Chapter 46

“Hetiron,” Ploca said.

Hetiron shed a short moan.

<> he thought.

“Hetiron, please?” she prompted.

Ploca laid her hand over Hetiron’s. Their warmth was very close. It was hot. They could feel each other’s breaths vividly.

Hetiron messed up his hair. <> he wondered. With that sudden thought, he felt dizzy. He wanted to say no. But…

“Look at me, Hetiron,” Ploca said.

“…”

“Hetiron. Please look at me.”

<> he asked himself. His face was still red. Hetiron put his hands down slowly.

<> he thought.

Even the first day when he met her, he could not leave her. When he thought back, he always was unable to leave her. <> he wondered.

Hetiron sat down as if his legs felt weak.

“…Ploca.”

“Yes, Hetiron.”

Their breath hovered in their mouths and then burst out. Her name being called with a warm breath made her tremble.

“Ploca…”

“Hetiron.”

Ploca sat down and touched his hair. <> she thought. She smiled.

Hetiron breathed out slowly. It took a little longer to admit it.

In fact, looking back, his mind had always been in the same place. It was why he had never been interested in other women, and why he hadn’t considered marriage after he passed the marriageable age. It was why he had to answer her voice right away, why he asked her to go with him without hesitation, why he couldn’t give her enough.

He knew well she was only ever looking at him. So, he wanted to be with her. He wanted to feed her something delicious. He always wanted to take her somewhere good, always, together. By now, he was not sure if he started these feelings first or if she did.

<> he thought to himself, soothing himself—

“Hetiron,” Ploca said.

—he was swept away by her voice. He was taken helplessly. He could not help it.

“Ploca.”

Hetiron looked down at Ploca and laughed, his cheeks red. Ploca held his cheeks with her hands. They were small hands. He slowly bowed his head. Their foreheads were touching.

“Thank you,” she whispered into his ear. It was the truth.

“Me, too. Thank you,” Hetiron whispered. <> he wondered.

From that day, the world became brighter. It was brighter than sunshine. He knew if he could draw happiness from the world, it would be like this.

Ploca laughed every day. It was a small house, but she was satisfied and excited every day with Hetiron. Hetiron remained considerate. Every touch was thoughtful. When he kissed her, he stroked her back several times as if he was comforting her. He combed her hair with his warm hand. He whispered that he loved her with a soft voice.