The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 30
Having read the book, I knew what his answer would be.
Caught off guard by my question, Hedonia blinked and then bit his lip.
“It’s not like I have.”
His voice was faint, as if he was revealing a secret he didn’t want me to know, yet it was clear as if he spoke right beside me.
“Then, we’re equals.”
“What?”
I moved closer to him, smiling and whispered.
“It means we have one more thing in common now.”
The reason I resorted to flattery, which I normally don’t use, was simple.
Today, Hedonia had purely suggested a kiss for my sake, and I had refused due to my lack of immunity to handsome people and lack of experience with kissing.
I didn’t want him to feel bad about it.
“I’m thankful you came for me today. The problem is, I’m far more of a novice than I thought.”
I modestly downplayed myself while continuously expressing gratitude for what Hedonia had done for me today.
“I’ll make sure to repay your kindness later.”
His face softened at my words, reminding me again of a cat.
“Then, give me your hand.”
I quickly placed my hand on Hedonia’s palm.
Up close, I could see Hedonia’s bare skin through the soft pajamas.
His skin was so white, as if it had never known sunlight, and delicate veins were visible.
Hedonia’s long fingers wrapped around my hand.
Despite being quite thin, his hand significantly surpassed the size of mine.
It was a moment that gave me a slight indication of what his physique might be like later on.
“Try interlocking our fingers.”
Following his instruction, I moved my fingers.
The warmth from each contact was unfamiliar, bringing back a sense of tension.
The problem wasn’t the kiss.
The real issue was that the other person was Hedonia.
“Interlocking fingers helps transmit your energy better. If a kiss is difficult, don’t just hold hands—interlock your fingers and press palm to palm as much as possible.”
Hearing Hedonia’s earnest words, I refocused my mind.
And at the same time, I felt sad.
‘No, really? Not even 1% personal interest in me?’
Hedonia’s demeanor as he continued the conversation resembled that of a passionate scholar.
Moreover, his gaze was solely fixed on the subject at hand—our hands.
“Understood.”
I moved my lips slowly.
“Find something to focus your gaze on at this moment. Concentrating will make it easier to control the power within you. You really, really need to concentrate.”
Listening to him, I realized.
My more important task than understanding the theory was maintaining my composure in front of Hedonia.
I had to become a Buddha, who could accept these disinterested touches and even kisses with equanimity.
For the sake of my future life.
‘How can I do it?’
Just self-brainwashing wasn’t going to cut it.
‘There’s only one way.’
It seems I’ll have to make an effort to become more accustomed to Hedonia’s face for the time being.
‘I’ll have to look at him diligently every day.’
Maintaining minimal distance is postponed for now.
Until I become accustomed to this face.
As a test, I stared intently at Hedonia.
His platinum-blonde hair cascaded down like a waterfall. Through it, his slender eyes appeared elegant, as if drawn with a brush.
‘Someday that day will come.’
I had to get used to it.
The problem is that everyone else might start to look too plain in comparison…
But that’s a side effect I’ll have to accept.
The current issue is more pressing.
‘I just need to get used to him.’
At first, I might overreact and try to find meaning in every word and action of Hedonia, but once he becomes familiar, it’ll be no different than dealing with a friend.
Esban was also extremely handsome, but I wasn’t affected in his presence, was I?
It’s just because Hedonia is such an exceptional beauty.
How unfair.
Internally crying, I carefully withdrew my hand.
“I should be going now.”
Today’s heart attacks was enough. But Hedonia, who got up to follow me, stood beside me and lightly tapped my forearm.
“What’s the matter?”
“Make sure you review what you’ve learned. We can’t proceed slowly. We’ll kiss in a week.”
“In a week?”
“Or should we do it tomorrow?”
“No, no! A week is good! A week!”
Having such an enthusiastic teacher is also a crime. Worried he might change his mind, I quickly nodded.
Hedonia’s furrowed brow relaxed as he smiled satisfactorily.
“Then, it’s a week from now.”
It was a night filled with concerns on how to handle this relentless, purely disinterested teacher.