"Look at me"

In a twist of fate, Adrenaline found herself engaged to the scandalous second prince, Vivian. But there was no love between them, only one-sided affection from Vivian's end. He desperately longed for her attention, for her to see him with love in her eyes, but she remained indifferent.

One evening, Vivian stumbled home drunk, his face flushed from alcohol. Adrenaline, as usual, was engrossed in her work when he unexpectedly knelt beside her, resting his head on her lap.

"Adrenaline, why won't you look at me with affection?" he muttered, his voice filled with desperation.

Confused, she looked down at him, wondering what had driven him to drink so much and come home in such a state. She lifted his head, his flushed face still pleading for her love.

"I just want you to see me as someone you love, Adrenaline. Is that too much to ask?"

Silence hung in the air as she struggled to find a response. He had caught her off guard, leaving her speechless. "...Adrenaline?" he called out, his voice filled with uncertainty.

She took a deep breath, regaining her composure. "Your Highness, are you alright?"

Vivian felt a pang of hurt, clinging onto her lap as if it were the only source of comfort. Adrenaline sighed, looking at him. "You're drunk. You should go to bed."

"No... please... I need your attention," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.

Without another word, she gently took his hand and helped him up, leading him towards his room. His legs wobbled as he leaned on her for support. He looked at her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Adrenaline. I love you," he muttered.

Her body froze for a moment, and she responded with a simple "mhm."

"Please... don't ignore me," he pleaded, holding her tighter in his embrace. He looked pathetic and desperate, yearning to be acknowledged by her. Unable to let go, she led him to the sink in the bathroom.

"Just look at me, Adrenaline... look at me," he said, his tone filled with longing.

She looked at him, her hand filled with water that splashed his face in an attempt to sober him up. Instead, it annoyed him, causing him to flinch and let go of her. He grumbled, trying to dry his face with his hands. "Why did you do that?!"

"You're drunk," she replied, not knowing how to handle this situation. She had never interacted with Vivian on such an intimate level before, except during formal meetings or dinners. "You're right, I am. But I'm still serious about all of this," he muttered, swaying slightly as he struggled to maintain his balance.

After stumbling a bit, he managed to lean against the sink, his expression still filled with annoyance. She held his arms, slowly guiding him out of the bathroom and towards the bed. "Just get some rest," she said, her voice tinged with exasperation.

"Fine..." he mumbled, but before he fell asleep, he called out to her. "Adrenaline...?"

She turned her eyes towards him, her hand lingering on the doorknob. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she walked towards the edge of the bed and sat down.

As soon as he felt her presence beside him, he took her hand and held it tightly. He fought against sleep, wanting to stay awake for her.

"Don't leave me," he muttered, his grip on her hand tightening. He looked so peaceful and vulnerable as he finally succumbed to sleep.

Time passed, and he continued to sleep like a child. Adrenaline attempted to get up, but his arms wrapped around her, pulling her back onto the bed. His grip tightened, as if he was holding on for dear life, not willing to let her go even in his sleep.

She sighed in defeat, accepting her fate. She had no choice but to sleep beside him, feeling guilty for his desperation. And so, she stayed.

As she waited for sleep to claim her, she heard him speak again, his voice barely a whisper. "Adrenaline..."

She responded with a tired "Hm..?" Her curiosity piqued, wondering what kind of dream or nightmare he was experiencing.

"Adrenaline..." he whispered, his voice even softer than before. He seemed to be calling out to her, as if he needed her.

"Please..." he muttered a few seconds later, his breathing becoming faster.

Confusion filled her as she wondered if he was still dreaming or if he was awake. His grip tightened around her once more, his face contorted in fear.

In his dream, he must have been reliving a nightmare, causing him to be terrified even in her embrace.

Her name continued to escape his lips. "Adrenaline... Adrenaline... Adrenaline..."

In a gentle attempt to rouse him from his slumber, a soft voice called out, "Vivian?"

His eyes fluttered open, wide and alert, as if he had just been jolted awake from a terrible nightmare. It took him a moment to gather his bearings, his mind still processing the events that had unfolded. He must have been trapped in a horrifying dream to elicit such a reaction.

His breath was shallow, his body still trembling with remnants of fear. But then he realized that she was there, sitting beside him, and he immediately pulled her close, holding onto her tightly. "Are you okay?" It was a simple question, but for Vivian, it ignited a spark of hope in his heart.

"Adrenaline..." he gasped, his voice breathless. "Don't leave me... please..."

He clung to her as if she were a lifeline, his entire being trembling with vulnerability.

In a moment of hesitation, adrenaline rushed through her veins. They had never shared such an intimate embrace before, but she let out a sigh and slowly wrapped her arms around him, offering gentle comfort with soothing strokes on his back.

"It will be okay," she whispered, her words a balm to his troubled soul.

Gradually, his breaths steadied, the trembling subsided, and his expression cleared. Once he had fully calmed down, he looked at her with a curious gaze. "Adrenaline...?"

He struggled to recall the details of his dream, his mind still clouded with remnants of the nightmare.

"Yes?" Her eyes scanned the room before returning to meet his gaze. "Are... are we in my room?" he asked, attempting to piece together the fragments of his recent experience.

"Yes," she confirmed, her voice steady.

Relief washed over him, and curiosity filled his eyes once more. "You're here with me...?"

His gaze remained fixed on her, as if searching for confirmation.

"You were drunk, so I brought you here. It seemed like you wanted to be held captive," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

A chuckle escaped his lips at her observation.

"Maybe I did..." he murmured, still holding onto her hand.

"Adrenaline... please never ignore me again."

That question, the one that always lingered in her mind, searching for an answer. Yet, silence was all that remained.

"... I know you don't have feelings for me... I know I shouldn't force you into anything," he confessed, attempting to release his grip on her hand, but then changing his mind and holding onto her even tighter.

"But, Adrenaline... please just see me as a human being and not some prince or whatever... I won't ask for much. I just want some attention... that's all," he pleaded.

"I see. I will try," she responded calmly, her voice quiet.

"... Really...?"

Surprised by her answer, he let out a sigh of relief, a smile gracing his face.

"Thank you. You won't regret seeing me as a human being. I promise," he assured her, rising from the bed.

He let go of her hand and extended his own, inviting her to join him.

"Please, let's walk around the palace together... I want to show you something," he murmured.

"At this time of the night?"

"Yes... just this once," he insisted, turning to look at her with innocent eyes.

"I just want to show you something."

She rose from the bed, allowing him to take her hand and lead her out of the bedroom. They walked down dimly lit hallways, passing guards and servants as they made their way through the palace.

They ventured into the palace garden, strolling side by side, taking in the sight of the flowers and the feel of the cool breeze enveloping them like a comforting blanket. He guided her to a part of the garden she had never known existed.

"Here... take a look at the lake," he said, a warm smile lighting up his face, urging her to gaze upon the tranquil waters. Confusion flickered across her face, but her curiosity compelled her to lean over and peer at the lake.

The lake was a breathtaking sight, its calm waves inviting and serene.

He walked to the edge of the lake and settled himself on the moss-covered ground. "Adrenaline..." he turned his head towards her.

"Please... sit down beside me," he requested. After a moment, she complied, lowering herself into a comfortable position beside him. Her expression remained unchanged as she gazed at the scenery, but a sense of calmness washed over her.

He noticed her stoic expression, as if it were an impossible task to crack.

Moving closer, he leaned against her, resting his head on her lap.

"Adrenaline..." he turned his head once more to look at her. From this vantage point, she had a perfect view of the moon, the lake, and the beautiful star-filled night sky above.

"Would you look at the moon with me?" he asked.

A simple nod was her response as she shifted her gaze to the moon.

He was delighted by her answer, resting his head on her lap once again.

The moon was a sight to behold, casting a soft glow on their faces.

Yet, his eyes remained fixed on her, hoping she would meet his gaze.

"Adrenaline... you're beautiful," he whispered, his voice soft. "Even in the dark." Her eyes turned to meet his, feeling the intensity of his gaze. It stirred something within her, though she couldn't quite grasp it, and she simply replied with a heartfelt "thank you," returning her gaze to the moon.

He, too, turned his attention back to the serene and beautiful scenery surrounding them.

The dimly lit trees, the melodic chirping of birds, and the gentle caress of the wind against the grass were all so soothing.

But he couldn't help but admire Adrenaline's beauty as she sat beside him. Time passed in silence, becoming almost unbearable.

The silence and darkness stirred a desire within him, tempting him to kiss her. He was torn, unsure of whether to act on his impulse.

As he continued to admire her beauty, his fingers accidentally brushed against her chin.

His touch lingered, guiding her gaze back to him.

"May I...?" he whispered, his eyes fixed on her lips.

Her breath caught in her throat. Why shouldn't she push him away? Yet, she found herself unable to utter the word "no."

In that moment, silence became her permission, at least from his perspective.

With hopeful eyes, he leaned closer, his lips meeting hers.

It was a long, passionate kiss, one that he savored.

His hand gently caressed her face, his touch tender as he brushed her cheek and chin.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she gently pulled away, shock evident on her face. A faint blush colored her cheeks, breaking through her cold facade. He was taken aback by her sudden change in expression, but he remained oblivious, his own expression unchanged.

"Adrenaline... did I do something wrong...?" he whispered, confusion clouding his features. Quickly regaining her composure, she rose from her seat, attempting to calm her racing heart. "You should continue resting, Your Highness."

Confusion washed over him at her abrupt response, but he understood the message. She didn't want anything to happen between them.

As she stood up, he followed suit, both of them now facing each other. He still held her hand.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" he began, only to be interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. His eyes widened as he realized that a guard had spotted them outside at such a late hour.

"Your Highness! What are you doing here?!"

A flustered expression crossed Adrenaline's face as she swiftly donned her mask once more.

"A late-night walk," she replied, her tone as cold as ice, her eyes piercing through the guard's gaze. He let out a sigh of relief upon seeing her return to her usual self.

"A... walk? At this hour, Your Highness? It's very late and dangerous," the guard admonished, bowing respectfully.

"We'll escort you back to the palace, Your Highness. Please, follow us," he offered.

Vivian let out a sigh and nodded, still holding onto Adrenaline's hand as they began walking back towards the palace. She walked beside him, now leading him back to the safety of the palace walls.

The air was thick with silence, a symphony of nature's melodies filling the space. The crickets sang their chorus, the wind whispered its secrets. It seemed as though time itself had slowed down as they strolled back to the palace, deliberately avoiding conversation. The prolonged silence was awkward, but she found solace in the harmonious sounds of nature that enveloped them.

Her feet glided along the soft trail, her hand delicately held by the prince.

He clung to her touch, refusing to let go.

Finally, they reached the grand entrance of the palace.

Their fingers reluctantly parted ways, each retreating to their respective chambers. She glanced back at him, offering a polite bow. He reciprocated the gesture, his lips curling into that familiar, enchanting smile.

"May I have your hand once more, if only for a moment?" he asked, his voice dripping with sweetness.

He seemed determined to capture her attention again, this time in front of the watchful eyes of the guards. With a hint of hesitation, she acquiesced, extending her hand. He grasped it firmly, pressing his lips against her skin in a manner reminiscent of a husband's tender kiss.

His lips lingered, his smile captivating.

It was as if he was staking his claim, asserting his possession, at least in the presence of the palace staff.

As he lifted his head, his eyes locked onto hers, that charming smile still etched upon his face. "Thank you, Adrenaline. I hope to see you more frequently now... like this."

His hand released hers, and he disappeared into the palace.

Her heart raced, beating faster than ever before, the reason unknown and unimportant.

It felt exhilarating, this rapid pulse. It was as if she was experiencing something entirely new, something she had never felt before.

A beautiful smile graced her lips, unbeknownst to him, as she made her way to her own chamber.

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