Chapter 100

The atmosphere abruptly shifted from heated passion to an awkward silence. Gazelle and Felix stared at me with stunned expressions, while I also tilted my head, reflecting on our earlier conversation. Right, I had talked about the return ritual, which must have sounded like I was excited to return to my original world. That’s a miscommunication on my part!

“Sorry for the misunderstanding earlier,” I apologized. “I never intended to return to my original world.”

Gazelle and Felix seemed to digest this new information. The misunderstanding was clear now; they thought I wanted to go back along with Haruka-chan. Realizing I hadn’t clearly expressed my feelings to them, it made sense why they reacted so strongly, their actions driven by their fears of losing me.

“When Audley almost forced himself on me today… I was more than scared; I was disgusted. The thought of being touched by someone other than you two… And the fear of being trapped there, never seeing you both again, that was the worst part,” I confessed.

Gazelle tightened his embrace around me, and Felix, holding my right hand, gently stroked the back of it. I looked up, feeling a bit embarrassed but determined to speak my truth.

“I hated that moment, but it made me realize something. Like you both said… I want to stay in this world and live with both of you.”

Gazelle inhaled sharply behind me, and Felix looked at me, his face a mixture of disbelief and hope.

“Are you sure? You’ll never see your family in the other world again,” Felix asked, his voice tinged with concern.

“I never really expected to return. And I think, in my original world, I’m probably considered dead,” I replied solemnly.

“I’m sorry for not responding to your confessions sooner. It took me until today to figure out my answer. Is it too late now?”

My body suddenly flipped around, repositioned by Gazelle, who now showered my face with kisses – on my forehead, cheeks, eyes, and nose.

“Ah, Gazelle…”

“I’m so happy, Takumi! You finally made up your mind…!”

Gazelle’s joy was palpable as he gently cradled my cheeks and planted a kiss on my lips. Seeing him so elated, a natural smile spread across my face.

“Hehe, that tickles, Gazelle.”

“Ah… I’m just so happy. Happiest day of my life… I swear to make you happy.”

I blushed under Gazelle’s kisses, then stretched to kiss him back.

“I’m already very happy. And I’ll do my best to make you happy too, Gazelle.”

“Takumi…”

Gazelle’s voice trembled with emotion as he embraced me again, but his arms missed their target. Felix had swiftly moved in, scooping me into his arms instead. Now face-to-face with Felix, I saw Gazelle’s confused look.

“Hey, Felix?”

“Allow me my moment of joy, Commander Gazelle. Ahem! Takumi… I’m still struggling to believe this is real… You’ve truly decided to stay in this world?”

“Yes.”

I nodded firmly, and Felix’s face crumpled into a tearful smile.

“Thank you. Thank you so much…”

Felix held my hand against his forehead, a gesture of deep gratitude.

“Felix, you don’t need to thank me. I chose to be with you and Gazelle. Please don’t think of it as an obligation.”

“You’re truly noble. I will do everything to ensure you live happily and healthily in this world.”

Felix’s kiss on my hand was tender, like a knight vowing his allegiance. His tears dropped onto my fingers. After he pulled back, I moved from sitting to kneeling, cupping his cheeks and leaning in to gently press my lips against his. It was a soft kiss, but Felix shivered as if struck by lightning.

“Heh… Mm!?”

I was exchanging light kisses with Felix when I suddenly became aware of something pressing against my thigh. Startled, I pulled back abruptly.

“Wait… Felix, why are you… aroused?”

“Oh, sorry. I got excited from your kiss.”

“Um…”

I hesitated, unsure whether to look at Felix’s obvious arousal. As I contemplated, I felt Gazelle’s touch on my back. I didn’t need to look to know it was him.

“I’m in the same situation, Takumi.”

“What?”

“I can’t help it. After everything earlier, I’m at my limit. That’s okay, right?”

“Ah, Gazelle, but… um…”

Before I could finish, Felix pulled me into another passionate kiss, his hot tongue intertwining with mine. My mind buzzed, my thoughts blurred by the intensity of the kiss.

“Ah, Felix…”

While I was lost in Felix’s kiss, I felt a soft touch on my shoulder. A glimpse revealed the wine-red tips of Gazelle’s hair as he left kisses and possibly marks on my back and shoulders. When Felix finally broke the kiss, I quickly turned to Gazelle.

“Gazelle! If you leave marks… that’s… um…”

“Worried about being seen in the communal baths? So what? We’re officially lovers now. Nothing to be ashamed of, right?”

“But still…!”

Gazelle’s suggestion that I move from the dormitory to this house and avoid the knight squadron’s baths altogether caught me off guard. Felix nodded in agreement with a serious expression.

“Yes, I’ve been thinking… now that we’re officially together, I’d like you to move here from the dormitory. The reason is…”

Felix hesitated, seeming embarrassed. Curious, I waited for him to continue.

“I feel ashamed to admit it, but… I don’t like the idea of you using the communal baths. I know no one would behave inappropriately, but you’re somewhat vulnerable, and it worries me. And, to be honest, I don’t want others to see your naked body…”

“Wait, what?” I was perplexed. “Have I been using the baths improperly?”

“No, it’s not about your manners. It’s just… I don’t like others seeing you that way.”

I was taken aback by Felix’s unexpectedly possessive concern. It was surprising to realize he had been feeling this way.

Felix’s confession, revealing his concerns about my vulnerability and reluctance to have others see me in such a personal state, took me by surprise. It was a side of Felix I hadn’t fully realized before – his protective nature and perhaps a hint of jealousy.

“Really, Felix? You’ve been worried about that?”

“Yes, I suppose it’s a bit possessive of me. But I can’t help but feel protective of you, especially in places like the communal baths. It’s not that I don’t trust the others, but… I just don’t like the idea of them seeing you that way.”

I was touched by his concern, though a bit amused by the unexpected possessiveness. It was clear both Gazelle and Felix cared deeply, each in their own way.

“Okay, I understand. And moving here might not be a bad idea. It’s closer to where we usually hang out, and well, it’d be nice to wake up to you both every day.”

Their faces lit up at my response, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging. The thought of living with them, sharing our lives more closely, filled me with a warmth I hadn’t fully anticipated. It was a new chapter for us, one I was ready to embrace.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll move in here. But let’s make sure we respect each other’s space, okay?”

“We promise, Takumi,” Gazelle replied, his voice filled with warmth.

“Absolutely,” Felix added, a soft smile gracing his features.

The conversation shifted the atmosphere from the intense passion earlier to a more tender and domestic one. It was a comforting feeling, knowing I was loved and wanted, and that I had a place where I truly belonged.

Felix’s explanation of his feelings and Gazelle’s similar sentiment highlighted their protective and somewhat possessive attitudes. It was a little surprising yet endearing to realize how deeply they cared about me.

“Uh, I guess I can understand where you’re both coming from,” I said, feeling a mix of amusement and warmth at their concern. “If roles were reversed, I’d probably feel the same way.”

“Right? I actually debated putting you in my own room when you first joined,” Gazelle admitted with a chuckle.

“And I would have vehemently objected to that,” Felix added, giving Gazelle a stern look.

“Anyway, now that we’re all officially together and living here, we don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Gazelle concluded with a satisfied nod.

“Yeah, it’s a relief,” Felix agreed.

Gazelle then pulled me closer, smiling mischievously, and began to leave more marks on my shoulder with greater intensity than before. The mix of pain and pleasure sent a shiver through my body.

“Hey, Gazelle, that’s… Ah!”

Felix, not wanting to be outdone, also started leaving his marks on my neck, collarbone, and chest. Gazelle responded by marking my shoulder blades and nape. The ticklish, sweet-sour sensation made my breath quicken.

“Ah… Oh… Hmm…”

When Gazelle and Felix finally looked up, satisfied with their handiwork, my body was covered in kiss marks. I couldn’t see my back, but I was sure it was just as marked as the rest of me.

“It’s nice to know we can freely leave marks on you like this,” Felix said with a soft smile, clearly pleased.