Magnus’s expression was unusually serious, carrying a hint of darkness. It made my heart tremble uncontrollably.
He had always been gentle, but now, I couldn’t help feeling a flicker of fear.
“I just think… I don’t like you enough. I can’t hurt you.”
I thought, if I was a werewolf, then Magnus was human. We weren’t meant to be. Even without that layer of identity, I still felt we were incompatible.
The truth was, I didn’t like him enough. Compared to him, Kael suited me better.
Magnus stared at me silently, but I could sense his disappointment.
Fortunately, the waiter arrived with our food, breaking the tense silence between us.
“Eat, Seraphina. It’s your favorite-cheesy macaroni,” Magnus said with a smile.
He suddenly seemed like his usual kind self again.
But something felt off. I could sense a lingering dissatisfaction in him, and it instinctively made me uneasy, as though he was plotting something against me.
This abrupt shift to gentleness felt strange, making the macaroni in front of me unappetizing.
We ate in silence. I just hoped this dinner would end quickly.
Sensing the awkwardness, Magnus shifted the conversation to food.
“I’ve been learning to cook. I thought maybe one day I’d show you, but it seems there won’t be a chance now,” he said with a faint, resigned smile.
Once again, he became that gentle man, his sadness carefully concealed.
“It’s fine. Even if we can’t be lovers, we can still be friends,” I said, though I knew it was just to comfort him.
In truth, when two people fail to become lovers, it’s rare to remain friends.
I knew rejecting Magnus would make future interactions guilt-ridden. His feelings for me would only make seeing me harder for him.
“Is it because you like Kael that you’re rejecting me?”
Magnus was clever-he figured it out instantly.
I met his gaze. His blue eyes reflected my face, and for a moment, I felt utterly transparent under his scrutiny.
“I don’t know,” I said hastily.
I was still lost, hesitant to start a new relationship after being hurt by Lucian.
I was scared-scared of being hurt again.
No one likes being hurt.
“You didn’t deny it, so I’ll take that as a yes,” Magnus said, his lips curving into a faint smile.
His smile felt like an impenetrable mask.
“Or maybe, you’re just not ready to admit it.”
“I’m not!” I shook my head. “If I felt that way, I’d have said so already.”
“It’s alright, Seraphina. I know Kael is impressive. Losing to him just means I’m not good enough. I don’t blame you,” Magnus said calmly.
“You’re great too,” I murmured, unsure how to comfort him.
“I’m just an ordinary girl. There are far better women at school. Surely, Magnus, there are many girls chasing you?”
He chuckled. “There are, but just because someone likes me doesn’t mean I have to like them. Just like how I like you, but you don’t have to like me.”
His words left me silent.
Magnus was right. Mutual affection is rare.
More often than not, someone likes you, but you don’t feel the same.
After dinner, Magnus made an unexpected suggestion.
“Why don’t we take a walk in the woods we visited last time?”
I was shocked. I hadn’t expected him to suggest that.
“I have something to do. I need to head back,” I said.
Having just rejected him, the idea of a walk with Magnus felt unbearably awkward.
What could we even talk about?
Besides, the woods were remote, and it was dark. What if something dangerous happened?
“Seraphina, please,” he said, his voice still gentle but tinged with sadness. “I know you’ll avoid me after this. Just this once?”
His pleading gaze made it hard for me to say no.
“But Magnus, it’s dangerous. There’ve been a lot of werewolves lately,” I hesitated.
“It’s fine. I went there yesterday; it’s safe,” he assured me. “And I can protect you. I have a gun, remember?”
His confidence made me laugh.
But werewolves were terrifying. I doubted a gun would offer much protection.
“I’m still worried. My body is… special. I might attract them,” I blurted out, regretting it immediately.
Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut?
“Why?” Magnus asked, his sharp gaze locking onto me.
I felt as though he could see through me.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’ve encountered them before, and you haven’t?” I offered weakly, hoping it sounded reasonable.
“That’s true. Seraphina, you should be careful. You might be a tempting treat for them,” he said, his words sending a chill down my spine.
For a moment, I wondered if Magnus knew something.
He had said similar things before, but I hadn’t paid much attention.
“Trust me, the woods are safe. Please, come with me. This might be our last date,” Magnus said, his expression somber.
He looked so pitiful that it was hard to refuse.