Moonlight quietly entered Mixarnt's room, her heart pounding in her chest. She approached his sleeping form, her eyes softening as she saw the exhaustion etched on his face. Even in sleep, he looked troubled, his brows furrowed as if he were still carrying the weight of his emotions.
She sat down beside his bed, her hands resting gently on her lap. As she watched him, Prince Art's words echoed in her mind: "Having your heart broken at the tender age of 11... That's going to scar him, and he'll carry it his whole life." Moonlight's chest tightened as she remembered Mixarnt's own words about giving up on her, about not being suited to be by her side. It was a painful reminder of how much her actions had hurt him.
Moonlight reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against Mixarnt's hand. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I never meant to hurt you like this. I was... scared. Scared of my own feelings, scared of what it would mean to let someone get close to me. But seeing you like this... I realize how selfish I've been."
She paused, taking a deep breath as she gathered her thoughts. "You've always been so kind, so full of life. You see the best in people, even when they don't deserve it. And I... I took that for granted. I pushed you away because I didn't know how to handle the way you made me feel. But I don't want to lose you, Mixarnt. Not like this."
Moonlight's voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes and fall to his hands. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I need you to know that I care about you. More than I ever thought possible. And if you'll give me another chance, I promise I'll do better... I'll be better."
As Moonlight spoke, Mixarnt stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked, his vision blurry as he tried to focus on the figure sitting beside him. When he realized it was Moonlight, his eyes widened in surprise. "Moon...?" he murmured, his voice hoarse.
Moonlight quickly wiped her tears, forcing a small smile. "Hey," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"
Mixarnt tried to sit up, but Moonlight gently pushed him back down. "Don't move too much. You're still healing."
Mixarnt nodded, his expression softening as he looked at her. "I... I thought you didn't want to see me," he said, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Moonlight's heart ached at his words. She reached out, taking his hand in hers. "I was wrong, Mixarnt. I was scared, and I let my fear get in the way. But I don't want to lose you. You mean so much to me, and I... I don't want to keep pretending that you don't."
Mixarnt's eyes widened, his heart racing as he processed her words. "Moon... I... I don't know what to say."
Moonlight smiled, her tears falling freely now. "You don't have to say anything. Just... let me be here for you. Let me make things right."
Mixarnt nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Okay," he said softly. "I'd like that."
After a brief silence, Mixarnt's lips curled into a wide grin. Despite everything, his face lit up with joy. His cheeks flushed, and he couldn't stop smiling.
"Haha, sorry," he chuckled. "I'm just happy you don't hate me. I kinda thought you didn't wanna see me, so... hehe."
Moonlight giggled, wiping away the tears. His goofy, carefree nature never changed. Despite all he had been through, he still found a way to smile.
As Mixarnt rested his head on her lap, she gently ran her fingers through his hair. "You're such an idiot," she murmured with affection. "I could never hate you. I was just... upset. But that doesn't mean I don't care."
Mixarnt sighed contentedly, his eyes closing. "Uh-huh...That's all I needed... yawn... to hear..."
Moonlight smiled, realizing that, despite everything, Mixarnt's sincerity and optimism always managed to disarm her. At that moment, all the tension faded, replaced by warmth, understanding...
And healing hearts.