The officer had been piecing the situation together in her head, but she quickly abandoned those thoughts. Sometimes, even when suspicion ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) strikes, the wisest way to live is to keep one's eyes closed and ears plugged.

“Ahem. I will repeatedly instruct the staff to strictly verify medication intake from now on. And as for the patient... if you participate in future matches, you must follow the medical team’s guidance. I’ll inform the organizers that your location has been accounted for, so please rest here for the time being.”

The officer began tidying up the surrounding area and stood up.

“Well... now that the treatment is finished, we shall take our leave. The test matches for the other groups are ending soon, so we expect a surge of injured participants shortly.”

Hugo checked the clock on the wall and gave a nod of approval.

“Very well, go on. It’s a long schedule, so I know you’re tired, but please work hard a little longer.”

“Understood, sir.”

“And.”

Hugo added, pausing briefly before speaking again.

“Reporters are already camped out outside the Controlled Area. According to League principles, a participant’s personal information must not be leaked before the official preliminary brackets are finalized. Do you understand what I mean?”

It was an indirect way of speaking, uncharacteristic of the Legion Commander. The two officers briefly met his eyes and replied simply.

“There is no question about it. We will remain silent.”

“I appreciate it. Regarding my presence here as well.”

“Yes, of course.”

Having secured their word, Hugo gestured for them to leave. Everyone on the medical team, including the officer, bowed deeply. Glances were exchanged as to whether they should offer congratulations on the new year since it was past midnight, but given the circumstances, they exited the breakroom without another word.

Click. As the door closed, Hugo ran a hand through his disheveled hair, looking more fatigued than before. Then, while perched on the edge of the bed, he stretched out his long legs.

“Whew....”

The hem of his trousers pulled up slightly, revealing his ankles crossed over his shoes. Leonardo stared blankly at them. Though the other man likely didn't know, it was an area Leonardo’s eyes often wandered to.

Just then, Hugo leaned back on his hands and cast a sidelong glance at Leonardo.

Leonardo also leaned his elbows on the bed table, looking up to meet Hugo’s gaze.

For a while, silence hung between them. Whether the room was exceptionally soundproofed or not, not a single sound from the outside could be heard.

Hugo was the first to speak.

“Leo, I believe I’ve said this before... but I wish you would pay more attention to your condition.”

Leonardo, still holding the gauze to his nose, merely raised an eyebrow. Hugo continued.

“I can’t say the habit of always being on guard is a bad thing. But earlier, you were clearly in a situation where you needed to take medication. You were injured during the match and covered in compounds. Our staff member explained the symptoms that could occur, and you acknowledged that point. So why didn't you take the medicine?” 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

“.......”

“If a situation like this happens again, do you intend to hold out until I personally feed it to you? What would have happened if I hadn't found you?”

“...A little nosebleed isn't a big deal. And they said I'd be fine after some time even without the medicine.”

“It’s fortunate it stopped at simple bleeding, but what if you had gone into shock? How do you think I felt bringing you here?”

Leonardo was about to snap back but clamped his mouth shut. Thinking about Hugo’s feelings made him lose his words.

He’s the one who bullied me as he pleased... he grumbled internally, but he didn't let it out. After all, he had enjoyed it too, and he had been flustered by how rapidly his condition had deteriorated while being chased by reporters.

But perhaps because he wanted to be pampered today, a submissive answer failed to emerge.

As if he hadn't expected one anyway, Hugo shook his head and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. As the collar loosened, the bite marks that had been hidden were partially revealed.

“What did you do with the medicine I sent with you when you left?”

The medicine the Agrizendro matron spoke of was intended to help normalize blood that had become viscous after being infected with poison during the battle on the Peninsula. The medicine had been included in the backpack Flinn gave him, in the form of small pills and powders lasting several months.

“I took all of those. I take them when I judge that I need them.”

“That’s a relief, then. If only you would listen to my advice as well.”

“...I think I told you before, I’m good at looking after myself.”

“Then why do you act like a child in front of me?”

The phrase 'like a child' stung, causing Leonardo’s lips to twitch. He let out a dry laugh, rested his chin on his left hand, and turned his head away.

“Ha. And here I thought you said you didn't kiss children.”

“...You never miss a chance to talk back.”

“You’re the same.”

Sensing that any further words would lead to a petty argument, they both fell silent. Only an awkward current of air passed between them in the quiet room.

Then, it was Leonardo who slowly shifted his stiff gaze back. He stared fixedly at the red marks spread across Hugo's neck.

An erotic brand stamped onto a thick, straight neck—it wasn't appropriate for the situation, but a strange sense of pride swelled within him.

Hugo’s navy hair, which would normally be neatly swept back, was messily sticking out in a way that would make anyone wonder why. Yet, combined with the hickeys, he looked like a scene from an alluring poster.

The deep set of his eyes beneath prominent brow bones, the cool slide of his nose bridge, and his firm jawline. He was a subject that embodied the perfect ideal. Seeing him in the light like this brought back a flood of distinct emotions.

Did he put in a lot of effort because it’s the opening ceremony? He must have worked out a lot in the meantime.

The firmness of his forearms and chest, which Leonardo had felt even in the dark, was fully revealed through the fine contours of his taut shirt. From the broad palms resting on the bed to the wrists, forearms, upper arms, and deltoids—every time that silhouette moved slowly, it demanded his attention.

Not to mention the scent of the man's perfume that now covered his own body, and the lower half of Hugo's body hidden beneath the neatly folded cloak, which triggered both curiosity and a certain thirst.

Shit... am I actually in heat?

Around that time, Leonardo squeezed his eyes shut. They had just been having a cold exchange moments ago. To be admiring the other man like he was a delicious meal, especially after having a nosebleed, made him feel ridiculous.

In this state, didn't he lose the right to call anyone else a pervert?

Moreover, thinking about how he had looked so pathetic and dazed right after ejaculating made his pride sting.

His complicated state of mind was laid bare by his twitching eyebrows. Hugo, who had been quietly conscious of the gaze on his profile, suddenly turned his head to check on him.

“What’s wrong? Are you dizzy again?”

“Don’t get the wrong idea.”

The response to his tender concern wasn't very pleasant, so Hugo narrowed his eyes.

“What?”

“I’m not usually like that.”

“...I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I don’t just... bleed from my nose over something like that. My body just got weird because I brushed against so many Plarinus flowers during the match. Usually, I would have sent you over the edge at least twice—.”

Leonardo’s lips faltered, unable to finish the sentence.

Hugo sent him a strange look, encouraging him kindly to continue.

“Twice?”

“A-Anyway—. Don't think that was the end of it.”

The subject of the statement was ambiguous, but neither of them was ignorant of what it meant. Hugo, tilting his chin slightly, slowly stroked his lips. Leonardo lowered his eyelids, unable to face that piercing gaze. Despite that, he added in a shrinking voice:

“I’ll pay you back properly someday.”

A competitive provocation, a touch of bravado, and a bold declaration of war.

Did Leonardo himself know? That he had just made a very dangerous statement.

Hugo barely suppressed the laugh threatening to leak through his teeth. He maintained a dry expression, but the answer that came out was far more honest than his face suggested.

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Leonardo, who had been trying to avoid him, peeked up. He felt utterly dazed, as if they had just naturally made a promise for a next time.

Following that answer, the atmosphere grew considerably heavier. Many probes and pieces of information were exchanged in their locked gazes.

Furthermore, a subtle tension floated through the sealed space. Damn it, it’s too quiet. Fearing his changed breathing would be discovered, Leonardo paid intense attention to his respiration. Because his nose was blocked, he swallowed hard, tasting the metallic tang of blood. Even that felt oddly fitting for this moment.

Hugo, sensing the stagnant flow of air, realized that his upper body was leaning slightly forward. Seeing the blood-stained gauze, however, brought him back to his senses instantly. He gathered his cloak, which was draped over his lap, and stood up somewhat hurriedly.

“Where are you going?”

Leonardo asked urgently as he watched Hugo prepare to leave.

Hugo found a pen rolling around on a nearby side table and tore a piece of memo paper. His blue eyes were fixed on the tip of the pen as he replied.

“I have matters to attend to. Because a certain brilliant participant partially destroyed the stadium walls.”

For a moment, Leonardo’s eyes shrank back as if he were a criminal.

“I’m not saying it’s your fault. Now that the opening ceremony is over, as the person in charge, I have various things to organize.”

“...Then am I staying here alone?”

“The organizers said the match analysis will take some time. Wait here until then. And when you get permission to leave, come to this place. As quietly as possible, alone.”

Hugo put the pen down and handed over the memo. Leonardo reached out reflexively and scanned the contents with blinking eyes. The handwriting was neat and clear, much like its owner. The text explained the path to a certain secret entrance within the stadium.

A bewildered face looked up.

“Why here?”

“The key I gave you. You’ve never used it, have you?”

Key? The moment he said it, Leonardo thought of the key to Hugo's villa.

“...Uh?”

He was a bit flustered, wondering how Hugo knew he had never used it. Hugo had given it to him, telling him to come whenever he wanted to rest.... Leonardo hesitated to answer, fearing the other man would be disappointed to know he hadn't even set foot there. Though, he did have his reasons.

When Leonardo couldn't easily find the words, Hugo, who had already seen through him from his transparent expression, let out a chuckle. He reached out and placed his hand on the blond hair, ruffling it with affection.

“I thought we might use it together today.”