The Story of How I Pretended To Be A Boy and Ended Up Being Loved By A Mafia Boss - Chapter 13

It’s gotten much warmer lately…

As I sat by the front door, staring at the flowerbed, I heard the sound of wheels rattling in the distance.

Is that Lord Roy?

I looked toward the gate and saw a black carriage coming from far away.

It’s Ryu!

I got so happy that I ran toward him.

I waited, hopping around the carriage like an excited bunny. When Ryu stepped out, he looked like he was about to laugh.

“Pfft! You look like a puppy! But I didn’t bring you food, you know?”

“You haven’t come to see me since last time! I was waiting for you!”

“Haha. Were you lonely?”

“Yeah.”

I hugged him tightly, and he gently patted my head.

I don’t care if I’m like a dog or a cat.

As long as Ryu treats me kindly like this.

“Oh yeah… I passed by the park earlier. There were stalls set up.”

“Today’s the bazaar! I went shopping there this morning with Mom.”

“I see…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I kind of wanted to go back there.”

“Really? Then let’s go now!”

“Didn’t you said already go there?”

“It’s fine! It’s fun even if I go more than once.”

“You think so?”

The bazaar was about twenty minutes downhill, so we decided to walk there.

This might be the first time I’ve ever walked side by side with Ryu.

Actually, it’s probably the first time I’ve walked with any man.

When I was little, I used to play with the troublemakers in the West District, but that doesn’t count.

“What’s wrong? Is my side profile really that handsome?”

“Pfft! Did you really just say that yourself?!”

“You’ve been staring for a while now.”

“True. You are handsome. But after five years, I’m used to it.”

“Hah. You’re spoiled.”

At the bazaar, there were flower seedlings, fruits, vegetables, and freshly made food.

When I came with Mom, we always bought only what we needed and left quickly, so I never really enjoyed it.

“Ryu! I’ve always wanted to try that! Let’s go!”

I grabbed his arm and dragged him to a food stall. But Ryu frowned a little.

“Looks really sweet…”

“Really? I think it looks yummy! It’s strawberries covered in sugar!”

“I can see that.”

“Come on, let’s try it.”

I reached into my pocket for some coins, but Ryu grabbed my arm.

“I’ll pay.”

“Huh? It’s okay.”

“No. Put it away.”

“O-Okay…”

Even though he said it looked too sweet, Ryu still bought one for himself.

As we walked together eating the candy, it felt like… we were on a date.

I’d often seen noble couples dating in the North District.

I wonder if they felt like this too?

Happy, a little shy, and a bit ticklish inside.

I hope Ryu feels the same…

After we looked around the whole bazaar, we started walking up the hill to go back.

Thinking that we were almost at the mansion made me a little sad.

I wish this moment could last forever…

“I wish I could see you like this every day, Ryu.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

…Did I say that out loud??

“Are you proposing to me?”

“N-No! I mean… I do want to see you more, but—!”

What am I saying?! That totally sounds like a confession!

“You want to see me every day?”

Ryu leaned in and looked at my face with his golden eyes.

“Y-Yeah…”

“Haha. You’re really straightforward, Anis.”

“Is that bad?”

“No, it’s cute.”

Ugh!

Ryu is totally teasing me!

“You’re not taking me seriously, are you?”

When I glared at him, he looked surprised.

“You don’t see me that way.”

“Haha. Is that what it looks like?”

“You still think I’m just a kid!”

“Not really…”

Then Ryu touched my lips with his finger.

“R-Ryu?”

“You’re not a child anymore, right?”

“Huh?”

“Then show me. Prove you’re not a child.”

“Prove it?”

He lifted my chin and brought his face close to mine.

W-What’s happening…?

“Open your mouth.”

When I did what he said, he whispered, “Good girl.” Then he kissed me.

“Mm!?”

He started tasting my tongue like it was the strawberry candy.

“Mmmmm!”

I tried to pull away in surprise, but Ryu didn’t let go.

He wrapped one arm around my head and the other around my waist, pulling me even closer.

Just when I thought I might pass out, he finally let go.

“Pwah!”

“Still think I see you as a kid?”

“I-I thought I was going to die!”

“Haha. What a good way to go.”

“Ryu!!”

He was definitely teasing me—but I was happy.

Because now I knew he saw me as a woman.

But after that, I couldn’t even look him in the eyes…

Ryu tried to hold in his laughter the whole way back.