The Villain is Being Suspiciously Kind

Citrina returned to the townhouse. This was after working hard to decline Harolds invitation to stay at the manor for dinner.

Yeah, I could like him.

Citrina thought she could like him enough. It was only natal to rely on a kind person when you were on the brink of an emotional collapse.

Phew

It was never a good sign to give in to every one of those feelings.

Anyway, Citrina decided to admit it. In her heart, she knew she liked him and relied on him.

-Citrina.

Citrina was soon met by Gemmas serious eyes, who was lying on the living room rug like a corpse.

-Come on. Whats going on?

-Im being serious.

-Why?

Gemma pushed herself up. Her body moved like slime.

Citrina involuntarily took a step back. At the same time, Gemma exclaimed.

-I think you like that monster.

-Huh?

Monster?

Citrinas eyes widened slightly at the word monster.

-My heart skipped a beat when you looked at him!

Gemma murmured. Citrina answered firmly to ease Gemmas shock.

-Thats right. I like Desian.

-Were getting all emotional. Im saying that its weird if you liked him. You like him?! Huh? Huh!

-Yes, thats right?

-I cant believe you like him.

-Why are you saying that?

Looking like a father or mother-in-law, Gemma pointed with a scowl and spoke up.

-Ill never be deceived! Sheesh, so I guess you two are going to get married now?

Citrina burst into laughter and Gemma innocent inquiry.

Shed been laughing more and more since she and Gemma had been together again. It had changed her life for the better.

Citrina gave Gemma a small wink.

-Youre talking about marriage all of a sudden.

-Im scared of him! Give me time to adjust! Got it?

-Alright. I also need time to adjust.

Gemma fluttered over to Citrina. Citrina stroked Gemmas hair lightly. She had grown up faster than other people, so she understood the difference.

Read only on

-Gemma, but

-Oh?

-Theres something Desian is hiding from me.

This was the first time Citrina felt this way.

-Of course! He doesnt want you to find out hes a monster. Ah, no, no, no

Gemma hastily covered her mouth.

-Monster?

It was a figure of speech, but she could understand why Gemma was saying that.

Oh, Citrina-nim, youre here?

-Lets ask him! Youre a fox beast person. Youre a relationship genius.

-Sure. Lets do it.

Citrina replied cynically.

And just like that, a small dating counseling center was set up in the townhouse.

In the houses living room, on a small table sat two cups and a very small teaspoon.

Citrina gulped.

Lita, Ill tell you about someone I know.

Somehow, it was embarrassing to tell her story to the cute Lita.

Ah, yes, is this about relationship counseling?

Lita held onto his pen and paper earnestly.

He was really going all out.

Relationship counseling? Its something like that.

Citrina said calmly.

I guess youve known each other for a long time?

He had a probing gaze. Citrina answered Litas question with sincerity, yet her mind was unsettled.

Yeah. This person can sometimes be confusing. But hes reliable, and it is exciting being around him sometimes. Its cute when you see him being shy now and then-

Read only on

Citrina let the words come out slowly.

The thoughts in her head felt like they were organizing themselves gradually as they came out of her mouth.

-This is serious.

Gemmas self-talk woke her up with a jolt.

Ah, its just like that.

Its not difficult. You like him, dont you? Then youll drift together.

Lita concluded simply.

Unless they dont like you, Citrina-nim. Then its a different story.

-That monster is totally obsessed with her!

Gemma smacked her tiny fist onto her chest.

well, it seems like that man likes me too.

I see.

No, its not about me.

Citrina waved her hands in the air, but Lita didnt seem to believe it.

A light blush appeared on Litas pale cheeks. The boy whispered under his breath.

If they like each other, whats the problem?

Okay. Why make a big deal out of this for no reason.

You can admit that you like each other and get together.

I just need to get to know Desian better.

Once shed said it, everything became simple and clean.

She realized she could lose a close friend if things went wrong, but that didnt mean she could turn her back on the feelings she had now.

I dont know when Im going to die, so I might as well live in the moment.

Citrina smiled as she organized her thoughts.

Ah, theres one more thing.

She spoke in a resolute voice. Lita and Gemmas ears perked up at the same time as if she was about to say something very important.

Catching their gazes, Citrina tightened her grip on her mug. So tightly it might shatter.

Citrina blinked, finding it a bit difficult to speak.

Im a bit ashamed to say this, and also a little shy. Do you just start dating like this?

Is it just me?

Yesterday, she perceived him as a friend, and today she thought of him romantically.

It wasnt something she was familiar with.

The only thing she knew was how, to be honest about her feelings.

Is it just me?

Citrina asked, looking at them both for agreement. Gemma shook her head.

-He is him, but you are also you.

[T.L. Note: Meaning each person is different.]

That was the buzzword Gemma was pushing lately. It felt oddly familiar.

Thenyou can just date, cant you? Starting from now on.

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Lita put down his pen with a troubled face.

Citrina tapped at the table, feeling a little embarrassed.

Gemma and Lita looked at her. They looked into each others eyes and smiled.

When Adilac-nim wakes up, Ill have to tell her an interesting story.

Lita laughed.

The boy thought.

It was autumn.

The chilly weather made it feel like winter would arrive soon, but it seemed like spring had arrived for Citrina.