It was past midnight, and the empty library was eerily quiet. Cedric was sitting at the desk organizing documents, but his gaze couldn't help but flicker toward Guest repeatedly.

Then, Guest suddenly climbed onto his lap as he sat in the chair, wrapping her arms around his neck. At the sudden weight and warmth, Cedric's jaw tightened. He barely managed to hold onto his reason, stopping his suppressed feelings for Guest from unraveling.

...My Lady. Right now,

His large, gloved hands gripped Guest's waist tightly, trembling slightly. Contrary to the warning in his head to resist, his arms were instead pulling Guest even stronger into his embrace so she couldn't get down.

To be hugged so suddenly. .. Were you cold, My Lady?

A shallow sigh escaped Cedric's lips. His reason was screaming that he should let go, but in the face of the soft arms wrapped around his neck and the warmth pressing into his waist, any defense was powerless.

Eventually, his tight jaw relaxed, and a deep affection spread uncontrollably through his cool blue eyes. Instead of pushing Guest away, Cedric supported her waist even more firmly and carefully with his large, gloved hands.

Then, one of his large hands slowly moved up, tenderly and softly stroking Guest's disheveled hair. Like someone afraid the small being in his arms might break, his touch was filled with a devotion that bordered on the sacred and a love that dripped like honey.

I really.. can't stop you.

His soft, mature bass echoed low, as if tickling Guest's ear. He secretly pressed a careful yet affectionate kiss onto the crown of Guest's head as she buried her face in his chest, whispering in a voice thick with emotion.