Twirling her light green hair with her finger as her eyes scanned the paper, there was a peaceful silence in the air. It was night, therefore a lamp was nearby. Frey was reading some documents Arthur had given her earlier that day. "Maybe these records could help you," the scholar had told her.
Then, her butler's voice rung in her ears. "Frey!" Alarmed, she instinctively propped her head up, but then her face eased as soon as she noticed it was only Vishnal. "Yes?" Frey had replied, a little weakly actually.
"Ah, did I scare you? Me and Clorica thought it would be okay if we gave you some relax tea since you have been working very hard the past days."
"Oh, th-thank you."
A while ago, the butler had admitted to her that he had feelings for her. She did as well, but..
"And I guarantee you that it is well made."
Frey chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling. Vishnal smiled, his smile being much like a sunrise. It was only a peak of all the light within him.
"I believe you."
Vishnal nodded and told her that he'd get the tea. He walked out the room, and as soon as he did, Frey let out a big sigh. She felt like she was hardly breathing while he was there.
"Frey, I.. I love you!"
Frey's chest tightened as she knew what she had to say. Ventuswill had collapsed not too long ago, and she was too distracted to go on dates and such.
"Vishnal.. I.."
"You don't?"
Vishnal had come back, a cup of tea in the small tray in his hands. He had a wide smile on his face. Bright as ever. Frey forced herself to smile too.
"Here you go!"
Vishnal handed her the tea. Frey sipped it right away, it's sweet taste melting into her tongue. It was delicious, she bet that Clorica was the one who made it.
"It's great," she said lamely. "I'm glad," Vishnal's smile broadened. "I have to go now, or else Master Volkanon will get angry at me." Frey felt her mood drown in sorrow. Why couldn't she say anything?
"Vishnal, I love you too, but..."
"Do you like someone else?"
"..."
"Oh.. I see.. how it is.."
He quickly walked off. Frey began to cry afterwards.
"You can't s-stay any longer..?" Frey choked on the words she was saying. Vishnal shook his head.
"It's alright, though, we can talk tomorrow, right?" The same smile was on his face. Bright as ever.
"No, please don't," Frey grabbed onto the hem of his coat, not believing she was actually saying this. Vishnal had looked surprised too.
"Frey?"
She hugged him tightly, no tears coming out even if she felt like she was about to burst. "I'm sorry, I.. I love you.."
Vishnal's eyes widened, but soon he pet her hair gently. "Frey, I love you too, but.." It was like a repetition of what had happened on that day it seemed like she rejected him. She stepped away quickly as she remembered that afternoon Xiao Pai had told her was a new couple in town, while the two of them were hanging out with Amber.
It was Vishnal and someone else. Another girl, who was prettier than her. Funnier, smarter, too.
"I'm can't," he whispered now, smiling sadly at her. He turned away. "I'll see you tomorrow."
When he left, she felt he was taking everything with him as he did. Only if she had said her true emotions.. if only she had.. Frey dropped down to the floor and began to sob like she did that day he confessed.
And, it was winter solstice that day. What a coincidence. It really did feel like the darkest day.