Julian’s arms trembled slightly as he held her, and then, in a quiet voice that almost melted into the air, he murmured:
"I was worried about you too..."
Ruby’s breath caught.
There was something in his tone– something raw, honest, and deeply tender. It wasn’t just about Karl Or the long, sleepless night they’d all endured.
Julian had seen her break down in quiet ways no one else did. He had watched her hold the world on her shoulders and still come home smiling. That worry—it had rooted deep in him. And now, standing there, surrounded by silence, he couldn’t hold back what he felt.
His eyes fell on her neck, on the soft, delicate curve of her skin. The pale light of the room cast a gentle glow over her, and for a moment, he hesitated.
But his body leaned forward anyway, guided not by impulse, but by a quiet, reverent longing. And before his mind could stop him, he gently pressed his lips to her neck—not with hunger, but with devotion. A whisper of affection.
Ruby’s breath hitched.
Her fingers clutched the fabric of his robe, and her body tensed, then softened. She shivered under his touch, her eyes fluttering closed.
A slow, mischievous smile curved her lips as she leaned in, lips brushing the shell of his ear.
"Karl is sleeping with Jett tonight..." Her voice was a sultry whisper, warm as honey.
"...So you have nowhere to go."
Julian’s heart skipped a beat.
"So..." she whispered, her voice laced with quiet promise, "come sleep in my room, okay?"
His entire body froze.
And then his ears turned red. His lashes trembled.
His imagination, pure and dangerous, ran off without him.
He tried to breathe, but even that felt impossible.
His voice was barely a breath.
Ruby laughed softly, amused by the storm she had stirred. She reached up and gently rubbed his head, her fingers sliding through his soft hair.
"Good ghost," she said with a smirk.
Julian blinked, cheeks still crimson, as his brain officially short-circuited.
"I-I’m going to make lunch!" he blurted, voice way too high.
And with that, he turned and practically ran toward the kitchen, face glowing red, ears burning, and his heart racing faster than a wild spell gone wrong.
Ruby watched him go with a low laugh, her red eyes glittering with mischief.
Tonight... was going to be interesting.
Julian moved around the kitchen with practiced grace, his hands steady even though his heart was still fluttering like a leaf in the wind. He kept it simple light soup, soft bread rolls, and some fresh fruit on the side. Nothing too fancy, just warm, comforting food to fill tired hearts.
He arranged everything on the table, then walked down the hallway and gently knocked on the room door.
"Karl... Jett," he called softly. "Lunch is ready. You should freshen up."
Karl groaned sleepily from inside, and after a few seconds, the door opened to reveal him, hair messy and eyes still puffy from sleep.
"Food...?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes like a sulky child.
Julian smiled. "Yes. But only after you wash your face."
Jett peeked out behind Karl, blinking. His gaze lowered immediately when he saw Julian.
"You can take your time," Julian said kindly, stepping aside. "I’ll wait."
Soon after, everyone gathered around the dining table.
Milo was already seated, swinging his legs, looking a bit more like his usual self. Adrian came out with a towel draped around his shoulders, freshly washed, hair still damp. Ruby was already seated, quietly sipping her tea and watching everyone.
Karl sat next to Milo, already complaining that he was hungrier than the others.
"I nearly died, you know. I should get the biggest bowl," he declared dramatically.
Jett took the seat at the end of the table, a bit away from everyone. He was quiet, his shoulders slightly hunched, and he ate slowly, careful not to make noise. His eyes occasionally lifted to glance at the others but dropped just as quickly.
She didn’t say anything, but she gently placed an extra fruit slice onto his plate.
"Eat well," she said simply.
Jett’s fingers froze, and he gave her the smallest nod.
After lunch, the house settled into a peaceful rhythm.
Milo, ever the helpful one, stayed behind with Julian to wash the dishes. His sleeves were rolled up, and he kept sneaking bubbles onto Julian’s nose, giggling every time. Julian tried to act serious but ended up laughing too. They worked like a quiet little team, clinking plates and wiping clean counters.
Karl and Jett, still under the effects of their medicine, returned to the bedroom. They both looked drowsy and sluggish, and Ruby gently reminded them to rest. With full bellies and heavy eyelids, they dozed off quickly.
Ruby stayed in the living room, leaning against the window frame, sipping warm tea as her eyes scanned the cloudy horizon. Her mind was already racing with thoughts of the village that produced the rare fabricated fabric. If she could get the trust of those farmers, she could start her monsoon line with strong, weather-safe robes. It was a big step but Ruby always thought big.
Julian stepped into ruby room after finishing his chores, his expression shy but determined.
Ruby turned from her desk, and a teasing smile curved her lips when she saw him.
"Can’t wait?" she asked, one eyebrow raised, mischief dancing in her red eyes.
Julian’s cheeks instantly flushed, and he looked away, rubbing the back of his neck.
"N-No! I mean—yes—but no!" he stammered.
Ruby laughed softly, the sound low and velvety as she leaned back in her chair, enjoying his nervous energy.
"Actually... wife, I want to tell you something," he said, stepping closer, his fingers curled in front of him.
She tilted her head, watching him curiously.
Julian took a breath and said in a soft, slightly shaky voice,
"...When Karl was missing, I made a wish to the Ghost God... I said, if he came back safely, I’d visit the Ghost Temple... with you."
The room fell into a moment of quiet.
Ruby stared at him, her face unreadable.
—To be continued...🪄