Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Waltz of love.
Lew sighed, he had the gift of foresight, he knew who exactly Luke ended up with it.
It was a long bumpy road for him to end up with that person. So he hoped Morrigan would have a little faith.
"Morrigan, you know this potion has a backlash, right? Can you handle the consequences?"
They had taken countless lives, this was a part of the spellbook, Morrigan wasn’t supposed to touch.
"I am aware. No need to lecture me."
-_-
Lew huffed. As he jumped onto the window sill.
"Lucine is a place of wonder, a land of miracles. Morrigan, for the sake of these people and your own, please refrain from dabbling in those forbidden spells again. You cannot fathom the devastating consequences that would follow."
With that Lew gave Morrigan a nod before jumping out of the window.
"Now it’s time to find my stubborn little sister. I hope she’s managing her tasks adequately, at least. Training her was quite the ordeal."
Morrigan watched the brown cat jumped down from the walls.
He sighed, he understood just how grave the spells from the forbidden section were.
So why was he risking it all, for a man who could discard him at any time?
The blood of countless people was already on his hands, what’s one more.
**************************
Meanwhile....
Min-jae had fallen asleep without meaning to. The medicine had finally taken effect and the ache in his body had dulled long enough for his eyes to close.
He didn’t know how long he slept, only that something warm brushed against his hair.
His eyes opened slowly and Meical was seated beside him, hand still resting lightly on his head.
"I thought you were returning late.." Min-jae murmured, voice still soft with sleep.
"I did.." Meical replied. "The sun’s down now. Come. Let’s go downstairs."
He stood and Min-jae followed, still a bit sluggish and slightly pouty from being woken.
On their way down, Meical recalled Odysseus mentioning Min-jae’s dress fitting earlier. The thought led to another questio, would Min-jae know how to dance at the ball?
He couldn’t remember ever seeing Kaizar participate in any ball, let alone know how to dance? But then again, he was a noble, knowing how to dance was part of their etiquette.
By the time they reached the parlor, Odysseus was already seated at the piano.
He didn’t speak, simply lifted his hands and began to play. He understood the assignment.
The melody drifted through the room, slow, warm, nostalgic, something soft that tugged at the chest.
Meical turned to Min-jae. "Do you know how to waltz?"
Min-jae hesitated. His expression said everything.
"...No."
"Then I’ll teach you."
Min-jae blinked. "Right now?"
"Yes. Right now."
Before Min-jae could protest again, Meical had already taken his hand. His grip was steady, not forceful but firm enough that Min-jae had no room to slip away.
Odysseus didn’t look up, but Min-jae was sure he was laughing internally.
[Song Recommendation: Her by JVKE. ]
Meical placed one hand on Min-jae’s waist and guided Min-jae’s other hand to his shoulder. Their height difference was just enough to make Min-jae feel off balance.
"Relax.." Meical said, as if that was simple. "Just follow my lead."
Min-jae nodded, then immediately stepped on Meical’s foot.
Meical didn’t flinch. "We can do it again."
Min-jae tried, and stepped wrong again.
Odysseus shoulders shook once in silent amusement. He had a front row seat for entertainment.
Min-jae flushed. "This is humiliating."
"It’s only humiliating if you surrender to it.." Meical replied, tone calm. "You’re learning. Keep going."
They tried again.
And again.
And again.
Eventually, Min-jae’s steps became lighter. His movements less stiff. The closeness didn’t feel as unfamiliar. The music carried them and he began to move with it rather than against it.
Meical’s hand remained steady at his waist, guiding but never pushing. When Min-jae finally followed the motion naturally, Meical looked down at him.
"There.." he said quietly. "You’re doing well."
Min-jae’s cheeks were warm, not from embarrassment anymore, but something gentler. He didn’t say anything, only continued to follow the steps, feeling oddly at ease.
And Odysseus kept playing, never looking up, but smiling to himself.
They swayed to the music now, perfectly in sync.
"You’re getting the hang of it. This is what waltzing feels like.."
Min-jae smiled, he liked it. He liked the way Meical led and that he could keep up with his pace.
"I like it. Thank you for teaching me."
Meical eyes widened, did he just hear words of appreciation coming from Kaizar? He steps slowed.
Right now Min-jae was like a proud cat who had finally let it’s owner pet him.
-_-
Min-jae frowned, why did he stop? Did he say something wrong?
"Why did you stop?"
Meical smiled as he pulled Min-jae close." I was surprised. There’s no need to thank me. Honestly, I love dancing with you, playing in the rain - you make it enjoyable."
Min-jae’s heart made a small, traitorous jump.
As he quickly looked away.
Everything happening right now was so random.
So why...
Why was his heart beating so fast?!
"You always hide your face when you’re embarrassed. I can feel your heart pounding..." Meical drew Min-jae’s face closer, entranced by his eyes. There was something about them that drew him in.
Min-jae’s breath caught. Meical’s hand at his waist was steady, warm, grounding him in a way that felt far too intimate for something as simple as dancing.
His pulse hammered so loudly he was sure Meical could hear it.
"W-What are you talking about? I’m not embarrassed.." Min-jae muttered, though his voice betrayed him, soft, breathless, thin at the edges.
Meical’s lips curved, not mocking, but fond.
"Then look at me.."
Min-jae tried, he really did but the moment his eyes met Meical’s, all composure dissolved. His cheeks burned, his steps faltered, and he nearly tripped again.
Meical caught him easily.
Min-jae froze, held in place by careful hands and the quiet swell of music around them.
Candlelight flickered across their faces, warm and golden, making the moment feel unreal, too gentle for a world that had never shown either of them softness willingly.
Meical looked down at him, voice low and steady.
"You don’t have to run from how you feel."
"I’m not....running.." Min-jae whispered, though his voice had gone thin again.