Wow. I am the worst person on the face of the earth. You guys must have thought I died or something. ~

I'm so very sorry! I've just been so busy...excuses and more excuses...blahblah.

Anyway, here is a super short chapter. Kind of a filler before the drama starts. Get ready for the next chapter, cuz Gilly's comin' back! DUN DUN DUN. hahaha. I'm writing it right now, so I will put it up asap. Thanks for being patient, and I AM SO SORRY!

Disclaimer: ShermanTheWorm (Who is a horrible procrastinating jerk)does not own Harvest Moon.


Chapter 18- A Boy and a Girl

~Coryn's POV~

There are always those moments in life when you really wish you had a pause button. Not because you want to escape or change anything, but because that moment is so beautiful that you feel like you'll never experience that happiness ever again, for it is so fleeting. I jolted as the words left Chase's mouth. Sure, it was a bit-well, very- early in our relationship to be saying such things. The initial shock that followed those words crackled up my spine, but in a comforting way. I loved it. I could feel my cheek muscles aching, but I couldn't find it in myself to care. He loved me. I know he meant it; he would never say anything like that if he were joking. It was sort of an embarrassing, non-Chase-like thing to say, and that is what made it so special. I looked up to his face. He was averting his eyes, and I could see the unmistakable red-as-a-tomato blush that painted his pale cheeks. He was so adorable. I reached my head up slightly and planted a kiss on that deep red, making him jolt as well, then seem to calm down. He snuck a peek at my face then, looking unsure and nervous. It must be scary to have to say things like that first.

"Love you too." I whispered, smiling brightly at him. He leaned his head down and caught my lips in a sweet kiss, and the fireworks that crackled around us quieted down in that moment. Chase was my first love; and of course, like any girl, I hoped that he would be my last.

Suddenly I heard a rather loud wolf-whistle.

"Get a room, lovebirds!" Owen shouted jokingly, an impish smile spreading across his face. Chase and I both looked to him with an annoyed glare. Kathy punched his arm.

"You're such an ass! Can't you see they were having a moment?" she jokingly reprimanded Owen. Owen rolled his eyes.

"Well, this is a public place, you know." He crossed his arms. Kathy sighed.

"But it's acceptable at festivals, stupid."

"Then why can't we have a moment like that?" Owen whined.

"Fine!" Kathy yelled, pulling Owen by the shirt and crashing her lips to his. Owen eyes widened in uncharacteristic shock, but he didn't pull away. Instead he wrapped his arms around Kathy's waist. Chase and I just gaped at them, utterly confused.

"Let's um…give them some privacy…" Chase suggested.

"Yeah…" I agreed, taking his hand as we walked towards the pier. We sat on the edge, our feet dangling above the water. We watched the reflections of the fireworks in the waves until the end, never letting go of each other's hand.

"We should probably get going soon." Chase announced suddenly. I looked at him inquisitively.

"Why?"

"Well, around this time everyone starts to get drunk and they all throw fish everywhere and…it's just not a pretty sight." Chase said seriously. I burst out laughing.

"Is it really that bad?" I asked. Chase nodded

"Considering I've seen this happen multiple times, I'm gonna have to say yes. One time I ended up smelling like fish for a week." He shuddered at the memory, then smiled.

"Alright. Let's go then." I said, rolling my eyes. Chase stood up, offering his hand to me. I grabbed it and got up.

We held hands as we walked back to my house, enjoying the sounds of the crickets chirping and the feeling of a cool summer night. I stared at the fireflies for a while and when I turned to Chase I saw that he was smiling at me. I blushed.

"Do you really love me, Chase?" I bit my lip.

"Of course I do, stupid!" Chase assured me.

"Why?"

"Just…because."

"Because why?"

"I don't know, because you're you!"

We were now standing on my doorstep and Chase's face was flushed to the roots of his hair. I smirked.

"I guess I can accept that answer. For now." I said, egging him on. Chase just huffed in annoyance.

I got on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Good night. Thanks for today." I smiled.

"It was nothing." Chase said, looking away with his usual stubborn look on his face. "Night."

He began to walk away as I went inside, his hands shoved into his pockets and his face still a deep red.


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