Episode 5 : Shooting Star Picnic Pt.2

It was extraordinary!

Infinite lights shimmer over our heads. Speckles of stardust flutter from above into strands of our hair. As countless stars burst and dance around us, our voices rise with amused laughter.

I feel Kazune at my side, pressing his face next to mine from his spot standing behind me. His warmth mixed with the scenery had me in ecstasy.

I close my eyes as I feel his lips press into my flushed cheeks, which hurt from how much I was smiling.

"This dimension was one of your favorites when you were a child. It never ceases to amaze you."

I lean into his embrace, "And even now, it still hasn't."

"You had the exact same expression when I first showed you this."

I find myself patiently awaiting the gentle image that came to blind me for a few seconds. I see a smaller Kazune holding my even smaller hand as he guides me to the same shooting star dimension door as the one we entered moments ago. When I blink, the image evaporates, but the memory I'd lost had returned.

"I remember it well, now. You were trying to hide how happy you were when you realized you made me smile for the first time."

"Ah, I'm tempted to blush even now."

The two of us laugh together, seemingly immersed in our own little world. It wasn't until the eldest cleared his throat that we snapped out of it.

"Hey! Lovebirds! You going to help set up the picnic area, or kiss until the dimension closes for the day?" The red haired Prince pouted his lips as he started to unfold the several blankets he had picked out for the family.

"Sorry!" I wriggle my way out of Kazune's grip and run to help.

Before long, we've found a nice, quiet spot among a sea of people to rest our picnic. Miyon and Yuki open the basket and set out beautifully prepared sandwiches.

"These look delicious!" I exclaim as I start to unwrap it from it's covering. I bring rn sandwich to my mouth, admiring the juicy meat that hangs out a the sides. It's stacked against both fruit and vegetables - I've never had a sandwich like this before!

"When Miyon isn't being lazy," Yuki prepared to take a bite into his double stacked sandwich, "She cooks for the house in place of the palace staff."

Miyon swings at her brother, but he avoids her arm, "Shut up, Yuki!"

My wonderful family all chatter excitedly over their meal as we take in the amazing view of the dancing stars. The children of Lucasta all "ooh" and "ahh" at them, shouting to their parents about how happy they were to be taken here today.

I realized I hadn't felt this happy since the dreadful party a few days ago. If I weren't asleep for the 2 days after, I would have surely been depressed about it for awhile.

I really needed this.

"Karin," Kazune - who is settled next to me, pats the top of my head, "Eat your meal. Don't dwell on what happened days ago. It's over. Just enjoy this, now, alright?"

I smiled, nodding at Kazune. I then turn to my sandwich and take a massive bite out of it. The flavor spreads through my mouth, satisfying my eager tastebuds.

It isn't long before the meal is over. We were all seemingly famished. Kazusa passes out cake, and when I take a bite of mine, Himeka clears her throat.

"Karin-chan, there's frosting on your cheek!"

I blush, looking down and puffing out my lips to see. Sure enough, there's a smudge of pink on my lips.

"Ah, let me get it..." I'm preparing to ask for a towel when a face suddenly blocks mine. I gasp as Kazune's tongue darts out to lick the smudge away. My face is most likely completely red now - in front of everyone!

My brothers and sisters are sitting in shock, while Micchi simply flops onto his back and let's out a groan of annoyance.

"Kazune!" I sputtered, "You DID not have to do that!"

He shrugs, licking his lips as he settles back cross legged into his earlier spot, "Karin, we can kiss you if we want to. Besides, it's not that big of a deal. You had something on your face, I only licked it."

"We brought napkins." Yuki muttered.

Kazune stuck his tongue out at him and the two glared in silence for a short moment. I could practically see sparks of lightning in their stern gazes.

"You're right, as a couple, you can kiss whenever," Kazusa added, "But...in public...it's kind of...well, look behind you."

Kazune and I glanced at each other before peeking behind us.

I squeak.

Hundreds of children had noticed the kiss and had run from their family spots to get a better look at us, as if we were animals in a zoo.

"K-Kazune! Look what you did!" I shove him, and we end up toppling over. I land on top of him, our legs accidentally tangle, and our faces are close enough for our lips to kiss.

I shiver at the draft I feel going up my legs, they could probably see underneath my dress now in this position.

The dimension shakes with the roaring laughter of a giant mass of children.

"The princess is red!"

"Mommy! The princess and the prince are doing something bad!"

"Daddy, the prince is very bold! I want a husband to be bold!"

"They're showing public affection!"

"Mama, should I close my eyes?"

"It's funny!"

Kazune throws his head back in laughter as I pull myself off of him. His eyes are sparkling as he holds my hand, as if to show off for our audience. Even my family are laughing at what just happened.

I shake my head in embarrassment, covering my face with my only free hand.

"Oh goodness."

Was this really what I needed, after all? I wonder...