Over an hour later, an amused Lariette stared at the plaque in her hands while Ruediger drove by her side. They were on their way back to Lumina Spring. The clock pointed to a quarter before eleven.
As Ruediger’s navy blue truck sped down the streets, the city lights cast a warm glow over the windshield. The rays shimred against the sleek curves of the vehicle, also illuminating the interior of the truck.
Lariette glanced at Ruediger, finding his posture relaxed but steady as he drove. She smiled when he briefly looked at her, the right corner of his lips tugging upward.
"Still looking at it?" asked Ruediger, his voice low and smooth, "You’ve been staring at the plaque since we left, Lettie."
"I just didn’t expect we’d get the third place for Best Couple Outfits," Lariette remarked, playful laughter laced her voice, "Hehe, not so bad, right?"
"I was surprised too," Ruediger nodded, thinking the sa as Lariette. Then, he purposely lowered his voice further, sounding conspiratorially, "Maddie didn’t pull so strings to let us win at least one place, right?"
"Hahaha! I wonder about that~"
Ruediger laughed alongside Lariette, amused by his own conspiracy theory. They briefly looked at each other before he focused back on the road ahead.
Lariette and Ruediger were both shocked when Madeline announced they won the third place for Best Couple Outfits. Because they were confused, William ushered them to the makeshift stage.
Madeline presented a plaque in the shape of a wooden stick, surrounded by ivy and rose vines. She also gave them a coupon, citing it could be used at the cafe throughout the year.
"I like the second couple’s outfits better," Lariette comnted as she recalled the pair, "Very fairytale-like. Flowy dress that shimrs under the light, its silhouette, the floral crown... Everything was so gorgeous. Her partner’s suit also matched well with hers."
Nevertheless, both first and second place champions really earned their wins. They went all out with their fantasy-like outfits.
Smiling to herself, Lariette rewound the monts she experienced throughout the event. She got to taste good food, enjoyed the activities, sharing laughter with the guests, and also...
Waltzing with Ruediger.
Sohow, his fleeting touches seed to linger like soft whispers on her skin.
"I wonder what kind of event Maddie will host next," Ruediger said, his eyes remaining on the road, "It’s autumn already. Maybe Halloween party?"
"I think so. She did host Halloween last year."
Lariette humd. She lay the plaque on her lap, her eyes looking at Ruediger’s side profile, illuminated by the passing street lights.
"No matter what, let’s make sure we’ll go back to Moonville for the harvest festival," Ruediger chuckled, bringing up their plan in the coming months, "What do you say, Lettie?"
"Of course! We can’t miss that one!"
Lariette still had the upcoming Sports Day to worry about, yet she wouldn’t ever forget her plan to join the harvest festival[01]. She even contemplated taking one or two days off from work.
Autumn in Moonville was breathtaking. The village, including the neighboring ones, did more promotions in recent years to lure tourists there.
One of the attractions was glamping on the hill.
Ruediger didn’t say anything anymore, but his expression clearly showed he was on the sa side with Lariette. He would love to experience the autumn season in Moonville.
Tilting his head, Ruediger thought of another thing. He tapped his finger on the steering wheel, deciding to bring it up again.
"Lettie, are you free next Saturday? How about going to the the park next week?"
Neither Ruediger nor Lariette had decided on when they would go to the amusent park. They mostly relaxed during the previous weekend, including visiting Chairman Delaney, while during this one, they attended the event at Madeline’s cafe.
Tomorrow was Sunday, but Ruediger didn’t feel like inviting Lariette to the the park right before another week began. He had planned to prepare quite a feast for tomorrow’s lunch.
"Ah... Yes, we haven’t set the date," Lariette laughed awkwardly. Turning to him, she said, "I’m free next weekend. Oh, but don’t forget our dinner plan with Grandpa on Friday."
Lariette and Ruediger visited Chairman Delaney last weekend. They stayed for lunch and tea ti before returning to the apartnt.
Chairman Delaney appreciated the local specialties from Moonville, brought by Lariette. He also asked how their trip was before eagerly listened to Lariette and Ruediger’s stories.
"Of course. How can I forget?" Ruediger glanced at Lariette, winking playfully, "Let’s see who wins in the next chess ga."
Lariette covered her mouth, laughing as she recalled Ruediger and Chairman Delaney’s competitive spirit when battling chess. These two n, clearly from different generations, had imnse pride in their skills.
"Ah, you said you’ll have another eting about Sports Day next week, right? When will you et the club representatives?
Lariette smiled, happy to see Ruediger’s interest in her job. She replied, "After this eting. We’re so close to finalizing everything. I’m glad the new teacher offered to help us."
"Mr. Eastwood?"
"Yup, that one."
Principal Smith allowed Mr. Eastwood to join whichever team the latter wanted. He decided to assist Lariette’s group, citing that he should help a fellow language teacher.
"That’s so nice of him," Ruediger nodded in approval, "Four are better than three, especially if everyone is cooperative."
Lariette smiled, agreeing with Ruediger. She believed everyone in her group would ensure everything went smoothly.
Shifting her gaze to the window by her side, Lariette humd softly. The magic of the night hadn’t faded away, leaving her mood happier and more energized, despite it was approaching midnight soon.
’We should leave early for the park, right? I bet it’ll be so crowded.’
’What should I wear? Of course, sothing casual. But, I feel like wearing a dress. Or, should I wear pants?’
’I should look up the rides. I haven’t gone to a the park in ages. Hmm... I think the last ti was with Maddie last year.’
Unaware by Ruediger, Lariette’s thoughts were filled with their future trip to the amusent park. Her lips curved into a giddy smile as she couldn’t help but envision how the day would be.
The new Monday hadn’t arrived, but Lariette hoped the week would be gone faster.
But...
Never did Lariette foresee soone unexpected making his appearance later the next week, almost ruining her imagination of enjoying the the park date with Ruediger.
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Reference:
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