Jake and Reina took a seat on the floor, positioning themselves to face each other. The vibe had turned awkward after they left the restroom. Sensing the growing discomfort, Jake decided to address the situation before it got too complicated, wanting to clear the air and bring back a relaxed atmosphere between them.
"Reina," Jake's voice was firm yet gentle, "I want you to know that I love Marilyn. I can't abandon her." As he spoke, he was aware that his words could potentially hurt Reina, but he believed in the necessity of honesty to untangle the complexity of their situation.
Reina glanced downwards, her expression shifting to one of sadness. "I've never done something like that with anyone else before," she admitted, her voice tinged with a touch of vulnerability.
It was also Jake's first kiss. He could have placed blame on her, but as the kiss progressed, he had taken an active role, guiding and relishing in the experience. This made it clear that the responsibility wasn't solely hers.
"I don't intend to turn you down either."
Reina lifted her head slowly, her gaze meeting his with a puzzled expression. "Pardon?"
"I have no intention of leaving either you or Marilyn behind. I had initially hoped to brush off what happened today, but I can't ignore it. I genuinely enjoyed our kiss and I desire more. Reina, be my second girlfriend."
"Second girlfriend?"
Jake nodded, his expression determined. "You're second because my feelings for Marilyn came first, but I won't favor either of you more. I want to give equal attention to both of you and prioritize my own needs," he explained candidly. He chose not to sugarcoat his words, believing in being straightforward about his desires and intentions.
If Reina turned him down because of this, he was ready to accept it. It would signify that perhaps their destinies weren't intertwined. If that turned out to be true, he was willing to let go of the enjoyable moments they had shared together.
"I... um, sure. I'll be your second girlfriend."
Jake blinked in surprise. He had braced himself for a possible rejection, but he hadn't anticipated Reina agreeing to become his second girlfriend. Although he wanted to ask her if she was truly sure, he held back, not wanting to convey any doubt about his own readiness for the commitment. In reality, he was fully prepared for it. He would be responsible for his own actions.
"Well, hm, then please take care of me from now on, Reina."
"M—me too...."
Despite the lingering awkwardness, Jake took the initiative to steer the conversation. There was a crucial topic he knew he needed to address with his new partner, once that relationship was fully established: setting boundaries. It was important for them to have a clear understanding of what was acceptable and what wasn't in their roles as lovers.
"Reina, I know we are still awkward with each other, but before we continue our relationship, I think it is important to set rules as lovers."
Reina nodded, prompting Jake to proceed. "First, let's establish some rules," he began. "I promise not to be unfaithful to either you or Marilyn. If I were to break this promise, I'd accept the consequences. On the other hand, I would expect the same commitment from you—to remain faithful to our relationship without involving other men. If that trust were to be broken, I wouldn't hesitate to take appropriate action."
Reina nodded. "I agree. Please don't let another woman in."
"I promise. Moving on to the second rule," Jake continued. "We both have aspirations, so we're free to support each other's dreams. Neither of us should hinder the pursuit of the other's dreams. However, if either of us adopts unethical methods while striving for our goals, we retain the right to intervene."
Reina agreed again. "I won't let you become an evil person."
"I'll make sure we're both on the right path," Jake assured. "Now, onto the third rule. All the love, respect, and fortunes I have are for both you and Marilyn. In exchange, I request your respect and willingness to let me take the lead between us. I'm not asking for your love or anything material—just your respect."
"I respectfully decline," Jake frowned as he heard her response. She went on to explain, "I might not have known Butler for a long time, but from what I've observed, Butler seem like the kind of person who carries the weight of those around you. I don't want Butler to bear that burden alone. Let's face our challenges together. After all, isn't that what being a couple is all about?"
Jake couldn't help but laugh at her explanation, recognizing the truth in her words and acknowledging his mistake. "You make a valid point," he said with a smile, leaning in a little to give her a reassuring pat. "By the way, feel free to call me Jake. Using my last name feels a bit too stiff and awkward."
"Mhm, J-Jake," she responded with a gentle, affectionate tone, her voice slightly softer as she basked in the warmth. A small, contented smile graced her lips as his hand patted her head, creating a flutter of happiness within her.
"Then Reina, I will trouble you to share my burden. Can you help me?"
"I will do my best for Jake."
"Let's, um, meet Marilyn. I need to explain everything to her," Jake suggested, his voice carrying a touch of unease as he contemplated the forthcoming conversation.
---
Jake and Reina made their way to the garden of the dormitory. It was a spot where Marilyn often gathered with her friends for socializing. Presently, she was engaged in a tea party with her fellow female classmates. Laughter filled the air as they shared conversations, basking in the joy of each other's company. In this moment, Marilyn was thoroughly relishing her time, immersed in the pleasures of life.
Despite a nagging feeling of guilt that tugged at him, Jake was resolute in his decision. He knew his words would undoubtedly affect Marilyn emotionally, yet he believed it was necessary to clarify the dynamics between himself and Reina. Seeking her understanding was crucial to him. If, however, Marilyn couldn't accept his relationship with Reina, he was willing to relinquish the idea of a romantic involvement with her and instead commit to being with Reina. Regardless of her response, he was determined to remain a protective presence in her life until she was cured of her curse.
As Jake and Reina approached Marilyn, a nervous tension settled over Jake. Despite his anxiety, he didn't hesitate to hold Reina's hand in an intimate manner. If he was going to navigate a relationship with two girls, he was determined not to be a coward who concealed his involvement with the second person.
Marilyn observed Jake's action and her brows furrowed. "Jake?" she questioned, a note of suspicion creeping into her tone.
"Marilyn, could we talk?" Jake's voice wavered slightly, his grip on Reina's hand tightening. Reina, meanwhile, cast her gaze downwards, her complexion noticeably pale.
Marilyn's gaze shifted to Reina, concern evident on her face. "Is Miss Rowe alright?" she inquired, her voice laced with worry. "Do you need me to use a healing spell to help her?"
"Reina is fine," Jake reassured, his voice somewhat tense. "I'm here to talk about something concerning both Reina and you."
"Me and Reina?" Marilyn tilted her head in confusion.
Simultaneously, Marilyn's friends rose from their seats, seeking her permission to depart. Once they had departed, Jake and Reina settled into the chairs. Yet, Marilyn's gaze remained skeptical as she continued to regard both of them with suspicion.
"Marilyn, I am dating Reina." Jake was the first to break the ice with a bomb.
As the weight of Jake's words settled in, Marilyn's grip on her teacup faltered, causing it to slip from her fingers. The fragile porcelain met the table's surface with a muted thud, and a cascade of warm tea spilled, its tendrils meandering across the table's edge. Unconcerned, Marilyn remained unmoving as the hot liquid found its way to her skirt, an outward expression of the internal turmoil she was experiencing.
Her normally expressive features were now a canvas of disbelief, her gaze fixated on Jake as though trying to unravel a puzzle that defied comprehension. It was as if time had suspended, and in that suspended moment, the sky seemed to hold its breath, mirroring her incredulity in a collective hush.
"For a note. I am not pranking you right now. Reina and I are dating for real."
As if emerging from a dream, Marilyn slowly untied her blindfold, her movements deliberate yet revealing an underlying fragility. Her gaze settled on Jake, her eyes a window into her perplexity. "I just can't grasp it," she murmured, her voice carrying a delicate vulnerability. "You're not someone who easily falls into love's grip. How did this happen? Does this girl have some sort of hold over your weakness?" Her words hung in the air, painted with incredulity and a yearning for understanding, while the soft edges of her expression betrayed a sense of emotional turmoil.
"No, your highness. I did not engage in such actions," Reina firmly denied. She went on to explain the incident within the closet, recounting how she had lost control of herself, resulting in a situation where she had acted inappropriately towards Jake. Her voice carried a mixture of remorse and earnestness as she described the events that had transpired.
In the midst of Reina recounting the incident, Jake interrupted her, coming to her defense. He began to explain his own perspective, detailing how he had found himself enjoying the kiss and had taken an active role in leading it until its conclusion. He concluded his explanation by revealing his desire to have both Reina and Marilyn as his partners.
"Marilyn, I like you. Become my first girlfriend. I promise I will protect you both and support your dream."
Marilyn's response was marked by silence, her emotions too overwhelming for words. Tears streamed down her face, and her sobs revealed a mixture of hurt and frustration. "You jerk," she managed to say, her voice quivering with a blend of disappointment and disbelief. "I've put so much effort into trying to make you fall in love with me, Jake. You have no idea how long I've held onto these feelings. And now, all of a sudden, some random girl becomes your lover? How could you do this to me?"
Jake was poised to interject, his intention to respond to Marilyn's outburst, but he found himself unable to muster the words. He respected the gravity of her emotions and refrained from interrupting her as she expressed her feelings.
"I only have less than three years to live, Jake. At least, you could have treasured me until the end of my life. You, you jerk!"
Reina's brows knit together, her confusion etched into her expression. "Your highness, what exactly do you mean?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a mixture of bewilderment and concern.
"We won't let you die, Marilyn."
"That's an empty promise! We all know mom won't make it alive if she ventures into a rank nine gate! My life is doom—"
Jake's emotions welled up uncontrollably as he witnessed Marilyn's pessimism taking hold, a stark contrast to the collective determination everyone was pouring into preserving her life. This effort held a profound significance, particularly given his aunt's unwavering dedication. Her comment insinuating that Aunt Mercedes would fail struck deep in his heart, marking a boundary that had been crossed.
In a surge of raw emotion, Jake's hand connected with Marilyn's cheek in a swift and startling slap, the sound ringing sharply through the air. The impact was immediate, leaving behind a vivid mark on her skin.
As the echo of the slap faded, Jake's expression swiftly shifted to one of regret. His eyes widened with a mix of shock and remorse, realizing the gravity of his impulsive action.
"Aunt won't fail. Don't jinx about your mother's failure."
"I...."
"I am sorry, Marilyn, but it seems we need to calm down and continue this conversation later."
A sudden transformation overtook Marilyn as her eyes transitioned to a striking shade of orange, her pupils dilating akin to those of predatory creatures. A cold smile graced her lips, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor. "No, let's discuss it now," she declared, her voice carrying an eerie calmness. "I agree to be your girlfriend, Jake... However, there won't be room for any other lover besides me!" Her words held an ominous weight, a warning that resonated with an intensity that matched her altered appearance.
Marilyn's eyes sparkled with an almost otherworldly intensity as they remained locked onto Reina. However, without hesitation, Jake lunged forward, his movements swift and purposeful, as he redirected Reina to a safer position at his side. His reaction was immediate, driven by the memory of his mother's struggle against Animarum. He had witnessed firsthand the formidable might of Elder Eyes, a force of ancient chaos that even a skilled swordmaster like Reina would find difficult to withstand.
In a harrowing instant, Jake's gaze shifted with a sudden jolt of horror, his eyes widening as he beheld the scene unfolding behind him. An explosion of vibrant orange hues burst forth into the air, crackling with an ominous energy that radiated danger. The very spot where Reina had been standing moments before was now engulfed in this fiery display.
As the volatile eruption gradually subsided, a surreal transformation unfolded before their eyes. Emerging seemingly from the void itself, a nightmarish entity materialized— a chaos monster, born from the ancient abyss. Its form defied the natural order, a grotesque amalgamation of terror and chaos.
The creature's entire body was a colossal eye, unblinking and all-seeing, dominating the space it occupied. Yet, this eerie eye was surrounded by a multitude of appendages that resembled sinuous tentacles, reaching out like serpentine arms. They were undulating in a disturbing rhythm, lending an unsettling sense of life to the creature's form.
The atmosphere was thick with an otherworldly unease, the air charged with an energy that left a prickling sensation on the skin. The scene was one of surreal and visceral horror, a convergence of dimensions that defied comprehension.
A stark paleness swept over Jake's features as his gaze locked onto the information that revealed the nature of the monstrous entity before him.
[Name: Kruckangendreg
Species: Chaos Beholder
Level: 19]
zeru· Aug 20, 2023
