WTMWO Chapter 2: The one who saved me was…

On the day of the party, I stood in front of my closet, staring at the usual navy-blue suit I had picked up. After a few seconds, I put it back and repeated the process.

I wanted to stand before him as a man and confess my feelings. But I didn’t have the courage for that now. Hesitantly, I reached for the one dress hanging next to the suit.

It was a dress my late mother had brought as part of her dowry, and it was of excellent quality. A lavender A-line dress with a gradient of blue, elegantly designed with frills at the chest and adorned with sparkling sequins that shimmered like stardust under the light. It was as beautiful as if the night sky itself had been captured in fabric.

“…I’ll wear this.”

It was Leon-sama who taught me that it’s okay to love the things I love. So, I wanted to stand before him as my true self. And if it was only for one night, I wanted to be the kind of beautiful woman who could stand by his side.

Even if it was all a lie.

I looked at the reflection of the woman in the mirror—black hair and purple eyes—and tried to smile. The makeup was subtle, matching the dress. With my naturally androgynous features, no one would guess I was a man. Besides, I rarely left the viscount’s estate, so no one would recognize me anyway.

The dress shimmered as I stepped into the carriage. My father, a workaholic, rarely came home, so he wouldn’t know about this. The three servants who lived with us were aware of my preferences and sent me off warmly.

When I arrived at the venue, I took a deep breath inside the carriage. My legs were stiff from nerves, but I resolved to step out. The gazes from the crowd felt piercing. Did I look strange? Had they figured out I was a man?

I clenched my fists tightly to distract myself from the anxiety.

Looking around, I noticed a crowd had already gathered around Leon-sama. Seeing him after so long, he was as handsome as ever, and my heart raced. His platinum-blonde hair, almost silver, and his sky-blue eyes were as beautiful as gemstones.

I wanted to get closer, but I stayed at a distance, content to watch him from afar. Today, I just wanted to quietly admire him and let go of my feelings. That was the only way I could move forward…

“Are you alone?”

While sipping a non-alcoholic cocktail and staring blankly at Leon-sama, I was approached by a man. He was a stranger, and he clearly thought I was a lady.

“Would you like to talk?”

His cliché pickup line made my lips twitch. When I noticed the heat in his eyes, I started to feel scared. Having spent most of my time secluded in the estate, I didn’t know how to handle situations like this.

“Um…”

“Come on, this way.”

He pulled me closer, a little forcefully. I should’ve refused—after all, I was a man too—but my mind went blank, and I couldn’t react.

“My apologies. She’s promised this dance to me.”

Just as I was panicking, a gentle voice reached us, and both the man and I turned toward it.

It was Leon-sama, walking over with calm, deliberate steps. My body temperature seemed to spike instantly. I was captivated by his soft smile. In my mind, Leon-sama had stayed frozen at fifteen, but now, it felt like time had started moving again. The grown man before me exuded a charm that was almost intoxicating up close.

“My apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t realize she was your companion…”

“It’s fine. Enjoy the party.”

Once the man left, Leon-sama leaned in close to my ear.

“You’ll attract suspicion. Just follow my lead for now.”

He took my hand and led me to the center of the ballroom. As the music began, we started dancing, just the two of us, surrounded by a circle of onlookers.

“May I have your name?”

I hesitated. If I gave my real name, he’d know I was a man.

“…It’s Elle.”

I took it from my real name, Daniel.

“Elle. A name as beautiful as you are. Do you enjoy dancing?”

I averted my gaze when he asked.

“I’m not very good at it…”

I whispered so only he could hear, and he chuckled softly.

“Leave it to me.”

He gently pulled me closer and spun me around. His dancing was elegant yet bold. My heartbeat synced with the rhythm, and our steps became light and effortless.

I couldn’t help but smile, and when I did, Leon-sama smiled back, showing his white teeth. It made me so happy that I felt like a princess in a fairy tale.

“Why did you help me?”

“That man is known as a playboy. But because of his status as the son of a duke, many women can’t refuse him.”

I see… The only one who could stop him here was Leon-sama. That’s why he helped me. He’s truly kind.

“Thank you. I was really in trouble, so you saved me.”

“Don’t mention it. Now, focus on me.”

The music was nearing its end. I forgot about the people watching and enjoyed the moment to the fullest.

I initially planned to just watch him from a corner. But now, I wanted to know more about him. As I gazed at his kind expression, the same one he had when he gave me the plushie, I selfishly wished time would stop. That way, I could have him all to myself.

When the music stopped, the dreamlike moment came to an end.

My heart was still racing. If only I could tell him how I felt… But the words wouldn’t come. Maybe it was better this way. Having this happy memory would make it easier to let go.

“Leon-sama, I’m… really happy right now.”

I smiled as brightly as I could, and Leon-sama looked surprised, his eyes widening. I curtsied, ignoring his attempts to stop me, and left the venue.

Walking under the night sky, I thought I saw a shooting star and stopped.

(If I could make a wish… I’d wish for Leon-sama to never forget tonight.)

I made the wish and glanced behind me.

No one was following me.