HIFH | Chapter 37

Episode 37

Albert alternated his gaze between us, wearing a gentle smile on his face.

“Sometimes, when preparing for a wedding, I often see couples disagreeing on various matters. But with you two, somehow, I feel certain that will never happen.”

Of course not. This isn’t even a real wedding.

“If one is the rain, the other is the earth that receives it. If one is the earth, the other is the tree that grows upon it. You complement each other perfectly.”

No way.

Even within the Guardians, we’re known for being sworn enemies.

“I’ve never seen a more balanced couple than you two. I’m sure it will be a beautiful wedding.”

“…….”

I had no idea how to respond, so I just rolled my eyes.

Since I was standing right next to Lu, I couldn’t see his expression, but I had a feeling he was just as baffled as I was.

However—

“That’s right, isn’t it?”

Lu effortlessly wrapped his arm around my waist and leaned in.

“Charles is my earth and my tree. You help me bloom, and you support me.”

Then, he placed a light kiss on my temple.

…What?

Did he just—

I turned to Lu in shock.

For some reason, he was looking at me with a solemn expression.

“And that’s why—”

His voice was warm and tender, his gaze softer than ever.

“I truly love you.”

***

I must be going crazy.

Even after saying goodbye to Albert, leaving the mansion, and walking all the way back to the city, my heart was still pounding uncontrollably.

‘I must be insane.’

That was the only thought in my mind.

— And that’s why I truly love you.

He actually said he loved me!

Saying you like someone and saying you love them carry completely different weights.

Liking someone can be brushed off as a joke, but love…

‘Or am I just overthinking it?’

I stole a glance at Lu.

He was walking beside me with his usual composed expression, showing no trace of the heartfelt confession he had just made.

‘So he just said it to match the mood.’

Well, if the agent saw us acting affectionate, he’d spread rumors about our relationship.

If Lu said it with that intention, I could understand.

‘I get it.’

Yes, I understood Lu.

What I didn’t understand was why my throat kept going dry and why my heart felt like it was being squeezed.

‘Since yesterday, what’s wrong with me?’

I ran my hand over my chest, trying to steady my breath.

“Charles?”

Lu tilted his head and called out to me.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

Maybe he noticed my expression, or perhaps he misinterpreted my hand pressing against my chest. Either way, his face showed genuine concern.

I quickly shook my head.

“No, I’m just a little thirsty.”

“Shall we go to a café, then?”

Lu suggested kindly.

“It’d be a shame to head back so soon.”

Objectively speaking, there was nothing to feel regretful about.

We had already accomplished our goal of choosing a wedding venue.

However…

Human emotions don’t always follow objective reasoning.

I, too, wasn’t entirely eager to return home right away.

As I hesitated, Lu suddenly leaned in closer.

“You like coffee, don’t you, Charles?”

He chuckled.

“Let’s have a machine-brewed espresso. And a sweet soufflé to go with it.”

Just picturing it made my mouth water.

Hmm.

I narrowed my eyes.

“How do you know I like that?”

“I know everything Charles likes.”

He shrugged.

“First, you like the color black. You sometimes choose other colors, but mostly, it’s black—probably because it’s neutral. Am I right?”

Hmm. Correct.

“And you’re surprisingly picky about food. You eat almost anything, but you can instantly tell when something tastes off. Your favorite dish is caponata—fried eggplant with vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce.”

That was also true.

“And your fashion sense is absolutely terrible.”

“You could’ve left that last part out.”

“But it’s the truth.”

Tsk.

I pursed my lips and looked away. Lu’s laughter followed.

“Anyway, I know everything about Charles.”

Everything, huh?

…No.

Lu didn’t know everything about me.

He didn’t know the most important thing—my true identity.

A bitter taste rose in my mouth.

“What about you, Charles?”

Lu asked.

“Do you know anything about me?”

I blinked several times.

I actually knew quite a lot about Lu.

That he was 188 cm tall and weighed 85 kg.

That he was the adopted son of the High Priest but didn’t have a great relationship with him.

That he was already designated as the next deputy commander of the Guardians.

But when it came to his preferences… I knew nothing.

“Hmm…”

I scratched my cheek and awkwardly avoided his gaze.

Lu burst into laughter.

“My favorite color is pinkish purple. And my favorite food is vegetable dishes, just like you—especially caponata.”

His favorite color was similar to my hair color.

And his favorite food was the same as mine.

…That bothered me for some reason.

‘It’s just my imagination, right?!’

I pushed down the strange excitement rising in my chest.

“…I’ll remember that.”

“Good.”

As Lu smiled at me, I steadied my breath.

Because if I didn’t ask now, I might never get the chance.

“I have one question.”

“Yes?”

“You…”

I stepped closer and looked up at him.

“You do hate me, right?”

Our eyes met.

“Yesterday, you only said you regretted your words, but you never said you didn’t hate me. You said I was impressive, but nothing beyond that.”

“…….”

Lu fell silent.

Instead, he just stared at me.

I could see the flickering in his eyes, but I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

But I really wanted to know.

What does Lu truly think of me?

Why do I even care?

‘Why?’

Honestly, I didn’t know.

All I knew was that I wanted to hear his answer.

That was all.

“I like you, Charles.”

Oh.

For a moment, my heart raced.

“And I also hate you.”

“…….”

Then, it cooled instantly.

“Does that answer your question?”

Are you serious?

‘So he both likes and hates me.’

Hah.

I pressed a hand to my forehead and sighed.

“Fine. So it’s love and hate.”

“Oh, that’s the perfect way to put it.”

Lu chuckled.

“I’ll try to lean more toward love from now on.”

“Forget it!”

I pushed his face away and stormed off.

“Charles. Aren’t you having coffee?”

“I’m not!”

I had no idea why I was so frustrated.

Whether it was irritation or disappointment, I couldn’t tell.

But either way, I climbed into the carriage with a huff.

Hmph!