Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are Are So Dangerous! [BL]-Chapter 143: Thorns of Affection

No, it was anger—definitely anger.

He wasn’t flustered or swooning, not even a little.

Absolutely not.

Laxus blinked at Rocco’s fiery response, his expression unreadable for a moment, before slowly breaking into a practiced, almost too-perfect smile.

The smile was bright and cheerful, but there was something unnervingly precise about it, as if it had been crafted for effect.

"Rocco, are you still mad at me? If there’s been a misunderstanding... that would make me a little sad."

"M-Misunderstanding...?"

Rocco squinted at Laxus, his suspicion palpable.

He kept his distance, maintaining at least two meters between them and refusing to let his guard down.

Seeing Rocco so defensive posture, Laxus let his shoulders droop slightly, his expression softening into a sad smile.

He spoke in a gentle voice, tinged with regret.

"If you think I was trying to use you, Rocco... then you’ve got it all wrong. Back then, I didn’t get the chance to explain myself because you were so upset and confused, but..."

Misunderstanding?

Rocco’s suspicious gaze did not relax in the slightest.

He furrowed his brow, tilting his head slightly as he listened intently.

Seeing this, Laxus’s eyes seemed to fill with a trace of sorrow as he continued speaking.

"I’ve always considered you a dear friend, Rocco, even when I was in the form of a dog. And now... now I’ve fallen for the adorable Rocco. I can’t take my eyes off you..."

"...Hmm."

Rocco couldn’t help but feel his cheeks flush as Laxus spoke, his voice soft and his smile gentle.

The words, though sweet, felt strangely practiced, like a well-rehearsed performance.

The atmosphere he exuded was so alluring that Rocco almost felt as though he were gazing at an angel.

However, it was all just too... deliberate.

"Laxus, you...!"

Rocco let his guard down slightly, straightening his back as he relaxed his posture.

It seemed that Laxus had already noticed the shift in Rocco’s demeanor, and with a soft, knowing smile,

Laxus tilted his head and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Rocco had often been told that his emotions were easy to read, that whatever he was thinking was written all over his face.

He remembered that now, and to hide his thoughts, he kept his gaze lowered, not daring to look up.

He stayed like that for a moment, taking a slow breath before letting it out.

"The smile’s too thin, you coward! Wimp! If you’re up to something, then come at me properly, you little—!!"

Rocco shouted, turning on his heel and running off with quick, heavy steps.

At that moment, he caught sight of Laxus kneeling in stunned silence, and for a brief moment, his bad mood lifted.

He couldn’t help but feel a small, spiteful satisfaction—serves you right.

As he glanced over his shoulder to make sure Laxus wasn’t chasing him, Rocco continued to trot away, his steps light and quick.

Rocco marched through the garden, stomping with frustration, his anger so intense that he left deep footprints in the soil.

As he huffed and puffed, walking in irritation, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure approaching from the distance and froze.

Despite the bright daylight, the figure’s long, lustrous hair seemed to absorb the light, shimmering with an almost unnatural sheen.

The person casually swayed his hair, walking toward Rocco with a carefree, light step.

"Brother! Are you out for a walk too?"

The moment he saw his beloved family member, all of Rocco’s anger from just a few seconds ago melted away in an instant.

His face lit up with a bright smile as he hurried toward the figure.

Sylas, maintaining his usual stoic expression, softened it just slightly, his lips relaxing ever so slightly.

"...Rocco, you were here? I was worried you might be chased by that bastard again, so I came looking for you..."

Sylas’s face held a faint flush, barely noticeable unless one stared intently.

It seemed that expressing his concern had drained Sylas of quite a bit of courage.

Seeing Sylas avert his gaze shyly, Rocco couldn’t help but break into a soft, beaming smile as he looked up at him.

So, Sylas hadn’t been out for a stroll in the garden; he had actually come looking for Rocco out of concern.

From the outside, it must have seemed like a brother looking out for his younger sibling... an event that could never have happened in the original story.

For some reason, this realization made Rocco’s heart swell, and he felt a warmth spread through him.

Overcome with happiness, he threw his arms around Sylas and hugging him tightly.

Even as he buried his face into Sylas’s stomach, Sylas didn’t seem to have any intention of pushing him away.

In fact, Sylas’s rough hand gently patted Rocco’s head in a soothing manner.

"Brother, I love you the most. I’m so happy to see you!"

Sylas smiled happily.

His eyes that was usually narrowed with sharpness, softened slightly into a gentle arc, and the sweetness in his gaze reflected Rocco’s image with a depth that almost seemed to swallowing him.

Noticing the intensity in Sylas’s eyes, Rocco quickly lowered his face in surprise.

For some reason, the look in Sylas’s eyes felt dangerously intense, as if he were about to tightly capture Rocco in his gaze.

"Rocco, you’re as cute as ever. I’m glad to see that bastard hasn’t laid a finger on you."

"Ah..."

Rocco flinched, his shoulders tensing at Sylas’s cheerful tone.

Sylas, sharp as ever, quickly noticed Rocco’s reaction.

His expression immediately shifted, and he furrowed his brow, lowering his voice in a more serious manner.

"...What is it? Did that arrogant bastard, Laxus, make a move on you?"

It was no longer just a vague "bastard," but a direct mention of Laxus.

Rocco froze as he looked up at Sylas’s face, now contorted with anger.

It was quite terrifying, but Rocco understood that this anger wasn’t directed at him.

Therefore, unlike before, he didn’t flinch or cower.

However, in this situation, there was probably no way to dodge or gloss over what was happening.