Ruby
I saw it—that fear.
I don't need to explain it.
"A girl alone at night."
That sentence alone is enough to understand the whole story.
I was in my room, looking for clothes. She's smaller than me, obviously, so all my dresses were way too big for her.
"Master, may I help you…?"
I blinked at him and nodded.
First, he chose a soft nightdress, and then one of my t-shirts with joggers in a light color palette.
> "I'm an artist, of course my sense of color and combination is good,"
I said.
And honestly? I was impressed. He picked something that suited Aveline's vibe.
I chuckled. "Wow, Butler. Can't believe I'm the artist here and you're the one with better style."
> "Master, after all… I'm under your influence."
He smiled, handing me the clothes.
I took them and started walking to the guest room.
Knock? Uhh... my house, right?
She was standing in front of the mirror, drying her hair in a bathrobe.
God, she was beautiful.
Water was dripping from her forehead to her lips, tracing down her face, then her neck—like a work of art I couldn't look away from.
My eyes were stuck on her soft lips.
No makeup.
Just raw beauty.
People say makeup is to impress boys—wrong. It's expression, art.
But honestly? She didn't need it. Before or after, she was stunning.
She spoke, but I was still too busy admiring her.
"Ruby… I can still feel the fear in her voice," I thought.
I walked slowly until I was standing right in front of her.
She's around 169cm, I guess. I'm 173.
Doesn't matter.
I handed her the clothes.
> "Tomorrow's the event. You remember?" she said.
"Yes, why?" I asked.
> "I'm not sure I can do this. I didn't get time to practice, and I heard a senior will be sharing the mic with me."
> "And... you'll drop me at uni?"
I laughed.
She's not going anywhere.
Honestly, I could kidnap her—good idea, maybe.
"Of course," I said. "Now go change."
Minutes later, she came back.
Even my nightdress looked oversized on her.
She looked... adorable. Like, too cute.
"Okay, sit," I told her.
> "Why?" she asked.
"Just sit."
She did.
I sat beside her on the bed and called for my butler.
He knows me—always prepared for anything.
He came in with a tray of milk, soup, and sweets.
All homemade by my chef.
I bet she loves sweets.
"I'll let your mummy-sister know you're here," I said.
She just pouted and kept eating her dessert.
> "Ouch—why?" I asked.
> "I called her, but she didn't answer. Again…"
She's crying. Again.
But I didn't call her a crybaby.
She isn't. I can feel her fear.
My butler quietly left the room. He knows me.
I immediately hugged her.
Yes, she got into an accident.
Her phone was dead.
She called me after, and I went to find her.
I didn't tell her about Mireline.
She's already hurting.
I don't want her to cry even more.
> "It's okay. I'm here, alright?"
"I promise I'll always protect you. No matter what."
I cupped her face and said,
> "Look at me. I promise you. I'll protect you. Always."
> "Pinky promise?" she said, trying to smile.
I chuckled. "Seriously? Pinky promise? Whatever.
Yes. Pinky promise."
> "Now stop crying and eat your food."
She hugged me tightly and didn't let go.
I didn't mind. Let her do whatever she wants for now.
I fed her myself.
I swear she's a baby in an adult's body.
She held my hand... and drifted off to sleep.
"Hey, hello? What about me?"
Am I supposed to be her babysitter now?
She's holding my hand the whole night... Really?
I groaned and sighed—but still let her sleep how she wanted.
My butler came back.
> "Master, are you staying with madam?"
"Yeah. Look at her. She's holding me hostage."
He smiled at Aveline.
> "She's changing our Master."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever suits you," I muttered.
But I couldn't help it—my eyes softened while looking at her.
Not even looking, just... watching.
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