In front of the bathroom mirror, the silence was broken only by the soft whooshing sound of warm wind from Kazien's magic.
Allen stood frozen. He could feel every gentle touch from Kazien's fingers combing through his hair. The warm breeze controlled by his cousin brushed against his scalp comfortably, yet it made his heart feel like it was burning.
This attention... this gentleness... it all felt so wrong yet so intoxicating.
Allen closed his eyes tightly. Deep in his heart, he wanted to scream. He wanted to shout as loud as possible to vent his frustration for falling for his own cousin.
Why must it be him? Allen thought in torment. Of all the people in the world, why did my heart choose my own cousin?
Guilt haunted his mind like a pitch-black shadow. He felt like a traitor. He was betraying Alvin's trust, and he was betraying family norms.
However, his lips were sealed tight. He could only remain silent, holding back the turmoil in his chest, not daring to say anything to Kazien. He was afraid that if even one word were spoken, his defenses would crumble and everything would be ruined.
"Done!" said Kazien while patting Allen's shoulder gently, smiling sincerely like a good big brother. "Now you look fresher. Come on, let's go down."
Allen just nodded stiffly, trying to force a natural-looking smile.
After getting dressed, the two of them left the room and went down the stairs to the dining room. An appetizing aroma immediately welcomed them, filling the entire first floor of the mansion.
Moments later at the dining table illuminated by warm crystal lights, Alvin and Elisa were already sitting, awaiting their arrival.
"Ah, there they come!" said Elisa, smiling to welcome her son and nephew.
Allen pulled out a chair and sat opposite his mother. However, upon seeing his mother's face looking at him with a gaze of affection, Allen became even more afraid.
That fear wasn't because his mother was fierce, but rather the fear of admitting his feelings, even to himself in front of the figure who gave birth to him. His mother's face seemed to be a mirror of morality judging him.
It feels suffocating! thought Allen while squeezing his trousers under the table. For the first time in my life, I feel a tightness so painful in my chest. It's like a large rock is crushing me.
His eyes shifted to glance at Alvin, who was pouring water into Kazien's glass attentively.
But I also don't want to ruin the relationship between my cousin and Alvin, Allen continued in his mind. They are a perfect couple. Alvin is so kind to me. And moreover, my mother would definitely be very angry and disappointed if she found out I like her own nephew.
Still in his turmoil, Allen bowed his head. In front of him, Alvin had just finished pouring the water with a bright smile on his face. Seeing Alvin's innocent smile, Allen's guilt intensified.
Alvin will definitely be very disappointed in me too, thought Allen painfully. He considers me a brother, but I've become a thorn in the flesh. I have been presumptuous enough to like his future husband. Good heavens, this is suffocating! I feel dirty.
Dinner began quietly. Elisa invited them to eat. However, Allen's mind was not there.
Allen fell deeper, deeper, and deeper into his own endless thoughts. He glanced at Kazien, who was chatting lightly with Elisa. The lamp light made Kazien's firm face look even more charming.
Since when? Allen asked himself. Since when could I like the same gender like this? Aren't I normal?
He recalled their first meeting.
At first, I was afraid of him when he said my face was cute. I was afraid if he wanted me as his wife. At the academy, he looked cold, savage, and terrifying when beating people up. But, that fear has now drastically changed into affection and admiration.
As I spent time with him, seeing his soft side, seeing how he protects Alvin, and feeling his attention just now... his handsome face and protective attitude make me unable to look away from him.
Allen sighed deeply in silence. Now, it's me who falls for him. As if the karma for that accusation turned back on me.
Allen fell silent and drowned deeper in his own turmoil. What should I do facing this suffocating feeling? I have to kill it before it grows bigger.
"Allen? Why are you so quiet? Eat up while it's warm," Elisa chided gently, snapping her son out of his daydream.
Allen flinched. "Ah, yes, Mom."
Allen immediately picked up his spoon. He ate the food on his plate, a thick soup with meat chunks and fragrant spices.
The first spoonful entered his mouth.
Instantly, Allen's eyes widened. His sadness and confusion seemed to stop for a moment by the explosion of extraordinary flavor on his tongue.
The perfect savory taste, meat so tender it melted in the mouth, and a combination of spices that was foreign yet very delicious. It was not the taste of ordinary catering.
"Alvin, did you cook this?" asked Allen spontaneously, turning to Alvin with an amazed face.
Alvin chuckled softly before answering. "Didn't I say I would cook when we were bathing together earlier? Did you forget because you were too absorbed in soaking?" teased Alvin.
Allen ignored the teasing and went back to eating ravenously.
"Your cooking is truly delicious!" praised Allen honestly, forgetting his turmoil for a moment to enjoy the dish. "I didn't expect to enjoy food this delicious! This is much tastier than expensive restaurants in the capital!"
Alvin smiled broadly, his cheeks blushing slightly with happiness. "Hehehe. Thank you for your compliment, Allen. I'm glad you like it."
"Allen is right!" Elisa chimed in. She wiped her lips gracefully with a napkin. "I was also surprised. I thought Elf cooking was only about raw vegetables. Turns out the taste is very rich and deep. You are very talented, Alvin."
Allen's sincere words were also confirmed by Elisa, his own mother. Receiving validation from two people at once made Alvin's heart swell.
Alvin became very confident. The doubt about whether his cooking suited human palates vanished.
Thank goodness they like it, thought Alvin happily. Especially Kazien, he is eating very ravenously.
Seeing Kazien's plate almost empty, Alvin smiled with determination. He intended to always cook something delicious while living with them in this mansion. He wanted to take care of the nutritional needs of the people he cared about.
Especially, he wanted to continue serving and pampering the palate of his own future husband, Kazien, as a form of his sincere love.