Tonight was the starry night festival, but I wasn't going to go, so there would be no point in getting ready for it. Tina and Rod would be getting ready at their house and Alex and Allen would prepare at their house. Since I was free, I volunteered to watch over Alison. I decided to go to their house hours early so that I could watch over her longer. I loved the child to death. Good thing about being friends with her parents meant that I could enter their house without even knocking. Then again, a lot of people in town did that. It just showed how close the town was.

When I opened the door, I could see Alex and Allen sitting on their bed, making out. I couldn't deny how jealous I was of them at the moment. Even from here, I could since the spark between them. They just seemed so at peace in each others arms. I almost didn't want to break them apart, but I was here for Alison.

"Be careful you two. You might set the house on fire."

They both jumped back at my voice, separating with blushes on both of their faces. It was kinda cute actually.

"What are you doing here, Hazuki?" Alex wiped her mouth, unable to look me in the eyes.

"Alison. I guess you were so distracted by Allen's mouth that you forgot that you had a child. Unless you wanted to give her a sibling so soon."

"Not yet," Allen winked, "You weren't suppose to be here this early. Maybe I would have kept my hands off my wife."

"Doubt it."

Alex laughed at my words, "You're right. But I wouldn't have minded. So I guess you will take Alison. She's sleeping right now."

"Take good care of her," Allen scolded slightly, "Since you seem to spend so much time in the woods in winter."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

I turned red, remembering Neil. I avoided him since then, not wanting anything weird to happen between us. But I couldn't help knowing that he'd be alone for this event. Maybe I could with him to make him feel better.

"Speaking of which, I might be busy tonight," I snapped my fingers.

"You might take someone else to the festival?" Alex guessed, "I suppose you could do that."

"Neil might be free," Allen stretched, "I'll go ask Hana if she'll watch the kid."

"Sounds like a plan," Alex pushed me out the door slightly, "Come on, you have an animal seller to ask."

"But Soseki-"

"Doesn't have to know. Now come on."


"You want to take me to the Starry night festival?" Neil gave me a look, "Won't your boyfriend get pissed off at me?"

"It's just one festival," I shrugged, "I did visit him earlier. It's a shame about his leg."

"Guess I get you for at least a night," he sighed, letting a smile creep onto his face, before going back to his usual frown, "Should we go soon? It's getting pretty dark out and I don't want you to get sick. I don't want to either."

"Alright," I opened his door slightly, making sure that no one was outside. If I was caught going to the festival with Neil, then I'm sure that someone will tell Soseki. And I did not want that happening at all.

"What the hell are you doing, Hazuki?"

"Making sure the coast is clear."

Neil let out a shrug, "I don't care if anyone sees us."

"I do," I huffed, "Wouldn't want any nasty rumors going around."

"I suppose."


Neil and I finally made it to the top of the mountain, in the area above the spring. In the top clearing, Alex and Allen stood together, whispering something to each other. I tried to keep my eyes on them to avoid staring at the boy who came with me today. Alex turned to her husband and whispered something into his ear, making him nod. He turned to her as well and must have said something romantic, because she turned red.

"I'm surprised that seeing them being all romantic didn't make me want to vomit," Neil huffed from beside me, "I'll let them have their romantic night. I've got you to help me get through it. Don't know why we had to go all the way out here for a bunch of stars."

"It makes it easier to see them."

"That too. And easier to see your adoring face," Neil looked away, a small blush lighting his cheeks, "I do think that you are very cute Hazuki. Makes me jealous of Soseki."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

He tried to pull me closer, but I pushed against him slightly, making him frown, red eyes full of annoyance.

"We can't."

Hazuki please," Neil gazed into my eyes, "Just one night. Please?"

"It's not fair to Soseki."

"Just one kiss," Neil leaned down until our noses were touching, "Then I'll let you go."

"Alright," I sighed, knowing that he wasn't going to give up. But maybe that's what my heart was hoping for.

He put my face in his hands and placed our lips together. I let out a small sigh at the familiar warmth of Neil's mouth. It made me feel secure, like nothing could go wrong. It wasn't right, but I couldn't think about anything but Neil. I was a terrible person, but I couldn't help it. My heart wasn't with Soseki. It was with Neil.