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1.
Becky nearly finds out!
“Anya! I can’t believe you didn’t tell me your dad was the Twilight!” Becky cried as soon as they were out of earshot of her papa. Anya rolled her eyes.
“Papa’s an actor. So what?” Anya replied.
Becky gawked at her. “So what? So what?! Um, well, gee, I don’t know?! Maybe it’s crazy because he’s the most famous rom-com actor, like, ever?! He’s the male lead of Berlint in Love for goodness sake!”
Anya shrunk into herself. “Well… I guess. But Papa told me not to brag to the other kids about him. He doesn’t want me to be surrounded by nosy and loud men.”
“Nosy and loud men..? Oh! Like paparazzi?”
Anya nodded. “Uh. Yeah. Papa-pizza.”
“Paparazzi, Anya. Anyways… That’s so considerate of him! Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone else! Twilight-sama is truly kind in movies and real life…” Becky swooned.
“Papa’s scary, though. Especially when it’s about homework...”
“That’s just because you refuse to do your homework.”
“Shock!!!” Anya said. Betrayal!
“Anyways, since your Papa’s an actor, do you know any other famous actors? Like Fiona Frost? Olka Gretcher?! Or even…” Becky sighed wistfully, “Yor Briar?”
Anya tilted her head. “Do you like Yor Briar the most?”
“Yeah! She’s soo cool! I didn’t know about her before she starred as Sonia in Berlint in Love, since she was mainly in action films, but she did so well as Sonia! She played the part of an enamoured damsel so well… It’s almost like she really was in love! And her natural strength! Eeek!”
“Oh! Yeah! She is strong! And she is a good, um, ee-mam-oored damsel!”
“Eh, close enough. And yeah, she is! Have you ever met her? Twilight-sama must be friends with her!”
“Of course I have. She’s my ma—“ Anya slammed her palm to her mouth. Oops!!! She almost spilled the beans. Papa would be so mad, and Mama would be super nervous about the newspapers!
“She’s your what?”
Uh oh. Anya needed to figure out what to say. Um, uh… “My master..?”
“Master?” Becky looked at Anya quizzically.
“…Yeah.”
Becky stared blankly. Anya felt drops of sweat running down her neck.
“…What do you mean, master?”
Anya looked away. “Um… like Bondman’s master. In the last episode.”
“You know I don’t watch that show.”
“Well, his master taught Bondman a bunch of epic tricks. It was so cool!”
Becky tilted her head, confused, before she brightened. “Ohh, I get it! You take self-defense lessons from Yor!”
Uh, sure. Phew. Mama and Papa’s secret was safe for today! “Yes, I do! But Anya has a hard time keeping up with her.”
“Hehe! I can see that!”
As Becky and Anya continued to chat about her parents as they walked to school, Anya relished in her victory. Heh.
Mama and Papa’s secret was safe! And it was all thanks to Anya!
…Never mind that she was the one who nearly exposed them.
2.
Yuri has loose lips!
Loid hated press conferences.
They were loud, irritating, and made his migraines flare up. He nearly threw up every time a camera flashed in his face. Maybe he should be used to it by now, being an actor and all, but the chaos affected him just as much as it did when he was a rookie.
“Twilight! How would you describe acting as Vincent in the newest season of Berlint in Love?!”
He steadied his voice. “Well, it was a little difficult, getting into Vincent’s head. He’s not the nicest man and—“
“Do you find the character of Vincent despicable?!”
“Is this a slight towards the writer of his character?!”
What?! What was up with these people? They’re putting words in his mouth! And the yelling? Use your inside voices, damnit!
But beside him, Yor took his hand under the table. She smiled at him, and he let the tension in his shoulders relax.
“My co-star said no such thing! And also, a character who is a bad person is not an indicator of a bad author! Please come up with more tasteful questions,” Yor said to the roaring crowd.
“Thank you, Yor,” he whispered. She smiled at him in response. He was surprised she had heard him over the noise.
“Loid…” A voice from behind him said. Loid stiffened. Ugh. Yuri.
He turned around. “Yuri! Lovely of you to have joined us!” What the hell is he doing here?! Stay backstage!
“I can’t believe it. Public PDA…” Yuri seethed.
“Huh?”
He grabbed onto Loid’s shoulder tightly. Loid could feel his angry breaths on his neck. It was an uncomfortable sensation. Was he some kind of rabid dog?
A journalist piped up. “Mr. Briar, are you available to answer questions too?”
The boy suddenly perked up, his grip loosening. “Um, huh?”
“Well, are you joining the panel?”
“I, um…” Yuri began sweating nervously. Yor looked at him, concerned.
She cupped a hand next to her mouth, whispering to him. “Yuri… What are you doing here? The panel was meant to be just me and Loid.”
Yuri whispered back, though not as discreet as Yor. Quite loudly, in fact. “What?! You don’t want me on here with the two of you?” He sniffed. Loid had to restrain himself from rolling his eyes. “I see how it is, Sis… You’d rather be with Lotte than me!”
“Yuri! What are you talking about? This is a press conference!”
“Uahh!!” Ew, was that snot running down his nose? Get a hold of yourself! Yuri’s voice rose louder “But look! You apparently wanna keep it a secret but you’re holding—“
The idiot! Loid thought. Keep your mouth shut!!! He nearly clamped his hand on the boy’s mouth, but Yor beat him to it.
“Yuri!” Yor said harshly. Loid winced. She had slapped him on the mouth quite harshly. He had spun like a tornado, stumbling backwards a few steps. Blood ran down his nose. Somehow, he managed to still remain upright. A byproduct of Yor’s abus—I mean, love.
“Uh… Is something going on?” A journalist in the crowd called out.
Loid turned to see the crowd of reporters watching with their jaws hung open.
“Um, nothing! My agent just had something to tell us,” Yor said.
A pause.
“…Oh, okay!”
Huh? They just accepted that???
“Anyways, who’s next?” Yor said.
“Me! Me!”
In an instant, the crowd recovered quickly and returned to fighting each other to have their questions answered.
What was wrong with these people..?
Loid sighed in relief. Crisis averted… Though, of course, it was never that easy.
Crisis averted… For now…
3.
Fiona visits at the wrong time…
Fiona knocked at the door of Loid’s apartment in 128 Park Avenue, holding a lavishly-decorated little box. Inside said box was a gift for Loid, for it was his birthday!
Her gift to him was a dazzling gold watch (real gold, mind you. She wasn’t a cheapskate). Top quality, the same brand the king of Englen wore! Only the best for her senpai, after all.
“Coming!” A feminine, airy voice said. Huh? Fiona thought. She knew he had a young daughter, only few were privy to this secret, Fiona relished in being part of that circle, but this voice belonged to that of an adult woman.
Beads of sweat began to run down her neck. Could this voice belong to a… g—girlfriend?! It can’t be!
No, no, no! Loid-senpai was single. He would’ve told her if he wasn’t, right? After all, she knew about Anya!
Though… to be fair, she did only find out about the young child by accident. Franky had accidentally let it slip that he was babysitting for Loid and… one thing led to another, and Fiona’s unstoppable insistence led to her discovery of the child’s existence. She was… surprised, but as long as he was still single, she didn’t mind. Furthermore, thankfully, the child, Anya, was merely adopted, meaning there were no implications of Loid having… illicit relations with other women. Phew!
But still, she couldn’t seem to quell her nerves surrounding this mysterious female voice.
The door opened and Fiona’s eyes widened to see Yor Briar.
Her mood immediately soured. What was she doing here?
“Yor Briar…” Fiona muttered. Fiona disliked the woman. She was dumb, foolish, and worst of all, Loid’s co-star in Berlint in Love! She got to flirt and kiss him in scenes much more than Fiona did, playing the role of the Westalian fiancé. Fiona had originally auditioned for the role, but somehow this meat-headed brute got it instead! It took every bone in her body to keep from raging at the sight of her, but Fiona was a stellar actress, so she always succeeded at keeping her emotions in check.
(While Fiona found great pride in this supposed ability, Yor was currently shifting uncomfortably under Fiona’s intense glare and very clearly angry aura).
The woman blanched. “Oh! Um! Fiona! Welcome! I didn’t expect to see you…”
Hmph. She’s intimidated. As she should be. “Yes, well. It is Loid-senpai’s birthday.”
Yor frowned slightly. “I see… Uh, well. I’m just… visiting! Yes. I’m visiting for his birthday. Anya and I were setting up the decorations for his surprise party. Oh, she’s asleep right now, though, by the way. And Loid’s not home yet.”
“Oh? Is Franky here, then? He must be babysitting her.”
“Um… No. Uh, I’m babysitting her! Yeah.”
Fiona squinted in suspicion. She seemed much too comfortable in his house. But she brushed the matter off. Yor was a presumptuous woman, thinking she could waltz into the studio and steal the role of Sonia! Fiona wouldn’t put it past her to take the phrase ‘make yourself at home’ too seriously.
“Huh. Well, may I come in and drop this gift off?”
Yor’s eyes drifted to the box which Fiona held in her hands. “Oh! Sure! Yeah. Come in, come in. Would you like some tea? Coffee?”
“No need. I was just stopping by.” If Loid isn’t here, then I have no reason to continue mingling with simpletons.
“Oh… Alright then. The gift pile is right over there, beside the television.”
Fiona headed over to the pile of presents. She had to step over a clutter of toys along the way. Hmph. If I had been the one babysitting the child, there would be no such mess. It would be a wonderful way to show Loid my child-rearing skills.
(The woman had no such skills).
However, after putting the small box atop a messily-wrapped larger box, Fiona paused upon catching sight of a photo on a shelf. In a wooden frame, was a picture of Yor and Anya.
Yor had her hair let down, and Anya was wrapping the woman in a tight embrace. The photo was slightly blurry, and took place outdoors. At some sort of park. It felt so… domestic, almost. Like a photo of a mother and daughter.
“…He keeps pictures of you?” Fiona blurted out.
Across the room, Yor flinched. “Huh?! Oh… Um…” Her face was blush red and her hands flailed around wildly.
“Don’t tell me you two are… in a relationship?”
“What?! Nooo! No way! I mean, why would Loid be with someone like me? Am I right? Haha… We’re just… close friends,” Yor stammered.
Hmm… Well… She did have a point. After all, Loid was the best! And the best wouldn’t settle for less than. “I see. I apologize for misunderstanding.”
“It’s alright…”
Though Fiona's worries may have been quelled then, the photo of Yor smiling radiantly with the child in her arms in Loid’s apartment remained in the back of her mind as she walked back home.
Loid didn’t even keep pictures of Franky, his best friend, in his house.
No, Fiona! It’s just… it can’t mean anything. Loid, with Yor? It was ridiculous.
They’re just… friends.
Yes.
Fiona couldn’t bear the thought if otherwise.
4.
#1 Rom-com enthusiast Henry Henderson stumbles upon his favorite actors!
Henry Henderson was a most elegant man. So, he must dress himself in elegant garments, especially for special occasions. It was most apt, after all.
To fulfill this requirement, the man was at the tailor’s shop to order a new suit. Eden Academy was holding an incredibly important event, and he needed suitable attire to wear for that event. His other suits wouldn’t cut it.
As he waited at the counter, he heard the door open, and turned to see a family. A small girl, and her mother and father. They carried themselves with the most elegant grace. Though, the daughter was slouching, he noted in disapproval as he watched her pink locks of hair swish as she walked. Hm..? …Pink hair?
Oh! His eyes lit up in recognition. Was that Anya?
“Anya? Is that you?” He said.
The small girl with pink hair turned around. A familiar pair of green eyes stared back, before brightening. “Mr. Henderson!”
“Oh, it is you! What are you doing here?”
“We’re getting Anya a new uniform! My old one got, um, a little dirty…” She looked to the side guiltily.
Ah… Yes. On Friday, the young girl had fallen into a mud puddle. Well, crashed into a mud puddle. “A little” was a dire misrepresentation. She had been completely coated in mud. It was most inelegant.
Henderson shifted his attention from Anya to the adults who were with her. Her parents. He smiled politely at the pair. They were dressed quite sharply and carried themselves with impeccable dignity. It was shocking to believe they were Anya’s parents. Great heavens, he didn’t know how they did it. The husband, a tall blonde man, held the arm of a dark-haired woman with red eyes. The wife, he presumed.
Huh?
He adjusted his monocle. Hold on, wait a minute…
HUH?!!!??
“L-L-Loid Forger?! Twilight?!” His eyes shifted to the man’s right. “And… Yor Briar?!” His cane fell to the floor, clattering loudly. “Oh my stars and garters!”
The couple’s eyes widened. Loid Forger, however, quickly composed himself and let go of Yor’s arm.. “Ah, you recognize us?” he said. “Well, it can’t be helped, haha…”
Oh, boy! Of course, he recognized them! He was their number one fan! Ehem, uh. He meant he admired their prowess in their acting. It was surely the result of an insurmountable load of hard work and talent. Indeed. Bah! Him? A silly fanboy. Nonsense! Preposterous! Ehem. Uh, moving on…
“I admire your skills greatly,” he said, retrieving his cane and closing his jaw. “Are you two… Anya’s guardians?”
He didn’t know they had that kind of relationship. Though… his cheeks pinkened at the thought. It was quite an elegant pairing. And quite romantic, like a romance movie! …Forget that last thought. He needed to get a better hold of himself.
Yor spoke up. “Oh, um! Well I do have a hand in raising Anya, b—but we’re not in that kind of relationship so, um, don’t get the wrong idea and start spreading rumors or anything!!!”
“Rumors? Oh, I’d never! I was merely curious, is all.”
Loid smiled, though he looked quite relieved. “Thank you, Mr. Henderson, sir. We already deal with enough rumors regarding our relationship.”
The teacher nodded solemnly. “It must be difficult. Gossip is wicked behavior.”
“Hah! Cheers to that.” Loid said.
Badum! “Thank you… Mr. Forger.” Oh my goodness gracious! The approval of the man himself! Had he looked in a mirror, he would’ve seen his eyes twinkling.
Hold your horses, Henderson… Don’t get too excited, else you’ll make yourself out to be a fool!
“Say, uh. Would it bother you two too much for me to get an autograph from the two of you? I, uh…” Mr. Henderson was frankly tempted to lie and say his daughter or something like that wanted an autograph. Of course, he had no children and lying was wrong. So he sucked up his pride and meekly added: “I take pleasure in your films very much.”
To his relief, the pair smiled. “Of course we will! You’re such a wonderful teacher to Anya. Do you have a paper, sir?”
“I have a notepad in my briefcase. One moment…” Henderson fished out a small notepad and handed it to the couple. He had to repress a scream of joy when he was handed the notepad back, the paper now having a loopy “Yor” and “Twilight” scribbled upon it.
“Heh. Mr. Henderson’s a fanboy,” Anya suddenly said. He whipped his head to see her donning a cheeky grin.
While he was embarrassed, he couldn’t do much to refute that, as it was to be frank, true, so Mr. Henderson remained silent, instead choosing to relish in the feeling of excitement the autographs brought him, the identity of a stern and solemn schoolteacher seemingly forgotten.
“Anya! Have more respect for your teacher,” Yor chided. Huh. If he didn’t know any better, he’d almost think she was basically the girl’s mother.
Anya looked away. She didn’t look very guilty, however, seeing as she smirked while muttering an apology. “Sorry…”
“It’s quite alright, I assure you,” Mr. Henderson said with a placating smile.
Suddenly, the tailor called out Mr. Henderson’s name. “Oh, well, it seems I must get my measurements done. It was very nice talking to you, Mr. Forger and Ms. Briar.”
“And you too, Mr. Henderson!” Yor said cheerfully. Anya waved a simple “bye bye” and Loid repeated Yor’s sentiment.
As the seamstress looped the measuring tape around his waist, he couldn’t help but replay the interaction in his head. He was sure to recount this experience to Mr. Austin on Monday. The two of them were big fans of When Henry Met Martha and Eden Hill, both of which were films that Loid Forger had starred in. Mr. Austin was also a big fan of Thorn Princess, a dramatic tale about a young assassin, which was Yor Briar’s debut film. Oh! He could barely contain his excitement! It was gauche but… he was but a human, after all! Perhaps he’d let himself be a little inelegant just this once.
5.
Damian and Anya’s first playdate!
Damian took a deep breath as he stared at the apartment door. Behind him, Jeeves placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“Young master, you need not be nervous. It’s merely an afternoon between friends, is it not?” he said, smiling.
“I—I’m not nervous!” Damian retorted. Though, his face was beet red… and sweat threatened to stain the armpits of his shirt… Uhh, it’s anger! Yeah! Duh! “Why would you insinuate such a dumb thing, Jeeves?!”
Jeeves only sighed before patting his shoulder a couple more times. “Alright, alright. Well? Would you like to knock or shall I?”
“I’ll knock.” Damian knocked on the door twice. On cue, he heard a light tap of footsteps running to the door. It flung open, and he was graced with the sight of Anya.
“Sy-on boy!” she said, beaming. Her smile was so bright, Damian had to squint!
“What’s up…?” he replied, looking away bashfully.
Another voice piped up. That of an adult man. He recognized the voice. It belonged to her father, Mr. Loid Forger. “Ah, hello, Damian! And hello, sir.”
Jeeves bowed politely. “My name is Jeeves. Thank you for looking after the young master.”
“Oh, it’s no problem at all,” Loid replied. “I’m just happy to let Anya and her friend have fun.”
“Thank you,” Jeeves replied, smiling. He turned to Damian, and patted him on the head. “Well, I’ll be off, then. I’ll be here in a few hours with the chauffeur to pick you up.”
Damian nodded, before he entered the household. It was rather small. The apartment’s living room was the size of his closet at his mansion. You’d think, with Anya’s dad being a famous actor and all, they could afford a better house!
Suddenly, Anya began glaring at him. The hell? What was her problem? He didn’t even say anything.
“Well, Damian. Anya had suggested we all go out to the park with Bond, our dog. How do you feel about that?” Loid said.
“Oh, I don’t mind,” Damian replied. He was slightly curious to see this dog of Anya’s. She often mentioned him, and he couldn’t deny his mild curiosity.
“Bond!” Anya called out, cupping her hands around her mouth.
A big white dog suddenly barged into the room. Woah. He was huge! And soo fluffy! Damian was suddenly overcome with the urge to pet him. Unbeknownst to him, Anya smirked as he thought that.
“Bond! Calm down! I still need to put on your collar!” A female voice called out. It sounded familiar…
A beautiful woman suddenly appeared. Damian almost fainted right then and there! It was Yor Briar… The Yor Briar!
You see, it was a guilty pleasure of Damian’s, to watch action movies… He knew he should’ve been studying, and he did study! Quite rigorously! But… whenever Ewen and Emile would come to him with recordings of films like Extraordinary Man or Imperial Titans… He couldn’t resist himself.
To see those men transform and fight crime and make their countries a better place, they, like his father, inspired him to follow in their footsteps. Of course, he wouldn’t be a crime fighting flashy hero in the traditional sense—he’d follow more in his father’s shadow, and work in politics—but the sentiment remained. And so Damian allowed himself the small pleasure of joining his friends in watching those movies.
Yor Briar was an iconic face in the action movie scene. She—unfortunately, if you ask Damian’s opinion—has been doing more romance work recently, but action is where she got her big break! She was always playing the role of the villain, but Damian knew her from the character of The Berlint Wonder Woman! The first time she played a hero, rather than a villain. She played the role so well that Yor Briar became one of Damian’s favorite actors.
And she was here.
In Anya’s house.
In Anya’s house?
Wait… He scanned her casual appearance. The way she cared for Anya’s dog as if she was his owner.
Was she… Anya’s mother?
But then… if she was Anya’s mother, wouldn’t she be the wife of Loid Forger..? Another famous actor?
He wasn’t one to involve himself in celebrity gossip. Heh. A Desmond like him was above such things. But… he was sure that such a bombshell of a relationship would be more popular…
Anya suddenly flinched. He turned to her. Was she okay?
“Uh… Hi! Miss… Not-my-mama,” Anya said.
Oh. Well, he shouldn’t have assumed. What a weird thing to call her, though.
Yor tilted her head, confused, before she caught sight of Damian. “Oh! Guests?”
“Yeah. Sy-on’s here to play with us,” Anya replied.
“Ohh! I see! Hello, Damian! I’m… Miss Briar. I’m just… visiting,” Yor said.
Damian suddenly felt very shy, being under her direct attention. “U—um, hello, miss.” How lame he was acting!
“Sy-on boy loves your movies, Ma—Miss,” Anya said smugly.
How did she even know that?!!! That was a tightly kept secret! “Hey!” Damian was as red as a tomato now. Stupid peasant! Uggo!
But Yor smiled, and clapped her hands together. “Is that so? I’m so glad! Thank you!”
Loid chuckled. “It seems a lot of Anya’s classmates tend to recognize us.”
“Indeed,” Yor replied. She smiled at Loid a little too sweetly. Damian’s eyes darted between them.
“What movies of Yor’s do you like, Damian?” Loid asked.
“Oh, uh… Well I really like her in The Berlint Wonder Woman.”
“A classic! I think she was quite striking in that movie, too.”
“Oh, Loid!” Yor said. She blushed. Damian raised an eyebrow.
“Uhhh… Okay! Enough compliments, let's take Bond on a walk now!” Anya interrupted. Her voice was hurried, urgent.
“Hm? Okay, then. Let me get my coat,” Loid said.
Anya grinned at Damian, albeit quite nervously. “Let’s go Sy-on boy! Haha… no need to think too hard about Papa and Ma—miss Yor!”
“What? Huh!? H—Hey!!!” Anya had suddenly grabbed hold of his hand, and was now dragging him towards the door. Damian blushed furiously, and suddenly, his suspicion about Loid and Yor’s relationship were forgotten.
“Let go of my hand, will you?!”
+1
The goddamn press!
It was the day of the gala.
Loid Forger, or better yet Twilight, was attending, of course. It was to celebrate the finale of season 5 of Berlint in Love’s release. And he was the star of the show.
Yor was attending too. It was a little disheartening, to be honest, having to drop her off early so it wouldn’t look like they arrived together. If only they could be together in public like this, without worrying about flashing cameras and nosy journalists.
As he entered the venue, he scanned the room, looking for his wife. It was important to keep an eye out for her. Especially with how… leery certain men can get. He’s met a fair share of directors who didn’t know how to keep their hands to themselves.
“Lotte!” A voice called out. Loid turned to see Yuri, the boy, aggressively waving him over. He seemed to be chatting with a group of two men. Ugh. What did he want?
Loid approached the group with a smile. “Yuri! What seems to be the matter?”
“Tch,” Yuri said. “These men here wanted to be introduced to you. They’re planning a film and want you as the lead.” He turned to the side and muttered, quite unnecessarily, “For some unfathomable reason.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Yuri sighed in a rather exaggerated fashion. “Yup,” he replied, clearly disgruntled. He muttered something under his breath. Something which to Loid, sounded a lot like, “Why didn’t they just ask his agent instead…?”
Another loud voice interrupted them. “Um! Excuse me! Twilight! Loid Forger!” A young reporter waved his hand obnoxiously.
One of the men Yuri had been with piped up angrily. “Pack it up, pal! We had him first. Damn press…”
“But—But, excuse me!”
Loid smiled nervously. “Um, please, sir. I’ll get to you soon. I’m just—“
“Yeah! He’s talking to us!” The second man yelled. Loid decided he’d rather not work with them. They were rather crass. Even if their behavior was directed towards an insistent journalist.
“Ehem! Anyways, Mr. Forger… As we were saying…”
-
He had tuned out the men’s chattering for 30 minutes. He mainly focused on sneaking glances at Yor from across the room. It was a feat, honestly, how long they could talk. He rejected their offer in the end, chalking it up to busyness.
At the moment, Loid was heading to a secluded hallway. He had agreed with Yor to meet up there. Noise and crowds tended to drain the both of them, and a moment alone together was a welcome respite.
“Yor!” he exclaimed upon seeing her. She was waiting beside a plant and turned to see him, a smile gracing her features.
“There you are!” She wrapped him in an embrace. “It’s exhausting, these functions.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Loid rested his chin atop Yor’s head. As if under a cold shower, he felt the stress of the crowds wash away. “I’m glad I have a moment with you, though. You look wonderful, Yor.”
“I’m glad too. And thank you.” Yor giggled, “You look handsome as well, Loid!”
“Oh yeah?” He leant backwards so as to see her face. “Just handsome?”
Yor rolled her eyes lightheartedly. “Oh, stop it!”
He chuckled and leant in to kiss her. She looked radiant today, honestly. Her jet black hair was let down, and it cascaded upon her shoulders like silk. He always did love her hair.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching. In a flash, Yor had grabbed a hold of him and pushed Loid into a nearby storage closet. She leant over him, her arms caging him to the floor. Her head craned towards the now closed door, alert to the passing footsteps.
Slowly, they faded away, and Yor let out a sigh of relief. Loid, however, still felt like his breathing was constricted. The strands of her hair tickled his cheek.
“Thank goodness, they didn’t see us,” Yor said. “Are you alright, Loid?”
“Y—yeah,” he said, turning away from her gaze. Even now, he found himself going quiet at moments like these.
Yor giggled. “Are you getting timid, Loid?”
“Can you blame me? Look at the position we’re in.”
Her cheeks blushed slightly, but she seemed a lot less flustered than Loid was. “Hehe! You act as if we haven’t done worse.”
Now that deepened Loid’s blush. “You used to be so shy, before we married,” he chuckled. “What happened to that?”
“We got married, that’s what happened,” she replied, smiling. She lowered her face to give him a small peck.
“I’m glad you’re more comfortable showing your affection,” Loid said. “I get more of it that way.”
“Expect a whole lot more of it!”
Loid pulled her down closer to him. Their chests were touching now, and he could feel her breath on his face. “…I’m tired. Let’s just stay like this for a little while, before we go back.”
“Were the men you were with too bothersome? I saw them talking to you. You looked bored out of your mind.”
“That’s because I was.”
She giggled, a soft hand caressing his face. “Well, you don’t need to be bored anymore. You have me.”
It was dark, but with the sliver of light from beneath the door crack and his proximity to her, Loid was able to admire Yor’s face. At this moment, it felt like the only thing in the world he had to worry about was the feeling of her pressed against him, and the scent of her rose-scented perfume.
“Thank you, Yor,” he murmured. His voice soft, slightly awkward, unlike his usual smooth and jazzy voice he put on for the camera. “I wouldn’t know what to do without you, really.”
Her eyes shone. “Loid…”
“Can I have that affection you promised?” he said, grinning.
She didn’t reply with words, but rather opted to lean in, closing the distance between them.
It was a familiar sensation, Yor’s lips meeting his, but one that was always electrifying, nevertheless. His fingers ran through her hair, freeing her locks from its meticulously styled bun. It was rather intense. However, all of a sudden…
The door creaked open, allowing light to flood the small room. The journalist from earlier entered through the doorway. “Loid Forger!! I’ve been looking all over for you—“
He paused. He stared blankly at the couple, as they stared blankly back at him. They stood there, frozen in shock as they stared at one another. Until finally, the man lifted his camera and…
Flash!
The camera snapped. The whirr of a photo rolling out sounded like a thunderous roar against the pair’s ears.
They both froze.
“Uh…” the journalist said. “Good evening!” And he darted away.
Loid looked at Yor. She looked back at him.
We’re screwed, they both thought.