
You planned to travel dimensions to meet your old friend. It’s not a meeting actually. More precisely, you’re about to delivering a birthday present for her. Of course, you were very sad because you couldn’t communicate with anyone, including your friend in that dimension. The dean said it was for the safety of yourself and Maralemu. But, missing your loved one’s birthday would be so much painful for you.
"I'll be back before sunrise tomorrow." you reported.
"I swear to God, Kak Ejak!" A little girl's screams were heard from the balcony of a building. Several laughs accompanied that expression of annoyance. Your ears caught one of the laughs that was quite familiar and you really miss. Of course, you could only smile.
Derem and her two friends were having fun celebrating her birthday on the balcony. Seeing a gap to sneak in, you entered Derem's room which was not far from the balcony to arrange the gifts you prepared for her.
You put a cake, a letter, and a small gift on the desk. You stared at the gifts intently without noticing a nostalgic smile starting to touch your lips.
Memories from the past started to cross your mind one by one. The memories where you and Derem would spend a lot of time together at the academy, how you and she would exchange gifts on each other's birthdays, and how you would laugh heartily when you both messed up some spells. You and Derem have so many memories together, but they are now just to be remembered.
The entrance that connects Maralemu and this dimension is indeed wide open for everyone, but not the exit. Because of that too, the dean didn't let you talk to anyone from this world or you will permanently live in that dimension.
You turned your gaze, looking at the excitement of Derem and her friends from the crack in the window. Watching her who can smile so lightly made you smile too. You always thought of leaving Maralemu and living with her. However, you are aware of your and Derem's fate.
You must remain in Maralemu. If one day Derem returns, then you will be the one to welcome her.
"Ah!" Derem gasped as her eyes caught something. She was sure her majestic heterochromic eyes had just seen something familiar. The problem was how the thing she saw passed by so fast. “That magic traces … are the mark of Maralemu's magic. Could it be…?” In her heart, Derem muttered.
“Derem, what’s wrong?”
Hearing her name being called, Derem turned to the tall man in front of her. “Oh, nothing. I guess I'm seeing things."
“Ooh, today is Friday 13th, after all,” the young man joked.
"Mas Ejak, shut it!" Derem almost threw her fist at the man.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, you were leaning against a tree not far from the building. You could still clearly see the activity on the balcony. "That was close," you sighed. You glanced up once again, watching Derem from a far.
"Oh, shoot!" You fliched when something rubbed against your leg. You instantly dropped your gaze only for you to gasp once again. “Black cat?!”
A black cat kept rubbing its body on you. You halted for a moment, trying to figure something out. "You're not a mere cat," you stated to yourself. "And you're also not mine. I left my cat in Maralemu after all.”
Then something suddenly clicked in your mind. You picked up the cat. "Oh, you're supposed to be the magical cat that will make a contract with Derem, am I wrong?"
As if it answers your question, the cat meowed. You could only smile and hug the cat. “Be kind with Derem, though. Don't run or hide too far from her, okay?”
The cat meowed again.
You stayed there a little longer, watching Derem and listening to her every laugh. Until the moon started to lean and the day changed, you turn your face from the three of them.
Right after Derem blew out the candles on her birthday cake with her friends, you whispered a spell. “I will create as was spoken. Noble steed, proud and fair, you shall take me anywhere.” With that, a dimensional gate opened.
For the last time you turned your gaze toward Derem, finding her and her two friends hugging each other so tightly and warmly.
Before you took a step into the gate, you whispered, "Happy birthday, Derem."
Together with the night wind, your whispering voice was carried flying towards the owner of the name, silently wishing her a happiest birthday.
Derem threw herself onto her bed, sighing tiredly. After making sure Nagisa and Reza got to their respective rooms, Derem immediately decided to rest. There will be lots of people wishing her happy birthday in the morning. Thus, she had to rest and prepare herself.
Derem turned his head towards the window, intending to watch the waning moon outside. However, something else caught her attention. “Oh?” Derem got up from her bed, noticing something on her desk. She walked towards her desk.
A cake, a thin gift box and a letter. Derem's beautiful eyes rounded perfectly when she found something on the letter. It was a seal shaped like the Maralemu emblem that sealed the letter.
Derem lifted the letter and turned it over to see who had sent it.
“From your dearest friend in Maralemu.”
Derem immediately opened her desk drawer, looking for the little knife she used to open things. Hastily, Derem opened the letter.
To my dearest friend, Derem…
Hello to the birthday girl, hehe. How are you, Derem? I hope you’re doing great and have a happy life.
To be honest, I was worried that you would spend your birthday alone. But if I recall again myself, you had many very caring friends there. I’m so happy. At least you won't be lonely on your birthday.
Derem, if you asked me how I and the others here are doing, you don’t have to worry about a single thing. The days go by very pleasantly even though sometimes things don't go that well. Many miss you here, including me of course.
You are my person, the most important one I must say. So, I got something for your birthday! I truly want to show you how thankful I am for you to be born as you are right now.
For your birthday, I prepared a cake that I baked myself. Just in case you miss Maralemu flavors and I hope it suits your taste. And for your info, Derem, I baked it myself, no magic include!
And one more thing, I prepared my most advanced magic stone for you. I made it a necklace so you can easily wear it. I had filled the stone with protection magic, so it could protect the user if you were to be met with a dangerous situation. Though, of course I hope you stay safe always.
Stay healthy and happy there, Derem. I hope all good things always accompany your every step the way. Until we meet again, we will exchange stories with each other.
Once again happy birthday.
With love, always.
Your friend.
Tears one by one started to cover the letter paper that Derem was holding. She only realized that she was crying when she finished reading the letter. She wiped her tears with her sleeve.
“I wasn’t seeing things, huh?” Derem softly sniffled. “You were here after all.”
Derem turned her eyes to the cake and gift box that were both placed on her desk. Sweet has already washed her tongue just by looking at the cake you made for her.
Lastly, Derem opened the gift box beside the cake. Right according to what you wrote in the letter, the box contained a necklace with a beautiful magic stone.
Derem touched the necklace pendant carefully. The magic stone resonated its power with her. A smile once again touched her lips. She put down the letter that she was still holding. Derem lifted the necklace and put it on. The magical girl turned to the mirror in her room.
“So pretty,” she gasped softly.
Derem held the pendant tightly and closed her eyes. “I will create as was spoken,” she whispered a spell. "Erase all of their worries and problems, for I will send my own words to them."
After returning to Maralemu, you immediately seated yourself at your desk. With a blank stare, you stared at the bits of the magic stone you used to make Derem's necklace. You suddenly smiled.
You folded your arms on the table and buried your head on them. Tired after using quite a lot of magic, you intended to close your eyes for a while. However…
“Thank you for this absolutely amazing birthday present, [Y/N]. I miss you."
You jolted up on your seat when you heard someone whispering to you. You instantly darted your eyes around your room, trying to find the the owner of that voice. But when you realized whose voice it was, you regained your composure. You rubbed your face and smiled faintly.
To him far away, you whispered, “Sure. You're welcome, Derem. And happy birthday." ----- [FIN].
Our Fleeting Magical Moment
A Fiction by Author Xandra
January, 2023
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