“This is harder than I thought…”
I muttered, staring blankly at the ceiling. For the past few days, I’d been launching a full-blown charm offensive at Kalz—but the results were utterly humiliating.
“I swear, at first it really felt like I was making progress.”
I’d gone all out that day, dressed to the nines and marched straight to Kalz’s room. His gaze had definitely felt different—sharper, more focused.
But it didn’t last. He switched his tone almost instantly, and from then on, he acted even more stiffly than usual.
Even when I boldly leaned in close and turned on the cuteness full-blast…
“You’re too close. It’s uncomfortable. Move.”
“Doesn’t your neck hurt, looking up at me like that?”
“You don’t seem to have much work lately. Every time I see you, you’re lounging around. At this rate, I might have to reconsider your salary.”
That was all I got. And honestly, faking sweetness was exhausting enough. Getting that kind of response on top of it? It completely killed my motivation.
“Why isn’t it working? It’s definitely not because I’m lacking in looks.”
Just to be sure, I grabbed a mirror and checked from every angle. But—as always—Briel’s face was perfect. Lately, I’d even been sticking to a meticulous skincare routine. The results? Spectacular.
With a face like this, it shouldn’t matter what someone’s “type” is.
And let’s be real—Kalz definitely has feelings for me, whether he knows it or not. The way he gets jealous of Leon, the way he sometimes looks at me… there were more than a few telling moments.
And yet, he’s giving me nothing.
“Is it really because I’m a guy?”
I remembered the way he flipped the moment he realized I was a son, not a daughter. Maybe Kalz just couldn’t see someone of the same gender as a romantic partner.
I’d seen people like that before—back when I was still living at home. Guys who couldn’t admit they liked me, so they acted like jerks just to cope.
Of course, Kalz wasn’t like that. But if he couldn’t even admit his feelings to himself, then it wouldn’t matter how hard I tried. Nothing would ever come of it.
Drowning in frustration—and maybe a little self-pity—I rolled over and grumbled into the blankets.
“Tch. Like I’ve always been into guys or something. Do you know how long it took me to admit it? My one and only notebook got worn to shreds. And him? He’s a damn lion! If it’s hard for him, it was twice as hard for me! Isn’t that obvious? And besides, you like me too. Don’t act like I can’t see it. Just ‘cause you won’t say it out loud doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
But even if everything I just said were true, if he never confesses—then that’s it. End of story. That’s just how it is.
Honestly, I wasn’t even planning to date him at first. After I finally came to terms with how I felt, I figured… well, maybe if we just kept going like this, someday we’d naturally end up together. And if not, that was fine too.
The only reason I even considered making a move was because I got sick of him constantly going on and on about that.
But at some point, even that stopped. So really, if I give up now, we just go back to how things were. Nothing lost.
“Yeah… it’s time to stop.”
If I keep forcing it and ruin the perfectly fine working relationship we had? That’d be a disaster. Let’s be honest—Kalz is the one missing out, not me. He threw away his chance at breaking the curse with true love. Not that it won’t get broken eventually, but the longer this drags on, the worse it is for me.
“Ugh, I wasted so much energy on this.”
All that effort pretending to be sweet, when I couldn’t even act like myself. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to make up for it by teasing him to my heart’s content. With that promise to myself, I shut my eyes and drifted off.
The next day, on my way back from a walk with Gold, I ran into Kalz. He was standing awkwardly in the middle of the garden, clearly waiting for me. I greeted him like it was nothing.
“What are you doing out here?”
“Ahem. Just… checking in. Everything normal?”
“Yup. Just like always.”
At my calm reply, he raised an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly. I didn’t bother reacting and just kept walking.
“Whatever it is you were doing, go ahead and keep at it. Later.”
“Wait…!”
He quickly followed, sounding a little flustered.
“Did you have more work than usual today?”
“Not really. Same as always. Why?”
“Then why… no, forget it.”
That little pause? What he meant to say was probably something like, Why didn’t you come bother me today with your usual nonsense and flirty antics?
I didn’t plan it, but the push-and-pull worked like a charm.
Not that it mattered now. The whole thing was already over.
Ugh. What a waste.
“And you? Busy today?”
“Not really.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Why?”
With a bright smile and a hint of playfulness, I pointed to his chest.
“Since you’re free, maybe you could stop by the Pitts’ place. That shirt button clinging for dear life looks tragically overworked.”
Kalz glanced down at his shirt and gave a sheepish reply.
“I don’t think it’s that bad…”
“Seriously, would it kill you to wear something a little looser? Stop giving Grandpa Tail and Grandma Rosie extra work.”
“What are you talking about? This shirt was custom-made to fit me.”
“Ah, right. My mistake. Now that I think about it, you have been eating well lately.”
“Just so we’re clear—this shirt isn’t tight because I gained weight.”
“Funny. Elizabeth’s been complaining about the brownies mysteriously disappearing…”
“I swear, I’ve never stolen food. If anyone’s gaining weight, it’s you. Look at those cheeks—totally puffed up.”
“They’re not puffed. They’re firm. It’s hydration. I’ve been taking care of my skin.”
“Hydration, huh? And how am I supposed to know whether that’s water or fat?”
Just as I’d hoped—poke him a little and he snaps back. Act a little miffed, and he actually seems entertained. This playful bickering had long crossed the lines of master-servant formality, but it never tipped over into anything more.
Yeah… this was probably exactly the kind of relationship he wanted us to have.
Dinner wasn’t much different.
“Eat up. So you don’t end up raiding the kitchen again tonight.”
“You too. Gotta keep those plump cheeks from deflating.”
It was easy. This was our usual rhythm. Nothing difficult about it—so why did I feel so weighed down?
After dinner, I returned to my room and flopped onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
I acted like I always did. So why this pressure in my chest?
What was this heaviness crushing down on me?
Was it the disappointment of failing to win him over? The sting of knowing even my looks didn’t do the trick? The sadness that he couldn’t return the same feelings?
All possible, sure. But none of them quite hit the mark.
This tight, unresolved feeling… it was probably—
“Ugh, screw this.”
I jumped to my feet, resolved. And without a moment’s hesitation, I marched straight to Kalz’s room.
Knock knock.
“It’s Briel.”
There was a brief rustling behind the door, then it opened.
“What is it?”
He must’ve rushed to the door—his robe was half undone. A rare, tantalizing view of Kalz’s chest greeted me, but sadly, tonight wasn’t about that. I kept my gaze locked on his and spoke clearly.
“There’s something I need to say.”
“Like what?”
“I like you.”
“……?”
“Whew. That felt amazing. Anyway, good night.”
“……?”
His expression was frozen solid, his face practically stamped with question marks. But I turned away without hesitation. The weight in my chest? Gone—like it had never existed. Figures. Trying to be someone I’m not never works. But being honest? That’s a relief.
Who cares if the confession was awkward? Who said it first? None of that matters.
What does matter is—I like him. And one day, he’s going to like me too.
How do I know?
Come on. This is Beauty and the Beast.
And there’s only one Beauty standing next to this Beast—and that’s me. Obviously.
Even if Kalz is the type who can’t admit he’s into men, that’s fine. If he can’t figure it out on his own, I’ll just teach him.
I’ll convince him, wear him down, until he can’t deny it anymore.
Luckily, I’ve got the persistence and the silver tongue to pull it off. Not to mention the charm—and looks—to back it up.
Which means this is just a matter of time.
Somewhere in my mind, I heard it again—that faint ding that echoed the day we signed our contract.
Alright, then.
Round Two. Let’s go.
