Writer's note: Uhm..it was kind of depressing writing the previous chapter, I don't do well with arguments :( Speaking of which, what will Minori's response be? Only one way to find out ;) It's going to be a long chapter..
I promise you the next chapter will be more pleasant!
I promise you the next chapter will be more pleasant!
To read the other chapters, click the links below:
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures
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Flambéed Love
~Bonds~
Minori sat lifeless, contemplating on the events that occurred three days ago. She continues to stir her tea, yet not even a sip was drunk - leaving it cold.
'Iris and Agate were right.'
'How did this happen? I know they warned me..but I really did not expect it to be true..' Minori continues drowning in her own thoughts.
She looked down, and her eyes spoke remorse. "I....I...I've hurt his feeling, girls. I'm the worst!"
Iris and Agate can't stand the sight of Minori hurting herself. Minori won't stop blaming herself - even though there really is no one to blame for the incident. They looked at each other, wondering what they can do to cheer their bestfriend up.
Meanwhile, the events kept on repeating itself inside Minori's mind.
...
"Minori.. I have a crush on you." Fritz spoke aloud.
Minori was frozen. Her suspicion had been confirmed, yet she was unprepared to face it. How should she respond? How should she face him?
The young farmer had her mouth wide opened in shock, but she knew she had to answer him sooner or later - and the former is obviously preferred..she can't let him hang on to a false hope.
"Fritz..I.." she paused to carefully construct her next sentence, "I'm very sorry..you are very important to me, but... only as a precious friend." She looked at him with such guilt..she had no idea things would turn out this way.
Fritz's heart sank. It was the response he dreaded, but also one he was not expecting. He thought that she was going to agree to go out with him.
"Oooh..um..right..I see.." Fritz finally replied.
Minori could definitely sense his disappointment and dejection. It pained her so much to see him in that state, because he is such an important friend. But more significantly, the guilt was consuming her.
"Fritz..I'm sorry.. I should've-"
But before Minori can finish her sentence, her fellow farmer interrupted her. "Ahaha..well, I guess it's a no..but that's alright, don't think about it, Minori!!" Fritz laughed awkwardly.
"No..no! Of course I'll think about it, Fritz. I can't ignore this!" Minori shouted back in disagreement.
Fritz felt helpless, but he didn't want to show his true feelings. "Minori..don't be so serious! It's alright..we're still friends right!" He smiled bitterly.
"Oh I just remembered! I have to go and see Raeger now. Well, see you Minori, don't wanna keep him waiting!!" Fritz quickly waved Minori good bye and dashed speedily towards town.
"Fr...Fritz!! Wait!! We have to..."
But before Minori could say anything else, Fritz was already far ahead of her. Perhaps..too far to even hear a word she says; and soon after, he was no longer in sight.
Minori looked into the distance, her heart now heavy with misery.
...
"Minori...c'mon, let's eat! We're having macaroons for snacks today. It's your favourite!" Agate tried to sound cheerful for Minori.
"Uhm..yeah..sure.." Minori sounded unexcited - unlike her usual self. She would gobble down her favourite dessert at any point of the day.
By this time, the girls started to get really concerned. Iris rubbed Minori's back to comfort her and finally spoke her mind, "Minori..you should not blame yourself anymore.. you really did nothing wrong."
"But..Iris..it feels like I've been manipulating him all along.. Even though we're close friends, I should have still kept some distance between us, so that he won't get the wrong idea, right?" Minori replied in frustration.
"Minori..I know you never meant it. You would never hurt someone's feeling on purpose..especially an important friend." Iris advised.
"Of course not! I would never do that intentionally! But..I hurt him anyway.." Minori looked towards Iris miserably. "I should find him and sort things out..but it feels like he's avoiding me."
Upon hearing that, Agate offered Minori her help, "Want me to help you, Minori? Fritz and I are pretty close, you know? We're childhood friends... I'll hold him captive for you." Agate smirked.
Minori choked. "No way!! That sounds so absurd! HAHAHA!"
'Ah! She's laughing again. That's a relief..' the two girls softly smiled at each other.
"But..it's not a bad idea..this could actually work!! And besides.. I just need to talk to him." Minori started to consider Agate's offer. "Can I trouble you with the 'task', Agate?"
Agate grinned, "Of course, Minori! Of course! It would be my pleasure!"
And so..the three girls carefully planned their scheme.. and along the process, Minori started to smile again. Well..at least she's feeling better.
*Meanwhile, at another part of Oak Tree Town a few hours later..*
...
"RAAEEGGGERRR!!! *SNIFF SNIFF*" Fritz ran towards the restaurant and flung the door open.
Raeger sighed as he wiped the utensils behind the restaurant's bar. 'Another normal day with Fritz..' he thought to himself. "What is it now, Fritz?"
Fritz didn't know how to start - he had no idea that Raeger has clearly noticed Fritz's attraction towards Minori. "Uhm..uhmm..it's a long story BUT YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO MEEE" Fritz pleaded.
"Alright..alright..tell me slowly. So what happened?" by then, Raeger still hadn't suspect a thing that something major has happened.
And so..Fritz began pouring out his feelings. He told Raeger how he developed feelings for Minori, and how he became jealous when other men are around her, how he thought Minori could've felt the same..and lastly, the events that occurred recently - how Fritz felt so devastated and eventually ran away from her.
By the time Fritz finished his story, Raeger was genuinely concerned - not just for Fritz, but for Minori as well. He cares for the both of them..and he can't bear the thought that their friendship might collapse just like that. Of course, he told Fritz how he actually had already noticed Fritz's feelings even prior to the event - which alarmed Fritz. Has he been that obvious?
"Fritz..you can't run away from her forever.." Raeger advised.
Fritz looked down at the floor. "Yes..I know..but I'm just...I can't face her, man!!"
Raeger sighed, "You're just afraid, Fritz. But you have to face it..like I said, you can't escape forever.."
Fritz grew silent. Raeger is right..but he was not ready to face anything yet.. - or at least that's what he thought.. the girls were about to get him.
"You're right..just..give me some time alright.." Fritz stood up from his seat. "Well..I better get going now..thanks for listening, Rae. You're a good friend.."
"Fritz..you sure you're alright?" Raeger asked with concern, and Fritz raised his shoulder in uncertainty. Raeger sighed yet again, "Let me know if you ever need anything okay.."
"I will.." Fritz forced a smile. "I'll see you soon, Raeger. Thanks again!" ..and with that, Fritz left the restaurant.
...
"GET HIM GIRLS!!" Agate jumped out from her hiding place the moment he saw Fritz coming out of the restaurant by himself, and held both of his hands tightly. That's right, the girls have been tailing him for a while.
"WHOAA WHOA!!" Fritz was dumbfounded with the bizarre situation that he has gotten himself into. "What the heck are you doing, Agate?!" He apparently has not noticed the other girls' presence.
"What the heck am 'I' doing?! I had to do this because YOU keep on running, Fritz!!" Agate was frustrated. "You're coming with us!"
"HUH?? Us?? Who are you talking abou- AAH!!" Fritz freezed in horror upon seeing Agate's two companions: Iris and... MINORI!!
"URGH Let me go, Agate!!" By now, Fritz started to resist harder. "LET ME GO THIS INSTANT! OR I'LL.."
"You'll what, Fritz?" Agate stared at him without blinking - her presence was similar to a murderer's aura. "If you hurt Minori..I'll chase you 'till the end of Earth.." She then tightened her grip, and smiled widely, "Now..you're coming with us right?"
"Y..yes mam.." Fritz gulped in fear. 'She's a monster'
...
As the girls - and Fritz of course - arrived at Iris' house, Iris and Agate led the troubled duo upstairs, so they can talk in private. Before moving up, however, Agate continuously threatened her childhood friend, "Don't you even dare to think of escaping!!"
...
"I'm sorry we had to drag you out this way, Fritz. I had no other choice..you're avoiding me." Minori began.
Fritz took a deep breath, "No..you don't have to apologise.. Instead, I should be the one apologising Minori. I didn't want to face reality - I'm such a coward."
Minori looked at Fritz with distressed eyes. 'No..I don't want him to feel this way..' She knew that she had to sort things out as soon as possible. "Fritz..don't say that! I don't think you're a coward..I never do!"
Fritz watched Minori as she tried to comfort him, 'She's still so nice to me even after all this. Urgh..it's making me feel really guilty.'
"Hey, Fritz.." Minori paused before she continued, "I'm sorry...I should've notice your feelings earlier. I..I shouldn't have given you the wrong idea..."
Fritz chuckled nervously and finally spoke up, "No, Minori. I was the one who selfishly thought too much. You didn't do anything wrong. Really, I never think so!"
Minori replied, "But Fritz..I've..hurt your feelings. I feel terrible for doing that!"
The room was silent for a moment. The only thing keeping them company was the sound of the smouldering flame from the fireplace - that was also keeping them warm as the cold wind sneaked through the small gaps of the window with winter approaching. Fortunately, right before the stillness would become too long and unbearable, Fritz broke the silence.
"Minori..it's true that I'm upset, but you shouldn't feel terrible for it..I brought it upon myself." Fritz smiled sweetly towards her. "Besides, I know that you'll never try to hurt my feelings on purpose."
'Ah! It's exactly like what Iris has said..maybe they're right after all' Minori thought to herself.
Fritz resumed, "Minori, I'm sorry I've been avoiding you..I shouldn't have run away like that. But I guess..I couldn't face you then.."
Minori remained silent to let Fritz carry on with what he has to say. She's all ears now.
Fritz cleared his throat, "I hope I haven't ruin our friendship, Minori..you're an important friend to me."
And Minori suddenly exclaimed, "Fritz!! Of course we're still friends!! You're an important friend to me as well!" She looked flustered.
"Ahaha, that's great to hear! Such a relief!!" Fritz grinned. "Hey, listen. Don't blame yourself anymore alright! It's nobody's fault."
Minori hesitated for a moment, but she nodded eventually. Sometimes it's hard to forgive yourself when you've already decided to carry the weight of the problem on your own..but Fritz is right.. and if she kept on blaming herself like this, she'll never be able to hang out with Fritz normally like they used to. She had to leave today with a light heart.
And so, Minori agreed to stop putting the blame on herself, and Fritz decided he would feel content enough just by having Minori by his side as his treasured friend. They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up a little bit and they talked about future plans to hang out together. The longer they converse, the weight of their shoulders became lighter.
"Shall we play with the mountain animals again some other time?" Fritz asked.
Minori chuckled and replied energetically, "Sounds like a great plan!!"
Minori sat lifeless, contemplating on the events that occurred three days ago. She continues to stir her tea, yet not even a sip was drunk - leaving it cold.
'Iris and Agate were right.'
'How did this happen? I know they warned me..but I really did not expect it to be true..' Minori continues drowning in her own thoughts.
She looked down, and her eyes spoke remorse. "I....I...I've hurt his feeling, girls. I'm the worst!"
Iris and Agate can't stand the sight of Minori hurting herself. Minori won't stop blaming herself - even though there really is no one to blame for the incident. They looked at each other, wondering what they can do to cheer their bestfriend up.
Meanwhile, the events kept on repeating itself inside Minori's mind.
...
"Minori.. I have a crush on you." Fritz spoke aloud.
Minori was frozen. Her suspicion had been confirmed, yet she was unprepared to face it. How should she respond? How should she face him?
The young farmer had her mouth wide opened in shock, but she knew she had to answer him sooner or later - and the former is obviously preferred..she can't let him hang on to a false hope.
"Fritz..I.." she paused to carefully construct her next sentence, "I'm very sorry..you are very important to me, but... only as a precious friend." She looked at him with such guilt..she had no idea things would turn out this way.
Fritz's heart sank. It was the response he dreaded, but also one he was not expecting. He thought that she was going to agree to go out with him.
"Oooh..um..right..I see.." Fritz finally replied.
Minori could definitely sense his disappointment and dejection. It pained her so much to see him in that state, because he is such an important friend. But more significantly, the guilt was consuming her.
"Fritz..I'm sorry.. I should've-"
But before Minori can finish her sentence, her fellow farmer interrupted her. "Ahaha..well, I guess it's a no..but that's alright, don't think about it, Minori!!" Fritz laughed awkwardly.
"No..no! Of course I'll think about it, Fritz. I can't ignore this!" Minori shouted back in disagreement.
Fritz felt helpless, but he didn't want to show his true feelings. "Minori..don't be so serious! It's alright..we're still friends right!" He smiled bitterly.
"Oh I just remembered! I have to go and see Raeger now. Well, see you Minori, don't wanna keep him waiting!!" Fritz quickly waved Minori good bye and dashed speedily towards town.
"Fr...Fritz!! Wait!! We have to..."
But before Minori could say anything else, Fritz was already far ahead of her. Perhaps..too far to even hear a word she says; and soon after, he was no longer in sight.
Minori looked into the distance, her heart now heavy with misery.
...
"Minori...c'mon, let's eat! We're having macaroons for snacks today. It's your favourite!" Agate tried to sound cheerful for Minori.
"Uhm..yeah..sure.." Minori sounded unexcited - unlike her usual self. She would gobble down her favourite dessert at any point of the day.
By this time, the girls started to get really concerned. Iris rubbed Minori's back to comfort her and finally spoke her mind, "Minori..you should not blame yourself anymore.. you really did nothing wrong."
"But..Iris..it feels like I've been manipulating him all along.. Even though we're close friends, I should have still kept some distance between us, so that he won't get the wrong idea, right?" Minori replied in frustration.
"Minori..I know you never meant it. You would never hurt someone's feeling on purpose..especially an important friend." Iris advised.
"Of course not! I would never do that intentionally! But..I hurt him anyway.." Minori looked towards Iris miserably. "I should find him and sort things out..but it feels like he's avoiding me."
Upon hearing that, Agate offered Minori her help, "Want me to help you, Minori? Fritz and I are pretty close, you know? We're childhood friends... I'll hold him captive for you." Agate smirked.
Minori choked. "No way!! That sounds so absurd! HAHAHA!"
'Ah! She's laughing again. That's a relief..' the two girls softly smiled at each other.
"But..it's not a bad idea..this could actually work!! And besides.. I just need to talk to him." Minori started to consider Agate's offer. "Can I trouble you with the 'task', Agate?"
Agate grinned, "Of course, Minori! Of course! It would be my pleasure!"
And so..the three girls carefully planned their scheme.. and along the process, Minori started to smile again. Well..at least she's feeling better.
*Meanwhile, at another part of Oak Tree Town a few hours later..*
...
"RAAEEGGGERRR!!! *SNIFF SNIFF*" Fritz ran towards the restaurant and flung the door open.
Raeger sighed as he wiped the utensils behind the restaurant's bar. 'Another normal day with Fritz..' he thought to himself. "What is it now, Fritz?"
Fritz didn't know how to start - he had no idea that Raeger has clearly noticed Fritz's attraction towards Minori. "Uhm..uhmm..it's a long story BUT YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO MEEE" Fritz pleaded.
"Alright..alright..tell me slowly. So what happened?" by then, Raeger still hadn't suspect a thing that something major has happened.
And so..Fritz began pouring out his feelings. He told Raeger how he developed feelings for Minori, and how he became jealous when other men are around her, how he thought Minori could've felt the same..and lastly, the events that occurred recently - how Fritz felt so devastated and eventually ran away from her.
By the time Fritz finished his story, Raeger was genuinely concerned - not just for Fritz, but for Minori as well. He cares for the both of them..and he can't bear the thought that their friendship might collapse just like that. Of course, he told Fritz how he actually had already noticed Fritz's feelings even prior to the event - which alarmed Fritz. Has he been that obvious?
"Fritz..you can't run away from her forever.." Raeger advised.
Fritz looked down at the floor. "Yes..I know..but I'm just...I can't face her, man!!"
Raeger sighed, "You're just afraid, Fritz. But you have to face it..like I said, you can't escape forever.."
Fritz grew silent. Raeger is right..but he was not ready to face anything yet.. - or at least that's what he thought.. the girls were about to get him.
"You're right..just..give me some time alright.." Fritz stood up from his seat. "Well..I better get going now..thanks for listening, Rae. You're a good friend.."
"Fritz..you sure you're alright?" Raeger asked with concern, and Fritz raised his shoulder in uncertainty. Raeger sighed yet again, "Let me know if you ever need anything okay.."
"I will.." Fritz forced a smile. "I'll see you soon, Raeger. Thanks again!" ..and with that, Fritz left the restaurant.
...
"GET HIM GIRLS!!" Agate jumped out from her hiding place the moment he saw Fritz coming out of the restaurant by himself, and held both of his hands tightly. That's right, the girls have been tailing him for a while.
"WHOAA WHOA!!" Fritz was dumbfounded with the bizarre situation that he has gotten himself into. "What the heck are you doing, Agate?!" He apparently has not noticed the other girls' presence.
"What the heck am 'I' doing?! I had to do this because YOU keep on running, Fritz!!" Agate was frustrated. "You're coming with us!"
"HUH?? Us?? Who are you talking abou- AAH!!" Fritz freezed in horror upon seeing Agate's two companions: Iris and... MINORI!!
"URGH Let me go, Agate!!" By now, Fritz started to resist harder. "LET ME GO THIS INSTANT! OR I'LL.."
"You'll what, Fritz?" Agate stared at him without blinking - her presence was similar to a murderer's aura. "If you hurt Minori..I'll chase you 'till the end of Earth.." She then tightened her grip, and smiled widely, "Now..you're coming with us right?"
"Y..yes mam.." Fritz gulped in fear. 'She's a monster'
...
As the girls - and Fritz of course - arrived at Iris' house, Iris and Agate led the troubled duo upstairs, so they can talk in private. Before moving up, however, Agate continuously threatened her childhood friend, "Don't you even dare to think of escaping!!"
...
"I'm sorry we had to drag you out this way, Fritz. I had no other choice..you're avoiding me." Minori began.
Fritz took a deep breath, "No..you don't have to apologise.. Instead, I should be the one apologising Minori. I didn't want to face reality - I'm such a coward."
Minori looked at Fritz with distressed eyes. 'No..I don't want him to feel this way..' She knew that she had to sort things out as soon as possible. "Fritz..don't say that! I don't think you're a coward..I never do!"
Fritz watched Minori as she tried to comfort him, 'She's still so nice to me even after all this. Urgh..it's making me feel really guilty.'
"Hey, Fritz.." Minori paused before she continued, "I'm sorry...I should've notice your feelings earlier. I..I shouldn't have given you the wrong idea..."
Fritz chuckled nervously and finally spoke up, "No, Minori. I was the one who selfishly thought too much. You didn't do anything wrong. Really, I never think so!"
Minori replied, "But Fritz..I've..hurt your feelings. I feel terrible for doing that!"
The room was silent for a moment. The only thing keeping them company was the sound of the smouldering flame from the fireplace - that was also keeping them warm as the cold wind sneaked through the small gaps of the window with winter approaching. Fortunately, right before the stillness would become too long and unbearable, Fritz broke the silence.
"Minori..it's true that I'm upset, but you shouldn't feel terrible for it..I brought it upon myself." Fritz smiled sweetly towards her. "Besides, I know that you'll never try to hurt my feelings on purpose."
'Ah! It's exactly like what Iris has said..maybe they're right after all' Minori thought to herself.
Fritz resumed, "Minori, I'm sorry I've been avoiding you..I shouldn't have run away like that. But I guess..I couldn't face you then.."
Minori remained silent to let Fritz carry on with what he has to say. She's all ears now.
Fritz cleared his throat, "I hope I haven't ruin our friendship, Minori..you're an important friend to me."
And Minori suddenly exclaimed, "Fritz!! Of course we're still friends!! You're an important friend to me as well!" She looked flustered.
"Ahaha, that's great to hear! Such a relief!!" Fritz grinned. "Hey, listen. Don't blame yourself anymore alright! It's nobody's fault."
Minori hesitated for a moment, but she nodded eventually. Sometimes it's hard to forgive yourself when you've already decided to carry the weight of the problem on your own..but Fritz is right.. and if she kept on blaming herself like this, she'll never be able to hang out with Fritz normally like they used to. She had to leave today with a light heart.
And so, Minori agreed to stop putting the blame on herself, and Fritz decided he would feel content enough just by having Minori by his side as his treasured friend. They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up a little bit and they talked about future plans to hang out together. The longer they converse, the weight of their shoulders became lighter.
"Shall we play with the mountain animals again some other time?" Fritz asked.
Minori chuckled and replied energetically, "Sounds like a great plan!!"
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