LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 10: Kiss
Junior stood up from the bench, brushing off the dust from his trousers. He walked over to Helen, his strides steady yet casual, and said, "Hey Helen, can you help me look for the materials on the list?" He extended his hand, holding a folded piece of paper, and passed it to her.
Helen unfolded the paper, her fingers brushing against its slightly crumpled edges. The hastily scrawled words read:
"Keep a distance from me and her. I want to investigate the city. I feel like something is wrong. Pretend you want to buy something and take the two knights with you for now. Watch me from afar. Please trust me."
Her eyes flicked up to Junior, her brows knitting in concern. He responded with a quick wink and a warm smile and said outloud "Please, I really need those items on that list for my sister's birthday."
"But Master, I can't leave you alone by yourself here," Helen replied, her voice tinged with worry.
Junior's smile didn't waver. "Don't worry, Helen. I'll stay right here with Emma. Besides, take the two knights with you—you'll need them to protect you."
One of the knights shifted uneasily before voicing his concern. "But Master, we can't leave you alone in this city."
Junior's cheerful demeanor shifted abruptly. He turned to the knight with a sharp glare, his tone cutting, "Did you just dare talk back to me?"
The knight flinched, his confidence crumbling under the weight of Junior's anger. The other knight, quick to react, bowed deeply, forcing the first knight's head down as well. "Please forgive him, Your Majesty," he pleaded hastily. "He is new."
Junior's stern gaze softened slightly as he turned toward Helen. Their eyes met briefly, an unspoken understanding passing between them. But before he could respond, Emma tugged at his sleeve.
"Please forgive them, Your Majesty. Please," Emma pleaded, her voice gentle and imploring.
Junior looked at her, his expression melting into a soft smile. "Okay, I will—for you," he said warmly. Turning back to the knights still bowing, he added, his tone sharp but restrained, "Just count yourselves lucky she pleaded for you both. Otherwise, your heads would be rolling on the floor."
Inwardly, Junior mused, "I was going to forgive them anyway. I just needed to scare them a little so they'd follow Helen and leave me alone with Emma. Walking around with Helen and the knights draws too much attention. It's easier and far more pleasant with someone who knows her way around. And Emma... well, her beauty is a bonus". He paused, his thoughts turning somber. " I almost forgot what happened in my past relationships when I let myself fall too deeply, but nothing changes i need Emma."
His reflection was interrupted as the two knights chorused, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Helen straightened, motioning to the knights. "Come on, let's go get what His Majesty needs," she said briskly, heading off with purpose. The knights followed closely, their armor clinking faintly as they moved.
When they were some distance away, Helen glanced back over her shoulder, her gaze lingering on Junior as he spoke with Emma. In a low, almost inaudible voice, she murmured, "I hope you know what you're doing, Your Majesty." With a heavy sigh, she turned back and continued walking.
Junior turned to Emma, a playful grin lighting his face. "You see? I told you I'd make them leave. Now, let's go before they come back." He reached for her hand, gently tugging to guide her forward, but she didn't budge.
Frowning slightly, Junior faced her, noticing her head bowed. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.
Emma's voice trembled as she finally spoke, "Your Majesty, this doesn't make sense. You say you love me, but we just met. How can you trust me? What if I'm an assassin sent to kill you? Or someone paid me to get close to you?"
Her words came in a rush, each excuse layered with worry and doubt. Watching her, Junior's smile deepened, but this time it was different,gentler, almost tender. He stepped closer to her, his movements slow and deliberate. The space between them closed until their faces were mere inches apart.
Junior's fingers lingered under Emma's chin, his touch gentle but steady, urging her to look at him. Her eyes darted away, unsure, but his calm, patient gaze drew her back. He leaned in slightly, his movements slow and deliberate, giving her plenty of time to step away if she wanted. But she didn't.
Emma's breath hitched as their faces grew closer. Her heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm so loud she thought he might hear it. His hand brushed against her cheek, his thumb lightly grazing her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.
When their lips finally met, it was soft—hesitant, almost questioning. Junior's lips moved gently against hers, testing her reaction. Emma froze for a brief moment, unsure how to respond, but then her eyes fluttered closed, and she let herself lean into the kiss.
His free hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies almost touching. Emma's hands hovered awkwardly for a moment before resting lightly on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips. Her lips parted slightly as she relaxed into the kiss, the initial awkwardness fading as their movements found a natural rhythm.
When they finally broke apart, the air between them felt heavy, charged with unspoken words. Junior's forehead rested lightly against hers, his breathing uneven but calm.
"Because I love you," he whispered, his voice steady but soft, his words carrying the weight of his feelings.
Emma stared at him, her eyes wide and her face flushed. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Her cheeks turned a deep red, and she quickly looked down, flustered.
"You... Kissed Me....," Emma Said ,her voice barely above a whisper.
"Did you say you want me to kiss you once more?" said Junior, a playful smile spreading across his face, his tone teasing yet warm.
Emma's face turned a deeper shade of red, her lips parting as if to protest, but no words came out. She clenched her fists, glaring at him with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
"You... brute," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible but dripping with flustered annoyance.
Before Junior could say another word, Emma stepped forward, grabbed his hand firmly, and yanked him along. "Forget it! Let's go!" she shouted, her tone sharp but tinged with a nervous urgency, trying to mask her blush.
Junior chuckled softly, letting her pull him along, the grin never leaving his face. Her reaction only made him more amused, though he decided not to push her further—at least for now.