Chapter 4

I looked around once more at where I was situated. I was standing at the very top of Bug Rock, it seemed, and from where I was standing I could see a big hole in the middle of the area. I walked over to see what was there, and noticed that looked like a tower of a castle, almost. The hole lead down to a small grassy area that had a few more bugs crawling around in it. I jumped down to inspect the even smaller hole within the grassy area. Down below the second hole, I could see a little rise in the floor, poking out of some shallow water.

I jumped down yet again and landed in the center of the enclosed area. There were only a few light sources coming in but they lit the place up nicely. I could see little openings around the circular room that had some pots in it. There were also some Starry Fireflies drifting lazily above the water.

I stood there for a moment, just watching the fireflies float around, there little glowing lights mesmerizing me. Eventually, I could feel my heartbeat finally slowing down... The blush that had taken over my face was fading away as well as I kept my focus on the fireflies...

I finally decided to keep on exploring, now that my emotions were stable. I walked over through the water to some steps that led out to some more grassy area. I turned to the left, as it was the only I could go. I walked along, with a high fence to my right and a rock wall to my left.

It really is quite nice here, I thought to myself.

I walked along, staring at the sky and bugs that flew through air, when all of a sudden I slipped and slid down a short slope I failed to notice. I tumbled down, eyes squeezed shut from the sudden fall, until I landed on top of something and heard groan.

"Ow ow ow ow ow," I muttered, propping myself up with one hand and rubbing my head with the other. I heard another groan and looked down.

Wha... OH GODDESSES, I LANDED ON STRICH!

Strich was laying on his back, propped up on one shoulder and also rubbing his head. His cheeks were flushed red from the work he was doing, and I could see a smudge of dirt on his cheek. In a bit of daze still, I reached out and wiped away the dirt before I realized what I was doing. It took Strich by surprise and for a moment he just stared at me.

OH MY-!

I suddenly snapped back to my senses and practically hopped off of Strich.

"I'm so sorry, Strich! Uh, here, let me help you up!" I offered him my hand, and as soon as he took it I felt like a little spark ran through my heart. I helped him get to his feet and awkwardly mumbled my apologies again.

"No, no, it's fine, it's fine," he said. He dusted himself off and smiled at me. "Really, it's okay."

"Oh..." I mumbled. "Okay then..." I blushed and looked away, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck. "You aren't hurt, are you?" I asked.

"No, I feel fine, really. Are you alright?" he asked with concern.

"Wha... Oh! Yes, I'm fine. I-" I stopped in mid-sentence.

Strich was reaching out his hand towards me, and I stood there, frozen. He gently touched my cheek, then rubbed away at something on my cheek before pulling his hand away.

"You had a bit of dirt on your cheek, too" he said with a little chuckle.

"Oh... right..." I said a little breathlessly. I could feel the blush on my face intensifying once more.

I'm not so sure I can last being alone with Strich on this little island... What if I do something without thinking again? What if I kissed him? Or did anything that could ruin our friendship...? I don't want to lose that...

I sighed and stared at the sky.

Strich looked at me with a confused expression. "Is something wrong? You know you can always talk to me if something is bothering you."

Oh!

"Oh, no no, everything is fine!" I blurted out. "Really, it is!" I added when he gave me a questioning look. "Uh, anyways, would you like some help setting up the rest of the fencing and whatnot?"

Strich gave me a small smile. "Some help would be nice, but are you sure you don't want to explore some more? Or have you already seen everything there is to see?"

"There will be plenty of other opportunities to explore the rest of the island. I feel like helping you out right now, instead," I said.

"Well, if you say so. Can you hand me that board over there, then?" he asked.

And so, the rest of the day proceeded as such. I helped Strich out as much as I could to set up the rest of the fencing so that running around wouldn't be so dangerous. Thankfully, there were no more awkward moments between the two of us, and the rest of the day passed pretty quickly. Pretty soon, the sun began to set, and the clouds were infused with orange and pink.

At last, we finished putting up the fences, finally finishing the whole project.

"I guess we better start heading back now," I said, staring up at the sky.

"Yeah..."

We made our way back to where the dock was, and stood at it's edge. For a moment we just stood there, not speaking a word and simply watching the play of colors against the clouds. It was a magical moment, shared between two souls, and without either of us needing to say a word, we both jumped off the dock. We called out to our birds, who immediately caught us. Silently, we flew through the open air, enjoying the moment as we returned to Skyloft.

Once we were back at the academy, we had to go freshen up a bit before going to dinner. Strich and I chatted with the other students a little during supper, but didn't really talk much since we were so tired. Once we were finished, we cleaned our plates and left the dining room. We said goodnight to each other and finally parted ways.

I walked slowly up the steps and to my room, reliving some of the days events. I still felt embarrassed from some of those events... So many things happened, things that make me wonder...

I finally entered my room and quickly changed into my sleep wear. I was too tired to stay up any longer, so plopped down on my bed and got comfortable under the covers. My eyelids grew heavy and I could feel sleep taking a hold of me very quickly... As I slipped into a deep and restful sleep, the last thing I thought of was the way Strich's hand felt against my own and how he had wiped away the dirt on my cheek...