After sharing a hearty conversation and finishing breakfast, Ruediger and Lariette washed the dishes together. As bubbles popped between their fingers, their soft laughter echoed in the kitchen.
"Ahem, Lettie, which one did you like the most?"
While rinsing the plates from the bubbles, Ruediger glanced at Lariette. She was wiping the cleaned dishes dry by his side.
Ruediger’s question elicited chuckles from Lariette. Tilting her head up, she stared at the man whose expression showed a mix of anticipation and worry.
"Hmm~ It’s hard to pick one," Lariette arched her brows, teasing Ruediger, "But if I must, I gonna pick the biscuits. So buttery and soft!"
"We still have many left," Ruediger returned his gaze to the plates, the tips of his ears reddened, "I’ll make more if you want them."
"Hehe, thank you~"
Once they were done, Lariette and Ruediger moved to the living room. The morning sun had risen higher, spreading its golden light inside the apartnt. Outside, the city was more alive than in the earlier hours.
Ruediger lowered himself on the pink couch. Looking up, he smiled as Lariette approached him. He gently patted the seat next to him, his voice hopeful, "Won’t you sit here?"
Lariette’s cheeks flushed slightly. Pushing the strand of her hair behind her ear, she quietly sat beside Ruediger. This ti, the usual distance between them shrank even further as their thighs brushed one another.
Ruediger lay his eyes on Lariette who returned his gaze. A dreamy sheen glazed over her sapphire eyes. Their warmth seed to expand its tendrils, enveloping each other in a comforting cocoon.
"Lettie," Ruediger softened his voice. He extended his arm before landing his palm on the seat beside Lariette, "Are you comfortable with doing this?"
Ruediger knew Lariette said she was fine with holding hands and hugging, but he was still cautious. If he held the tablet with one hand while the other tried to show the art to her, she would be trapped within his arms.
Lariette chuckled seeing the faint concern in Ruediger’s eyes. Smiling, she nodded, her cheeks were still red.
"You can. Don’t worry, Eddy."
Ruediger turned his head around, exhaling a sigh before laughter spilled from his mouth and echoed in the living room. Lariette could feel the rumbling on his chest as her back brushed against it.
"Sorry, sorry," Ruediger shook his head, trying to hold back from laughing, "I’m not acting like a man in his thirties, right? What an embarrassnt."
Ruediger’s self-mockery, despite being voiced in a hearty tone, earned a slight frown on Lariette’s forehead. She reached for his arm, gently grasping it.
"You’re not an embarrassnt. I know you’re still being very careful with , Eddy. I trust your judgnt so, follow your heart. I’ll tell you if I’m not comfortable with anything."
Lariette knew it was great that Ruediger was mindful of his own actions, especially during the beginning of their new relationship. But she was aware he might be too stressed later on.
Ruediger silently let Lariette’s words, spoken with unyielding confidence, sink into his mind. More joy swelled his heart, barely containing the warmth and happiness he felt right now.
"Maybe... because I’m still thinking this is a dream."
Lariette blinked slowly as Ruediger’s low voice resonated in the close space they shared. Those few words carried the weight of his feelings for her, which she had just learned about.
"Soday," Lariette whispered, her eyes never straying from Ruediger’s, "I hope to hear how it began."
How did this man, who stayed far away from high society, co to like her?
Even though Madeline had been talking about her, Lariette believed Ruediger didn’t simply have feelings for her through her best friend’s stories. He wasn’t a man so easily infatuated with a lady he only knew through tales spoken by his cousin.
Understanding what Lariette ant, Ruediger nodded, his lips curving into a smile, "Yes, Lettie. I’ll slowly tell you. Well, ti to show you the art, yes?"
"Hehe, yes."
As Ruediger picked up his sleek tablet from the coffee table, Lariette leaned closer toward him. She was trapped in his arms as one of his hands held the gadget while the other tapped on the screen.
Her back brushed against his chest. Despite the layer of his sweater, she still sensed how sturdy and warm it was. Despite the bashful blush on her cheeks, she felt comfortable.
"This is what I drew for the new cover’s art," Ruediger spoke quietly by Lariette’s ear. After a few taps, an image was displayed fully, "Lettie, do you recognize this scene?"
Lariette stared at Ruediger for a mont longer before she took the tablet from his hands. Balancing the gadget on her lap, she lay her gaze on its screen.
Gasping, Lariette’s eyes widened slightly, "Eddy, isn’t this... when we ate by the river?"
"Yes," Ruediger chuckled, clearly pleased to see Lariette’s imdiate recognition, "It’s based on the ti we were at the festival."
Lariette quietly assessed the illustration, her heart thumping with wonder. Each stroke, shade and hue was vivid, painting the breathtaking scenery of a sumr festival at night.
"Eddy... this is gorgeous! And so aningful."
"You think so?"
"Yes! Absolutely!"
Pride flickered in Ruediger’s eyes, lit up by Lariette’s genuine praise. He couldn’t deny how overjoyed his heart was. Her eyes were still focused on the drawing as she took in the detail.
In the middle, a man and a woman sat by the river with food around them. Colorful lanterns lit up the area, bathing the surroundings under their lights. The moon and the stars twinkled in the sky, their majesty was reflected on the river.
Indeed. This art was inspired by the ti they enjoyed the sumr festival back in Moonville.
"This is so aningful," Lariette whispered, her voice softer. She gently grazed her fingers on the couple by the river, "I’ve always loved the art of your covers, Eddy. But I think I love this one the most."
More joy and pride washed over Ruediger’s heart. He quietly wrapped his arms around Lariette’s waist before resting his head on her shoulder. He relaxed as he sensed no discomfort from her. She even leaned closer toward him.
"Eddy, can I see you draw next ti?"
Lariette couldn’t help but ask the question. She had seen Ruediger cooking, manning a boat, playing baseball, battling chess with her grandfather and doing other things, but not drawing.
How dreamy would he look?
Ruediger chuckled softly. Without releasing his arms around Lariette, he reached for her right hand. He smiled when she interlaced their fingers together.
"There’s no need to ask. You can even request to draw anything. A bunny, your grandma’s cottage, the sunset sky, just na it."
Lariette laughed, the sound rumbling in her chest, "Wow~ My husband is so talented! That’s a deal, okay? You can’t take it back."
Ruediger nodded, "You know I won’t. How about I bring my canvas along when we go back to Moonville? I wonder how the northern autumn scenery looks."
"Oh! Yes! A good idea!"
Lariette’s face bead upon the ntion of visiting Moonville again. She had been looking forward to the harvest festival which took place one week after Sports Day.
Ruediger simply smiled seeing the evident joy on Lariette’s face. He squeezed her hand, seeking the warm sensation from her for it grounded him in reality—they were together.
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