JEALOUS

"Rain..."

I then got up and hugged Rain from behind. I try to express my feelings. I don't think I want this to end too soon.

Rain returned my hug. I wonder if he loves me. I want him more and more.

"Ara…"

I feel the warmth of my body as my heart fills with his name. I guess I don't want to let go of him. My soul struggles to be owned by him.

I don't know what's going on in my heart right now.

A few minutes later…

It didn't feel like the sky was getting dark. I took Rain back to the palace. I saw his face had a reluctance, but I forced him. Not good for girls outside at night. Moreover, this is in the world of people, not in my world.

"You don't regret going with me, do you, Ara?" asked Rain behind me as he rode his horse.

"Eh, why do you think like that?" I asked back.

"You've always been asking to go home, I feel—"

"Shhh. I'm afraid the palace dwellers are looking for us, and there is an urgent need. How about trying? We can travel another day." I cheered him on.

"Okay. But you promise, don't you?"

"Yeah, bum."

I rubbed his right cheek with my right hand while looking at him from below. I saw Rain looking at me for a moment from above. He smiled happily as he continued to ride his horse. We continued through the forest before dark.

Raindrops suddenly came uninvited. The raindrops invited his flock. We were hit by heavy rain.

"Ara, let's take shelter first."

Rain steered his horse towards the residential area. Seen, there is a hut that we can use for shelter. Rain immediately got off his horse and helped me down. We entered the hut.

"You're wet, Ara."

I hugged myself. These raindrops blended into a big one that made my dress wet.

"Looks like it's already the rainy season. Here, put on my cloak."

Rain put his red robe on me.

"How are you feeling warm already?" Rain is busy alone.

"Not yet. The air is so cold, especially at night like this," I answered coldly.

"Should I take off my shirt and pants?" he asked again.

"Eh! What do you want to do?!" I asked, a little away from him.

"Alright, don't dodge anymore. You're mine, Ara."

Rain pulled and hugged me tightly without being asked. He gave me a warmth that penetrated the marrow of my bones. I enjoyed it too. He repeatedly rubbed my upper arm for warmth.

"You shouldn't be wearing a dress like this, Ara. The top is open. You can catch a cold later."

Rain shows his concern for me.

"I've never tried it. So yes, I use it," said Ara

"Oh yes. Don't wear a dress carelessly in the palace, okay!" he asked.

"Reckless, you mean?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Don't be too open. Wear the one with the sleeves and the top cover." Rain continued.

"Why is it like that?" I asked again.

"I don't want anyone to see your body but me."

My heart seemed to stop beating when Rain said those words. I feel owned by him.

My heart...

"When your work with Cloud is done, work on me."

"Eh?"

"I don't want to lose you, Ara. If you can, stay forever in the palace," he said.

"Is it possible?" I asked again.

"You can if you want to marry me and take care of my children in the future."

"Rain!"

"I'm serious this time, Ara. Don't take this as a joke."

The longer we were together, the closer our relationship became and the less distant we were. I just listened to it. My heart shook violently hearing Rain's speech today. I thought he was toying with me. It turns out…

"You do, don't you?" Rain asked, bringing his face closer.

"What if I don't want to?" I tease.

"I will force it."

"What if you still don't want to?"

"I would-"

"Hmm...?"

"Ara, don't bait me. It's so cold." Rain is begging.

"I'm not fishing, just teasing," I said.

"It's the same, Ara!"

Rain pinched my cheeks. He looks excited. The expression on his face makes me happy to play with him.

"You, yes. If you become my wife, I will not let you out of the room, even for a second!" he exclaimed.

I quickly freed myself from his embrace.

"Rain. Shhh… Don't say that. We're near a residential area."

I gestured for fear that someone might overhear our conversation. Rain was silent as he covered his mouth. I deliberately distanced myself from him so that this conversation would not continue. But to be honest, the expression on his face made me happy to play with him.

A few moments later…

The sky was dark, but the rain had not stopped. I think this is Rain's prayer so that he can spend more time alone with me. I smiled to myself, thinking about it.

We finally decided to go home accompanied by the pouring rain. The closer to the palace, the rain subsided. Only the drizzle remained.

We entered the back gate of the palace, which many soldiers guarded. Rain returns to maintain his authority as an important figure in this kingdom. And I returned to being graceful as a guest of honor brought by Cloud.

Rain used his cloak to protect my head from the rain. I don't need it, though. But I obey the will of this crown prince.

"I'll take you to the front of the room."

We walked to my room. Rain returned to his robes as he entered the corridor. We saw the maids bowing as we walked past them.

Arriving in front of my room, I saw someone was waiting for us.

"Rain!!!"

The figure called out to Rain with a sharp gaze. I cringed when I saw clearly who it was.

"Bro Cloud?" Rain greeted him.

That figure is Cloud. His face was red, as if he was holding back anger.

"What time is it?!" Cloud glanced at me, and I just looked down. "Where have you been?!" asked Cloud again.

"Brother, we are from the tree of heaven. We-"

"You left for a long time and didn't say goodbye to me. Do you realize your mistake?!"

I don't like being amid fighting brothers. I said goodbye too.

"Sorry, Prince Cloud. I'd better excuse myself." I bowed my body towards Cloud.

"Ara!"

When I wanted to enter the room, Cloud called me. Suddenly my footsteps stopped and then returned to Cloud.

"Yes, Prince Cloud," I replied, a little scared while keeping my eyes down in guilt.

"Tomorrow morning, we have a meeting. Do not be late!" he said firmly.

"All right, Prince. If there's no more, I'll excuse myself."

I backed away from the two of them, went into the room, and immediately closed the door. They could hear their footsteps moving away.

"Brother, I know I was wrong. But please don't report it to father." Heard Rain's voice.

"Rain. I wouldn't say I like your way. You left the palace without giving me a message. Don't you think what if while you were away, attacked the palace?" I can hear Cloud suppressing his speech intonation.

"Sorry. I am wrong." Rain admits.

"And don't you know that Ara is my responsibility? I am responsible for what happened to him. Even if it was you who did it!"

Cloud exclaimed. His words surprised me. This is the first time I've heard Cloud this angry. All this time, Cloud was so calm in my eyes.

Did this happen purely out of a sense of responsibility or jealousy in his heart? Who knows. I don't know for sure. My body started to shiver, causing me to run to the bathroom immediately. Forget for a moment what just happened.