Chapter 43

Holding hands, Noah and I walked cheerfully through the snowflakes that fell like flower petals.

Even though we were wearing gloves, no warmth was transmitted through our clasped hands, but it was strange how my heart felt warm. I only realized this after I started holding hands with Noah.

"…Should we take a little detour?"

"Yes, that's fine."

It was still early. The sounds of revelry from the entertainment district carried on the night breeze. The lights were still on in the shops of the shopping street. A man who had rushed out of a flower shop held a bouquet of roses in his hand.

As I was led along, I realized our destination – the park. At the edge of the square, the snow was piled up to form a slide for children to play on. Snow sculptures, crafted like statues, were lined up at regular intervals, making the place look like an outdoor art museum.

Beyond the snow sculptures, there were rows of ice candles. The flames flickered in the ice containers, looking very beautiful.

"Wow, they're beautiful. How are they made?"

"You use buckets. There are various methods, like putting another container in the middle of the bucket to freeze only the outer part, or flipping it over and draining the water after the ice has thickened."

"That sounds interesting. Maybe I should try it."

"When you make them, using lukewarm water instead of cold water makes them transparent."

"You know a lot."

I bent down to look at the candles. I should have a bucket of this size at home. If I lined them up in front of the house, maybe my father and brother would join in to make them. The thought of the two of them playing in the heavy snow made me smile.

"Be careful, it's slippery."

"I'm fine. Not—!"

I was about to say, "I'm not a child," but the words turned into a sigh and disappeared into the night sky. I slipped on the wet ground, but Noah pulled me strongly and supported me. Thanks to him, I didn't fall, but he was laughing as if it was amusing.

"Just as I said..."

"It happens sometimes. ...Thank you for helping me."

"You're welcome."

As I straightened up, I noticed snow had accumulated on Noah's shoulder. His shoulders and head were white, but I was probably the same. I let go of his hand and brushed the snow off his shoulder. Noah, with a smile, gently brushed the snow out of my hair.

Still, his neck, without a scarf, looked cold.

I took a scarf out of my bag and wrapped it around Noah's neck, winding it around several times.

"This is…"

"Unfortunately, it's not something I knitted. It's just… if you don't want to use it, that's fine. Just for tonight. It looks cold to me."

"I'll take good care of it. I'll use it every day. You chose it for me, right?"

Noah, with the scarf covering his mouth, smiled happily, and I couldn't say anything. Indeed, I had chosen it for Noah. I had been worried that he might not like it, which is why I hadn't given it to him until now.

"It's warm and the color is beautiful."

"…I've been treated to a lot, and I received a handkerchief, so it's kind of like a thank you."

"The handkerchief was because I dirtied it."

That was my fault.

But I'm glad Noah likes the scarf. I'm even happier that he'll use it.

Noah took off his glasses and ran his hand through his bangs. The stars that had been hidden by his glasses were now visible.

"Is it okay to do this here?"

"Since we're together, even Einhardt would know."

"That's true, but I'm not recognized by my face."

"It's this late, no one's around, so don't worry."

"I wasn't worried—"

My words trailed off.

Noah was hugging me.

Enveloped in a body larger than mine, held tightly in strong arms, my heart felt strange. Yet, I was happy, content, and at ease. A deep desire welled up from within, wishing to be touched, to stay like this.

I wrapped my arms around Noah's back and leaned in.

"I hope the preparations are done soon."

"Oh, are you tired?"

"No, it's not that. Making preparations is fun, but I want to be with you sooner."

"…I feel the same."

His straightforward words made my true feelings slip out.

I thought I heard a groan, and then I was hugged even tighter.

"If you feel the same, that's good. I can wait a year."

"I feel the same, of course. I want to get married soon, but I also want to enjoy this engagement period."

"Right. …Maybe I was getting impatient. I thought I couldn't have you."

"You're silly."

"It's fine, just in front of Alicia."

Noah loosened his grip and laughed lowly.

His purple eyes, which looked at me intensely, seemed to deepen in color. I felt like I was drowning in the twilight.

"I'm looking forward to the wedding."

"Me too. I'm most excited to see you as a bride."

"I'll do my best to shine. I'll be standing next to you."

"I wonder if my sanity will hold."

Even his ominous words, when said jokingly, made me laugh.

Noah gently touched his forehead to mine, and his breath tickled me.

"Let's go out for drinks after we get married. Home-cooked meals are good, but I want to see you enjoying good food at bars and cafes."

"Will you take me to lots of places?"

"Anywhere Alicia wants. As long as you're smiling by my side, I'll try to fulfill any of your wishes."

"You're so handsome."

The look in his eyes and the sound of his voice seemed to convey his love for me.

I wanted to express my feelings even more than he did.

"I love you. Just being with Noah makes me happy. Whether it's delicious food, fun things, or even sad and painful things, I want to experience everything with Noah."

"I love your straightforwardness… but I can't do anything before we're married, so what should I do?"

His tone was joking, but I don't think his cheeks turning slightly red was just my imagination.

Noah's hand cupped my cheek.

His gentle, loving touch made me sigh.

The evening stars shone with a warm light.

Lost in his eyes, I tightened my embrace, wishing we would always be together.

Noah smiled happily, and I smiled too.

In the winter night, where white breaths seemed to hide the moon, the gentle night would surely continue.

This concludes the story!

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