Chapter 15 - Blindness

Translator's Note:

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Celebratory Gathering

 

 

"…It's huge."

 

Aoi wandered around the house, marveling at the soaring ceilings that stretched up to the second floor, the chandelier hanging from above, and the white marble floors. Despite being in his own home, he felt a sense of unfamiliarity as if he had stepped into someone else's house.

 

"It's enormous, isn't it? I was quite taken aback when I first came here. Do you remember this scenery?"

 

Yuto, standing beside Aoi, remarked.

 

"No, I don't. I vaguely remembered my room and the dining area, but that's about it."

 

"How about visiting the garden later? It's incredibly beautiful!"

 

"Ah, yes. That sounds good."

 

Passing through the entrance hall, Yuto felt the sensation of the carpet beneath his feet. It was the same sensation he had experienced when he couldn't see. However, his memories of the calm burgundy carpet, the white walls, and the large windows embedded in the hallway walls facing the garden were hazy, and everything seemed unusual.

 

Bright, dazzling, and radiant... It felt like a lie to think that he had been living in darkness all this time.

 

"...I might not get used to it for a while. To think that I've been living in such a flashy house all along."

 

"Isn't it fitting for you, Master Aoi?"

 

"Do you think so?"

 

"For now, let's go to the living room."

 

"Ah... Yes, let's do that."

 

Yuto pushed open the tall vertical door before them. As it swung open, another extravagant space, as dazzling as the foyer, revealed itself. To accommodate Aoi's eyes, all the windows were covered with white shades, blocking the radiant sunlight streaming in from the large south-facing bay window. Thus Aoi felt a sense of relief.

 

In that softly illuminated space, there were two large ivory sofas facing each other. As Aoi entered, a tall man sitting on one of them immediately stood up and swiftly rushed towards him.

 

"Aoi!"

 

"That voice... Is that you, Haruhito?"

 

"Yeah! Wow... It's incredible that you can see me now!"

 

"Yeah, I can see you. So this is what you look like, huh?"

 

Haruhito was nearly ten centimeters taller than Aoi. Aoi lightly looked up, reaching out his hand and gently touching Haruhito's face. As his hand roamed freely, caressing his features, Haruhito's face twisted with a ticklish expression, and he chuckled, saying, "Hey, what are you doing?"

 

With his healthy sun-kissed skin and lively personality, Haruhito's facial features perfectly reflected his nature. His short black hair, neatly trimmed, had a nice sheen to it, and his sharp eyebrows added a touch of elegance.

 

Seeing Haruhito's face after a long time, it appeared much more masculine and appealing than Aoi's own. His physique was much stronger and his broad chest in the well-fitted shirt accentuated a dependable presence. Aoi couldn't help but feel that such a charismatic man was truly befitting of the Alpha title. It was as if this thought belonged to someone else, as Aoi contemplated it with a touch of detachment.

 

While Aoi gazed at him intently, being caressed all over his body, Haruhito showed no signs of discomfort and casually spoke.

 

"So, what do you think? Surprised by how handsome I am?"

 

"Yeah, I was surprised."

 

"Hey, don't touch me like that, it tickles!"

 

"Are you still working out? Your chest is impressive."

 

"Well, yeah. I've been playing soccer all this time... Hey, stop groping me! Haha."

 

"Hmm, you're stronger than my brother."

 

"Do you think so? Well, Master Ren has a slender figure. You haven't seen him yet?"

 

"No, not yet. I really want to see his face soon."

 

"Master Ren is incredibly beautiful. He exudes an incomparable aura, yet he has this delicate charm... Anyway, it's an overwhelming beauty that you can't forget once you've seen it."

 

"You're giving him quite the praise."

 

"Well, once you see him, you'll understand. In high school, Master Ren occasionally came to pick you up, right? I vividly remember being shocked when I saw him for the first time."

 

"What? That's the first time I'm hearing this."

 

"I thought it would make you uncomfortable if I mentioned it."

 

With a slightly embarrassed smile, Haruhito firmly met Aoi's gaze. His eyes were sharp and vibrant, highlighted by a striking black color.

 

"Sometimes I would catch glimpses of him at parties or events, but he always had a crowd of people around him, making it impossible to approach him. We've only met once for work-related matters... I wish I could meet him at least once during this occasion."

 

"Huh? You still haven't met him?"

 

"Maybe he's avoiding me. I want to meet him properly and express my gratitude for his financial support... But for now, let's celebrate the recovery of your sight."

 

Saying this, Haruhito took Aoi's hand and gently kissed the back of it. Although it seemed a bit ostentatious, it was done with elegance and devoid of any sarcasm.

 

"I'm glad, Aoi. Now you're invincible."

 

"I wouldn't say that."

 

"You too, Yuto-kun. Taking care of Aoi must have been challenging."

 

As Haruhito's gaze shifted towards Yuto, who was standing slightly behind Aoi, Yuto's face showed a surprised expression at being suddenly addressed. However, Yuto responded with a friendly smile.

 

"No, it was never a problem."

 

"He's quite stubborn, isn't he?"

 

"Huh? No, not at all..."

 

"Is that so? I feel like he was quite eccentric in high school."

 

"Hey, Haruhito, don't say unnecessary things."

 

"Hahaha, sorry, sorry."

 

"Stubborn..."

 

Yuto clearly wanted to hear more stories about Aoi's high school days. Aoi chuckled and urged them both, "Let's sit for now."

 

At that moment, the living room door swung open with a gentle creak, revealing the servants pushing a silver trolley.

 

There were maids dressed in simple black dresses with white aprons, butlers dressed in matching attire with Yuto, and chefs wearing chef hats. Each of them had a smile on their face as they entered the living room. There were about twenty of them in total, varying in age, but all welcoming Aoi with expressions of joy.

 

Aoi, who had a surprised look at the sudden appearance of so many people, naturally smiled as they greeted him one by one, saying, "Welcome back, Master Aoi," "Do you recognize me?" and "I'm glad for you, truly."

 

A silver trolley, beautifully displaying bite-sized appetizers, baguette sandwiches, quiches, roast beef, and colorful salads, as well as desserts such as cut-sized pastries and crème brûlée, and bavarois in spring-like colors, lined up neatly in the living room.

 

Delicately arranged on the silver trolley, there was an assortment of pinchos, baguette sandwiches, quiches, roast beef, and vibrant salads. Additionally, dainty desserts such as bite-sized pastries, crème brûlée, and brightly colored bavarois, all beautifully displayed, lined the cart.

 

Seeing the appetizing aroma and visually appealing dishes, Aoi's eyes sparkled.

 

"Wow, this looks amazing."

 

"Oh, they look delicious."

 

Haruhito, who was standing next to Aoi, also had his eyes shining in excitement.

 

"Now, let's celebrate Master Aoi's return with a toast! To Master Aoi's restored eyesight, to your future success and good health! Cheers!"

 

"Cheers!"

 

The lively voices of the servants loudly echoed in the living room. It was a cheerful toast that didn't quite match the Western-style and luxurious atmosphere of the living room. Aoi raised his glass with a refreshing smile and said, "Thank you, everyone," in a bright voice.

 

While guessing their names from their voices and listening to their introductions, Aoi chatted amiably with the servants. But suddenly, Aoi noticed a man who was silently watching them from a distance, near the door. It was a young man in traditional Japanese clothing with sleek black hair tied up high. Aoi immediately knew who he was.

 

Aoi raised his hand slightly and excused himself, then took a glass from the tray held by a nearby servant and walked towards the door. Seeing Aoi approaching, Suno quickly hid behind the door with a slightly embarrassed look.

 

"You're Suno, right?"

 

"Ah... Y-yeah... Can you see me?"

 

"I can see you clearly."

 

"Wow... Really..."

 

"Why are you standing over there? You should come in."

 

"...Ah..."

 

At the moment their eyes met, Suno's face turned as red as an apple. Suno, feeling embarrassed, covered their mouth with his sleeve. Looking down at him, Aoi chuckled slightly.

 

"Come over here. Since my brother isn't here today, it's a relaxed celebration. You should have something to eat too, Suno."

 

"...Y-yeah..."

 

"What's wrong?"

 

"I-I mean... Can you really see... me? It's just..."

 

As the glass drew closer, Suno's hand reached out to finally grasp it. With a slight tremor, he lifted his face and gazed up at Aoi, his eyes brimming with tears.

 

The Suno in front of Aoi was completely different from the image Aoi had built up in his mind.

 

While Suno exuded a carefree atmosphere, he was also filled with confidence and had a strong pride and sense of identity as an omega from a noble family. Therefore, Aoi had imagined a more assertive and flamboyant face.

 

However, the Suno who was blushing and trembling in front of him was much smaller than Aoi had imagined, and his features were delicate. The graceful allure and refined elegance emanating from him beautifully complemented the deep gray kimono he wore, presenting a truly picturesque image.

 

"When I thought I would really be seen by you, I got nervous..."

 

"Even though you claimed that you were the most suitable for me, going as far as to pay me a night visit."

 

"Well, yeah... But... Aoi-kun, you're too dazzling. You're too beautiful..."

 

"Suno, you have a beautiful face too, more than I imagined."

 

"Huh? H-Really?"

 

"Yes, it's much better than the face I had imagined."

 

"Aoi-kun...! Then, can I be your partner...?"

 

"Well, about that, there's something I want to talk to you about. Do you have time tomorrow?"

 

"Huh...? Ah, um... Yes, I do."

 

Suno's face tensed up at Aoi's expression and stern tone, as if sensing the impending announcement of undesirable news. His pained expression struck a chord in Aoi's heart as well. However, for the sake of their bond, Aoi knew it was necessary to have a proper conversation with Suno.

 

"Well then... I'm going home now. I'll come again tomorrow."

 

"..."

 

"Congratulations on your recovery. Aoi-kun, it's great that you can see again."

 

"Thank you."

 

Suno pressed the glass back into Aoi's hand, and without even meeting his eyes, he promptly turned on their heel, walking away down the hallway.

 

Aoi watched Suno's back with conflicting emotions and clenched his fist tightly.

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