The days slipped by faster than either of them realized.
Sana's wounds began to heal—slowly, quietly…
all because of Alice.
Day after day,
he remained by her side,
from the stillness of morning
to the hush of fading nights.
There were moments
when he would simply watch her in silence,
as if afraid that even a single word
might break the fragile peace between them.
And somehow, without noticing,
his world had begun to revolve around her.
[She really trusts me…]
[And somehow… that alone makes my heart race.]
They spent their days in the simplest ways—
playing games, teasing each other,
laughing over things that didn't even matter.
Moments so small…
yet strangely warm.
And before either of them realized—
a week had already slipped away.
Lata never came back.
It was strange…
but Sana found that he couldn't bring himself to care anymore.
Because being with Alice…
was already more than enough.
On the day he was finally discharged,
Alice stood waiting beside him at the reception desk.
She smiled softly—
and without hesitation, took his hand.
"So… you don't have anywhere to stay?"
Sana looked away, his voice quiet.
"…Yeah. But I don't want to trouble you."
Alice tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Then just work for me."
Her fingers tightened slightly around his hand.
"You can live with me."
Sana froze, his face turning red.
"R-Really? But your father—"
Alice gently raised a finger…
and pressed it softly against his lips.
"Shhh."
He went completely still.
Blushing. Silent.
She leaned closer, her voice lowering into a teasing whisper.
"He doesn't live with me."
Sana swallowed nervously.
"So that means… I'll be living with you like…"
Alice tightened her grip.
"Yeah… like a husband and—"
She suddenly stopped, her face burning.
"I-I mean! Like an employee! Don't misunderstand!"
Before she could recover—
Sana pulled her into a hug.
"You're such a tsundere."
Alice puffed her cheeks, turning away.
"I'm NOT a tsundere…"
Sana smiled softly.
[She really hasn't changed…]
[Still so cute.]
But that side of Alice…
It was only for him.
The darker part of her—
the one she carefully buried—
never surfaced.
Because she was afraid.
Afraid that if he saw it…
he might fear her.
Or worse—
Hate her.
Sana spoke gently,
"So… what kind of job is it?"
[I should make her smile…]
Alice smiled in return.
But this time—
Something felt… off.
"Come to my house first."
Her voice dropped—
just slightly.
Cold.
Almost… eerie.
"You'll find out."
A quiet laugh escaped her lips—
as if she couldn't hold it in.
A chill ran down Sana's spine.
And yet—
He smiled.
[Maybe… I'm a little crazy too.]
Alice blinked, surprised.
"You're smiling a lot today…"
She stepped closer.
"Did I really make you that happy?"
Closer.
Closer still—
Close enough to hear his heartbeat.
The distance between them disappeared.
And his heart—
Raced uncontrollably.
His face burned red.
Alice watched him—
Completely captivated.
Enjoying every second.
People nearby began to notice.
"Hey! Get a room! Stop flirting in public!"
Alice froze.
Her face instantly turned bright red.
Without another word—
The two quickly hurried out of the building.
Silence followed.
Awkward…
but warm.