The most handsome in the world

My first experience outside the castle had brought a lot of fears that kept me stuck inside my room. But as soon as we stepped outside the inn, the first time the children brushed past me as they ran, it felt... different. I felt like I was in a dream, as this was what I had imagined my experience would be.

My eyes softened as I looked around the street. My gaze fell on the window of my room. The view from up there and here felt different. Right now, it felt like... I was part of the world and not just someone who was watching from somewhere.

"You haven't experienced the festival yet, but look at you. So happy!" I snapped my eyes and shifted them towards Hugo. He was standing a palm length away, staring at me while tilting his head.

I nodded, closed-lipped. "Because I am... very much."

I linked my hand behind me as we started walking down the street. The pavement was filled with different stalls, and everyone was either buying or selling or just walking like us.

"So this is what it should be, huh?" came out a soft voice while looking around, feeling my heart warmed up a little. "If only this is a street back home..."

"Tsk. One second you're happy, and then, a second later, you're frowning." Hugo's warm baritone voice made me glance up at him. He had his hand inside his pocket, while his sleeves were folded to his elbow where everyone could notice how his arm flexed each slight movement.

"Just live today, Bambi," he said in a knowing tone before he gazed ahead. "Don't think too much and you'll be a little happier."

I pressed my lips, still gazing at him, and noticed his sharp jaw that seemed it could slice anything. Out of curiosity, I raised my hand to touch it. I only grazed it with my fingertip, and he halted with an arched brow.

Hugo slowly gazed at me, stunned. "What are you doing?"

"Checking if your jaw can cut me?" I replied with a weak voice, glancing at my finger, and was glad it was unharmed.

"Girl, what if, by wild chance, it actually cuts you... what will you gain?" he inquired in disbelief, looking at me in dismay.

I bit my lower lip and pondered. "It will feed my curiosity?"

He blinked twice before a chuckle came out of his mouth. "You... will die, Bambi."

This time, I froze at his remarks. How could he speak such ominous words? Hugo shook his head and laughed while scratching his temple. Only then did I notice the little mole right on the side of his eyes and the dimple that resurfaced on his cheek. I couldn't deny how charming he appeared while laughing candidly.

'But why was he laughing?' I wondered, staring at him curiously and frowned. 'Surely, there isn't something funny about what he said. He just cursed me, didn't he?'

"Bambi, you just grew taller a little, but you're still the same." He placed his palm over my head after he recovered from his jest. "You are starting to worry me."

I glared at him and resumed my steps. He strutted beside me, but I gave him cold shoulders.

"You shouldn't curse me like that, you know?" I mumbled when I couldn't take my disappointment anymore. "How can you say I will die and then laugh like there's no tomorrow?"

"Oh, come on, Bambi. I'm not cursing you, dear. I'm just saying, curiosity always kills the cat." He grinned mischievously when I glanced at him. "I mean, how can you touch my wonderfully created jaw just because you thought it cuts?"

Hugo rubbed his jaw with his fingers smoothly while his ego continued to inflate. He cast me an arrogant look and smirk.

"Charming, aren't I?" he inquired, while suddenly bending over to me. My nose instantly scrunched up and shook my head in dismay.

"Do you see yourself as the most handsome man in the world?" I asked sarcastically while I gaze ahead. It did not even surprise me when he answered with a confident, "of course!"

All I could do was glance at him in pity. I didn't know if this was normal since the people in my life were all the same, but none of them weren't as confident as him. Even the chief knight everyone admired wouldn't shamelessly say he was handsome, strong, and a remarkable man himself.

"Do you consider yourself as handsome, strong, and a remarkable man?" I queried just for comparison, and Hugo's answer had exceeded my expectation.

"Of course not," he said, and that piqued my attention for a moment until he explained the reason. "I am more than that, Bambi. If I will describe myself, I can fill an entire book... or two."

"Wow..." I clapped weakly, as this was truly admirable. I wasn't being sarcastic, but I wished I was as confident as him.

"I wish I was..." I trailed off when Hugo suddenly leaped towards me. Before I knew it, he had me wrap his arm around me and his other hand was on top of my head protectively.