"Sweet dreams, Father, my Dear Human." 

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There was silence in the gap in Cale's thread of destiny that haunted him.

Why was he behaving like this?

It was like he had experienced it with Dion Agriche over and over again.

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S. This chapter has been edited by Beta Reader: Zero
(Word : 7k)

"Hey, you know what? There's one webnovel that's taboo to read, you know."

"Webnovel? Are you sure? Taboo to read or banned by the platform?" The speaker shook her head with a very serious face.

"It is indeed taboo to read. That said, those who have read the webnovel say that this story is real and alive." The person listening then chuckled.

"So, if it is indeed taboo to read, shouldn't it be banned?" Her friend's eyes had a strange emptiness, and she shook her head.

"It's been tried, and the novel keeps reappearing."

"Hmmm, a hacker?" A shake of the head was given in reply.

"Hey, that's pretty scary." The emptiness in her friend's eyes disappeared, sparkling just as anxiously.

"Yeah, right? Even though the story isn't horror, the neighboring novel, Flower of Hell, is famous too. It's so weird."

"Flower of Hell? I read the story! Although the rating was a bit... eerr..., but I didn't know the author wrote other novels."

"Yes. The novel is still posted on the author's account. Although it's considered taboo among fans, quite a few have read it." Her friend tilted her head with a thoughtful hum.

"And the story is still in the same background as the Flower of Hell novel."

After hearing the words of her friend at the office that day, her unstoppable curiosity couldn't be contained anymore. So, the woman opened her cell phone and searched for the author of the Flower of Hell novel (via the Internet), and sure enough, the novel in question was still listed.

The cover is just as simple as Flower of Hell, except that it has a visual image of dusty dark brown gears, two hands that seem to be trying to reach each other, and a red rope that wraps around, looking like a vein, around the two hands that are obstructed by a title titled The Snare of Destiny or the alternative title, Limerence, which means One's Madness to Others.

The webnovel's chapters were few, along with the author's announcement that he/she had stopped writing it before focusing on Flower of Hell.

Surprisingly, it's a novel about a love story between two men.

However, the LGBT genre disappeared as she became immersed in the story.

And the comments were filled with readers wanting more.

The comments, which started out fine, gradually escalated to the point of being downright scary.

It was as if they wanted the story to continue, were addicted to the flavor, and were obsessed with watching the receiver get more and more tormented by the giver's love.

Scary.

And it's true what her friend said.

This story was taboo for webnovel fans.

Against her will, she tried to log out of the online platform. And the she tried to sleep, ignoring the chorus of the machine that sounded like it was echoing in her mind out of nowhere.

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[Cale Gastors's POV]

Dion Agriche.

The boy who was still faithfully staring at him was from the Black Agriche family, which was hostile to the Blue Pedelian.

Undoubtedly, those bloodshot eyes are indeed the trademark of the Agriche family now. Pale skin, dark hair, and a void of emotion.

"How did you get here?" asked Cale, still maintaining his soft voice. No matter how scary the child in front of him was, Dion was still a child. Cale's old and tired heart would always melt when dealing with children.

"...hunting monsters. Mission," muttered the boy, still maintaining the intensity of his gaze on Cale. The red-haired boy, on the other hand, frowned. He had indeed heard of the Agriche family system from his father, but he did not expect to actually hire a child for a monster hunting mission.

"And you're hurt right now," Cale said in a pained voice. Couldn't imagine his children having the same look as Dion Agriche.

"I certainly can't take you to the Manor now. You're too heavy and too injured for me to carry," Cale said with a calm face, ignoring the way the blood-red eyes followed his every move.

"Are you okay with me leaving you here for a while? I'll go get my emergency first aid kit at the Manor." It was a stupid idea, but Cale had no other choice. He had brought nothing with him, and his ancient power, if any, could not help anything.

Staring at the other boy's black robe, Cale picked it up, used the blood-stained sword to tear it off, and then wrapped the deep wound on the right side of his abdomen.

Dion didn't even grimace, still faithfully staring at him. That was rather frightening.

"How is it, Dion?" After nearly 15 seconds of silence, his red eyes curled with a small smile and he nodded.

"Alright, Cale. I'll wait for you." Before Cale got up from his seat, Dion's hand grasped his, pulling Cale closer to his body so that the boy's lips were only inches away from the corner of his lips.

"Don't be long, Cale. Or I'll die," Dion whispered, still with that saccharine smile. Cale looked at the boy with slightly wide eyes before giving a small, comforting smile. Making his reddish-brown eyes shine beautifully with understanding. In contrast to the red eyes that stared with demands and dominance.

"I won't let you die, Dion." Because you are my clue to go home.

"Good. Good boy." Dion's lips moved to lightly kiss the temple of his head, inhaling deeply Cale's scent and being satisfied with his strange action.

Not forgetting to give Dion one last reassuring look, the youngest of the Gastors took off running as fast as he could.

And before his feet reached the backyard of the Gastors Manor, where he lived, Cale stopped. Reddish-brown eyes gazed at his appearance, realizing how messed up it was with Dion's blood marks. This was not good; his family would overreact and might even declare war with the Black Agriche family.

Using his ancient powers of water and wind (he could still use them, though the owner's voice could not be heard), Cale's appearance was cleaned up as usual. Then his eyes glanced at the sky, squinting as he felt that it was almost evening. It was approaching time to go for a walk with Rheethe or perhaps be picked up to play by Eskel.

If he said he was sick, then, the whole family will bring various doctors to check him (his experience in the past).

If he said he was moody as usual, then the Lady, Areetha, would not leave him alone.

If he was studying or doing his home assignment, the head of the family, Reagan, would come to stop him.

If he said he was going to sleep, then Liuzak would accompany him.

There was no gap.

The Gastors were overprotective of their youngest.

"There's no other choice. Dion is waiting for me," Cale muttered in a cold, serious voice. He walked towards his room, giving polite nods and short replies to the greetings of the knights and servants.

Once it was deemed safe, Cale hurriedly took the first aid kit he designed himself (considering Eskel was often injured during sword training), putting in a lot of healing potions, blood enhancers, and stamina-boosting mana.

The redhead then stretched slightly forward, peering from the room door to the left and right, finding himself not seeing many people in the hallway of the building. Then he glanced at the window; fortunately, Cale's room was on the first floor. He opened it, then quietly left the Manor.

It wouldn't have been that difficult if he still had a little control over his ancient power. Without making a sound (which he learned from Ron and Beacrox's footsteps), Cale breathed a sigh of relief when he felt he was out of the backyard, heading straight for the red-leaved forest. He would think of an excuse to disappear later; Dion was his top priority now.

And thankfully, Dion was still where he was, but with a paler face.

"Drink this first, Dion," Cale said with worry that could not be hidden. Dion accepted the pain relief potion without complaint or suspicion, completely trusting himself in the hands of Cale, who was a stranger he met 30 minutes ago.

Cale's potion had an immediate effect on Dion, who gradually recovered. Although the wound was not as deep as before, Cale found himself removing the bandage and treating Dion's wound with great care.

Silence engulfed them. They were so comfortable in silence.

"After this, you must return, Dion." The boy nodded briefly, with a flat face devoid of emotion.

"Yes. I have to report back on my mission," he replied in a cold voice. Seemingly unhappy with the idea of going separate ways and being away from Cale.

"I can't go out," Cale said, coming out so casually that it somewhat surprised his inner self.

"Why?" Chuckling, Cale just shrugged his shoulders in ignorance.

"My family is too protective. Every move is watched." The red eyes that were so intimidating now glanced all over. From top to bottom, as if searching for the wounded part of Cale's body.

"I'll be back, Cale." Dion gave a small smile. His right hand came up to stroke Cale's cheek, his thumb gently rubbing the bottom of the red-haired boy's left eye.

"You'll have to wait for me." It was a statement with a strong voice, not to be denied.

"I will always wait for you," Cale replied in a firm voice. Thankfully. He did not need to force Dion to come. This way, he could slowly investigate his clues and return home through this Agriche boy.

"Good. Good boy," Dion whispered again in a sweet voice, lilting like a flower that attracts bees. Releasing his hand, with Cale's help, he tried to get up from his seat. Trembling, not even a cry of pain escaped his lips. Making the youngest of the Gastors even more worried.

"Are you sure you'll be back now, Dion? Why not stay at the inn first? I'll pay-" Dion shook his head. After being able to stand unaided, his right hand moved to half-hug Cale.

Reddish-brown eyes blinked like an owl. Seemed very surprised by the other Agriche boy's clinginess. He was about to say something, but froze again, feeling Dion's hand grasping the right side of his waist tightly. Making Cale sink further into Dion's embrace with his right hand touching the older boy's chest.

.....

"Dion?" Unable to contain his confusion, Cale looked up and was stunned when the other boy already looked down at him.

"Hm?"

"You're sure you'll be okay?" murmured Cale against Dion's chest.

His interlocutor only hummed and gently ruffled the crown of his head with a light kiss.

"Yes. For you, I'll always be fine." Strange. But Cale could only nod.

"Alright." Somewhat reluctantly, Dion released his embrace. Red eyes never left the movements of the youngest of the Gastors.

Feeling that he could move freely, Cale then took some food that he had tucked into his healing equipment bag. Although it consisted of snacks, he hoped it would fulfill Dion's needs.

"Since the Agriche region is a bit far from Gastors, this is for you, Dion." The boy accepted Cale's bundle of food.

"Then some potions in case you get hurt on the way home."

"I'm not going home," Dion cut in sharply. Cale blinked his eyes in surprise with a questioning look.

"I'll leave and come back to you." Red eyes shone with an intensity that was both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time.

"You're my home." Cale's heart throbbed painfully when he heard that.

What was his relationship with Dion Agriche that the boy could say such a thing?

Cale was just a stranger he had met an hour ago. Why would Dion dare to say such a thing?

But, as if being controlled by something, his lips knitted out other words.

"Yes. I'll wait for you to come home, Dion." blended so beautifully with the smile that Dion produced for him.

Giving Cale one last kiss on the crown of his head, Dion said goodbye and left the red-leaved forest in one blink. Leaving Cale staring blankly at the last sight of Dion's back before clenching his hands tightly with trembling lips.

How strange.

Why did everything feel the way it should when he was close to Dion?

As if this was how Cale was supposed to act and speak.

This was how Cale was supposed to smile and laugh.

And this was how Cale was supposed to receive Dion's gentle treatment.

Mostly, this scared Cale.

Afraid of being so attached to the Agriche boy.

Afraid of how the knitting between them blended so beautifully that it was frightening how compatible Dion Agriche and Cale Gastors were.

However, on the other hand, Cale held back his fear.

If there was indeed something behind Dion and Cale's relationship, then he would accept it. He would endure all his feelings of anxiety, fear, and caution.

For the sake of his clue to go home.

Cale let the sound of the machine knit his destiny in this world.

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[Third Person's POV]

The Gastors family had noticed a small change in the youngest's demeanor.

Cale Gastors still went about his daily schedule as usual, but the gloomy aura that surrounded him was slowly fading away.

The 6-year-old boy had a new hobby. That was to stare blankly at a part of the city from a distance, with his hands lightly clenched. As if he was waiting for something.

"Cale." Snapped out of his reverie, the summoned master looked up, seeing Reagan standing to the right of the youngest, who was staring silently at the city above the front balcony of the Manor.

"Yes, Father?" Smiling a little, Reagan lowered his head, taking his son into his arms and joining the activity of looking at the city.

"You want to go out into the city?" Knowing hazel eyes glanced briefly at his father before tilting his face with a doubtful look.

"Are you sure?" Reagan furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Sure about?" Cale gave a small hum and a blank look.

"Your reputation. Because I'm an illegitimate child," Cale replied calmly. In contrast, Reagan's heart seemed to fall into his gut with a thousand burning sensations in his blood. He already officially considered Cale Gastors his legitimate son. So, who would dare instill such a vile thing into the youngest's mind?

"Why would I worry about that? You're what I'm worried about, little one," Reagan whispered softly, kissing the top of his son's head repeatedly with affection.

Even if it had been years since Cale had tried to open up to them, there were still some thick walls between them.

"..." Cale did not reply but gave a sweet, sincere little smile. His eyes looked at Reagan with new eyes.

"Thank you for not leaving me," murmured the youngest, having a million secrets behind those words. It made Reagan feel as if he had won the world with that small, genuine smile.

"Never, my son."

*******

After six years of not leaving Gastors Manor, this was the first time Cale set foot in the capital city.

The capital city?

Yes.

The capital city of Garnett, where the Red Gastors family was the leader.

This world was ruled by five families, and Cale found the background of this world rather interesting.

It wasn't like the Royal or Imperial families ruled it. Instead, the power that these five families possessed became the rule in this world, and one of them was Cale's family, the Red Gastors.

While families like the Blue Pedelian and Yellow Bertium were conspicuous by their wisdom as well as their power of justice, the Black Agriche family was famous for its unreasonable family systematics and many defiances of the law. While the White Huipelion family had decided to be neutral like the Red Gastors.

However, the Huipelion family did not attract attention like the Gastors. Where the Cale family had been very passive in activities that showed themselves to the outside world. Making the Red Gastors' territory very closed and difficult to enter without a strict system.

Cale did not know why the Gastors had decided on that, as the rule had been in place since Reagan's father had pulled his family in.

"How was it, Cale?" Snapping out of his reverie, Cale glanced at his older brother, Liuzak, who decided to accompany and give the youngest the first tour.

"Pretty crowded for a town that's supposedly closed." The dark-haired man chuckled at his younger brother's flat reply.

"Our family has its own system that Huipelion cannot replicate," the Gastors heir replied with his chest puffed out proudly. Cale gave a small snort, not answering. Instead, he looked around, taking in all the shops in the center of Garnett's capital city.

His purpose in the city was to buy a gift.

It had been a month since Dion Agriche had returned.

And out of nowhere, Cale wanted to get a gift for Dion when the boy came back.

And maybe some small gifts to the Gastors who were willing to take care of him.

"Where are you going first, Cale?" Feeling that he was already a bit hungry, Cale pointed at the food stall. Liuzak nodded and immediately lifted the youngest into his arms.

The waiter, knowing that his new customer was the heir of the Gastors family, bowed respectfully and prepared a separate table with the best service. Although their gazes did not leave the little boy on their Young Master's lap.

Cale let the 22-year-old man do as he pleased.

He was too mentally exhausted to deny it, while on the other hand, he asked to always rest.

Only his little boy's ego kept Cale in his current position.

"What do you want to order, Cale?"

*******

The gift shop had many eye-catching accessories.

It once again surprised Cale that his reclusive family could afford to provide jewelry outside the continent.

Liuzak, who was his bodyguard, forced by Cale to wait outside.

Cale did not want the gift to be seen by the young man before he gave it to him.

A light pat on the pocket money, which his father gave him every week, must have been plenty. The mentally over-40-year-old boy walked lightly through the aisles and shelves of the shop. For the servants and knights close to him, he gifted simple gloves with the Gastors emblem on the edge. He ordered about 20, and the responsive shopkeeper immediately completed his order.

His eyes then accidentally caught a small bag decorated with violets. Vaguely, he could smell the calming scent of the small bag, which instantly reminded him of Areetha.

Without hesitation, Cale picked it up. He made a mental note to add a string, as Areetha sometimes hung things on her fan.

Then his eyes caught a pen with gold engravings that reminded him of Reagan's eyes. Considering his father was always dealing with paperwork, this gold quill was perfect for him.

Cale picked it up.

Liuzak had a gentle, firm, and calming personality. He also traveled a lot from the Manor due to his duties as the heir. So, upon seeing the purplish-colored earrings, Cale couldn't help but imagine how handsome Liuzak would look when wearing them. He took note of the need to infuse Glutton's protective magic into the earring.

Then, the brown fingerless gloves with maroon lines captured Cale's heart, instantly reminding him of Eskel. His second brother was a swordsman; perhaps these gloves could protect his palms? Moreover, it was made of leather. Hmm. Cale could make the Gastors' family crest later.

Then, for Rheethe, Cale was a bit confused about the gift. A cup? A dress? Jewelry? What would a 14-year-old girl like? But Cale didn't want to give an ordinary gift. He wanted a gift that would help his older sister.

Rheethe loved flowers.

Every time they met, they would talk about flowers and their meanings in life. Then, considering that the girl was about to make her debut, the daily schedule was bound to increase, creating stress. Maybe a book ?

Cale decided to buy a diary. He would decorate each of the 10 pages with frozen flowers and a schedule that he created, so the diary would be colorful. This gift almost brought a smile to Cale's face, as it reminded him of On, who was looking forward to the same gift.

Lastly, for Dion.

What should he get for the Agriche boy?

They had only met once, and he had no idea what Dion liked or what his character was like.

Perhaps a healing kit? Since Dion would often be given missions by his family? Hmmm, not quite right.

A sword? Hmmm, Dion must already have one he likes.

Bracelet? Necklace? Earrings? Diadem?

Dion wouldn't fit into it for some reason.

Then his eyes accidentally saw a reddish glow.

It was an ornament, like a robe pin. With a ruby stone that shone brightly golden.

Cale's eyes lit up a little at the sight of the gift.

Dion often wore black robes, which were fastened with pins sideways. This suited him; Cale could also apply his ancient power to protect Dion. Thus, enemy attacks would not directly penetrate the boy's robes.

Then he also saw what looked like a red knitted hanger with a floral pattern. Eastern art. It almost reminded Cale of one of the traditional Chinese pins, thus luring Cale's eyes to look at it. The gift was suitable as a hanger on the hilt of Dion's sword and exuded protection magic.

Unconsciously, the male figure trapped in the small body smiled warmly. Gazing at all the gifts in his lap with a gentle gaze. He slipped everything into the bag, storing it tightly there for Cale to wrap up in the room.

The gifts were small, but Cale not chose for no reason.

Cale Gastors hoped that everyone would like the gifts.

*******

[Areetha Gastors's POV]

Before Areetha went to her usual tea gathering, the youngest arrived. Peeping with his unique reddish-brown eyes behind the door. Earning amused smiles from the servants and guards who saw him.

"Youngest," greeted the lady of the house with a warm smile.

"Mother," the youngest replied back, making Areetha's heart beat with a million affections for her. Ignoring her possibly wrinkled dress and messy headdress, Areetha squatted in front of the boy, waiting quietly.

"Which fan are you wearing?" asked Cale softly. Confused but not asking, Areetha handed him her favorite purple fan. She often wore a fan to hide some of her expressions, and it had been a habit since she was a teenager.

Cale took the item carefully, then took out a small bag that exuded a soothing scent. Expertly, the little guy wove and attached the scent bag to his fan before smiling a little. As if proud of the result.

"This is for you, Mother." Stunned, Areetha accepted the youngest's small gift, observing with great care and affection the little one's simple weaving.

Six years of trying to get close to Cale, and this little bag somehow made all the effort worth it.

With teary eyes, Areetha looked up to say thank you. Only to be stunned to see Cale already smiling sweetly at her. His knowing reddish-brown eyes were now just filled with a cute, childish twinkle of delight. Like a little fairy who was happy to spread happiness.

"Thank you for the gift, Cale," Areetha whispered, kissing Cale's cheek, earning a sweet giggle that thrilled her soul.

******

[Reagan Gastors's POV]

This time, the youngest was on Reagan's lap.

They were in a normal study session; what was new was that Reagan had his paperwork in front of the desk, while Cale was with a book on his own lap.

As his hand was about to reach for the quill, Cale's small hand stopped him. Glancing in mild confusion at his youngest, he saw that hand take something out of his bag and place it in his father's hand.

Reagan's golden eyes widened to see that there was a new quill there, matching in color and having a simple little engraving on the end. It bore his name.

"New pen for Father," Cale said, looking up at him with those beautiful, knowing eyes of his.

"For Father?" Reagan pushed his youngest son's body aside to get a better look at his face. Cale nodded, with two hands resting on his left arm.

"For Father." He emphasized.

Would dying because of Cale's sincere little smile count as dying silly ?

Reagan thought his heart would melt when Cale's head rested back on his shoulder. With a soft hum and tiny hands playing with the hand that held his gift.

For the first time, Cale showed a childlike side that was so endearing that Reagan could not resist kissing the top of the youngest's head.

"Thank you, little one."

******

[Liuzak Gastors's POV]

Before the day of his departure, Liuzak took time out of his schedule to accompany his little brother.

He arrived at the usual balcony where Cale brooded gazing at the sky—the place where he first fell in love with Cale's little laugh, one of Liuzak's best memories.

"Hyungnim," Cale called in his strange language for his older brother, giving instructions for Liuzak to kneel. Confused but obedient, the eldest faced the youngest.

His heart skipped a beat at the sight of those knowing reddish-brown eyes tracing every inch of his face. Too fixated on the angel's face, he didn't notice when a tiny hand moved to his left ear.

"Matches hyungnim's eyes," Cale murmured, snapping Liuzak out of his reverie. Glancing with a stunned face at the simply carved purple earrings Vaguely, he could feel the protection and tranquility behind the earring and smell Cale.

"For hyungnim?" asked Liuzak hopefully. Cale gave Liuzak a look as if he were acting silly, instead just nodding.

"Yes. For hyungnim to not have a headache handling tasks," Cale explained simply.

"And to make hyungnim even more handsome." Then Cale nodded firmly at his own thoughts.

"My hyungnim will be the ideal man for every woman..." Liuzak froze, giggling silly with the words 'my hyungnim' ringing in his soul. But... Cale was praising him now, wasn't he? Him? Handsome?

Grabbing Cale's gift, Liuzak held it in his hands as he tilted his face, smiling so widely for the youngest.

"Alright. Hyungnim will be an ideal man and very handsome just for Cale!" Although somewhat confused by the eldest's proclamation, Cale just nodded with the same little laugh from a year ago.

"Thank you very much, little brother."

Liuzak's hand rose up to stroke the red hair like the petals of a newly bloomed rose, finding himself refraining from melting at the sight of Cale leaning on his hand.

... really adorable, motherfuc-

*******

[Eskel Gastors's POV]

The training this time was rather harsh, resulting in many small scratches on his arms and legs. Inevitably, his palms also had many wounds, whether they were friction wounds with the sword hilt or other wounds. But it did not destroy the 18-year-old's passion to become a swordsman.

Then, his golden eyes accidentally saw the youngest already sitting in his usual place to supervise the training of the Gastors knights. Unable to resist, Eskel called out to him cheerfully.

"Cale! You came to watch my training, little bro?" Abandoning his sword, unconcerned about the wounds on his body, Eskel ran over to his younger brother. Out of habit, the 18-year-old knelt in front of Cale with a sweet smile.

"Your hand, Keli-hyungnim." Oh Lord, Eskel would never get used to the sweet nickname from the youngest. With a shaky smile, Eskel handed over both hands, letting himself be washed by Cale's simple care. Almost bouncing to the ceiling to see his angelic face contorted in worry.

His personal nurse, Cale Gastors Eskel refrained from kissing the chubby cheeks of his youngest.

As was customary, Cale took out a healing salve and rubbed it on his injured palm. Silence engulfed them as the wind blew in, bringing comfort.

When he was done, Cale didn't let go of his hand on his lap; instead, he took something out of his bag.

Eskel's eyes widened as he saw gloves placed on each hand. A simple brown color with a maroon stripe and the Gastors' family crest, it was also flavored with Cale's warmth.

"To protect your hands, Keli-hyungnim. Don't get hurt too often." The angel's face looked up, giving an understanding smile with his head slightly tilted.

"Okay?" A sweet smile threatening his heart was given, and-

-it ended with the knights supporting their Second Young Master, who suddenly lay weak with two hands tightly hugging Cale's gift.

******

[Rheethe Gastors's POV]

The only daughter in the family came to attend her scheduled outing with the youngest. An afternoon where she would spend a lot of time with Cale!

Smiling happily, she did not forget to pick many roses as red as her brother's hair to give away later. Because it was her hobby to fill her brother with a sea of flowers.

What greeted her was a heart-red book in Cale's hand. Finding himself unable to say anything, Cale carefully exchanged his gift for the book.

"For Noonim," Cale said sweetly, hugging the bouquet of roses that Rheethe had removed all the thorns from. Rheethe looked down at the book on her lap with trembling hands. The 14-year-old girl had heard rumors from other family members that the youngest gave them gifts.

And she was also given the honor of getting one?

"If you don't feel up to anything, you can write it all down in this book," Cale explained in a childlike tone. However, Rheethe found herself not objecting. Allowing herself to be cared for with the wisdom and affection of the youngest.

"Noonim can organize Noonim's schedule here. I've divided it up neatly... then the motivational words... Noonim's favorite flower...," Cale murmured with a thoughtful look on his face. Glancing at the roses on her lap, the youngest plucked a petal to put on the first page.

"Happy writing, Noonim."

I wish this moment could be painted.

The sight of Cale smiling his sweet little smile with a bouquet of roses in his arms, the breeze making the reddish hair that framed his beautiful face blow, swaying beautifully, touching his sweet pearly cheeks

Rheethe found herself always looking at the painting frame with teary eyes.

"Thank you for the treasure, Cale."

Rheethe took a rose and placed it behind her brother's left ear. Hoping that every prayer she said would protect Cale's fragile, loving heart.

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[Dion Agriche's POV]

The encounter with the redhead has loomed large in Dion Agriche's mind for the past two months.

Finding himself confined to a mission outside the Red Gastors' territory was like pouring oil on the fire of his anger. That he had no time without being watched by the bastard head of his family. That he could not see and meet the figure that made his heart beat fast.

Every night, the 8-year-old boy could feel himself dreaming of his meeting with Cale.

The dreams were random and sometimes vague. They showed many versions of themselves and Cale, interacting at varying ages.

He could also hear the chiming of strange machinery, like the gears on an old clock chiming when the time came.

His meeting with Cale Gastors was like fate.

As a pair of reddish-brown eyes with a jeweled sparkle looked at him, Dion could already feel the void within him begin to fill.

As two smaller, softer hands touched his own, Dion felt heat flood his every vein.

As the scent of nature wafted through his raven hair, a foreign comfort washed over Dion's cruel heart.

And as a small smile was offered, Dion's heart skipped a beat. Suddenly feeling very alive all at once.

"Cale, Cale, Cale, Cale," Dion muttered in his dark room. The body that was still covered in enemy blood, as it had just finished its mission, littered his bed. The boy's body was curled up. Almost devoured by the madness of the foreign disgusting feeling, so tormenting and addictive in every second of memories.

Who was Cale Gastors, and why did his presence in their brief encounter affect Dion Agriche so much?

In fact, his relationship with his mother didn't even drive him this crazy. Shouldn't it be the family that had this effect? From what he had heard from the words of Sierra, his father's youngest wife.

He had to see Cale.

He had to.

No matter what.

Dion Agriche must meet Cale.

His Destiny.

*******

Dion could feel the look Lante Agriche gave him when he took the initiative to take on such a difficult mission. Why not? Because the mission crossed Agriche's territory line. Given the difficulty of the mission, it was given a week to complete.

That's fine.

Dion would complete the mission as soon as possible so that he could spend the rest of the day with Cale.

Even the boy did not want to be given bodyguards or companions. Insisting on completing it himself, which Lante misunderstood as an ambition to achieve first place among the other Agriche children.

Giving a cold shoulder to the gloomy Agriche Manor, Dion left as quickly as he could, not turning around to look at the 'home'.

********

And the world felt like perfection as Dion wrapped his arms around his beloved's waist.

It was like Dion could breathe again, out of a world that was so suffocating and so empty. Filled by the comforting presence of Cale Gastors and his warmth.

"Cale," murmured the Agriche boy behind his sweet-scented red hair.

"Cale," he murmured again, tightening his embrace even more.

"Cale."

"Dion." A sweet smile, which curled his eyes like a scythe, was given in response. His calls every night seemed to be answered all at once by this boy in his arms.

"What took you so long, Dion?" Confused, Dion looked down. Looking intently at Cale, who had a small frown on his face.

"I've been waiting for you for a long time." Dion's heart was beating very fast now. He could barely keep the grin from appearing on his face at Cale's simple statement.

Waiting for him?

Cale was waiting for him.

Like him?

That meant... Dion wasn't the only one struggling with this knot of fate?

Aahh...

"Really?" whispered Dion in an innocent voice, holding so many meanings of contentment bordering on madness.

His Cale nodded.

"Yes. I was waiting for you. I thought... we should exchange letters?" Dion immediately shook his head. He did not like the relationship between himself and Cale being known by his 'family', even if it was just exchanging letters.

"My family will kill anything foreign when it enters the territorial border," Dion explained, seeing Cale's face become glum.

"I see. It will be difficult for us to communicate then."

"No," Dion replied in a cold, fierce voice.

"I won't allow it. I will always come to see you, Cale." The little boy on his lap looked at Dion knowingly. It was as if just looking at his face could tell what was right and wrong.

"Alright then. As long as Dion is comfortable, I'm comfortable too." Dion placed a light kiss on Cale's forehead. I enjoyed how the young face blushed a little but did not resist his loving touch.

Good boy.

His Cale.

"Ah, Dion? Can you stand up for a moment?" somewhat unhappy that Cale had moved from his lap, Dion nodded. He watched the little one's every movement, staring greedily at how each movement contained attention that was only for him.

The rather drastic difference in their height made Cale tiptoe lightly. He glanced at the two small hands starting to attach something to the pin of his robe before patting his shoulder twice with a proud face.

"Where's Dion's sword?" Obedient and mesmerized, Dion handed it over. He watched attentively as Cale attached a knitted red hanger with a square floral motif to it. The symbol of good luck

"My gift to Dion," Cale whispered softly, instantly filling Dion's senses with his mere presence.

His beauty. His majestic. His softness. His warmth. His love.

Cale, Cale, Cale, Cale, Cale...

Dion momentarily envisioned himself at the pinnacle of his power. With the world at his fingertips, even the fates of the gods were subject to him. Then, he would always go to the back garden of his mansion, far away from the Agriche family, with Cale already waiting there.

Cale, who wore Dion's clothes, had the finest quality products from various countries.

With the jewelry Dion had given him, covering hir forehead, hair, ears, wrists, ankles, and then his slender neck.

Every inch of his red hair would be adorned with pearls, so that his beloved would be the most beautiful person in Dion's universe.

Eating the food Dion bought him.

Sleeping on the bed Dion bought him.

Dion wanted to give Cale with everything that made him Dion's own. So that wherever Cale went, they knew that this angelic redhead belonged to Dion.

"-Dion? Are you alright?" The beautiful daydream that would soon become real was broken. Dion found himself smiling at the boy, then leaned down to plant a kiss on each of Cale's cheeks.

"I'll always be okay for you, Cale."

Finishing the cheek kissing, he took it in turn to take Cale's small hand and kiss each of its tiny fingers.

"Thank you for the gift, Cale. I will repay you soon." His Cale, who was so kind, gentle, and beautiful, shook his head. There was a look of understanding on his angelic face, gazing at Dion with an understanding that was, oh dearest, just for him.

"No need, Dion. I'm happy to give you this gift." Dion chuckled, his head tilting with a smile that turned into a small grin.

"So am I." The Agriche boy hummed softly.

"Even I would love to give the world as my gift to you, Cale."

On the other side of the world...

"Has there been any progress today?" The figure being asked shook his head with a gloomy look.

Any news without progress would always make the group feel like pieces of their souls were being crushed.

"But Father is still alive, right?" The youngest whispered, making the black-haired knight's figure freeze. The man immediately knelt down to hug the little sky-eyed dragon tightly.

"I'm sure Cale-nim will come back to us and welcome us, Raon-nim. Please don't lose heart, okay?" The little dragon shook his head ferociously.

"Never! I am a great and mighty dragon, as the human say! I-I will not lose!" A swipe at the hand made him look up, seeing an ancient dragon with slit yellow eyes almost curved by a smile.

"Good."

The eyes of the adults in the room could not escape the figure of the hero Roan, who was now lying on his bed. Looking so frail, vulnerable, weak, and helpless. His skin had become very pale, with red hair extending past his thighs and cheeks that were increasingly tapering, as well as not being supplied with life energy by Jack.

It had been almost six months since Cale Henituse fell into a coma after a long sleep.

With traces of his soul disappearing, only a weak heartbeat in his veins indicated that Cale was still alive. As to what that bastard Seal God had done to Cale, this condition had been investigated by Rosalyn as well as Glenn and Harol, even with a relative dragon intervening directly.

Raon, who was now 8 years old, flew over and immediately fell asleep on Cale's right side, followed by On and Hong. As well as Choi Han, who each sat and guarded the right side of the bed.

"It's really like he's sleeping, huh?" Raon's whisper was the last thing Eruhaben heard as the dragon went out to focus on his research again.

"I wonder if you were dreaming?" Murmured the youngest, wonderingly.

"I think so," Choi Han replied softly.

"Hmmm, then, I hope you had a sweet dream! With all of us there, and me feeding him apple pie!"

"Hong too! Then bring Father the best poison I made!"

"Hong. You're going to pass him out." He sighed but couldn't hide his excitement.

"Then I'll be there to watch over Cale-nim," Choi Han said in a shy voice. The three children were silent for a while before laughing lightly.

"Silly Choi Han! Of course Choi Han will always be with us!"

Laughter erupted in a light atmosphere full of warmth.

It ended with Raon planting a sweet kiss on his human's forehead before curling up in his own sleep.

"Sweet dreams, Father, My dear Human."

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER 

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So, that's it for this chapter :)
How, it makes more sense with the opening and what happened with Cale? (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Clue about the plot of this fic :
In a way, it's a BIT similar to the korean drama 'Extraordinary You' (✿◡‿◡) 👌✨

Then, about Dion's character that why he can be so clingy and all of the skinship, there is a reason for that~
Will be explained in the next chapters ('▽'ʃ♡ƪ)
And a quick word of caution, the part where Cale gave a gift to Areetha, almost made me cry (┬﹏┬)