Chapter 44 Volitive

Volitive: of, like or pertaining to the will; expressing desire or permission

In which Yunuen is actually a big softie who can't give a proper shovel talk and just wants the best for Evolet.

Yunuen was staring down at the younger bluenette in front of him, having just said an endless string of threats to him. Khun didn't back away from his stare either, finding it ridiculous that he was getting the infamous shovel talk this early on. He was just asking Evolet on a date for goodness sake, he hasn't even asked for her hand in marriage. Anyone who saw this scene would think they resemble a pair of angry cats, hissing at each other with arched backs.

Khun glared at the High Ranker, standing up to him boldly. He's always been the risk taker to make his own rules, and this was no exception. He certainly felt like he was trying to convince a "protective family member" that he'll take care of Evolet and never hurt her. Was he going to receive a much worse shovel talk if he asked her to become his girlfriend and most certainly wife later on? Definitely. But Evolet was worth it and will always be.

Seeing how Khun was still holding firm and glaring back at him, Yunuen's frown deepened for a moment before he loosened up slightly and sighed. Khun's eyebrows furrowed at the relaxed posture he was showing, skeptical of the sudden lack of hostility. Yunuen was exasperated by the tenacity shown to him.

Forget being jittery or nervous like how Bam acted when the High Ranker stared down at him and spouted detailed death threats, Khun Aguero Agnis stood up to him without batting an eye. He was annoyingly all too similar to his father, Khun Eduan, back in the days. It was an unpleasant reminder to him, how annoyingly persistent and stubborn he was back in the days. Yunuen probably can't believe himself for what he's about to say to Khun.

"The Little One… Eve is still childish despite how she seems you know."

The Lightbearer was confused by the sudden change of attitude, but listened anyway as Yunuen continued. "She's loyal to a fault but all too reckless to be true. You should see what she usually pulls behind the scenes really."

He chuckled, remembering how she pouted endlessly when it was her first time receiving paperworks and how nervous she was during the first time she performed on stage. Yet she was so used to it now, bolder with her moves and less hesitation. She was growing to be a troublesome force to deal with for her enemies, no doubt FUG knew that since they've experienced it firsthand in this Workshop Battle. Though he sometimes wished that she would be more selfish for herself instead of doing all of that for Bam.

"She says she's extremely selfish and greedy, can you believe that??? Even though she never says what she wants out loud and always gives more and more to others. Sometimes maybe a little too much. And she never expects anything in return…"

Because she doesn't think she's worth it. But that's exactly why Yunuen felt the need to spoil her as much as possible. He didn't know what it takes to convince her that she's actually worth it more than anything and anyone else, but he'll try his best. The Wave Controller released a sigh that was somewhere between admiration and sorrow. "She… is strong, incredibly so in ways that even I can't understand. But being strong doesn't mean she's invincible. That's why I want her to have allies to support her in case something happens."

He paused for a moment, glancing at Bam who was standing at the balcony a distance away from them. It wasn't as if Yunuen hated the brunette or anything. In fact he appreciated Bam for some things he's done for Evolet, unknowingly or not. But he couldn't leave Evolet to someone who'd possibly choose another someone b̶e̶t̶r̶a̶y̶e̶r̶– over who's always been by his side and spared no effort to build their relationship. Evolet deserved better than that and Yunuen was hellbent on finding someone he approved of.

"She's the type that'd gladly let go as long as it means their happiness you know, even if she's the one who will get hurt. She needs someone who won't ever let her go and to cherish her properly by her side. Someone who can show her that she's worth everything in the world."

"Will you… ever leave her someday?"

"I won't. I've been searching for her relentlessly for years without rest. Now that I finally found her, I'm never letting go again." Khun answered instantly without any trace of hesitation, looking straight into Yunuen's teal eyes which were glinting coldly.

"If those words of yours turns out to be a lie later..." Khun wasn't sure if he should be feeling threatened or exasperated by the graphic description of murder plans that Yunuen kept throwing at him relentlessly after his words trailed off. He had a feeling he needed to get used to this sooner or later.

Though honestly he saw nothing to worry about. He was telling the truth when he said he was never letting Evolet go again, having experienced how hard it was to search for her once she disappeared. He had this feeling that if he ever let go of her, she'll disappear without a trace as if she didn't even exist before. Call it paranoia, 6th sense, instinct, or anything, he simply knew without any particular reason.

The next thing he knew there was a large crash coming from the meeting room. For a moment his mind entered caution mode, hearing Evolet yelping in surprise. It wasn't only him, both Bam and Yunuen also tensed up and ready to jump in if needed. Except what they saw stunned them speechless.

Evolet was hanging on for dear life as she was carried away bridal style by a laughing Endorsi who barged into the meeting like nobody's business, before taking her away because they needed to "dress up" for their respective date. Needless to say, it was the most terrified Evolet has ever been. The purplette had a ghastly pale complexion, looking only at the floor with a grim expression as she accepted her fate. Yunuen stared at her a moment longer before promptly going back to Khun again, this time telling him of the little things about Evolet to make sure the date goes smoothly. Well, on the bright side it seems like Khun has earned Yunuen's approval somehow?

"Endorsi-san, this is..."

Evolet preferred to be in the comfort of sweaters, the ones she stole from Bam more than anything else. Yet here she was, standing awkwardly as Endorsi observed the Anima carefully with a hum. She was currently wearing a collared white button down shirt paired with a cobalt blue pleated skirt, oddly enough ending with a similar style as to how Khun would dress up normally. Endorsi grinned smugly at her work as she nodded proudly.

"You look hot." Evolet only let out a small whine of disapproval at that, crouching down and covering her blushing face with her palms. Much to her chagrin, Endorsi only laughed at her flustered state before helping her up. This time she only sat quietly in front of the dressing table as the Jahad Princess pondered how to style Evolet's hair. That was until she caught sight of a blue bandanna with a certain family logo on it, another smirk curling up on her lips akin to a cat.

"Oho~" A subtle chill ran up Evolet's back at the teasing tone Endorsi had. But her blue-violet gaze quickly softened when she saw what was in the brunette's hands. Before Endorsi even asked anything, she already nodded first and told her that Khun was the one who gave it to her. The affection and care was blatantly obvious in her voice. Endorsi raised an eyebrow before all of her teasing attitude dissipated, taking great care in tying the light lavender locks into a high ponytail. Evolet was much quieter now, seemingly more comfortable with Endorsi than before as the Jahad Princess worked in silence. Khun better appreciate her work in dolling up Evolet, if not then she's going to kill him.

"Endorsi-san…" Said brunette hummed lightly, inquiring what Evolet wanted to say.

"Please do take care of Bam while you're out. And I hope you enjoy your date!" Seeing how Evolet had a mellow smile across her lips, Endorsi frowned the slightest bit before pinching the purplette's cheeks. Evolet made a noise of disagreement as she attempted to get Endorsi to stop with no success. Endorsi on the other hand, was somewhat exasperated by the girl's antics.

She was taking Bam on a date and the first thing Evolet said was to take care of him. Then the following sentence was for her to enjoy her date. There wasn't even a single hint of jealousy in her tone for goodness sake. Though then again Evolet didn't know what a date was. Not that she needed to worry either way, since Bam will still choose her over Endorsi. At the reminder her mind gave, Endorsi sighed and released Evolet's cheeks that were slowly reddening. Evolet was utterly confused by the brunette's actions, staring curiously at Endorsi with wide blue-violet eyes as she held her pained cheeks lightly.

How were they still not together after how many years together anyway? You'd think they completely skipped the whole dating stage and went straight to married stage with how they were acting, but they didn't have anything official. Why did she think it was a good idea to bring Bam on a date anyway? Endorsi was aware that Bam would most likely space out during their date, his thoughts wondering about Evolet. At this point she was extremely tempted to slap some common sense into his mind so that he'd confess to the purplette and make it official already.

Though Endorsi had her doubts too, both about Evolet and Bam. Why did Evolet disappear back then? How did she meet up with Bam again and became his partner in FUG? Did it have to do with Rachel who pushed down Bam and sold him to FUG? Did Bam still want to chase Rachel even after all that's happened to him? The only thing she could be sure of was that Evolet was on their side, to be exact Bam's side probably.

If there was anything she needed to figure out today, that would be what Bam planned to do going forward. Heartbroken as he was before, Bam had actually moved on and decided to bring a certain freckled blonde up the Tower much faster than she thought. Now that seven years have passed with Evolet by his side through all the pain and suffering, what will he answer if she asked him the same question back then on the Floor of Tests?

In the end she put aside those thoughts for later, hands on Evolet's shoulders as she looked at the Anima with a serious look. "Listen well, Eve. Tell me if that blue haired bastard hurts you, he won't live to see another day."

Evolet was taken aback for a moment before soft laughter spilled from her lips. "Don't worry, Endorsi-san. Khun-san will never hurt me."

If that didn't spell a headache for Endorsi, she doesn't know what does. At this point she doesn't know if she should be amazed or stupified by the sheer amount of trust Evolet had for Khun. She settled for staring blankly at the oblivious purplette before sighing, opting to drop the troublesome topic with a wave of her hand.

"Forget it, I'm going to go now. Just tell me if Khun tries to do anything weird."

Before Evolet could say anything, Endorsi already went out of the room in a hurry. The Anima was left alone as she smiled, wishing the Jahad Princess a safe and happy trip. When Evolet exited the room afterwards, the first thing she heard was her name being called before Bam tackled her into a hug. She chuckled lightly at the usual show of affection, returning it with the same fervor as she ran her fingers through his fluffy hair. All too familiar to the gesture, Bam gladly melts into her touch with satisfaction and ease.

"Bam… you haven't gone yet? Endorsi-san already went ahead earlier, you shouldn't keep her waiting for too long."

Of course Bam knew that. He really should get going soon, but that sounds a lot harder than it actually was since he didn't exactly want to let go of Evolet. A small sigh could be heard from the brunette and nuzzled into her shoulder appreciatively, internally murmuring that he preferred to go with her. "Just a little longer…"

Evolet could only exhale lightly at that, pulling her hand away from his hair. "Should I take you there then?"

Bam perked up the slightest bit offer, standing up straighter instead of leaning on Evolet. Bright golden eyes peered down at her, waiting for her to say something more that will seal the deal. She was well aware this would happen from the start. Evolet gave in to the look of expectation easily as she tiptoed lightly and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, staying still for a few seconds before pulling away and putting a cherry on top of the deal.

"How does a night of cuddling sound?" Needless to say, Bam was instantly hooked. He'd never turn down an offer to cuddle with her. Slipping her hand in his, Evolet didn't waste any more time before whisking Bam away. They walked in silence as they usually do, comfortable with what they have and how it's always been.

Bam relished in the warmth of her hand, squeezing it gently to remind himself that she was right here by his side and also to gain her attention. When Evolet looked back at him with her serene blue-violet gaze and asked him if there was anything wrong, Bam only smiled at her before intertwining their fingers and shaking his head. Evolet didn't question it any further, grasping his hand tighter as a sign of reassurance. He had nothing more to ask as long as she stayed by his side.

They reached their destination far too soon for his liking now that Endorsi could be seen at the distance. The Jahad Princess seemed to be rather annoyed as she looked at her phone, waiting for Bam. Which was understandable since he was somewhat late at this point. He still wished that they could've taken their sweet time before arriving here though, which was evident from his reluctance to go to the female brunette.

Evolet didn't take notice of that, rather smiling fondly at the sight of Endorsi's impatience. Her hand pulled away from his, and Bam found himself already missing the kind warmth from it. A pout could be clearly seen on his face, head down casted as he stayed rooted to his spot. Evolet chuckled at his expression, motioning him to lean down playfully. Bam didn't hesitate to oblige, his eyes widening as Evolet smirked teasingly at him before her lips met his cheek.

She's done this countless times to him, but his reaction will always be the same. His cheeks would flare up in the most vibrant hues of red, gaze softening like he could only see her smiling in front of him as butterflies fluttered about in his stomach wildly. A truly wonderful feeling as if time stopped and there were only the two of them in this world. His throat was parched as she took a step back and smiled at him so lovingly that he felt like he was staring straight at the sun.

"You should go soon, she's waiting for you." Bam didn't want to go in the slightest bit. He wanted it to be Evolet that he was with, not someone else even if it was one of his friends. He doesn't say it out loud and instead nods his head. Evolet seemed to be satisfied with that, smiling as she bid him goodbye and wishing him a fun excursion. She didn't see how he reached out his hand when she turned away, and Bam didn't make it a point to chase after her either.

She's always slipped away far too easily when there's no one to hold her.

Bam released a breath shakily as he watched her walk away without turning back, not knowing why he was acting like this even though they'll only be separated for not even a day. He goes to the date with Endorsi with a hint of sadness and longing tugging at his lips, and if Endorsi noticed she didn't say anything to it.

A/N:

So~ This first book will end on chapter 47 :D After I post chapter 47 I'mma publish the prologue (which I completely forgot at the beginning) and epilogue. If you read the prologue properly later you'll probably find a lot of major hints to the plot of this story.

Along with that will of course be another Special Chapter featuring Death God!Khun and Reincarnator!Eve which may or may not be the continuation of that Hanahaki!AU... Who knows~

Other than that I'll also be opening another QA session at the end of this book, and I'll answer it when Book 2 comes out. Which will... Probably be after a 2 week or so break cause this little Author-san of yours needs a little break so she can catch up with the domineering school work–

That'll be all for today and thank you for reading as always~