“Ahhhh!”

I thought we were going for a walk or something outside, but it was different.

Outside Richeli’s room window, a large white dragon was floating and waiting.

I was riding on its broad white back, holding onto Zinon so as not to be thrown off by the dragon, flying around the night sky of Elrand.

It was just like an anime or a fantasy CG world.

But reality was even more vivid and real, and the sensation of flying in the sky was not as dreamy and elegant as it seemed. It was just like a roller coaster. It was too scary to look down from high up in the sky.

“Don’t worry, you won’t fall.”

Perhaps realizing that I was scared of heights and speed, Zinon muttered something to the dragon, and it started to fly slowly.

If you can do it, why not fly slowly from the start?

Just when I thought the flight had finally calmed down, the romantic night sky made me feel dizzy.

The moon was close, and its dazzling light mystically illuminated the dragon and Zinon.

As I slowly straightened up from clinging to Zinon, I was stared at by his deep blue eyes and found myself frozen.

(Was there such a scene?)

I couldn’t remember.

I think it’s the best scene.

My heart skips a beat.

When I couldn’t look away from Zinon and kept staring at him, I felt like he was about to say something, but then he seemed to hold back.

(?)

In the meantime, the dragon carrying us descended to the ground, gently landing on the shore of a lake in a small forest.

Zinon and I remained seated on the dragon’s back in the dim light as the moonlight faded.

Zinon snapped his fingers.

Then, the trees in the forest lit up in rainbow colours all at once, and the fantastical particles of light began to gently move and dance around us.

“Wow… It’s beautiful.”

Fairies and butterflies shimmered similarly, flitting about as they scattered gold dust.

As the lake’s surface rustled in the wind, I descended from the dragon and approached the water’s edge.

A string of cute, bell-shaped flowers seemed to spill out through the gaps in the rustling leaves.

“It’s lily of the valley. In a place like this.”

Upon spotting the delicate flower that evoked nostalgia, my face unconsciously broke into a smile.

Zinon stooped down behind me, leaning in to look at my face.

“It’s muguet. Do you like it?”

“Yes. They’re cute, like bells, and I love them. But they’re hard to find.”

“Let’s take them.”

Saying that Zinon started to uproot several lily-of-the-valley flowers from their roots.

“Tell Mira to plant them by the window.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Maybe Zinon was trying to comfort me because I hadn’t been feeling well? I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought.

Looking down at me laughing, Zinon seemed about to say something again, but then he closed his mouth.

“What’s wrong?”

Looking up at Zinon, I questioned him with my eyes. He looked down at me and shook his head.

As I held the lily of the valley flowers to my chest and smiled, fairies and butterflies began to flutter around me.

The forest, glowing in rainbow colours, was more wonderful than any movie.

Zinon gently enclosed my shoulder with his palm.

Feeling the warmth and roughness of his manly hand, my heart pounded. Looking up, I was met with Zinon’s hot expression, which was even more heart-stopping.

Zinon stared at me and slowly opened his mouth.

“Have you ever been… embraced by a man?”

(Eh…?)

“That’s… um… the gardener’s nephew… the other day…”

“Don’t count that, dummy.”

Cutting off my words, Zinon narrowed his eyes and glared at me with a frustrated look.

Those deep blue eyes of Zinon.

Looking into those eyes that were staring at me.

Even with my zero romantic experience, I understood his question: Have you ever been held by a man, not including being held by your dad?

“…No.”

“Me neither.”

Saying that Zinon held me in his strong chest.

It was incredibly warm, and the strength of his arms that tightly embraced me made me feel dizzy.

What Zinon was saying was…

This was his first time embracing a woman.

“…!”

My heart was pounding so loudly it was deafening. My face must have been bright red.

“…Rin.”

“!”

I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. I was so startled. I reflexively looked up.

“Zinon…? What did you just say…?”

“Rin.”

Zinon’s blue eyes were staring down at me.

“Why…?”

Seeing me flustered, Zinon tilted his head and made a puzzled face.

“Don’t you remember? When we’re alone, I call you that. It’s a nickname I gave you when we were kids.”

“…Really?”

Surprised by the unexpected recollection, my eyes widened.

I was shocked. I thought he had called me by my name, Rin. Even if it was a coincidence, it was bad for my heart.

Zinon once again pulled me into his arms and held me tight.

His temple gently brushed against my hair.

The sensation of my heart fluttering wouldn’t stop.

“Rin…”

Being held tight in his strong, warm chest by his powerful arms…

I couldn’t help but feel like he was calling my name.

A strange feeling welled inside me.

(I shouldn’t be doing this…)

My heart pounded to the point I didn’t know what to do anymore.

Why? Was this the kind of relationship Richeli and he had?

(I’m going to fall in love with at this rate…)

***

A week later, as promised.

After dinner, I baked cookies by myself.

Maybe when I wake up tomorrow morning, I will have returned to Rin.

If so, I want Zinon and Julian to eat them on the morning of Richeli’s birthday.

As a thank you for everything until now.

When I turned off the bedside light, I could see a row of potted lilies of the valley through the gap in the curtains that flipped slightly.

“Pyu.”

I picked up the bunny that snuggled up to me.

“I’ve been wondering what to name you, Bunny, but I’ve decided on Muguet.”

“Pyu…”

“Mugie, we might have to say goodbye today. I’m glad I got to meet you. Thank you for everything. Take care of Zinon and everyone else.”

I got into the fluffy bed and slid my body onto the sheets.

I closed my eyes.

From now on, every time I see a lily of the valley, I will probably think of Zinon, I thought.

***

After Richeli had gone to bed.

Late at night.

With the curtains swaying in the pale moonlight, Zinon leaned against the window and absentmindedly stared at the cookies on Richeli’s bedside table.

He straightened up and approached Richeli, who was sleeping in the bed.

Zinon looked down at her intently, trying to determine whose sleeping face it was.

After staring at her sleeping face for a while,

He gently tangled his fingers in her platinum-blonde hair as if combing it.

He magically opened the balcony by the window.

The regular night breeze, like breathing, blew in, and only the faint sound of insects echoed in the quiet twilight.

The particles of light that spilled from Zinon’s fingertips reached the potted muguet, and from there, a blue light overflowed and flowed out like a flash.

One after another, muguet flowers bloomed as if spilling over the entire flower bed on the balcony.

Small bell-like flowers, wet with dew, hidden under the cover of green leaves.

Seeing those cute white flowers,

Zinon clutched his chest at the pain that welled up from within.

//Next, Richeli and Rin confront each other for the first time in a while.