Milo looked up at Julian, his brows furrowed as concern flickered in his eyes. "What was he trying to say?" he asked softly, his hand still holding Julian’s hands.
Julian let out a long sigh, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead as they walked. He stayed quiet for a moment, as if carefully choosing what to say.
Finally, his shoulders slumped slightly. "I don’t know why," he said quietly, his voice carrying a tinge of exhaustion. "I’m not saying anything bad about him... but he can’t seem to tolerate my happiness."
Milo frowned. "But you didn’t do anything to him."
Julian gave a small, sad smile. "Exactly. I didn’t do anything to him... and maybe that’s the problem."
His voice grew softer, almost distant. "Some people don’t need a reason to dislike you. Sometimes, just existing... just being happy is enough to make them angry."
Milo’s grip on Julian’s arm tightened, his eyes narrowing. "That’s not fair."
Julian chuckled under his breath, though there was no humor in it. "Life’s not always fair, Milo."
Milo pouted, kicking a small rock down the street. "Still, I don’t like him."
Julian reached down, ruffling Milo’s hair affectionately. "You don’t have to. Just don’t let people like that take up too much space in your head. It’s not worth it."
Milo glanced up at him, his eyes softening. "Okay... but if he bothers you again, I’ll tell Wife."
Julian laughed softly at that, shaking his head.
Milo glanced up at Julian, noticing the way his jaw tightened and his eyes seemed distant. The usual calm and gentle Julian looked... stressed.
A stressed Julian isn’t fun.
Determined to fix it, Milo’s eyes flickered around the market until they landed on a nearby wooden clothes shop. A sly grin crept onto his face.
He tugged at Julian’s sleeve. "Hey, Brother... look over there."
Julian followed his gaze, his expression puzzled. "Clothes? What about them? Do you want to buy some?"
Milo crossed his arms dramatically. "No! But do you see that hat?"
Julian squinted at the oversized, floppy sunhat hanging lopsided on a hook. "Yeah...?"
Milo smirked. "It reminds me of you."
Julian arched a brow, glancing down at him. "A hat reminds you of me?"
Milo nodded solemnly, holding back a grin. "Yup. Always covering for everyone else."
Julian blinked before exhaling a soft laugh, shaking his head. "That’s ridiculous."
Milo grinned wider. "But you laughed."
Julian ruffled Milo’s hair, the tension in his shoulders loosening a little. "You’re a menace."
Milo shrugged. "I just don’t like it when you look like that."
Julian paused for a moment, then smiled down at him. "Thanks, Little Milo. I needed that."
As they continued walking, Julian felt a little lighter, and Milo couldn’t help but feel proud of himself.
Sometimes, a simple joke was enough to make the burden feel a little lighter.
Ruby sat quietly in the living room, organizing her leftover fabric as she glanced toward the hallway now and then, waiting for Karl to reappear.
A few moments later, the door of Karl Room creaked open, and Karl stepped out.
Ruby’s eyes immediately lit up.
There he was, wearing the dusty rose robe she had sewn, the loose fabric draping over him perfectly. The fit was just right, comfortable yet fitting.
Karl tugged at the robe’s built-in belt, tying it neatly at his waist as he padded into the living room. The golden beads around the neckline caught the light subtly, adding a touch of elegance without being too flashy.
Ruby couldn’t help but smile. He looked... cute.
The soft, muted color somehow made his fair skin and baby blue eyes stand out even more. His usual carefree expression hadn’t changed, but the robe gave him a slightly softer, more approachable look.
Karl stretched his arms overhead, completely unaware of the way Ruby’s gaze lingered.
Then Karl stood in front of Ruby, running his hands through his hair with a dramatic flourish. He turned slightly to the side, striking a pose as if he were on a runway.
"Alright, wife. How do I look? Rate me from one to ten—how handsome am I right now?" he asked, flashing a grin and raising his brows expectantly.
Ruby glanced up from her spot on the sofa, barely sparing him more than a passing glance before rolling her eyes.
Karl froze, blinking rapidly. "Five??" he repeated, staring at her like she had just insulted his entire existence. "I deserve at least ten out of ten!"
Ruby smirked, casually stretching her arms as she leaned back into the sofa. "You don’t even deserve five. The five is for the robe I made."
She gave him a playful wink, watching as his face turned bright red—not from shyness, but from pure offense.
Karl pointed dramatically at her, about to argue. "You—stupid—"
But before the word fully left his mouth, Ruby’s eyes snapped up, and she fixed him with a cold, sharp glare.
Karl’s mouth shut instantly, his back straightening like he’d been hit with a spell. "—wife... who is absolutely talented at sewing," he finished quickly, his tone turning overly sweet.
Ruby arched a brow, clearly unimpressed.
"This robe only looks good because I’m wearing it!" Karl grumbled, crossing his arms as if sulking.
Ruby tilted her head, smirking. "Funny. I was thinking it only looks good despite who’s wearing it."
Karl’s jaw dropped. "You—!" He groaned loudly, pacing the room with exaggerated steps. "I can’t believe this. I’m clearly the most attractive person in this house."
Ruby chuckled, crossing her legs as she settled comfortably on the sofa. "Keep lying to yourself like that. Maybe one day you’ll believe it."
Karl spun around, pointing at her dramatically. "Then who is the most handsome?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing with aggression.
Ruby tapped her chin, pretending to think deeply. "Hmm... let me think."
Karl’s baby blue eyes locked onto her, watching carefully, as if her answer carried the weight of the world. "It’s obviously me. Just say it, wife."
She smirked, drawing out the silence for as long as possible.
Finally, Ruby leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, and met his expectant gaze.
—To be continued...🪄