Kiss the Stranger

purr purr purr…

In the silence, only Rikal’s contented purring resonated softly. I remained seated, unable to rise under the cat’s weight on my lap, and simply stared at the man. I swallowed dryly and hunched my body, yet he didn’t move an inch—just watched me. It was a relief that he showed no immediate sign of action, but I couldn’t predict when his attitude might shift. I wondered what I would do if he approached again. Even though it had been an accident, I couldn’t jump out the window again, and I lacked the confidence to flee while holding Rikal.
What should I do.
My heart pounding, I swallowed hard, and the man spoke.

“You treating me like a pervert out of the blue really hurts.”
“Pardon?”
I repeated without thinking, covering my mouth in embarrassment. He continued as if nothing was wrong.

“I only wanted to see up close. As you can see, my vision is like this.”
He pointed to the eyepatch covering one eye and grinned. His face shifted into a mischievous, boyish expression.
Suddenly the dangerous aura I’d felt vanished. I opened my eyes wide in surprise. His sweet pheromone scent remained, and of course he hadn’t changed appearance. Yet his smile alone completely altered his demeanor. Instantly the tension drained from my body. Seizing the moment, he asked,

“May I come closer now?”
He was still smiling at me, and I cautiously nodded.
“Thank you.”
Before taking a step, he remembered to greet me. His approach was much slower. As he advanced deliberately, I realized he was being considerate. My chest tightened at the thought—someone showing me consideration other than Kamar was new to me.

I felt tears well up, but I forced them back. I watched him approach in silence when Rikal on my lap reacted, fur bristling. I realized belatedly.
“O-okay, just a moment.”
I spoke quickly, and he halted immediately. I felt my trust in him rise and added carefully,

“I’m sorry, my cat… doesn’t like that scent.”
“Huh? The scent?”
He tilted his head, and I apologized,

“The pheromone scent.”
“Oh.”
He murmured in understanding, and the pheromone haze around me faded in an instant. A faint trace lingered, but his smell was gone. Startled, I looked up at him. He smiled and asked,

“All clear now?”
I looked down at Rikal, who sniffed around warily but relaxed. Relieved, I returned his gaze.
“Yes, it’s fine now.”

“Thanks. I almost got seriously hurt.”
He placed a hand on his chest and sighed with relief, remembering his manners. I smiled without realizing it, and he returned the smile before moving again. He strode to stand directly in front of me, but I no longer felt fear. Still smiling, he looked down and said,
“Now you can’t run away.”

“…No?”
I blinked in confusion. He switched topics casually.
“What’s your name?”
“Me?”

“Yes, not the cat—you.”
Seeing his smiling face made me smile too. Finding his question silly, I answered,
“I’m Yohan. The cat is Rikal.”

I added deliberately, and Rikal lifted his head as if recognizing his name. I tensed, expecting him to attack, but Rikal simply curled up again. The man repeated,
“Yohan.”
Then he extended his hand.

“I’m Hayden. You can call me H.”
“H?”
I echoed awkwardly, and he nodded.

“Yes, Yohan. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too, H.”
With formalities exchanged, my tension evaporated. I asked hesitantly,

“Um, how did you get here… And where is the Crown Prince?”
“He’s in a meeting. I was invited to dinner, so I’m free until then.”
He glanced at the loaf of bread in my hand.

“What’s that for? A tool for making tapestries? Like a sketching block.”
“A sketching block?”
I tilted my head, and Hayden stroked his chin, murmuring.

“A loaf used for erasing, you know. But probably not?”
“No…”
I replied embarrassedly and honestly.

“This is my lunch.”
“A snack?”
“My lunch… It’s a bit late, though.”

Hayden frowned. I fiddled with the bread, suddenly self-conscious, when he changed the subject.
“So what do you do here? You make this?”

He showed interest in the loom, and I forgot the earlier awkwardness. He looked at the tapestry and asked,
“You spend all day on just this? Nothing else?”
“Um…”
I hesitated. I couldn’t reveal too much—details about the prince’s health were classified. I didn’t know our relationship yet, so I couldn’t say. But he solved my dilemma himself.

“You don’t survive on that cheap bread alone while weaving all day. Surely the prince isn’t exploiting you?”
“Oh, no. The prince isn’t involved… I just agreed to look after his cat in exchange for help.”
I hastily clarified, and Hayden said,

“Is that so? Then let me care for that cat and you can do me a favor.”
“Huh?”
His sudden request startled me. This wasn’t the time to feel friendly with him. How could I open up so easily?

But it was too late to change my guard. He was already standing in front of me, and I sensed I’d be powerless if he chose to grab me—or Rikal. Noticing my fear, he smiled that disarming smile.
“Sorry for the surprise.”
Hayden moved suddenly. I jumped back, but what happened next astonished me. He knelt on one knee before me, looking up. Eyes wide, I watched him speak.

“When I saw you, something came to mind. If you accept, I’d like to tell you.”
“W-what is it?”
Still wary, I asked, and Hayden said,

“Have you seen the movie My Fair Lady? It’s very old.”
“No.”
I shook my head, and he explained eagerly.

“In short, it’s about turning an ugly duckling into a swan. I have the eye to spot a swan in a duck’s disguise.”
“Huh?”
I still didn’t understand. I blinked, and he continued,

“I’m not lying. Trust me—just a little refinement and you’ll be the most beautiful in the world.”
His voice had an edge of madness. I thought he must be out of his mind. Then Hayden reached out and stroked my cheek. I froze, and he kept talking.
“Above all, you’re so thin—eat properly, and ditch that loom. It wrecks your hands. Your eyes are really beautiful, and your lips so cute.”

His hand lingered on my lips. His voice dropped.
“Come with me, Yohan. I’ll make you a swan.”
He whispered as if casting a spell. Guarded though I was, I almost nodded. But before I could make a mistake, another voice cut through.

“You dare take what’s mine from inside my palace, Hayden.”
The cold tone was unmistakable. I looked up, startled, and Hayden turned too. Our eyes met Asgaile’s as he stood where Hayden had been. He watched us in silence.
A shiver ran through me. The faint pheromone haze thickened instantly—it was Asgaile’s scent. Rikal sensed it too, his fur bristling as he let out a fierce meow.

“Your Highness.”
Hayden rose and stood between me and Asgaile. A heavy silence /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ settled over the room.