˖ ֹ੭୧ Epel Felmier ⊹ ࣪ .ᐟ.ᐟ

Epel had never paid much attention to height. In Pomefiore, there was always something more important: posture, elegance, a perfect image. But even so, whenever he was near her, he couldn't help but glance up slightly.

She was about 5'7" or 5'9"... He wasn't. And that... stirred something in his chest. Epel leaned against the greenhouse railing, crossing his arms, feigning disinterest as she chatted animatedly about the new apples that had arrived. Light streamed through the glass, making her seem even taller, more confident. "Hey..." he murmured, scratching the back of his neck . "Have you always been this... tall?" He sounded awkward. Too direct, but he quickly clarified. "I'm not saying it's bad, you know? It's just that..." He swallowed . "When you're around, I feel like I have to try harder..." Epel took a step forward, closing the distance. Although he still had to look up, he didn't back down. "People like to say I'm delicate, fragile..." His voice hardened slightly . "But when I'm with you, I don't feel any less. I feel... motivated." He looked at her with determination. "So what if you're taller?" He shrugged, blushing . "I'm not going to let that stop me."

The blush on his cheeks contrasted with his determined expression. Perhaps he was shorter, but his feelings were not.