Chapter 48

As cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Noah, laughing mischievously, stood with his back to me, and I could see the stars twinkling over his shoulder. The moon, just beginning to rise, was thin and hazy.

"I know we're best friends, but if you keep looking at me like that, I'll get jealous."

"Hehe, what's that supposed to mean?"

Noah, shrugging, took my hand and intertwined our fingers. His hand was larger and of a different temperature than mine. I loved the moment when they overlapped.

"Even though your fiancé is here, you can't take your eyes off Miss Krenbeller, can you?"

"Jealous? I just couldn't look away because Wendy looked so happy."

"I agree she looked happy. The captain was all mushy too."

"I'm glad they're happy. ...I didn't expect you to mention jealousy, though."

"I didn't know I was so jealous either."

I couldn't help but laugh at his teasing tone, hiding the fact that my heart had skipped a beat.

Together with Noah, who was shaking his shoulder, we started walking under the starlit sky. The wind was warm, and it was a night that felt like the arrival of spring.

Walking in sync with Noah, we strolled leisurely. The familiar scenery seemed to bounce joyfully, even now that we were used to walking side by side.

"Hey, the renovation of the mansion is almost complete. Want to check it out next time we have a break?"

"Is the library finished?"

"Yeah. I prepared a big bookshelf just like you wanted."

"Thank you. It'll be filled with books that both Noah and I love. It sounds wonderful."

"Let's start with 'The Labyrinth.' We'll get all the books by that author..."

"Romance novels, adventure novels, and fairy tales too."

Adjusting the bag on my shoulder, I counted the books I wanted to collect on my fingers, and I could tell Noah was smiling.

"You'll probably spend all your time in the library. We'll need a comfortable sofa and table too."

"Of course, Noah too. A sofa where we can sit side by side would be perfect."

Just imagining Noah and I reading our favorite books side by side made me so happy that I squeezed his hand tightly.

"I'm not sure if the bookshelves will be enough. We might need to add more."

"Wouldn't you tell me to be selective?"

"No, I wouldn't. The room is spacious enough for that."

"You're so lenient with me."

"That's my privilege."

With a smile on his lips, his long fingers teased my ear. When his fingers touched my earring, the teardrop-shaped gemstone swayed and made a sound against the gold setting.

My ear felt hot, and I could feel the heat spreading to my face.

"You're blushing. You look so cute."

"...Only you get to see me like this, right?"

Noah suddenly stopped, and I stopped too, pulled by him. Before I could ask what was wrong, Noah's lips pressed against mine.

His lips were hot. I couldn't close my eyes and found myself staring at the purple through the gaps in my bangs.

His lips slowly pulled away. His breath touched my face.

It might have been a short moment, just a fleeting instant, but it was more than enough to leave a lingering heat on my lips.

My heart was pounding. It was so loud, as if I had a heart next to my ear. My chest felt tight and achy, and I had never felt such a tingling sensation before.

Unable to say anything, I watched as Noah, taking off his glasses, held up his swept-back bangs with them.

"...It's your fault for saying such cute things. ...Even though we're not married, I hope you can forgive me. I'm already holding back quite a bit."

His eyes, which were like evening stars, darkened as they gazed at me. The Venus shining in the evening seemed to reflect only me.

My body was still hot, and my fingertips were trembling, but it wasn't because I disliked it.

"...You're such an idiot. I wouldn't say no."

Noah relaxed, as if relieved, and I could tell he had been tense too.

I took a deep breath and gently shook our intertwined hands.

"But please choose the time and place. It's okay this time because no one was around, but in such a public place—"

"Do you think I would make such a mistake?"

"...You're so confident."

Despite my frown and glare, Noah didn't seem affected. He smiled and put his glasses back on, letting his hair down.

"I don't want anyone else to see such a cute face but me."

No matter what I said, I just ended up being teased. I shrugged and pulled Noah's hand, starting to walk again, already missing the heat of his lips.

As we approached the bustling area, the number of people increased.

Amid the noisy voices, the sound of the river reached my ears. I turned to Noah.

"Hey, can you hear the river?"

"The snowmelt has increased the water level. Be careful and don't get too close."

"I'm not a child. This sound makes me feel like spring has really arrived."

Water from the melting snow on the roadside wet the cobblestones. Avoiding puddles, I listened to the thundering sound.

"I understand. It is a unique sound for this season."

"It's strange, different from after the rain. It's finally warm and feels good."

"Hot wine will have to wait until it gets cold again."

"That's a bit sad."

"But it's also the season for cold ale."

"I welcome that."

We looked at each other and laughed, finding it amusing.

Feeling the seasons through drinks was perhaps something characteristic of us.

I wondered what delicious things we would encounter today.

My heart was light, and my steps were light too. Noticing this, Noah squeezed my hand, and I squeezed back in response.

"I'm hungry."

"Me too. How about we try some rare drinks next time?"

"Like ouzo?"

"Sure. Something we've never had before."

"Sounds good. We might find a new favorite."

We continued down the alley, talking about such things.

The people we passed seemed already drunk, with red faces. They walked arm in arm, looking very happy.

The lights reflected on the wet road from the melting snow were gentle as always.

When Noah opened the door to the Amaryllis Inn, the delicious smell seemed to spill out.

I hope to continue writing side stories and sequels in the future.

I would be very happy if you continue to support me.