.
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-Home-
With a softtick, the clock showed 5:56 PM. Hestia paced nervously, her small hands clasped tightly in front of her chest. "Bell-kun's late..." she whispered, her voice full of worry. Her thoughts ran wild, imagining all sorts of bad things that could have happened. She couldn't take it anymore and decided to do something about it.
She walked quickly to the front door, determination in her steps. Grabbing the handle, she pulled the door open, ready to head out. But to her surprise, she found someone standing there, bathed in the soft orange light of the setting sun.
Her blue eyes widened as she looked up at the familiar figure. A pair of red eyes, warm and apologetic, gazed back at her.
"Are you going out, Goddess?" Bell asked softly, his white hair slightly messy and his expression unsure.
Hestia let out a little yelp, startled by his sudden appearance. "Bell!" she cried, her voice a mix of relief and frustration. "I was so worried about you! Why are you so late?"
Her tone was sharp, but it was clear she was more concerned than angry. Her small frame trembled slightly, showing how much she'd been afraid for him.
Bell scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I'm sorry, Goddess," he said, looking down, clearly feeling bad about it.
Hestia's sharp eyes quickly took in the sight of the boy in front of her. The fresh battle scars on his arms and faint cuts on his cheek made her gasp. "What happened to you?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with worry.
Bell gave her a weak smile. "I just fought some monsters, that's al—" His words were cut off as his legs gave way beneath him. Exhaustion overtook him, and he collapsed onto one knee.
"Bell!" Hestia cried out, rushing forward just in time to catch him. Her small arms supported him, though her heart raced with fear. "Oh, Bell-kun," she murmured, her voice trembling. "You're pushing yourself too hard. Let's get you inside first, okay?"
Bell nodded weakly, unable to argue. Leaning on her for support, the two slowly made their way back into the house. Hestia guided him to the bed, helping him lie down gently.
"Stay here and rest," she said firmly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. Bell gave her a faint, grateful smile before closing his eyes.
Hestia wasted no time. Grabbing a small wooden box from a nearby shelf, she began preparing the medicines and bandages she would need to treat his injuries.
Hestia gently lifted one of Bell's arms, carefully cleaning the wounds with a damp cloth. "OW!" Bell yelped, wincing as the stinging pain shot through him each time she dabbed at the injuries.
"Hold still," Hestia said softly, though her tone carried a hint of worry.
For Bell, the process seemed to drag on forever, each second stretching into what felt like hours. Finally, Hestia finished treating his wounds and began wrapping them in bandages. When the last one was secured, she let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Bell," she began, her voice calm but firm. "I know I told you not to slack off, but pushing yourself this far... it's too much. You have to take better care of yourself."
Bell lifted his face from the pillow, his cheeks slightly flushed with guilt. "I... I understand," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Hestia glanced at him, her expression softening. She reached out and gently petted his hair. "There's a festival tomorrow, right?" she asked, breaking the tension.
Bell turned his head to look at her. "The New Year's Festival?"
Hestia nodded. "That's the one. I want you to enjoy it. Take the time to relax."
Bell frowned slightly, concern evident on his face. "But what about you, Goddess?"
Standing up, Hestia smiled at him. "I'll be meeting a friend of mine tomorrow, so I can't go with you, Bell-kun."
"Oh..." Bell murmured, realizing it was probably something private. He lowered his gaze.That's right... I don't know much about the Goddess's life outside of me,he thought.
Hestia's voice broke through his thoughts. "Bell-kun."
Hearing the serious tone in her voice, Bell looked up at her. Her expression was firm, her eyes filled with emotion.
"Promise me," she said slowly, her voice steady, "that...(you won't leave me..)you'll stay safe tomorrow... and that you'll have fun."
Bell met her gaze, her concern touching him deeply. "I promise, Goddess," he said earnestly.
Hestia leaned down, pulling him into a warm embrace. It was the kind of hug that felt comforting and protective, like that of a mother holding her child. But the moment was cut short when Bell spoke up.
"I already planned to go with Ais Wallenstein tomorrow."
Silence hung in the air for a moment as Hestia processed what he'd just said.
"Huh?!" she blurted out, her eyes widening in disbelief.
.
.
Bell planned to meet Ais at 10 PM, but with the clock showing just a little past 3 PM, he had plenty of time to prepare. His Goddess had already left before he woke up, leaving him with a quiet house and a clear to-do list.
Looking down at his usual outfit, Bell sighed. He'd been wearing the same clothes every day, and it was starting to feel monotonous. Deciding it was time for a change, he made his way to the bustling market district of Orario.
As he arrived, Bell couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer number of vendors and shops lining the streets. The market was alive with chatter, the scent of freshly baked bread mixing with the aroma of exotic spices, and the vibrant colors of goods displayed on every stall.
Though his main goal was to buy some clothes, curiosity got the better of him. He wandered from stall to stall, marveling at the unique and fascinating items for sale.
At one stall, his eyes were drawn to a beautifully crafted sword resting on a velvet cloth. The blade gleamed under the sunlight, its intricate design making it look like a treasure from a hero's tale. Bell reached out to examine the price tag, his heart racing with excitement—until he saw the number.
"Expensive!" his thoughts practically screamed as he quickly put the tag back, almost as if the price itself might burn his fingers. Stepping away, Bell let out a nervous laugh. "That's way out of my budget," he muttered to himself, rubbing the back of his neck.
Despite the disappointment, he couldn't help but feel a little more inspired. One day, he thought, he'd earn enough to afford something like that. For now, though, he refocused on his mission—finding clothes he could actually afford.
Soon, Bell arrived at an affordable clothing shop tucked into the corner of the market. The wooden sign above the door creaked slightly as he pushed it open, and a small bell chimed to announce his arrival.
"Welcome!" came the cheerful voices of the employees, their warmth instantly making him feel at ease. Bell's lips curled into a small, shy smile as he gave them a polite nod in return.
The shop was cozy, with racks of neatly folded clothes and shelves filled with simple yet well-made garments. Bell started browsing, his hands lightly brushing against the fabrics.
However, as he looked through the options, a realization hit him—he didn't really have a sense of fashion. He had no idea what would look good on him, and the sheer variety of styles left him feeling a bit lost.
One shirt caught his eye—a simple white polo with blue accents. He held it up and glanced at his reflection in a nearby mirror. "Is this okay? Or is it too plain?" he wondered aloud, tilting his head.
He moved to another rack and found a leather jacket with a hood. "This looks cool... but do I need something this fancy?" he muttered, scratching his head.
"That does not look good on him"Noticing his hesitation, one of the shop attendants approached him with a friendly smile. "Looking for something specific?" she asked gently.
Bell hesitated for a moment before replying, "Not really... I'm just trying to find something nice to wear."
The attendant nodded knowingly. "No problem! How about I help you pick something out? Do you have an occasion in mind?"
Bell blinked, a little surprised by the offer. "Uh... well, it's for the New Year's Festival, I'm going out with a.. friend" he admitted, his cheeks tinting pink.
"Ah, I see! In that case, let's find you something perfect for the festival," the attendant said enthusiastically, motioning for him to follow.
The attendant enthusiastically helped Bell pick out several outfits, which felt like it took forever. The next step was trying them on—a process that quickly turned into a test of patience.
One by one, Bell stepped out of the changing room, only to be met with the attendant's commentary.
"Nope."
"Try another one."
"Ehh."
"You look like a pigeon."
"A... pigeon?" Bell muttered under his breath, closing the curtain with a resigned sigh. He had no idea what a pigeon even was, but it didn't sound like a compliment.
Leaning against the wall of the changing room, he glanced at the growing pile of rejected outfits on the bench. His eyes landed on one set he hadn't tried yet—a simple yet elegant ensemble consisting of a white shirt with subtle embroidery, a light coat, and comfortable trousers that seemed practical yet stylish.
"Well," he mumbled, picking it up, "might as well give this one a shot."
"How do I look?" Bell asked nervously, stepping out of the changing room in the last outfit.
The attendant's eyes lit up, and she clasped her hands together. "My, my, what a handsome outfit you've put on!" she said with a playful grin. "That girl must be lucky."
Her comment caught the attention of a few women nearby, who paused their shopping to glance at Bell. They whispered among themselves, their amused smiles making the boy's cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red.
Bell froze for a moment, flustered by the sudden attention. "Th-thank you," he stammered, his voice barely audible. His face felt like it was on fire as he quickly ducked back behind the curtain, pulling it shut.
Once inside, he let out a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "I didn't expect that," he muttered to himself, still feeling the heat in his cheeks. After a moment, he looked at his reflection in the mirror and nodded.
"This will do," he decided, resolving to finalize his purchase.
After gathering the other clothes and putting them back neatly, he stepped out of the changing room. With the outfit on and his mind made up, he approached the counter to check out.
As Bell left the clothing shop, he glanced around and noticed a few clocks displayed at some of the nearby stalls. The hands pointed to just past 5 PM.
His stomach growled softly, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since earlier in the day. Placing a hand over his stomach, he sighed. "Guess it's time to find something to eat," he muttered.
Not far ahead, he spotted a row of food stalls, the air filled with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat, freshly baked bread, and sizzling skewers. His eyes lit up as he quickened his pace, weaving through the lively crowd until he reached the first stall.
The vendor, an older man with a friendly smile, greeted him. "Looking for something tasty, young adventurer? We've got the best roasted skewers in Orario!"
Bell's mouth watered as he eyed the golden-brown skewers, the meat glistening with juices. "I'll take two, please," he said, fishing out some coins from his pouch.
The vendor handed over the skewers, as Bell bit into the roasted skewer, the rich, smoky flavor of seasoned meat melted in his mouth. The meat was tender and perfectly grilled over an open flame, the spices adding depth to every bite. "This is so googfhd!" he mumbled between bites, feeling more energized with every chew.
"Glad you like it, lad!" the vendor called out, his weathered face creasing into a smile. "Best skewers in all of Orario, if you ask me!"
Bell gave him a bright smile, savoring the last bite. His stomach already feeling more content. His eyes scanned the crowded market, still hungry for something else.
Further along the street, a vendor caught his eye with a large kettle steaming with a rich broth. The smell was intoxicating, a blend of herbs and meat. He approached the stall, where an elderly woman with a kind smile stirred the pot.
"Care for some hearty stew?" she asked, ladling the thick, aromatic broth into a wooden bowl. "Made with root vegetables, wild herbs, and tender venison."
Bell's mouth watered at the mention of venison. "How much for a bowl?"
"Just five valis," the woman replied.
He handed over the coins eagerly and took the bowl. The warmth of the stew felt comforting in his hands as he took a sip, the flavor of the game meat mixing perfectly with the earthy vegetables. "This is really good," Bell murmured, enjoying the simple, robust taste.It really reminded him of home..
Not far from the stew stall, another vendor was offering warm, flatbread wrapped around a savory filling. The bread was freshly baked, golden and slightly crispy on the edges, and inside was a mixture of spiced lamb and finely chopped vegetables. Bell took a bite, and the combination of flavors filled his mouth with warmth.
After sampling the flatbread, he spotted a small stall offering roasted chestnuts, the nuts popping out of their shells and crackling over the fire. Bell purchased a small pouch and began eating them as he walked, savoring the simple sweetness of the roasted nuts.
With a full stomach and his energy restored, Bell smiled to himself. "That should be enough for now," he thought. He glanced at the clock above a nearby stall, realizing it was already nearing 6 PM. "Still a couple of hours until I meet Ais..."
Bell decided to take a slow walk through the market, enjoying the evening atmosphere before heading home to prepare for the night.
.
-Church-
Bell arrived back at the church and, after entering the familiar, quiet space, he took a moment to catch his breath. The day had been long, but satisfying. He hung his newly bought clothes carefully on a hook near the door, making sure they didn't wrinkle. Then, he retrieved a pouch of valis he had saved up from the past dungeon diving and placed it neatly on the table.
With everything prepared, he glanced over at the clock hanging on the wall. It was already 7 PM. "I've still got a little time," he thought, running a hand through his hair.
Deciding to rest for a bit before meeting Ais, Bell lay down on his bed, letting out a contented sigh. His thoughts wandered, but the weariness of the day soon caught up to him. The soft creak of the church's wooden beams and the quiet hum of the city outside made him fall into a peaceful sleep, his body finally resting after a busy afternoon.
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.
"Bell..." Ais whispered, her gaze softening as she turned toward him, watching the fireworks illuminate the night sky. Bell was staring intently at the brilliant display, his eyes reflecting the sparkling lights.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Bell's face immediately turned red, caught off guard by the sudden connection. Ais, too, felt her heart flutter, her cheeks warming from the unspoken tension between them.
Before either of them could say anything, Ais felt something warm gently cup her cheek. Her breath caught in her throat as she instinctively leaned into the touch, her gaze drawn to Bell's eyes once more.
He stepped closer, their faces nearly touching. The closeness made her pulse quicken, her hands trembling slightly as they moved to wrap around his neck. Bell's own heartbeat thudded loudly in his chest, but he didn't pull away. His heart raced as if time itself had stopped.
As Ais closed her eyes, their lips almost touching, a sudden loud, annoyed voice broke the stillness.
"AIS!" Riveria's voice echoed through the room. "I'M GONNA BREAK THIS DOOR IF YOU DON'T ANSWER ME NOW, YOUNG LADY!"
-Twilight Manor-
Ais's peaceful dream came to an abrupt halt, the vivid image of Bell and the fireworks shattering in her mind. She groggily sat up, rubbing her eyes, completely unsatisfied by the sudden interruption.
"Mouu... What is it?!" she groaned, her voice still thick with sleep.
She opened her eyes to find Riveria standing in the doorway, eyes practically blazing with fury.
"Oh? You talking back to me now, huh?!" Riveria's tone was a perfect mix of fake outrage and playful teasing. She crossed her arms and stared at Ais, her expression somewhere between a mother scolding her child and a warrior about to engage in battle.
Ais blinked a few times, still half-asleep and utterly confused. "Riveria... Why are you yelling?"
Riveria's glare intensified, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "Aren't you meeting Bell today?"
Ais froze, her hands mid-air as she looked over at the clock. Realization hit her like a ton of bricks.
"I forgot!" Ais exclaimed, her eyes wide as she scrambled to her closet, panic rising.
Riveria crossed her arms, her lips curling into a teasing grin. "Oh, really? Here I thought you already had an outfit ready."
Ais, clearly flustered, was frantically pulling clothes from her closet, but none of them seemed quite right. "I—I don't know what Bell likes!?" she exclaimed, her voice a bit frantic and her cheeks flushed with worry.
Riveria stepped closer, casually watching the scene unfold. A soft smirk tugged at her lips as she saw Ais in full panic mode. "Just wear something that shows who you are, Ais. Something that makes you feel comfortable and confident."
Ais froze in place, staring at Riveria with wide, unsure eyes. Who I.. am?"
Riveria's smile softened, her tone warm and comforting. "Exactly. You don't need to stress about impressing him with something you think he'll like. Just wear something that feels right for you, something that'll make him remember this moment." She added with a teasing smile, "Honestly, I'm sure Bell will love whatever you wear."
Ais blinked a couple of times, processing the words. Her flustered expression softened as a shy smile peeked out at the corners of her mouth. "I see... I think I understand," she said quietly, her voice calmer now, as though a weight had been lifted.
Riveria chuckled, giving her a light push toward the closet. "Good. Now, hurry up and pick something before you end up meeting him in your pajamas. We can't have that, can we?"
Ais's cheeks flushed even more, but she gave a small laugh, feeling more at ease. "O-Okay, I'll hurry!"
With a renewed sense of calm, Ais carefully selected her outfit, her movements now more deliberate. She picked out a simple but elegant dress that made her feel both comfortable and confident. The soft fabric felt just right, and it was something she felt trulyherselfin.
She turned toward Riveria with a soft smile, her face glowing with a bit of excitement. "How's this?"
Riveria stepped back, her gaze warm and approving. "Perfect. You look beautiful, Ais."
Ais's heart fluttered with both nerves and excitement, and she smiled brightly. "Thank you, Riveria. I think I'm ready now!"
Riveria gave her a gentle nudge toward the door, her tone light and teasing. "Go on, then. Bell's waiting, and you wouldn't want him to think you've ditched him."
Ais's eyes sparkled, and she giggled softly, feeling lighthearted and ready. "I won't! Thank you so much, Riveria!"
With a bright smile, Ais hurried out the door, her heart beating faster as she headed to meet Bell, feeling more like herself than ever.
.
.
"Nghhh..." Bell groaned as he woke up, lazily turning his head to check the time. His eyes shot open. "Quarter to nine?! I'm gonna be late!" He scrambled out of bed, tripping over his blanket in the process. After a quick wrestle with his clothes and a frantic search for his money which he forgot that he placed it on the table, he bolted out the front door, still half-tugging his shirt into place.
Bell bolted through the streets of Orario, weaving through the crowd "Excuse me!" he yelped, nearly knocking over a fruit stand as he sped by.
His stomach let out a loud, angry growl, reminding him he hadn't eaten since he woke up. He spotted a food stall selling skewered meat and slowed down for half a second before shaking his head. "I can't meet Ais smelling like barbecue!" he said to himself, before wiping the drool from his mouth.
As he ran, a gust of wind tousled his hair. "Wahh! my hair's a mess!" He tried to smooth it down with one hand while running, only to stumble over a loose stone and nearly face-plant on the cobblestones."Oww" he groaned, drawing a few chuckles from passing adventurers.
Finally, he skidded to a halt in the plaza, panting and looking around. It was still empty. Relieved, he plopped down on a bench. "Phew, made it. Now I just have to wait, time check 9:23."he may have over reacted just a little bit..
Bell tapped his foot nervously, his eyes darting to every passing figure. "What if I'm in the wrong spot? What if she's already here, and I didn't see her?!" he muttered, his thoughts spiraling into a whirl of self-doubt.
Desperate for a distraction, he turned his attention to the plaza's fountain. He started counting the stones along its edge, then moved on to tallying the number of couples holding hands as they passed by. By the time he reached twenty, a small bird fluttered down, landing gracefully on the fountain's edge and splashing around.
Bell smiled despite himself, watching the carefree little creature. "Hi, mister bird," he said softly, before pausing.Wait, why am I talking to a bird?he thought, feeling a little silly.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he slowly approached the bird. To his surprise, it didn't fly away. Instead, it tilted its head, watching him with beady eyes. Instinctively, Bell held out his palm. The bird hopped onto it, light as a feather, and he gently stroked its soft feathers.
"You're a brave one, aren't you?" he whispered, a small, genuine smile spreading across his face.
The bird suddenly fluttered away, startled by an approaching figure. Bell blinked and followed its flight before hearing a soft, familiar voice call his name.
"Bell?"
His head whipped around, and his heart nearly skipped a beat. Standing there was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Ais Wallenstein.
For a moment, his brain seemed to short-circuit as his eyes unintentionally traveled from the hem of her elegant dress to her face. Her smooth, clear skin seemed to glow under the gentle light of the plaza, and the way her outfit perfectly matched her poised demeanor left him speechless.
"Ais... you look—" He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing he was staring. His face turned a deep shade of red as he tried to find words, but they all seemed to have abandoned him.
"Bell," Ais said again, tilting her head slightly, her soft expression showing the slightest hint of concern. "Are you okay?"
Bell frantically nodded, his voice cracking as he replied, "Y-yeah! I'm fine! You—you look very beautiful.."
A faint blush dusted Ais's cheeks at the compliment, and she quietly replied, "Thank you, you also look very handsome andcute.."
But in her mind, it was utter chaos. Mini Ais was rolling around on the floor, giggling uncontrollably.He called me beautiful! He called me beautiful!she squealed, her composed exterior doing its best to hide the joyful fireworks exploding in her head.
Bell who's now blushing from the compliment she gave and completely unaware of the inner chaos in Ais's mind, nervously scratched the back of his head. "Uh, so... shall we?" he asked, awkwardly holding out his hand toward Ais.
Ais blinked at the gesture, her calm demeanor flickering for just a second as she hesitated before gently placing her hand in his. "Yes," she said softly, her voice steady despite the frenzied celebration still raging in her thoughts.
Bell smiled, feeling his heartbeat quicken as they began walking side by side into the lively plaza, the evening filled with a quiet anticipation neither could quite put into words.
Bell's heart was practically screaming.Why did I hold my hand out?! What was I thinking?!
Stealing a nervous glance at Ais, he froze when he saw her looking back at him. She noticed his peek and, to his surprise, offered him a soft, gentle smile.
That smile hit him harder than any monster in the dungeon ever could. Bell felt his face heat up, and he quickly looked ahead, trying to keep his cool. Meanwhile, Ais quietly held onto his hand, her fingers relaxing slightly as they walked, her small smile lingering like a secret she didn't mind sharing just with him.
They strolled through the lively streets of Orario, the evening lights casting a soft glow over the stalls that lined the plaza. Bell found himself distracted by the various items on display, but there was one thing that quickly overtook his thoughts—hunger.
His stomach growled loudly, a sound so unmistakable it echoed through the air. Bell froze, his face turning crimson as he tried to act casual, hoping Ais won't hear it.
Growll...
Ais, however, couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Are you hungry, Bell?" she asked, her voice gentle and teasing, as she glanced at him with a playful smile.
Bell sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Uh, yeah... just a little," he mumbled, embarrassed.
Ais's smile only widened as she gave a small nod. "Come with me."
Bell's eyes widened, his feet scrambling to keep up. "Woahh! Slow down, Ais-san!" he called, trying to catch up as she effortlessly picked up the pace.
Ais glanced over her shoulder, laughing softly. "I know just the place."
He puffed his cheeks, muttering under his breath, "Yeah, but I wasn't ready for a sprint!"
Bell couldn't help but smile, his nervousness melting away as he followed Ais toward the food stall.
Soon, they arrived at a stall with a sign readingJagamarukun?Bell blinked in confusion, but the tempting smell of roasted potatoes made his stomach growl even louder. He glanced over at Ais, who was staring at the food with an almost dreamy expression.
Ais snapped out of her trance, turning to Bell. "What do you want to get, Bell?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Wahh, she's more excited than me!"Bell thought, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I'll have whatever you're having, Ais-san."
Later, Bell found himself sitting across from Ais, his eyes wide and a little unsure as he stared at the dish in front of him."What did I get myself into..."he muttered, his face flushed. Ais had unknowingly bought the special couple's promo, thinking Bell wanted to share a jagamarukun with her, the vendor recommended it to her.
She was holding out the jagamarukun towards Bell, wanting him to take the first bite. "Bell... Say ahh~" Ais said sweetly, her voice soft and teasing. Bell, flustered by her sudden action, blushed so much that he forgot to take a bite.
"Do you not like it?" Ais asked softly, her head tilting in concern, her brows furrowing slightly as she noticed Bell's hesitation.
Bell froze, his face turning even redder as he scrambled for words. "W-What? No, it's not that! It's just... um..." He fumbled, trying to explain without embarrassing himself. "It's just... my first time doing this..."
Ais puffed out her cheeks, her expression playful and a little pouty. "Mou, you're too shy, Bell!" With a small huff, she gently pushed the jagamarukun into his mouth. "HmmpH!"
Bell, now thoroughly flustered but unable to resist, accepted his fate with a soft sigh. Left with no choice, he took a bite, his eyes momentarily glazing over as he admired the adorable way Ais was acting.
Her cheeks were still puffed out, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and Bell couldn't help but smile. "You're... really cute, Ais-san." He mumbled under his breath, his face turning a shade of red that matched the jagamarukun."Wait.. Did I just call her cute out loud!?" as he looks across the table to the now steaming Ais
Ais's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing a deep pink.Did he just call me cute?!Mini Ais was practically overheating, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The only thing she could manage to say was a breathless, "Whaa..."
Her face still glowing red, she quickly composed herself, masking the fluttering in her chest. "I-It's your turn to feed me now, Bell," she said, trying to act casual but failing miserably as her smile widened.
Bell, still a little embarrassed from the earlier comment, found himself at a loss for words. He stared at Ais for a second, then at the jagamarukun in his hand. His heart was racing, his mind in a daze as he wondered what to do next.
"Uh, right..." He took a deep breath, gathering what little courage he had left. he took the jagamarukun and held it out towards Ais.
Her eyes brightened, and she leaned forward just a little, her smile soft and expectant. "Ahh~ mm"
Bell's face turned even redder as he gently fed her, his hand trembling slightly as Ais took the bite, her eyes closing in delight at the taste.
"Delicious," she said softly, her voice like music to Bell's ears. She took another bite, and another bite.
Bell's heart melted, his face still redder than ever. "Do you like Jagamarukuns that much, Ais-san?."
Ais nodded, her expression still relaxed and happy. "Yeah, they're really tasty."Bell chuckled awkwardly, trying to hide his blush.
Ais paused for a moment, suddenly realizing that she had been eating the whole thing herself. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she glanced at Bell. "Ah... I'm sorry, I got a little carried away. Do you still want some?" she asked, offering him the last bite.
Bell smiled sheepishly, his face still a bit red. "I'm actually full already," he said, trying to hide his true feelings.He wasn't full at all he just wanted to watch her eat.
Ais tilted her head, eyeing him curiously. "Are you sure? You didn't eat much..." she said, giving him a skeptical look.
Bell nodded quickly, trying to avoid her gaze. "Yeah, I'm fine. Really."
But Ais wasn't convinced. She narrowed her eyes at him before leaning over, holding out the jagamarukun to him again. "Nope. You're going to eat the last bite," she insisted with a playful but firm tone.
Bell blinked, caught off guard by her sudden determination. "There's no ne-" he paused, Ais Wallenstein just used her most powerful weapon. She pouted. "Hmmph! It's only fair," she said. "Come on, just one bite. Please?"
Bell's heart skipped a beat as he saw the sincerity in her eyes. With a sigh, he finally relented. "Alright, alright," he muttered, taking the last bite from her hand. "mmm! Thank you, Ais-san."
Ais hummed softly as she got up and moved to sit right next to Bell, her proximity making his face turn a bright shade of red. "Wha-What's wrong, Ais-san?!" he stuttered, trying to distance himself, but there was nowhere to go.
Ais just smiled innocently, tilting her head with a sweet, almost mischievous look. "Just call me Ais," she said, her voice soft but firm, leaning a little closer.
Bell's eyes went wide, his face now the color of a tomato. "B-but, I've called you Ais before!" he mumbled, fidgeting nervously, unable to handle the closeness.
Ais didn't even flinch. Instead, she pouted, a playful and oh-so-cute expression that made Bell's heart skip. "But you're not calling me that enough," she said, her voice teasing yet sweet. "Please call me Ais every time, okay?"
Bell's heart was racing now, his thoughts completely scrambled by her adorableness. He could barely breathe, let alone say anything, but he couldn't resist her any longer. "I... I understand, Ais..." he whispered, barely able to keep his composure.
Ais's eyes sparkled with delight, her smile widening as she leaned back, satisfied with his answer. "Good!" Petting the boy's hair, completely unaware of how flustered she had left him. Bell could only sit there, trying to calm his racing heart.
As they checked the time, Bell noticed it was already 11 PM. They decided to tidy up their spot before heading toward the game stalls. The vibrant lights and cheerful sounds filled the air, and Bell couldn't help but relax a little, enjoying the lively atmosphere.Except the stares that he was getting because of them being together.
As they strolled, Ais's eyes lit up when she spotted something at one of the stalls—a bunny plushie. It wasn't just any plushie, though. Somehow, it reminded her of Bell, with its wide red eyes and fluffy white fur.
Without a word, she grabbed Bell's hand, causing him to let out a surprised "Wahh!" as she led him toward the stall. Standing in front of it, Bell blinked, confused. "Ais-san, what's going on?"
She turned to him with an unusually determined look, her finger pointing straight at the bunny plushie. "I want it," she declared firmly, her golden eyes sparkling with resolve.
Bell stared at her, stunned for a moment, before realizing he had no choice. "A-Alright, I'll get it for you," he said, scratching the back of his head nervously.
The game was straightforward: shoot down the goblins that popped up with a toy bow and arrows. Bell hesitated for a moment, but then his grandfather's voice echoed in his mind,"Always look cool in front of a girl."
Taking a deep breath, Bell picked up the bow and nocked an arrow, focusing on the moving targets. His movements were smooth and precise, a testament to his years spent in the mountains where he had learned how to use a bow for hunting.
The game ended with a triumphant sound, signaling his victory. The stall owner handed him the bunny plushie, and Bell turned to Ais with a sheepish but proud smile. "Here you go, Ais-san," he said, holding it out to her.
Ais's face lit up as she took the plushie, hugging it tightly. She glanced up towards Bell "Thank you, Bell," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
Seeing her smile, Bell felt a warm glow in his chest, the kind that made all his nervousness worth it. "I-It's nothing," he replied, trying to play it cool, though his reddening cheeks gave him away.
Leaving the stall, they wandered through the lively streets, stopping by different booths and enjoying each one. Ais admired the little trinkets and games while Bell tried his best not to fumble over his words every time she smiled. The warmth of their shared laughter filled the night, making the bustling festival feel a little more intimate.
As the clock inched closer to midnight, Bell checked the time and glanced at the crowd gathering near the main square for the firework display. Not wanting Ais to be caught in the bustling crowd, he gently touched her arm to get her attention.
"Ais-san, I know a better spot to watch the fireworks," he said with a shy smile.
She tilted her head curiously but nodded, trusting him completely. "O-Okay!"
With a small grin, Bell guided her through the quieter streets towards the walls of Orario. The spot was secluded, offering a perfect view of the night sky without the distractions of the noisy crowd. The soft glow of lanterns from below gave the area a magical ambiance, and the stars above seemed to twinkle just for them.
"This is it," Bell said, gesturing toward the open view.
Ais looked around, her eyes widening in awe. "It's beautiful..." she whispered, her voice soft as she gazed up at the sky.
Bell couldn't help but smile at her reaction. As they settled in, the first firework lit up the sky, painting it with vibrant colors. The faint sound of cheers from the plaza below could be heard, but up here, it felt like the show was just for the two of them.
The fireworks crackled in the distance, lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors as Ais and Bell sat together in their quiet little spot. The soft glow of the bursts above reflected in Ais's golden eyes as she turned to Bell.
"Thank you, Bell... for coming with me," she said softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
Bell let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "I didn't want to see you sad..." He stole a quick glance at Ais, his face growing warmer. Gathering his courage, he added, "I... I wanted to keep seeing your smile."
Ais felt her cheeks heat up, her heart skipping a beat. She looked away, unable to meet his gaze, her blush deepening. Silence hung in the air for a moment, save for the distant booms of fireworks.
After a pause, Ais spoke again, her voice steady despite the slight quiver of emotion. "What made you want to become an adventurer, Bell?"
Bell blinked, surprised by the sudden question, before smiling wistfully. "I've always dreamt of becoming a hero."
Ais turned to him, her eyes wide, something stirring in her chest. He could be the one...
"A hero?" she repeated, her voice soft, as if testing the word.
"Yeah," Bell said with a nod, his tone filled with conviction. "A hero for those who face their darkness alone."
Ais bit her lip, barely able to contain the rush of emotions swelling inside her. She felt her heart ache, and tears threatened to well up in her eyes.
"And..." Bell continued, his expression softening. "It was my grandfather's last wish."
Ais turned her gaze to the sky, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. Bell's dream wasn't just his own—it reached a part of her she thought had been long buried.
Her hands clenched slightly in her lap, her voice soft and fragile. "Bell... will you save me?"
Bell's eyes widened, her words striking a chord deep within him. When he noticed the tears slipping down her cheeks, his chest tightened. Without hesitation, he leaned closer and gently wrapped her in a warm embrace. "I will, Ais," he whispered, his voice steady and filled with resolve. Not even knowing why and who or what she needed saving from, but soon he hoped that she'll tell him when she's ready to.
They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's presence as the fireworks lit up the sky, casting their faces in shades of red, gold, and blue. For a while, neither spoke—words weren't needed. It was a moment neither would ever forget, one where promises were made and hearts began to understand each other.
-ℋ𝑒𝓇𝑜𝒾𝒸 𝒟𝑒𝓈𝒾𝓇𝑒-
Happy Belated New Year!