WTMO Chapter 4: The Final Party (Last Chapter)

It happened a few weeks later. An invitation arrived for a party hosted by Leon-sama at his villa, meant to foster connections. The name on the envelope was “Elle.”

I had no idea how he’d figured out where Elle (me) was. I stared at the invitation, my mind racing. If I attended as Elle again, what would Leon-sama think? I regretted running away that night more than ever.

I had been desperate to forget these feelings, but in the end, I couldn’t. I’d had countless chances to tell him the truth, but my cowardice had ruined every opportunity.

As I traced the words on the invitation with my finger, I thought, Just one more time… I’ll gather my courage one last time.

I wanted to see him as my true self, not as Elle.

I’m not Elle (a woman)… So, he might find me disgusting or be angry that I deceived him. Still, I wanted Leon-sama to know.

I love you.

On the day of the party, I reached for my navy-blue suit. I styled my hair and put on a bowtie. When I checked the mirror, there was no doubt—I looked like a man.

My chest felt like it might burst from nerves, but I nodded firmly at my reflection.

“It’s okay. Let’s go.”

The servants saw me off as I boarded the carriage.

The villa wasn’t far, but the journey felt endless.

When I arrived, I handed the invitation to a servant.

I was led inside, but the grand hall was empty except for me.

Confused, I looked around. Aside from the luxurious furnishings and food, there wasn’t a single other guest in sight.

“You came.”

I turned at the voice behind me and saw Leon-sama standing there, dressed in a silver suit. My nerves intensified.

He walked toward me with ease, stopping just within arm’s reach, a graceful smile on his face.

“So, you really were Elle.”

“I-I’m sorry for deceiving you… Um, where is everyone else…?”

“I only invited you today.”

“…Just me?”

Leon-sama reached out and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close until my cheek rested against his strong chest.

“It was cruel of you to run away without saying anything.”

His voice, slightly pouting yet dripping with allure, echoed in my ear. The warmth of his hand on my waist made me feel dizzy.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t know what to do…”

I wanted to tell him how I felt, but I couldn’t find the courage. I was afraid that if he rejected me, I wouldn’t be able to recover.

“I realized it when we talked at the shop. The little kid from back then was you. And at the same time, I realized Elle was you too. Honestly, I was confused. I’ve only ever been with women.”

“…I’m sorry…”

Of course, he wouldn’t want to be loved by a man…

I tried to pull away, but the arm around my waist tightened, and I couldn’t escape.

“Daniel, don’t run away from me anymore.”

His pleading whisper made my face burn.

“Is it okay… for me to keep loving you?”

The words spilled out before I could stop them.

My feelings of love overflowed. Leon-sama gently stroked my hair with his other hand. Tears welled up in my eyes, and he kissed the corner of one, causing a single tear to roll down my cheek.

“I can’t forget the memories of that day when you were young, or the dance at my birthday celebration. In other words, I think I love you, Daniel. So, I want to hear your feelings one more time.”

“I-I’ve loved you… ever since the day we first met…!”

“I love you too.”

After kissing the corner of my eye, his lips met mine.

It was a strange sensation. Even though the magic had worn off, I was kissing the prince I loved.

I felt so happy, like I might melt.

“Let’s dance.”

At Leon-sama’s signal, the orchestra began to play. Holding his hand, I spun around the center of the grand hall in my male attire.

It was a party for just the two of us. There were no spectators. It felt ticklish, like we were sharing a secret.

“Daniel, I’m so happy right now.”

Leon-sama’s words seeped into my heart.

“Yes. I feel the same way.”

We smiled at each other as we continued to dance. Even after the dance ended, I knew the man I loved would always be by my side.

That’s why, from the bottom of my heart, I was glad I found the courage.

The End