Arranged Marriage

Week 4 (2)

"Thank you, Karlyle. So, would you like to go to my house now? It's right around here, not that far from Ashley's house."

Come to think of it, Natalie keeps calling Ash Ashley.

"Is there any reason why you call him Ashley?"

It's a question he doesn't need to ask, but it unconsciously comes out of his mouth. Before he can say that she doesn't need to answer, Natalie smiles mischievously.

"Usually, the nickname for a person named Ash is Ashley, right? So I call him Ashley."

That idea is unexpected, yet delightful. Karlyle smiles inside. Not a bad nickname, rather it suits its owner subtly.

"You are so witty."

"When he was little, he even thought that was his real name. He was so cute..."

"Nat."

Ash makes a "shhh" gesture with a troubled face. This sight of him is quite fascinating as Ash seems like the type who never gets embarrassed, but now he's being shy. That's cute. He shouldn't feel this way about Ash on a day like this.

"Okay okay. Let's go. Follow me, two gentlemen!"

Natalie says cheerfully and takes the lead. Before he follows her, he looks at Ash and sees that Ash is also staring at him. After a short silence, Ash opens his mouth first.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I think it'd be better to tell your family after both of us have cleared things up today."

"You're right."

Ash looks at him with thoughtful eyes, then holds his hand out.

"Let's go."

Then, "Ah", Ash seems to realize his action, he pulls his hand back again.

"Sorry. I guess it's already become a habit of mine."

Karlyle, who almost takes his hand out of habit, also realizes it.

"It's fine."

While the apologizing and "it's fine" are becoming a little awkward, Natalie turns around.

"Hurry up, or else you'll get lost!"

Natalie's such a friendly person, she feels like the sister he has never had. Karlyle suddenly realizes that the pheromones he felt from her are familiar since they resemble Ash's. Ash smiles in trouble.

"Nat is very determined once she's made a decision, so it's hard to break her stubbornness. Thank you so much for offering to come with me. You are my savior."

As they finally start walking, Natalie nods approvingly. The two of them quietly walk. Karlyle quickly takes out his phone and makes a call. The area around South Kensington is a quiet area with relatively few tourists, so there are few people passing by along the road.

The two are silent for a few minutes, simply enjoying the warm breeze. Karlyle looks ahead, allowing his mind to relax. If he keeps thinking, his heart will go heavy.

"Do you have a nickname, Karlyle?"

When Ash asks him a question, Karlyle turns his eyes to him. He doesn't know how long he's been staring at Ash, but his eyes of two different colors have captured him.

"I'm asking because you have known mine. I don't have any strange intentions."

"......I do."

He almost forgot about it since no one calls him by that nickname. Perhaps because of the dreary atmosphere at home, nicknames don't suit them.