"You’re too emotional for a husband," she muttered softly, though there was no bite to her words.
Karl lifted his head slightly, his eyes red and puffy as he blinked up at her. "And you’re too mean for a wife."
Ruby smirked faintly. "I think that balances things out."
He huffed, wiping his face against her robe one last time, much to her silent irritation. "Whatever... I still think you overreacted about the money."
"That wasn’t overreacting." Ruby’s tone cooled slightly, though the warmth in her gaze didn’t fade. "Stealing is stealing, even if you think it’s for something good."
Karl grumbled something under his breath but didn’t argue further. His arms loosened around her waist, but he didn’t fully let go.
"Next time, just ask," Ruby added, flicking his forehead lightly. "I’m not heartless."
"Stupid wife..." Karl mumbled under his breath, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. His ears practically glowed with heat, betraying his embarrassment.
Ruby caught the blush creeping across his face and arched a brow, clearly entertained by his reaction. She took a step back, creating a small distance between them as she crossed her arms.
"Don’t call me ’stupid wife.’ Remember—this ’stupid’ person is the one who saved you." Her lips curved into a smirk, watching him with amusement.
Karl’s face scrunched into a grumpy pout as his gaze followed her. His shoulders stiffened slightly, but the redness in his ears only deepened.
"I didn’t ask to be saved," he muttered, though the lack of conviction in his voice made it clear he didn’t mean it. "And you didn’t have to rub it in."
Ruby chuckled softly, tilting her head. "Oh, I’ll rub it in as much as I like. You bit someone and ran behind me like a scared kid."
Karl’s jaw tightened, and he crossed his arms defensively. "I wasn’t scared. I was... being strategic."
"Right. Strategic." Ruby’s smirk grew.
Karl groaned, running his hands through his hair in frustration. "You’re impossible."
The two of them looked at each other in silence.
Hugo’s voice broke the awkward silence like a hammer shattering glass.
"Look at you guys! We’re out here worried sick, and the lovebirds are off having a cute little couple fight?" he teased, his sharp eyes locking onto Ruby and Karl as they approached.
Ruby and Karl froze in place, both of them turning to face the group with identical expressions of shock.
Julian exhaled heavily, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. His eyes swept over Ruby and Karl, making sure they were unharmed. But as his gaze settled on Karl’s flushed face and the stubborn red lingering on his ears, his brows furrowed.
"Brother Karl... do you have a fever?" Julian stepped forward, concern evident in his tone. "Your face and ears are bright red."
Karl stiffened immediately, pulling his robe collar up slightly as if that would somehow hide the obvious.
"I’m fine," Karl grumbled, looking anywhere but at Julian.
From behind them, Adrian quietly sighed in relief, his sharp gaze scanning Karl carefully before shifting to Ruby. His tense shoulders loosened, though he kept his usual cool expression. "At least they’re safe," he muttered under his breath.
Kenji, however, wasn’t about to let the moment slide. A smirk tugged at his lips as he nudged Hugo with his elbow. "I don’t think that’s a fever. Could be something else... maybe someone’s feeling shy around his wife?"
Karl shot him a glare. "Shut up, Brother Kenji."
Before anyone else could add fuel to the fire, Angeline—who had been quietly observing from the side, suddenly gasped, eyes lighting up with recognition.
"Oh! He’s blushing!" she blurted out, clapping her hands together. "That’s adorable—"
But the words barely left her mouth before she caught the deadly glares from her husbands. Hugo’s eyes narrowed slightly, Kenji gave her a subtle but warning glance.
Angeline quickly covered her mouth, clearing her throat as she lowered her gaze. "I mean... never mind."
Karl’s face flushed even deeper, but he waved his hands dismissively. "Don’t be stupid... we were just talking!" His eyes narrowed as he shot a glare at Ruby, who blinked back at him confused by his glare.
Milo suddenly darted forward. His arms wrapped tightly around Ruby’s waist as he buried his face against her.
"Wife, are you okay?" Milo’s voice was soft, his big brown eyes gazing up at her with unhidden concern.
Ruby’s expression softened as she reached down to gently run her fingers through his hair, nodding. "I’m fine, Milo."
Milo smiled faintly, resting his head against her side as if he had no intention of letting go anytime soon.
Ruby glanced at Angeline, offering her a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Angel. I know I worried you all."
Angeline smiled back.
Karl bit his lip, watching Milo cling to Ruby a little too comfortably. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his hand twitched at his side.
Why does little Milo get to hug her like that? Karl thought, crossing his arms with a huff. His gaze lingered on Ruby’s hand as it gently stroked Milo’s hair.
I hugged her first...
The memory of her warmth crept back into his mind. Ruby’s calm, steady heartbeat... the way her hand had rested against his back... it was oddly comforting, even if she was annoyingly blunt most of the time.
Karl grumbled under his breath, shifting uncomfortably. I could hug her again...
She’s warm, he admitted silently, glancing at Ruby’s calm expression.
...Even if she is a little stupid.
Still, the thought that maybe, just maybe--she had hugged him because she liked him was enough to make him sigh.
Karl sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck. "Whatever," he muttered, avoiding eye contact with the rest of the group.
But as his gaze drifted back to Ruby, lingering on the way Milo refused to let go, Karl frowned.
Maybe I will hug her again.
He stole a glance at Ruby again, watching as Milo held onto her like he had every right to stay wrapped around her waist. His brow twitched slightly, and he crossed his arms tighter over his chest.
Maybe she just likes hugs... Karl reasoned, shifting his weight awkwardly. Yeah, that must be it.
—To be continued...🪄