Rio couldn't help but feel nervous as she stood outside of Rod's house. The cottage suddenly seemed so much smaller, that if she went inside, she would be smothered. It was only six in the morning. She didn't even know if the pet seller was even up. Would he even want to go with her? She remembered when he caught Allen whispering in her ear a few days ago. The hair stylist had been admitting his love for Yuri, but Rod didn't know that. He had left after that and hasn't spoken to her since. She thought that maybe Allen would tell Rod what was really going on.

You can do this! Just knock on his door.

Taking a deep breath, Rio knocked on the door. The blonde waited a few minutes, but Rod didn't answer. Her heart sank. Maybe he was still upset. She had never seen Rod as mad as he was at the salon. But as she was about to leave, the door of the cottage opened.

"Good morning! How are yo-" He frowned, "Oh hi Rio. What you doing here this early?"

"I uh-" She stuttered, "Was just wondering if you wanted to go to the Starry Night tomorrow night?"

"Shouldn't you be asking Allen that?"

She winced at the pain in his voice, "Rod. What you saw wasn't what you think. I don't like him that way. He was telling me that he was thinking of asking Yuri to it. Besides if I wanted to take him instead, would I be at your house?"

"You've got a point," he looked down at his feet in disappointment, "I'm sorry that I drew the wrong conclusion."

"It's fine. As long as you understand, then we shouldn't have a problem," Rio put her hands on his shoulders, "We all make mistakes, Rod. So do you want to go with me, or do you not?"

"Oh I do. Don't worry about a thing. I'll be at your house at seven tomorrow night. I guess I should apologize to Allen too. I kind of said some things to him that I probably shouldn't have."

"Hey Rio! It's Rod! I'm coming in if that's alright!"

"Ok!"

Rio was wearing a puffy white coat and a blue scarf that matched her eyes. She hoped that Rod didn't think she was overdressed. It was the middle of winter, but it wasn't as cold out tonight. She had a feeling that a particular deity had something to do with it.

"You look great," Rod gushed, "Shall we go?"

She took his arm, "Gladly. I'm ready to watch some stars."

When they reached the top of the mountain, Rio couldn't help staring at the sky. The brightness of the stars drew the farmer in and she opened her mouth in awe. It really was a gorgeous sight.

"Those stars are really pretty, but not as beautiful as you," Rod commented, "I'm sorry if that sounds too awkward. I wanted to sound cool. I guess I should work on that a bit, haha."

"You should just be yourself."

"I guess you're right. Man, we should have brought a camera. I could brag to Allen that I did this with a cute girl like you. I really do think you're cute."

"Thank you, Rod. I'm glad I could see the stars with you," Rio kissed his cheek, "Thank you for coming with me tonight."