"So you really are a dragon?" I said after composing myself. I couldn't ind any other words to say.

She just looked at me blankly.

I broke the ice. "Look Elma or whoever you are, I don't care what you are- you'll always be my friend no matter what."

Her expression softened. Her eyes twinkled so delicately at my words.

At this time I was internally fighting with myself to decide whether or not I should confess my feelings to her. At that moment, it felt like now or never.

She had already told me her deepest secret so shouldn't I just tell her how I really feel about her?

"Elma, I have something to tell you as well."

Blue and brown irises interlocked.

"To be honest, I don't really care who you are. It doesn't matter. I'm sorry if I had said anything inappropriate when you showed me your true form. Just know that it was because I'm not accustomed to these things. In fact, you showed me new things that I never in a million years, would have thought I would enjoy. You changed my life. You changed my world, all by yourself. When I'm with you, I feel as though I could do anything. I feel secure and safe when you are near. I mean, I have always been alone. Ever since I was a child. I had grown accustomed to that life until I met you. I never had luck with any friends." I paused for a breath.

"But Elma, you are the only true friend I have ever had. You have stuck with me through the good times and bad. The first time I looked at you, I felt a way I had never before. Ever since you started living with me, I think about you 24/7. When I don't see you, my mind would begin to wander at what I think you might be doing. I don't know any word to describe it other than-I"

I sighed deeply.

"I love you Elma Joui."

For someone who wasn't very talkative and had a hard time expressing herself, those words took everything out of me. I tried so hard not to tear up but I couldn't stop the little drops that were beginning to pool at the corner of my eyes. I guess I was crying from the release and the freedom to say what was on my mind.

What she did next took me by surprise.

The dragon woman just smiled pulled me into a big hug.` It wasn't the reaction I was expecting.

"You're so cute Nai-chan. You're my friend. I love you too. Thank you for accepting me."

Did she miss the entire point of my confession?

I forcefully broke the hug. "YOU DON'T GET IT DO YOU?!"

Her eyes drooped and she ceased smiling.

"Huh Nai-chan. What's wrong?"

"What's wrong is that you didn't hear a word I said to you!"

I took her hand in mine.

"Don't you understand, Elma? I love you. I love you more than a friend. I love you like a girlfriend."

She gasped quietly and instantaneously broke her hand away from mine. I noticed her backing a few steps away from me.

"Is-Was that a love confession like the ones in manga and soap operas?"

Disbelief was the only look my face had.

"Only this is real. This is no soap opera. You of all should understand that." I replied.

"But-but-BUT IT'S WRONG FOR MY SPECIES AND YOURS TO BE LIKE THIS!" She nodded her head as she spoke. Her short black hair bouncing across her face, as she did.

She continued. "Look, it's already wrong for me to even be here. I am interfering in this world enough. It would be utterly preposterous for a harmony dragon and a human to have that sort of relationship."

She paused for a breath and continued. "I'm sorry Nai-chan but I can never love you. It's not right. It goes against all the laws I have followed and fought to uphold in my world."

"I-I'm going out for a walk." I watched her turn her back on me and exit the bedroom.