Chapter 86

After enjoying a delicious meal and feeling pleasantly full, Noah and I sat at the counter of the still bustling Tanuki-ya, sipping our drinks.

The sound of the door opening caught our attention. Emma peeked out to check the sky, but this was already the fifth time she had done so. Watching Master pull Emma back into the restaurant by her arm, I couldn't help but chuckle.

With a smile still lingering on my lips, I turned my gaze to the tart served as dessert. I took a bite of the peach tart with my fork.

"Hmm, this tart is delicious. The peaches are sweet, yet the texture is light and refreshing. Is there cheese in the cream?"

The small tart, decorated with thinly sliced peaches in the shape of flowers, was adorable. The moist tart crust could be easily cut with just a fork. The cream inside had a subtle tang that seemed to balance the sweetness of the peaches.

I cut a small piece and offered it to Noah, who had set his mug on the table. Without hesitation, he took a bite. Although we had done this before, I still felt a bit shy about it.

"Yeah, there's cheese. It's good."

"Right, it's light and delicious, isn't it? Did you order a tart?"

"I wanted something salty today."

"Are you not drinking ale?"

"It's ale mixed with lemonade. Want to try it?"

"Sure, if you don't mind."

"Of course," Noah said, pushing the mug towards me. I took it with both hands and took a sip. The ale had a stronger lemon flavor than I expected. Despite its characteristic bitterness, the sweetness of the lemonade made it easy to drink. Yes, it was delicious.

"It's delicious."

"Right? Lars recommended it. Sometimes, it's nice to try something different."

I returned the mug to Noah and picked up my glass. The white wine inside sparkled under the restaurant's lights.

"Does Lars go out for drinks?"

"He does, but I don't know where."

"Do you ever go out for drinks together?"

"We sometimes drink together at the dorm."

"Hehe, sounds fun."

I wondered what life in the dorm was like. Having never left home, I could only imagine, but it must be lively and enjoyable.

"If you get married and leave the dorm, won't you feel lonely, Noah?"

"Why would I feel lonely when I'm returning to where you are?"

Hearing such a matter-of-fact statement, I paused mid-sip. Noah's lips curved as usual, but his expression was hidden behind his thick bangs.

"I bet you talk about wanting to come back all day long."

"That might be... true for me too."

Noah stiffened at my honest admission. Before he could say anything, Emma leaned over the counter.

"The star shower is about to start! Are you two going to watch it?"

"Yes, of course."

"Then let's go outside."

Excitement was evident in Emma's voice, and I couldn't help but smile. She opened the door, and the customers began to file out. Noah and I followed, with Master bringing up the rear.

"The lights will dim, but I'll be at the entrance watching the shop, so you can relax."

"Will you be able to see the stars, Master?"

"Of course."

The street lights dimmed slightly, likely for security reasons. Master watched over us as Noah and I stepped outside the Tanuki-ya.

People were emerging from other shops, filling the wide street. It wasn't so crowded that we bumped into others, but there were more people than I expected. Standing near the wall of the Tanuki-ya and looking up, Noah wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. I was just surprised by the crowd."

Noah pulled me closer, protecting me. As the street lights dimmed, the stars in the sky became more visible, spreading across the night sky.

This was the first time I had seen such a dark city, and I felt a bit nervous. But I wasn't afraid because Noah was with me.

A shooting star streaked across the sky. Someone gasped, and the sound rippled through the crowd.

More and more shooting stars appeared, as if responding to the gasps.

"It's beautiful."

"Yes."

No matter how many times I saw it, my heart trembled. The fleeting, beautiful stars were mesmerizing.

"Until last year, I watched the star shower alone, sometimes with someone at the dorm. But this year, being able to watch it with you is... special."

His voice was soft and full of warmth. He thought this star shower, watched with me, was special. That gentle voice made me feel the same way.

"Yes, I feel the same... I'm glad I can watch it with Noah. Until last year, I always watched the sky with my family, but from now on, I'll watch it with Noah."

"Next year, let's watch it from the gazebo in the garden. Just the two of us."

"Sounds good. It's a promise, okay?"

"Yes, a promise. Let's watch it together every year, and for many years to come."

The promise tightened my chest. Joy, sadness, and longing mixed together, and I could only nod. If I opened my mouth, I might have cried.

Noah, as if understanding, tightened his arm around my shoulder. The warmth of his strong embrace made the stars blur in my eyes, a secret only I knew.

The star shower lasted only a few minutes. As the number of shooting stars decreased, the sky returned to its usual tranquility. The bright and faint stars twinkled as if nothing had happened.

Even as the crowd began to move, Noah and I remained in the same spot, not causing any inconvenience since we were near the wall. The Tanuki-ya was just a stone's throw away, so there was no need to rush. We watched the people return to their respective shops, and I took a deep breath.

"This year's star shower was beautiful. I almost thought a star would fall into my palm."

"Do you want a star?"

Noah laughed, a playful tone in his voice. He let go of my shoulder and took my hand. I loved the warmth and size of his hand.

The crowd dispersed, and the street lights and shop lights returned to their usual brightness, bringing the bustling atmosphere back.

"If I ask for a star, will you grant it?"

"Of course."

"Like a star-shaped candy?"

I joked, and Noah lifted his glasses with his finger. Behind his bangs, his eyes—often called the "evening star"—were a deep purple, with golden irises shining.

"These eyes, called the 'evening star,' belong only to you."

His sweet voice made me dizzy. The deep purple eyes gazed at me intently.

"Will you always reflect me in those evening stars?"

"Of course."

Noah's gentle laugh made me smile. A special star, more so than a meteor shower, looked at me with affection. The joy and happiness I felt were overwhelming, and I wanted to convey my feelings. I squeezed his hand tightly.

Thank you for reading this extra chapter!

I hope to update irregularly, so please look forward to it.