Chapter 5: “The Lines Between Us”

The next morning, the road was quiet, sunlight slipping through gaps in the tall trees. The air was cool… but Mythil was still warm from the coat Cax had placed over him last night.

He didn’t mention it.

But Cax did.

Of course he did.

“You sleep cute,” Cax said casually as they walked, hands behind his head.

Mythil stopped mid-step, face heating.

“Wh— don’t say weird things!”

Cax grinned, stepping closer, leaning down a little.

“I’m not wrong though. You make these little soft noises—”

“No I don’t!”

“So defensive.”

Cax’s smile softened. “It’s fine. I like it.”

Mythil nearly tripped over air.

Soft Moment #1 – Cax Catches His Feelings Slipping

Around noon, they stopped by a lake. Mythil knelt to wash his hands, the water cool against his skin. The sunlight reflected in the ripples, making him glow a little.

Cax froze behind him, watching quietly.

Mythil noticed the silence and glanced back.

“What? Do I have something on my face?”

Cax blinked, startled out of his trance.

“…Yeah,” he said slowly, stepping closer.

Mythil touched his cheek. “Where?”

Cax brushed a thumb across Mythil’s jawline — an unnecessary, gentle touch.

“Right here,” he murmured.

Mythil’s breath caught, eyes widening.

Cax stepped back with a smirk.

“Kidding. I just wanted to tease you.”

Mythil splashed water at him instantly.

Cax only laughed.

Soft Moment #2 – Mythil Pouts

They ate fruits and bread they’d bought from the kingdom. Mythil sat on a large stone, nibbling quietly.

Cax leaned against a tree, watching him again.

“You stare too much.” Mythil muttered.

“I like the view,” Cax replied, straight-faced.

Mythil’s ears turned red. He looked away but… he also scooted a little closer without noticing.

Cax noticed.

Cax always noticed.

“Are you… shy?” Cax teased softly.

“No!” Mythil snapped and took a huge bite of bread.

Too huge.

He choked.

Cax instantly panicked and smacked his back—

“Damn it— Mythil— breathe—”

Mythil coughed and glared at him through watery eyes.

“You’re the cause of this!”

Cax looked offended. “I just EXISTED.”

Mythil pouted harder.

Cax stared at that pout like it was the deadliest thing he’d ever seen.

“…Stop doing that,” he muttered.

“Doing what?”

“That face. It’s dangerous.”

Mythil froze.

Cax immediately looked away, pretending he hadn’t said it.

Soft Moment #3 – Mythil Protects Cax?

Later that evening, a small thorny beast, almost invisible in the grass, leaped toward Cax’s leg.

Mythil acted without thinking.

He grabbed Cax’s wrist and pulled him back sharply.

The beast snapped its jaws where Cax had just been.

“Mythil—” Cax breathed, surprised.

“Be careful.” Mythil scolded, heart pounding. “You could’ve gotten hurt.”

Cax stared at him… completely still.

Completely quiet.

Then he smirked slightly and leaned close, voice low:

“So you care about me.”

Mythil flushed. “You’re my teammate!”

“So you’re saying,” Cax said, inching closer, “you’d be sad if something happened to me?”

Mythil turned away. “I would be upset, okay? Anyone would!”

Cax smiled softly, genuinely, for once.

“Good,” he whispered.

“Then I’ll stay by your side.”

Mythil’s chest tightened, warmth spreading inside.

✨ teasing, tenderness, flustered Mythil, soft Cax.

Part 1: “The Prince Who Knows Mythil Too Well”

The road toward the next kingdom, Lumerine, stretched long and golden under the afternoon sun. Mythil had been quiet for a while — too quiet. Cax noticed instantly.

“What’s with that face?” Cax nudged him. “You look like you’re walking into trouble.”

“…Because I am.” Mythil muttered.

Before Cax could tease more, the tall gates of Lumerine came into view — elegant, silver, decorated with glowing vines of magic.

Knights in white and blue armor stood waiting.

And at the center of them…

A young man in royal attire.

Tall. Stunning. Sharp silver eyes.

A faint smile that was more dangerous than warm.

Prince Arem Lumerine.

Mythil’s rival.

“Mythil Zerv,” the prince called, stepping forward with a slow, confident stride. “Still running around helping random kingdoms, I see.”

Cax raised an eyebrow. “Who’s this guy?”

Mythil exhaled sharply. “Arem. Prince of this kingdom Lumerine. And… someone I used to know.”

Arem’s gaze slid to Cax for exactly one second.

Judging.

Cold.

Dismissive.

Then his attention was back on Mythil as if Cax didn’t exist.

“You’ve improved,” Arem said, voice smooth. “Your magic feels stronger. I can sense it from here.”

Mythil folded his arms. “What do you want, Arem? We came because you requested a healer.”

Arem stepped closer — way too close — forcing Mythil to look up at him.

“I didn’t request a healer.”

His eyes softened only for Mythil.

“I requested you.”

Cax felt something inside him snap.

Cax’s First Spark of Jealousy

Cax casually… but not casually… stepped between them.

“Back up,” he said in a low voice. “He’s not yours.”

Arem blinked slowly. “And who are you?”

“My teammate.”

Cax crossed his arms. “And the one who keeps him safe.”

Arem smirked — a cruel, knowing curve of his lips.

“Oh? Mythil, you finally found a guard dog?”

Mythil nearly choked.

Cax nearly lunged.

Mythil shoved both of them apart.

“Will you two STOP?,” he hissed, face red. “Arem, what is wrong with you? We’re here to help, not to fight.”

Arem tilted his head elegantly.

“Very well. Then follow me.”

He turned and walked toward the castle, but not before glancing back at Mythil…

With a softer look that only Mythil caught.

A look full of unresolved history.

Cax, noticing Mythil’s reaction, leaned close and whispered:

“…What kind of history do you two have?”

Mythil didn’t answer.

His silence said more than words.

Inside the Castle — Arem Makes His Move

The kingdom was beautiful — marble floors, glowing lanterns, delicate tapestries.

But Cax didn’t admire anything.

He only watched Mythil.

And the prince who walked too close to him.

Arem led them into a vast hall.

“Sick citizens are waiting,” Arem said. “But first—”

He reached out and brushed a stray leaf from Mythil’s hair.

Mythil froze.

Cax nearly growled.

“You still don’t take care of yourself,” Arem murmured softly. “Some things never change.”

Mythil stepped back quickly, face flushed. “Stop— just— show me the patients!”

Arem’s lips curled.

“As you wish.”

But before he turned…

His eyes locked with Cax’s.

A silent, sharp challenge.

You think you can protect him?

Watch me take him back.

Cax clenched his jaw.

Try it.

The tension crackled between them like electricity.

And Mythil, caught between a teasing predator and a possessive prince, felt his heart pounding — confused, flustered, and unprepared for the emotional storm that had just begun.

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