Happiness Is Always Beside You

Christmas had come and gone. The academy was on break, and the end of the year was fast approaching. Just two days ago, Bianca had gone to Comic Fest with Carlyle, and now she was finally catching up with her friend Shasha Noah. They sat in a café, chatting for hours, until it was time to part ways.

"That was fun, Shasha."

"Oh, totally. For busy Miss Bianca to invite me? What an honor."

"What kind of talk is that..."

Shasha wore a mischievous grin.

"Well then, Bianca." Shasha leaned in and whispered softly in her ear, putting Bianca in a tough spot. "Why don't you try playing hard to get with your darling husband for once?"

Bianca's face flushed crimson in an instant. She stammered, trying to come up with a retort, but Shasha was already sticking out her tongue with a bleh and scampering off.

"See ya next time~!"

Bianca could only let out a hollow laugh at the sight of her waving energetically as she disappeared into the distance.

What a handful...

Still, it had been refreshing to hang out with Shasha outside after so long. That little tease must have been her version of girl talk. Hours in a café, sharing stories just between women—makeup tips, outfit ideas. Topics Bianca hadn't cared much for before, but becoming a girl had changed that. They'd started as ways to catch Carlyle's eye, but surprisingly, they suited her.

How's things with Emily...?

Eh, not yet.

They'd talked about Emily too. Things were still a bit awkward with her, but that was to be expected. From Emily's perspective, her longtime crush and her friend were now dating—it was understandable. But their relationship wasn't at a standstill either.

Actually, the day before the winter break ceremony, we had lunch together.

Oh, really...?

Nothing major. Just catching up on life, college plans, and stories about their mutual friend Shasha Noah.

She's been moping about feeling lonely lately—little things like that.

It had been more enjoyable than expected.

Eek, that's mean...

The really important topic—the one too hard to bring up—had been deftly skirted. But one thing was clear: Emily didn't hate her. She was sorting out her feelings.

If she hated me from the start...

She wouldn't have passed that letter to Carlyle. Even back then, Emily had helped her out.

By graduation, once she's had time to process... maybe the three of us can hang out again.

Like before. Shasha, her, and Emily.

The conversation lightened up after that.

Fr, Bianca. I'm so lonely these days...

Bianca chuckled awkwardly at her adorable friend's lament about sudden winter loneliness and why she couldn't land a guy despite being so cute.

How's Carlyle Schultz? What'd you two do on Christmas Eve...?

Bianca's cheeks tinted pink at that. They'd gone to Comic Fest. It felt like any other date—browsing cosplayers, checking out stalls—but what stuck with her was that passionate night. They'd even done cosplay. Magical girl style...

Eh, whatever. I can guess.

Shasha tsk-tsked her tongue, and Bianca's face burned as she looked around for somewhere to hide her gaze.

Shasha fancied herself a romance theory expert, so Bianca heard all sorts of intriguing new perspectives.

You gotta do some push-pull, Bianca! Don't show him you like him too much. Women have to stay in control in love.

I-is that so...?

On the way home, Bianca mulled over Shasha's words.

You've never fought even once...? No way, that's a lie...

Nope, for real. Not even once.

Carlyle was so sweet and understanding. And honestly, Bianca was so smitten she didn't know what to do with herself. The closest they'd come to a fight was this:

Carlyle came by every day after his part-time job at the bar. Bianca worried it was too much for him, so she'd told him he didn't have to come every single day. But he pretended not to hear.

Bianca had grumbled it once, a bit sulkily. But Carlyle's response?

She didn't dislike it at all. Honestly, she loved it. Bianca had nothing left to say.

After that, the mood heated up. A slow kiss led to them clutching each other's clothes and tumbling into the bedroom. Was that a fight?

It got a bit more passionate after...

Bianca's face heated up; she couldn't bring herself to say it aloud. Too embarrassing.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Hmm, that's weird...? She'd heard couples fight a lot early on. It didn't match Shasha's words, but Bianca had her own thoughts.

Should I try what Shasha said...?

According to Shasha, showing too much affection made you less appealing. You had to push-pull sometimes to keep the spark; smooth sailing could lead to boredom.

Lovers need that tension to stay good.

Shasha seemed so smugly enlightened. Bianca nodded along—why she couldn't get a boyfriend herself wasn't the point. But imagining Carlyle getting bored? That hit serious.

Try it starting today. I'm right, trust me.

Fine, okay.

It seemed iffy, but persuasive. No reason not to if it worked. She always wanted to stay attractive to Carlyle Schultz.

Yeah, let's do it.

Bianca Shama resolved: play hard to get today. Tell Carlyle not to come after work? Delay texts?

But I hate both... Hmm, what to do?

As she pondered, she reached home. Reaching for the door, arms wrapped around her from behind.

"Where've you been, Bianca?"

Carlyle Schultz's voice. Her petite frame was enveloped in his broad chest. His fresh scent, cool and comforting. Startled at first, her heart quickly settled.

"C-Carlyle...?"

Recognizing his embrace made it feel good for no reason, her mind going blank like an idiot.

P-play hard to get...

She'd decided, agonized over it—but his low timbre froze her thoughts.

"No answer...?"

A large hand gently pressed her forehead. His arm around her waist pulled her closer.

"No fever. Doesn't seem like a cold."

Worried golden eyes. Carlyle Schultz's concern, his scent, his warmth—all directed at her. Bianca turned into a fool. A lovesick fool.

Done ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠for. Can't do it.

Her rational side knew it. Inevitably, she clung to him without thinking. Rubbing her soft hair against his chest, she gazed up at his golden eyes with longing.

Shasha's words about him tiring of her? She brushed them off as her quirky friend being quirky. But Carlyle was just too lovable.

"I like you. Love you."

You know my heart, right? So don't ever get tired of me.

If this were a manga panel, her eyes would surely have hearts.

Yeah, probably.

Otaku Bianca imagined it and realized she was beyond saving.

"I hung out with Shasha."

"Ah, Shasha...?"

He wondered why Bianca suddenly seemed cuter—then got it. That quirky girl must've said something weird. Carlyle paused, then chuckled.

He brushed her soft auburn waves aside, pressing his lips to her exposed pretty forehead.

Seizing the moment. "I'd rather hear you say you love me."

Her immediate reply: "Yeah, I love you. Love you so much, you idiot Carlyle."

She squeezed her eyes shut, wrapping her arms around him in a spoiled hug. Hearing about Shasha, Carlyle chuckled again.

"You're the queen of playing hard to get, Bianca."

"Huh? Me...?"

Impossible to resist. She was too cute; Carlyle felt like he might lose it.

"I've never..."

"You're doing it right now."

Like a prim cat feigning innocence.

"Always enchanting him while pretending not to know—that's push-pull."

"Wh-what?! When did I ever enchant...!"

Her face pinkened as she turned away. Then, a bit shyly: "But why're you here so early...?"

Her pretty, clear voice prompted Carlyle's answer. "It was Christmas Eve eve, so they let us off quick. Let's head inside."

"Ah, yeah."

Letting Carlyle in was natural. No hesitation. The door clicked shut, and flames ignited. Lips met fiercely, clothes shed urgently.

"Why so cute today?"

"J-just for you..."

"For me, what...?"

"Not telling an idiot... Ah, mmph—"

The fool-for-each-other couple burned hot for a while.

Bianca checked her phone and clapped a hand over her mouth. A call from her parents—but the timing sucked. She hurriedly fixed her clothes, dashing to the mirror to check for anything off, any kiss marks.

First things first. Getting caught with Carlyle here—or mid-makeout—would be awkward.

Dad's probably there too...

Embarrassing. He still didn't know they were dating. Caught in one room with a guy? Trouble.

"Get your head on straight! Come home now!"

Something like that might drop. Bianca still felt indebted to her father. A healthy son suddenly becoming a daughter—he couldn't be thrilled.

"Who is it?"

"P-parents..."

So she shoved Carlyle out urgently. Out the door.

"Go somewhere else quick. It's a video call."

"Oh, video..."

Realizing the gravity, Carlyle looked flustered but obeyed, slipping out. His awkward shuffle was kinda cute, making her feel guilty for hiding him. I'm hopeless.

But she had to answer. Parents calling.

"Um, hello—"

She cleared her throat, checked the mirror once more, and picked up.

"Ah, Mom."

"Hey, sweetie. Long time no talk."

Her lively voice. Calling her "daughter" now felt natural. Bianca had once asked them to treat her as their daughter from now on, since she'd decided to live as a woman. Lately, they consciously used "Bianca" and "daughter."

"Doing well? Eating properly? Year-end, so I thought I'd check in."

"Ah, yes. I'm good."

Bianca smiled vaguely. Honestly, too good lately. Too good, lost in Carlyle, she'd neglected calling home. Sudden guilt.

"Sorry I haven't called. Been busy..."

"No worries, daughter." Mom paused. A beat of silence. Her subtle smile felt ominous. "You seem to be doing well. Oh, and how's your friend, that Carlyle boy?"

"Uh, y-yes...?"

Bianca panicked. No way. Had Mom noticed she was with Carlyle? How?! She frantically checked her clothes—nothing wrong. But that just confirmed it for Mom. Her slightly messy hair and flushed cheeks? Oblivious.

"What're you on about, dear?"

"Just a hunch."

Bickering parents. Mom already ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠knew about Carlyle. And that they were dating—she'd been told. Only Dad was in the dark.

"Anyway, Bianca." Mom, the household rank-one Emma Shama, had apparently subdued Dad. "That's why I called. You are coming home next week, right?"

"Yes, of course. Break's on, planning to spend year-end and New Year's at home."

"See you then, daughter. Stay healthy."

"You too."

The storm call ended as abruptly as it came.

"Bianca! Who's Carlyle?!"

Dad's voice seemed to echo, but she ignored it.

Sorry, Dad... Not brave enough yet...

Bianca was tempted. Bring Carlyle home...?

Handsome, solid guy. Dad might warm up after meeting him.

After mulling, she stepped out.

"Yeah, we should go."

Carlyle said after hearing it all.

"Gotta get your parents' approval anyway."

"Mm, still..."

Bianca bit her lip, hesitant. Guilty feelings.

"If you're uncomfortable, you don't have to..."

Probably not fun for him. Plus, worry.

"Dad's strict. Might upset you."

"I'm fine."

Carlyle smirked instead, leaving her stunned.

"Not gonna marry?"

Marriage. The word felt weird.

Carlyle drew near, embracing her soft body again.

"Right? I'll keep working for it."

Like going home for New Year's together. That's what he meant.

Bianca's heart raced, smile creeping up despite herself. She liked it, but admitting straight? Felt like losing. Petty urge to tease.

"Depends on how you do."

Keep it up—his chuckle followed.

See? Teasing again. It was second nature. But cute, so he let it slide.

"I'll do good... from now on."

Low voice, head tilting slightly. Eyes met, mood reignited. Gotta finish what they started. The young lovers in the room had unresolved passion.

"Nng... wait..."

Air heated up fast. All afternoon, distance zero. Practically one body, glued together. Peak honeymoon phase—natural. Only late evening did they finish.

Head on his broad chest, fidgeting fingers, Bianca murmured softly.

"I'm hungry..."

Cute whine, pure aegyo. Carlyle chuckled low, stroking her slender back with his big hand.

"What'll we eat then...?"

Just like this felt so peaceful. Breathing synced, heartbeats shared.

Mwah. He turned her head, kissed her forehead, and rose first.

"I'll make something."

"Ah, wait...!"

Cooking meant Bianca followed, legs wobbly.

"You can't cook."

Like, really can't!

"I can manage. For my girlfriend."

"No! You'll waste ingredients."

Bickering started.

"Can buy more."

"You got no talent...?"

Play-fighting, they headed to the kitchen.

"Ugh, seriously."

"It's not that bad...?"

"Yes it is, so just sit pretty?"

She had to cook. Apron on, shoving big Carlyle aside, Bianca started.

But it wouldn't go smoothly. Pink apron, naked underneath. That blatant, seductive bare back? Irresistible temptation. On purpose or oblivious?

"Bianca, hold up."

"...!"

Carlyle snatched her slim waist mid-veggie wash, kissing roughly. Lips trailed downward.

Bianca flushed, moaning soon.

"Ah, what... prepping dinner."

"Dinner more important than this?"

Something more urgent. Another hot session, then late dinner.

"Tiring, really..."

Started with her grumble.

"Sorry, for real."

His soothing tone, chuckles. Naturally shifted to cozy chatter.

"Hey, Carlyle. Heard early dating means lots of fights."

"Yeah? Who said?"

"Shasha told me."

"Not always."

"Right...?"

They might bicker over trivialities if living together, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠but not yet.

New Year's, greet Bianca's parents...

Carlyle's inner plan unknown to her.

"Wanna watch an anime?"

"Sure."

They did, cuddling sweetly. Bianca in his arms, him holding her. Glued as always.

Time slipped; chatter to soft snores. Confirming his lover asleep, Carlyle rose.

Lifted her light body to bed. Room more feminine now, cute touches. Cleared dolls, laid her gently. Naturally slid in beside.

Planning to stay; had before.

"...Night, Bianca."

Mumbling response, sleepy: "...Love you, Carlyle."

"Yeah, I know."

"...Y'know, I think I really love you."

"'Think'? ...?"

"...Dunno, me neither."

What a fun girl. Never boring. Now or ever.

Kissed forehead, hugged close, eyes shut. Exhausted, sleep came easy.

Happiness beside him. Smile lingered as the lovers slept in the warm year-end room.