[Clara's Perspective]

  Why?

  Why does a man like him love me so much? I am nothing. A servant. A maid's daughter. Born in the shadow, and I will die in the shadow. And he... he was born at the peak of the world, a shining star even before he discovered his true power. Why does he force himself to fall to the same muddy ground I stand on?

  Why am I so happy? So happy with his love that my heart aches.

  I don’t love him. I hate him.

  He is like Mateo. No different from him. Always mocking me, laughing at me, annoying me. He smiles that arrogant smile in front of me.

  ...And always, in my heart, I smile back at him.

  He is the Devil’s servant, and I am an ordinary maid. The end of our story is already written in tragic ink. But what can I do? My heart doesn't stop racing whenever I see him. Why won't it stop? Stop, you foolish heart! Stop beating!

  Why am I crying? Why are my tears falling as I see him look at me? Out of tens of thousands of people, his eyes were searching for me. As if I were his world. As if I were everything. As if I were an angel in his eyes. "A woman more beautiful than the stars," that's how he sees me.

  But I am not. I am not what he sees. I am...

  I don't care.

  His words ring in my ears. Then be a servant. I don't care.

  He doesn't care. He doesn't care about my dirty blood, my past, my fear. He only sees me. Is that why I was crying? Is it because... I adore that man?

  I want to see him. I want to hug him. I want him. I just want him.

  I will run to him, just as he has always run to me.

  [Deo's Perspective]

  He left the arena, still hearing the roar. Deo! Deo! Deo! , star of change

  He gave a slight smile. Looks like I made a fuss.

  Gabriel came up behind him, patting his shoulder with a force that almost dislocated it. What an announcement, boy! 'Just Deo'! Why did you make it so hard on yourself?

  Deo laughed. From the start, I was only Deo, without Van der Wood.

  Then he saw him. His father, Corvus, was standing at the end of the corridor, alone, like a statue of ice and gold. Deo walked toward him, stopping a few steps away.

  Deo said, breaking the silence ,Looks like you didn't bring that woman this time.

  Corvus said, his voice as calm as ever, but Deo sensed something different underneath ,I didn't expect you to renounce your name

  Deo chuckled. I didn't renounce my name, because I was always just Deo. The Talentless. He looked at the rainy sky. But you will always remain my dad, no matter how much time passes. Even if I gave up the name, our relationship is like that. I forgive quickly, and I change quickly. He looked directly into his father's golden eyes. I hope you change quickly too. And perhaps one day, we can be like any normal father and son. I never refuse change, no matter what it is.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Deo turned and began to walk away. He didn't know how his father felt, or what his facial expression was. All he wished for was that time would solve their problem. Perhaps one day, my dream will come true.

  Suddenly, he saw her.

  She was running toward him across the crowded plaza. She was like a flame of will and emotion, cutting her way through the rainstorm. Her cloak was flying behind her, and she was crying.

  In that moment, everything else disappeared. The noise of the crowds vanished. The pain in his body vanished. There was only her.

  When she reached him, she jumped.

  He caught her, hugged her tightly, and spun her around. She was clinging to him as if her life depended on it.

  I don't understand! I don't understand! she cried into his neck, her voice muffled by sobs. Why are you doing all this for me?!

  he whispered into her wet hair , Because I love you . I adore you. You are everything to me. You are my world.

  She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. How?! How can you love me when I am nothing?! I am rude, a liar, and ugly! I am a servant! A coward with dirty blood!

  Deo replied, wiping her tears with his thumb , You are kind. You are more beautiful than the stars. You are a princess. You are the bravest woman in this world. And your blood is the purest in this world.

  Liar! I'm not like that!

  I don't care if you don't think so. Because I believe it. And I see that you are... my love, and my world.

  He took her face between his hands, and kissed her.

  It was a gentle kiss, tasting of stars, rain, and her salty tears. It was more beautiful than anything he had ever known. It was a moment of absolute peace amidst the chaos of his life. It felt like coming home.

  After the kiss ended, his forehead remained pressed against hers. Then he noticed something. His father was still standing at the end of the corridor, watching them. But his expression was strange. It wasn't cold. It was a look of infinite longing, and deep sadness. As if he was looking at something he had lost a long time ago.

  Then, Corvus vanished, as if he had never been there.

  I want to stay hugging you, Clara whispered.

  Deo laughed. Okay. But I'm tired of standing. How about we go home?

  Okay.

  He took her hand, and on their way to the dorm, they found Kairo, Eva, Leonardo, and Alma.

  There you are! Kairo shouted, then saw their intertwined hands, and chuckled sarcastically.

  Before anyone could say anything, Eva ran, pushed Clara aside, and stood between them like a wall.

  she said to Clara in a threatening tone ,Who are you?

  Clara froze for a moment, then did something that surprised everyone, including Deo. She quickly ran and hid behind Deo's back, clinging to him tightly. He's mine!

  What?! Eva shrieked. How dare you?! I raised this boy with my own hands, and you want to steal him from me? Then she grabbed Deo's ear. "And who is this? Don't tell me she tricked you with that ordinary body of hers!

  Ouch! What trickery when I'm poor and no longer from the Van der Wood family? Deo cried.

  Eva let go of his ear. Oh, right. She looked at Clara. Listen, no touching until marriage, got it?

  I don't want to... Deo started to object.

  Eva said Do you want to taste my fist?

  No, Madam! This is perfectly fine! Eva then turned to Clara, who was still hiding behind Deo. And you, I swear to you, if you break this innocent boy's heart, I will travel to every corner of the earth and kill you. Do you understand?

  Leonardo said, trying to calm his sister ,Okay, okay, that's enough.

  Suddenly, Alma hugged Deo from the front. My son! How much you've grown!

  Oh, Alma, let go of me...

  How can I let go when I haven't seen my son for over five years?

  The scene was comical. Clara hugging Deo from the back, and Alma from the front.

  Everyone laughed.

  Eva suddenly said , What did I teach you, Deo, when you have guests at the door? .

  Deo looked at Clara. He wanted to be alone with her, but... well. They all gathered for him. Come on in. I'll show you the First-Ranker's dorm.

  As soon as they entered, Eva said, Tidy as usual. And went straight to the kitchen and started taking out pots.

  It was a beautiful time. Chaotic, noisy, and perfect. Kairo, nervous, trying to help Eva, and she screaming at him. Leonardo trying to mediate. Alma hugging Deo whenever she got a chance. And Eva and Clara bickering childishly because Clara was clinging to Deo so fiercely.

  They had all changed.

  Deo remembered his dream. This scene resembled his beautiful dream greatly. It was noisy, full of love. Something was missing. Mia wasn't here. His mother wasn't here. But he felt their presence somehow, as if they were watching the scene and smiling.

  The only person truly absent... was his father.

  I hope you change too, just like I did.