♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Candy Coated Kisses（Byron）

Giles "We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate."
This year, Wysteria's Valentine's Day traditions are turned on their head!
Wysterian girls don't know what it's like to receive Valentine's chocolate from their special someone.
But you're about to discover it's sweeter than you could have ever dreamed.
…………
………
Byron "You are always on my mind.
Byron "I love you. These are my true feelings for you."
………
…………

（This is my first ever Valentine's Day like this.）

Whose candy coated kisses will make your heart melt?

Prologue：

I noticed a familiar figure up ahead, waiting outside my room...

The evening sky was clear overhead, and the stars were just beginning to sparkle.
As I headed back to my room, I gazed at the stars through the windows.

（It's finally Valentine's Day tomorrow.）

A small ache settled in my chest as I thought about it.
I couldn't help but recall what Giles had said to me.
It had been only a few days earlier.

〝Giles：This year we're holding cultural exchange events with many other nations on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles：We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate.〞
〝A great many visitors from surrounding nations were currently visiting Wysteria.〞
〝Since they were visiting right around the time of Valentine's Day,〞
〝Wysteria was holding cultural exchange events throughout the nation to take advantage of the opportunity.〞

〝（I get why we're having cultural exchange events and all, but—）〞

〝Jily：How come only men are allowed to give chocolate?〞
〝Giles：We have a lot of guests from other countries visiting.〞
〝Giles：In many of them, it is customary for only men to give chocolate on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles went on to explain that he wanted everyone in Wysteria to get a chance to experience other customs.〞
〝He felt that it would help deepen our relationships with the visitors from those nations.〞

〝（Okay, I guess that makes sense then.）〞

〝Jily：It will probably make them really happy, right?〞
〝Jily：Being in another country yet still being able to celebrate their own culture.〞
〝Giles：Yes. And naturally this rule will apply in the palace, too.〞
〝Giles's gaze sparkled with mischief as he went on.〞
〝Giles：I wonder who you'd like to receive chocolate from?〞
〝Jily：Geez, Giles!〞
〝I wrinkled my nose up at the teasing in his voice.〞
〝But I couldn't help thinking about my special someone.〞

（It's almost like this Valentine's will be more special somehow this year.）
（I wonder how it's going to go?）

I felt a sudden burst of excitement and anticipation as I continued down the corridor.

（Hang on a minute—）

I noticed a familiar figure up ahead, waiting outside my room...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆

Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Byron

Byron, Chapter 1：

Jily：Byron?
It was none other than Byron himself standing in front of my room.
He turned as I called his name, his expression gentling at the sight of me.
Byron：Are you still midway through your work?
Byron was visiting Wysteria to discuss some trade agreements,
and had been staying at the palace for a few days.
Jily：Yes. But I have time before my next meeting,
Jily：so I thought I'd come back to my room and take a break.
Jily：Is something the matter?
Byron：No, I just wanted to see you.
Jily：You did?
Byron：Well, I do have to go back to Stein tomorrow.
Byron：I thought it would be nice if I could find some time to spend with you before then.

（Ahh, I love all the little ways in which you show your love for me.）

Happiness filled me up at his words, and I smiled at him.
Jily：Thank you for coming to see me. I appreciate it.
I stepped towards the door, my skirts rustling around my legs.
Byron studied me, one eyebrow lifting faintly as his gaze drifted down my body.
Jily：What is it?

（Are my skirts riding up or something?）

I quickly looked down at myself, but I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Then he spoke, his voice a pleasant rumble.
Byron：You smell sweet.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：You smell sweet.

（Oh wow!）

I realized what he must mean, and I laughed softly.
Jily：I've been preparing for the cultural exchange events,
Jily：and I've been surrounded by chocolate all day.
Jily：I guess I must smell like I've bathed in it!
Byron：What does chocolate have to do with the cultural exchange events?
Jily：The events tomorrow just happen to be falling on Valentine's Day.
Jily：We prepared all sorts of chocolates that might suit the tastes of the guests visiting from other countries.
I glanced down at my hands for a moment, remembering all the boxes of chocolates.
Jily：I suggested it because I thought it might allow them to relax and enjoy the festivities a little more.
Byron：I see. Now that you mention it—
Byron：Wysteria also has a custom involving giving chocolate and confessing feelings, doesn't it?
Jily：It does.
Byron：Stein isn't really familiar with such customs. It seems strange to me.

（That's right, I'd forgotten that they don't celebrate Valentine's Day in Stein.）

I looked up at the almost wistful expression on Byron's face.

（That makes me wish even more that you could take part in the festivities tomorrow.
（And I wish we could spend Valentine's Day together, but—）

Byron：Your preparations for the festivities seem to be going well.
Byron：I'm sorry I can't take part.
Jily：Oh, not at all! There's no need to apologize.
I shook my head quickly, giving Byron a reassuring smile.

（I know you have other work that needs to be done in Stein. It can't be helped.）

I smiled brightly up at him, trying to bury my disappointment as best I could.
Jily：I know how busy you are. Thank you for caring, all the same.
Byron studied me for a moment, his gaze clear and direct.
Then he reached out towards me with one hand.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron reached out towards me, brushing his fingers against my cheek.
Byron：What's the matter?
Jily：I'm sorry?
Byron：It just seemed like your expression clouded for a moment.

（Oh!）

I caught my breath, amazed that he'd noticed such a small thing.

（I was trying so hard to hide it. Was it really that obvious?）

Jily：There's nothing, really. But thank you.
I kept my voice as bright as I could, trying to hold on to my smile.
Byron：I see.
Byron frowned just slightly as he spoke.
A moment later I heard footsteps down the corridor,
and the sound of someone calling my name.
Byron：I'm sorry to have kept you for so long.
His voice was gentle as he dropped his fingers away from my cheek.
He turned away from me without another word.
I wanted to say something,
but he was already walking away in the opposite direction.

（Byron—）

My cheek felt oddly cold without the touch of his fingers.
A moment later Nico appeared in front of me, distracting me from Byron.
Nico：There you are, Jily!
Nico：It's almost time for your next meeting to start, so I wanted to let you know.
Jily：Oh, yes. Sorry, I'll go now.
I started to turn away, but then Nico looked past me down the corridor.
Nico：Hang on, is that King Byron?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Hang on, is that King Byron?
Jily：Yes. He came to see me because he's going home tomorrow.
Nico：I see.
Nico's expression turned thoughtful as he stared after Byron.
Then he looked at me again, his gaze full of concern.
Nico：It's a shame you can't spend tomorrow together, isn't it?
Jily：Yeah, it is. But he has work, so it can't be helped.
Nico：That may be true, but still.
Nico：It's Valentine's Day!
Nico：It's when couples are supposed to enjoy these things together!
Jily：I know...
I gave him a vague smile, because I didn't know what else to say.

（I promised myself I wouldn't let this get me down.）
（It feels selfish of me to want to spend tomorrow with Byron,）
（knowing how important his work is.）

But I felt as if my real feelings were threatening to show on my face again.

（And I know exactly why I feel this way.）

〝Giles：This year we're holding cultural exchange events with many other nations on Valentine's Day.〞
〝Giles：We have decided to make it so that only men are allowed to give chocolate.〞

（It's going to be a different sort of Valentine's Day than what I'm used to.
（I can't help but think how much fun it would be if I could spend it with Byron.）

Nico：Jily?
Nico's voice brought me back to myself with a start, and I hastily schooled my features into a smile for him.
Jily：I'm sorry. It's time for my meeting, isn't it?
Jily：I'll head there now.
I gave him another smile and then quickly turned away.
I hurried towards my meeting, as if I could somehow outrun my disappointment and loneliness.

＊＊＊

Late that evening, Nico stopped outside a particular door in the palace.
Nico：Excuse me.
???：Come in.
Nico opened the door and stepped into the room beyond.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Excuse me.
???：Come in.
Nico：I'm sorry for coming by so late.
Byron：It's fine. What's wrong?
Byron was sitting on the sofa, holding a piece of parchment in one hand.
He looked up at Nico expectantly, and Nico hesitated before saying,
Nico：It's about Jily. She seems a bit depressed about tomorrow.
Byron：What are you talking about?
Nico：Valentine's Day this year is going to be a little different than the usual Wysterian custom.
Nico：I think she was really looking forward to it.
Nico spoke diffidently, but Byron only looked puzzled.
Byron：Different than usual? What does that mean?
Nico：Didn't Jily tell you?
Nico：This year only men are allowed to give chocolate and confess their feelings.
Byron looked startled at Nico's words, and then he frowned slightly.
After a moment, he spoke in a soft murmur.
Byron：That's the first I've heard of it.
Nico：Maybe she didn't tell you because she didn't want you to worry about it.
Nico：She was trying her best not to let me see that she's depressed.
Byron：I see.
Byron looked away, seeming to be deep in thought.
When he looked up again, there was no hesitation in his gaze.
Byron：Nico, I have a request.
Byron：Can you arrange for a letter to be delivered for me?
The next day was Valentine's Day, and in the evening...

Byron, Chapter 2：

It was the evening of Valentine's Day.
I was attending a party as part of the cultural exchange festivities.

（I was up so late last night making sure everything was going to be ready in time.
（But everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,）
（so I'm glad I put in the effort.）

The room was filled with guests,
and they all looked like they were having a wonderful time.
Relief flooded through me as I gazed at all the smiling faces.
Yet at the same time I couldn't ignore the pang of loneliness I felt deep down inside.

〝Byron：Your preparations for the festivities seem to be going well.〞
〝Byron：I'm sorry I can't take part.〞

（I just keep thinking what it might be like if Byron were here.）

Around me all I could hear were lively, happy voices, yet I felt removed from them.
Sadness bubbled up inside of me,
but suddenly a champagne glass appeared in front of me.

（What the—）

Nico：Jily!
Nico：Are you enjoying the party?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Jily!
Nico：Are you enjoying the party?
Jily：Gaah! Nico—
Nico's sudden unexpected arrival made me jump a mile.
I quickly tried to regain my composure, and reached out to take the glass from him.
Nico：Everyone looks really happy. The event is a huge success!
Jily：It really is. Thanks so much for all you did to help with it.
Nico：You're welcome. But never mind that. Jily, you need to smile more.
Nico：Everything's going so well. You don't want to waste this moment.

（Oh, Nico—）
（Are you trying to cheer me up because of yesterday,）
（when I was looking sad about Valentine's Day?）

He was smiling brightly, but I could see gentle concern in his eyes.
It felt good to have him care like that, and I found myself smiling back at him.
Jily：You're right. Thanks.

（This is an important party.）
（I can't be standing here looking glum.）
（I should be enjoying it.）

Nico's expression changed then, amusement suddenly dancing in his gaze.
Nico：Besides, I don't think you'll be fretting much longer.
Jily：What do you mean?
Nico：I'm sure it'll be any minute now... Oh!
Nico turned to glance at the door as he spoke, and his voice lifted with surprise.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Besides, I don't think you'll be fretting much longer.
Jily：What do you mean?
Nico：I'm sure it'll be any minute now... Oh!
Nico turned to glance at the door as he spoke, and his voice lifted with surprise.
I followed Nico's gaze with some confusion, and shock hit me like a bolt out of the blue.
Jily：King Byron?!
I could barely believe my eyes as Byron stepped into the ballroom.

（But why? How?）

I stood rooted to the spot, unable to find the words to speak, and Nico chuckled.
Nico：See? I said you wouldn't be fretting much longer.
Jily：You did, but—
Jily：But how? I know he had work he had to deal with in Stein today...
Byron had returned to Stein that morning, just as he'd originally planned.

（I saw him off myself, so I know he left. But—）

Nico：If it's bothering that much, why not ask him yourself?
Nico：Oh, wait. Maybe not just yet.
Nico's smile faded a little, turning rueful.
I glanced over at the doorway again,
and saw that Byron was completely surrounded by guests.

（I don't think we're going to be able to have any sort of meaningful conversation right now.）

Nico：I'm sure they'll go away eventually.
Nico：Then you can have a proper chat with him.
Jily：I hope so.
Byron's arrival only added to the already cheerful atmosphere,
and the party went on into the night.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

＊＊＊

I'd finally finished greeting all of the guests attending the party.
The room was filled with the sweet scent of chocolate,
and I stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air.

（I'm really glad I got to speak to so many people tonight!）
（Although I still haven't had a chance to speak to Byron.）

No matter how long I'd waited, the stream of guests greeting Byron had never ended.
I leaned against the balcony railing,
letting the cool night breeze caress my cheeks as I thought.
But the more I thought, the more worked up I got.

（I know he had to work! How did he manage to make it here tonight?
（Ahh, I can't wait to ask him.）

My thoughts were a whirling mess of nervousness and hope and excitement,
and I tried desperately to calm them.
???：There you are.

（Oh!!）

A familiar voice broke through my confusion, and I turned with a start.
Byron was standing in the doorway, framed by the light of the ballroom.
Jily：Oh, Byron!
My heart began to race, my thoughts churning even faster as Byron walked towards me.
His expression slowly settled into a smile as he reached out to touch my cheek.
Byron：You seem different somehow today.
Byron：You look even more beautiful than usual.
His words touched me deep inside, filling me with warmth.
Jily：Well, this is an event where we're mingle with guests from lots of different countries.
Jily：I thought I should dress up more than usual.
Byron：I see.
I tried to keep my voice steady,
but it was hard to calm my heart when he kept smiling at me like that.
There was amusement lurking in his gaze as he watched me pluck up the courage to say,
Jily：Never mind that. Byron, I have to ask—
Jily：How were you able to attend the party tonight?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Never mind that. Byron, I have to ask—
Jily：How were you able to attend the party tonight?
I looked up at him, impatient for his answer, and he smiled gently.
Byron：Yes, that. Actually, I rearranged my schedule a little.
Jily：Just like that?
Byron：I sent a letter to Stein yesterday, informing the castle staff.

（And you never said a thing!）

I thought back to when I'd stood outside the palace that morning, waving farewell.
He'd acted entirely normal, like nothing had changed.
Byron：This morning I still wasn't sure if I'd be able to take part in the party tonight or not.
Byron：I'm sorry for not letting you know in advance.
Jily：Oh no—please don't apologize—
I was so happy to see him that I couldn't bear him apologizing for that,
and the words stuttered out awkwardly.
Jily：Thank you for coming, Byron. Really.
At last I found the words I wanted, and Byron smiled at me.
Byron：I haven't don't anything worth thanking me for.
Byron：I did it because I wanted to spend today with you as well.

（I was never really sure if you were interested in taking part in this custom with me, but—）

Jily：I'm glad to hear it.
I felt suffused with happiness, and I smiled brightly up at Byron.
Our eyes met, and his gaze turned serious as he studied me.
Byron：Actually, there's one more thing I want to say.
Byron：That's why I've been looking for you.
Jily：What is it?
Byron：Jily, when the party is over—
Byron：Will you let me monopolize the rest of your evening?

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Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Byron, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

Byron：Will you let me monopolize the rest of your evening?
Byron：I'll come get you once everything is over.

（Ooh, does that mean we'll get to have a proper Valentine's Day date after all?）

I'd given up on the idea until then, but suddenly I was awash with excitement.
Jily：I'd like that.
I nodded up at Byron,
and he smiled down at me as he turned back towards the ballroom again.

＊＊＊

At last the party reached its end.
Once I'd finished getting changed into a navy blue dress decorated with tiny flowers,
Byron and I climbed aboard his carriage.

（I never thought I'd actually get to spend this evening with you, Byron.
（I thought I'd just have to give up on the idea of celebrating Valentine's Day this year.）

I was so filled with happiness that I almost couldn't stand it.
Byron：What's the matter?

（Oops! I'm being ditzy.）

Byron caught my gaze, and I hastily shook my head, smiling at him.
Jily：It's nothing. I'm just still a bit surprised by all this.
Jily：I never thought I'd get to have a date with you today.
Byron：I see. But isn't today a day when people who love each other spend time together, and share their feelings?
Byron：I think it's only natural we spend time together like this.
His words seemed so calm and natural, and there was a gentle edge to his smile.
I hadn't thought I could feel any happier, yet his words made my heart soar.
Jily：You're right.
I stared up at him, filled to overflowing with love for him, and he leaned closer.
Byron：That look in your eyes—
There was a teasing edge to his voice as he murmured in my ear.
He reached out slowly towards my face.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron reached out to touch my cheek, but right then the carriage stopped.
Byron：It looks like we're here.
Byron laughed softly, leaning back in his seat again.

（Awww.）

We'd felt so close in that moment,
and I couldn't help but be disappointed it was over.

（Although, you told me that our destination was a secret.
（Now I'm super curious about where we are!）

＊＊＊

Byron stepped out of the carriage, and then reached in to take my hand and guide me out.
Jily：This is—
We'd arrived at the shore of a beautiful lake,
its waters bright silver from the light of the moon.
There were several small boats out on the water, moving languidly.
Even from a distance I could see couples sitting in the boats,
enjoying private, romantic moments with each other.
Byron：Apparently this event is only being held tonight.
Byron：I thought it would be nice to do something that normal couples do together.
Byron smiled as he took me by the hand, leading me to the dock.
He helped me down into one of the waiting boats, and I sat down carefully.
I gazed around me in wonder as Byron climbed into the boat.
Byron：Here we go.
Byron took hold of the oars and soon we were moving out into the water.
The oar's movements created ripples in the water,
making the reflection of the moon bounce and sway.

（This is so wonderful.）

I lifted my gaze from the water and studied Byron as he rowed.
He looked up at me, and then smiled suddenly.
Byron：Do you want to try rowing?
Jily：Oh—

（Actually, I was just appreciating how good you look right now.）

But I wasn't about to say that aloud, and I blushed at the thought.
I smiled quickly and decided agreeing was better.
Jily：Sure, it looks fun.
I leaned forwards, reaching out my hands to take the oars from him.
To my surprise he caught hold of my hands instead.

（Byron?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I leaned forwards, reaching out my hands to take the oars from Byron,
but he caught my hands instead.

（Byron?）

He pulled me gently towards him, turning me and sitting me down in front of him.
His body was warm against my back, his arms were wrapped around me,
and my heart was suddenly racing.
Jily：I thought I was going to try rowing?
Byron：Rowing isn't easy if you've never done it before.
Byron：We should try doing it together.
His voice was husky in my ear, and it sent a thrill right through me.
He guided my hands to the oars, and then wrapped his hands around mine.
Jily：Thank you.

（And if this is just an excuse to get close to me,）
（I don't mind in the slightest!）

My heart was still racing, but I dared to lean back against him a little.
He began to move the oars again, and I did my best to move in time.
Byron：Relax. There's no need to be tense.
He spoke gently in my ear as we rowed the boat together.
I tried to relax my shoulders as I watched the oars cut cleanly through the moonlit water.
But I couldn't stop thinking about how close he was.

（It's not that I'm tense. I'm just excited.
（This is so much more than I'd ever hoped for Valentine's Day this year.）

Byron's warmth seemed to flow into me from where his hands held mine,
and from where my back pressed against his chest.
I felt hyper-aware of his presence,
my skin tingling each time he leaned forward to move the oars.
Byron：Why don't we head for a more open space?
Jily：Okay.

（It's hardly the first time we've been close like this, and yet—）

Each word he whispered, each movement he made,
seemed to leave me tingling with happiness.
The boat glided slowly through the water.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

We rowed the boat silently through the water for some time.
At last we reached the very center of the lake, away from all the other boats.
Byron：Why don't we stop here?
Jily：Okay.
Byron let go of my hands at last, leaning back a little.
I felt a strange sense of loss as his warmth moved away from me.
Byron：We rowed for quite a while. You're not tired, are you?
Jily：No, not at all.

（I was so excited about being so close to you that I barely noticed that!）

My heart was still pounding, and I smiled a little at my own reactions.
I looked down at my hands that had been wrapped in his warmth until moments earlier.

（I think I know why I'm so worked up by you tonight.
（It's because it's Valentine's Day, and it's special to me.）

I smiled a little to myself at the realization.
I turned to glance back at Byron, but just then he murmured in my ear,
Byron：Jily.

（Oh—）

Before I could react, he caught hold of me and gently turned me around.
Suddenly I was facing him directly, looking up into his eye.

（Byron?）

His gaze was unusually serious,
and a thrill of anticipation shivered through me.
Byron：I have something I want to give you.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：I have something I want to give you.
Byron gazed at me seriously,
and a thrill of anticipation shivered through me.

（Don't tell me—）

I stared up at him hopefully, waiting to see what it was.
He reached into his pocket and brought out a small box.
Jily：What is it?
Byron：Open it and see.
Jily：Okay.
I undid the dark blue ribbon and carefully lifted the lid of the box.

（Oh wow!）

The box was filled with delicate, square chocolates.
The sweet scent of chocolate with a bittersweet edge of cocoa drifted up from the open box.
Byron：Nico told me something.
Byron：He said this year, it's the men who are supposed to be sharing their feelings.
Byron smiled gently, reaching out affectionately to catch a lock of my hair and lift it to his lips.
Byron：I love you.
Byron：I got those for you because I wanted to tell you that again.
Byron：Will you accept them?

（Valentine's Day chocolate from Byron—this is too good to be true!）

Happiness and excitement filled me up inside, almost bursting out of me.
Jily：Yes!
I nodded enthusiastically, unable to tear my gaze away from his.
I wanted to say more, but I was so joyful I couldn't find the words.

（I wish I knew how to express how I feel right now!）

Jily：Thank you very much!
I leaned forward, lifting my chin, and kissed him lightly on the lips.
I saw faint surprise on his face as I pulled back again, and then he smiled.
Byron：I'm glad I was able to spend today with you this year.
Jily：So am I.
I felt so warm and content in that moment,
filled both with love for him and the knowledge of his love for me.
I met his gaze directly, and before I knew it, I was asking,
Jily：Can we spend next year together like this as well?
Byron：Of course.
Byron's expression relaxed into an affectionate smile, and he leaned towards me.
I lifted my chin as our lips came together in a kiss far sweeter than any chocolate.
I closed my eyes, filled with happiness and hope for the future...

fin.

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Byron, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

Byron：Will you let me monopolize the rest of your evening?
Byron：There's a place I'd like to take you.

（Oh wow, I never thought you'd ask. I wonder where we're going?）

His invitation had me both excited and curious.
I smiled happily up at him, nodding firmly.
Jily：Okay.
Byron：I'll come get you when the party's over, then.
Byron gave me a faint smile and turned back towards the ballroom.

＊＊＊

At last the party was over.
After I'd finished getting changed into a navy blue dress with white flowers embroidered across the bust,
Byron and I went into town, and visited a lookout that had a view over the whole town.

（It's so beautiful up here.）

The lights of the houses and buildings spread out before us, twinkling warmly.
They looked almost like a reflection of the stars shining in the sky above us.
Byron：You might be used to this view by now.
Byron：But I wanted to find a way to spend some time with you today.
Byron stood at my side, and he slid his arm around my waist as he spoke.
The sudden warmth of his embrace set my heart pounding, and I smiled up at him.
Jily：Thank you. I'm glad you did.

（Even though I'm used to the view,）
（everything looks more special when I'm seeing it with you.）
（I wonder if you planned this because it's Valentine's Day?）

The idea filled me with delight, to think that he'd wanted the day to be special for us.

（I want to get closer. I don't want to let you go.）

I took a step towards him, wanting to snuggle into his embrace.
A sudden gust of wind whistled past us, and I shivered at the unexpected burst of cold.
Byron：I didn't expect it to be this windy, though.
Byron：I don't want you to get too cold. Should we go back to the carriage?
There was concern in his gaze as he looked down at me.
Then he began to move away from me, turning back towards the carriage.

（Just a little longer—）

Without even thinking I reached out towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：I don't want you to get too cold. Should we go back to the carriage?
Byron began to move away from me, turning back towards the carriage.

（Just a little longer—）

Without even thinking I reached out towards him.
I caught hold of his upper arm, stopping him from moving away.

（I just want—）

I frowned a little, struggling to put my feelings into words.

（I don't want to let go of this moment.）

Jily：Can we stay here like this—just a little longer?

（I don't want this day to end—I don't want this time with you to end.）

I looked up at Byron, waiting hopefully for his answer, and after a moment he smiled.
Byron：Of course. If that's what you want.
His voice was gentle and ever so sweet.
He moved back towards me, wrapping his arm around my waist again.
Byron：Come closer.

（Yes, please!）

I gladly let him pull me into his embrace,
feeling the warmth of his body against my chilled skin.

（I thought I was happy enough just being able to see you today.）
（But I'm almost too happy right now,）
（and I just want to be with you all night long.）
（Am I being too selfish? And does it matter if I am?）

We gazed down at the scenery together, and I silently hoped the moment would never end.

（Hang on, was that—）

I felt something wet splash against my cheek, and I jumped in surprise.
I looked up as the sky opened and the rain began to hammer down.

（But the sky was clear a moment ago!）

I was staring at the rain in dismay when suddenly I found myself lifted into the air.

（Ahhh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（But the sky was clear a moment ago!）

I stared at the rain in dismay, unable to believe what was happening.

（Ahhh!）

Suddenly Byron lifted me lightly into the air, cradling me against his chest.
I reached up automatically to wrap my arms around his neck.
Jily：Oh!
A moment later he tossed his jacket over me, and everything went black.
Byron：Just hold tight like that.
His voice was muffled by the rain and the heavy cloth.
I couldn't help but giggle a little as he rushed towards the carriage.

＊＊＊

We tumbled into the carriage out of the rain.
Byron settled in the seat across from me, then leaned forward with concern.
Byron：Are you all right?
Jily：Yes, I'm fine!
Byron had reacted to the rain much quicker than I had,
keeping me covered for our mad dash back to the carriage.
As a result, I was almost completely dry.

（But look at you!）

The sudden downpour had left Byron's clothes and hair absolutely soaking, and water was streaming down his face.
I hurriedly pulled a handkerchief out of my bag and began to wipe the water from his face.
Jily：I'm sorry, this is my fault.
The words burst out of me before I'd even really thought about them.
Byron looked up to meet my gaze, his expression faintly confused.
Byron：Why are you apologizing?
Jily：I should have agreed to go back to the carriage when you suggested it—
Byron reached out to stroke my hair, and I paused mid-sentence.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron reached out to stroke my hair, and I paused mid-sentence.
Byron：You're not the only one who wanted to stay together a little longer.

（Oh, Byron—I'm glad to hear that.）

Byron：You don't seem to have gotten wet at all.
Byron：In that case, I don't mind how wet I am. So don't worry about it.
Byron lifted my hair gently back from my face, the gesture tender and intimate somehow.
There was a gentle, warm light in his gaze that warmed my heart as well.

（You always seem to know what I'm feeling, almost before I'm feeling it.
（And you always do whatever you can to make sure I don't have to worry about things.）

I felt suddenly so aware of how much he took care of me, how much he protected me.
My heart was racing, and something else was burning bright inside of me.

（You always see right through me, don't you?
（Even this date—you did this because you knew I wanted to, didn't you?）

Gratitude washed through me, and I looked up at him.
Our eyes met, and I licked my lips, trying to find the words to express all I was feeling.
But Byron's smile deepened slowly, and he reached behind him on the seat.
He pulled out a small box, tied with a beautiful deep blue ribbon.
Byron：Jily, I wanted to give this to you.
Jily：For me?

（Is this what I hope it is?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron offered me a small box, tied with a beautiful deep blue ribbon.

（Is this what I hope it is?）

Excitement set my heart racing, and Byron smiled at me.
Byron：Go on, open it.
I untied the ribbon and opened the box. It was filled with delicate, square chocolates.
Byron：I heard that this year men are supposed to be the ones doing the giving.
Jily：Who told you that?
Byron：Nico.

（Of course. I should've known.
（But even so—you went to all this effort for me, because of that?）

Happiness flooded through me, but then suddenly I remembered something.
Byron：I see. Now that you mention it—
Byron：Wysteria also has a custom involving giving chocolate and confessing feelings, doesn't it?
Jily：It does.
Byron：Stein isn't really familiar with such customs. It seems strange to me.
Jily：But... yesterday you said you thought Valentine's Day is strange.
I looked up at Byron curiously, and he nodded slowly.
Byron：I do think it's strange.
Byron：The day of the year has nothing to do with being able to tell someone you love them.
A gentle smile crossed his face as he went on.
Byron：But it's a special occasion.
Byron：So let me take the time today to tell you again.
He reached out and took my hand, lifting it to his lips.
Byron：You are always on my mind.
He gazed at me, his deep blue eye gleaming in the dim light.
Byron：I love you. These are my true feelings for you.
His husky voice settled deep in my heart, filling me with joy.
Jily：I feel the same way.
I was so joyful that my voice trembled slightly, and I smiled shyly at him.

（I'm so happy that you took the time to tell me how you feel on Valentine's Day.）
（It means so much to me!）

Byron：You should try one.
Jily：I will.
I chose a chocolate from the box, and popped it into my mouth.
A rich, sweet flavor filled my mouth, tinged with the faint bitterness of cocoa.
Jily：It's delicious!
Byron：I'm glad you like it.
Byron smiled with pleasure, and I smiled brightly back at him.
Byron：Jily.
He spoke my name in a voice that was husky and sensual,
and I shivered as I lifted my head to look at him.
A moment later our lips came together in a soft kiss.

（Being able to spend Valentine's Day with you like this makes me happier than anything.）
（I want to spend the rest of my life with you, being happy like this.）

Our lips parted for a moment,
then came together again, the kiss more passionate this time.
Our kisses grew deeper,
as sweet and as rich as the chocolates Byron had given me...

fin.

After Episode

Find out what happens afterwards in a sexy After Episode...

You're in for a very sexy Valentine's night!
Byron：I want to touch you more than ever today.
Byron：Maybe I'm just hyper-aware of what day it is...
He pushed me gently down against the covers.
Byron：I want to spend the rest of tonight with you.
It'll be a night hot enough to melt the chocolate he just gave you!
Your man is in an especially giving mood this year...