88 Sleeping Beauty, the Prince, and the Pest

After my long lecture, Tatsuya sat silently, staring down in the boat.

I waited for him because I knew what I said was a lot. He must be taking it in and turning it over in his mind... At least, I hope he is. And I hope he realizes he shouldn't try locking me up in a cage in his basement.

"Ahem, so—" Not being able to take the silence anymore, I spoke only to be interrupted.

"Must I give up on the one thing I truly want?" Tatsuya muttered through gritted teeth. I pursed my lips before answering.

"No, but you just can't have it with me." I spoke slowly and as gently as I could. "If you give others a chance, I'm sure you could find—H-Hey! Woah!" Tatsuya suddenly stood up in the boat. My eyes widened as I felt it start to tip over.

"Tatsuya! Sit—"

And I was in water.

Uwah, gotta get to the top! I barely know how to swim!

I managed to pop my head above the water and take a breath before I was pulled back down.

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