Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 494

Chapter 494: ’Like A Little Sister.’

Florian could see Scarlett’s lips quiver as her composure finally cracked.

"You truly think so?" she asked, her voice fragile, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

’She really is like a little sister.’ Florian thought, an affectionate warmth stirring in his chest as he reached out and placed a steady hand on top of her curly hair.

He gently petted her, slow and careful, the way one comforts someone who’s close to breaking.

"Yes. I’m sure," Florian said softly, though his voice carried a quiet strength meant to steady her.

He paused, his words catching in his throat as his heart suddenly gave a sharp, unexpected throb. "...It’s natural to think you don’t deserve something. But that doesn’t mean it’s true. And even if it is true—that you still don’t deserve her—then earn it. Redeem yourself until you can finally forgive yourself."

That was the last push. Scarlett’s tears finally spilled, streaming down her cheeks in fragile trails, and before Florian could react, she suddenly moved.

It was quick, almost desperate—her arms shot forward and enveloped him in a trembling hug.

Florian froze, startled, his eyes widening. ’She’s hugging me?’

The thought flickered in disbelief, but his resistance melted almost instantly.

A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips, and he let his arms come around her, holding her firmly, returning the embrace with quiet reassurance.

"Thank you, Florian," Scarlett whispered into his shoulder, her voice shaking but honest. "I... I wouldn’t have been able to change if it wasn’t for you. Well—and for that test you conducted. I think... some part of me always liked Athena, which made me despise her too. Because..."

Her voice faltered, heavy with vulnerability. "...well, a princess liking another princess?"

Florian only nodded, his hand instinctively rubbing small circles against her back, his touch gentle and grounding.

"I changed," she continued, her breath uneven. "I accepted myself, and my feelings... with your help. Truly, thank you."

"You also did that yourself," Florian murmured, his voice low but warm, brushing against her hair. "A person can only change with their own efforts. There are just people who can push them along the way. This was your effort."

Then, with a quiet chuckle, he added, "Though sure, I’ll take some of the credit."

That earned him a wet laugh from Scarlett. "You are annoying."

"And you are bratty," Florian shot back lightly, pulling away from the hug at last.

He lifted his hand and wiped her tears away with his thumb, his touch careful.

"But I’m also thankful. In all the moments where you could, you still stood by me. That alone was enough to show me you weren’t so bad."

Scarlett sniffed, her lips curving into a weak smile. "And you aren’t as awful or manipulative as I thought. I’m really... sorry for being so mean to you. For calling you delusional for thinking his majesty loved you, because well—"

"Well, I actually was delusional," Florian interrupted smoothly, as though it were obvious.

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, staring at him. "...No. You saying that now is what’s delusional."

Florian blinked, genuinely confused, and her expression shifted, surprised by his obliviousness. "Wait—you mean all this time I thought you were joking... but do you seriously not see it?"

"Scarlett, don’t start. This is his majesty we’re talking about." Florian crossed his arms across his chest, a clear barrier in his body language, though his voice carried the faintest hint of unease.

"Yes! The same man who tore through the kingdom for you? Who plans a ball for your birthday, when he’s never done anything like that for us?" Scarlett’s tone sharpened, her emotions spiking. She jabbed a finger at him. "You even sleep next to his room!"

’Well, in his room.’ Florian thought wryly, rolling his eyes. "Because I am useful to him."

"Really?" Scarlett pressed, leaning closer. "How useful have you been lately—now that you’re not helping him choose a bride? Because if you haven’t noticed... he’s no longer looking for one." She punctuated her words with a poke to his arm.

"That doesn’t mean anyth—" Florian began, but a sudden knock interrupted him.

Florian watched closely as Scarlett reached for the door, the wooden handle turning with a soft click. But when it opened, his eyes widened, his body instinctively straightening.

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