Chapter 75: Sorrowful Stress (1/2)
”R-Rein?! What spot is yours?!” Chloe blushed as Rein turned around, noticing her standing at the door.
”Oh, hey Chloe. Are the girls back yet? I'm going in for a bath, you can deal with this guy here,” Rein walked in, leaving Chloe bewildered at the door.
”W-wait! Don't be too loud, they're asleep!” She called after him as he kept walking.
She slouched over in discouragement as he walked away, then recomposed herself to face Sho, standing in the lobby.
”I'm sorry about that Sir Sho,” She bowed. ”Haha, what was that challenge thing about? Would it be possible to call it off? Maybe it was just a heat of the moment thing and you didn't mean it…” Chloe nervously laughed as Sho walked towards the elevator.
”I'm sorry for inconveniencing you, princess, but I won't be calling the challenge off. Be careful around that man. He has an unspeakable aura about him that is incredibly unnerving. I swear, I will protect you from him,” he promised as he entered the elevator, Chloe continuing her bewildered stance at the threshold.
She let out a sigh of fatigue and closed the door, walking back into the living room and flopping down on the couch. Because of the situation, she wasn't able to talk to Rein as he arrived, and thinking back on it, she remembered that he was covered with dirt and blood from head to toe.
She approached the bathroom door and entered the toilet area, calling out to him behind the half gate leading to the bath.
”Hey, Rein?” Her words seem to have snapped him out of deep thought, as she heard the startled water splashing as he answered.
”Yeah? You need something Chloe?” He answered, regaining his cool almost instantly.
”Are you okay? You seemed kind of down earlier… What happened on your mission?” She sat down, her back leaning against the door as she talked.
”I'm down? Hahaha, what makes you think that? I'm the same as ever!” Rein laughed to hide his stress as he relaxed in the tub.
”Don't lie. It was obvious as soon as I saw you. Please, just tell me what happened. If I can lighten your worries even a little, then that would be enough for me,” Chloe consoled.
”...” Rein stayed quiet.
”Rein?”
”Enough for you, huh? And what if talking about it worsens my worries? Are you sure you're not just consoling me out of selfish ego?” Rein scornfully said, slightly regretting his words as they came out of his mouth.
”Huh?! No, you're wrong! I just wanted to look out for you! I promise I won't judge you! Somehow… I just want to help you somehow…” Chloe defended herself.
”Well stop. Sorry, but I don't need your pity, princess. Just because your royalty, doesn't mean you're above everyone. How about thinking about my feelings for once,” Rein continued spewing resentful comments, not being able to stop himself because of the turmoil in his heart.
”How…” She sniffled, tears could be heard dropping on the ground. ”How am I supposed to think about your feelings… If you don't tell me anything..?” She stood up and ran out the door, Rein not reacting to her actions.