Chapter 511: More Straightforward Than Words
Chapter 511: More Straightforward Than Words
Ethan stood on the small island at the center of the lake, waiting for Chloe's arrival.
Their meeting time was set at midnight, and yet, he was there an hour early.
He was unable to sit still, so he decided to just go to the meeting spot earlier than the promised time.
Also, there was a possibility that Chloe would arrive before midnight, and just in case, he didn't want her to wait.
This was the first time that they were going to talk face to face since the day that they agreed to have a cool-off period in order to better understand how they truly felt towards each other.
Ethan might seem like he was fine with it, but in truth, he was not.
Chloe was the first girl in his life, and if possible, he wanted her to always be with him.
There were times when his Grandma Agnes would tease him that if he didn't find anyone before he reached twenty, he should just marry Chloe.
Whenever this happened, Ethan would just stay silent because he didn't mind the thought of him and his cousin being married to each other.
He had already had feelings for her for a very long time, and he also felt that she felt the same way back then.
Those were the days when Ethan was still too ignorant and too innocent of the world around him.
The only world he knew about was the countryside.
A peaceful place where the air smelled fresh and where life was slow.
A lifestyle without many problems, making him feel that he could laze around for life.
But, his Grandma didn't want him to leave that kind of life.
She made plans to send him to Saint Claire Academy, where he was supposed to study alongside rich and noble ladies, hoping that one of them would be smitten with his handsome face and ignore his childishness and stupidity.
Agnes had planned everything well, but life didn't always follow the plan one had in mind.
Instead of going to Saint Claire Academy, he arrived at Brynhildr Academy, where he reunited with Chloe and began his journey in the world of magic.
Ethan allowed himself to reminisce and think back on the hardships that he faced at Brynhildr Academy.
How he managed to become a member of Dud Manor.
How Luna unlocked his ability to use magic.
How Chloe stood up against Langston for his sake.
And the events that happened afterward.
If someone asked him if he was happy, then he would answer yes.
If someone asked him if he was sad, then the answer would also be yes.
Just like everyone else, Ethan learned how to hide his true feelings behind a mask of calmness.
He learned this in the Lands of Alastor.
The same place where he shed his innocence and where he first had his hands covered in blood. The same place where he grew from a teenage boy to a young man.
From a powerless individual to one of the most powerful First Years in the academy.
Ethan had come a long way, but the more he became powerful, the more he understood that there were still many people who were stronger than him.
The more he knew, the more he realized that there were still many things he didn't know.
And with each secret he uncovered, more secrets would reveal themselves in front of him.
Sometimes, he wished that he could just return to his lazy days in the countryside. But, he also understood that if he did that, the happiness that he currently possessed would disappear completely.
Anyone who stopped moving would become stagnant.
The world wouldn't stop turning just because one person decided to quit.
Just as absolute as the seasons would change and the sun would rise from the east, Ethan knew that even if he stayed in the countryside, his Protectors would find him sooner or later and introduce him to the world of Magic, where his true identity was waiting to be uncovered by him.
As Ethan pondered about these things, he felt two slender arms wrap themselves around his body from behind.
Ethan didn't move or turn around.
Instead, he closed his eyes and rested his right hand over the slender arms, holding them in place.
He could feel that person's warmth being transmitted on his back, and it made him remember many wonderful and painful things.
For a second, he wished that this moment would last forever.
But, he knew that the world would not listen to his wish.
So, he simply stood there and savored this feeling in his heart.
No words were exchanged between them, and this lasted for several minutes before Ethan lightly pried away the arms that held onto him and turned around.
Looking at Chloe, who was looking up at him, Ethan wasn't able to stop himself from raising his hand to cup her face.
The two stared at each other for nearly half a minute before Ethan lowered his head to kiss her cheek.
After that kiss ended, he then wrapped his arms around her body and held her close to him.
Chloe didn't resist and buried her head in his chest, taking in his fragrance and warmth, which she missed terribly.
Just like what had happened earlier, the two of them didn't exchange any words.
Ethan even felt like breaking this silence would be a very grave crime, which he found quite funny.
He asked Luna to ask Chloe if she would come to meet him so that they could talk.
And yet, the two of them felt that talking would just break this dream that they were having.
A dream that they didn't want to end.
The two of them held each other for a few more minutes before Chloe raised her head and stared at Ethan's eyes.
The young man understood and lowered his head to kiss her tenderly on the lips.
The kiss was sweet, but it only lasted for a few seconds.
Perhaps, thinking that it was not enough, Ethan kissed her three more times before Chloe once again buried her head in his chest.
Both of their hearts were beating faster and communicating in ways that were more straightforward than words.
Ethan sighed and closed his eyes as he continued to hug the young lady in his arms.
He didn't see that at that moment, three fluffy tails protruded from Chloe's backside, which she also didn't notice due to the sweet feelings that were swirling in her heart.