"Hah… Hah… I'm exhausted."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, two figures lay head-to-head in the snow. Since they were in a secluded area, the snow was pristine, leaving only white flakes on their bodies.
White mist rose with Hermione's steady breaths, drifting upward. Under the golden hues of twilight, the scene carried a unique charm.
The young girl raised a hand, trying to grasp the fleeting mist. But, of course, it was impossible. The white vapor slipped through her fingers and dispersed into the air.
Glenn didn't respond. He lay quietly on the snow, his gaze unfocused as he stared at the sky, its crimson hue painted by the setting sun. His heart felt inexplicably serene.
During their playful scuffle earlier, Glenn had laughed.
Though he had laughed before, those smiles often felt more imitated than genuine.
But today's laughter—Glenn believed—was different. It wasn't forced, nor was it an act.
It had simply appeared on his face, unbidden.
And Glenn didn't dislike it. On the contrary, he found himself liking this feeling the moment he experienced it.
It was relaxing. Reassuring.
Addictive.
"So, what exactly were you thinking about just now, with that serious expression?"
Hermione stared dazedly at her raised hand, letting it sway in the air.
"Be honest."
Faced with Hermione's second inquiry, Glenn saw no reason to change his answer.
"I was thinking about you. I was serious just now."
"…"
"…Oh."
"…And what exactly were you thinking about me?"
Lying on the same plane as Hermione, Glenn couldn't see her expression. But that didn't stop him from continuing.
"I was wondering whether my feelings for you had shifted from 'liking' to 'loving.'"
"......"
"…"
"Hermione, are you listening?"
"Huh, huh?! Oh! Y-yes, I'm listening…"
"…"
"…And?"
Hermione's voice grew softer, tinged with shyness yet laced with anticipation.
"You mean my conclusion?"
Glenn asked.
"Mm…"
"Based on the knowledge I possess and my own judgment, I believe the answer is yes."
"…But since I'm not particularly skilled in these matters, I doubted the accuracy of my judgment. That's why I looked the way I did."
After a moment's hesitation, Glenn added to his statement.
Usually resolute in his beliefs, Glenn now found himself bewildered—both by Hermione's questions and his own introspection.
Perhaps even… a bit aggrieved?
Hermione listened quietly as Glenn shared his thoughts and understanding of his feelings. Her gaze grew increasingly tender.
Glenn was trying so hard.
As someone closest to Glenn, Hermione knew well about his emotional shortcomings. Over the past days, she had patiently answered his questions about feelings.
She understood that she liked Glenn, that she loved him. And while Glenn might not fully realize it, his actions, thoughts, and everything about how he treated her were silent expressions of his love.
Though they weren't officially a couple, their relationship had already surpassed the conventional definition of dating.
In fact, their bond was sweeter than most.
Being together brought joy, but compared to before, that joy had mellowed slightly.
In its place was an overwhelming sense of security.
The impulsive passion that often led to heartbreak in romances had, at some point, transformed into a lasting sense of mutual reliance and comfort between them.
Sensitive to emotions, Hermione understood that Glenn's true feelings mirrored her own.
Glenn's protective instincts? She shared them.
Glenn's possessiveness? She had that too.
Perhaps even more so than Glenn.
Hermione's heart had long since been filled entirely by Glenn Hawthorne. His name had etched itself deeply into her soul.
She was merely waiting—for the right moment.
Waiting for the day Glenn would awaken to his feelings, for the day this innocent and pure boy would truly understand love.
But seeing Glenn struggle so earnestly, seeing him so troubled, Hermione realized she could wait no longer.
She couldn't bear to see Glenn like this. She wanted nothing more than to hold him close and pat his head.
After Glenn finished speaking, he fell silent, gazing at the amber sky.
He felt a soft, small hand touch his cheek.
"Your judgment is correct, Glenn."
Hermione removed her glove, stretching her hand over his head to caress his cold face.
The texture was pleasant… Ahem.
"Because… I feel the same way about you."
"And I know this feeling… is called 'love.'"
"…"
"Ah, no, saying all this so seriously is so embarrassing…"
Hermione muttered, instinctively pulling her hand away to cover her now-flushed face.
Even so, she…
"Mm, Glenn, seeing you try so hard, I've decided to be a bit more proactive…"
As if making up her mind, Hermione propped herself up on the ground, turning to face Glenn.
Then, she crawled over, flipped herself onto him, and placed her hands on either side of his head.
Her brown, fluffy curls spilled out from under her hat, brushing against Glenn's cheeks. The comforting scent he had grown fond of filled his senses as his dark eyes locked with Hermione's watery brown gaze.
"Though it's a bit embarrassing to admit, I've always said I'd protect you. But in reality, it's you who has always protected me, standing unhesitatingly in front of me no matter what."
"So…"
"If emotions are your weak point, then let me take the lead in matters of the heart."
What a peculiar sensation.
Pinned beneath Hermione, Glenn felt something swelling within him, as if something was about to break free and erupt.
It wasn't the killing intent he was so familiar with—it was something else entirely.
For the first time, his heart, which he had long controlled to maintain a steady rhythm and conceal his presence, began to beat faster, thundering in his chest.
"My body feels warm, my blood circulation is accelerating… Strange, I can't think clearly."
Instinctively trying to analyze his physical state, Glenn found his thoughts refusing to cooperate.
His mind was now occupied solely by the girl before him.
The one girl he loved, both in this life and the last.
"Glenn, I like you. No, I love you. Please, be my boyfriend. Let me be your girlfriend."
"Let's be together."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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