Chapter 38

After finishing work, I walked down the path to Marilis Café with Noah, who had been waiting for me.

The snow had turned into large, round flakes, quietly accumulating.

Even on such a cold night, my heart felt warm and ticklish.

When I looked up, Noah, walking beside me, immediately noticed and turned to look at me. I knew his eyes, hidden behind his thick fringe, were a gentle color.

It seemed almost unbelievable that when I first realized I was in love, I was so bewildered. I felt embarrassed, lonely, and even painful.

His light-hearted banter and teasing were comforting. And I found myself wishing. I wanted to be with this person forever. To make that wish come true, I knew I had to take a step forward.

The sign of Marilis Café, which welcomed us, was warm in color as always.

"Welcome! ... Oh, you two coming together is a first."

As we entered, Emma, as bright as ever, had a knowing smile. I chuckled and took off my coat, then sat down in the chair Noah pulled out for me.

"What would you like today?"

"I'll have white wine and the special. Alicia?"

"I'll have the same."

"Okay, just a moment, please."

I ordered the same as Noah and gently fixed my hair, which had gotten wet from the snow since I wasn't wearing a hat.

"Don't catch a cold."

"If my throat hurts, will you send me another lemon candy?"

"Was it good?"

"Yes, very. You must have prepared that candy just for me."

"…If you knew, why did you ask?"

Noah, propping his cheek on his hand, brought his palm to his mouth. Even though I couldn't see his face, I could easily tell he was blushing, and I couldn't help but giggle.

"Here, today's special is confit de canard."

Emma placed glasses of white wine in front of us, and the master brought the plates from behind her.

The glossy duck was a thigh with the bone still attached. Colorful vegetables were laid out underneath, making it look very appetizing.

"It looks delicious."

"It's the master's pride and joy. Enjoy your meal."

Emma, winking mischievously, went back to the kitchen with the master.

She must have figured out that Noah is the person I like.

I clasped my hands together in gratitude, then picked up my wine glass. After clinking glasses with Noah, I took a sip.

The wine was rich in flavor but not overly sweet, with a crisp taste. The aroma, which gently wafted away, reminded me of white flowers.

I immediately picked up my cutlery and cut into the meat along the bone. The seared skin was crispy, and the sensation made me smile.

I cut a piece of meat to bite-sized and brought it to my mouth.

"Mmm, it's delicious."

Thanks to the fat, I could taste a hint of sweetness. The meat was so tender it almost fell apart, packed with flavor, and incredibly delicious.

"Yeah, it's good. The duck is great."

"The vegetables are delicious too. I'm so happy."

The vegetables, cooked to retain their texture, were infused with the duck's flavor.

I washed them down with wine, and then I wanted more meat.

"By the way, did you know? The captain went on a date with your colleague."

"Yes. I'm surprised you knew, but you talk about such things, huh?"

"It's a gathering of men. We talk about love and mundane things."

"Well, that makes sense."

"Do you know why? The captain was making a fuss in the barracks. He was asking what kind of place a lady would like. He was demanding to know about a nice restaurant."

Unexpected words made my hand pause as I brought the meat to my mouth.

The captain I knew, or rather, the one I saw, was always calm and composed. I couldn't imagine him making a fuss over choosing a restaurant.

"That... Wendy must have had a good time, then."

Wendy must have been so happy that he worried so much for her. The thought made me smile.

Noah also seemed pleased. He swirled his wine glass and brought it to his smiling lips.

"The café we went to was one of the options. In the end, they chose another place, but I was nervous inside, thinking they might change the restaurant on the day."

"Indeed, it's a bit embarrassing. To see and be seen."

Wendy must show a different side to the captain. And perhaps I also show a side to Noah that Wendy doesn't know.

Only the person in front of me can see that side.

I wanted to see Noah's such face.

I took a sip of wine to mask my racing heart. The warmth in my body was not just from the alcohol.

"Emma, can I have another glass of wine? What about you?"

"Me too, please."

"Sure thing."

Just a little more. I just need a little more help from the alcohol, and then I'll surely be able to tell him.

But I can't get too drunk, so I need to be careful.

With that thought, I brought the duck meat to my mouth. The meat was still warm, and the skin had softened. The change in texture made it even more delicious.

Emma brought us another glass of wine, and I immediately took a sip. The wine, perfectly chilled, had a strong floral aroma. I realized that the best way to enjoy it was at the right temperature.

After moistening my throat with wine, I slowly opened my mouth.

"Hey... do you think the captain will make Wendy happy?"

"He's definitely honest. He's a principled person and won't betray your colleague. I can't judge if she'll be happy, but I can say that much."

"That's good. She's a dear friend of mine."

"If anything goes wrong, I'll take care of it, so don't worry."

"I don't want anything to go wrong. I want you to take care of it if there's even a hint of trouble."

"You're a radical woman."

Noah chuckled, finding it amusing. To me, it wasn't a laughing matter, but I also thought that such a scenario was unlikely. Noah probably felt the same way.

Emma's cheerful laughter echoed from the kitchen.

She was playfully tapping the master's shoulder, so he must have told a joke.

Today, Marilis Café was bright and enjoyable.

It was definitely because I was with Noah. I already knew that.