Youngwoo decides to come clean

11:14

Youngwoo opened his eyes, and nearly immediately blinked a few times. Stretching his limbs a little, he turned on his side, and noticed Iris who was closely watching the electric stove, as if trying to deconstruct it with her mind. Hearing him move a bit more, she suddsenly turned to him, her eyes calmly watching him as he was getting hold of his surroundings. He wasn’t showing it the night before, but the few beers he has had did in fact hit him a little. As he seemed to finally realize his situation, he scanned around and got hold of his phone.

Immediately, his eyes widened as he saw the hour. Less than an hour to meet up with Hilda, and moreover, 3 missed messages.

Hilda: Hey, you up? Where do you want to meet? I’m proposing you come around ;) How does that sound? [09:41]

Hilda: Youngwoo, are you alright in there? [10:41]

Hilda: Youngwoo? Did something happen? [11:02]

With a little sweaty hands, he started tapping a response back.

Youngwoo: Sorry, just came back late and had phone silenced, just woke up :| Sure, I can come around :D [11:17]

Hilda: Alright :) You know the address. I’ll make something to eat, so don’t worry ;)

He felt his heartbeat reverberate in his head as he put his phone down. Without even thinking, he grabbed a towel, some spare underwear, and bolted out of his room and towards the showers. Taking care of himself within 5 minutes, he found himself back in his room before 11:25. Quickly, he looked through his clothes, and got hold of an old shirt of his. It was a little large for him, blue-purple stripes going in a spiral on his chest and back. He couldn’t remember the last time he’s worn it, but he was sure it was at least a few years in the back. Still, deciding it looked somewhat decent, he decided to wear it. On his legs, he got a pair of black slick pants, hiding his entire legs all the way to ankles. Outfitting himself in his boots, he fastened his sword, got the important things into his pockets, and got out of his tiny flat and locked it before turning his steps and getting out of the apartment building.

Walking on a walkway, he passed by some Hunters here and there, going about their business, some just taking a walk, some going to the Gate. Taking his steps further and further, he felt his heartbeat slow down, but thump with strength that left a dull feeling in his chest as he stood in front of the door to apartment where Hilda and Ieva lived in.

He looked to his right, and saw an intercom integrated with the wall, 3 rows of 12 buttons each, every one of them outfitted with a number. While hesitating, he slowly got his hand up and pressed the number 14 for a short moment. After no more than 10 seconds, he heard a buzzing sound come from the door, indicating that the lock was released. He pushed them, and went in.

Slowly, he got up the stairs and went through a corridor, his steps weighing down under his feet, him feeling a strangling feeling around his neck as he finally stood in front of the door to Hilda’s home. He felt his hand shake as he rose it and knocked on the door a few times.

It took a few seconds, but he eventually heard some hurried steps come from inside. As the door opened, he got greeted by Hilda. She was wearing a light t-shirt of teal color, contrasting with her curly hair that fell onto it a little. On her legs, she was wearing long shorts of gray color. The woman had a smile on her face as she said:

“Hey. Come on in.” She stepped aside, allowing his entry.

Youngwoo felt sweat on his back as he felt the air inside the apartment hit him with its rosy scent. Perhaps he hasn’t noticed it before? Or was it that Hilda did something to this place? He turned around, and was startled when Hilda pushed her lips to his, standing on her toes as she pecked him a bit.

“Hey there.” She made a little distance. “How’d you sleep?”

“…” He felt words get caught up in his throat. He looked into her blue eyes, and felt… weight on his shoulders. “...alright, I guess.” He got some words out.

“That’s good.” She turned away from him, and walked into the kitchen part. “I made some pancakes, would you like some?” She looked up at him as he came by, and noticed that something was… off. “Youngwoo?”

“…what?” He asked.

“Are you alright? You look… pale.”

“…” He turned his gaze away momentarily, unsure what to say. “Hilda, I… I must tell you something.”

“???” She tilted her head a little as she came closer. “What is it?”

“I…” He felt a lump form in his throat as he was trying to speak, but felt unable to squeeze a word more. For some reason, he felt the weight on him increase tremendously as he could only imagine how much Hilda would be hurt by the words he’s about to speak.

“Youngwoo, why won’t you sit down? You’re sweating all over…” Hilda traced her eyes over his his face and hands, and noticed how his skin was glistening lightly. What was happening with him?

“Hilda…” Feeling the guilt well up in him, he got hold of the belt that his sword was fastened to. Noticing her questioning gaze, he unbuckled it, and handed it over. “I… I must avow something.” Suddenly, he took a long step back, and went to his knees, letting his head down, not daring look at her.

“Youngwoo?” The red-haired woman was not just surprised. She was actually stupefied by his action. Immediately, she put the sword and belt aside. “W-What are you doing?” There was a clear shake in her voice as she wasn’t understanding what was going on.

“Hilda, yesterday… I met with Weiss.” He started.

“…did something happen to her?”

He shook his head.

“I rejected joining… and she gave me a parting gift.” His hand went to his pocket, and he took out the bottle he received from Ylialkemisti. He handed it over to her.

“What is it?”

“It’s a prototype stamina potion. That’s what she called it, at least.”

“…alright? But… why the long face? Did something happen because of that?”

Feeling his heart skip a beat, Youngwoo nodded heavily. He felt tears well up in corners of his eyes as he said:

“She gave me the first bottle, and it… blew up.”

“What? Did it hurt you? Did it hurt her?”

“No… it… it got into air… and it has side effects.”

“…side effects?”

“…” He looked to his side, unsure how to tell her.

But Hilda immediately looked at the bottle. As the silence filled the room, she felt… puzzled. ‘Why would he look so grim over a potion?’ She wondered, unsure what to do of the item in her hand. Why was this item so important, and yet so… ominous? She weighed her options for long seconds, and seeing that Youngwoo didn’t want to continue speaking for the time being, she uncorked the potion and put her wrist over it. Tilting it over momentarily, she got a sample of liquid on herself as if it were a perfume. Immediately, she closed the bottle again and sniffed her wrist a little.

[You have been inflicted with ‘Lust (high)’ status for 25 seconds.]
[Due to effects of skill ‘Calm Mind (passive)’, you have resisted partially, reducing it to ‘Lust (medium)’, and its duration to 1 second.]

[You have been inflicted with ‘Confusion’ status for 24 seconds.]
[Due to effects of skill ‘Calm Mind (passive)’, you have resisted.]

[You have been inflicted with ‘Stamina recovery (medium)’ status for 37 seconds.]

[You have been inflicted with ‘Hazy memory (medium)’ status for 1 minute.]
[Due to effects of skill ‘Calm Mind (passive)’, you have resisted.]

‘…what?!’ She took a step back, not sure how she should respond to sudden notifications. She felt… invigorated, but… she noticed the debuffs. ‘…lust? …does that mean he… and Weiss?’ She felt her heart stop momentarily at the thought. Still, she kept her composure as she asked:

“So, y-you’re saying… you and… miss Weiss… got hit by it?”

“…yes. I… managed to resist ‘Hazy memory’… but not the others. I tried to get away… but didn’t manage it immediately…”

“…” Hilda didn’t say anything. Slowly, she turned around to put down the bottle. Then, she turned around, looking at Youngwoo still on his knees. She now understood what he meant by that gesture. He was awaiting his punishment.

Hilda clenched her fists for a moment. She closed her eyes, slowly taking in the truth. She couldn’t lie, she was mad, but she wasn’t entirely sure if it was him whom she was angry at.

She took a step towards him. A silent, strong step that made him flinch, but he didn’t shy. He was prepared to accept any blow from her. Something about this sight made Hilda’s heart flutter with a new feeling, if only a little bit. She thought about the feeling for a moment, and quickly understood. She felt relieved.

‘He’s faithful despite the circumstances… in this place.’ There was a glint of invisible, yet infinitely comforting relief that came with the realization. She rose her hand, and slowly placed it on his head. She combed through his hair a little bit, and felt tears swell up in her eyes. She felt conflicted about what she should do. Eventually, she went to her knees, leveling herself with her boyfriend.

“Youngwoo…” She said his name as she felt tears flow from her eyes. She got closer to him. “…”

A long moment of silence was beset upon them as they both were on their knees, Youngwoo turned towards the floor with his eyes closed, and Hilda not knowing how to convey her words. Suddenly, she decided that actions spoke louder than words. She placed a hand on his cheek, and felt how hot his skin was. A shiver went through his body as he expected her to hit him the next moment…

But she instead hugged him. She got him into a strong hold, and let her tears run down her cheeks.

“…Hilda?” He asked quietly, unsure what she meant by that gesture.

“…I… I don’t know how to say it…” She said. “…it’s a relief, in a way.”

“…what?” He made a stupefied expression as he looked at her hair filling his field of view.

“…don’t get me wrong.” She corrected her words. “I’m mad as hell at you. But… in a way, knowing that you’re telling me truth… it’s a relief.”

“…I… don’t understand?”

“…” She made a little distance from him, getting her hands on his shoulders. “…ever since I came to Tower with Ieva… I felt like this place had its own rules. It’s like… organized anarchy, in a way.” She said. “I never expected that I could… ever feel… like I was never here.” Hilda continued her thought, but Youngwoo wasn’t sure what she meant.

“Hilda… I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I… this place doesn’t have many rules to prevent Hunters from hurting each other.” She stated shortly. “And neither does it have any for making anyone faithful to one another. No matter what I feel towards you, Youngwoo, I never could expect you to always reciprocate that.”

“You mean…”

“I’m glad.” She made a wry smile. “You coming here to repent, to receive punishment for a crime you didn’t truly commit… I’m glad that you feel the same way about me, Youngwoo. I’m glad that I can now be sure of it. It’s a relief.”

“…” He looked into her blue eyes, and felt… even more stupefied. He didn’t understand what she meant by that. ‘She’s actually grateful for what happened?’ “Do you feel alright, Hilda?” He placed a hand on her forehead, trying to check her temperature, before reminding himself of his temperature resistance skill.

“…I’m alright, Youngwoo.” She nodded a little.

“…then please punish me.” He tilted his head downwards again.

“No.” She replied sharply. “I can’t just hit you.” Her voice betrayed her repulsiveness towards the idea.

“But Hilda, I-“

“I know.” She silenced him with her finger. “I know.” She nodded as he looked at her. “And it hurts me… but I’d rather feel like this and know that you didn’t want to do it with Weiss, than live in a lie that you love me while you’re having affairs with other women.”

“…” He looked a little to his side, seeing as Iris was watching them while turned upside down. Their eyes met, and the white-headed woman shrugged momentarily.

“I love you, Youngwoo. No matter what happened with Weiss.” Hilda stated. “I’m mad at you, but that doesn’t mean I love you any less.”

“…” He looked into her eyes, unsure how to respond. “Hilda… and I love you… but that doesn’t mean-“

“Hush.” She placed a finger on his lips. “I know what you mean. But… I’m sure you’ve suffered enough already. I know you, Youngwoo, I know you tend to think a lot. I’m sure it must’ve hurt, just thinking about it.”

He closed his eyes, feeing a tear form anew. She was right, in a way. He did cause himself to suffer a lot just by overthinking the issue. But on the other hand, it wasn’t just a normal issue. It was a serious one, one that he would surely remember for long, one that he shouldn’t be forgiven, then why… why did it seem like Hilda wanted to simply forget about it?

Hilda slowly got up. Seeing that Youngwoo was still on his knees, she combed through his hair a little. It melted her heart, if she were to be honest, seeing him like this. So exposed, so… ****. In all honesty, she hated to see him like this. This was unbecoming of him. Quickly, she said to him:

“If you want punishment, then you’ll be washing the dishes today.” Hilda watched as he looked up and at her. He bowed deeply to her.

21:02

Youngwoo was lying with Hilda in bed, cuddled together as they were watching a video on Youtube. He traced his girlfriend’s skin on her hand as he got hold of it and combed it lightly. He noticed how she smiled a little at his gesture, but didn’t respond otherwise.

He turned around a little, and noticed how Iris was hanging just behind him, watching the video together with them two, clearly interested in its contents. Or maybe it was something else she was enthralled by? He couldn’t tell, and seeing how she suddenly floated away, he decided not to ponder. Wasn’t she allowed to have some entertainment? After all, she was sealed in a subspace bound to him. It wasn’t like she could step further away from him than 15 or so meters.

He turned back to Hilda, but he didn’t pay much attention to the video anymore. Instead, he was now pondering on everything.

The way Hilda acted before was… weird, per say. He was fully expecting her to strike him, just like she did a few days ago on 12th floor after her argument with Donnie, but… she didn’t. The way she phrased her words was bizarre as well, to say the least. At least, it was until he took a minute or two to think really deeply about it.

The Tower, as Hilda said, didn’t have many rules. In fact, any form of government was taken down as quickly as it was brought up by people, and the actual power in place were the guilds. Of course, there were universal laws that didn’t even have to be said aloud, like ‘**** is forbidden’, ‘thievery is bad’, etc., etc.. However, it wasn’t like anyone would start pursuing the wrongdoer unless they were connected to the crime themselves. The lack of proper law enforcement was an issue that was combated by Knights Guild mostly (perhaps this was the reason why they were the weakest of the 4 major guilds), but it wasn’t perfect or even consistent. There is only so much 400 people could do, even if their contacts were included. Safe Zone had over 60k inhabitants, so checking every crack and crevice was simply impossible.

The lack of law was one thing. Another thing, however, was lack of dominant faith or any spiritual communion in general. After Tower descended on the world, all the major religions and believes had their worldviews turned upside down. Some tried to say they predicted the Tower coming down, or that it was written in their holy book, but in the end of the day, nobody came up on top. Maybe it was the reason that most of the believers stood away from Tower. There were still some people worshipping their gods inside, but those were a rarity.

Collective of those issues birthed many more issues than it could’ve ever solved. People tended to be wary towards each other, because in Tower, it was never truly safe around people. There was no telling who, when or how might backstab another person. And that also applied to relationships. A perfectly fine pair one day may simply break up the other for the tiniest of reasons, because either side may feel endangered by the other, or because they found someone who seems just a little better.

And this was the reason Hilda acted the way she did. By showing remorse towards what he had done, Youngwoo proved his feelings towards her. He was showing that no matter anyone or anything, he would always choose her, because she mattered to him the most. She must’ve felt moved by it, as it was a complete 180 from the typical attitude people in Tower would show. Ylialkemisti was higher in position from Hilda, had connections, and arguably her skills were better; those were all the reasons why anyone would pick her over Dragon Witch.

But not Youngwoo.

[A/N: Currently the story is being heavily re-designed. I got my hands on the novel, and I'll try to bring everything more in-line with it. I don't know when I'll finish. Sorry.]