Writer's note: I took SO long to write the previous chapter..It was hard to describe how the misunderstanding actually arise from something simple, and how their friendship would come to be rekindled. Well..starting this chapter onwards, the story will focus more on Raeger and Minori! It's going to be exciting! :3 It's like a new beginning.
To add on, I will not include a certain in-game event to my story to avoid spoilers.
To read the other chapters, click the links below:
To add on, I will not include a certain in-game event to my story to avoid spoilers.
To read the other chapters, click the links below:
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures
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Flambéed Love
~Disclosure~
Weeks has passed since the day Minori and Fritz settled their passive dispute - the day they reconciled as friends, with help from their best pals. It was now approaching the middle of winter, where the harshest weather struck Oak Tree Town. The wind brought even the mightiest trees to its knees, and the cold could easily penetrate a human flesh exposed to it without the protection of warm clothing. On days when blizzard raided her farm, Minori's concern would escalate. 'Will my crops be all right? Is the barn enough to keep my animals warm?'
And especially during winter, it gets busier for Marian and Angela at the clinic as the number of patients rises. Minori herself was somewhat weak as a child, and even though she does feel under the weather at times, it was never terrible enough to prevent her from leaving the house.
In fact, things were going towards the right direction for Minori and the gang - her friendship with the boys was back to normal. While it does take a little bit of time to let go of the recent incident, both Minori and Fritz have made it clear in their own mind that it was something of the past; something that they should not dwell on. Raeger, upon understanding the success story of their reconciliation, has stopped placing some distance away from Minori, which he felt unusually grateful about - it annoyed him not being able to talk Minori freely. But even more than just removing that 'wall' between them, Minori and Raeger has become closer and closer each day. They were talking and joking more often, and they begun to share even more personal things about themselves. Minori was still conscious about her 'feelings' towards Raeger, but she brushed it off and decided that at most, he was just her eye candy.
After a long day at work today, Minori was starving. She was eating a lot more during winter, and sometimes she started to worry about her weight. But eating delicious food was far more important than such trivial issue. Even though she did gain some weight, Minori is perfectly under the healthy range and she still looked petite anyway. And so to 'reward' her hard work today, she decided that it was another time to treat herself with a good dinner from Raeger's restaurant.
...
"Raeeeegerr!! Good evening!" Minori exclaimed cheerfully as she swung open the entrance of the restaurant/the young chef's place of residence - yep, he lives just upstairs.
Normally, Raeger would greet Minori back warmly. But for some reason, his response today was a little bit disappointing..in fact, there was no response at all! Raeger looked down emptily while he continued wiping the shiny white plate in his hands.
Minori walked closer towards the bar so that the young chef could perhaps notice her..and maybe he'll hear her this time around. However, upon closer inspection, he somehow..looked pale. Concerned, Minori waved in front of Raeger, and asked, "Uhmm, hey Raeger. Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh.. welcome Minori. Sorry, I'm just feeling a little.. dizzy, that's all." Raeger finally replied weakly.
Of course, Minori noticed his weak tone. She has always noticed things about him. 'Why is his voice..so weak? Wait, is he sweating?! In this cold?!'
"Raeger..you seemed pale. Are you sure you're alright? You're not sick are you?" Minori asked again.
Raeger shook his head. "No, I'm fine. I'll get over it soon." He then looked up to face Minori properly. "Anyway, what can I get you?"
Minori was not convinced..but well, if Raeger said so, she'll try to believe him. And anyway, she didn't want to be labelled off as annoying if she insisted and kept on asking him. "If you say so, Rae... Then I'll have one fried rice please!"
"Fried rice? Gotcha..give me just a minute." Raeger smiled and proceeded to cook.
...
Shortly after, Raeger returned bringing a plate of deliciously cooked food. "Here you go." He said as he placed the plate right in front of Minori, who was sitting at the bar in front of the chef - her favourite place.
But Minori's eyes widened in shock the moment she saw what was actually on that plate. 'Huh? Hold on..that's..curry rice isn't it?' She was bewildered, but she decided to stay quiet as she observed that he was sweating even more. He's normally a perfectionist at work. Is he really alright?!
However, Minori's attempt to keep her mouth shut was useless. Raeger immediately noticed his mistake. "..AH!! That's right! You ordered fried rice, not curry rice! I'm so sorry. I'll go remake it for you."
"Ah, Raeger! You don't have to.." Minori stood up to stop him. But he was not listening, and he immediately turned towards the other direction to grab some ingredients. Bad move though - the quick motion was making him even more dizzy.
Raeger placed his right palm on the kitchen wall and he catches his breath. By now, Minori became alarmed at his condition. "Raeger! You're sick!" She looked at him with concern. "Don't worry about my meal, I'll have curry rice instead today!"
"No, I'm fine. Honest. It'll only be a minute." Raeger persisted. But just before he could make any move...
"Raeger, w..wait!!" Minori interrupted. Well, at least it was enough to stop him from whatever he was about to do. She paused, thinking of what to say before finally asking, "Can I help you with anything?"
Raeger looked at Minori weakly while he was still panting, and he weakly replied, "I'm glad for the offer, Minori, but it's not right to make my customers do my work for me.."
In return, Minori looked back into his eyes deeply. She was determined to help him. "Well..don't take me as your customer today. I'm offering my help to you as a friend, Rae."
Raeger was really touched by her kindness, but he cannot accept her offer..it was really against his work ethics. He should have taken a good look at himself though..look at him perspire! "Thank you, Minori, but I'll be fine..really."
Minori was starting to get irritated at his stubbornness. But before she could give him a piece of her mind, the door swung open, bringing yet another customer this winter night. "Excuse me, I'd like to place an order." The customer spoke.
Raeger quickly turned his attention to the new customer, "..AH! Coming!" But in the process, he felt wobbly again. As he was regaining his balance, a small hand comforted him by the shoulder, and Raeger looked back to see the tiny figure still insisting to offer him some help.
"Please..let me help." Minori spoke softly.
Raeger couldn't resist anymore. He knew he was getting really sick..and besides, he couldn't refuse her when she looked at him like that. "Ugh... Okay. You're right. I'm only going to cause problems for my customer in my current state." He finally gave in. "I hope you don't mind, but I'll take you up on that offer. Could you take the front of the house?"
'Finally!' Minori thought to herself. She beamed and nodded. 'Time for some work!'
...
As the last customer was leaving the facility, Minori and Raeger bowed to express their gratitude towards the diner. "Thanks for coming!"
The customer smiled and gestured a 'thank you' as well in return. The place was cosy, the service was satisfying, and the food..well, it was 'beyond awesome!' - as many would describe. He then pulled the front door open, and took his leave out of the restaurant. In that short duration when the door was opened, the cold winter air came rushing inside the building. It left Minori shivering for a while, but for Raeger, it worsened his cold badly. The sudden drop in temperature was unpleasant for his sick body.
Still hanging on, Raeger began to express his thanks, "Whew. That was the last customer." He smiled weakly. "Thanks to you, I somehow managed to make it through closing time. I really appreciate the help."
"Don't worry, Raeger! I'm more than happy to help!" Minori exclaimed cheerfully.
The young man looked at Minori softly..yet sweetly. "I'll have to do you a big favour...sometime...in..." Raeger was resuming his appreciation towards Minori, when suddenly things started to blur out for him. His vision turned dark slowly, and the last thing he saw was Minori's panicky expression as she desperately tried to reach out to him before he would collapse to the ground.
...
Minori recalled the event that seemed to happen in a split second. She was just talking to Raeger, when he turned really pale and suddenly collapse. Luckily she caught him just in time to prevent him from diving head first into the floor tiles. His clothes was soaked in cold sweat; he was pushing himself too hard that night. What if Minori was not there?
Swiftly, she put his arm around her neck and dragged him upstairs with all her might. She laid him to rest on his bed, and waited by his side; while munching the curry rice she has 'forgotten' to eat. Her concerns has been keeping her mind busy and her hunger drifted somewhere else..that is till she finally sat down after laying him to rest, and realising that her dinner was untouched.
Minori went back upstairs after washing the dirty dishes at the kitchen, and immediately she went to check on Raeger. His breathing began to stabilise - much to her relief - and he seemed to have stop the excessive perspiration. Perhaps, all he needed was just some rest. 'He seems to be feeling better now..But I can't leave him just yet..what if something were to happen when I'm gone?' Minori told herself.
Just as she was pondering at the thought, Minori heard a soft grunt coming from the direction of his bed. "Nnngh.." The young chef moved his body around uncomfortably, and slowly tried to open his eyes.. adjusting it to the bright light shining in his room. He blinked a few times before speaking to himself, "Huh? Where am I?" and he examined his surroundings.
Minori was elated, and she sighed in relief. "Raeger! You're awake.." She spoke softly.
Raeger finally realised that he was in his own room, and the sweet voice he heard brought his attention immediately to the source. "Minori?" Raeger inquired as he tried to get up from his bed. He took a deep breath, and gently transferred himself to a chair nearby - he didn't think it was very nice of him to continue staying in bed in front of a guest.
Minori quickly approached him while bringing the warm glass of water she has prepared beforehand, and she stayed by his side.. explaining what had happened that night.
Raeger was a little bit surprised, but he didn't have the energy to express it. "Oh. I collapsed, huh?" And in his mind, questions came passing through. 'When did I collapse? Wait..did she brought me here all by herself? Ah..! First, I made her help me at work, and now this? I've troubled her so much...'
"Sorry. I hope I didn't make you worry too much." Raeger apologised for the inconvenience he has caused.
Minori squatted in front of Raeger carefully, so she could take a better look at him - and this way, he wouldn't have to hurt his neck looking up at her all the time from his seat. She chuckled, "Haha..well yeah, I was worried for a second there..but I'm glad you're okay now!"
He looked straight into her eyes, and whispered loud enough to be heard by Minori, "Did you.. stay here with me the whole time?"
Minori slowly nodded. "I don't want anything to happen to you while I'm gone.."
For the second time that night, Raeger was touched. But he does not usually express his feelings well..it was a habit of his to hide it anyway. But nevertheless, he managed to uttered a few words, "...Thank you."
And slowly, he somehow...began opening up so much to her. Has his cold left him vulnerable? He went on and on about his past..and Minori continued staying by his side and listened. It made her feel happy that perhaps..Raeger trusts her enough to be sharing something so personal. It made her feel..special.
"Come to think of it..." He began. "It's been a long time since someone stayed by my bedside when I got sick."
"See, my parents got divorced when I was really little. My mom brought me here to stay here with her dad.. But both mom and grandpa were always really busy with work, so neither of them had the time to sit with me when I was sick." Raeger continued with a flat tone..but Minori noticed the melancholy coming from him. She started to feel sympathetic for him.
"Besides, I didn't want to bother either of them, so I usually wouldn't even tell them how I was feeling." He chuckled awkwardly..and forced a little smile - not to sound to solemn in front of Minori. But for his next sentence, his expression softened.
"So it's been forever since I had someone worried enough about me to stay by my side till I get better. It's a nice feeling." His eyes looked at her thoughtfully..and this time, his smile was genuine - he was not grinning..but rather his smile was something more like a..gentle one. And this smile.. it made Minori feel weak with bliss.
But just as she was drown into his gentle expression, Raeger halted. "...Ah! Sorry. I didn't mean to dump all that personal stuff on you. Being sick seems to have loosened my tongue too." He laughed, and he spoke normally with Minori again. "Anyway thanks for everything today I'm sorry to have been such a bother. I'll repay you to it sometime, I swear."
Minori finally replied after listening to him for a while, "Don't worry, Raeger. You don't have to..I'm happy to help." She beamed, and locked her eyes with his.
Raeger tried to hold back, but he seemed to crave for Minori's attention a little longer. It's not very often that someone was truly concerned of him - especially girls his age. Besides.. that smile, that eyes? He wanted to see them just a while longer. "Hey, um..." Raeger whispered. "Since I've already bugged you so much as it is, can I ask one more little favour?"
"Sure thing! What is it, Raeger?" Minori inquired.
Raeger looked to his side - he was too nervous to look Minori in the eyes. He brought his right arm up to his head, and nervously brushed his hair. His heart was filled with anxiety, but he took enough courage to ask her, "Could you, um...stay here with me a little longer?"
Her eyes immediately dilated in disbelief. 'Did..he..just ask me to stay with him? Am I hearing things correctly?'
"I, uh.. I'm not feeling 100% just yet." Raeger tried to explain and hid his embarrassment. "I want to rest a little before I start getting ready for tomorrow. If you could stay just that long, I'd be really appreciative."
His eyes continued to be fixed on to his side, still unable to face the young maiden in front of him..who was actually blushing herself. 'Urgh, what was I saying? She'll think that I'm a creep!' Raeger started to regret his request.
But in reality, Minori was thrilled at his request. 'Damn..he's so adorable saying that. If he continues to speak like this.. I think..I think..I'm really going to like him for real.' Her heart was beating hard in anxiety, embarrassment, but also euphoria. She couldn't deny her own feelings anymore.. she likes him - and not just as friends, but..romantically. Struggling to hide her excitement, she spoke no word, but nodded and smiled sweetly in agreement.
In return, Raeger sighed in relief and smiled. 'Ah! That's good..I would really be upset if she reacted otherwise..' He voluntarily reached out his right arm towards Minori, and unknowingly he was already caressing her hair. "...Thanks, Minori."
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Flambéed Love
~Disclosure~
Weeks has passed since the day Minori and Fritz settled their passive dispute - the day they reconciled as friends, with help from their best pals. It was now approaching the middle of winter, where the harshest weather struck Oak Tree Town. The wind brought even the mightiest trees to its knees, and the cold could easily penetrate a human flesh exposed to it without the protection of warm clothing. On days when blizzard raided her farm, Minori's concern would escalate. 'Will my crops be all right? Is the barn enough to keep my animals warm?'
And especially during winter, it gets busier for Marian and Angela at the clinic as the number of patients rises. Minori herself was somewhat weak as a child, and even though she does feel under the weather at times, it was never terrible enough to prevent her from leaving the house.
In fact, things were going towards the right direction for Minori and the gang - her friendship with the boys was back to normal. While it does take a little bit of time to let go of the recent incident, both Minori and Fritz have made it clear in their own mind that it was something of the past; something that they should not dwell on. Raeger, upon understanding the success story of their reconciliation, has stopped placing some distance away from Minori, which he felt unusually grateful about - it annoyed him not being able to talk Minori freely. But even more than just removing that 'wall' between them, Minori and Raeger has become closer and closer each day. They were talking and joking more often, and they begun to share even more personal things about themselves. Minori was still conscious about her 'feelings' towards Raeger, but she brushed it off and decided that at most, he was just her eye candy.
After a long day at work today, Minori was starving. She was eating a lot more during winter, and sometimes she started to worry about her weight. But eating delicious food was far more important than such trivial issue. Even though she did gain some weight, Minori is perfectly under the healthy range and she still looked petite anyway. And so to 'reward' her hard work today, she decided that it was another time to treat herself with a good dinner from Raeger's restaurant.
...
"Raeeeegerr!! Good evening!" Minori exclaimed cheerfully as she swung open the entrance of the restaurant/the young chef's place of residence - yep, he lives just upstairs.
Normally, Raeger would greet Minori back warmly. But for some reason, his response today was a little bit disappointing..in fact, there was no response at all! Raeger looked down emptily while he continued wiping the shiny white plate in his hands.
Minori walked closer towards the bar so that the young chef could perhaps notice her..and maybe he'll hear her this time around. However, upon closer inspection, he somehow..looked pale. Concerned, Minori waved in front of Raeger, and asked, "Uhmm, hey Raeger. Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh.. welcome Minori. Sorry, I'm just feeling a little.. dizzy, that's all." Raeger finally replied weakly.
Of course, Minori noticed his weak tone. She has always noticed things about him. 'Why is his voice..so weak? Wait, is he sweating?! In this cold?!'
"Raeger..you seemed pale. Are you sure you're alright? You're not sick are you?" Minori asked again.
Raeger shook his head. "No, I'm fine. I'll get over it soon." He then looked up to face Minori properly. "Anyway, what can I get you?"
Minori was not convinced..but well, if Raeger said so, she'll try to believe him. And anyway, she didn't want to be labelled off as annoying if she insisted and kept on asking him. "If you say so, Rae... Then I'll have one fried rice please!"
"Fried rice? Gotcha..give me just a minute." Raeger smiled and proceeded to cook.
...
Shortly after, Raeger returned bringing a plate of deliciously cooked food. "Here you go." He said as he placed the plate right in front of Minori, who was sitting at the bar in front of the chef - her favourite place.
But Minori's eyes widened in shock the moment she saw what was actually on that plate. 'Huh? Hold on..that's..curry rice isn't it?' She was bewildered, but she decided to stay quiet as she observed that he was sweating even more. He's normally a perfectionist at work. Is he really alright?!
However, Minori's attempt to keep her mouth shut was useless. Raeger immediately noticed his mistake. "..AH!! That's right! You ordered fried rice, not curry rice! I'm so sorry. I'll go remake it for you."
"Ah, Raeger! You don't have to.." Minori stood up to stop him. But he was not listening, and he immediately turned towards the other direction to grab some ingredients. Bad move though - the quick motion was making him even more dizzy.
Raeger placed his right palm on the kitchen wall and he catches his breath. By now, Minori became alarmed at his condition. "Raeger! You're sick!" She looked at him with concern. "Don't worry about my meal, I'll have curry rice instead today!"
"No, I'm fine. Honest. It'll only be a minute." Raeger persisted. But just before he could make any move...
"Raeger, w..wait!!" Minori interrupted. Well, at least it was enough to stop him from whatever he was about to do. She paused, thinking of what to say before finally asking, "Can I help you with anything?"
Raeger looked at Minori weakly while he was still panting, and he weakly replied, "I'm glad for the offer, Minori, but it's not right to make my customers do my work for me.."
In return, Minori looked back into his eyes deeply. She was determined to help him. "Well..don't take me as your customer today. I'm offering my help to you as a friend, Rae."
Raeger was really touched by her kindness, but he cannot accept her offer..it was really against his work ethics. He should have taken a good look at himself though..look at him perspire! "Thank you, Minori, but I'll be fine..really."
Minori was starting to get irritated at his stubbornness. But before she could give him a piece of her mind, the door swung open, bringing yet another customer this winter night. "Excuse me, I'd like to place an order." The customer spoke.
Raeger quickly turned his attention to the new customer, "..AH! Coming!" But in the process, he felt wobbly again. As he was regaining his balance, a small hand comforted him by the shoulder, and Raeger looked back to see the tiny figure still insisting to offer him some help.
"Please..let me help." Minori spoke softly.
Raeger couldn't resist anymore. He knew he was getting really sick..and besides, he couldn't refuse her when she looked at him like that. "Ugh... Okay. You're right. I'm only going to cause problems for my customer in my current state." He finally gave in. "I hope you don't mind, but I'll take you up on that offer. Could you take the front of the house?"
'Finally!' Minori thought to herself. She beamed and nodded. 'Time for some work!'
...
As the last customer was leaving the facility, Minori and Raeger bowed to express their gratitude towards the diner. "Thanks for coming!"
The customer smiled and gestured a 'thank you' as well in return. The place was cosy, the service was satisfying, and the food..well, it was 'beyond awesome!' - as many would describe. He then pulled the front door open, and took his leave out of the restaurant. In that short duration when the door was opened, the cold winter air came rushing inside the building. It left Minori shivering for a while, but for Raeger, it worsened his cold badly. The sudden drop in temperature was unpleasant for his sick body.
Still hanging on, Raeger began to express his thanks, "Whew. That was the last customer." He smiled weakly. "Thanks to you, I somehow managed to make it through closing time. I really appreciate the help."
"Don't worry, Raeger! I'm more than happy to help!" Minori exclaimed cheerfully.
The young man looked at Minori softly..yet sweetly. "I'll have to do you a big favour...sometime...in..." Raeger was resuming his appreciation towards Minori, when suddenly things started to blur out for him. His vision turned dark slowly, and the last thing he saw was Minori's panicky expression as she desperately tried to reach out to him before he would collapse to the ground.
...
Minori recalled the event that seemed to happen in a split second. She was just talking to Raeger, when he turned really pale and suddenly collapse. Luckily she caught him just in time to prevent him from diving head first into the floor tiles. His clothes was soaked in cold sweat; he was pushing himself too hard that night. What if Minori was not there?
Swiftly, she put his arm around her neck and dragged him upstairs with all her might. She laid him to rest on his bed, and waited by his side; while munching the curry rice she has 'forgotten' to eat. Her concerns has been keeping her mind busy and her hunger drifted somewhere else..that is till she finally sat down after laying him to rest, and realising that her dinner was untouched.
Minori went back upstairs after washing the dirty dishes at the kitchen, and immediately she went to check on Raeger. His breathing began to stabilise - much to her relief - and he seemed to have stop the excessive perspiration. Perhaps, all he needed was just some rest. 'He seems to be feeling better now..But I can't leave him just yet..what if something were to happen when I'm gone?' Minori told herself.
Just as she was pondering at the thought, Minori heard a soft grunt coming from the direction of his bed. "Nnngh.." The young chef moved his body around uncomfortably, and slowly tried to open his eyes.. adjusting it to the bright light shining in his room. He blinked a few times before speaking to himself, "Huh? Where am I?" and he examined his surroundings.
Minori was elated, and she sighed in relief. "Raeger! You're awake.." She spoke softly.
Raeger finally realised that he was in his own room, and the sweet voice he heard brought his attention immediately to the source. "Minori?" Raeger inquired as he tried to get up from his bed. He took a deep breath, and gently transferred himself to a chair nearby - he didn't think it was very nice of him to continue staying in bed in front of a guest.
Minori quickly approached him while bringing the warm glass of water she has prepared beforehand, and she stayed by his side.. explaining what had happened that night.
Raeger was a little bit surprised, but he didn't have the energy to express it. "Oh. I collapsed, huh?" And in his mind, questions came passing through. 'When did I collapse? Wait..did she brought me here all by herself? Ah..! First, I made her help me at work, and now this? I've troubled her so much...'
"Sorry. I hope I didn't make you worry too much." Raeger apologised for the inconvenience he has caused.
Minori squatted in front of Raeger carefully, so she could take a better look at him - and this way, he wouldn't have to hurt his neck looking up at her all the time from his seat. She chuckled, "Haha..well yeah, I was worried for a second there..but I'm glad you're okay now!"
He looked straight into her eyes, and whispered loud enough to be heard by Minori, "Did you.. stay here with me the whole time?"
Minori slowly nodded. "I don't want anything to happen to you while I'm gone.."
For the second time that night, Raeger was touched. But he does not usually express his feelings well..it was a habit of his to hide it anyway. But nevertheless, he managed to uttered a few words, "...Thank you."
And slowly, he somehow...began opening up so much to her. Has his cold left him vulnerable? He went on and on about his past..and Minori continued staying by his side and listened. It made her feel happy that perhaps..Raeger trusts her enough to be sharing something so personal. It made her feel..special.
"Come to think of it..." He began. "It's been a long time since someone stayed by my bedside when I got sick."
"See, my parents got divorced when I was really little. My mom brought me here to stay here with her dad.. But both mom and grandpa were always really busy with work, so neither of them had the time to sit with me when I was sick." Raeger continued with a flat tone..but Minori noticed the melancholy coming from him. She started to feel sympathetic for him.
"Besides, I didn't want to bother either of them, so I usually wouldn't even tell them how I was feeling." He chuckled awkwardly..and forced a little smile - not to sound to solemn in front of Minori. But for his next sentence, his expression softened.
"So it's been forever since I had someone worried enough about me to stay by my side till I get better. It's a nice feeling." His eyes looked at her thoughtfully..and this time, his smile was genuine - he was not grinning..but rather his smile was something more like a..gentle one. And this smile.. it made Minori feel weak with bliss.
But just as she was drown into his gentle expression, Raeger halted. "...Ah! Sorry. I didn't mean to dump all that personal stuff on you. Being sick seems to have loosened my tongue too." He laughed, and he spoke normally with Minori again. "Anyway thanks for everything today I'm sorry to have been such a bother. I'll repay you to it sometime, I swear."
Minori finally replied after listening to him for a while, "Don't worry, Raeger. You don't have to..I'm happy to help." She beamed, and locked her eyes with his.
Raeger tried to hold back, but he seemed to crave for Minori's attention a little longer. It's not very often that someone was truly concerned of him - especially girls his age. Besides.. that smile, that eyes? He wanted to see them just a while longer. "Hey, um..." Raeger whispered. "Since I've already bugged you so much as it is, can I ask one more little favour?"
"Sure thing! What is it, Raeger?" Minori inquired.
Raeger looked to his side - he was too nervous to look Minori in the eyes. He brought his right arm up to his head, and nervously brushed his hair. His heart was filled with anxiety, but he took enough courage to ask her, "Could you, um...stay here with me a little longer?"
Her eyes immediately dilated in disbelief. 'Did..he..just ask me to stay with him? Am I hearing things correctly?'
"I, uh.. I'm not feeling 100% just yet." Raeger tried to explain and hid his embarrassment. "I want to rest a little before I start getting ready for tomorrow. If you could stay just that long, I'd be really appreciative."
His eyes continued to be fixed on to his side, still unable to face the young maiden in front of him..who was actually blushing herself. 'Urgh, what was I saying? She'll think that I'm a creep!' Raeger started to regret his request.
But in reality, Minori was thrilled at his request. 'Damn..he's so adorable saying that. If he continues to speak like this.. I think..I think..I'm really going to like him for real.' Her heart was beating hard in anxiety, embarrassment, but also euphoria. She couldn't deny her own feelings anymore.. she likes him - and not just as friends, but..romantically. Struggling to hide her excitement, she spoke no word, but nodded and smiled sweetly in agreement.
In return, Raeger sighed in relief and smiled. 'Ah! That's good..I would really be upset if she reacted otherwise..' He voluntarily reached out his right arm towards Minori, and unknowingly he was already caressing her hair. "...Thanks, Minori."
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