The Young Male Protagonist Who is Destined for Ruin Fell for Me - Chapter 10

Kyle’s fingers continued undoing his shirt buttons from his collar downward, and I quickly grabbed his hands, stopping him from revealing more.

Oh, dear protagonist, where did you pick up such bold moves? Body language is definitely a no-go!

I met his eyes and shook my head firmly, but he only sped up with the buttons.

“Wait, hold on…”

Why was he so confident about this? Kyle gently stroked my hands as I held his, looking at me with a hint of amusement.

“Why stop me, my lady?”

“Just… hang on a second. When did I ever say I wanted you to undress?”

“Since the day we met.”

“That’s not the answer I was looking for!”

Feeling my cheeks burn, I fanned myself. Sure, his physique was impressive.

Too much muscle can look bulky, and too much weight can seem sluggish, but Kyle’s frame was a perfect balance—like something out of a sculpture. I was nearly captivated by the subtle movement of his muscles, though I figured staring at his face might be even more dangerous.

His eyes—especially when he smiled—were something else. Those crimson eyes sparkled with a sweetness that could rival any idol’s, and it made me catch my breath.

…Not just anyone could pull off being the protagonist. How is he this flawless?

Realizing I couldn’t seem to tear my gaze away, Kyle smirked.
“You’re staring quite a bit.”

“Do I have to like something to look at it? People are naturally drawn to perfection.” I shrugged, playing it off.

Kyle tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“You think I’m… good-looking?”

The question was so absurd that I replied without thinking.
“Hah… That doesn’t even need saying. Honestly, your face should be a national treasure, plastered on bills to bless everyone who sees it. Personally, I’d want your face on the front, your abs on the back, and maybe a hologram of your profile on the side so people can appreciate your nose and jawline—a magic bill that soothes anyone just by waving it… Oh.”

Realizing I’d gone off the rails again, I clamped a hand over my mouth. Kyle stifled a laugh, leaning close to whisper.

“Forget about putting me on money; just keep me for yourself. Or even better, admit you’d like me all to yourself.”

“You think I’d want you all to myself?”

Kyle’s face darkened slightly at my joke. Trying to understand why, I suddenly remembered a scene from the original story, where Kyle had first opened up to the heroine.

“No one cares about a monster duke. They only care about the money. Without it… I’m nothing.”

Oh no! I’d just hit right at his deepest insecurity!

I’d touched a nerve, and even if I wanted to keep my distance to avoid his destructive fate, this was too harsh. I couldn’t let it end on that note. Quickly, I added, “Are you kidding? Anyone would want you.”

“…You don’t know much about high society, do you?”

“It’s not about high society. Do you even look in the mirror?

Sure, the sly older nobles might not care, but the young ladies would probably be lovesick for days if you so much as smiled at them.”

“…”

“There are definitely people who would want you. Where else would they find someone this gorgeous?”