Tryst under the fiery lights

Xaphael is having a sleep paralysis.

His body is not listening to his commands, and he can feel something pressing on his torso. He struggled to open his eyes but to no avail.

What's worse is, the sleep demon is acting lecherously. It continuously trails its fingers on his chest and abdomen.

His mind is opposing violently but, his body remains still.

He can't even gnash his teeth in annoyance.

Thus, he can not do anything aside from letting the creature's wanton deed, which reminds him of the heartless girl that won't stop plaguing his mind.

Helpless, he could only lament and fall into meditation.

He can not understand.

She openly declared she desired him but, why did she behave as if he didn't exist?

Not only that; she also... blocked him?

The question "Why?" has tormented him restless.

[ Heartless girl.]

He felt cheated and deceived. It was his first time feeling unreconciled in the emotional department.

Xaphael did not recognize that grievance has sprouted towards the lass who ghosted him.

Minutes later, the agony of lying like a fish to be chopped finally ended when he gained control over his fingertips. While concentrating on fully commanding his body, a soft touch on his lips snapped his eye open.

He hurriedly gripped the offending claw and glared at the perverted spirit but was startled instead.

Azure eyes were staring at him, and they are enchanting as equally deceitful as always.

They are the very same pair of vibrant orbs that haunted him for quite some time.

" ...you" You're here?

The confused Xaphael speculated he might still be dreaming. After all, how could the girl lingering in his mind suddenly appear before him? Not to mention; in his room, and on top of him?

[ Yeah. I must still be dreaming.] He surmised the peculiar scene as a continuation of an odd dream.

In the end, that ruthless girl who said she covets his beauty is still in the Eastern region, apparently enjoying the company of her relatives. The same girl who openly shows her thirst over him but never sent him a single mail. The very same deceitful girl who left her traces everywhere, as if compelling him not to forget her, yet black-listed him.

[ ...Liar.] He closed his eyes, striving hard to empty his mind.

Eve was silent during his emotional journey. Not only was she fascinated, rendering her to ogle upon his half awake-asleep look, but also clueless of what he was going through. He is right because she's heartless like that.

When Xaphael was about to find inner peace, another sensation engulfed him.

" El." A cool palm cupped his cheek while on the other side, he can feel her warm breath rustling in his ear.

[ ! ] He opened his eyes out of confusion.

" Eve?" Her lips are adjacent to his cheeks. If he moved a little sideways, their lips would surely meet.

" Did you miss me?" She shifted her head and met his dazed expression.

" Hmm?" A crisp humming call followed as she failed to receive a response.

A few seconds passed before Xaphael ultimately registered that she is indeed present in his room, whispering in his ear, caressing his face while on top of him.

On top of him.

[ !! ]

The room is obviously dim as twilight, so why can he see her distinctly? Her charm is corrupting his reason.

" Eve." His voice remained cool- pretentiously masking his inner turmoil.

" Yes, El?" She responded with a gleeful smile, certainly unperturbed by their awkward position.

" What are you doing?" He had woken up but, still, he can't move.

" I came to deliver your gift." As if proving her words, she reached out for the box just beside them.

[ !!! ] The squirming body thrusting here and there was testing the limits of a particular dormant part of his body.

Nevertheless, he swallowed his protest and acted normal, working hard not to look suspicious.

" Here." Eve presented a box measuring less than a cubic foot. It was plain-looking, with only a red ribbon on top.

" Can you get off me first?" His deep voice sounded hoarse.

" Why?" Not understanding why she needed to get off him, the not-so-pure paralysis demon lowered her face, showing him a clueless image.

" ...just" He shut his eyes, not allowing the visual stimuli to confuse him further. His arms, trapped beneath folded knees, hinders his movements.

" Am I heavy?"

" No." In truth, she is surprisingly light.

The loss of sight magnified his other senses, notably his sense of touch. Hence, he could vividly sense Eve's temperature, especially where they are in contact and realized, she is wearing a dress. Her palm was cold, but why are her inner thighs so warm? He thought.

[ F*ck.]

He murmured: " See no evil, feel no evil" and "conceal, don't feel" to his soul. If the crooked girl realizes he is disturbed by her antics, there is a greater chance she'll push it further.

" I wanna open the gift you've given me." He reasoned out.

" Oh, of course."

He heaved a sigh of relief as she finally got off him.

Eve sat on the bed and watched El rush to his closet. He grabbed a white tee and hastily wore it as if a monster, whose eyes shone lasciviously, are glued closely upon his abdomen.

When he returned beside the said monster, he took the box and spoke indifferently. That short respite was enough to stabilize his mind.

" What is it?" He shook it, wondering what the content is, for it was too light.

" Something to grant your wishes, though if it's an ill wish, maybe I can grant them for you." Xaphael got curious upon hearing her words but didn't take it to heart. Then he lifted the top.

Numerous tiny lights poured out, spreading throughout the dim room.

The scattered fireflies resembled stars, constantly shimmering, turning his chamber into a piece of fantasy.

" Happy Birthday, El." His gaze returned to Eve's figure but was captivated by the view.

The fireflies encircling her, her pure smile and bright orbs, were enchanting.

Xaphael felt his heart beat faster and louder.

He can't take his eyes off her.

" Make a wish." She murmured while opening her hands towards him. Several firebugs landed on her palms as if summoned by their master.

Her words woke him from his reverie.

[ No way. She believed in that folklore?] To think she'll believe in legends used to entertain kids, he finds it rather cute of her.

He does not believe in Gods, miracles, and wishes, for he only believes in himself. However, as if hypnotized by a powerful spell, he closed his eyes and prayed in his heart.

" What did you wish for?" An inquiry welcomed him.

" If I tell you, won't that nullify my wish?" He chuckled.

" Well, I might be able to grant that wish." Since there is a high chance of fulfilling wishes, especially if they are "bad" ones, Eve then suggested.

" I appreciate the sentiment, but it's enough. Thank you." He looked at her and grinned. His curled lips enthralled Eve, for it was the second time she had seen that kind of genuine smile on him.

It was Xaphael's first time receiving such a humble and unique present, but it made him feel warm inside.

In addition, the thought that she wanted to grant his desires moved him. It was a very foreign emotion for him, but he doesn't find it unpleasant. It was nice.

" Can we have our very own party ahead of your banquet?" Out of nowhere, she proposed.

He raised his brows in puzzlement and asked her,

" Why?"

[ Is she leaving?] That notion left a bitter taste in his mouth.

" Because I need to go back soon." He was silent, just watched her withdrew to a corner and pulled a wheeled bar tray. On top is a bottle of wine submerged in a bucket of ice.

She poured two glasses and offered him one. Xaphael did not talk but accepted it.

" Drink with me?" Her eyes twinkled as she looked at him.

The question he was about voice out died in his throat, seeing that appearance.

[ Forget it.] She came as promised, and he should be satisfied with that.

Then he contemplated what their relationship is. Are they trading partners? Are they friends? Now that he ponders about it, he wasn't sure.

They clinked their glasses and downed the content. Eve took the glassware after.

When Xaphael was wondering what she'll do next, he heard a soft melody rang.

" Dance with me?" She extended her hand before him, making him chuckle.

" I'm afraid I am too underdressed for a dance, my lady." The unexpected situation forced him to wear only a tee and boxers shorts.

Of course, unbeknown to the clueless teen, Eve would rather have him in his birthday suit.

" A problem easily solved, good sir." She replied while unbuttoning her dress.

" Hey, what are you doing?!" Xaphael lept from the bed and grabbed her wrist before she could peel off her red chiffon skirt.

" Undressing." She stated the obvious and bathes him with a look as if he was acting illogically. Didn't he say he is underdressed? Then she, too, will take them off. There's no need for them anyway.

" No. I'll wear pants quickly." He was about to turn around but was captured by her this time.

" No need. "

" What?"

" I said, no need."

Thinking that there's only two of them in the bedroom anyway, and considering her obstinacy, he agreed, though reluctantly.

Hence, a pair of good-looking people swayed to a slow-paced tune, surrounded by the glittering fire. Even the pair of long legs beside her skirt can't affect the ethereal air around them.

A few minutes into the light exercise,

" You're a terrible dancer." Xaphael's voice is still the same indifferent one, but his eyes contained hidden mirth. Eve has stepped on his feet a couple of times, but he doesn't mind.

" Well, I am only partly perfect." She shamelessly refuted as she spun around and met his eyes.

Xaphael could only laugh at her earnest expression.

" Do you like your gift?" Her blatant calculating orbs blinded him, causing him to laugh once again.

" I did." He won't deny it. He genuinely liked her present.

" Then, can you grant my wish as my early birthday gift?"

" Alright. What would you want?"

" I want to get to know you."

" Get to know me?" He mentally prepared himself but, contrary to his expectations, she uttered a simple request instead.

" Yeah. You know, in a biblical sense."

Xaphael couldn't comprehend her meaning and only deemed it as improving their relationship on a sincere level.

" Would that be all?"

[ Well, I don't mind becoming closer with her.]

" Yes. Then, do you agree?" Her eyes that sparkled like starlight hypnotized him into giving his consent.

" Alright. I agree."

And just like that, he sealed his fate.

When the song ended, he curtsied and expressed his gratitude.

" Thank you."

" No, thank you." Eve grinned splendidly. Shame, it almost sent shivers down Xaphael's spine, as it was the very same devilish grin she flashes when she's up to no good.

[ Oh, hell no.] It turns out he wasn't feeling hot and dizzy due to the dance. The epiphany astonished him, not grasping how to respond.

*Plop

With a slight push, Xaphael landed on the nearby bed. His fading sight ended with a view of her deceitful orbs and cunning smile.