Side Story 2.1 – Still a Little Early, Though

“No matter how much I admire other things, of course I don’t love them as much as you. Not people, not animals, not things. So you don’t need to be jealous anymore. Actually, that side of you is really cute.”

Jayden recalled the words Celia had whispered to him during their lovemaking. It felt as if her voice was still clearly ringing in his ears, and he couldn’t help but smile.

Jayden knew that wanting Celia to look only at him was excessive, but he still found it hard to control his jealousy. He’d never been the jealous type, but he knew he’d changed since getting close to Celia.

Still, Celia’s gentle words, calling him cute, filled a corner of his heart with happiness. Her smiling face wouldn’t leave his mind. Everything about her was lovable. Loving someone like that felt like a blessing from the heavens.

Just earlier, after two passionate nights, Jayden realized once again that Celia truly loved him. The satisfaction of reaffirming each other’s feelings made his smile linger.

After the last tutoring session and receiving the ball invitation, Celia had been so excited that Jayden impulsively suggested the trip. He wanted to be with her even more. Wondering how he could stay with her longer, the idea of a trip came to him. Luckily, Celia quickly agreed. Ultimately, he’d asked her for the trip because he wanted to be with her as much as possible.

‘We’ve met often, but haven’t traveled together yet.’

Considering everything, Jayden felt lucky that he and Celia had come here.

Although he’d felt jealous when Celia watched the sea during dinner, seeing her happy calmed him. Her joy was so pure and innocent compared to his petty jealousy. His excessive affection led to envy, but he was satisfied that he only felt this way about her. And he was grateful.

‘I should cherish and love her even more. For life.’

With that resolve, Jayden looked up at the sky. The morning sun was slowly rising. As he quietly watched the dawn, another troublesome thought flashed through his mind. What if, by chance, Celia met eyes with another man at the ball? Even imagining it for a moment was terrible. Jayden fervently hoped such a thing would never happen, not in any world.

Before he knew it, he unclenched his tightly held fist. It was better for his mindset to quickly abandon useless thoughts. Deciding firmly to trust Celia, Jayden looked away from the sky.

Still caught up in lingering thoughts, Jayden approached Celia’s side. Sleepiness finally crept in. After their lovemaking, Celia, unaware of how carefully Jayden had washed and dressed her, was sleeping soundly beside him.

Jayden gazed lovingly at Celia’s sleeping face, lay down next to her, kissed her cheek, and whispered “I love you” in her ear. Then he lay down straight himself. Staring at the ceiling, Jayden wondered where they might stop on the way home with Celia, and fell asleep.

***

After checking out in the morning, Celia and Jayden left the lodging together. Inside the carriage heading home, Celia sat side by side with Jayden, holding his hand and gazing out at the scenery. When the endless barren fields started to feel tiresome, she broke the silence first.

“If you hadn’t woken me up this morning, I would’ve kept sleeping.”

“Were you that tired?”  

Jayden, who clearly understood why, let out a sly chuckle, looking a bit mischievous. Celia glanced at him, feeling he was deliberately teasing her. Somehow, even his tone sounded sly, and it didn’t seem like a mistake.  

“Of course! Who was it that pushed me so hard?”  

Jayden’s low laughter reached her ears. He kissed her cheek briefly and added,  

“You enjoyed it just as much.”

“When did I?”  

She snapped back, but her cheeks grew hot. Not only that, her whole body felt instantly warmed—was it just her imagination? She almost let out a snort.  

“I’ve never seen you get so… wet before. You’re always like that, but yesterday was even more.”

“You really!”  

Unable to restrain herself, Celia slapped Jayden’s arm. He just smiled slyly. It was strange to see the usually calm Jayden with such a cheeky side. Yet, knowing it was because of his feelings for her, her heart suddenly raced. She calmed herself with a cough.  

“Do you want me to make you like it even more?”

“What? Here?”  

Jayden’s suggestion, as if he’d do something right in the carriage, made Celia glance at him unconsciously. Wasn’t this too much? Was he always this bold?

But it turned out she was the one with the naughty thoughts, as Jayden’s next words revealed. He closed his eyes and shook his head slowly.  

“No, just wait a moment.”

“What are you planning?”  

Before she could ask, Jayden told the coachman to stop the carriage when they reached Cladi Square in the capital. Not long after entering the city, the carriage arrived at Cladi Square. The carriage stopped on the right side of the square’s fountain.  

“Celia, wait in the carriage for a moment. Don’t get out until I call you.”

“Where are you going? I want to come too.”  

Celia protested, but Jayden firmly shook his head. She felt disappointed for a moment but didn’t show it, out of consideration for Jayden.  

“I’ll be right back.”  

Jayden whispered kindly, got out of the carriage, and hurried off somewhere. Celia watched his back until he disappeared from sight. His hurried steps and the way his legs seemed weaker than usual—was that just her imagination?

Finally, Jayden vanished completely. Celia let out a long sigh and leaned weakly against the carriage seat. She tapped her feet lightly, waiting and waiting for Jayden. Where did he go? Even after twenty minutes, he didn’t return. Growing anxious, she closed her eyes and leaned back when the carriage door opened. She looked up at the small hinge sound out of reflex.  

“Jayden?”  

It was Jayden, as expected. He looked much more composed and greeted her with a bright expression, immediately taking her hand as she approached.  

“Would you like to get out?”

“Alright. But where did you go?”

“You’ll find out soon.”  

‘What was he planning?’

Still unsure, Celia got out of the carriage with a puzzled look. Jayden only let go of her hand after she was fully out.  

“Close your eyes for a moment.”

“Why?”  

Still not knowing what he was up to, Celia asked before obeying. She knew Jayden had become more playful lately, so she joked,  

“You’re not going to put a lizard in my hand as a prank, are you?”

“Why would I do that? And there aren’t any lizards around here.”

“It’s a joke, a joke.”

“I know. That’s so you.”  

Jayden’s response was somehow cute, making Celia laugh out loud. After giggling for a while, Jayden told her again to close her eyes.  

“Alright, I’ll close them. Whatever it is, don’t play any weird tricks.”

“It’s not that. I’ll give you something very nice.”

“I’ll trust you.”  

Jayden smiled quietly at her reply.

She heard a rustling sound, as if he was fiddling with something. Just by the sound, she couldn’t guess what he was doing.

But when Jayden whispered softly, Celia found herself relaxing and obediently closed her eyes. Her curiosity grew, and just then, Jayden slipped something onto her ring finger. Even with her eyes closed, Celia realized it was a ring. But why a ring?  

“You can open your eyes now.”

“Hm? Why a ring?”  

As soon as she opened her eyes, she looked down at the ring and was startled. The ring on her left ring finger was covered in pure gold and diamonds. She knew the Artre Earl’s family was wealthy, but with this much gold and diamonds, anyone could tell it was extremely valuable. Was it a friendship ring? Before she could wonder, Jayden suddenly knelt halfway before her and gently took her left hand, kissing the back of it.  

“It’s a little early, but… will you be my partner for life? Celia, will you accept?”

“J-Jayden…….”

Overwhelmed by emotion, Celia couldn’t continue and called Jayden’s name in a trembling voice. Tears welled up in her eyes. After a long moment of emotional silence, she finally managed to speak, tears streaming down her jaw as she nodded to Jayden.

“It’s not too soon. I’ll be your partner for life. Of course.”

“Celia.”  

Jayden finally relaxed, quietly stood up, and embraced her. He gently wiped the tear stains from her cheeks.  

“I want to be with you forever. Celia, thank you for accepting my early proposal. I… may not be perfect. But I promise this: I’ll cherish you more than anyone. Because I love you. Celia, I truly love you.”

“I love you too, Jayden. Forever…….”  

They closed their eyes, gently wrapped their arms around each other’s necks, and slowly met lips.

On a late spring Sunday, Celia reminisced about her long and short childhood days with Jayden, and together, they vowed eternal love for the days ahead.