Ch. 5: Sting of the Poison Hornet
Suddenly, a small black form flew out of the nearby thicket.
As it neared Apis, I immediately stuck out my arm.
OO: “…!”
It was a hornet.
It flew around in an arc, but turned back and…
OO: “…ouch!”
There was a prick and a shock of pain shot through the back of my hand.
Apis: “…OO!”
Apis rushed over and took my hand.
Then he placed his lips on the back of my hand and sucked out the poison.
OO: “…!”
The place where his lips touched was hot.
(It’s like it’s burning…)
Apis anxiously looked at my hand.
Apis: “That hornet’s poison goes into effect immediately…This is just for my peace of mind. You’ll need to take the antidote immediately…!”
(I feel kind of funny…)
Apis: “OO…!?”
The scene in front of me started to warp and Apis’ shouting became distant.
And like that, I lost consciousness.
Ch. 6: This is the Thing Called Love
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a room lying on a bed.
It was the middle of the night, and it was incredibly silent.
Apis: “OO…are you awake?”
I could vaguely make out Apis’ face, and for some reason he looked really relieved.
(I…? I was stung right…?)
Apis: “We got you to take the antidote…but tonight is probably still going to be a little rough.”
OO: “…sorry for troubling you.”
My throat was pained and scratchy, and my voice came out hoarse.
Apis: “…you really are an idiot, trying to protect me like that.”
Apis touched my cheek.
Apis: “You didn’t wake up for a long time…I was worried.”
(Was me with me the whole time?)
OO: “Apis, your fever…”
Apis: “It vanished as soon as you collapsed. Seems our positions are reversed from this afternoon.”
Looking at me, Apis’ smiling eyes were kind and beautiful…
Apis: “…sleep. I’m here, so if you need anything, just say.”
While feeling a warmth in my chest, before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
Without realizing the change that had come over Apis…
The next morning…
Because of the effectiveness of the antidote, my fever seemed to have gone down.
(I have to thank Apis.)
At that time, I heard a loud noise from outside the window.
(…what’s that!?)
Confused, I went to the courtyard and…
OO: “Eh…”
The castle gardeners were wearing protective clothing and cutting down trees and flowers in the garden.
(What on earth…!?)
Apis: “OO…are you okay to be up?”
OO: “Apis, what is…!?”
Apis: “I’m exterminating the hornets like the one that stung you. It’s dangerous, so don’t come any closer.”
As I stood there dumbfounded, Apis took my hand and stared at it.
Apis: “Good, the swelling’s gone down.”
OO: “U-um…?”
Apis: “Ah, but your face is still a little red.”
Saying so, Apis suddenly pulled me into an embrace.
OO: “A-Apis…!?”
Apis: “You collapsing yesterday threw my heart into a panic. I couldn’t help but worry. Is this what love is?”
OO: “Eh…um…?”
Apis: “…I finally understand my mother’s feelings. Love, it’s when you want to meddle in another person’s life.”
Apis continued to talk, paying no attention to how bewildered I was.
Apis: “I despise the hornet that stung you. So I don’t want any of them near here. I worry that your face is still red. So I want to take you back to bed. I want to touch you like this…even though I hate touching.”
He spoke, and a chuckle escaped his lips.
(What…the heck is going on?)
Unbelievable things kept coming from his mouth, and I had no idea what to do.
Apis: “Why are you making that face?”
Saying so, Apis took my hand and kissed it.
OO: “…!!”
The gesture was so elegant I felt my heart leap in my chest.
Apis: “I want…to always be as you deem worthy.”
Apis’ whole face lit up in a smile.
Apis: “You better be prepared OO. I won’t let you go that easily.”
Apis’ bright expression was so beautifully captivating…
(I wonder what’s going to happen now…)
Looking at him, a strange mixture of hope and anxiety filled my heart.
END