Yayz! So after a long period of time I finally updated this! So yeah, I rushed this chappie also, so sorry! . Please! R&R! Okaaay? Arigatou!

~KAI'S POINT OF VIEW~

The sun's warmth woke me up. Obviously, someone had already turned off the air conditioner and opened the windows.

I popped my eyes open and I felt a wide grin stretch across my face. Today, I'm going grocery shopping with Claire… and I'll be considering this as our first date. I sat straight on my bed, rubbing my eyes. Gray and Cliff were already dressed carrying boxes of… cookies?

"Morning guys." I greeted them as I grabbed a towel and headed for the bathroom. "What are those?"
"Don't tell me you forgot?" Gray arched an eyebrow at me.
"Um, Gray?" Cliff murmured. "You said he's always here during the summer, so I doubt that he knows about this…"
"Oh yeah!" Gray smacked his forehead. "Dude, you MUST see Doug right away! He might still have some cookies!"
"Why?" I scratched my head in confusion.
"It's spring the fourteenth! It's Spring Thanksgiving Festival!" They said in unison.
"Why didn't you tell me last night?" I threw the towel somewhere and rushed out the door, going to the kitchen.

Doug's eyes widened when he saw me. He was by the oven, getting the tray of newly-baked cookies. Man, the cookies smell so good! I walked nearer to him when he said, "Boy, get a shirt on first."
"Oh crap…" I realized I was only in my boxers. "Never mind, uh, well, can I have those cookies, if it's okay?"
"These are for you." He chuckled. "I knew you'd need these today!"
"All right! Thanks Doug!"
"Yeah, well, I'll wrap these up in a cute lil' box… Better get a shirt on first. You might scare the girls."
"Right." I smirked. "I'll get them later… after a quick shower."

As I headed for the stairs, the most embarrassing thing that could take place just happened.

Ann was there, seeing me only in my bare boxers.

And Claire was beside her.

"Kai!" Ann yelled at me furiously and immediately covered Claire's big, shocked eyes. Her cheeks were flushed.
"So not good…" I froze in front of them.
"If you know it's not good, could you please go get a shirt now?" Ann glared at me, her cheeks getting red.
"Yeah, I know!" I ran immediately pass them and shut the door as soon as I got to the boys' guest room.
"So, Doug still has cookies?" Gray smiled as he fixed his orange hair and gently placed his cap on.
"Yeah." I picked up the towel and hurried to the bathroom. "Can you guys wait for me?"
"Sure." Gray responded. "Anyways, it's still seven in the morning. Pretty early."
"I think I heard the girls… went out of their room already?" Cliff's almost quiet voice asked.
"Yup. I saw them." I answered back mindlessly, since I was so hooked up in showering really fast.

Silence.

Gray's voice broke into a more gleeful and teasing tone. "So… they saw you in your boxers?"

Both of them snickered, while I reddened in humiliation in the bathroom.

Seven thirty am. Gray, Cliff and I were sitting on the stools by the counter, waiting for Doug.

"So, here's the box." Doug came and added, "The girls are inside the kitchen making breakfast."

The three of us nodded, and waited.

"That's for my daughter, eh?" Doug eyed shy, little Cliff. Cliff's eyes widened and flushed a little.
"Um, y-yes sir…" He answered softly.
"Well, make her happy today. I'm watching you." Doug said as if he was about to bite Cliff's head off.
"Uh, yes s-sir!" He straightened up and smiled nervously.
"You, uh, gonna give that to Claire?" Gray asked me.
"Who else would I give this to?" I grinned as I raised the box in the air. "For my cute blond angel!"
"WHO?" shrieked a familiar, piercing voice through the building. I slowly turned my head towards the direction of the voice.

This wasn't good.

"Who is this 'cute blond angel' may I ask?" Popuri stomped towards me and her eyes were burning.
"Trouble incoming." Doug shook his head and went to the kitchen. "Try to survive Kai."
"I have a good guess the inn will be flooded with blood." Gray closed his eyes as if to express pity and followed Doug.
"Uh, I feel sorry for you Kai… Rest in peace… uh, no! I, um…" Cliff bowed his head and turned to leave but I caught his sleeve and pulled him to my side. I glared at him.

Of course, Cliff couldn't do anything then. He whispered a small "Sorry." Popuri got closer… and closer… and closer.

"Kai, answer me." Her shrill voice became a deep, devilish-like tone that sounded she wanted to kill me.
"I, um… ugh." I grimaced. "Claire."
She pulled my collar and our faces were just inches away. "Who is this Claire?"
I swallowed hard. "Sh-she's a new girl arou—"
"Do you like her?" She cut me off. Her clutch became tighter… and deadlier.
"I… I…" I was sweating cold and I felt I was becoming pale.
"That's a yes… right?" She removed her grasp from my collar and readied her fist.
"W-wait!" I waved both my hands in front of her.
"YOU STUPID, F***ING TWO-TIMER!"

She stretched her arm to punch me; it looked like her fist was on fire, and it was swiftly nearing my face.

POW.

I used Cliff as my shield and he got all the pain instead of me. Thanks a lot Cliff… and, hell I am so sorry. I owe this guy big time… I shook my head.

The next thing I knew, Cliff's nose was bleeding and Popuri was so mortified of what she did that she knelt in front of Cliff apologizing hysterically. I was still holding the poor guy in front of me, relieved. I whispered then to him. "I owe you big time. Sorry dude."

The bleeding Cliff faced with me with a weary smile on his face, and gave me thumbs up. "Eeengks emmkaay."

"What?" I tilted my head. His broke nose affected his speech. Oh no. I really owe him big time.
"WHAT HAPPENED?" Ann's voice broke. In a split second she was in front of Cliff, wiping the blood with a cloth. "Oh my Goddess, oh my dear Goddess Cliff!"
"Uhm Ahhhnnng!" Cliff exclaimed and gently pushed her away.
"Huh?" She scratched her head.
"Apppii engksgiing! Eeees asep ma gee…" His cheeks flushed and then he handed her the box of cookies.
"Aww Cliff!" The cute, blushing cat face appeared once again and she hugged him. "Thank you!"

Cliff suddenly screamed. Apparently Ann hugged him too tight and since he was injured…

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" Ann rapidly backed away. Cliff waved his hands and smiled.
"Ann?" Popuri went beside her and bit her lip. "I accidentally punched Cliff… and well… uh, I'm sorry."
"Accidentally?" Ann asked furiously. I sensed that my bad luck isn't done yet.
"Well, you see… I was supposed to hit this idiot," she pointed at me, "And he pulled Cliff in front of him and so—"

Popuri wasn't finished talking when Ann pulled my collar and gave me an uppercut. Then she punched my nose, gave me a blow in the gut, did a high kick and it hit my jaw… Well, she pretty much beat me up until I was half-dead.

The sound of a tray crashing echoed. Everyone turned their heads to the direction of the kitchen.

"Oh dear me!" Claire gasped. She had dropped the tray of food out of surprise.
"All right. Blood's out. Told ya." Gray shook his head as he and Doug followed after Claire.
"Now Ann, calm down… and uh, put Kai down." Doug coolly instructed his infuriated daughter who was still beating the sh*t out of me. "You should probably go to the clinic to help Cliff, y'know, sweetie."
"Oh yeah!" She immediately left me and ran to Cliff. "Let's go to the clinic, 'kay?" They left after a few seconds.

Ann had completely forgotten everything else when her dad mentioned Cliff.

"Are you okay?" Claire was suddenly next to me. My cheeks were red hot.

I don't know why, but the atmosphere became heavy.

It seems that Popuri's eyes were ogling at us. I could fairly sense danger… again.

"Oh Doug! I'll go get a broom right now." Gray said out loud, obviously escaping from the situation.
"I'll have to go with you! I have to get a rag too!" Doug, talking in the same manner, tiptoed with Gray to the kitchen.

The three of us were left by the counter: the enraged Popuri, the clueless but beautiful Claire and the injured idiot, me.

While Claire was busy wiping the blood off my face, Popuri came up behind her and asked in a rather plastic way, "Excuse me, are you Claire?" She flashed a very warm smile.
"Oh? Yes I am." Claire stood up immediately and smiled politely. "And you are?"
"I'm Popuri. Kai's girl friend." Popuri answered smugly. Her warm smile disappeared and an arrogant smirk came out.
"You're not my girl friend."
Popuri wasn't listening and kept on blabbering. "… we spend summer strolling by the beach… he treats me ice cream…"
"Cut it out!" I snapped at Popuri. I took Claire's hand and the box of cookies and made our way out of the inn. I walked briskly to the supermarket as I still pulled her. I was very pissed at what that obsessed Popuri rattled on earlier.

I was so absorbed in my own, livid emotion that I didn't notice that Claire was mumbling something.

"Oh Goddess, I'm so sorry, what were you saying?" I stopped and asked her agitatedly.
"I said that it might be better if we head to the clinic first… You're badly injured, you know." Her blue eyes stared at me worriedly. "And um… it would also be better if you could… release my hand now."
I quickly withdrew my hands and blushed like an idiot. "Oh yeah… sorry about that. I, um, maybe Ann will beat me up again when she sees me… so I'd just endure this for a little while longer…"
"Don't worry." She giggled, and motioned me to follow her to the clinic.

Reaching the clinic, Ann had finally cooled down, and apologized to me. "Hehe, sorry about earlier. But if you do that to Cliff again," her eyes became slits of blue fire, "I will beat you to death."
"Now Ann…"Claire smiled at her warmly. "How's Cliff?"
"Oh, he's in the other room. Trent and Elli are treating him. It's a broken nose, but far from death I guess."
"Well, that's a relief… I think." I commented. Ann's evil eyes were boring through me.
"Can he talk normally now?" I asked her, ignoring the glare.
"A bit." She shrugged and turned away.
"Oh Kai! Was there a fight at the inn?" Elli came out of the room, carrying a first aid kit. "Cliff was also injured…"
"But you look worse." Trent added. He and Cliff followed. "Okay, you go to the room next. We'll assist you shortly."
"I guess we'll see you guys later!" Ann squealed as she held Cliff by the hand. "Thanks Doc and Elli!"
"Kai, let's go to the room?" Claire said.
"You'll wait for me?"
She giggled. "We were to go grocery shopping anyway. And I…" She flushed a bit. "I'm a little concerned about you."
"I… uh, thanks Claire…" was all I managed to mutter. "By the way… here… cookies for you… happy Thanksgiving."
"Oh. Thanks!" She chirped. "Since we didn't have breakfast, let's eat the cookies together now, okay?"

I nodded, and we headed to the room.

So after a few bandages, stitches, ice packs, recommendations from Trent and Claire's little accident—she tripped on her foot and slipped, we finally left the clinic about nine thirty in the morning. This was really it.

"Hey, sorry about Popuri earlier." I frowned. "She's not really my girl friend."
"Ah, don't worry about that."
"So uh, to the supermarket?"
"Sure. By the way, what does Gotz like?" She questioned as we walked to the supermarket.
"Hmm. If I remember right, Doug told me he always orders veggie pancakes."
"Oh, I'm not… quite familiar with that dish." She pouted. "And Ann couldn't help me at all later since she'll be with Cliff the whole day. If it's not too much to ask… would you help me make veggie pancakes?"
"I promised you to help with the cooking, remember? Of course, I'd be more than willing to help you out!"
She flashed a cute, childlike grin at me.

"Girl friend, Kai?" Karen greeted us outside. She was with Rick, who was eyeing the both of us suspiciously.
"No." I'm used to getting teased already, but I still get all red and hot when they tease us.
"Oh sorry. I'm Karen by the way, supermarket owner's daughter." She hugged Claire. "You are?"
"My name's Claire." She gaped for a few seconds. "My… Karen… you're gorgeous. Like an angel, no, that would be an understatement… a goddess. Yes, your beauty can be compared like a goddess's!"
"Oh, ho ho ho!" She laughed. "That's too much of course… I'm just a human blessed with these striking looks and talents!"
"Really? You can sing?" Claire asked her dreamily.
"Not to be bragging… but people say my voice is amazing." She winked.
"You can dance?"
"People always ask me about dancing… but, really, I'm not bragging, okay?"
"You can paint and draw?"
"Yes. Like my dad, Jeff, I was also blessed with artistic hands. It's just luck that he was my dad!"

Knowing Karen, all she was saying was definitely a part of her false humility and modesty. She loved compliments. Karen was very self-confident and vain, though she acts tough. Claire kept praising her, Rick sighed and I grimaced.

"You can cook?"

Karen didn't answer, she looked mortified. Her face turned forty shades of red. Claire looked confused.

Rick and I burst into laughter.

If there was one thing Karen was very bad at, it was cooking. She can't even open a can of tuna right.

In a second we were snickering, then after a second I received another blow in the gut and Rick's face was full of bruises.

"We all have weaknesses." Karen flipped her chocolate colored hair and arched an eyebrow at Rick.
"What?" Rick demanded, wiping the blood off his lower lip.
"You haven't introduced yourself to this beautiful girl here!" Karen said.
"Sorry about that." Rick smiled weakly at Claire. "My name is Rick, Lilia's son and Popuri's older brother. We run the chicken farm over there. Say, are you the one who's gonna run the farm?"
"Oh, word spreads fast." Claire nodded. "How'd you know?"
"The mayor told me just a few minutes ago, when I passed by his house."
"Really?" Karen grinned. "Well, welcome to Mineral Town then!"
"Thank you." Claire beamed cheerfully. "I hope we can be friends!"
I cleared my throat. "Anyway, um, Claire, we should probably get going."
"Oh yes! I forgot. Karen and Rick, it's a pleasure meeting the both of you."

Karen waved us goodbye as we entered the supermarket, while Rick was still glaring at me. Jeff, Sasha and Zack greeted us.

"Good morning Kai! Oh… Who's this lovely girl you're with?" Sasha took a good look at Claire.
"Hey! You're the girl from the beach!" Zack exclaimed. "I'm glad you're fine now."
"Is this the blond girl you and the Mayor have been talking about?" Jeff and Sasha asked the muscled man.
He nodded. "She'll be taking over the rundown farm near the Poultry Farm."
"Hello everyone." Claire courteously greeted them. "My name is Claire Rosebelle, and yes, I'll be the new… um, farmer."
"I'm Zack, the shipper." He offered his hand. Claire shook them in return. "I'll be the one to take care of your shipments."
"Hmm… How does that system work?" Claire asked.
"I'll explain everything to you when the farm's renovation's done." He chuckled.
"Thank you in advance then." She nodded.
"I'm Sasha and this is my husband Jeff." Sasha smiled warmly at her. "We run this store... have you met our daughter?"
"Oh, Karen?" She chimed. "We just met each other a while ago, and she's very lovely."

I rolled my eyes. Claire looked at me, puzzled, and I just shook my head.

"So, what brings you two here in the supermarket?" Jeff asked.
"Oh, we're here to buy ingredients." I grinned.
"Anyways, it was very nice to meet all of you. And oh… I haven't thanked you properly, Zack. Thank you for saving me the other day." Claire bowed to show gratitude.
"No problem." He replied with a wide grin. "Good luck with the farm!"
"So, Kai… What do we need?" Claire turned to me.
"Well…"

The beginning of the day wasn't really nice, I'll admit it. I didn't prepare any cookies for her, it was just luck that Doug knew I'd needed a gift. She saw me in my boxers which, I guess, is very disturbing for her to see… since she was innocent and all. Because if Popuri saw me in that… I don't want to think about it. Three girls almost killed me to death—Popuri, Ann and Karen. I owe Cliff big time for his broken nose.

But in the end, everything paid off. Claire's finally here with me… I even had the chance to hold her hand and we ate cookies together. She was worried about me and we'll be cooking together later. It makes me feel so happy just being near her, shopping for ingredients. Anyway, the day's just starting… I'm sure we'll make more happy memories throughout the day. And as long as it's for her, I'll do anything.

It's crazy, feeling like this. I'm so in love, darn it.

Looking into her beautiful, blue eyes, I silently thought, my heart is already yours Claire. I wish I can have yours too.

~CLAIRE'S POINT OF VIEW~

I feel so giddy and happy.

I'm currently with Kai right now, cooking veggie pancakes for the carpenter Gotz. Ann and Cliff were somewhere in the mountains, as Doug said earlier when we came in the inn. He also told us that Gray had already left for Mary's house a few minutes before we came. The mess I had created early in the morning, dropping a tray of our supposed to be breakfast, had been cleaned by both Doug and Gray. I apologized to Doug for the inconvenience and he just laughed at me, saying "It's okay."

When Kai asked Doug what happened to Popuri after we left, he replied with, "She just stood there for a long while… But she wasn't crying or something. She looked that she was shocked."

Kai nodded and didn't say anything else. He smiled at me afterwards, and asked Doug if we could use the kitchen. So here we are now.

While chopping the cabbages, my mind was about to explode because a lot of things were on my mind.

Am I getting in the way of their relationship? Popuri likes Kai… She claims she's his girl friend. But Kai had already told me that he just likes her just a little bit and she's not his girl friend. Oh dear, I'm confused! Maybe… Popuri thinks Kai likes me? Oh no. Well, does he? I am beginning to like him, but I still like Skye. Kai makes me blush and gleeful. He acts as if he's my prince of some sort. I think he likes me… But, wait, no! Maybe not. I mean, Ann had informed me before that Kai is naturally sweet and friendly, so maybe he can also make butterflies flutter in other girls' stomach… Ack! So wait, am I actually admitting to myself that he makes me feel that way? So okay. I like him… I think. But with his actions with Ann and Karen earlier, he looks like he's rather scared of the both of them when they're enraged. He acts neutrally with Elli. And I'm still confused with his relationship with Popuri. So, he may be acting extra sweeter with me since… he likes me? Wait! I've no confirmation yet about that. Maybe there are other bachelorettes in town that I haven't met yet that he likes. He did mentioned last night that he likes someone right? And he'll tell me by the end of spring… By then my assumptions and possibly confusions will all be answered…? But can I wait for that day? Isn't that to—?

My thoughts were interrupted when Kai held and raised both of my hands.

"Wh-why?" I blushed.
"Claire what were you thinking?" Kai's eyes were very worried. "You were about to cut your finger!"
"I was?"
"Yes. Didn't you notice you'd already chopped all the cabbages?"
"Really?" My eyes looked at the chopping board. Kai was right.
"Well?"
"I… um, thank you… You can put my hands down now."
"Oh yeah… Sorry 'bout that." His face reddened. "What were you thinking anyways?"
"N-nothing."
"Really?" He arched an eyebrow at me.
"Y-yes."
He sighed. "All right then. I'll go finish the pancakes… You, uh, can you cook any other food?"
"Yes..."
"Perfect." He chuckled. "Is it okay if you cook our lunch? We could, uh you know… Have a picnic by the mountains afterwards…"
"Um, it's fine." I smiled and tried to hide my flushed face by turning away.
"H-Hey? Did I say anything wrong?" He held my chin and pulled my face for him to look at.

What he did only made me blush more furiously.

"Oh, s-sorry!" He suddenly shied away. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable…"
"Sorry too." I turned away. "I'll… I'll go make something for us to eat then!"

While both of us were busy making food, I tried to fight a smile on my face. It felt awkward and all, but this uncomfortable atmosphere still made me feel all giddy and again, the butterflies in my stomach started fluttering wildly. My heart is throbbing crazily, and I couldn't think quite right.

"Um, hey Claire." He said aloud, probably to break the awkward atmosphere.
"Y-yes?" I bit my lip.
"Wha… What are you making for us today?"
"Oh um," I almost forgot what I was cooking. "Omelet, French toast and sponge cake… And for our beverage, I've decided to make pineapple juice."
"Wow, really?" He was suddenly beside me. "Did Ann tell you my favorite food?"
"Uh no, why?" I replied curiously as I plopped down a frying pan on the stove.
"Because," His cheeks were pinkish. "Omelet, French toast, sponge cake and pineapple juice are my favorite!"
"Oh really now?" I giggled. "I like pineapple juice too."
"Cute." He grinned.
"Oh, um, thanks…" I replied half heartedly.
"Anyway Claire," he said as he plated the veggie pancakes, perfect in both appearance and mouth-watering smell, "I'd like to know what kind of food you like."

I swallowed hard. The truth is, even for a classy, poised girl like me, I eat like a pig. (*See chapter 2) I lose my poise when eating my favorite—burgers. I'm a huge meat fan. I don't like tofu much. I'm okay with sea food like sashimi; I'm still able to keep my composure. I'm not the usual sophisticated girl who'll only eat vegetable salad for a lifetime so I could slim down. No. In fact, I only eat a few kinds of vegetables. Yet, I am to be a farmer soon. Anyways, I don't know why I don't get really fat at all from eating. But still, it's embarrassing to admit that I'm not a woman at all when eating. Definitely not expected of a Heathers.

I'm too shy to tell Kai that I'm actually a pig hiding within this perfect figure of a woman.

"Well Claire?" He said, placing the veggie pancake inside a lunch box.
"Um, could you help with the French toast and juice?" I changed the topic. "The omelet is almost done… I'll be busy with the sponge cake…"
"Oh sure, sure, just say so." He immediately grabbed a knife and went to the fridge to get a pineapple.
"Thanks." I smiled timidly at him, and plated the omelet. I started working on the sponge cake, heating the oven, separating the egg white and the egg yolk and melting the chocolate.
"Oh yeah, what was your favorite food again?" He suddenly asked after a long period of time. I was so surprised that I dropped the bowl of melted chocolate. Miraculously, Kai had caught the bowl just in time. I mumbled a small "thanks" and apologized for my clumsiness. I looked at his workplace and it looks like he was done with the juice and was just letting the French toast cool.
"No problem." He smiled kindly at me. "So, uh, do you like… salad? Vegetables? Tofu?"

I cringed. He noticed it and began to say sorry.

"It's just… it's embarrassing." I said softly, almost a whisper.
"C'mon. I won't laugh, promise!" He raised his right hand and saluted. "I'll be listening, boss."
I pinched his cheek. "Promise?"
"Yes, boss!" He grinned. "So… what?"

I took a deep breath. "Okay, so I like, no I certainly love burgers. I love it especially when the meat is very tender and juicy. I hate certain vegetables, and I'm not entirely a tofu lover. I prefer meat more than anything else. And… I usually eat six times a day. There, I'm a pig!"

He laughed a bit. I punched him lightly on the face. I was getting all red and embarrassed.

"You said you wouldn't laugh!" I turned my back on him and started working on the whipped cream. I was just waiting for ten more minutes before I could take out the cake from the oven.
"I didn't laugh because I find it funny!" He quickly defended. He was beside me again.
I rolled my eyes and continued beating the mixture.
"In fact, I find it adorable, you know." He laughed again, shaking his head. "I find girls who can cook and eat a lot very cute."
"Hmm?" My eyes widened, and I knew my face was very flushed that time.
"You don't have to be so embarrassed about that. That's you, the real you. If you love eating those kinds of food, then don't be ashamed. I find it amazing that a girl like you," He smiled. "Isn't really conscious of what she's eating. I find it even more incredible that you're not getting fat at all with that kind of eating habit! You're unique Claire, very interesting and amazing. Just be yourself."

I remained quiet and was still blushing feverishly. Why, oh why, is Kai the only person who can make me blush like this? Skye, for one, made me blush several times before, maybe more than a hundred… But not as intensely like this.

Since I didn't know how to respond for his words, I just gave him an embrace and whispered, "Thanks."
His face was flushed when we broke away from the hug. "Don't mention it." He smiled happily.
"Be myself, huh?" I smiled. "The real me… is a pig."
"A very adorable pig." He went to get pot holders for me. "But what's with the refined posture last night?"
"Oh, I don't really lose my poise when eating food that is not my favorite." I shook my head. "Sashimi and pizza are good, but I really do love hamburgers."
"I'll cook burgers for you next time!" He promised.

We were by the neglected farm now, and I could see Gotz resting under the apple tree.

"He must surely be tired." I commented.
"Yeah." Kai agreed. He was carrying the basket of food. "But Gotz… he's really strong."
"I think so too. But he looks kind of scary…"
"Oh, don't get frightened by his physique. He's very, very, very, very, very, very kind!"
"Hey, you two, nice day today." Gotz greeted us as we got nearer. "Here to check the house?"
"Yes…" I beamed politely. "And, we thought of bringing you lunch."
"Oh, that's no need little miss!" He chuckled and waved his hands in front of him.
"Please," I motioned Kai to bring out the veggie pancake and a jug of pineapple juice. "Accept this."
"Yeah, Gotz, you've been working hard." Kai joined in.
"Oh well, what can I do?" The big man shrugged. "Well, join me for lunch then!"

I was about to sit beside Gotz, when Kai whispered something to him, which made Gotz snicker so loud and Kai blush. I was baffled.

"Uh, well, Miss Claire?" Gotz smiled.
"Call me Claire. Um, what is it?"
"I'm sure you haven't explored the mountains, right?"
"Yes… why?"
"Why don't you two uh, spend your date by the mountains then?"
"Date?" I flushed, and looked at a blushing Kai.
"Well, it is spring the fourteenth today, so couples are all out on a date."
"I… I guess s-so…" I stammered.
"So off you go love birds!" He waved us goodbye. "I'll be here by the farm if you need me."

Kai and I walked quietly to the mountain side.

"So, do you wanna have our lunch by the flower garden?" He asked me.
"Sure… that's sweet." I murmured and smiled shyly.

Reaching the flower garden— a beautiful place with moondrop and toy flowers scattered marvelously and a solitary cedar tree by the center, we froze in our place.

Not because we were astounded by the beauty, but the disturbing things our eyes caught sight of.

Rustle, rustle.

"Is it just me, or are the bushes in the far end shaking?" Kai nervously asked.
I swallowed hard. "I think it is… shaking. And… is that a pair of eyeglasses by the branch of the tree?"
"Yes it is. And hey… Does that brown suit look familiar?" He pointed to the clothes piled up beside the tree.
"Isn't that… Gray's?" I gasped. "Oh over there… Isn't that a blue skirt?"
"That looks like… Mary's s-skirt. And there's a white, long-sleeved blouse…"
"And isn't that Gray's… cap?"
"It's his alright. Oh crap! I think I see his underwear on top of the flowers…"
"Oh dear me!" My eyes widened. "Isn't that a bra beside the underwear you're s-saying?"
"It's black and lacey…" He nodded and turned away, deep red on his cheeks.
"How come you know about lacey bras?" I eyed him.
"Uhh…" His attention was diverted when he noticed a small box flying to us that was blown by the gust of air.
"What's that?"
"Here," This time, his whole face was really red. "It's… confirmed."
I read the label of the box and my cheeks were red hot. Condom. I threw it away instantly. "This is getting awkward… Wanna leave now?"
"Let's go to the s-summit instead…" Kai agreed, and we rushed to leave the place.

The summit was a wonderful place, with the pleasant scenery of the town below and the cool wind blowing. The sun was high so it was a bit hot, but we agreed to take our lunch there. We were about to sit down when another couple caught our attention.

Ann and Cliff were busy kissing. They were so into it that they didn't notice we were there, watching them. When Ann was removing her jumper, Kai pulled me to get out of the vehement situation.

"Is there a place where people aren't making out?" Kai mumbled as we stomped off.
I eyed him. "Kai... aren't you the type who can do such a thing also?"
"What!" He snorted. "Hey, hey, hey! I may be a playboy but I'm still a virgin!"
"Really now?"
"Honest! I haven't done... that. I was even surprised that those two idiots..." He shook his head.
"You know, for the first time I met Gray, I thought he was…" I trailed off.
"Me too. For the last three years I've met Gray," he shook his head again, "I never thought that he'd do that!"
"What about Mary?"
"That woman, I thought she was… a prude. Quiet and polite, but she…"
"And Cliff too…"
"Ugh."

We both sighed at the same time then, and we ended up beside a hot spring and waterfall. A cave was also behind the waterfall, maybe it was a mine. It was another breathtaking place, and it felt magical to be there. The sound of the waterfall was relaxing, and the trees were just perfect to shade us from the heat of the sun. My eyes wandered for creepier, love-making couples, and perfect, there was none. I smiled contentedly.

"Kai, let's just take our lunch here." I plopped down the blanket near the waterfall.
"Perfect." He sat down and began taking out the food from the basket.
"May I ask what this place is?"
"Oh, as you can see, an onsen is here, a mine, and beside is the waterfall. The waterfall is said to be where the Harvest Goddess lives."
"Wow, is that true?"
He shrugged. "There were rumors that the Goddess only shows up to farmers."
"So, she'll show up to me? How exciting!"
"Ha ha ha. Hey, wait for me, okay? I'll just get something…" He ran away with his eyes lit up.

I picked up a toast and was about to nibble the crust when a very bright, blue light suddenly flashed from the waterfall.

I could not believe what I was seeing. The Harvest Goddess was right in front of me!

"Hello Claire." The olive-haired beauty greeted me. Her eyes were mesmerizing sapphire gems, sparkling oh-so vibrantly. Her voice chimed like that of a nightingale even if she's not singing, and it was so soothing to hear. Her face is as delicate as a cherubim's, her lips a crimson. She was perfect.
"O-Oh my!" I scrambled to my feet and bowed. "Fair day, beautiful Harvest Goddess!"
"No need to be formal with me, Claire-bear." She laughed lightly in her angelic voice.
"C-Claire-bear?" I asked, bewildered.
"Well, I thought it sounded cute… So, oh what the heck!" She laughed again.
"Wait, how do you know my name?"
"That's a secret~!" She almost sang and winked at me. "I'm the Goddess y'know."
"I… um… Okay…" I stuttered. But I had billions of questions in my mind that I wanted to ask her. "Why did you appear to me?"
"Because you're going to be the new farmer."
"So… um, does anyone know you show up?"
"Apparently no, so our meeting is a secret! And I'll answer the question in the back of your mind that's bothering you right now..."
"Eh?"
"Kai was telling the truth. He's still... y'know. He hasn't done that."
"Oh..." I blushed. "Th-Thanks for letting me know... But I think he's still... a bit... p-perverted."
"Oh well. He does watch porn sometimes." She nodded.
"So... uh, never mind that... Um, well, do… do you know anything about me?" I asked her nervously. She may never forgive me if she knew that Claire Rosebelle was a fake.
"Oh, if I call you Clarisse Irene Heathers, would that answer your question?" She winked.

I gasped and froze for a long while. She knew why I was here.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! I'm so sor—" I wasn't able to finish my sentence because the Goddess used her magical powers to send the French toast flying into my lousy mouth.

"There, that should shut your mouth for a bit." She smiled playfully. "Anyways, I got to make this quick before your date shows up. Again, I know who you are, why you're here and so on. But don't apologize; I've already laid a very wonderful plan for you and for everyone… Though some may struggle more than the others. But everyone gets a happy ending anyways. So that should ease you up a bit…"
I already swallowed the toast whole when she was done talking. "So… all I have to do is be a farmer?"
She smiled kindly, and her eyes were telling me that she trusts me.
"Um, okay… I'll try my best then!"
"That's it girl!" She encouraged. "Oh, within a minute Kai will show up. This is my last reminder: If you wanna talk to me, throw any offering into this waterfall. I would prefer anything that comes from the farm though."
I nodded, as she started to fade. She said one last line. "I love strawberries, okay? Got that?"
"Got it!" I gave her a thumbs up, and sat down quietly as if nothing happened at all.

"Hey Claire, sorry I took so long." Kai said cheerfully as he plopped down beside me.
"Oh, no worries, I'm okay."
"So uh, yeah, here," He presented me with a bouquet of flowers. "I thought I might get some for you…"
"Aww, that's awfully nice of you Kai." I took the flowers from him and pinched his cheek. "You arranged them?"
"Well, yeah, I know how to arrange flowers… Popuri taught me about that stuff years ago."
"Thank you, they're really beautiful."
"So, let me serve you with your ever-delectable omelet." He smiled and gave a plate to me.
"Thanks. Here, I want you to take the first bite. Say 'ahh', now." I held a spoonful of omelet in front of him.

He flushed and grinned.

"Momma, that wash really delicioush! I want moawwwwr!" He said like a baby and opened his mouth.
"Okay, here comes the plane~" I sang and gave him another spoonful.
"That'sh really yummy momma!"
"Oh Kai, cut that out! I want to eat too."

As I held the spoonful of omelet for me to eat, he instantly but carefully took it from me and said, "Now it's time for me to feed you, Claire." He beamed. "Say 'ahh' to Daddy!"
I laughed so hard, and did as I was told.

"Claire…" He smiled at me.
"What?" I replied with my stuffed mouth.
"Nothing." He shook his head and chuckled. "You shouldn't talk with your mouth full!"
"Yes Daddy!" I batted my eyelashes and smiled innocently.

Time went by so swiftly. It was four in the afternoon already. And Kai still needs to ready his lodge for tomorrow so we have to go home early.

It was a very happy day. Kai and I went to the farm before going back to the inn. Gotz was still there, but he was about to leave anyways. He teased us about our date earlier and about all those giggles and laughs he heard. Both of us flushed. We bid him goodbye and continued our way.

"It's been a long day." I sighed as we opened the inn's doors. "Bu it's very memorable."
"It's been wonderful and happy." He agreed. "Thank you for today, Claire."
"Thank you also for today." I chimed. "Although it wasn't supposed to be a date… Which reminds me."
"What?"
"What did you whisper to Gotz earlier?" I knew the answer though, it's pretty obvious.
"Oh… uh."
"I'll guess then." I put a finger below my chin. "You asked him to not eat with us so that we could have a date?"
"Bingo." He turned away, probably to hide his embarrassed face.
"Well, still, thank you. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known such things…" I remembered the Goddess and her undeniable beauty.
"Oh about what we saw in the flower garden and the summit?" He laughed. Of course, he doesn't know that I was thinking of my meeting with the Goddess. What he said made me giggle, which made Doug curious of what we were talking about.
"Hey! What's all the whispering?" He went towards us and let out a laugh. "How is your day guys?"
"Perfect." We responded in unison.

Just then, Gray, Cliff and Ann just got home. All the three of them were sweaty and looked tired.

Kai winked at me, and I immediately got the message. He took the ingredients he left below the counter for his menu tomorrow and hollered, "Well, before I leave," he smiled at me, "I want to announce that our day was definitely perfect. It was just right, nothing intense happened. We didn't make out in the flower garden,"

Gray lowered his head.

"Nor in the summit," I continued, giggling at my own line.

Cliff scratched his head, cheeks red. Ann bit her lip and went directly to the kitchen.

"Nor did we scatter our clothes around the place," He added.
"Nor take off our clothes because we were so into the moment," I nodded.
"Hey Claire," Kai grinned evilly. "I wonder where that box of, you-know-what came from?"
"Hmm, I wonder why it was in the mountains?" I played along.

Kai and I laughed so hard that there were tears in our eyes. Doug arched his eyebrow at us, and shrugged his shoulder. He mumbled something like, "Let the kids have fun this day…"

"So, I'll see you guys later!" Kai waved to us.
"Bye Kai, take care…"

I smiled at him for one last time, and he went out of the doors. Kai, you're silently stealing my heart from Skye… I still don't know if I should give it to you entirely. But thank you… Thank you for making me so happy.