Kiss the Stranger

For a moment the air had softened, then in an instant it turned ice-cold. It wasn’t the room’s temperature—it was Asgaile’s pheromones, which had been faint until now, surging so fiercely that terror gripped me. I tried to back away, but nowhere to go. I curled into myself, trembling, and Asgaile frowned at me.
…Huh?
The scent vanished as sudden as it had appeared, and I could breathe freely again. Bewildered, I blinked, and only the faintest trace of pheromone lingered. Asgaile spoke.
“…Hayden told you to call him H?”
“Ah… yes.”
Why did that matter? I wondered, but Asgaile said no more. His knitted brow showed displeasure—hopefully not because of me. I stayed huddled, shivering, until Asgaile swept a hand through his short hair and sighed deeply. His irritated expression made my heart seize. I opened my mouth, but no sound came. Should I apologize? For what, exactly? I tried to think of words, but my mind was blank.
Haah, haah, haah…
My breath caught and my chest constricted; I couldn’t breathe. I gasped for air in a panic. Asgaile paused and looked down at me—astonishingly, he seemed… startled? But I wasn’t sure. My breathing was ragged, my vision blurring, and I couldn’t grasp what was happening.
Haah…
Then I lost consciousness.
“You’ve grown too weak—that can cause such spells.”
After afternoon examinations, Meisa offered a tentative verdict. I sat in a loose inspection gown, looking up at her. She stroked her chin gravely.
“It’s hard to say without lab results. Frequent vomiting and fainting could be psychological—or physical. Shaking at the sight of His Highness is another matter…”
She paused, then resolutely added,
“For now, daily nutritional injections and gradually increased meals. The prince himself ordered it.”
“The prince?”
Startled, I asked. Meisa laughed teasingly.
“If everyone fainted at his sight, nobody would blame him for offering mercy.”
I tried to speak but couldn’t. Patiently, she waited.
“…But I’m an omega.”
Those words ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ froze her. An awkward silence followed, broken only when a knock heralded Hayden’s entrance.

“I heard Yohan was here—oh!”
His delighted face was familiar. He strode to me, then saluted Meisa.
“May I visit the patient?”
His drawl stiffened Meisa’s expression into displeasure.
“Exams are done, so yes—but Yohan is not a patient.”
“Oh, thank goodness. Thank God.”
He theatrically placed a hand on his chest. Meisa scowled and left. Undeterred, Hayden turned to me.
“How are you feeling, Yohan? Did you eat properly yesterday?”
“Excuse me?”
I blinked, and he replied casually.
“I informed His Highness that your meals were a mess. Neither he nor the doctors knew—who skips meals in the palace? Even disposable omegas.”
‘Disposable omegas.’
Even Hayden said such things lightly. My heart sank, and I bowed. He continued more kindly.
“I’ll ensure you’re well fed. Nothing’s worse than skipping meals.”
Suddenly his hand shot out and lifted my chin. I met his violet gaze as he leaned in, one hand in his pocket.
“And you’ll blossom, my little swan.”
His pheromones thickened, seductive—but I felt nothing. I just stared, blinking, and he frowned.
“You need to learn how to respond to temptation.”
I still didn’t understand. I looked at his eyepatch. Noticing, Hayden released me and straightened.
“Curious?”
I nodded. He laughed.
“So, why this eye…”
“My father stabbed it out.”
He answered so matter-of-factly I was stunned. I blinked, and he went on playfully,
“After my manifestation, my eye color changed, and he disliked it—used a penknife. Nearly killed me. I’ve been a devout believer ever since.”
Hayden laid a hand on his heart and shook his head. I had no words—any attempt at comfort seemed wrong. Then his hand dropped onto my head and ruffled my hair in surprise.
“It’s okay—you don’t have to say anything. You’re so kind. I love kind people.”
“Everyone likes kind people. Could you please step back?”
At that moment Meisa returned, expression frosty. She removed his hand and offered me a small medicinal pack.
“Not tasty, but take this first. Your stomach’s too fragile—you must take this before meals.”
She tore it open for me. As I swallowed the medicine, Hayden watched, then asked abruptly,
“You’ll attend tonight’s banquet, right, Yohan?”
I startled; Meisa answered curtly.
“I’ve already been told. Of course she’ll go.”
“Me?”
“Yes, Yohan.”
Meisa smiled at me.
“It’s better than dining alone, and the prince ordered it.”
“The prince?”
I’d meant to refuse politely, but her words surprised me. She nodded.
“Yes. It’s an intimate dinner for a few special guests—don’t worry. I’ll be there, too.”
“I’ll attend as well, Yohan. Shall we sit together?”
Hayden leaned closer. I only smiled awkwardly. Meisa whisked away the empty pack and handed me a candy instead. As I popped it into my mouth, Hayden asked,
“Is Princess Najima still as lovely as ever?”
“Why don’t you see for yourself? You’ll attend the banquet.”
Meisa snapped. Then she smiled.
“The princess is thrilled to see you again, Yohan.”
“Really…?”
Warmth stirred in me, then Asgaile’s face flashed to mind, and the smile faded. Would the princess welcome me if she knew my thoughts…?
Cradling Rikal—returned to me after exams—I bowed my head. Soon, the dinner hour approached.