[GL] I tamed the female lead

Chapter 14

Astéria ran up to me and as if she saw how angry I was, she grabbed my shoulders:

"What happened?"

I forced a smile fearing how she would react when she heard about what happened:

"Nothing."

Astéria didn't seem to believe me but she didn't force me to say more. Her hands on the other hand couldn't help tighten around my shoulders more and more. What was wrong? Did she hear about the rumor already? I had to tell her quickly so she would see that it wasn't my idea.

"I have to tell you something."

Astéria was listening to me with utter focus. She really reminded me of Orange sometimes.

"I am so sorry but because of me people seem to think that you are scared of heights.

-It's not your fault.

-No, listen to me."

But she just shook her head:

"You are a good person, Poehina. I know you didn't do it on purpose."

I was surprised by the trust she got in me and didn't know what to say for a second. Astéria took advantage of this to gently pull me to a bench before sitting down next to me:

"Take your time. I'll listen to you."

Despite me wanting to do the good thing, I was in the wrong and I had to be honest about this. I hoped Astéria wouldn't kill me later on for this. I could lie, I loved white lies but as soon as I saw her I felt as if I could tell her everything.

"When I heard you went height jumping I was surprised and said that I thought you were scared of heights. I didn't think anyone heard me. I was just thinking aloud and I have no idea why I thought you were scared of heights. It was just a hypothesis. But Ir... Someone heard me and they thought it was interesting information. I promise you I told them not to say anything and I told them it was just me imagining things but they didn't care. I was too late. I am sorry."

As I was thinking back to the facts I started getting angry again:

"It wasn't my fault at all actually. I told them not to say anything. I told them it was bullying. We fought but they didn't care at all and said I was the one in the wrong. I am so sorry for saying that I will take responsibility but I didn't start the rumor at all."

Astéria waited for me to finish without saying a word. Then she only smiled:

"Thank you."

I tilted my head.

"Thank you for telling me the truth and thank you for getting angry on my behalf. you are the first person to ever take my side behind my back."

This hurt my heart a bit. Astéria never felt warmth before. She was abandoned, betrayed, abused... And even once back to the mansion she would be bullied and neglected. She didn't do anything wrong and no one deserved to be treated that way. I felt so bad for her that I wanted to cry but I couldn't. That would be too weird. I was glad that I came to tell her the truth. I was glad that I got her back. She deserved it so much. As if she felt my inner monologue, Astéria suddenly hugged me and I froze. Her embrace felt so cozy... Why did it feel so safe and familiar? My heart started speeding up and in my panic I gently pushed Astéria away while still staying in her arms. I looked up at her and said:

"I will always take your side."

I knew she didn't care about anyone. I knew she was only acting nice. I knew she only lived for revenge. But that didn't mean I couldn't be nice to her. Somewhere deep down it had to feel nice. I wanted her to see that she wasn't alone anymore.