Looking into Gara’s clear eyes as they slowly blurred with tears, Fian knew he was thinking about Madha again.

Gara considered them family. And Fian couldn’t help but wonder, if he were the one to leave, would Gara be this sad too?

But Fian didn’t want Gara to be sad. Especially not because of him. He wanted to stay by Gara’s side forever.

This family, tied not by the same surname but by something far stronger, was his true family. The one that had taught him what family truly meant.

By reflex, Fian pulled Gara into his arms. He had often seen Madha comfort Gara this way.

Now that Madha wasn’t here, he hoped Gara wouldn’t feel as lonely, even if the one holding him wasn’t Madha.

Gara was startled. Very startled.

He knew Fian liked him, but Fian had always been passive. Gara had assumed he simply didn’t like being touched.

Hearing Fian’s heartbeat pounding rapidly against his ear, the heaviness in Gara’s chest slowly faded.

Fian’s embrace was different from Madha’s. The warmth was different.

He hoped that the next time he talked about family, he wouldn’t become this mellow again.

Gara gently pulled away from the hug. They continued walking toward the dormitory, and embarrassment suddenly struck him.

What was that just now? Why did I act like someone desperate for attention? I actually cried and got comforted in Fian’s arms! I already have Madha.

Gara let out a heavy breath and touched his stomach.

This must be because of the baby.

From the side, Fian watched him anxiously. Gara’s expressions shifted within seconds. Deep inside, Fian felt disappointed in himself for not being able to comfort him better.

Just as they reached the dorm entrance, their steps halted at the sight of Vania approaching. She was holding a fruit hamper.

"This is good for..." Vania glanced at Fian, hesitating slightly. Then her eyes flickered toward Gara’s stomach. "Good for your health."

Gara immediately understood, but he didn’t respond right away.

"I’m sorry for all my stupid and disgusting behavior before," Vania said quickly. "This is an apology gift."

Seeing the regret in her eyes, Gara accepted it.

"I hope our class stays as harmonious as it is now," he replied.

He didn’t emphasize their personal relationship. He simply hoped Vania wouldn’t cause trouble again and disturb the class harmony.

Vania nodded in understanding.

The three of them entered the dorm together, though no one spoke.

Gara felt suffocated by the awkwardness.

After experiencing it directly, this quiet version of Vania is really strange.

Fortunately, he didn’t have to endure it for long. A few days later, Vania began returning to her usual self. At least, a better version of it.

She started by reconnecting with Miki, then began talking again with Jet and the two new students.

After a month, she was fully back to being herself. Arrogant, yes. But this time she didn’t belittle others. She was simply overly enthusiastic in praising herself.

...

Gara stepped out of the dimensional home just as white flakes fell onto his head. He quickly opened an umbrella.

Ares followed behind him, walking straight through the snow without one. The snowflakes evaporated as they neared his warm body.

"You really don’t feel cold?" Gara asked curiously.

Ares shook his head cheerfully. "Do you want to try it too, Master?"

"I can? How?" Gara’s face lit up.

Ares spread his arms excitedly. "I’ll hug you. My body heat will stay with you for a while."

Gara’s raised brows instantly dropped in disappointment. He stared at Ares, trying to see if the young dragon was teasing him.

"Not effective," he said flatly before turning away.

Ares pouted, confused and disappointed, and followed behind him.

Wina had told Ares to accompany Gara. Gara was due soon, and she was worried he might slip in the snow.

Gara had almost laughed when he heard that. His mother still treated him like a child. How could he possibly slip? He wasn’t even going far.

But as they stepped outside the mansion gate and turned toward the farmers’ settlement, reality proved otherwise.

The stone paths that were so helpful during the rainy season had now become treacherous under layers of snow.

The farmers who lived here had never seen snow before coming here. They didn’t know the paths needed to be cleared regularly to prevent buildup.

Gara walked carefully.

Slip!

He lost his footing.

Before his body could hit the cold snow, Ares caught him from behind.

"Huu~ You almost fell, Master." Ares wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead after helping Gara steady himself.

Gara’s face stiffened.

He had just laughed at his mother for worrying too much. Turns out, it wasn’t her who underestimated the situation.

"Master, you should always listen to Auntie Wina. Listening to elders is never wrong," Ares said without filtering his thoughts.

Not wanting to be reminded of his earlier overconfidence, Gara refused to respond and quickened his pace.

"Be careful, Master!" Ares panicked when Gara slipped again.

Wings sprouted from Ares’s shoulders. In one swift motion, he flew forward and caught Gara, lifting him into the air in a bridal carry.

"Please, Master, don’t give me a heart attack," Ares said, almost in tears.

Gara could indeed hear Ares’s frantic heartbeat. With a sulky expression he couldn’t quite hide, he looked up at him.

"Put me down."

Ares glanced at Gara’s face.

The beautiful young man, looking sulky in his arms, was unexpectedly adorable.

The cold air made Gara’s face pale, yet a soft flush colored his cheeks and nose. His small pink lips stood out against the winter white.

"Beautiful," Ares murmured unconsciously.

He had never seen someone this beautiful up close. Not even the palace women adorned in gold and jewels could compare to the figure in his arms.

Meanwhile, Gara stared at him, utterly confused.

What is Ares even saying?!

But he could hear it clearly. Ares’s heartbeat, already fast before, was now racing wildly. Panic crept into Gara.

What if his heart exploded?!

"Ares, put me down!" Gara demanded again, his voice rising.

Ares snapped out of it. "Ah, right!"

Even so, he didn’t set Gara down immediately. Only when they reached the farmers’ settlement did he gently lower him to the ground.

As a result, during the entire flight in Ares’s arms, Gara hadn’t felt cold at all.

So what Ares said earlier had been true.

Gara met with the farm manager, requesting additional farmers for the greenhouse. The greenhouse had been expanded to maintain supply during winter.

"I will select the most diligent farmers, Young Master," the farm manager replied respectfully.

...