I waited on the porch of Ivan's house, his 200G change in my grip. I rang the doorbell and fixed my hat a bit, oh I hope I look presentable!
"Just a minute!" I heard an unfamiliar voice cry out.
"It's alright!" I managed to reply. Nope, it doesn't sound like my dearest Ivan. Maybe it's a kid he tutors?
Suddenly, the door swung open. A boy my height stepped out of the house.
"Uhm, I'm looking for…"
"Ivan, right? He's in the middle of a shower right now, can I take your message?"
"See, it uh… Concerns money and"
"Oh don't worry! I'm Dirk, Ivan's younger brother. And you are?"
OH, now I get it. Is this guy my age or what? He seems a bit childish…
"I'm Nella, the new resident farmer!" I flashed him the biggest first-impression-smile I could muster and shoved my gripped hand near his face. He flinched a bit at my fist. How cute!
"And THIS is the change your brother forgot to get from me. Would you be so kind as to give it to him and remind him of how counting change is important- …Why are you laughing!" I was abruptly cut off by Dirk's unfavorable chuckling.
He wiped some tears that were forming in the corner of his eyes and regained composure, that twerp! "I'm sorry! It's just; Ivan's a tutor, right? He never ever miscalculates."
I docked my head to the side. So, he deliberately wanted to be a generous donor to my cause?
"So, he…"
"He basically gave you extra cash, since he was aware that you were starting anew and stuff!" He nodded and crossed his arms.
I retrieved my hand and sighed. "Man, do I look that pathetic?" I looked up at him with tears forming in my eyes, as I whimpered like a puppy.
He seemed to flush a bit at this; he quickly avoided my gaze and covered his face with his arm. "H-he's just like that, my brother. If anyone needs help, he's more than willing to-"
"Do I hear Dirk complimenting me?" A voice from the house called out.
"Ah! Brother!"
"I appreciate you sticking up for me, Dirk." He said as he stepped out of the door while buttoning his polo shirt. Oh god If I only had my camera with me! I can capture his mid-afternoon glow and his fresh-outta-the-shower hairdo…
"G-good afternoon Ivan… I just wanted to uhm…"
"Give me the change? Thanks for coming all the way here but, I purposely gave you that extra. I'm sorry for being too tactless with my actions… Are you bothered by it?" He went closer to me, please don't do that Ivan, you're making me blush!
"I… I can do things on my-"Suddenly, Dirk whispered to me.
"He's a gentleman. It'll break his heart knowing you don't want his help at all. Just take it"
I sighed. Guess I should follow his brother's advice if I want to have a chance with this guy. My face was starting to redden as I said: "Fine, I don't know when and how but I willrepay you"
"You are most able to, with the photo you had promised me"
"P-photo? Oh yeah! The photo. It's not done yet, but I'll swing by as soon as it is"
"Excellent. Well, uhm… It's nice seeing you aga-"
"How's about you have dinner here?" Dirk cut in, his face flushing like crazy. What's the deal with this boy? Ivan and I looked at him, shocked.
"T-that's too much already!"
"On the contrary, that's not a bad idea, Dirk. Very well, please allow us to thank you for coming all the way here to give me my change, with dinner" Ivan, with his most gentlemanly smile, offered me a hand to go in. I couldn't even make myself face his direction!
I was about to open my mouth to say no, but I was interrupted by very loud grumbling. I wondered where it had come from, until I realized that both Dirk and Ivan were looking at me with very amused smiles. OH GOD.
"I… I…"
"Ahaha! Looks like I asked her just in time, huh brother?" He grabbed my hand and took me in, while Ivan opened the door for us.
-After the dinner-
That was wonderful! Ivan's not only a pretty smart guy, but he's an awesome cook as well!
"That was such a delicious meal, five stars for you Ivan!"
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. You're welcome to come here and have dinner with us whenever you feel like doing so"
"Brother's pretty amazing isn't he?"
"It's because I had to learn for both of us, Dirk. You were always quite the gourmet when it comes to food!" Ivan and I shared a laugh while Dirk sat in his seat all embarrassed. I thanked them one last time and made my way home.
Learn for both of us? Now that he's mentioned it, I didn't see any sign of their parents around…
Could it be that… they're orphans?
