V.

Last Night's Sensations

I cannot remember what happened last night. I remember going downstairs to let my sister sleep in peace in my room. I remember asking Lisa to open the bottle of fresh Dandelion Wine that Master Diluc gave to me as a present since it was my birthday yesterday.

I remember getting my glass filled and refilled, but I do not remember the events that followed afterwards.

I may be free of illness now, but it was replaced with a hangover. My headache was even worse, and it does not want to go away.

And yet here I am in my office, working; sorting out and signing documents as it is just another day.

"I can't focus…" I muttered, as I heard a knock on the door. "Jean? May I come in?" I heard Lisa's voice ask.

…Lisa. I have a feeling something happened last night, but this hangover is not helping me remember. I also noticed that she seemed to be avoiding me earlier when we walked together to get our breakfast, as well as immediately seeing me off once we got inside Headquarters.

"…come in." I managed to say, loud enough for her to hear. She came in quietly, and as I looked at her, she was holding two cups in both her hands, and had a beautiful smile on her face.

"I brought some hangover tea~" she sweetly said. I organized the papers I had on the table to give way for the two cups.

She placed it on my desk. "I made them with extra special care, which is why I immediately rushed towards the library when we came here." She then told me.

I looked at her, and although I was squinting my eyes as if annoyed at her, I gave her a smile. "Thank you, Lisa. I really appreciate it." I told her, as I took one cup and drank the tea.

Relief washes over me as I felt that my headache was going away. She surely is some sort of miracle worker.

Or perhaps it is because of how she has mastered knowledge about most things that she is capable of. It could probably be this case, which is why having her around is a huge help to not just me, but everyone in the Knights of Favonius, as well.

"This is really good, Lisa. My headache seems to have gotten away." I remarked, and she giggled. "Oh you flatter me too much, dear Jean~" she replied, as she too drank the tea she had brought.

Feeling a bit calmer and more relaxed, I let out a heavy sigh, and withdrew to the comfort of my chair. "Finally~" I managed to say out loud.

I did not mind having Lisa around to hear it. Frankly, I also would not mind if she were around when I laze around, or in some cases, doze off.

This is quite strange indeed: a few days ago I was flustered at her presence, but now…I find comfort when she's around.

Granted, she is a longtime friend, but I can't help but feel like something's—

"Different today, aren't we Jean?" she then asked, as she placed her empty cup on my desk. She was smiling, and not the usual mysterious, teasing one.

"Huh?" I replied, as she walked towards me. I shifted my position, presenting and positioning myself better on my chair rather than slumping on it.

"You seem different today. I wonder if its because of last night?" she asked, giggling afterwards.

Now that my hangover was slowly getting out of my system, I tried to remember what did happen that resulted to me being "different", as she says.

A few drinks, close proximity and…a rather sweet conclusion.

Immediately remembering that we shared a kiss of all things last night, I felt my cheeks feel warm. "Lisa, did we—"

"It was just the kiss, Jean. We just held each other afterwards…" softly replied Lisa, and when I looked at her, she looked rather bashful as well.

Of course, while what we did afterwards was rather tame, it did not help. I feel the heat come up to my face. "H-Held?" I repeated, looking at her again. She nodded, and I covered my face. "Dear Archon…" I softly added.

Hers were lips of the sweetest taste. A hint, a tinge, of the Dandelion Wine, and yet I find myself intoxicated solely from the feeling.

As we break away from each other, I could see her flushed cheeks. I laughed at her ridiculous, but it was one special image that will forever be in my memories.

"Jean…" she softly spoke, as she laughed alongside me. Her laughter was like soft music to my…attending ears. Describing it simply as the clarity hit by crystals would be an insult…

…and yet it was the only perfect description.

I noticed she wasn't letting go of my arms. "Lisa?" I asked, as I moved my arms a bit. It led to another laughing fit for the two of us.

"What you said earlier…did you mean it?" she then asked me. I looked at her, focusing at her beautiful face. I could drown in the gaze of her emerald eyes forever…if she would permit me, of course.

I suppose I am entitled to answer her concern. I did say something surprising, after all.

I reached for her waist, placing my hands on them. I went closer, wanting to feel her. She responded kindly by wrapping her arms around me.

Holding each other, I managed to reply to her query.

"I do, Lisa…I really do like you." I whispered directly to her ear.

"…and a confession." I muttered. I heard Lisa sigh, as she then turned, looking at me.

There was a serious expression on her face. "Did you really mean it?" she suddenly asked me.

I found it hard to respond. Instead, I found myself deep in my own thoughts, pondering upon what I've told her last night.

Was it really true, or was I simply prompted by the alcoholic influence? Did I really show her my…vulnerable feelings, or was it simply because I was caught up in the moment?

…did the kiss we shared meant anything, at all?

"Jean. Look at me." Lisa then spoke, her tone gentle, but not sweet. It was enough to make me feel nervous.

"Lisa, wait…" I softly replied, as Lisa placed her hands on my desk, leaning closer.

"I want to make sure we're on the same page here…" she then gently spoke, looking at me with eyes that seemingly pleaded. She didn't just want me to answer her truthfully: she yearned for it.

I…cannot stare at her, and yet I found myself gazing back. Such piercing eyes, such lovely colors…

I cleared my throat, and finally looked away. "…would you give me time to organize my thoughts and…feelings?" I asked her, and she was taken aback. "I-I just need time to properly give you my answer, is all!" I then added, but it seems it only surprised her more.

"Oh dear, that was unexpected." She remarked. "Huh?" I replied.

She smiled at me, and giggled. "I was expecting a full rejection, dear Jean. Now I feel like a foolish young girl…" she then told me, as I stood up from my seat and approached her.

"Lisa I—"

I was cut off by a finger between my lips. "Take your time, Jean. As long as you need." She softly spoke, as she leaned closer and kissed my cheek. She winked at me afterwards, flashing yet another smile and went out of my office.

I stood there, stunned, processing all that had happened in the last few minutes.

I then gave out a long, drawn-out sigh. "How long would she wait, I wonder?" I asked myself, touching my right cheek as I slightly reminisced at how soft her lips felt.

Granted, I was able to feel that fully last night.

"Lisa, you damned fool…" I softly muttered, as I hid my annoyance from the visitors in the library, although their hushed noise isn't of much help.

Ella Musk in particular is seemingly speaking up another storm at one of the aisles. The usual.

"Quite the ruckus from a little girl…" I softly spoke, sighing. Strangely enough, the annoyance was slowly diminishing, and I found myself smiling a bit again.

"Oh Jean…" I muttered, touching my lips. While she seemingly was under the influence of alcohol, I willingly and boldly made that move last night.

I did want the kiss. I felt it was right. I felt that through that action I let myself expose towards her my…truest feelings.

Of course, I still believe I shouldn't have done that, but the exchange we had earlier was something I did not expect.

I will indeed be waiting for her answer.

"But I can't believe I forgot to tell Jean an update about the new books arriving…" I then whined, slumping on my desk after ensuring no one would see.