Chapter 10 …
Fortunately, Kevin didn’t seem particularly upset or uncomfortable. Gaining a bit more courage, Lea spoke bluntly.
“Besides, didn’t we clearly talk about this when we wrote the contract? When I suggested adding a no-physical-contact clause, you said there was no need. To me, you’re the safest, most harmless man in the world—”
“That’s true.”
“Huh?”
In the faint moonlight, Kevin seemed to smile softly.
“It would’ve been difficult to include a no-contact clause.”
“…What? Why?”
“Well.”
Kevin pressed his lips together. It was impossible to tell if he was joking or serious. The atmosphere in the bedroom, which had been full of warmth, suddenly turned strange.
What does he mean it would’ve been difficult?
Lea’s thoughts began to spin. As far as she knew, Kevin clearly preferred men, so why would he—
Her racing thoughts were halted by Kevin’s low voice.
“Because I wanted to practice.”
“Huh?”
His upper body moved closer to her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his skin.
Aware of the sudden closeness, Lea grew tense.
“Practice… kissing.”
“Kissing practice? What do you mean—”
“We did it before the wedding too. You agreed to it.”
“Well, yes, but… the wedding is over now. There’s no need to put on a show anymore—”
“You never know.”
Though his lips curved playfully, something flickered in his eyes.
“Someone might doubt our relationship again. And there’s no better way to prove we’re a couple than a kiss.”
That had worked with Oscar too. Lea found herself wavering slightly, and Kevin pressed further.
“So wouldn’t it be better to practice? I don’t know about you, but I don’t have much experience with this.”
Doesn’t seem like it, Lea thought, recalling their previous kiss—and her face flushed instantly.
Kevin gave a faint smile and tucked her loose hair behind her ear.
“Is it really something to think so hard about? Besides… you know my preferences.”
His fingers brushed over her lips.
“Really… not okay?”
His slightly husky voice, his breath brushing her neck, the faint sweet scent—
It was far too tempting.
Lea found herself barely able to breathe. Inside her mind, reason and instinct clashed fiercely.
You’re just in a contract relationship! Practicing kisses with your friend doesn’t make sense!
But instinct answered slyly:
Come on, it’s just a kiss. He said he’s inexperienced, so help him out. You might regret refusing later.
Lea Flynn.
She didn’t believe in love, but she followed her instincts. She had no romantic fantasies, yet she was oddly knowledgeable about adult romance.
And now—
Her reason was fading while instinct took over.
If someone that good-looking wants to practice kissing, isn’t it a waste to refuse?
“Is this… your ‘wish’?”
At her question, Kevin’s smiling eyes deepened.
“No.”
“……”
“It’s just a suggestion. You can refuse if you want.”
His smile was gentle, almost catlike—innocent yet alluring.
Given that the choice was entirely hers, Lea came to a conclusion.
“…Then just kissing.”
Right. We’ve done this before. It’s just practice.
As she lifted her head, Kevin’s face—more beautiful and even gentle-looking than usual—filled her vision.
Lea closed her eyes, slightly tense.
Think of it like bumping into a tree in the garden.
That’s what it had felt like last time. With that thought, she relaxed slightly and leaned her lips forward.
Just as she began to feel awkward, Kevin let out a soft laugh.
Is he teasing me?
The moment she opened her eyes, Kevin gently pressed his lips against hers.
And soon—
Her earlier calm shattered completely.
The smooth warmth of his lips, the familiar scent—
That much she had expected.
But—
Kevin kissed her deeply, as if devouring her lips. His movements were far more intense than before, no longer just a simple touch.
Why—
Lea’s thoughts broke apart in confusion.
The unfamiliar sensation made her body go weak. Without realizing it, she leaned into him as he pulled her closer.
His hand slid up, brushing her neck and into her hair. A strange, tingling sensation ran down her spine.
This feels… completely different.
Her breathing grew uneven, her mind spinning.
“Wait… I can’t breathe…”
The kiss continued for a long moment. When it finally ended, Lea gasped softly for air.
Kevin smiled gently and adjusted her slightly disheveled clothes.
“Lea, I think that’s enough practice.”
“…Huh?”
“You’re tired. Let’s sleep.”
“Wait… that’s it?”
Lea couldn’t finish her sentence, still flustered. Kevin raised one corner of his lips.
“I said it was practice. Just kissing.”
“……”
“What, were you expecting more? Isn’t that a bit much for a ‘safe friend’?”
“I-I never—”
“Good night.”
Kevin smiled and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
“…My dear wife.”
Then he turned over and lay down.
Why do I feel like I was completely played?!
Lea stared blankly at his back, her mind spinning. After a moment, she shook her head and turned away as well.
The room was dim, lit only by moonlight streaming through the window. She became oddly conscious of her own breathing.
He really knows how to mess with people.
Kevin seemed completely at ease, his breathing already steady as if he had fallen asleep.
Only after confirming he was asleep did Lea turn slightly to look at him again.
Though he looked slender, his back was broader than expected.
“…Lea Flynn, get a grip.”
Startled by her own thoughts, she lightly slapped her cheek.
What was she even thinking? He was her longtime friend—Kevin of all people.
She shook her head and sighed.
Besides, something feels off about him lately.
If Kevin returned to his usual self, he’d probably be shocked. Back at the academy, he had been known for being almost overly strict about relationships.
Perhaps influenced by his parents—famous for their passionate love story—Kevin had once believed in pure love.
But because of his status, wealth, intelligence, and striking looks, he had been constantly pursued by people with ulterior motives. That eventually left him disillusioned with romance altogether.
Right… there was even that time an older woman tried to seduce him…
Maybe something had happened during his trip. He seemed emotionally unsettled.
Still… saying that kissing was “just practice” was ridiculous.
…Though, to be fair, she hadn’t exactly been in her right mind either.
Reflect on this, Lea Flynn.
After tossing and turning for a long time, she finally drifted off to sleep.
Lea and Kevin returned safely from their honeymoon.
Their new home was a modern mansion known for its stunning view, called The White House on the Hill. It combined a picturesque exterior with the conveniences of advanced magical technology.
In the middle of the mansion’s spacious garden, a large shadow appeared. Dozens of servants waiting in line lifted their gaze to the sky.
“That’s the young master’s flying mecha.”
“No—he’s the master now,” muttered Theodore, the head butler.
The flying mecha carrying Lea and Kevin—a winged machine powered by magic—slowly descended to the ground.
