Love or Lust?

"Where have you been?" Taylor asked with a raised eyebrow as she saw Aether entering the room, her tone a mix of curiosity and subtle annoyance.

"Kind of busy with the Princess," Aether replied casually, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. Without further explanation, he immediately picked up his night clothes and disappeared into the bathroom to change.

When Aether emerged, he sat down on the chair with a heavy sigh, his posture relaxed.

"...."

"...."

An awkward silence descended upon the room, thick and palpable.

Both of them wanted to break the tension, to bridge the gap that had formed, but neither knew how to start. They were both conscious of each other's presence.

'Sigh, what are we? husband and wife?'

Aether sighed, deciding to act like nothing happened, "Where have you been? I didn't see you after arriving at the classes."