Chapter 29

The snow, illuminated by the warm streetlights, slowly fell, creating a scene that was utterly enchanting. It was so captivating that it even made me feel as if time itself had slowed down.

Noah, walking beside me, was huddled up as he walked. His tendency to walk with a slight slouch hadn’t changed.

"Hey, look. The cake at that café is really delicious."

We were on the same street we took when we went to the Squirrel Inn, and the café, now dark, was pointed out. Thick curtains covered all the windows, making it impossible to see inside.

"Really? What do you recommend?"

"The chocolate cake. It’s decorated with sugar art shaped like roses, and it’s very beautiful. The cake itself isn’t too sweet, and it goes well with both tea and coffee."

"You really like it, don’t you?"

"Yes. It’s also the place where I was told my engagement was broken off."

Noah stumbled slightly, surprised by my words. Fortunately, he didn’t fall, but his long bangs were slightly disheveled. As he straightened them with one hand, he sighed and spoke.

"That must have been tough. It’s hard to go to a place you like, isn’t it?"

"Not at all. I even went there with a friend after that to have cake."

"I was a fool to expect delicacy from you."

"That’s rude. It’s about overwriting memories. The cake is innocent. It would be foolish to miss out on something delicious because of that."

I was just stating the obvious, but Noah laughed softly beside me. The sound was pleasant because I knew there was no hint of ridicule or disdain in his voice.

"That’s just like you."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Of course."

"Then that’s good."

We laughed together, looking at each other.

The bustling sounds of the city had faded away, and we were almost at the end of the shopping district. Although the stores were closed, a few still had a faint light on, as if someone was still working inside.

The main office of the Bloom Company was also on this street, but it was dark and showed no signs of anyone being there. One of the rules at the company was to go home as soon as the workday ended.

"Your store is empty, huh?"

"We make sure to go home as soon as work is done. Of course, there are times when we have to stay, but otherwise, we leave early."

"Interesting... to foster the well-being of the employees?"

"My father wants to go home early. If the employees stay, he can’t leave either, so he encourages everyone to go home early. Even the cleaning and garbage disposal after work are done by my father and brother. The other day, my father was sweeping in front of the store, and his secretary cried, asking him to stop."

"Imagine the surprise when the head of the Bloom Company, who is in favor with the royal family, is seen cleaning. Why does your father want to go home so badly?"

Noah laughed as he gently brushed the snow off my hat. He then used the same hand to brush the snow from my black hair. The snow that fell softly spread out and slowly disappeared into the night air.

"To see my mother. My parents’ relationship has always been good... no, it might even be getting better over the years."

"That’s great."

"Isn’t it? That’s why I wanted to have a marriage where we love each other like my parents do."

"Then why don’t you marry into my family?"

"What do you mean by ‘then’? I told you, if you’re going to flirt, do it face-to-face."

"Haha, indeed."

This guy always says things so casually, which is frustrating. I buried my blushing cheeks in my scarf and looked down.

Why does Noah say such things? I want to know how he feels about me, but I’m still afraid to ask. But maybe his words could have been the catalyst to take a step forward, and I let them pass as a joke.

I pushed the regret deep into my chest and adjusted my bag on my shoulder. I lifted my head and looked straight ahead.

I wanted to cherish this time.

"Today’s dinner was delicious."

"You had an intense look on your face when you ate the fried food."

"Oh, you did too. The tartar sauce was rich with cheese, but the herbs made it light and easy to eat."

"The salmon was thick, and the sardines in the quiche were salty and delicious."

"I know. The saltiness goes well with the sweetness of the eggs. ...Do you like salty things, Noah?"

Noah tilted his head thoughtfully at my question.

Walking beside him, I always had to look up, but his large glasses made it hard to see his face from below.

"I eat sweet things too, but I might prefer salty ones. They go well with alcohol."

"True. I can drink alcohol even while eating dessert."

"You’re in a league of your own."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

We laughed together, finding it amusing.

We had apparently walked all the way to the residential area. At a familiar fork in the road, I pointed to the right and continued walking.

"It’s a bit late to say this, but are we taking a detour? I’m sorry, I must be tiring you out."

"I said I’d walk you home. Don’t worry about it."

"Where do you live?"

"Ah... Well, actually, I... What should I say?"

"You’re not planning to tell me, are you?"

I sighed dramatically, and Noah’s large hand gently patted my head.

"Maybe someday."

"I’m not trying to force you to tell me something you don’t want to."

"I’ve told you before. I’m a coward and a sly one."

"Is that so?"

Sly... I remember him saying that while drinking uzo. But did he say he was a coward? The words sounded familiar, as if someone had said them recently...

"Your nose is all red."

"It’s cold. Aren’t you cold? Where’s your scarf?"

"The one I liked got old, and I’ve been thinking about getting a new one... but it’s a hassle. I could knit one for you, though."

"Do I look like I’m good at knitting?"

"Either answer would get me in trouble."

We laughed at the banter.

It was night, and we were in a residential area, so I tried to keep my voice down, but I couldn’t help but laugh loudly.

The snow-covered hedges came into view. Turning the corner would lead to the gate, and then I would be home.

This enjoyable time was about to end, and I felt a bit sad and melancholic. Just as I was about to suggest making another plan, Noah turned the corner and grabbed my arm.

I stopped, wondering what was wrong, and saw a figure under a streetlight near the gate.

The person, with snow on their head, was none other than my ex-fiancé, Felix.