I WAS The Rank–1 Hero

Chapter 115 115: Confession

The Hero Association had labeled this as 'uncertainty,' but I knew better than anyone that this—

…was just the beginning.

It wouldn't take her much time to prove this theory of hers valid.

She was that type of lady, after all.

She took pride in her intelligence. And she would choose any means to prove herself right.

Noticing my expression, Ruby called my name.

"Zane…?"

"Huh?" I looked up at her. Meeting her gaze, I saw a worried face in front of me.

Her crimson eyes were locked onto mine,

The question she asked next was something I had been expecting.

'Do you love this girl?'

I, too, had asked myself this several times…

I didn't know falling for someone would be this troublesome…

But… if the trouble was someone like her, I would fall for her a million times.

So, without thinking any longer, I answered Sera.

Love her? No… I adore her. More than I should. More than I'm allowed to.

So, someone… please tell me…

Why am I this hopeless?

Why do I always hurt her?

Why do I always make her cry?

I hated myself for this.

She was the kindest person to ever exist in my life.

Because of her, my life became bright after I returned from death.

I had once lost all hope.

I had even cried when I first killed someone—

And Ruby was the first person who supported me at my lowest.

She was the reason I was living.

My one and only Ruby.

Sera, who was listening to all this, gave her straightforward suggestion.

'Don't think too much. Just tell her the reason. She will understand.'

"…"

I was uncertain.

What if Ruby's feelings weren't the same as mine?

I was too scared to find out.

Once again, I looked at Ruby.

She was staring at me with a serious expression, placing her hand inside her pocket, tracing a small box-like structure through the fabric of her skirt.

I didn't avert my eyes from her.

Staring directly at her, I answered.

"Yes, I am hiding things."

Not expecting my response, both her eyes widened.

Hesitantly, she spoke up, retreating her hand from her pocket. She grabbed my collar.

"What are you so scared of?"

She asked, glaring right through my soul.

I didn't flinch.

Indeed, I was scared.

Who wouldn't be?

I was human too… I believed.

Fear was something inevitable.

No matter how strong one might be, they are bound to feel it someday.

I positioned my face right in front of hers.

Her face was close to mine, only a few inches away.

Her slow breaths brushed against my lips before I opened mine.

"I am."

I said it while tugging a small smile onto my face.

Ruby was silent, waiting for me to finish my sentence.

I continued.

"I'm scared. Scared of losing them…"

I looked at her, lifting my right arm to brush the tear from her cheek.

"…I'm scared of losing you."

Her grip on my shirt tightened.

Letting out a sigh, she buried her face in my chest.

"…Idiot."

I ruffled her hair.

Ruby continued.

"I'm strong too. I can handle it. I can even protect you—"

I cut her off.

"No."

"…"

"…You can't."

I kept ruffling her hair gently.

Placing my head over hers, I didn't let her go.

I had pushed her away before.

So this time, I would let her do as she wanted.

After all, she, too, deserved love.

I continued.

"Even I can't save myself."

Her grip tightened around me, shifting her hands to my back, hugging me tightly.

Still burying her face in my chest, she spoke with a soft, shaky voice.

"Please don't leave me…"

Her voice trembled.

I felt my chest getting wet as she buried her face even more, tightening her grip around me.

"…Don't die before me."

"Promise me this."

I gritted my teeth.

Her request was something I wasn't certain about.

I didn't even know what my future held.

I couldn't promise her something I was unsure of.

So before that, I would at least do something for her.

Something for both of us.

Placing my hands on her shoulders, I lightly lifted her face.

Her tear-streaked cheeks and red face matched her crimson hair.

It was a sight I wasn't willing to witness from now on.

Today would be the last day she shed tears.

I would make sure of it.

"Sniff…"

Her moist eyes were fixed on mine before I asked her—

"Do you know what stands out most in my world?"

She shook her head.

A small smile played on my lips as I met her gaze.

"You. It's always been you."

[Bonus Image]

End of Chapter.