They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 375: Why Do I Feel Like This?

Chapter 375: Why Do I Feel Like This?

@CourtCamerasBeRolling: “Watch the nobles’ faces! They’re so CONFUSED. I live for this drama.”

@CultureKeeper07: “Unconventional? Yes. Unbelievable? No. Necessary? ABSOLUTELY.”

@HeirToMyHeart: “Nnenna really said ‘not on my watch.’ Respect.”

@EyesOnTheBallroom: “This is why she’s different. She didn’t wait for a second chance. She made it.”

Somto did not waste a second.

The moment her hand stretched out further, he caught it gently but firmly, as if afraid she might change her mind again. Without a word, he led her, regal and assured, to the center of the grand ballroom.

Their footsteps echoed faintly as they walked across the polished marble, and a wave of whispers swept through the guests, parting like the sea before them.

The spotlight followed, catching the shimmer of Nnenna’s gown and the subtle pride in Somto’s stride.

Up on the gallery, the instrumentalists, who had just begun packing up their instruments in disappointmentz froze mid motion. One blinked. Another gawked.

Then—

“Wait, are we back on??”

“Get your bow, get your bow! MOVE!”

“Did the princess just resurrect the dance??”

Musicians scrambled in every direction like startled birds. Violins were snatched from cases, drumsticks retrieved from their holders, and sheet music hastily reopened.

A flutist dropped their instrument in a panic and snatched it back up in time for the downbeat.

In just under thirty seconds, the orchestra was ready again, tuning, nodding, holding their breath.

And then

The music began.

Soft. Slow. Regal.

It was the waltz written centuries ago for the first royal coronation of Lionara. A song meant for the heir of the kingdom to mark the beginning of a new era. Now, it echoed again, sweeping through the hall like a blessing revived.

All eyes fixed on the crown prince and the second princess.

The music swelled, soft strings weaving a delicate melody through the air as the grand ballroom held its breath.

Somto and Nnenna faced each other at the center, their steps light as the hush fell over the guests.

He extended his left hand; she placed her right hand gently in his. His right hand settled on the side of her waist, firm yet respectful. Her left hand came up to rest lightly on his shoulder.

Their arms formed a poised frame, elegant, measured, perfect for the ballroom waltz.

As they began to move in rhythm, Somto instinctively pulled her closer, not too much, just enough to close the space between them.

His hand rested more securely on her waist now, and their joined hands held a subtle tension that made their movements fluid and in sync.

This, this was the closest he had ever been to her.

Growing up, there were barely any hugs, no cuddled childhood memories. He couldn’t recall ever having held her like this, not even during the festivals or family banquets.

And now… this. Her body warm beside his, the gentle curve of her arm around his shoulder, the softness of her presence.

It was almost like a hug, wasn’t it?

To someone like Somto, used to cold armor, sharp swords, and the silence of the battlefield, this closeness was new. Unfamiliar. Dangerous.

But comforting.

He felt… safe.

It was absurd. The crown prince, the commanding general of the eastern campaigns, needing safety from a girl? But it was true. Her presence lowered his guard in a way no ally, no comrade, no sibling could.

In her presence, he didn’t have to measure every breath, every thought, every word. With her, his walls didn’t need to be up.

And that very feeling, that comfort, only made the confusing mess inside him worse.

What was this?

He had spent so long burying his emotions, especially those that involved her, that now, when she willingly danced with him, came to him his defenses didn’t know whether to collapse or panic. His heart wanted to speak. His mind wanted to shut it all down.

But not now.

Not here.

He took a quiet breath, pushed the confusion aside, and let the music guide his feet. Whatever these feelings were, he would not let them ruin this moment.

Not when she was here.

Not when she chose him.

Even just for a dance.

Nnenna’s fingers twitched slightly in Somto’s hand as they moved, her palm lightly damp with an unfamiliar heat.

Why do I feel like this?

This was supposed to be a normal dance. A royal tradition. A symbolic waltz between siblings of the royal family. Yet everything about this moment felt off… heightened.

His touch on her waist wasn’t firm or inappropriate, just right. His hand didn’t linger, didn’t press. Still, her skin tingled under the fabric where he held her, like there was a pulse there that didn’t belong.

Her heart beat louder than the music.

This is normal, right? she tried to convince herself. Just a dance. Just Somto. He’s my brother, my elder brother. Of course I would feel tense, we’re not that close.

And that was true. They’d always had a distant bond. He had his military campaigns and sharp eyes. She had her books, her hiding places, her secret escapes.

He was always larger than life, the general, the pride of the kingdom, the unshakable Somto. Maybe this was just the weight of his presence finally settling in her chest.

That had to be it.

She didn’t feel this way with Carl or Abuchi. They were brothers too, and they hugged her often, teased her, laughed with her. She didn’t feel this fluttering mess in her stomach with them. Not even when she danced once with Ebere at a banquet.

This was different.

But why?

It’s just because he’s imposing, she told herself again. That’s all it is. He’s powerful, intimidating, and I’ve never been this close to him before. That’s it.

But deep down, a quiet part of her whispered otherwise.

That part noticed how close he stood. How his usually cold gaze seemed softened now, focused solely on her. How his grip didn’t make her want to pull away.

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This is the eighth of the promised ten chapters 🥳

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