I couldn't believe that Nagi had managed to get into tonight's show. It was the last one in this area on the comedy tour, and it's extremely hard to get tickets to the shows.
Not only that, but he had treated me to any food that I wanted, and then shared dessert with me.
Now, as he walks me home, I'm gazing up at the stars, wondering if any night could ever be any better. We reach my house, and I see the lights on inside, letting me know that my parents are in there, probably fighting.
I tighten my grip on Nagi's hand, and he stops walking toward the gate.
"Is something wrong, Rima?" He looks concerned about my sudden change.
I stare down at the ground. "I don't think we can go up to the door together. My parents will be mad if they see me with a boy."
"What about the driveway?" Nagi gestures toward where my mom's car is parked, "can we talk there? It's out of sight of the window."
I lead him over to the driveway and hold him close, nuzzling into his shirt. He smells really good, like freshly-dried laundry. He strokes my hair again, like he had earlier. It helps to calm me down, at least a little, but the thought of my parents fighting in the living room on my birthday is making me lose control of the hard exterior I try to keep up.
Nagi squeezes me closer to him. "Rima," he whispers, "don't be upset. I won't let you go in until you're happy. It's your night. Don't let anyone ruin it for you."
I look up to meet his eyes and sniff. "I'll try. I just don't understand why they are still together anyway."
Nagi caresses the side of my face and gives me a sympathetic smile. "Sadness still doesn't suit you. I'll help you feel better, Rima." I know I'm blushing, but in the dim light of the evening, I'm hoping it doesn't show. Nagi wraps one arm around my waist and holds my hand with the other, and, still holding me close, starts swaying back and forth before moving into small, rhythmic steps.
I rest my head against him, focusing on where to put my feet. I can hear his heart racing, but he doesn't seem to notice it. He's absolutely dazzling while he dances around my driveway, clearly enjoying himself.
It's hard to stay upset while dancing with Nagi. He's so graceful, and feeling his warmth is soothing. Before long, I've grown calm again, and I could care less about my parents. I meet Nagi's eyes and smile at him. He returns the smile and spins me around. I'm having a lot of fun, just casually dancing with Nagi.
He pulls me back into a hug and slowly stops waltzing up and down the driveway. "Do you feel better, Rima?"
I grasp his hands and meet his eyes again. "Yeah, I feel a bit better now. Thank you, Nagi, for dinner, the show, and for this."
Nagi blushes and smiles sweetly at me. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Maybe we can do this again soon." He brings one of my hands up toward his face and plants a gentle kiss on it. I wasn't expecting him to do that, and I think he can tell. If he can't see how red my face is, he must be blind.
Despite how flustered I feel, I stammer, "I hope th-that's not where you're stopping." I look away, toward the house, to try to hide my embarrassment. Why do I always let stuff like that slip out?
Nagi laughs nervously, something he hardly ever does. "I guess that's up to you, Rima."
Well, I already embarrassed myself, so what's a little more? "Well, I'd like you to continue. It's the Queen's birthday after all."
Nagi gently places his hands on either side of my face, tilting it up so I'm facing him. "You're not the Queen any more. You're my Queen." He smiles softly and leans down toward me, resting his forehead against mine. His golden-brown eyes are stunning at this close proximity. "Are you sure you want me to continue, Rima?"
I know I'm blushing again, but I mumble, "Yes." Nagi blushes and closes the gap between my lips and his. I notice him closing his eyes as I close my own. My hands are on his chest, and I can feel his heart racing even faster than it was earlier. I can imagine that he can hear mine trying to bust out of my chest.
His lips are soft, and his kiss is gentle. I have no idea what to do, so I lean in toward him and hope for the best.
After a few seconds, we break apart, both of us blushing like tomatoes.
Nagi grins at me after a second. "Happy birthday, Rima."
