It was a past he couldn't scrub clean, no matter how hard he tried.

All because, like Ethan, he once didn't believe in love, thinking a good time was all that mattered.

Youthful folly, pure and simple.

Now, wanting a home of his own, those histories became the stains he couldn't wash away.

Hertha cared, and there was no way he could explain it to her.

Fearing he'd only make things worse, he simply avoided the topic.

Hertha looked away, focusing on her meal instead, not dwelling on the matter.

She realized her own issues too. Having decided to overcome her mental barriers and accept everything about Alaric, she shouldn't be so sensitive. She ought to interact with Alaric normally.

overcoming the emotional distance were two different

were leaving, Hertha suddenly suggested, "Let's catch

one who had turned the atmosphere awkward and felt it was on her to

Alaric, she had to gradually let go of her reservations and truly accept him, flaws and

turned around in disbelief, a look of surprise and happiness lighting up

mall nearby with

"Okay," Hertha replied.

back to her, his large

like a unique kind of e happiness, different from the warmth of family. Love, she realized,

temporarily overpowered the defenses around her

reservations, to not overthink enjoying a

snuggled closer to him,

his head to touch hers, sharing a moment of

the time they

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