I looked at Marie intently in a situation that I simply couldn’t comprehend. She had an expression that was a mixture of anxiety, restlessness, and anger.
In addition, she was tightly holding onto a book, which seemed to be the newly released ninth volume of Xenon’s Biography. I alternated my gaze between Mari’s face and the book, feeling greatly confused.
Not only was Marei’s timing suspicious, but I also wondered how she found us here in the first place. Did she happen to stumble upon this café and discover us, or did she follow us?
While I was in the midst of confusion, Marie’s gaze suddenly shifted behind me. It was precisely towards where Cecily was seated.
After staring at Cecily for a while, Marie looked back at me. Her blue eyes were filled with strong suspicion.
“…Isaac.”
Marie called my name in a whispering voice. I faced her with a puzzled expression.
Then she looked at me once again, pursed her lips, and said.
“Your face is red.”
“… …”
I couldn’t easily answer Mari’s question, or rather, I was in no position to do so.
Because just a moment ago, I almost got into an accident with Cecily. If Marie hadn’t interrupted, it probably would have continued. It’s strange that someone could say anything confidently.
However, that’s not important. What’s important now is to think about how to answer Marie’s question.
“Um…”
“Did Cecily play another prank?”
As I hesitated to answer, Marie suddenly chimed in. As I mentioned before, even though she was smiling, her eyes weren’t, and it made me feel somewhat uneasy.
It was like the feeling of getting caught by a lover while trying to hide something.
Marie’s tone of inquiry and the atmosphere made me feel that way.
“Is that so?”
“… …”
Marie was now looking behind me, checking with Cecily. At the same time, her voice trembled weakly and her blue eyes began to shake like an earthquake.
If I avoided answering any further, it seemed like things would only get worse, so I slowly nodded my head. It wasn’t a lie, and Marie’s expression seemed like she would cry any moment.
As I nodded, Marie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and straightened the corners of her mouth. She then shifted her gaze back to me, fixing me with a cold tone.
“… Can I talk to Cecily alone for a moment?”
“… …”
I listened to Marie’s question and looked at Cecily behind me. I didn’t care, but I was doubtful if she would allow it.
As soon as Cecily faced me, she released her frozen expression and gave a small smile, nodding her head. It meant she agreed.
What was she thinking when she gave her permission? While I was having that thought, Cecily spoke in a calm voice.
“Unfortunately, we have to end it here today. I’ll go first while you talk to Marie.”
“… Okay.”
There’s nothing I can do here. Even if I interfere, it would only end up being a futile attempt and it wouldn’t be good for anyone involved.
Besides, there’s the issue of the “misunderstanding” that Marie currently has, which is a major problem. In fact, Marie wouldn’t believe me no matter what I said.
As I looked at Cecily with a disappointed face, I shifted my gaze to Marie. As soon as our eyes met, she lifted the corners of her mouth and gave a small smile, which was odd since she had a fearsome expression just a moment ago.
“You’re not going to say anything strange, right?”
“Well?”
Feeling uneasy, I asked her. Marie tilted her head as if she didn’t understand and asked back. From what she said, I could tell that she was really angry.
Of course, it’s not that I couldn’t understand since she currently has emotions towards me that are less than lovers but more than friends. However, that doesn’t mean the situation will improve.
I hesitated for a moment and walked out the door, passing by Marie. Marie was focused on Cecily and didn’t even look at me as I walked by.
“Oh? A customer? What do you want to order?”
“Oh, I’ll pay and leave. Please give it to the other people inside.”
As I was about to leave, I met the staff and paid the bill. The staff gave me a strange look for a moment, but I ignored it.
Finally, I got out of the suffocating atmosphere and looked back. I couldn’t see Marie inside.
‘She’s not gonna say anything strange, right?’
I’ve never experienced this kind of situation in my past life, so I don’t know what to do. But this is the best option. If I interfere in that situation, it will only make things worse and may even ruin the relationship that we’ve built so far.
However, I have a strong feeling that I will have to make a choice soon. Since Cecily noticed my secret, her attitude towards me has completely changed.
If Cecily’s words about being willing to give everything for me were sincere… And if we had an accident… What would have happened?
“Whew…”
I sighed in frustration and rubbed the back of my neck. It would be best to go back to the dorm and study for the exam.
I don’t think I’ll be able to write anything because the words Cecily said to me today will continue to haunt me.
‘I hope nothing happens…’
For now, I had no choice but to pray.
*****
“Your cappuccino and americano that you ordered are ready.”
“… …”
Isaac left, and a heavy silence filled the narrow room.
Even though their coffee was placed on the table, the two women just looked at each other and their lips remained shut. The server hastily left the tense atmosphere as if his breath was being stifled.
Even after the server left and only a desolate silence remained, there was no conversation between the two women. If there was a difference between them, it was that Mari had a face that was frozen in stiffness, while Cecily seemed to have a sense of composure.
Cecily glanced at Mari, who was staring at her fiercely from across the table, and then lowered her gaze. She noticed the steaming americano with rising steam.
If it were Isaac instead of Marie, he would have enjoyed this coffee more. When she thought of that, her mood became slightly sour, but she didn’t show it.
Clang-
Cecily lifted the coffee cup to her mouth. Her every move exuded elegance and drew attention.
However, Mari felt a sense of disdain towards Cecily’s behavior. It wasn’t just because of Isaac’s blushing face a moment ago.
‘Surely his pants…’
I don’t know what Cecily did to Isaac, but his pants were noticeably bulging in the middle and his posture was awkward. Marie, who received thorough sexual education from her family, knew what that meant.
Men are usually responsive to their instincts, especially when tempted by a beautiful and charming woman like Cecily.
The body is always honest, and no matter how hard a man tries to suppress his instincts, he cannot overcome them. This is why men are said to be sad animals.
Grit-
So there is only one reason why Isaac’s instincts would come out… as soon as that thought came to her, Marie grit her teeth.
At the time of the gathering, even though Cecily was linked arm in arm with him, Isaac only blushed, and didn’t show any further reaction.
Isaac is good at controlling his instincts and is a modest person for his age, not as passionate as he should be, or he could be a wet blanket.
However, this time was completely different. The fact that a man’s instincts came out means that Cecily went too far.
Moreover, the space they are in has excellent soundproofing. Whatever happens inside wouldn’t be known from outside.
However, Marie could guess what happened inside, so she was even more angry.
“… …”
Meanwhile, Cecily observed Marie’s expression while sipping on her Americano. Marie was not just angry, but furious.
Of course, Cecily was not threatened at all. It was like a cute cat raising its fur and growling. Frankly, it was a bit cute.
Clang-
She put down her coffee cup and gave a soft smile. She had a feeling at the gathering, but now she was sure.
The girl in front of her, Marie, had a crush on Isaac. It was a youthful and affectionate feeling that suited her age.
“Can’t you say something? Didn’t you send Isaac away because you had something to say?”
Cecily’s attractive voice broke the silence that filled the room. She asked Marie, resting her chin on both hands.
Her red eyes were filled with calmness and her lips drew a smile that emphasized her superiority.
Marie also knew what Silly’s actions meant since she had been going to social gatherings since she was young. She blinked her eyes and said coldly.
“…Cecily.”
“Yeah?”
“Be honest. What did you do with Isaac here?”
If she asked Isaac the same question, he would be confused, so Marie had no choice but to ask Cecily, especially since they were alone now.
Cecily had been listening to Marie’s question and smiled even more brightly. It was her characteristic playful smile.
“I don’t know. If a man and a woman are in a small, soundproof room, what do you think would happen?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not joking around.”
Surprisingly, Marie responded calmly. There was a hint that she already knew what was going on.
Cecily raised one eyebrow, looking slightly surprised before smirking. Some people become more rational when they get angry, and Marie seemed to be one of them.
Then she straightened her posture, neatly folding her hands and placing them on the desk. It was a dignified gesture, not a playful smile, befitting that of a princess from a certain country.
“Marie.”
“Yes?”
“How much do you know about Isaac?”
Marie furrowed her eyebrows upon hearing the question. She didn’t quite understand why Cecily would ask such a question.
While trying to figure out Cecily’s intentions, Marie decided to answer the question first. She was confident that she knew more about Isaac than Cecily did.
“At least I know more than you. I can assure you of that.”
“Then what about Isaac’s secret?”
“…What?”
Marie’s voice trembled slightly. She had a vague suspicion that Isaac was hiding something. So she hoped that if their relationship became closer someday, he would reveal that secret.
But when Cecily brought up that topic, Marie was not just surprised but confused. She felt her heart sink and her blood run cold.
Was Cecily really someone who knew Isaac’s secret? If so, was Isaac closer to her than to Marie? She desperately hoped that wasn’t the case.
Cecily smiled when she noticed Marie’s face turning pale.
“I know Isaac’s secret. He even told me without me having to figure it out. And what about you? You don’t, do you?”
“… …”
“I also know that you have a crush on Isaac. It would be weird if no one noticed, since you’re showing it so obviously.”
Marie couldn’t even refute Cecily’s words. It was all true.
But what was more shocking was the fact that Isaac was closer to Cecily than to Marie. There is nothing more despairing than knowing the man you love is closer to someone else.
When Cecily didn’t get any response from Marie, she felt that she might have gone too far and looked at Marie’s expression. Her eyes were trembling and her body was stiff.
Cecily felt a little sorry towards Marie, who looked so pitiful. So she tried to lighten the mood, but Marie asked first.
“Is that all?”
“Huh?”
“I just asked if that was all.”
Marie, who had regained her composure, asked Cecily with a trembling voice. As Cecily, it was a question that naturally raised doubts.
But soon, Marie’s explanation followed, and Cecily’s face couldn’t help but to crack.
“Sharing secrets with your own mouth means trusting the other person… Yes, that’s right. It means you trust them that much.”
“… …”
“But I don’t care if Isaac doesn’t tell me that little secret. If sharing secrets is what creates trust, then forget it. That’s a deal, not sincerity.”
This time, it was Cecily’s turn to stiffen her expression. Marie didn’t even know that Isaac was the author of Xenon’s Biography. She didn’t even have a clue.
But despite that, Marie was fond of Isaac himself, not as the author of Xenon’s Biography. Can I be as “sincere” as that? No, it can be concluded that I could not.
Cecily herself might have had a liking for Isaac, but it wasn’t more than that. If Isaac wasn’t the author of Xenon’s Biography, she wouldn’t have tempted him so openly like just now.
Marie became convinced when she saw Cecily’s stiff expression. There was something special about Isaac’s secret.
If Cecily, who had only played mean pranks, could force Isaac’s instincts out like that…
‘…Could it be?’
The illustration of the “Steam Locomotive,” Isaac’s hobby of writing, and even Cecily, a “demon,” tempting Isaac…
It felt like the pieces of the puzzle were clicking perfectly in my mind. But these things alone cannot be decisive evidence. Above all else…
“What does that have to do with anything?”
It doesn’t matter if Isaac’s secret is really like that. I never cared about that kind of thing in the first place.
I just appreciate his honest and sincere attitude in everything he does, and I feel affection for his considerate kindness. For Marie, Isaac is the only person she needs, casting aside everything else.
“If liking someone because of their secrets is what it takes, I’ll definitely oppose it. That’s just liking their secret, not the person themselves.”
“… …”
“If you have nothing else to say, then I’ll go now. There are plenty of things I want to say, but I’m also a busy person. Well then-“
Marie left the room, taking Xenon Biography Volume 9 with her. She didn’t forget to take a sip of her cappuccino before leaving.
Left alone in the room, Cecily stared blankly for a while before lowering her gaze. Her face was reflected like a mirror in the Americano in her coffee cup.
Every word that Marie had said felt like a dagger piercing her chest. It was as if she had been hit hard on the head with a hammer.
It would have been a big shock for anyone else, but…
“…Thank you.”
Instead, Cecily’s smile grew even stronger.
“Thanks to you, I understand well now.”
She didn’t know it herself, but her smile was so frightening that it felt really dangerous.
Looking at her own reflection in the coffee, she mumbled to herself while maintaining that smile.
“I almost caused a big mess.”
Translators note:
Bonus chapter. Damn it was tense. Also didn’t expect marie to come on out top here.
Made the font a bit smaller cause it was too big on mobile.
