shadowvanilla

Shadow Milk hated situations where he lost control.

And now it was exactly like that.

On the left stood the Hermit—calm, unperturbed, with a slight smile, as if he already knew how it would all end. On the right stood Pure Vanilla, so bright and kind that his sincerity made you want to run away.

And there was nowhere to escape.

“Why are you so close?” Shadow Milk swallowed nervously, feeling a drop of sweat roll down his temple.

The hermit bowed his head.

— We are observing.

• For what?!

"Follow you," Pure Vanilla replied softly. "You look worried."

• I'm not excited!

"Then why are you shaking?" the Hermit asked calmly.

Shadow Milk immediately hid his hands behind his back.

• It's... cold.

— It's warm here.

• Then... it's hot!

The hermit chuckled softly.

• You contradict yourself.

— Shut up.

Pure Vanilla took a half-step towards him and carefully straightened a stray blue strand of hair.

Shadow Milk froze.

— …You just…

— My hair was in the way.

Shadow Milk's cheeks instantly flushed.

• Don't touch me!

He jumped back, but his back hit the wall. His escape route was completely gone.

The hermit came closer.

• So that's what you're afraid of.

• I'm not afraid of anything!

• Is it true?

• Certainly!

• Then why are you blushing?

Shadow Milk opened his mouth… and couldn’t find an answer.

Pure Vanilla chuckled softly.

• That's quite sweet.

• Don't call me sweetheart!

• Then what should I call you?

— Terrifying! Dangerous! A great villain!

The hermit looked at his confused face.

• Right now you look like a very confused villain.

There was silence.

Shadow Milk glanced from one to the other. Both were smiling. Not mockingly, not angrily—just with some inexplicable calm.

And this irritated me more than any mockery.

He covered his face with his palms in resignation.

— I hate you...

“I don’t believe it,” said the Hermit.

“Me too,” Pure Vanilla agreed with a smile.

— …Especially because you are right.

After these words, both of them quietly laughed, and Shadow Milk realized that this shame would be remembered for a very long time.