Chapter 65 – Hot Chocolate

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After Rei and Kazuki pass through Svishtar, they descend the path between the mountains below the cliff, just as Círdan instructed them on his makeshift little map.

Compared to the forest that covers the entire region of the refuge and stretches for several kilometers ahead, as the student goes down the narrow path, the small road becomes increasingly steeper due to the rocks and pebbles accumulated at the corners.

Although it was hard to pass, the real problem wasn't the space, but rather the insects, snakes, cockroaches, and other small animals that cover a good part of the road.

When he notices that he needs to descend even further to reach the village, the boy rolls his eyes to the side and thinks for a brief moment, before looking at his companion: "How the hell did that old woman manage to pass through here?"

On the other hand, Kazuki seems calm and ignores the countless insects and snakes in the area — as if he were used to this kind of situation.

Observing the surroundings while carefully descending, Rei's fatigue increases, and he starts sweating, having to pay more attention to his steps. One slip, and he could fall, pulling Kazuki down in front of him.

— Does this ever end? — he comments slowly, breathless.

"What the hell kind of road is this? I know I'm not used to walking and I'm pretty sedentary, but I didn't think I'd have to show this pathetic sight to Kazuki."

"In reality, how is he doing so well in this situation? We've been walking for over two hours, and he hasn't even huffed or stopped to catch his breath."

"Is it his physical condition, or is it because of his race? He mentioned the physical endurance of beastmen, but I don't think his race is that resistant..."

"Maybe it's because of his swordsman training? Well, anyway, my breathing is heavy, I need to hold on until we get there. We can't be that far."

— What the hell kind of road is this?! How the hell do people get through such a narrow and dangerous place? And we're doing this in the morning, imagine what this place must be like at night! — the student says between breaths, wiping the sweat off his face with both hands.

— Are you alright? — asks the beastman, stopping and looking back.

— Do I look alright to you? — Rei answers sarcastically, glancing at his companion.

— If you're tired, how about we stop for a bit to rest?

— That's not gonna happen, man. If we stop on this road infested with insects and animals, we'll be screwed. It's better to keep going. I can hold out a little longer, relax, we should be getting close anyway. — Rei finally declares, patting Kazuki's shoulder and walking ahead.

Rei's intent was to reassure Kazuki, but his comment only makes his companion more worried and angry.

"Why does he always have to act like this? Why does everything have to follow the most complicated path? So… why? I'm on his side, so why doesn't he ask me for help too?"

Kazuki thinks to himself, clenching his jaw, angry at how Rei always takes the initiative in decisions and never asks for help when needed. His expressions were always like an open book; Kazuki never really knew how to hide his feelings, plus his tail and ears that moved according to his mood.

At that moment, still with that thought in his mind, the beastman walks faster and overtakes Rei. Then, he crouches in front of the smaller boy, as a gesture for him to get on his back.

— Get on. — he says, crouched.

— What are you doing?! — Rei asks, surprised, but even though he's embarrassed by the situation, after thinking for a while, Rei decides to climb onto Kazuki's back, wrapping his arms around his neck.

There's a brief silence as the student is lifted. Rei's face turns red the moment he feels his chest pressing against Kazuki's firm back.

— I'm trying to help, but I don't know if I'm being of much help…

— Well, I didn't know what to do, so I offered to carry you… — Kazuki says seriously, still thinking about what had crossed his mind earlier.

— It's… fine, thanks for the help. But… do I look like a child to you? — the student asks, trying to hide his embarrassment with his harsh words.

His face flushed with emotion, unable to stop thinking about how close he is to Kazuki, not liking where his rebellious thoughts are heading.

— D-don't take it personally. I'm just trying to help, you can get off whenever you want. — the beastman comments, unaware of the tension flowing through his body.

— Alright… thanks for the help. Sorry for the question, I didn't mean to say it like that…

— Ah, n-no problem… — Kazuki stammers, caught off guard by Rei's soft, quiet tone.

"Damn… we're so close. I can feel his heartbeat accelerating more than usual… it's like it's going to explode."

"His scent is so strong and pleasant… is it his pheromones? A smell of hot chocolate, cozy and reminding me of home…"

Rei thinks, leaning his nose closer to Kazuki's neck to sniff it.

— R-Rei?!!