The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 101.1
Was the tension only because he was afraid of being discovered by someone?
The warmth and subtle pressure pressing from both sides made Leslun’s nerves sensitive. In a situation where even a single breath could reveal them, the body heat of the two men beside him made his ears and the back of his neck grow hot.
Kailos’s hand, which had been supporting Leslun’s waist, tightened its grip. Leslun had thought it was simply to keep him steady, but the firmness of that hold felt deliberate, almost as if it carried another intention.
Behind him, Tarensiu moved slightly. That small motion brushed against Leslun’s shoulder, touched his elbow for a brief moment, and then pulled away, as though to remind him of his presence there.
He wished both of them would stay still, but why were they doing this?
Leslun tilted his head slightly to glance at them. In the darkness, their eyes glimmered, directed at each other.
It was as if an invisible current ran between them. The narrow gap became filled with tension and silent rivalry.
Kailos’s fingers slowly moved along Leslun’s waist. He deliberately loosened his grip, then tapped lightly. The faint touch felt like a warning, making Leslun’s back stiffen.
“Don’t move.”
Prince Tarensiu’s low, calm voice broke the silence. This wasn’t the time for royal courtesy toward the Crown Prince, yet his tone carried a sharp edge.
Kailos was just about to speak when it happened.
Footsteps sounded again outside, and someone tugged the storage door twice.
At the metallic creak, Leslun quickly covered Kailos’s mouth with his hand. Instead of speaking, Kailos looked down at him with an unreadable expression.
Leslun’s heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst. He was terrified the sound would give them away, certain that both men could feel the vibration through their closeness.
“You’re trembling.”
Kailos’s deep whisper made Leslun lift his head. He shook it slightly, trying to tell him not to talk, then froze again.
“He’s just nervous.”
Tarensiu’s reply was gentler, but there was a hint of provocation beneath it.
He wished both of them would just be quiet.
When Kailos lowered his head, Leslun’s upper body leaned backward. His back pressed closer against Tarensiu, but he barely noticed, caught off guard by how close he suddenly was to Kailos.
With his hand still between them, Leslun found himself pressed flush against the Crown Prince. Kailos’s eyes curved in quiet amusement.
Leslun wanted to ask what was so amusing, but this was hardly the time or place.
Then Tarensiu placed a hand on Leslun’s shoulder. Kailos’s expression instantly sharpened, irritation flashing in his eyes. Watching that from so close, Leslun couldn’t help but think the Crown Prince’s jealousy was excessive.
“Take your hand off.”
Kailos’s voice was low, but cutting.
“You move first.”
Tarensiu’s soft-spoken retort was laced with challenge, clearly displeased by how closely Kailos leaned toward Leslun.
Leslun hunched his shoulders. He wanted to beg them not to argue here and now, but he was too afraid even to open his mouth, in case the person outside heard.
Even the need for silence was turning into another form of contest between them.
Leslun’s vision blurred. He was so tense it felt like they would be caught at any second. His breathing faltered—
Then the footsteps outside began to fade.
While Leslun strained to listen, the two men remained locked in quiet tension with him caught between them.
The footsteps grew distant until finally, silence returned. The guard had likely moved on.
Leslun exhaled carefully, but the heat in his flushed cheeks did not cool.
“My heart’s about to burst,” he murmured, twisting his body slightly to slip out of the narrow space.
But Kailos caught his waist again.
“They might not be far yet.”
His voice was calm, though his eyes were fixed on Tarensiu behind Leslun.
Tarensiu stepped back with a detached look.
“Then do you intend to stay here forever? In that case, we’ll leave first.”
He had shown no courtesy earlier, but now his tone was overly polite. Kailos let out a quiet scoff.
“Your Highness, it’s hard to breathe. Shouldn’t we step out?”
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