A Summer With Bitter Rivals - What If Side Story 5

What If Side Story: Marriage with a Rival (5)

Emeline left the coffee house holding Zenon’s hand.

It seemed she had spent quite some time with her friends, for the sun was already descending in the sky.

A majestic crimson glow from the sunset dyed the streets and the corners of the white buildings.

“Want to walk a little more?”

“…We can.”

Though the carriage was nearby, they passed by it and stepped out onto the street.

Perhaps because everyone had gone off to dinner, the street bathed in the setting sun was fairly quiet.

‘What should I say…’

She had agreed to his suggestion to walk outside without protest, but Emeline didn’t know what she should say.

It was also the first time seeing his face since they had kissed, and the words he had spoken earlier in front of her friends kept lingering in her mind.

Emeline slightly lifted her head and glanced at Zenon.

Still holding hands, Zenon hadn’t brought up any particular topic.

Then, perhaps sensing her gaze, he turned toward her.

“Do I look a bit more handsome today?”

“What?”

“I put a lot of effort into my appearance today to come see you.”

Zenon turned to face Emeline directly. It was already uncomfortable enough, but when their eyes met, she was flustered.

Seeing right through her, Zenon curved his lips into a playful smile.

Then suddenly, he tugged her hand and led her into a nearby alley.

Emeline, being dragged without knowing why, opened her mouth.

“W-what are you doing?”

“Stop and take a proper look at my face.”

“Why all of a sudden…”

“Didn’t you hear me earlier? I dressed up a lot today just to see you. I came all the way here when I heard you were out.”

“Who just shows up unannounced like that?”

“Exactly. But I suddenly thought of you yesterday, and I couldn’t help it.”

“…Why were you thinking about me?”

“Don’t you ever think about me? I think of you often.”

“……”

“That’s probably why I keep wanting to see you.”

Emeline was left speechless.

It didn’t seem like he was joking. Zenon had a rather serious expression.

His blond hair was deeply tinted by the evening glow that filled the alley. The faint smile on his face looked brighter than ever.

As if mesmerized by that light, Emeline took in the sight of him.

In that moment, she couldn’t tear her eyes away or think of anything else.

After a long silence, Emeline finally spoke. The one phrase that rose in her mind slipped out.

“…Thank you.”

“Hm?”

“…Thank you. For being there earlier.”

Zenon looked genuinely startled, as if he had misheard. For once, he truly looked taken aback.

It was likely because Emeline had never once properly said “thank you” to him before.

Even when she felt grateful, she always pretended otherwise or brushed it off.

When he had kept her secret, when he had caught her as she nearly collapsed from dizziness at school, when he had chased away that strange guy who clung to her—

Emeline, as if finally releasing the weight buried deep in her heart, spoke again, “I’m thankful for all the times you helped me.”

Now that the wall between them as heirs to rival families had disappeared, she could finally say it.

She couldn’t express just how suffocating it had felt not being able to say those words.

She had kept suppressing and denying her feelings of gratitude, thinking they were wrong.

Now, at last, she felt like she could breathe.

“Zenon Trancium.”

“…Yeah?”

Zenon, looking slightly dazed, responded.

Emeline recalled the last words he had said at the coffee house.

She had a feeling Zenon Trancium understood her better than anyone else.

Perhaps it was because he knew secrets that even her family didn’t.

Looking away briefly, Emeline spoke after a long hesitation, “You’re… a good person.”

“……”

“You’re sometimes annoying when you act cute, and it’s irritating how you follow me around, but… you’re sincere, considerate, and someone who can immerse deeply in something. You never mocked my passion for academics, even though others thought it was strange. And when I beat you and reclaimed the top spot, you genuinely congratulated me.”

Emeline, who had been speaking in a rush, paused for a moment.

As she opened her mouth again, she summoned the last of her courage and conveyed the truth she had buried deep in her heart.

“You’re different from everyone else to me, too… I’ll admit now that you’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

Once she had said all she wanted to, her lips shut tight. Embarrassment crept in belatedly.

It didn’t help that Zenon showed no reaction at all.

Hesitating, Emeline slowly lifted her gaze, which she had intentionally kept averted.

She saw that he still looked stunned.

Maybe it felt unfamiliar, hearing things she normally would never say. Emeline felt a sense of regret.

She was just about to start grumbling to cover it up—

“Pfft…”

Zenon suddenly burst out laughing.

His once stiff expression softened, and he let out a cheerful, bright laugh.

It was a pleasant sound, so it clearly wasn’t mocking her.

“Why are you laughing all of a sudden?”

Not understanding his reaction, Emeline frowned and asked.

Still wearing a smile, Zenon looked at her with gently curved eyes.

“Emeline Delzeier… we’re not supposed to be just friends anymore.”

As if the idea amused him, Zenon let out a low chuckle.

His eyes glimmered more vividly than ever, as if filled with a gleam of mischief.

“…Forget it, then.”

“I don’t want to. I actually feel really honored right now. Emeline Delzeier acknowledging me as a friend, and even praising me nonstop. The sun must’ve risen in the west today.”

“…Don’t laugh. And stop teasing me.”

“Alright. I’ll stop now.”

Despite his words, Zenon continued to smile—silently, but still smiling.

He looked at her with eyes so affectionate they could melt, as if he found her cute.

Emeline felt her heart flutter under his gaze.

It was as if something heavy was pounding repeatedly in one spot of her chest.

“Since you’ve acknowledged me, I should say it too. You’re an amazing friend to me, Emeline. You can be a little cold sometimes, and honestly, kind of mean, and not great at expressing yourself—”

“…That sounds more like an insult.”

Emeline looked at him with suspicion. Zenon feigned innocence and smiled sheepishly.

Seeing his expression, she couldn’t help but laugh, her expression breaking apart.

When the laughter subsided, Emeline looked at him again with hesitant eyes.

“…Zenon.”

After some thought, she grabbed the hem of his jacket.

Then, hesitating, she reached up and took hold of his necktie.

“Let’s practice again today. Since we’re together…”

Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d respond negatively.

It wasn’t like her, and the timing wasn’t right either. Even she couldn’t quite understand herself.

That was when the necktie she held was gently pulled downward. Zenon had leaned his body toward her.

“Alright. Since we’re together.”

He answered willingly and gave her a light kiss on the lips.

Just when it seemed he might pull away, he wrapped one hand around her head and kissed her again. This time, their warmth overlapped without a gap.

Emeline’s back was slowly pressed against the wall behind her.

Every time their skin brushed, Emeline let out a breathy gasp.

Zenon lifted a hand and slowly brushed aside her hair. Their lips clung more closely, and their breaths mingled.

The sound of their pounding hearts echoed from their closely pressed bodies.

It wasn’t their first kiss anymore, so they were less clumsy—gentler now.

The fading sunset dyed the alley where the two shared their warmth for a long while.

***

Their wedding came quickly.

To be honest, Emeline couldn’t even remember clearly how she got through the ceremony.

She had just followed along nervously, and before she knew it, it was time for her and Zenon to share their vow kiss.

‘It really did happen in the blink of an eye…’

Perhaps because they had practiced so many times, the kiss went smoothly.

After the wedding—short yet long—the next thing she knew, Emeline was at the Trancium marquisate.

As the hectic day came to an end and night deepened, Emeline lay in bed after the maids had completed their preparations.