When the last rays of sunlight showered across the area, Ruediger and Lariette left the studio. The warm light reflected off the truck windows as he drove past the main gate.
"Did you wake up hungry?" Ruediger glanced at Lariette. His voice was casual with a hint of a tease, but there was also a certain warmth behind it.
Lariette chuckled softly. She turned to look at Ruediger, "I’m famished. You better get delicious food before I beco hangry."
"A hangry Lettie, huh?" Ruediger arched his brows, his gaze returned to the road ahead, "Why does that sound funny instead of threatening?"
"Eddy!"
"Hahaha!"
Hearty laughter spilled from Ruediger as Lariette threw him a glare. The rry sound echoed above the pop songs played on the radio. The golden sunlight glinted off the polished exterior of the navy blue truck as it speedily rolled down the road.
In ten minutes, they reached a public park. The sky was colored by streaks of amber, ruby and violet as the sun dipped below the horizon.
"The restaurant is just over there," Ruediger pointed in a direction once he and Lariette erged from the truck, "And the light show is on the opposite. Co, Lettie. Let’s eat first."
"Okay."
Ruediger and Lariette strolled together. A quaint restaurant ca into view once he led her to a quiet corner. Nestled between towering trees, its walls were adorned by ivy trailing up. A wooden sign gently swayed in the breeze, hanging above the oak doors.
"I always co here whenever I visit the studio," Ruediger said with a fond smile, the light in his eyes glead softly, "The place hasn’t changed in the five years I’m here."
Lariette raised her brows as she stared at the front exterior of the restaurant. As the wind picked up, she brushed a strand of hair before tucking it behind her ear.
Ruediger stepped forward, opening the door and gesturing at Lariette to go inside first. The scent of fresh, buttery bread and roasted herbs welcod them, along with the soft jazz playing in the background.
"Rudy! You’re back again."
A man’s voice, booming with cheer, echoed from behind the counter. Lariette saw a bald, middle-aged man waving at Ruediger. Recognition flickered in his eyes.
"Of course," Ruediger replied. Nudging at Lariette, he gestured at her to follow him before approaching the bald man, "I was in the area a few days ago, but didn’t get to drop by. How have you been, Renato?"
"Sa old," Renato laughed. His eyes drifted to Lariette, "Who is this lovely young lady? Man, I’ve never seen you brought one here before. Your girlfriend?"
Before Lariette could introduce herself, Ruediger answered while standing closer to her, "My wife, Lariette."
A warm blush crept to Lariette’s cheeks. She inwardly scolded herself for feeling like this when it wasn’t the first ti Ruediger introduced herself as his wife to anyone else.
"Hello, Renato," Lariette smiled at the man, "I’m Lariette. It’s a pleasure to et you."
Renato let out a laugh. Looking from Ruediger to Lariette, he nodded approvingly, "Hello, Lariette. Pardon my discourtesy. I was just surprised to see Rudy bring a lady here. You two look very well matched!"
Lariette blinked, her cheeks flushed in a deeper shade of red. She quietly glanced at Ruediger without making it too obvious. Her heart thumped quickly once she recognized the bashful look on his face.
"Co! I’ll get you guys the best seat."
Renato hurriedly showed Ruediger and Lariette to their table. She walked in silence as the two n continued chatting. Renato led them to a corner table near the window, where twilight painted the skyline.
"Call when you’re ready to order."
Renato walked away from the table, giving so space for Ruediger and Lariette to choose the dishes from the nu.
"What do you suggest?" Lariette asked, her eyes scanning the foods and drinks listed in the nu book, "You surely have tried everything, right? O’ Mr. Regular."
Ruediger chuckled, his heart easily tickled by Lariette’s remarks. He ran his index finger on the nu, showing his favorites while explaining each dish to her.
"It’s settled, then?"
"Yup. I want to order those."
Ruediger waved one hand, calling for Renato. The latter complinted the excellent choice of their orders, earning chuckles from Ruediger and Lariette. Then, Renato swiftly left.
Lariette swept her gaze around the quaint restaurant, taking in its surroundings. The other patrons enjoyed their als while chatting with their companions as soft jazz continued playing by the speakers.
Lariette’s eyes returned to Ruediger, finding him staring at her with a smile. The erald eyes beneath the crimson fringes were ever so soft.
"This place is nice," Lariette comnted, "Kinda reminds of the cafe we visited once before[01]. Do you rember? At the lake park where we fed so duckies?"
Ruediger nodded once. Leaning back, his gaze didn’t stray away from Lariette, "Yes. The cafe was nice too. The desserts were good. Should we go cycling there again soti?"
"Hehe, that’s a good idea."
The mory of that brief mont they shared was as clear as a stream in Lariette’s mind. They cycled through the park together, fed the little duckies, had so desserts at the little cafe and then strolled.
As she quietly contemplated, she couldn’t deny she enjoyed more simple monts in recent months than in the past few years. The things that made it different were... her no-nonsense approach toward her family and his presence.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
"Lettie, you’ll be even busier with Sports Day soon. We can go there if you wanna unwind."
Ruediger’s remarks pulled Lariette out of the short trance. Blinking, she took a mont to register what he said.
"That’s tempting," Lariette replied, slightly flustered, "The harvest festival is one week after Sports Day. Luckily, the principal has approved my request."
Lariette ended up only applying for leave on Friday instead of starting on Wednesday or Thursday. She had talked about it to Ruediger, who suggested they leave for Moonville before dawn.
Ruediger grinned, but sothing unreadable flashed in his eyes for a second.
Would their relationship be better, or worse, following his confession later?
Hopefully, his fear was unwarranted.
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Reference:
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