Writer's note: Apologies for the late update.. I've been pretty busy lately >.< I hope no one's confused with the storyline so far..time is portrayed to have passed quickly in the story (eg. spring in one chapter, summer in the next one, and autumn for the chapter after that). But I guess I'm just showing that feelings do develop over time, and not suddenly, or it wouldn't feel too genuine - well in some rare cases, it does happen..which is what you'd call natural attraction I guess. As a young adult myself, my own feelings still confuse me at times..I'm no expert at love.. LOL; I don't reveal my true feelings often but.. I try to sometimes. And it's not just the kind of love between the opposite sex, I'm talking about family and friends as well.
Well enough of the rant, let's get on to the next chapter! :3
Edit: I figure it would be best to summarise the story so far..so here we go:
*You can skip this part if you have a good idea of what's going on (which I'll be really glad about!)*
*And I just realized the earlier chapters tend to be shorter in length*
1. {PROLOGUE}: Minori arrived at Oak Tree Town in spring, when she met the townsfolk and began to learn the different farming basics and familiarise herself with the town further. It was also when she first met Raeger.
2. ~Feelings~: It was summer, and because of the same profession, Minori has become closer to Fritz as good friends. Since Fritz is close to both Minori and Raeger, he would bring them out with him so the three of them could hang out together. At this time, Minori did not hang out with Raeger very often and thus they were not very close yet, but nevertheless they still enjoy each other's presence. It was also the time when Fritz began to realise his feelings for Minori.
3. ~Girls Talk~: Minori was not only close to the boys, but also Iris and Agate. It was in autumn and their conversation turned to the topic of love interest. Minori mentioned how she thought Raeger is cute, but she did not exactly have feelings for him yet. At the same time, the girls warned Minori how Fritz might have liked her more than friends, but she didn't want to believe it.
4. ~Confusion~: Minori hangs out at the restaurant for lunch with Raeger, and while waiting for Fritz to come the two chatted for a while. Minori began to be more conscious about her attraction towards Raeger, but brushed it off as simple admiration. They were now closer friends than before. When Fritz came and saw them, he got jealous again but tried to hide it - something Raeger noticed and hence he decided to put a distance between himself and Minori. Nobody revealed their true feelings yet.
5. ~Misunderstanding~: Minori had to cancel her plan with the girls because they were busy, when Fritz accidentally saw her and decided to keep her company. Minori's misleading (yet innocent and totally not intentional) words and action caused Fritz to misunderstand that Minori could perhaps like him back, so he thought it was a good time to confess - and he did.
6. ~Bonds~: Minori recalled how she rejected Fritz's love confession and she was very guilty about it. She asked for the girls' advice and they tried to comfort her. At the same time, Fritz was avoiding Minori and he told everything to Raeger, who gave him some advice and tried to comfort him as well. The girls planned to capture Fritz since he was avoiding Minori, and they did it. Minori and Fritz finally talked about the issue honestly with each other throughout the afternoon and cleared up the misunderstanding. After a good long conversation, they are reunited as friends.
7. ~Disclosure~: Minori, Fritz, and Raeger are hanging out together again normally. No misunderstanding and no keeping distance anymore. In fact, they are closer than ever before. Minori visited Raeger one winter night for dinner, but found out he was sick - but still working. Minori finally convinced him to let her help him at work, and after they finished Raeger collapsed from exhaustion and his cold. Minori took care of him that night, and Raeger was grateful and felt touched by her kindness. He began opening up a lot about his past, and began wanting more of her attention.
Well enough of the rant, let's get on to the next chapter! :3
Edit: I figure it would be best to summarise the story so far..so here we go:
*You can skip this part if you have a good idea of what's going on (which I'll be really glad about!)*
*And I just realized the earlier chapters tend to be shorter in length*
1. {PROLOGUE}: Minori arrived at Oak Tree Town in spring, when she met the townsfolk and began to learn the different farming basics and familiarise herself with the town further. It was also when she first met Raeger.
2. ~Feelings~: It was summer, and because of the same profession, Minori has become closer to Fritz as good friends. Since Fritz is close to both Minori and Raeger, he would bring them out with him so the three of them could hang out together. At this time, Minori did not hang out with Raeger very often and thus they were not very close yet, but nevertheless they still enjoy each other's presence. It was also the time when Fritz began to realise his feelings for Minori.
3. ~Girls Talk~: Minori was not only close to the boys, but also Iris and Agate. It was in autumn and their conversation turned to the topic of love interest. Minori mentioned how she thought Raeger is cute, but she did not exactly have feelings for him yet. At the same time, the girls warned Minori how Fritz might have liked her more than friends, but she didn't want to believe it.
4. ~Confusion~: Minori hangs out at the restaurant for lunch with Raeger, and while waiting for Fritz to come the two chatted for a while. Minori began to be more conscious about her attraction towards Raeger, but brushed it off as simple admiration. They were now closer friends than before. When Fritz came and saw them, he got jealous again but tried to hide it - something Raeger noticed and hence he decided to put a distance between himself and Minori. Nobody revealed their true feelings yet.
5. ~Misunderstanding~: Minori had to cancel her plan with the girls because they were busy, when Fritz accidentally saw her and decided to keep her company. Minori's misleading (yet innocent and totally not intentional) words and action caused Fritz to misunderstand that Minori could perhaps like him back, so he thought it was a good time to confess - and he did.
6. ~Bonds~: Minori recalled how she rejected Fritz's love confession and she was very guilty about it. She asked for the girls' advice and they tried to comfort her. At the same time, Fritz was avoiding Minori and he told everything to Raeger, who gave him some advice and tried to comfort him as well. The girls planned to capture Fritz since he was avoiding Minori, and they did it. Minori and Fritz finally talked about the issue honestly with each other throughout the afternoon and cleared up the misunderstanding. After a good long conversation, they are reunited as friends.
7. ~Disclosure~: Minori, Fritz, and Raeger are hanging out together again normally. No misunderstanding and no keeping distance anymore. In fact, they are closer than ever before. Minori visited Raeger one winter night for dinner, but found out he was sick - but still working. Minori finally convinced him to let her help him at work, and after they finished Raeger collapsed from exhaustion and his cold. Minori took care of him that night, and Raeger was grateful and felt touched by her kindness. He began opening up a lot about his past, and began wanting more of her attention.
To read the other chapters, click the links below:
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flambéed Love
~Confidence~
It was a few minutes past midnight. Her room was now dark - not even the table lamp was turned on - but Minori was far from sleeping. She laid on her bed, constantly turning her body right, and left, and back again. She had just came back from Raeger's place - staying by his side all night, conversing with him until he was finally exhausted enough and closed his eyes as he spoke his last sentence that very night. 'He looks like a child when he's asleep.' Minori recalled chuckling at his facial expression. She stayed and observed him sleep for a moment, before she stroked his hair, whispered a good night and finally left.
To be honest, Minori was happy. She saw a side of him that perhaps..very few people did. She saw a side of Raeger, the ladies man, being somewhat vulnerable that night.. right in front of her. But Minori sighed. She couldn't stop thinking about the young chef - his eyes, his smile, his words, and everything he does. 'This is why it's troublesome being in love..another person just intrudes into your mind and selfishly hijacks it.' Minori pouted.
She had a number of thoughts that kept her awake for a while that winter night, and among those was one involving her recent incident. Minori knew she had promised herself not to dwell on Fritz's past confession any longer, but she couldn't help but think, 'I just turned down someone's feeling recently and yet I am already thinking about being with someone else.' She sighed for the countless times that night, and suddenly her mind was stimulated by an idea that perhaps..just perhaps, she unconsciously had already start liking him even before, but her mind deceived herself. 'But when? When exactly did I start liking him??' She tried to stop the chaos inside her head, and told herself it's pointless anyway. Besides, she thought she wouldn't stand a chance.. everyone knows Raeger is famous for being a handsome and talented young chef, surrounded by beautiful girls every day.
But Minori? She thought she was just a plain girl who gets dirty for her work - in the field, in the river.. you name it. She works with soil, with animals and their compost. She dives casually into the river no matter the season, catches critters, and runs around town all day in sweat. It's not that she dislikes her job..no, no. Minori LOVES her work. It's just that.. she thought it might not seem very impressive to Raeger. She smiled bitterly and soon rested her eyes, mind, and body. It has been a long day after all.
...
As expected, Minori overslept the next day. She knew she shouldn't stay out too late if she wants to wake up on time in the morning, but yesterday was an exception. For the next few hours, she set her mind to work. At least it was keeping her away from constantly thinking of Raeger.
But as soon as her set of work for the day was completed, she was reverted back to the state that troubled her since last night.
...
Raeger opened his eyes slowly and stared at the ceiling right above him. He noticed he was still in his usual outfit, not the blue pajamas he usually wears; and he noticed that Minori, too, was now gone - which was to be expected. He brought his right arm over to his forehead and was glad that his fever had gone down completely.. and as he recalled the events of last night, he blushed a little bit and let out a heavy sigh. He had remembered how he poured so much out of his past to Minori last night, and how he was somehow acting like a sick child - who needed to be accompanied by the bed side till he falls asleep. 'That was embarrassing', he thought. But with his eyes still half-lidded, Raeger soon smiled softly - it felt nice to be taken care of.
Raeger got out of his bed and his eyes soon widened in shock when he sees the time: it was almost ten in the morning. Luckily it was Wednesday, so he didn't have to open his restaurant today. Otherwise he would have no time to prepare at all!
Raeger soon began his morning routine before making his way to the kitchen to prepare his late breakfast, only to discover that Minori has prepared something for him to heat up, coupled with a note written in her distinct hand-writing:
'I'm definitely not as good as you, but I made some porridge and you can heat it up for breakfast. I put it inside your fridge. I hope you're feeling better already! -Minori :)-'
Raeger grinned as he read Minori's note for him and made his way to the refrigerator to take out a small pot full of Minori's very own dish. As he then made his way to where his stove was located, he suddenly realized that the dirty dishes have all been thoroughly washed, dried and arranged neatly in each of its rightful place. Raeger once again smiled and he soon chuckled. 'That girl..' he continued smiling as he thought. 'She did so much for me.' Raeger then looked down, staring at his counter, and decided that he'd do Minori a favour today in return.
...
Minori wandered around the mountain area near her farm to pass time, and in addition, she managed to gather some materials to be put into storage. She continued walking around the area until she found nothing else for the day, and after a short pause, she proceeded to the river and took a seat by the small wooden bridge at its brink, enjoying yet another beauty that the nature of Oak Tree Town has to offer. Minori took a few deep breath and continued sitting there and staring into the open air. Luckily it was sunny that day, so the warmth of the sunlight provided her with some comfort.
Only a few minutes had passed, but it felt longer for the young farmer. Time somehow passes slower when you least wanted it to - and that was the case for Minori today. She had hoped that by going out, she could let the day through faster.. but it seemed like a rather fruitless effort, considering how it instead had an opposite impact on her.
Suddenly, a hand was gently placed on her left shoulder, causing her to get startled a little bit. "Minori? What are you doing here?" A soothing voice followed right after the unexpected touch.
Minori turned her head quickly towards the direction of the voice, and her eyes widened at the sight of the man who was now squatting right beside her, whose hand was now removed from her shoulder. She couldn't see his usual outfit, but she was sure that he was wearing one underneath the black coat and maroon scarf that he had wrapped around his neck.
"Raeger!" Minori exclaimed before pausing in hesitation. "Are you feeling better already??" Her hand slowly reached up to squeeze Raeger's right arm to show her concern for the young chef in question.
Raeger returned the gesture and squeezed Minori's hand with his left hand, and gave her a wide loving smile. "Yes, I am, thanks to you, Minori!" He continued fixing his gaze upon her, and soon broke the silence, "I was actually on the way to your place to give you some food in appreciation for what you have done last night.. and then I saw you sitting here.."
His smile slowly vanished as he gave Minori a concerned look this time around. He carefully sat down by the bridge too, just beside her, and placed the packed food on his lap before asking, "Is everything alright, Minori? I'd hate to mindlessly dive into your own business but you seemed to be pretty deep in thought."
Minori was flustered at the sudden question faced right before her. She couldn't possibly answer it honestly and said that it was because Raeger has been on her mind all day long, but she thought she could perhaps get some advice on the issues she was dwelling about without directly mentioning his name.
"I.. I'm not very confident about myself, Raeger. I see all the other girls around me.. and I tend to compare myself with them. They look beautiful and mature, and they certainly know how to present themselves." Minori began pouring out her concerns. "On the other hand, I'm just.. plain and boring. I'm short and for goodness sake I can't even dress up properly! It's making me feel really insecure sometimes, you know?" She let out a deep sigh in frustration and kicked her legs alternately in the air.
Raeger had no idea Minori had such insecurities on her mind. He thought she is pretty, and that she would certainly feel confident about herself. But have his frequent female customers intimidate her? Minori came to visit him quite often, after all. Has all those trips she made changed her mind?
Raeger watched her gazed into the water body for a while, and he slowly sat nearer towards her and carefully wrapped his arm around her in a warm manner. Minori turned her head to look at him - and continued her gaze despite blushing upon his move. She spoke no word and instead waited for him to continue whatever he has left to say.
He stared deep into her eyes and smiled softly - a distinct smile of Raeger that Minori has grew fond of and left her heart beating faster. "Minori, I think you look just fine.. and there's nothing wrong with being shorter or how you dress. I mean.. people have different styles, right? And I think you look great as it is now. Plus, isn't it overwhelming to look extravagant every single day?"
Minori forced a smile and looked down once more in her insecurity, "Thanks, Raeger.. but you're just saying that to cheer me up and make me feel better about myself, aren't you?" She pouted.
"Well, it's true that I was trying to do that. But I also mean what I said, really! How can you not trust me?!" Raeger replied while staring at her and expressing a look of disbelief in a joking manner, causing Minori to chuckle. Raeger smiled, his hand from the arm that was wrapped around her then travelled up to the top of her head, and he gently caressed her for a moment - a gesture that Minori was very fond of too, just like his smile. As Minori began to ease up, Raeger spoke freely, "Hey, don't be silly and compare yourself with my customers! They're nothing like you."
Her eyes widened in surprise and that very statement has caused a breath to be held within her. "How did.."
"How did I know?" Raeger completed her sentence immediately. "It's just a guess.. but I do notice the way you look at them you know." Minori's cheeks turned pink in embarrassment from Raeger's keen observation. What kind of expression has she made every time she envied the girls in his restaurant?!
Unknowingly saving Minori from awkwardness, Raeger resumed the conversation. "My point is, Minori.. I want you to be comfortable in your own shoes. You don't have to dress like them, in fact I already like how you look now." Raeger looked straight into her eyes, while still maintaining the position of his hand atop her head. In return, Minori looked back into his soft green eyes and blushed once again, but for an entirely different reason this time. He was so sweet with his words and contact, causing Minori to long for a deeper connection between the two of them. But, just like how Fritz was before, Minori kept quiet and buried her emotions deep inside. She would hide it, at least for now..
Raeger caressed her head once more, let out a faint chuckle and poked her cheek with an index finger. Minori was expressionless upon his touch, but that was because she didn't mind at all. "Besides, Minori, what matters is what's inside, and I think.." He paused to grab her attention. "I think you have a very beautiful heart.. and for that, I adore you more than any of them, you know?"
Minori's eyes dilated in surprise from his declaration and she felt so heartened. His re-assurances never fail to comfort her, but it was the sincerity in his words that moved her the most. Her expression soon brightened up and a loving smile soon followed from her lips. She chuckled as she continued fixing her gaze on him, and finally responded, "You certainly know how to make me feel better, Raeger." She grinned. "Thank you so much.. I needed to hear that."
"I meant what I said, Minori." Raeger chuckled in reply. "Now, promise me to be more confident about yourself, okay?" He watched her, waiting for her response until she finally nodded slowly in agreement. Raeger smiled and patted her head before finally placing his right arm back on his lap.
"It's getting cold, Minori.. and your food too. What do you wanna do?" He questioned her, raising an eyebrow. But at the back of his mind he already had an expectation on the sort of answer that she should give.
Minori giggled; she knew very well that Raeger was actually hoping to savour the food that was supposedly to be gifted to her together. "Well then, why don't you give my place a visit and we can use my stove to heat them up. You're welcomed to dine with me, of course, if that's what you want.." Minori teased him and smirked.
"You picked things up quickly, smarty pants. C'mon, let's go before I have to carry you up the hill when you passed out from starvation." Raeger laughed as he attempted to tease Minori back, causing Minori to slapped his arm gently in protest. Raeger soon slowly stood up, bent his body down a little and offered his hand to Minori to help her get up from her seating position. She tidied up her outfit and dusted away any particle that seemed to be stuck on her outfit, before taking her leave with the young chef.
She couldn't stop smiling for the rest of their journey. There was always a possibility that perhaps, Raeger might have easily comforted other girls just like her, and today was merely another success for him. Or perhaps, he truly meant what he said - just like he claimed -, but his words of affection were only directed to her as a friend, or worse, like a little sister; Raeger is a few years older than Minori after all. But she didn't mind any of that, and for now, she was happy enough with the simplicity of how things are going with the man she yearned to be with the most.
Flambéed Love
~Confidence~
It was a few minutes past midnight. Her room was now dark - not even the table lamp was turned on - but Minori was far from sleeping. She laid on her bed, constantly turning her body right, and left, and back again. She had just came back from Raeger's place - staying by his side all night, conversing with him until he was finally exhausted enough and closed his eyes as he spoke his last sentence that very night. 'He looks like a child when he's asleep.' Minori recalled chuckling at his facial expression. She stayed and observed him sleep for a moment, before she stroked his hair, whispered a good night and finally left.
To be honest, Minori was happy. She saw a side of him that perhaps..very few people did. She saw a side of Raeger, the ladies man, being somewhat vulnerable that night.. right in front of her. But Minori sighed. She couldn't stop thinking about the young chef - his eyes, his smile, his words, and everything he does. 'This is why it's troublesome being in love..another person just intrudes into your mind and selfishly hijacks it.' Minori pouted.
She had a number of thoughts that kept her awake for a while that winter night, and among those was one involving her recent incident. Minori knew she had promised herself not to dwell on Fritz's past confession any longer, but she couldn't help but think, 'I just turned down someone's feeling recently and yet I am already thinking about being with someone else.' She sighed for the countless times that night, and suddenly her mind was stimulated by an idea that perhaps..just perhaps, she unconsciously had already start liking him even before, but her mind deceived herself. 'But when? When exactly did I start liking him??' She tried to stop the chaos inside her head, and told herself it's pointless anyway. Besides, she thought she wouldn't stand a chance.. everyone knows Raeger is famous for being a handsome and talented young chef, surrounded by beautiful girls every day.
But Minori? She thought she was just a plain girl who gets dirty for her work - in the field, in the river.. you name it. She works with soil, with animals and their compost. She dives casually into the river no matter the season, catches critters, and runs around town all day in sweat. It's not that she dislikes her job..no, no. Minori LOVES her work. It's just that.. she thought it might not seem very impressive to Raeger. She smiled bitterly and soon rested her eyes, mind, and body. It has been a long day after all.
...
As expected, Minori overslept the next day. She knew she shouldn't stay out too late if she wants to wake up on time in the morning, but yesterday was an exception. For the next few hours, she set her mind to work. At least it was keeping her away from constantly thinking of Raeger.
But as soon as her set of work for the day was completed, she was reverted back to the state that troubled her since last night.
...
Raeger opened his eyes slowly and stared at the ceiling right above him. He noticed he was still in his usual outfit, not the blue pajamas he usually wears; and he noticed that Minori, too, was now gone - which was to be expected. He brought his right arm over to his forehead and was glad that his fever had gone down completely.. and as he recalled the events of last night, he blushed a little bit and let out a heavy sigh. He had remembered how he poured so much out of his past to Minori last night, and how he was somehow acting like a sick child - who needed to be accompanied by the bed side till he falls asleep. 'That was embarrassing', he thought. But with his eyes still half-lidded, Raeger soon smiled softly - it felt nice to be taken care of.
Raeger got out of his bed and his eyes soon widened in shock when he sees the time: it was almost ten in the morning. Luckily it was Wednesday, so he didn't have to open his restaurant today. Otherwise he would have no time to prepare at all!
Raeger soon began his morning routine before making his way to the kitchen to prepare his late breakfast, only to discover that Minori has prepared something for him to heat up, coupled with a note written in her distinct hand-writing:
'I'm definitely not as good as you, but I made some porridge and you can heat it up for breakfast. I put it inside your fridge. I hope you're feeling better already! -Minori :)-'
Raeger grinned as he read Minori's note for him and made his way to the refrigerator to take out a small pot full of Minori's very own dish. As he then made his way to where his stove was located, he suddenly realized that the dirty dishes have all been thoroughly washed, dried and arranged neatly in each of its rightful place. Raeger once again smiled and he soon chuckled. 'That girl..' he continued smiling as he thought. 'She did so much for me.' Raeger then looked down, staring at his counter, and decided that he'd do Minori a favour today in return.
...
Minori wandered around the mountain area near her farm to pass time, and in addition, she managed to gather some materials to be put into storage. She continued walking around the area until she found nothing else for the day, and after a short pause, she proceeded to the river and took a seat by the small wooden bridge at its brink, enjoying yet another beauty that the nature of Oak Tree Town has to offer. Minori took a few deep breath and continued sitting there and staring into the open air. Luckily it was sunny that day, so the warmth of the sunlight provided her with some comfort.
Only a few minutes had passed, but it felt longer for the young farmer. Time somehow passes slower when you least wanted it to - and that was the case for Minori today. She had hoped that by going out, she could let the day through faster.. but it seemed like a rather fruitless effort, considering how it instead had an opposite impact on her.
Suddenly, a hand was gently placed on her left shoulder, causing her to get startled a little bit. "Minori? What are you doing here?" A soothing voice followed right after the unexpected touch.
Minori turned her head quickly towards the direction of the voice, and her eyes widened at the sight of the man who was now squatting right beside her, whose hand was now removed from her shoulder. She couldn't see his usual outfit, but she was sure that he was wearing one underneath the black coat and maroon scarf that he had wrapped around his neck.
"Raeger!" Minori exclaimed before pausing in hesitation. "Are you feeling better already??" Her hand slowly reached up to squeeze Raeger's right arm to show her concern for the young chef in question.
Raeger returned the gesture and squeezed Minori's hand with his left hand, and gave her a wide loving smile. "Yes, I am, thanks to you, Minori!" He continued fixing his gaze upon her, and soon broke the silence, "I was actually on the way to your place to give you some food in appreciation for what you have done last night.. and then I saw you sitting here.."
His smile slowly vanished as he gave Minori a concerned look this time around. He carefully sat down by the bridge too, just beside her, and placed the packed food on his lap before asking, "Is everything alright, Minori? I'd hate to mindlessly dive into your own business but you seemed to be pretty deep in thought."
Minori was flustered at the sudden question faced right before her. She couldn't possibly answer it honestly and said that it was because Raeger has been on her mind all day long, but she thought she could perhaps get some advice on the issues she was dwelling about without directly mentioning his name.
"I.. I'm not very confident about myself, Raeger. I see all the other girls around me.. and I tend to compare myself with them. They look beautiful and mature, and they certainly know how to present themselves." Minori began pouring out her concerns. "On the other hand, I'm just.. plain and boring. I'm short and for goodness sake I can't even dress up properly! It's making me feel really insecure sometimes, you know?" She let out a deep sigh in frustration and kicked her legs alternately in the air.
Raeger had no idea Minori had such insecurities on her mind. He thought she is pretty, and that she would certainly feel confident about herself. But have his frequent female customers intimidate her? Minori came to visit him quite often, after all. Has all those trips she made changed her mind?
Raeger watched her gazed into the water body for a while, and he slowly sat nearer towards her and carefully wrapped his arm around her in a warm manner. Minori turned her head to look at him - and continued her gaze despite blushing upon his move. She spoke no word and instead waited for him to continue whatever he has left to say.
He stared deep into her eyes and smiled softly - a distinct smile of Raeger that Minori has grew fond of and left her heart beating faster. "Minori, I think you look just fine.. and there's nothing wrong with being shorter or how you dress. I mean.. people have different styles, right? And I think you look great as it is now. Plus, isn't it overwhelming to look extravagant every single day?"
Minori forced a smile and looked down once more in her insecurity, "Thanks, Raeger.. but you're just saying that to cheer me up and make me feel better about myself, aren't you?" She pouted.
"Well, it's true that I was trying to do that. But I also mean what I said, really! How can you not trust me?!" Raeger replied while staring at her and expressing a look of disbelief in a joking manner, causing Minori to chuckle. Raeger smiled, his hand from the arm that was wrapped around her then travelled up to the top of her head, and he gently caressed her for a moment - a gesture that Minori was very fond of too, just like his smile. As Minori began to ease up, Raeger spoke freely, "Hey, don't be silly and compare yourself with my customers! They're nothing like you."
Her eyes widened in surprise and that very statement has caused a breath to be held within her. "How did.."
"How did I know?" Raeger completed her sentence immediately. "It's just a guess.. but I do notice the way you look at them you know." Minori's cheeks turned pink in embarrassment from Raeger's keen observation. What kind of expression has she made every time she envied the girls in his restaurant?!
Unknowingly saving Minori from awkwardness, Raeger resumed the conversation. "My point is, Minori.. I want you to be comfortable in your own shoes. You don't have to dress like them, in fact I already like how you look now." Raeger looked straight into her eyes, while still maintaining the position of his hand atop her head. In return, Minori looked back into his soft green eyes and blushed once again, but for an entirely different reason this time. He was so sweet with his words and contact, causing Minori to long for a deeper connection between the two of them. But, just like how Fritz was before, Minori kept quiet and buried her emotions deep inside. She would hide it, at least for now..
Raeger caressed her head once more, let out a faint chuckle and poked her cheek with an index finger. Minori was expressionless upon his touch, but that was because she didn't mind at all. "Besides, Minori, what matters is what's inside, and I think.." He paused to grab her attention. "I think you have a very beautiful heart.. and for that, I adore you more than any of them, you know?"
Minori's eyes dilated in surprise from his declaration and she felt so heartened. His re-assurances never fail to comfort her, but it was the sincerity in his words that moved her the most. Her expression soon brightened up and a loving smile soon followed from her lips. She chuckled as she continued fixing her gaze on him, and finally responded, "You certainly know how to make me feel better, Raeger." She grinned. "Thank you so much.. I needed to hear that."
"I meant what I said, Minori." Raeger chuckled in reply. "Now, promise me to be more confident about yourself, okay?" He watched her, waiting for her response until she finally nodded slowly in agreement. Raeger smiled and patted her head before finally placing his right arm back on his lap.
"It's getting cold, Minori.. and your food too. What do you wanna do?" He questioned her, raising an eyebrow. But at the back of his mind he already had an expectation on the sort of answer that she should give.
Minori giggled; she knew very well that Raeger was actually hoping to savour the food that was supposedly to be gifted to her together. "Well then, why don't you give my place a visit and we can use my stove to heat them up. You're welcomed to dine with me, of course, if that's what you want.." Minori teased him and smirked.
"You picked things up quickly, smarty pants. C'mon, let's go before I have to carry you up the hill when you passed out from starvation." Raeger laughed as he attempted to tease Minori back, causing Minori to slapped his arm gently in protest. Raeger soon slowly stood up, bent his body down a little and offered his hand to Minori to help her get up from her seating position. She tidied up her outfit and dusted away any particle that seemed to be stuck on her outfit, before taking her leave with the young chef.
She couldn't stop smiling for the rest of their journey. There was always a possibility that perhaps, Raeger might have easily comforted other girls just like her, and today was merely another success for him. Or perhaps, he truly meant what he said - just like he claimed -, but his words of affection were only directed to her as a friend, or worse, like a little sister; Raeger is a few years older than Minori after all. But she didn't mind any of that, and for now, she was happy enough with the simplicity of how things are going with the man she yearned to be with the most.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
