After smashing the snow into a ball, he threw the snowball at Carlo’s face. Knowing he’d better run once he did it.

Romeo looked down at the vast snow that covered the ground. Crouching down to gather some of the snow in his hands.

He laughed softly, tipping his head down to place a kiss on his head.

“My favorite part.”

He looked down at him and nodded. Proceeding with their walk.

“Then we can enjoy it together.”

Again, his head turned away when he knew a blush was coming. When they left the hotel, the cold air was the first thing he noticed. Romeo looked at the clear, mildly blue sky.

“We definitely have to get going. I can’t shake off the feeling it’s going to snow again soon.”

He pouted, talking lowly.

“You’re a walking aphrodisiac, Carlo.”

“Am I always a big target for your teases?”

He mumbled while walking.

His eyes narrowed. Keeping his head turned away so his grumpy face wasn’t visible. He groaned lightly.

The flush on his face only got worse the more he toyed with him. Before he possibly got any redder, he rose from his seat. This causing Carlo to slide off his lap. He walked briskly out the kitchen. Using the opportunity to shake off the embarrassed look.

“L-Let’s get going.”

“N-No! I’m not!”

He grinned nervously.

He mumbled. Mildly jealous, but he tried not to show the feeling.

“Not that good.”

“We?”

He snorted, amused.

“You spoiled him more than me.”

He smiled from his words, arms tightening around him when he hugged.

“I forgot. We have to go to the market. Your little fluffy buddy needs more food.”

He winked confidently.

“And I just learned how to make fresh treats for him.”

He nodded slightly. “Well, yes. . . And no. For always being there. The night terrors lessened thanks to everything you’ve done for me.”

As much as he enjoyed their close moment, he reluctantly broke away from the kiss. Leaning his head on his shoulder.

“Thank you.”

Both of his arms soon slithered around his waist as he returned the kiss more passionately.

“I love you too.”

He grinned.

The redness on his face worsened when he returned the kiss.

Now he looked even more confused, frowning a little.

“Sorry.”

“What? That wasn’t a joke.”

He pouted.

Relieved seeing him not upset, he finished the rest of his sandwich.

“Uh. . . Give me immense love and affection?”

He smiled sheepishly.

“Ahahah—“

Ahem!

“S-Sorry! I’m sorry!”

He covered his mouth with both hands.

“Pffft!”

The nudge caused him to lose his composure. Romeo bursting into laughter.

He turned his head away. Concealing his laughter becoming more difficult.

He nearly choked on the drink from laughter.

“Why? Your height is perfect.”

Romeo took his cup and drank most of the orange juice in a feeble attempt to lessen the warmth on his face.

The blush darkened as he cleared the dryness from his throat.

“Y-Yeah. Just a king without the puppet body you found hot.”

“So I was a hero to the end? As much as I pity the alternate me, that’s a honorable way to go.”

The conversation felt a little gloomy to him, but there was still a smile on his face. The blond being no strange to finding positives in things.

He nodded as a light red hue was on his face. His fingers curling to grip Carlo’s.

“Thanks. I needed to hear that. It feels good knowing someone would protect me.”

“Me too. Especially after the stories you told me about my future self. I wouldn’t wish for my worst enemy to endure that fate.”

He lowered the remained sandwich on the plate. Bringing his hand up to look at it.

“My arms are just a small price to pay to be where I am now.”