CHAPTER 120: NOTHING BETWEEN US!

Rin walked out of the theatre’s backstage area, rolling his shoulders to ease the ache from his playful scuffle with Lilienne. His black-dyed hair was a mess, his crisp white shirt slightly wrinkled, but his crimson eyes gleamed with a mix of irritation and amusement. He muttered under his breath, shoving his hands into his pockets, "That little imp never changes. Short skirts, made-up words, and still too stubborn to think properly."

He joined Sasha, who was waiting by the door with the other two dancers, who were now giggling and whispering about how handsome he looked. Rin ignored them, brushing past as if they were invisible, his focus solely on getting out of the crowded backstage. Sasha fell into step beside him, his warm smile softening the sharp aura Rin carried.

"Is that girl really your sister?" Sasha asked quietly once they were out of earshot, his voice gentle but curious.

Rin paused, his mind flashing to Lilienne’s outburst earlier, calling him her brother in front of everyone. He couldn’t exactly explain that they were siblings from another world, not without complicating things.

Instead, he curved his lips into a small smile, half-true, half-lie. "Yeah. She’s my sister. She’s annoying, stubborn, and loud."

Sasha chuckled softly, his brown eyes crinkling. "She didn’t look annoying to me. But... you two really do act like siblings."

Rin gave him a side glance, amused but sharp. "That’s because we are."

That seemed to satisfy Sasha, though Rin caught the faint curiosity lingering in his eyes. Sasha was smart... he likely knew there was more to the story, but he didn’t press further. Rin appreciated that. Explaining the truth about Lilienne would mean revealing too much about himself, and he wasn’t ready for that, not even with Sasha.

They took the long walk back toward the brothel, the night air cool against Rin’s face as lanterns lit up the capital’s streets. Merchants shouted about their wares... fresh bread, polished jewellery, steaming bowls of soup... while carriages rolled by, their wheels clattering on the cobblestones.

Groups of people moved through the streets, laughing and chattering, their voices blending into a lively hum. Rin kept his head down, his black hair and fake moles keeping him anonymous, though he couldn’t help but feel a small thrill at being just another face in the crowd.

"You’re quiet," Sasha said after a few minutes, glancing at him. "Thinking about your sister?"

Rin snorted, shaking his head. "More like trying to forget her. She’s always been like this... running headfirst into whatever she wants, no matter how reckless it is."

Sasha grinned, his tone light. "Sounds like someone else I know."

Rin shot him a mock glare. "Watch it, or I’ll leave you in the street."

Sasha laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. No more teasing. So... what did you think of the show? Was it worth the VIP tickets?"

Rin shrugged, his lips twitching. "It was fine. Too loud, too flashy. But Lilienne looked like she was having the time of her life, so I guess it’s not a total waste."

Sasha nodded, his expression softening. "You care about her a lot, don’t you?"

Rin’s steps slowed for a moment, his voice quieter. "She’s family. Even if she drives me crazy, I’d do anything to keep her safe."

Sasha’s smile faded slightly, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "I get that. Family is important. That’s why I’m always looking out for the Crow Team. They’re like my brothers."

Rin glanced at him, his crimson eyes softening. "You’re a good leader, Sasha. They’re lucky to have you."

Sasha’s cheeks reddened slightly, and he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly flustered. "Thanks, Rin. That means a lot coming from you."

They continued walking, the conversation lightening as they traded stories about the Crow Team’s antics and the brothel’s residents.

For a moment, Rin felt almost normal, like he wasn’t carrying the weight of his demonic powers, the Vortellions’ schemes, or the Crown Prince’s obsession. But the moment they reached the brothel, that fleeting sense of peace shattered.

The moon had climbed high, casting a silver glow over the red lanterns at the entrance. To Rin’s surprise, a crowd of brothel residents rushed toward him the moment he appeared, their voices overlapping in a chaotic wave.

"Rin!"

"There you are!"

"What’s going on between you and the Crown Prince?"

"Tell us! Tell us!"

The questions hit him like a barrage, each one louder than the last. The crowd pressed in, their eyes wide with curiosity and nervous excitement, their hands gesturing wildly.

Rin froze mid-step, his face flat, his crimson eyes narrowing as he processed the words.

’The prince? Again?’

"What do you mean?" he asked evenly, his voice cutting through the noise.

"Well, you see..." A girl stepped forward, wringing her hands, her voice hesitant. "The Crown Prince came here earlier, asking for you. He seemed... very serious. Rin, are you... with him?"

Rin’s lips twitched, his face twisting into disbelief.

’With him? With that perverted Crown Prince?’

He raised a hand, gesturing for them to calm down, his voice sharp but controlled. "There’s nothing between us. Nothing at all."

"Then why would he come here?" another asked boldly, their voices trembling slightly.

Rin’s body stiffened, his mind spinning for an answer. The truth hit him hard.

’Why was the prince so desperate? Just for a night with me? Just for my scent? What kind of lunatic is this prince? He just got the black card. He couldn’t even wait a day?’

He exhaled slowly, forcing his voice to stay calm. "It’s nothing for you to worry about, okay? I don’t care about him. Stop worrying."

His crimson eyes swept over the crowd, sharp and commanding. "I’m telling you... He has nothing to do with me. Believe me or not, but don’t drag yourself into the gossip so you won’t get entangled with the royal family."

The weight of his gaze made them falter. Slowly, one by one, they nodded and began to disperse, muttering among themselves, their voices fading as they retreated into the brothel.

Rin sighed once they were gone, his shoulders dropping. He turned to Sasha, his tone lighter but tired. "Thanks for today. I’d be dead bored without you."

Sasha smiled, shaking his head. "Anytime. If you ever need me, I’m around."

Rin gave him a short nod and slipped back toward his room, the weight of the day settling over him.