"Honestly... how am I supposed to be cautious of such a silly, adorable creature?"
Raine muttered as he sat at the edge of the bed, staring at his empty hand — the one she had once touched.
A faint, bitter smile curved his lips as he slowly shook his head.
When I first woke up here... I was confused. Anxious. Everything around me felt unfamiliar. I didn't understand anything, and I had no idea who I could trust.
I was cautious... even of her.
He chuckled quietly to himself.
"She's so small... she barely reaches my chest."
He leaned his chin into his palm, lost in thought.
She acted strangely — moving so silently, as if afraid to make a sound — placing food and sweets for me, then watching from afar.
Honestly, I think she was more nervous than I was.
And the first time I spoke to her...
He lifted his gaze to the window, as if the memories were replaying before his eyes.
Back then, he had said: "I guess everyone will be pretty shaken after I disappeared... I wonder how Crown Prince Leonard will react?"
She had stood before him, hands clasped tightly against her chest, saying nothing.
She simply lowered her head, clutched at her hand as if scolding herself... as if silently saying, "I know... but I don't want to..."
Suddenly, she looked at him — eyes clouded with hesitation — and after a brief, trembling sigh, she stepped forward...
and hugged him.
He had been stunned, unsure why, but somehow, an unfamiliar peace had seeped into him.
Her small hands gently patted his back, as if reassuring him that everything would be alright — even if it wasn't.
---
Even later... when I refused to eat the food she brought, I thought she would just give up and walk away, like usual.
But she didn't.
She stood there for a few seconds, staring at the plate in her hands, then began pacing back and forth — clearly trying to devise some genius plan.
Raine watched her silently, raising an eyebrow in bewilderment.
Then, suddenly... she stopped.
As if she'd made some huge, life-altering decision.
She walked towards him cautiously... and sat down — right on his lap.
Her light frame, barely heavier than a winter coat, tried earnestly to pin him down.
Then... she lifted the small spoon and brought it towards his mouth.
Raine widened his eyes, speechless for a moment, then thought:
Is she really trying to force-feed me... like this?
He turned his face away stubbornly, refusing to cooperate.
But her hand didn't waver. She remained determined.
When he didn't open his mouth, she gave him a look of pure challenge, raised her other hand... and gently, almost comically, pried his mouth open with the tiniest bit of force — but unmistakable intent.
In that moment... he realized something.
This tiny creature, barely reaching his shoulder, weighing less than a heavy coat... was sitting on him, seriously trying to overpower him.
And for some reason...
he couldn't bring himself to resist.
He silently swallowed the food, his eyes locked onto hers, watching her focus intently on the next spoonful.
"Do you even realize how ridiculous you look right now?"
he muttered under his breath... but he didn't push her away.
...
Who is she? And why does she treat me like this...?
Honestly...
I'm not even sure anymore if I want to know the answer.
At this point...
I'm more afraid she'll suddenly disappear — just as mysteriously as she appeared.