Feast of Emotion

Xaphael opened his eyes and what welcomed him was a dim room.

His eyes were momentarily unfocused, and his mind, blank.

He lay still, trying to recall what had happened.

Suddenly, images flashed his memory like a spinning lantern.

A girl on top of him, a box, fireflies, wine, dancing, and a cunning smile. The space between his eyebrows furrowed deeper as the visions pass by.

It was very absurd that for a moment, he contemplated whether he only had a dream.

[ An extremely odd dream, maybe.]

He reached out towards his nightstand and checked his phone. It is already five in the afternoon.

[ I slept that long?] He wondered.

He folded his arms to raise himself and bump into something.

It is a cloth lying beside him.

It's his white tee, to be exact.

An epiphany disrupted his calm emotions, turning them into turbulent waves.

[ Shit! No way!] Xaphael quickly turned the lamp on and scanned the room.

He knew he is alone, but the verified absence of the trespasser still left him at a loss.

Xaphael chagrined and hid his face beneath his palms.

[ What happened?] He was clueless. After blacking out, he remembers nothing.

Understanding that his vague memory is unreliable, he decided to let it go for now. He will interrogate that lass instead and ask what she did to him after blacking out.

Finding a sense of direction, he lay his mind to rest.

[ Ah, I need to prepare.] Upon lifting the quilt, he saw something unexpected, causing his hand to tremble and his ears to burn.

He hurriedly went towards the windows and pulled open the thick curtains apart.

The soft sunlight instantly blinded him.

Taking a deep breath, he lowered his eyes to check his belly once again and was left speechless.

[ Crazy.] He covered his gaping mouth with his hand, looking as if he couldn't accept what he saw. At the same time, the flushed concha turned dripping red.

[ ... did.. did we do it?] His bewildered thoughts became more chaotic.

***

When Balin stepped inside the room to serve Xaphael, what welcomed him was a half-naked young man standing by the window, surrounded by a gloomy atmosphere.

Not seeing the pair of scarlet ears that gave away his inner feelings, he thought that his Master was craving some torturing.

He surmised that maybe not waking up with the young madam in his arms made him upset.

In fact, Xaphael is upset, annoyed, embarrassed, and frustrated. His emotions are in a complete mess.

And to think that the culprit had gone with the wind after setting his spirit on fire.

He craves to persecute the shameless pervert, whoop her butt until he straightens her crooked ways.

However, the thought of spanking her peach burned his ears further. As if to mock him, the vivid view of her alluring self topping him resurfaced his brain repeatedly.

He almost punched himself to stop his thoughts brewing in the verdant direction.

Since the pieces of evidence point to the deed, he can't help but infer that something might have happened between them.

As for the proofs- he swiftly glanced at wastebin beside his nightstand and the mark on his body. His concha burned afresh.

[ Truly shameless.] He scolded in his heart.

Nonetheless, what surprises him is that he doesn't find spending a night of passion with Eve loathsome. Truthfully, there is even a tinge of dissatisfaction that he could not recall the details.

He criticized the perverted lass but also reprimanded his unscrupulous reaction.

He even speculates that Eve infected him with her madness.

The vibrant red-orange sky with a blend of grey hues completely mirrors his heart, a mixture of different tastes.

Had that perverted girl remain, he would surely...

His train of thought stopped, for he doesn't know what he'll do to Eve. He doesn't yearn to punish her or question her either. In addition, he won't ask her why she left without even explaining why she blocked him or did not leave a note like she always did.

He was also generous enough to make up excuses for the culprit as to why she left wordlessly.

But, it wasn't enough to eliminate the uncertainties that sprouted in his heart.

Not remembering things genuinely increases one's irritation.

[ Is my performance that bad?] Such a notion flitted to mind. For the first time, Xaphael became anxious about his image.

The annoying thoughts continued to plague him but, he doesn't know what to do. He can only perpetually radiate a fusion of gloom and blushing suffocation around him.

" Master." Balin approached Xaphael and curtsied. However, when he glanced at his lord, his eyes almost popped out.

Several scratches lined his well-toned back.

Red streaks of differing lengths and width scattered his skin, which is distinct in his wheat-colored cast.

He quickly garnered his gaze and applauded Eve in his heart.

[ Young Madam is very fierce!] He commended while suppressing his curling lips.

" How is it?" Xaphael's hoarse voice rang, capturing Balin's expanding brain supplement.

" Everything is in place and proceeding as planned. " Balin briefly reported the things that have transpired. Xaphael did not respond, seemingly distracted.

" Have Morienn come and report to me." He continued.

" Yes, Master. Would that be all?"

" Hmm."

When Balin thought he wouldn't converse with him anymore, Xaphael uttered;

" Did she have a smooth trip to the airport?" His query sounded more of an unconscious murmur but, Balin still clearly heard him.

He swallowed the giggle that nearly escaped his throat and answered earnestly.

" Yes, Master. We will also hear it the moment she arrives in her country."

Xaphael assented with a grunt and asked no more.

" Master, you need to prepare after having your meal."

" Alright."

When Xaphael turned around, Balin finally saw Eve's masterpiece- a bite mark on one of his abs.

He hurriedly lowered his head, hiding the flush on his crumpled cheeks, thinking,

[ The Young Madam... is marvelous!] He popped both his thumbs up for Eve's accomplishment.

***

Meanwhile, at 30,000 ft above sea level.

A pair of pumpkin-colored eyes entangles Eve's cast over and over. Nevertheless, the owner of curious orbs seemed hesitant to inquire.

( Host, I think Judas has something to ask you.) The gossip creature Halfsie started tweeting to relieve boredom. Ever since it finished viewing all the xxx-rated films, it focused its energy towards becoming the ultimate gossipmonger.

( How could you tell?) Eve nonchalantly asked.

( Well, he looks at you, then looks away, then he looks at you again.)

( Maybe he has nystagmus.) She inferred.

( No, host, you can observe he is apprehensive.)

Finally, Eve opened her eyes and examined her person.

" You want to ask something?" She asked.

Judas swallowed his saliva, clearing his throat, and spoke.

" Master, are you engaged to Sir Xaphael?" Judas couldn't contain his curiosity and ended up inquiring. The way the butler addressed Eve is still ringing in his ears.

" No." Eve clarified as she sat comfortably on the soft seat.

" I see. Thank you, Master. "

Sipping the fruit juice, she studied him, who appears lost in thought.

Judas, who is sitting opposite her, has gained weight. He had also developed muscles after his intense training back in Jacea castle. He also cut his hair short, making him look neat and more restrained. He is no longer a wild, exotic man but a fatal charmer.

Still, she prefers him with long wavy hair.

" Do you want to ask more?" She questioned, thinking of rewarding her person, who had achieved her goal of making him gain weight.

Judas was startled, and a smile bloomed on his lips.

" Master, I want to ask if it's truly alright for me to be by your side?"

He concealed his trepidation with a gentle smile.

He is a person who has nothing. Even his life is intact, thanks to the kind person before him. What he has right now, he owes it all to her.

" You are my person. Where else should you be?"

" Yes, Master." The doubts in his heart subsided with her reassurance.

With that, the two continued to fly at ease.

***

Numerous people fill a lavishly decorated hall. The guest, wearing high-end designer dresses and coats, mingle with each other, making the atmosphere lively. The festivity has lit their hearts with satisfaction as they reveled the high-class party.

In fact, everyone is enjoying the banquet except for one person- the celebrant himself.

Sarien stood by the veranda, leaning against the railing.

In his hand is a glass of wine, swirling needlessly, like his mind.

[ In the end, she didn't come.]

With a heavy heart, he sighed.

Rather than disappointment, he felt sadness, for he thought he was someone in her heart.

It seems he was mistaken.

They haven't communicated for a while, and he has no idea how she is.

Where is she now? What is she thinking? Has she forgotten me? Such questions rang his head endlessly, making him miserable.

The ghosted lad wallowed in unpleasant emotions as he looks back at their memories. His lamenting figure looked lonely underneath the millions of stars.

***

MINI THEATRE

* Eve gnawing pastry off Xaphael's belly indifferently

* Glances at his bun just before her mouth

* Narrows eyes, gulps

[ I wonder what it tastes like.]

* Sampled a bite

1...2...3 seconds has passed

[ Ugh. it's tasteless.]

* Wipes the crime scene with tissue and flicked them on the nearby waste bin.