Tonight is the starry night at the square and everyone in the village is getting ready for it. Both Rune and I doesn't have any work today so we will stay in the house until evening. Yay, I don't even imagine how I am spending the whole morning with Rune without feeling awkward.

But day after day, the longing of wanting to see or talk to Dad is getting worse. I want to talk to him and ask him if he is fine. That's all I want.

"What's your problem?" The husky voice of Rube gotten me back to reality and stop my thoughts. I was sitting on the dining table, drinking a hot tea when he joined me.

He is eating the french toast that I just made earlier.

"What?" I asked, not understand what he is pointing out.

"You're spacing out again." He breathe out, arching a brow. "What's bothering you? Is this still about yesterday?"

I shook my head. "No."

"Then what's with that ugly frown? It's creepy." He winced, taking the whole toast in his mouth.

"Excuse me? Creepy?" My frown deepened. "I'm just thinking about something."

"What are you thinking then?"

I messed up my hair. "I miss my Dad." I just blurted out, and I can see how his features changes when I mentioned it.

He averted his eyes and took a deep breath. "I know you do."

"Is there anything I can do to talk to him?" I asked.

"Maybe." He shrugged his shoulders. "It's hard to call the Mayor because he is always in front of the camera recently since the new election is coming up." Rune reasoned, standing up and going to the counter to brew himself a coffee.

I felt disappointed hearing that. So there is no chance for me to talk to him.

"I guess, it can't be helped." I exhaled, brushing my face with my hand.

"Just hang on a little. You will take to him soon." Rune tried to cheer me up then a one sided smile formed from him as he looked at the window. "It's getting colder and colder."

"Yeah, my butt freezes the moment I stepped out of the house." I mumbled, with a soft grunt.

"Be sure to bring a jacket later when we head to the square so your ass won't freeze up." Rune joked, as he sips on his coffee. "Or you want my arms to warm you up instead?"

I rolled my eyes and groaned. "Damn your ego."

"I'm just suggesting it, you can easily reject me, my lady." He chuckled, walking closer to me. "Or maybe because you really want that idea?"

I immediately pushed him away from me. "Fuck off, you are good in ruining mornings."

Jeez. I can't even deny it! What is fucking wrong with me?! Everything that I thought about Rune is slowly getting different. I never felt like this to man before. I mean, I have tons of male best friends but I never felt any awkwardness when I'm with them. Then there are these men that I slept with that I never been developed to so what makes Rune an exception?

"There is that ugly frown again." He mentioned with a laugh that just makes me groan. "Seriously, I'm starting to get curious about what is making you frown."

You, asshole.

I badly want to say that.

"By the way, what are you going to wear tonight?" He randomly asked.

I shrugged. "Why?"

"Nothing. Just want to make sure because it's going to cold tonight." He pointed out. "Wear some thick clothes or anything that will cover every skin you have."

His statement made me arch a brow. "I can handle the coldness even if I go there naked, buddy." I spat at him while rolling my eyes. Jeez, you don't need to tell me what to do about that.

"I'm just saying, my lady." He raised his hands in the air. "But be sure to wear something that you are comfortable."

"No need to tell me that, Mr. Obvious." I groaned, going back to my room this time. I was actually thinking that I will annoy him tonight. Wear something that is very rebelling from what he just told me to wear. Well, he doesn't have any choice if that is what I like to wear though.

I scanned through the cabinet and tried to pick out something that shows too many skins.

But the clothes that he gave me here have sleeves and the fabric is very thick. But that is just most of it. I can see dresses that are nice enough.

Hmmm, what if I cut off and creat some styles on these clothes. Well, took fashion designing in college so I know exactly what to do.

I know there is a sewing box in this house somewhere.

"Hey, where is the sewing box?" I asked Rune as I peeked through the door.

He was about to sit on the couch. "At the top drawer over there." Rune pointed out the wooden cabinet with a curious look. "What are you going to do?"

"Nothing that concerns you." I smiled sarcastically before taking the box that he said inside the drawer and I ran back to my room, slamming the door behind me. And I started doing some magic with the clothes that I can only find inside this closet.

Just wait and see.

-----

"The heck! How long do you plan on staying there? You have been there for the whole day and you're still not ready?" I heard Rune shout on the other side of the door as he knocked harshly.

I just let out a chuckle. I am standing in front of the mirror and checking myself. I already cut off the sleeves of the white blouse that I am wearing, made it sexier and cut off the legs of the pants making them some shorts and of course, designed it like a pro.

I changed my makeup and made it more appropriate and the one more check on the mirror.

This is okay now.

Heading to the door, I opened it and saw Rune leaning on the doorframe. I saw how his eyes widened seeing my whole look.

"The fuck?!" He cussed, "I told you to wear something that will help you through the cold!"

"And I told you, I can go out naked even if it is winter." I told him, walking past him and shoving him out of the way. "Come on, in excited to see the stars!"

"No, you're not leaving like that. Wear something that will cover yourself." Rune crossed his arms and he is dead serious.

I also crossed my arms. "I will leave the house whatever clothes that I want, Rune. So let's go."

I turned around and head towards the door. Rune is not wearing any jacket so I don't know why he is behaving like that. And seriously, the temperature is bearable so I don't need to wear anything more. He's being like an ass again.

It's almost seven in the evening and I already assume that everyone is gathered in the square already. It looks like we came late because there are a lot of people there. All of them having fun and enjoying.

The square is filled with build up stores like food stands, souvenir shops and some other lame stuffs.

The little kid in me got the best of me as I started getting excitement to see such a lively gathering. It looks like a festival.

"Is it always like this every year?" I asked.

Rune came up behind me. "Yep, the villagers here are always active. They love having gatherings like this to be able to make the bond stronger."

"Cool village." I murmured with a grin.

"That is the first time I heard a positive comment from you about this village." Rune chuckled, softly. "You growing to love this village?"

I let out a scoff. "Love is a strong word, honey. I would rather go to like...I'm starting to get used of this village."

"If you say so." He changed like he is not believing me and started looking around. Well, he does keeps on looking around as if someone is going to attack us. He is behaving like a psychopath.

"What is wrong with you? You kept on staring at the people around us." I slapped his arm as we through the pathways to see every store that is placed.

He grunted suddenly. "Lets go by something." Rune placed a hand on my arm and took some somewhere as he stopped in front of a cotton candy store. "You want?"

My eyebrows frowned. "Um...yeah?"

"Okay." He bought one pink cotton candy then gave it to me. He pinched first to taste. "Sweet."

"Yeah." I agreed when I also pinched one and tasted it. "I was seven when the last time I had one."

"No kidding?" Rune turned to me in disbelief.

I nodded. "Yep. Dad hates it when I eat too much sweets but he hated it when it is a cotton candy."

"That old man sure is crazy." Rune laughed, as he said that.

I was about to say something more when I saw a shop that sells a flower crown and I immediately ran to it. And in my surprise, it is Clyde who is selling them.

"Carmela!" Clyde seems surprise to see us. "Wow, you look beautiful."

"Aw, thank you." I grinned, sweetly. "Is this flower crown for sale?"

"Yep. You want one?"

I felt Rune's warmth behind me in a quick moment. "What are you buying?" He asked, his lips are so close to my ear as he spoke. "They are selling some of the flowers that we planted in the farm and made them crown."

"I want to buy one." I picked the flower crown that captured my eyes. It's the pink one. "Here..." I was about to reach my payment to Clyde when Rune was faster and paid for it.

"As if I will let my wife pay." Rune stated then taking the flower crown from my hand and put it on top of me himself. He is putting the crown on me and it is making my heart beats so fast and I don't even know why! Because of our closeness?

"There." He breathe out, smiling in the process. "It suits you, my lady."

Blood rushes to my face and I know that it is already red. Shit. "T-thank you." I manage to speak but my tongue is getting twisted.

"You two are making me jealous. Get the fuck out of my shop!" Clyde shooed us but I'm sure that he is not mad. He is even laughing.

But, I'm glad that he stopped following me around and got his head back in his game.

"Come on." Rune placed a hand on my shoulder and drag me somewhere. "I'm hungry."

Shit, Rune had his arms around my shoulder. His hand is touching my bare shoulder and arm and it is sending me thousands of electrifying volts. For heaven's sake, I'm like a teenage girl!

Rune went to buy some hotdog while I just bought an ice cream because I'm not that hungry yet.

"Red!" We both turned to see Yohan walking towards us.

They made some man handsome thing before Yohan gave me a friendly hug. "You look beautiful, Carmela. The flower crown suits you."

"Thank you, Yohan." I smiled at him before going back to my ice cream. "Are you alone?"

"Yep, didn't plan to go with a date." Yohan shrugged and chuckled.

"You always don't want a date when you're into some social gatherings." Rune snorted and just earning a light punch from his friend.

"I will just have someone taking care of if I have a date." He frowned and pursed his lips. "But if I have a date like Carmela then I wouldn't mind."

"Shut it." Rune slapped his nape as he walks towards my side. "Hey, do you want to start on gazing on the stars?"

"Maybe later." I answered, and continued licking the ice cream. "I still want to look around."

"Suit yourself." He murmured, while we continue walking around. The square is huge to have all of these activities to be held. Yohan tag along with us too and it's like he and Rune are dating. They have their own conversation but it's not I mind. It's fine with me.

"It is already dark. I bet everyone is already gathering up a place where they can view the stars." Yohan stated, then looked at the both of us. "You two should find a good place now so I better leave you love birds."

"It's alright, you can stay with us." I suddenly felt nervous at the thought that me and Rune alone, watching the stars.

Rune suddenly frowned but Yohan laughed. "Nah, its alright. I know your husband wants to be alone with you." He wiggled his eyebrows and turned to leave us.

Oh damn it.

He is really going to leave us. Shit.

I gulped and nervously turns around. I still have the cotton candy with me. "So, where shall we get the best view?"

Rune focused his eyes on me then smirked. "Follow me." He motioned his fingers as he started passing through the people.

"Wait up." I called him and he was pacing really quick. I can't just bump to the people so I carefully walk pass them causing me to be left behind.

"Walk faster, will yah!" He complained with a frown.

I rolled my eyes. "Excuse me, I don't want to rudely brush off the people. I'm not like you."

"Yeah, yeah, keep complaining." He sarcastically retorted then suddenly, grabbing my hand in his.

Volts started spreading through me with his touch. "Woah, woah, what gives you the right to hold my hand?!" I accused, narrowing my eyes.

Rune scoffed and held my hand even tighter. "You're my wife in this place. Which means, I have every right." I was about to complain more but he already pulled me away as he walks faster, now he is not leaving me behind because he's holding my hand.

And I must say, I don't want to let it go.

And it's crazy why I am thinking like that.

Biting my lower lip, I let him drag me somewhere. We are going to a bit higher place then the others but I can see couples also here, waiting for the falling star, I guess. We are getting out of the square actually. We stopped when we saw this huge rock, enough size for the both of us. There is a couple not that far from us but it is more private in here.

And it is getting even more awkward. Were left alone.

The rock is like four meters high.

"How can we get on top of that?"

"Easy." He stated, confidently then in a swift, he had both of his hands on my waist causing me to jump in surprise.

"Hey—!" I was about to protest but he lifted me up so I could hop on top of the rock. I sat down and waited for him to catch up. And he just effortlessly climbed up as well. "Nice one." I complimented as he sat down next to me.

"Just to inform you, I climbed a castle wall in London while I was chasing a group of men who tried to kill the prince." 

"Not interested." I dismissed but of course, I'm glad to know something about him.

Rune just let out a soft laugh and looked up to the sky, watching the stars. His strong features somehow relaxes as he starts to gaze at the sparkling diamonds up there. He looks peaceful. 

I hugged my legs closer to me and look above as well. "It's pretty."

"Yes, it is." He breathe out, but his eyes were on me.

Wait. I dropped my eyes and look at turn to him. His sparkling blue eyes illuminates with the moonlight as they draw  to mine. What's happening to him? Is he teasing me or something?

"I am referring to the stars, Rune. You don't have to be obvious that you are referring to me." I dramatically flips my hair back. I hope he buys my joke.

Rune laughed, "You caught me."

He didn't deny?!

So he is really referring to me?!

"Why? You don't believe me?" He laughed, seeing my reaction.

"No...its not that...I just don't know if you are teasing me or you're telling me the truth?"

Rune shook his head, placing a hand behind as he leaned his weight on it. "I'm telling the truth, my lady. There is no reason for me to lie." He smirked. "Don't look so shock, I'm sure you received a lot of those before."

"No, I'm not shock about the pretty part though. I'm surprised that you are giving me compliments now." I eyed him, suspiciously.

He just laughed and shook his head. "I don't know why it is so surprising, my lady."

"Yes, it is." I mentioned. "If you think back and recall what kind of relationship we had before and compare it to this. It changed, drastically."

"Because we're bonding." He answered with a chuckle. "I became used to your personality."

"Well, I'm sure there is still a lot of things that I didn't know about you." I told him, now we are looking at each other, eye to eye. And his eyes never fail to amaze me. It's drawing into me sharply.

"That's too bad." He smirked, and sigh. "You want to know something about me?"

"Know something?" My eyebrows arched then scoffed, teasingly. "I don't even care about you so why would I be interested in knowing you."

Rune's lips lifted. "Really? Are you sure about that?"

"Yep, to be honest, if I am not your wife in this place, I already flirted with Clyde and Yohan." I shot, testing what he is going to react.

"Alright then, let me go grab Clyde and let him take my place here with you." He shifted his position and about to go down the rock and leave me.

Don't tell me he is serious?! I really want to spend this night with him!

"Hey, I'm joking! You seriously are going to leave me here and be with him?" I blurted out, trying to grab his hand to stop him from coming down and he was just half way to it.

He stares at me a little longer than usual. I just realised what I just blurted out. Damn, this is embarrassing. Biting my lower lip, I immediately let go off his hand and averted my gaze. My heart is pumping erratically and I suddenly felt sweaty. And there is no reason to sweat because it is too cold out here!

Rune had a amused look at his face as he went back to sit next to me. "You never fail to amaze me, my lady. Admit it, you want to spend this moment with me like the other couples."

"Fuck no." I continued to deny.

"Then should I leave?"

"What?"

"If you don't want me here then I better go."

You are making this harder for me, Rune. And I know you are playing with me right now. I just can't fucking blurt it out like that because it might have turn into another meaning!

"I-I...l"

"Say it, my lady. Say that you want me here with you." He tempted, as he starts to lean closer to my face as my vision starts to be only filled by her.

"R-Rune..." I bit my lower lip. "Don't come any closer."

"Make me." He challenged, eying me as he continued to get nearer.

Don't tell me he is going to kiss me? And this will be the second time! The first was in his room back at the mansion when he took advantage of me! And that was a mistake! He thinks so lowly of me!

All of a sudden, there was something shiny that passed at  the sky. Making me turn my face and Rune to stop midway. Wait, a shooting star! Everyone that was around gasped even I did too. This is my first time seeing a shooting star!

"Did you see that?" I asked, Rune like a kid who had seen her favourite cartoon character. "That was a shooting star!"

"Sorry, haven't noticed it because I was looking at you." He stated, leaning back. "So, why won't you make a wish?"

"I will." I closed my eyes and starts to say my wishes inside my mind.

I wish to talk to my Dad and everything will turn out okay. I don't want anyone to die because of me.

I clenched my eyes tighter as I wish upon that stars. Didn't realise that a tear drops down from my eye, getting a little sentimental.

Damn, this is not the right time to cry.

I felt Rune's finger came in contact with the side of my eye where there is a teardrop.

"Sorry, I really miss my Dad." I shyly stated, rubbing off my tears. "My life is just so horrible right now."

"Horrible? What makes you say that?" Rune scoffed.

"A group of people is hunting me down. I could die any minute now." I hiccuped, glancing towards his direction.

"Haven't I told you not to worry about it." The frown he had got even deeper. "The people who are after is my problem. Not yours."

"Not all the time you are by my side, Rune. There will always comes the time that they might come and put a bullet through my head. You just don't know how fate plays with us." I started to let everything out of my chest. All the things that I want to say and the fear that I am showing. More tears came out as well.

Inhaling deeply, I realize that Rune is only staring at me and watching me cry. A long silence enveloped the two of us. Nothing is minding the both of us and watching us. It is just him, listening to me and looking at me.

"Can you leave me alone for a minute? I hate it when a man sees me cry." I mumbled, covering my face with my hands.

But all I hear is another scoff from Rune. "Like heck I will let you cry alone." He grunted, removing my hands as his face came into view even if my vision is very blurry.

But his eyes are the only thing that is clear. Still like the ocean. "What have I told you 16 years ago?"

"Huh?" 

"Good princesses should never cry no matter pain she is enduring.  Cheer up and never look down. Or else..." He starts to murmur while wiping my tears. "...or else, the crown will slip."

The memories I had with him starts to come back. He did say that to me before and I believe in him too much. I took all of his words and started to depend on him. That's why I was so hurt when he left without even saying goodbye. I got angry and that anger drifted as I grew up.

"Depend on me, my lady. I will never leave you."

"That is what you said to me before when I was young." I recalled, smirking. "But you left me the moment you saved me that night."

"Because I needed to leave." He reasoned out.

"And what if that happen again? Today." I asked him, bravely. "You see, I can't rely on you too much because just one word from your boss, you will leave me then another one will replace you."

"That is not going to happen. Because it is not the Chief who gave me this mission." He said, so sign of kid in his face. "It's your Dad who told me to protect you. And I never broke my words, my lady. I will protect you until the very end."

"I wish I can trust that, Rune. I really do wish so." I breathe out.

"But admit it, our relationship has gotten better, right?" Rune questioned.

A weak chuckle escaped from me. "Gotten better?" I think it got even worse. I feel something different from you. "You think we are friends now?"

"Friends?" His eyebrows raised. "We are friends, right?"

Rune shrugged. "I don't know."

"Huh? Then what could be it?"

"How should I know?" A mischievous smile came out from him. "Then let's just find out." Without saying another thing, I got confused of what he just said. And before I know it, he already had his lip on top of mine.  

To be continued.

Exams are done yet the files in my desk is still tall. 😣 too many school works need to be done. 

A little trivia: I took Harvest Moon as an inspiration in this village. Is that bad?