Expectation and Betrayal
"I have something I want to talk about with you alone."
"Just the two of us?"
James's face showed no hint of playfulness—just a solid, resolute expression.
But... this scene feels awfully familiar from somewhere...
Like in dramas, where the male lead confesses to the female lead... something like that?
But... isn't it a bit too early for dating or anything like that?
Maybe the common sense around age and romance is a little different in my old world versus this one?
These kids nowadays... who knows.
Universal common sense like this can shift easily depending on the country and era. Or maybe I'd just been viewing the kids as too innocent.
"Can't you tell me here?"
"No, I really want to talk with just you. It won't take long. We can get back before the party."
This time, his expression was even more firm. I couldn't put it into words, but it was clear this wasn't some joke or casual request.
This has to be... a confession, right? Anyone could see it.
I could just refuse without even hearing him out... but he was being so serious about it. Might as well listen to what he has to say.
"Fine, I'll hear you out."
"Thanks."
James smiled in relief and nodded at me.
"Follow me, then."
He started walking ahead, and I naturally followed behind.
But then—
"—!!"
The rural path was still rough and unpaved. The uneven dirt nearly made me slip,
"Watch out!"
James quickly grabbed my hand, saving me from a fall.
"...Th-thanks."
"The path here's pretty bumpy and slippery. Let's be careful."
He said it casually, like it was no big deal, but my hand was still in his.
"..."
The natural continuation felt even more awkward somehow.
This... is real, isn't it?
I followed slowly, hand in hand with him. But my mind grew more complicated by the second.
For some reason, my heart was pounding—visibly fast, probably from the shock of almost falling.
But why me?
We'd only known each other for half a day... and there hadn't been any signs of this?
I don't get it...
Actually, there was one possibility.
No way... is it because of that?
I discreetly opened my status window to check my traits. The one that stood out was, of course...
Demonic Charm.
It seduces others, right?
Did I unintentionally seduce him or something? Is there any other explanation for this situation?
If that's really it... hmm, kinda feels bad...
I didn't mean to, but I'd end up hurting a kid's feelings. Even if I turn him down... I guess I'd have to... comfort him gently, minimize the damage?
......
Lost in thought as we walked, the sun was already on the verge of setting. The sky, still tinged red, was slowly darkening.
That's when James stopped.
"We're here."
We'd arrived at a small hill near Eggnew Village. The red sunset glow swept across it now, making for a decent view... but at night, it probably offered a beautiful moonlit vista.
"This place..."
A strange flutter passed through me. It felt like a spot where lovers might secretly meet.
...No way, is he really about to confess now?
Of course... I'd refuse, but experiencing something like this wasn't so bad in itself. An inexplicable anticipation bloomed inside me, my heart racing. My fingertips tingled for no reason.
But—
Contrary to my thoughts, James stepped back—one step, two... putting distance between us.
"...?"
A weird vibe started to fill the air, and James, now stopped, spoke lowly.
"...Sorry, Teresa."
Those few words sent chills racing down my spine.
"James..."
Three large shadows appeared soon after, answering for him.
"Heh heh, heh heh heh heh..."
It was Marco and his gang.
"..."
"Man, Teresa... you have no idea how long I've waited for this day."
Only then did it all click. James hadn't brought me here to confess...
He'd done it on Marco's request—to lure me into a trap.
...Annoying.
A part of my chest caved in. I had no idea what I'd been expecting when I followed him... but it sure wasn't this.
Not that I wanted to admit it, but... I'd kinda been looking forward to it, gotten a little excited.
The fact that he'd crushed that expectation and toyed with me like this ignited fury deep in my bones. A clear disgust welled up inside.
"...You guys planned this?"
"Sharp as ever... not that it's a compliment."
Marco smirked unpleasantly, lips curled high.
"How's this spot? Nice, right? We knew harvest season for Lumeberries was coming up, so kids would come picking around here. Scoped it out days ago. Close to the village, but few people pass by. Even if you scream your lungs out, no one'll hear. Meaning... whatever happens here stays secret. No one's coming to save you."
The sun had nearly set by now. Dark shadows swallowed the greenery as a chill wind blew.
"So... what do you plan to do with me?"
"Don't worry too much. We'll just rough you up enough that you'll never defy me again."
His cronies pulled out clubs and tools from who-knows-where.
"Course... it'll get a bit rough in the process."
"How about breaking an arm?"
"Sounds good."
What a joke. Luring someone to a creepy spot like this, and all they can think of is breaking an arm?
Pathetic.
Right now, I'd rather break all their limbs myself.
But then, James suddenly stepped in front of Marco, speaking urgently.
"Wait, this isn't what we agreed! We said no serious harm—just scare her a bit, right?"
"Shut up and watch from the back."
As Marco ignored him and advanced on me, James blocked him again.
"I didn't agree to this! If you go too far... I'll tell the nuns everything."
Marco scoffed, shoved James aside irritably, and got right in his face.
"You're such a naive idiot. You think luring a girl out here was just for a threat? If you believed that, you're dumber than I thought..."
"Urk...!"
James staggered back. Marco didn't stop—he grabbed his collar.
"But that's not it, is it?"
The size difference made it easy; James's body lifted into the air, feet kicking futilely. Marco's grip choked him, gasps and gurgles escaping his throat.
"You knew. You just closed your eyes to the truth. And now you feel guilty? Huh? Too bad—it's too late!"
He released roughly, slamming James to the ground.
"...Hah, haaack!"
Ragged breaths burst from him.
"Think it over. Pick a side. Acting good now changes nothing. Just adds another victim."
James lay there, head bowed in pain, catching his breath and wrestling with himself. For a moment, he seemed pitiful, so I shook my head and looked away.
Soon, he slowly rose and spoke lowly.
"...Fine. I won't tell the nuns... so give back the 'flower' you took, like we agreed."
"Good."
Marco pulled out a small pot with a single white flower.
"Here."
James checked it and approached cautiously. But as he reached for it—
"!?"
Marco gripped the pot and hurled it down the hill toward the forest.
"Nooo!!!"
"Hahaha! Stupid idiot! The moment you brought her here, you were our accomplice! And you threaten us!?"
James's scream echoed; Marco's gang's nasty laughter overlapped it.
"!!!"
James bolted down the hill after the flower.
Marco and his crew watched, laughing endlessly.
...
And while they mocked him, distracted...
I quietly approached Marco and drove a straight punch right into his face.