Chapter 42: A cozy night
It was already night-
Klein stepped out of the taxi, letting the cool night air brush against his face.
The familiar sight of their small house greeted him under the soft glow of streetlights.
He walked up to the door and knocked lightly.
A few moments later, the door opened, and Cynthia stood there in surprise.
She was wearing a pair of comfortable shorts and one of his t-shirts with her long white hair tied in a loose ponytail.
"Kay, how come you are here?"
Klein smiled and walked in, closing the door behind him.
He pulled her into a gentle hug, "A little surprise."
Cynthia’s body stiffened for a split second before she relaxed into the hug.
’Shit, Arwen is not at home. She went out for a mission... she won’t be here till tomorrow.’
’I thought Kay would come this weekend, so maybe Friday night or Saturday.’
’But today is Thursday...’
She hugged him a little tighter, burying her face in his chest to hide her flustered expression.
Klein pulled back slightly and looked at her, "Where is Arwen?"
Cynthia waved her hand casually "Today is night shift for her at the company. She won’t be back until tomorrow morning."
Klein gave a thoughtful nod "I see."
He walked into the living room and looked at the cans of beer on the table "Oh, you were drinking?"
Cynthia nodded her head, following him into the living room. She picked up one of the empty cans and tossed it into the bin.
"Yeah. Did you eat dinner?"
"Yep." With a nod, he stretched his arms above his head, feeling the slight soreness from the day’s training.
He then headed toward the bedroom to change clothes and changed into a simple pair of comfortable pants and a loose t-shirt.
Then he walked back into the living room, where Cynthia was sitting on the couch, sipping from a can of beer and playing a game on the television in front of her.
She looked up at him with a small smile "Want one?"
Klein nodded his head and sat down beside her, leaning back against the couch.
Taking a can of beer, he asked "How was your day?"
Cynthia shrugged, leaning against him naturally as she always did.
"Same as usual. Work was boring. I missed you though. The house feels empty without you and Arwen around."
Klein wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer "I missed you too."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, drinking the beer while she played the game on the TV.
Cynthia rested her head on his shoulder, her body relaxing against his body.
After a few minutes, she spoke softly "So... tell me about your day. You said you became someone’s disciple? And you have a spirit now?"
Klein nodded and began recounting the highlights of what happened in the Academy.
He told her about becoming Erica Plunus’s personal disciple, the training, and contracting his first spirit Gale.
Cynthia’s gaze softened in affection as she looked athis face telling about "Wow... you really had crazy days, huh?"
She shifted slightly, moving to sit on his lap and with a helpless smile, he hugged her from behind.
His chin rested on her shoulder as he continued talking.
Cynthia played the game on the TV with the controller in her hands, occasionally nodding or asking questions as she listened.
Klein reached for another can of beer, cracking it open and taking a long sip. The drink was smooth and surprisingly strong, with a rich, slightly fruity aftertaste.
He blinked slowly as he quickly became tipsy after two bottles.
’Hm... is this a strong beer? I like it though...’ He continued drinking three more cans.
His gaze quivered and he hugged her tighter, nuzzling his face into her neck from behind "Cyn..."
Hm? Cynthia turned her head slightly and her eyes widened as she realized he was already drunk.
His movements were a little slower and his voice was slightly slurred ’Huh?... wait, the beer. Fuck...’
Normal beers wouldn’t make Awakeners drunk because of the mental resistance of their bodies.
That’s why she bought special beers thinking she and Arwen would have a relaxing night together.
"Um... Klein..."
He only hugged her tighter, nuzzling deeper into her neck with a contented sigh.
"Haa..."
His breath was warm against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
Cynthia’s heart beat faster as she felt the heat of his body against her back while his strong arms held her close.
She bit her lip, trying to keep her voice steady "You’re drunk already? That was fast..."
Klein hummed softly, his face still buried in her neck "Feels good..."
Cynthia’s cheeks flushed as she set the controller down and turned slightly in his lap.
"Sorry, I bought some strong beer."
Klein only held her tighter, brushing his lips against her neck in a lazy, unconscious kiss.
"Don’t care... just stay like this."
Cynthia let out a soft, shaky breath as her body melted into his embrace.
The t-shirt she was wearing slipped off one shoulder, exposing smooth skin that his lips were now gently brushing against.
"Kay..." she murmured. "You’re going to regret this tomorrow morning when you wake up with a hangover."
She tilted her head slightly, giving him better access as his lips continued their lazy kisses along her neck and shoulder.
She closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth ’Even this is better, Klein... love me... please.’
’Sorry Arwen... I know I am betraying you, but I love Klein...’
The thought brought a pang of guilt, twisting her chest.
Arwen was her best friend and her sister in everything but blood.
They grew up together in the orphanage, protecting each other and Klein when no one else would.
Arwen fell in love with him later, and Cynthia stepped back, watching from the sidelines as they became a couple.
But now, with him drunk and affectionate in her lap, she couldn’t bring herself to push him away.
’Just for tonight... let me pretend he’s mine too.’
At this time, a bright idea appeared in Cynthia’s head.
She turned her head slightly and whispered in a soft, sweet voice mimicking Arwen’s gentle tone.
"Kay... it’s Arwen. I’m back. Give me a kiss."
Klein’s eyes were half-lidded, his face flushed from the strong beer as he looked at her.
He blinked slowly, "...I’m not that drunk."
Cynthia laughed softly, her body shaking slightly in his lap as she leaned in closer.
"A girl has to use every chance she gets."
Klein chuckled, his hands resting on her hips "You could have just used your own name."
She pinched his cheek playfully, "You would not kiss me if I said my name."
Klein raised an eyebrow and replied "Try it."
Cynthia’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by his response.
She hesitated for a moment and her heartbeat quickened as she looked at him.
Then, with a soft, nervous laugh, she leaned in closer, "...Kay. It’s Cynthia. Kiss me."
Klein didn’t hesitate. He cupped the back of her head gently and pulled her in, pressing his lips against hers in a slow kiss.
HUH?
Cynthia’s eyes widened in shock.
She froze for a split second, completely caught off guard.
Her hands tightened on his shoulders as she felt the warmth of his lips and the faint taste of beer.
When he finally pulled back, Cynthia was breathing a little heavier as she stared at him with wide, surprised eyes.
"Klein... You... you actually kissed me."
Cynthia’s heart raced as she processed what had just happened.
She had tried so many times before, using any excuse to kiss him, but he always gently turned her away, respecting his relationship with Arwen.
Her eyes moistened with tears, and before she could stop herself, she hugged his neck tightly, burying her face in his shoulder as soft sobs escaped her.
Klein smiled gently and hugged her back "Sorry for pushing you away all these days..."
He closed his eyes, ’I don’t want to repeat the mistakes from my past life.’
In his previous life as Irakiel, he hurt Aeloria by rejecting her love, focusing only on his devotion to Zrryha.
In the end, Aeloria sacrificed herself for him, and he still carries that regret.
He didn’t want to make the same mistake again.
Cynthia sobbed quietly against his shoulder, her fingers gripping his t-shirt tightly as the tears flowed freely.
She waited for so long and accepted being in the background, never pushing too hard.
But tonight, with the alcohol loosening her inhibitions and Klein finally responding, the emotions she had been holding back for years came pouring out.
"I know you love Arwen," she whispered between sobs, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
"I know she’s your girlfriend... but I love you too, Klein. Please, love me too... please... just a bit..."
Klein held her tighter, his hand gently stroking her white hair as he let her cry.
"I know, Cyn. I know. I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. You and Arwen... you’re both important to me."
Cynthia pulled back slightly and her eyes were red and teary as she looked at him.
She wiped her tears with the back of her hand as a small, shaky smile formed on her lips.
"I don’t mind being second... or third... or whatever. As long as I can be with you. Even if it’s just like this and hide it from Arwen. I just... I just want to be something to you."
Klein gently wiped a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb, "You are something to me, Cynthia. You always have been. I love you too. I’m just... not sure how to make this work without hurting anyone."
Cynthia nodded, "I know. I’m not asking you to choose. I just... I just want you to stop pushing me away. Let me love you..."
Klein hugged her again, his arms wrapping around her tightly as he buried his face in her neck.
The living room was quiet except for the faint hum of the TV in the background and the soft sounds of their breathing.
Cynthia closed her eyes, savoring the moment.
’Even this is enough for now... as long as I can have you like this, even for a little while.’
