(Nether’s POV)

The air buzzed with excitement as the party continued after my parents' speech and the official announcements. Nobles mingled, exchanging pleasantries and forming alliances, but my focus remained on the grand ballroom, where laughter and music filled the atmosphere. The chandeliers above cast a warm golden glow, making the decorated hall seem even more luxurious.

Ivansia suddenly turned toward Ivan, her crimson eyes gleaming with an almost mischievous spark. “Ivan, shall we dance?” she asked, her voice smooth yet filled with expectation.

Ivan, ever the composed one, gave a rare smirk before offering his hand. “It would be my pleasure.”

As they stepped onto the polished marble floor, a hush spread through the room. The daughter of Duke Raviel and the rising noble prodigy—of course, everyone wanted to witness their first public dance together.

The orchestra played a slow, enchanting tune, and the two moved gracefully. Ivansia's silver dress shimmered as she spun under Ivan’s lead, their movements synchronized as if they had been dancing together forever. The way they gazed at each other… it was mesmerizing. The tension between them was undeniable—elegant, alluring, and filled with a deep connection only they understood.

A tug on my sleeve pulled me from my thoughts.

“Nether,” Sylphy’s voice was soft yet determined, her emerald eyes looking up at me. “I want to dance too.”

I blinked in surprise. “You…?”

She pouted slightly, her usual cold demeanor replaced by something entirely too cute for my heart to handle. “What? I can’t want to dance with my fiancé?”

Hearing her call me that made my face heat up slightly, but I chuckled. “Of course, my lady. Then shall we?”

She nodded, trying to act composed, but I could tell she was excited. Taking her small hand in mine, I led her to the center where Ivan and Ivansia were still dancing. The music shifted, welcoming another pair onto the stage.

The moment I placed my hand on her waist and pulled her closer, Sylphy let out a soft breath, her fingers tightening slightly around mine.

“I-I don’t dance often,” she admitted in a whisper.

I smirked. “Then just follow my lead.”

Our steps were in sync almost immediately. Sylphy was a fast learner, her movements becoming more fluid as we twirled across the floor. But as we danced, something changed. It wasn’t just about keeping up with the rhythm—it was a battle.

I noticed the way Ivan’s gaze flickered toward me, and in response, I smirked.

So, he wants a competition?

Fine.

I held Sylphy closer, dipping her slightly, earning a surprised gasp from her and a round of applause from the crowd. Ivan responded in kind, leading Ivansia into an impressive spin that had everyone watching in awe.

Back and forth, we challenged each other, pushing the boundaries of what a simple dance could be. The crowd was enthralled, whispering among themselves about the two prodigies battling even on the dance floor.

It was a draw—until I pulled out my trump card.

Just as the final note of the music played, I leaned in and pressed my lips against Sylphy’s.

Her entire body tensed, her emerald eyes going wide before slowly fluttering shut. The world around us blurred into nothingness. All I could feel was the warmth of her lips, the way her breath hitched slightly, and how she melted into me.

A kiss.

Our first kiss.

And the longest first kiss in history, because I refused to let go.

Time seemed to stop. The crowd had gone completely silent, watching in shock, but I didn’t care.

Sylphy was the one to pull away first, her face as red as a tomato. “T-Ten minutes… W-We kissed for ten minutes…” she stammered, unable to meet my eyes.

I grinned, feeling completely satisfied. “It was worth every second.”

Her hands flew to cover her face, and before I could tease her further, a sharp voice interrupted.

"Ahem."

I turned to see my father and mother staring at us, amusement and exasperation written on their faces.

From the side, Ivan crossed his arms, smirking. "That was a bit much, don't you think?"

"Oh, I think it was perfect," Ivansia teased, making Sylphy groan in embarrassment.

Elise, on the other hand, looked confused. "Nether kissed Sylphy? Oh! Is she having trouble breathing?! Should I heal her?"

That sent the entire hall into laughter.

---

– A Night to Remember

(Nether’s POV)

After the grand party ended and the last guest left, I thought I would finally get some peace.

I was wrong.

The moment the doors closed behind the final noble, my family surrounded me like hungry wolves.

Ivan smirked first, arms crossed. “So, ten minutes, huh?”

Arther, the most blunt among us, whistled. “That was a long one, big brother.”

Rean—usually the quiet one—tilted his head, pretending to be in deep thought. “I heard a normal first kiss lasts a few seconds… but yours? Ten whole minutes?” He shook his head in mock disappointment. “Shameless.”

Sylphy, still completely red-faced, kept her head down, gripping my sleeve like it was her only lifeline.

Ivansia, standing next to Ivan, sighed dramatically. “Well, I suppose I should’ve expected this from my future brother-in-law. He’s always been a troublemaker.”

Before I could respond, a small, familiar voice chimed in.

"Big Brother kissed Sylphy... Is she okay?"

I turned to see Elise looking up at me, her big blue eyes full of concern.

Sylphy made a strangled noise beside me.

"Um, I'm fine, Elise!" she said quickly.

Elise nodded seriously, then turned back to me. “Then why did you hold her for so long? Were you afraid she’d run away?”

That—that was the finishing blow.

Sylphy let out a tiny squeak and hid behind me, too embarrassed to speak.

Meanwhile, my mother—Rem William—was hiding her laughter behind her fan, while my father, Albert, shook his head with an amused sigh.

“Nether,” my mother tilted her head, her golden hair catching the candlelight, “you’re quite the passionate one, aren’t you?”

“…It just happened,” I mumbled, suddenly wishing I could disappear.

“Oh? It just happened?” Ivan grinned, obviously enjoying my suffering.

Elise blinked, confused. "Does that mean Nether will kiss Sylphy every time they dance?"

The entire room erupted into laughter.

Sylphy groaned, still hiding her face behind my shoulder.

“You all should stop teasing them,” my father finally said, though his small smirk betrayed his amusement. “They are still young, after all.”

“That’s true,” my mother agreed. “But still… ten minutes?”

Sylphy made a sound that was somewhere between a groan and a whimper.

And that’s how we ended the longest, most embarrassing night of my life.

---

Later That Night (Sylphy’s POV)

I rolled over in bed, pressing my hands against my burning face.

It had been hours, and I still couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Our kiss.

I could still feel it—his warmth, the way his hands held me, the way he didn’t let go.

I groaned into my pillow.

“…What’s wrong with me?”

I had always been calm and collected, but now I was acting like some love-struck girl.

I turned onto my side, staring at the moonlight filtering through my window.

I wouldn’t be able to sleep like this.

Before I could second-guess myself, I got up, grabbed my robe, and slipped out of my room.

The hallways were quiet and dark, the only sound being the faint rustle of curtains. As I reached Nether’s room, I hesitated for just a moment before knocking softly.

A few seconds later, the door cracked open.

“…Sylphy?”

Nether’s voice was sleepy and confused.

I peeked inside—his white hair was messy, and… he wasn’t wearing a shirt.

I immediately regretted coming here.

“…What’s wrong?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

I shifted awkwardly. “I… I can’t sleep.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is it because of… earlier?”

I glared at him. “You don’t have to say it out loud.”

He chuckled, stepping aside. “Come in.”

I walked in, suddenly feeling incredibly nervous.

After a few seconds of silence, he finally asked, “So… why are you here?”

I took a deep breath. “I just… I don’t feel comfortable sleeping alone tonight.”

Nether blinked. “Wait, are you asking to—”

“N-Nothing weird!” I cut him off quickly, face burning. “I just want to… you know… sleep next to you.”

Silence.

Then, a soft chuckle.

"You're really bad at saying things directly, huh?"

I huffed, crossing my arms. "Do you want me to leave?"

Nether shook his head. “No, stay.”

He patted the bed beside him, and after a second of hesitation, I climbed in.

The moment I settled next to him, he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close.

I stiffened for a moment before relaxing against his warmth.

“…You’re warm,” I murmured.

"And you're still flustered," he teased.

I punched his shoulder lightly. “Shut up.”

He chuckled, and for a few moments, we just lay there in silence.

Then, his voice softened.

"I’ll get used to this," he murmured. "So don’t ever think about leaving my side, okay?"

My breath hitched.

He said it so casually, yet it meant everything.

I pressed my face into his chest, hiding my smile.

“…Idiot.”

And just like that, I finally fell asleep—warm, safe, and right where I wanted to be.

 To be continued