Rylan became lost in thought, pondering what to answer. Lately, he often found himself in the same situation where Savier's question would stump him and made him reflect on it over and over again.
For some reason, he did not want to answer Savier halfheartedly if he could. And through the process, Rylan constantly discovered something about himself.
It was not a deliberate action, but he quite enjoyed it even though he had a time answering them.
"I've never thought about it before," Rylan felt Savier's watchful gaze, which made him smile. The other was always attentive, seriously waiting and listening for his answer.
Somehow, Rylan asked himself if he was sent to be the royalty's guard or another assessment of the empire to people like him. However, that would only slip at the back of his mind as soon as he thought of it.
Even if it was indeed the case, Rylan did not care.
"It's also hard to think about it. I told you before, likes or wants don't matter to me much."
And the same was true for what path he should take. Rylan was already accustomed to being who or what he was as of the moment that thinking of what he could become in the future never crossed his mind.
"But it matters to me." Savier's voice carried an unusual resolve. Rylan could not help but stare at him intently.
The alpha paused as though even he was surprised by what he said, but only for a split second, and Savier added with a weak smile.
"You know a lot about me, at least... I'd like for you to discover what you like or want."
As soon as he stopped, seemingly embarrassed, he rubbed the back of his head but did not retract his words.
Rylan repeated what Savier said in his mind. His rational thought told him that he had to know a lot about the prince because it was his duty to protect him. It was a standard protocol that was part of his job.
He should be saying that now as the response, but his mouth had said something else.
"Why... it matters to you?"
Rylan's mind became fixated at that point. He also did not know why.
Savier answered without hesitation this time, and sincerity was written in those pair of beautiful but intimidating eyes.
"Because it's you... It matters to me because it's you."
Honestly, that answer could be brushed off as nonsense by him in most cases because it was hardly an answer. No explanation made sense in those words.
Yet for an inexplicable reason, Rylan's heart skipped a beat in a way that never happened before. Perhaps, the sincerity of those words and how expressive Savier's eyes saying them pierce through the wall of his emotions.
Rylan mattered to him because he was; no other explanations.
For why that was the case, Rylan did not have an answer at this moment. And he did not want to think too much. This was a bad habit, but Rylan felt freer to do so in front of Savier.
"You... really..." Rylan bit his lips and averted his eyes, overwhelmed by Savier's heated gaze.
A smile spread on his lips, and soon he chuckled, a music in Savier's ears. If only Rylan knew how Savier's face lit up hearing it, but sadly, he did not, since he looked away.
With still a carefree smile on his lips, which also reached the bottom of his eyes, he met Savier's eyes again.
It was a scene that Savier engraved and cherished in his memory from that moment to come.
"...are an enigma."
Savier did not answer, mesmerized by Rylan's smile to think about anything else.
The walk through the shoreline ended with a light but also ambiguous atmosphere. And the way back felt more comfortable, as though they had gone closer.
And the day was spent in a leisurely manner. Savier did not have a plan, since this was a last-minute arrangement. However, he also liked the fact of just being alone together and talking with each other.
All the matters at the capital were set aside, and he fully committed to his rest day, and he could see that Sir Rylan was doing the same thing.
"Do you like reading?" Savier asked. They were lounging outside the beach house by nine pm, sitting on the mattress that was spread on the sand, big enough to accommodate two alphas.
"Reading?" Rylan seemed to think about it. "Maybe?"
They were having a question and answer as they looked at the beach from afar, which was only illuminated by a crescent moon. Even though there were a lot of stars, it was still dark. However, Savier liked the atmosphere this way.
"Just maybe?"
"I don't know..."
Savier did not want to push it. He already noticed by this time that Rylan appeared not to have hobbies or thoughts besides being a royal guard. He was what you called a 'born to be' royal guard.
And thinking about that sent a bitter taste in Savier's mouth.
There were a few questions after that, and they mainly revolved around what Rylan favorite or likes. Aside from maybe or possibly, there were no definite answers.
Savier did not push the other as well. Like himself, Rylan could discover himself slowly.
"We'll go home tomorrow," With a reluctant tone, Savier voiced out.
He planned to stay until tomorrow on the island and leave early in the morning on Monday for the city, but an unexpected issue came up that he had to resolve at school earlier.
Rarely did Rylan respond to this, but Savier was surprised to hear him agree.
"You also like it here?"
"It's comfortable."
Savier laughed and became proud of his decision at once.
"We'll go back here or stay somewhere last time."
Rylan shook his head in a hurry, "No... I'm just saying..."
"I want to have fun with you."
Savier did not shy away anymore to say these words and subtly show his feelings. Even if he could not outright confess, expressing them was not an issue.
There was a silence; the waves and insect sounds could only be heard. Savier exhaled the air and felt so refreshed and rested. If only he could stay like this.
"You said before that you'll reject anyone who'll confess to you," Savier spoke by this time, deep and almost resonating in the quiet night.
Rylan glanced at him, their shoulders and knees touched and brushed against each other.
They were alphas, and this should be a normal sight, but for some reason, Rylan could not help but take a second look. His mind missed something amiss, or he had yet to think in that direction.
Rylan nodded absentmindedly.
Savier swallowed, carefully said his next words. Afraid to make it too obvious, but reluctant to let the opportunity slip.
"What if you like them?" Savier minced his words and continued, "Will you still reject them?"