After returning from the two-day vacation, Savier's mood for the whole week was better than it had ever been. Although some problems came up on school reports, this did not dampen his spirit.
"If I like them... maybe I'll try."
His answer was not an outright rejection this time, although it was not yet positive; there had been significant improvements.
Why was he happy when technically this was not about him? Of course, Savier was happier with the fact that Rylan was beginning to try than not at all. And that he was open to the possibility of liking someone in the future.
Savier... would try hard to be that person, even if his chance was close to zero.
It was unfortunate that he had a hectic month, and he would not be able to sneak time to have a getaway vacation together with Rylan anytime soon.
"You're in love?" A certain Sunday afternoon, the villa once again welcomed an uninvited guest, Arle.
Savier immediately frowned, looked at Rylan, who stood at his side, and then at Arle.
"Where did you get the news?" Savier thought of his friends. Did those bastards spread them?
"Oh, is it true?" Arle, the ever gossip monger, quickly smiled, and eyes practically shining, and sat beside Savier.
The corners of Savier's lips twitched. Would he have needed to feel grateful that Arle was preoccupied with this topic, that he barely noticed Rylan?
"Who said it to you?" Not answering directly, he continued to ask this question.
Arle pouted and rolled his eyes, annoyed.
"No one."
Savier glanced at Rylan again, who remained standing and had his gaze on the floor. He licked his lips, then gently responded. If Rylan were not here, the curses leaving his mouth were already a dozen by now.
But he was wary of Rylan's presence, so he was careful with his words.
"Why did you assume, then?" Savier massaged his temple and thought of calling his parents to forbid Arle from visiting unannounced.
"Well," Arle crossed his arms and then leaned his back, leisurely crossing his legs as well. "I heard you used your yacht last time... and even spent a couple of days at your beach house."
At this, Savier noticed Rylan also paid attention. He immediately felt nervous.
Damn, Arle.
Savier tried to brush it off with a chuckle. "It's mine, what's wrong with using it?"
This was so true that Arle would find it hard to refute. Simply using yacht would not magically mean Savier was in love, which he was, but Arle did not know that.
Arle intently stared at him, and as he did so, his eyes happened to glance at the side where Rylan stood. He blinked, then narrowed his eyes, trying to recognize the man further.
Oh, shoot. Savier coughed and tried to divert Arle's attention again. He was successful but also too late.
"Wait..." Arle pointed at Rylan and then back at Savier, eyeing him meaningfully.
Savier maintained his composure, meeting his eyes confidently. Inside of him, he was already distraught about what Arle might start here.
Arle stared at him and slowly smiled.
Fuck! Savier's jaw ticked, and his throat bobbed. He wanted to maintain his calm but...
"Ah, hello..." Arle looked at Rylan and smiled sweetly, appearing like the noble and beautiful omega. "You're my brother's..." he paused, and Savier's temple throbbed. "...personal bodyguard, right?"
Savier's gaze became intense, staring at Arle, but it had no effect; the omega did not even look at his way.
Rylan nodded and bowed lightly in respect. "Yes, Your Highness."
Arle pretended to nod gracefully under Savier's glare, which he enjoyed. "I recall your name is... Rylan Wever. I got it right?"
Rylan seemed surprised and nodded again. "Yes, it's my name, Your Highness."
What are you on, Arle?
Arle giggled, and his eyes narrowed into a slit. "You're so polite, Mr. Rylan? Also..." he glanced at Savier's side before adding, "As I've heard... a very attractive alpha."
Savier's heart skipped a beat, and his hands subconsciously clasped each other. It was a miracle he maintained his calm and silence watching this farce, Arle started.
However, he agreed with his statement. IT was only that, he did not know what his plan was.
Rylan looked awkward, being praised by his superior. He gave a glance at Savier's side as if asking for help, then answered. "Thank you for your praise."
Arle appeared amused and laughed.
Savier frowned at this time. He noticed Rylan was already uncomfortable; he had no choice but to speak.
"Arle, enough," he called, then shook his head, chiding his playful twin.
His antics were always overlooked in the family being the sweetheart and treasured omega, and so he grew up spoiled. He was naturally mischievous, but Savier would not let this slide if he wanted to play Rylan a fool.
Arle's brows went up, his lips still curled into a smirk. He did not look offended by Savier's obvious reprimand.
"Why? Little bro... am I doing something wrong?" Arle pouted, sounding so pitiful.
Savier's brows furrowed. Arle was not doing anything, but he looked as if he was about to. Rylan was also uncomfortable, and he felt like he had to do something about it.
When he was about to open his mouth, Arle spoke softly.
"Mr. Rylan, are you dating someone?"
Rylan visibly stiffened.
Savier's jaw clenched, and his face turned dark. "Arle!" He called, harsher than he intended.
Arle was shocked, and so was Rylan.
"What?" Arle's smile dropped, and he frowned at Savier.
"Stop being rude."
"Huh?" Arle was confused. "I'm only asking if he's dating someone. What's rude about it?"
"That's the point! You're asking an uncomfortable question."
Savier's voice became louder as well. He had become perceptive with Rylan's reactions that he immediately knew that Arle's questioning made him too uncomfortable, but as Arle was a prince and his superior, he would not say this outright.
Sure, Arle might only be saying or asking simple questions and was not very invasive, but Rylan was not used to such situations. He was rigid, almost to making him a textbook royal guard, but that did not mean Savier would let this go on.
It took Savier 3 months to just make their distance grow a little bit closer and talk with him casually, which showed how hard it was to break Rylan's walls to himself.
Yet, this could not be blamed too much on Arle, who was familiar with social people. Savier admitted that he also found it hard to adapt to Rylan's demeanor the first time.
"Arle," Savier kept his temper in check, and his voice was now lower. "Apologize."