Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world

The morning sun peeked shyly through the thinning clouds and the rain from the previous night had left the streets glistening with puddles reflecting the sky.

Dhayun and Eira walked side by side down the cobblestone path that cut through a street lined with quaint little shops.

For the first several minutes, silence hung between them.

The only sounds were the gentle tap of their shoes and the distant chatter of people in the marketplace.

Eira glanced at Dhayun from the corner of her eye.

She herself wasn’t sure how to start the conversation ’Guess we have to start somewhere...’

”So...” Eira finally broke the silence, ”You and Brandon... you’ve known each other since you were little?”

Dhayun blinked and looked up at her ”...Mm. Since we were kids. We grew up in the same neighborhood.”

Eira nodded softly ”I see. That must mean you’ve seen a side of him none of us really know.”

She smiled faintly, hoping to ease some of the tension ”It’s hard to imagine him as a little boy, though. He always seems so... calm and collected now.”

Dhayun chuckled softly under her breath and a tiny smile appeared on her lips ”Calm and collected? He wasn’t always like that...”

”Really?” Eira tilted her head slightly.

”Mhm.” Dhayun’s steps slowed as her gaze drifted toward the street ahead, her expression softening with distant memories.

”When he was younger... he was actually kind of timid. Quiet. The type of kid who would avoid trouble.”

Eira blinked in surprise. ”...Brandon? Timid?”

She couldn’t help but giggle lightly ”That’s... hard to picture.”

Dhayun smiled faintly ”Yeah. There were... times when other kids picked on him. He was small for his age back then. There were a few girls who liked to corner him after school. Take his snacks, push him around. He didn’t really know how to fight back.”

Her voice softened as she continued ”I... used to step in for him. I wasn’t really that strong either, but I guess I was more stubborn. I couldn’t just stand there and watch, you know? So I’d chase those kids off... or distract them so he could run.”

Eira covered her mouth, ”So you were his little hero back then?”

Dhayun’s cheeks warmed slightly, but she nodded ”...Maybe. I just didn’t want him to cry. He’d try so hard to act like it didn’t hurt, but... you could see it in his eyes.”

Eira giggled again ”Brandon... crying? Oh, I need to hear more about this.”

They both laughed softly and the atmosphere gradually loosened as they walked.

Soon, Eira spotted a cozy-looking pastry shop tucked at the corner of the street.

Its windows were fogged slightly from the warmth inside, and the inviting smell of freshly baked bread and sweet cream wafted into the air.

”Let’s stop here,” Eira suggested, pointing toward the shop.

Dhayun nodded, and together they stepped inside.

The gentle chime of the bell greeted them as the door swung open.

They found a small table near the window and sat together.

For a moment, the awkwardness returned as both of them looked at the menu, neither saying much.

Finally, Eira smiled and said, ”How about we try something sweet?.”

Dhayun chuckled softly and nodded ”Sure. I’ll get whatever you recommend.”

They ordered a few delicate pastries, flaky croissants filled with custard, strawberry tarts, and a slice of rich chocolate cake to share, along with warm cups of tea.

As the food arrived, Eira carefully cut a piece of the tart and took a bite, ”Mm! This is so good...”

Dhayun followed suit, taking a small bite and smiling faintly ”It’s really nice.”

For a few minutes, they ate in silence, but this time it wasn’t uncomfortable.

Finally, Eira wiped her lips with a napkin and leaned her chin on her hand.

”So...” she began gently, ”tell me more about little Brandon. Was he always so polite?”

Dhayun laughed softly, shaking her head ”Not really. He was... kind of clumsy, actually. He’d trip over nothing sometimes. And he was shy that he would hide behind me when new people came around.”

Eira giggled, covering her mouth ”Oh no... that’s too cute.”

Dhayun’s eyes softened with a nostalgic glow ”He used to bring me little things he found, like pretty stones or flowers. He said they were ’thank you gifts’ for saving him from bullies.”

She smiled faintly, a little blush coloring her cheeks ”There was even one time he said... he would grow strong enough one day so I wouldn’t have to protect him anymore.”

Eira’s smile softened too and she sipped her tea slowly, listening quietly. ”And he did. He is strong now.”

”...Yeah,” Dhayun murmured, looking down at her pastry. ”He really did keep that promise.”

---

As Dhayun was finishing another soft story about Brandon’s shy childhood, Eira giggled and shook her head in amusement, sipping her tea.

But just as she was about to respond, a bright, familiar voice cut through the hum of the pastry shop.

”Eira!”

Eh?

Eira blinked and turned her head toward the entrance.

Two women were making their way inside and Eira blinked in surprise ”Elena?”

”Eira! Sup!”

Elena threw her arms around her in a quick, affectionate hug, almost knocking the chair slightly with her enthusiasm.

behind her, Calistra entered inside with a faint smile on her lips.

Eira giggled, standing up and gently returning Elena’s hug ”Elena, Calistra... what are you two doing here?”

”We were out shopping,” Elena said, pulling back from the hug but keeping her hands on Eira’s shoulders with a grin. ”And we stopped by for a quick break, then- boom, we saw you!”

She then noticed Dhayun sitting on the table.

”Oh...” Elena folded her arms loosely, ”Bran’s friend. How are you, senior?”

Dhayun nodded slightly ”We meet again. I’m fine.”

Then, without missing a beat, Elena looped an arm around Eira again and leaned close, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear ”Come on, buy us something too... you rich girl of the Bleaufort family.”

Eira couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking her head at Elena’s antics ”You never change... Always looking for free food.”

Her eyes flicked toward Calistra, who was quietly waiting by the table ”Calistra, come on, join us. Don’t just stand there.”

Calistra gave a soft hum, ”Hm... sure. I don’t mind a little break.”

With that, she sat on the empty chair beside Dhayun, offering her a gentle nod ”Nice to see you again.”

Dhayun returned her nod ”Likewise.”

Eira stood and waved her hand toward the counter ”Alright, alright. Let’s order something for you two too. My treat.”

Elena yelled in hapiness. ”Yes! That’s what I like to hear.”

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