CHAPTER 519: WHAT IS THAT?

Coco gracefully left from the carriage, her movements clumsy and a little tense.

The air inside the wooden vehicle was a little suffocating due to how quiet Heiren and Kairo had gotten after her rant so she asked them if she said something wrong, but they insisted that nothing she said was unwelcomed.

They probably drained their social battery after what we went through this morning. Coco thought and adjusted her clothes before turning her attention to Heiren, who followed suit.

"Here." Coco said and held out her hand, offering assistance to help Heiren emerge from the vehicle with ease.

"Thank you." Heiren smiled at her as he took Coco’s offered hand, leaning on her support before he stepped out of the carriage and onto the ground below.

Once safely outside, he turned to Coco.

"You take care of Kairo first." He instructed, his voice low and considerate. "If needed, go ahead and carry him directly inside the house."

"What?" Kairo called out the moment he heard what the other mediator said.

His purple irises darted towards Heiren, embarrassment and guilt flashing across his face as he fervently shook his head.

"I’m alright now!" He protested, his voice tinged with alarm. "The only reason I allowed myself to be carried earlier was just to avoid any further questioning from the guildmaster about what happened!"

"Kairo.." Heiren sighed and shook his head in exasperation and concern, his expression stern. "Even so, we still need to make sure that you’re completely alright."

Coco nodded her head in backing, silently agreeing with Heiren’s statement, a glimmer of worry in her eyes as she glanced at Kairo’s form.

Kairo felt her gaze on him and immediately attempted to straighten himself, mustering the last remnants of his energy to rise from the carriage seat.

However, his weary legs betrayed him the moment he did so because his strength faltered, making him wobble towards the door.

"Careful!" Coco exclaimed and ever-vigilant as she is, immediately sprung into action in response to Kairo’s struggle by swiftly moving to his side, her hand instinctively extending to provide support.

Her grip on his arms was firm yet tender, her eyebrows furrowing in concern. "Goodness, Kairo.. Please be extra careful."

"Accept her help for now, Kairo." Heiren spoke up which made his face twist into a frown.

Kairo’s pride as an independent mediator momentarily clashed with his need for support, but he eventually relented, letting himself to be understanding to their worries because he was still a little weak to move fully under his own power.

So with Coco’s assistance, he carefully stepped out of the carriage, each movement cautious and deliberate.

"There you go." Coco hummed and flashed him a soft smile.

Kairo bit his lower lip and forced down the butterflies that fluttered in his stomach while also scolding his heart that did a summersault in his chest.

Seeing that Kairo had exited the carriage, Coco turned to the coachman.

"Thank you for the ride, sir!" She called out to the old man as she gently closed the carriage door with her free hand, her voice carrying a note of sincere appreciation.

The coachman turned to her and caught sight of Coco’s smile.

The sight of her radiant smile was both a charming and heart-warming one, her gracious manners evident in every gesture so the coachman, touched by Coco’s gratitude, reciprocated her smile with a polite nod.

He touched the brim of his hat and nodded, his eyes glimmering with satisfaction.

Without uttering a word, he flicked the reins in the air, causing the horses to trot off, their hooves creating a rhythmic sound as they departed from the small group.

"Take care!" Coco yelled, waving her free hand towards the carriage.

Kairo and Heiren observed Coco as she waved farewell to the departing coachman, her arm gracefully moving back and forth in an excited arc.

Then, Coco spun on her heel, turning her attention back to the mediators.

Kairo hastily averted his gaze because he didn’t want to be caught staring, while Heiren merely offered her a warm smile in return.

"Alright, let’s head inside now!" Coco announced, her tone lighthearted yet firm.

After she spoke, she didn’t wait for them to respond and began making her way toward the house, her hand still firmly in Kairo’s.

The mediator protested weakly, his voice tinged with annoyance as he muttered under his breath. "I can walk on my own, Coco.. I told you, I’m fine now. No need to go this far."

Coco’s grip on his hand became tighter.

She cast a glance at him. "Not happening, Kairo. You’re staying close. End of discussion."

"But—"

"Coco is right." Heiren chimed and voiced out his agreement which successfully cut Kairo off from complaining further.

He rummaged through his pocket before retrieving the key to their house. "Just because you can walk right now doesn’t mean we’ll let you go off on your own. There’s no guarantee that you wouldn’t collapse before us again."

Kairo sighed deeply and resigned to his fate. "Fine, I get it.."

"Good." Heiren mumbled and opened the door, revealing the familiar surroundings of the house within. "We’re already here anyway, just let Coco take you to your room, then we’re out of your hair."

"Okay, okay.." Kairo grumbled as he got dragged inside by Coco, her hand still gripping his hand.

Kairo trailed after Coco, his movements steady, but slightly sluggish due to unexplainable exhaustion— not to mention, the warm sensation on his collarbone only seemed to get worse the longer he stayed in contact with Coco.

Once everyone was inside, Heiren gently closed the door behind them.

"Alright, let me take you to your roo—" Coco started and was about to turn to Kairo, but stumbled backwards as something slammed into her face.

"Cocooooo!" A high pitched voice cried out.

Caught off guard, Coco winced for a moment until she recognized the culprit— Lala, her small frame barreling into her with enthusiasm.

"What.. What is that?"