Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

Morning Reflections and New Resolve

Alaric woke up, and the events of the previous night flooded his mind. He blushed deeply and realized he was alone in the room. "What have I done?" he shrieked inwardly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. He couldn't believe he had kissed Gabriel. The memory of holding Gabriel, feeling his heartbeat, and then kissing him made his heart race.

Did he hate it? No, he liked it a lot.
He understood Gabriel's pain, being an orphan himself, and knew what it felt like to lose a loved one.

He was certain now: he liked Gabriel. In his past life, when he felt sad, he always played this game and often talked to Gabriel, Cedric, and the prince. They were his only friends. But now, in this world, spending time with them, seeing their care, pain, and worries, had deepened his feelings. Yes, he liked them, and he didn't regret the kiss. But what about Gabriel? Would he be okay? Oh no, he thought, I need to talk to him, maybe apologize.

Just as he was dwelling on these thoughts, someone knocked and informed him that breakfast was ready. He replied that he would come shortly.

After taking a bath, he went to the dining room but didn't find Gabriel there. A pang of disappointment and fear arose within him. Maybe it was a mistake, he thought. Maybe Gabriel didn't want to see him.

The city lord informed him that last night, an emergency arose, and Father Gabriel had to go to the hospital. Alaric nodded, feeling a bit relieved but still anxious. They discussed the arrangements for the day and the steps needed to curb the drought situation as quickly as possible.

Alaric and the officials inspected the distribution work and other arrangements. The day was unusually humid, hinting at the possibility of rain soon. By late evening, he returned to the mansion, finding it empty. He quickly took a bath, eager to cleanse the sweat and dust of the day.

As he finished and stepped out, he was shocked to find Gabriel sitting on the bed. Startled and nervous, Alaric blushed under Gabriel's intense gaze. He had forgotten his upper clothes, not wanting to wear the sweaty ones.

Gabriel swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Alaric's beautiful, bare torso.

Alaric's thought
"Why am I so embarrassed? He has probably seen countless people like this. But why does it feel so different with him? Do I really need to apologize? Or should I just wait and see what he says? Oh no, I hope I didn’t make things awkward between us."

Gabriel's Thoughts
"How can someone look so ethereal? Should I say something? Or would that make things more awkward? Last night… it meant something, didn’t it? Should I tell him? But what if he regrets it?"

Gabriel stood up and walked towards him, his eyes never leaving Alaric's.

"Good morning, Alaric," Gabriel said, his voice soft but steady.

"Good morning, Gabriel," Alaric replied, trying to mask his nervousness with a smile.

Alaric's heart raced as Gabriel's gaze met his. He blushed, feeling exposed and vulnerable under Gabriel's intense scrutiny.

"Did you sleep well?" Gabriel asked, his eyes not leaving Alaric's.
Alaric nodded

"Alaric," Gabriel began, his voice soft yet firm. "Last night... I wanted to thank you. For being there, for understanding."

Alaric's blush deepened. "Gabriel, I... I don't know what came over me. I just..."

Gabriel silenced him with a gentle touch. "It's okay, Alaric. I needed that. We both did."

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, they both knew that something had changed between them. The connection they felt was undeniable, and neither of them regretted it.

Gabriel leaned in, and Alaric's heart pounded in his chest. "Let's not dwell on the past. Let's move forward, together," Gabriel whispered.

Alaric nodded, feeling a surge of warmth and affection.

The outside was cloudy, with the wind blowing fiercely. Gabriel looked at Alaric, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I don't know if this is the perfect moment, but Alaric, I like you,"

Gabriel said, his voice steady yet soft.
"I don't know when it started. At first, it was all just curiosity, but later, as I got to know you more, I came to like you more and more. Your smile,your eyes as if your soul is calling me.
I...know this is sudden, and I understand you may need time to process it. But I want to know, do you regret the kiss?"

Alaric's heart pounded as he looked into Gabriel's earnest eyes. "No," he said, his voice raspy. "I... I don't regret it."

Gabriel smiled, a look of relief and joy spreading across his face. He leaned in, resting his forehead against Alaric's.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning burst through the clouds, and it started raining. The sound of the rain mingled with the rhythmic beating of their hearts, creating an intimate cocoon around them.

Alaric wanted to say something, to express the whirlwind of emotions inside him, but his voice seemed to be lost. Gabriel, sensing his hesitation, whispered, "I will wait. But can I....hug you ?" Alaric blushed deeply and nodded.

As Gabriel's arms enveloped him in a warm embrace, Alaric felt a profound sense of peace. Outside, the townspeople laughed and rejoiced, playing in the rain and opening their mouths to the sky to catch the raindrops.

After some time, a knock sounded on the door, breaking their moment. The official stood there, waiting.

Alaric and Gabriel separated, exchanging a look of understanding and unspoken promises. (Alaric put on some clothes).They headed outside, ready to face the new challenges together, side by side.