*Orlin*
[A bit earlier]
I got some ice from the kitchen and ran toward my room, but in the lobby, Artemia waited for me.
"Hey, Ore!" She frowned. "What's with the ice?"
I put a hand on my hip and grumbled. "Why is your reaction telling me you think I hurt myself? Do you really think I'm that reckless."
She walked over to me and poked my chest and stomach.
I yelped as soon as she did.
Artie sighed. "I was right."
My face reddened. "It's just pain. See?" I lifted up my shirt to show her.
She blushed and turned around, covering her eyes. "Ore! I'm a lady!"
I snickered and hugged her from behind. "True, but you are mine."
"Well, not yet. We've yet to marry."
I frowned and let go of her. "True."
She lowered her head. "Things didn't go well?"
I pressed the bag of ice against my abdomen. It was probably warmer than my dad's heart.
Artie's shoulders slumped. Her gaze fell to the black stone floor. "I knew it. It's because I lost to Mirei, isn't it?"
