Chapter 38: Our time by the lake

"Calla?" said a voice that was coming closer. "What's the matter? Is something wrong?"

As if on reflex, I hid my hands on my back as I turned to Sein. "No- I'm fine. I… just thought I saw something."

I shook off the images from my head and tried to summon a calm smile. It was nothing, I was just seeing things. A figment of my imagination, that's all.

'How long are you going to keep this up?' —the voice in my head asked in a grieving tone.

"Do you feel cold?"

"With all these bandages?" I tried to muster a little laugh. "I don't think so."

Sein's eyes smiled. "Right, I figured." Then he threw a thumb over his shoulder. "Come on, we're almost there."

I nodded. "Sure."

We passed the wooden bench where Lavi and I sat earlier this afternoon and got out of the gardens through the opening that led to the wide field of grass. Sein led me to the left side where a small road surrounded with trees could be seen. A few walks in and I had already spotted a tiny part of a body of water.

As we got out of the thicket, a magnificent view gradually started to unravel. My feet immediately came to a halt, my lips parted slowly as I took in the magical sight. We were in a clearing inside a small forest where one could easily see the radiant stars that scattered like glowing silver dusts in the night sky. A hazy mist hovered above the huge round moon's reflection on the glassy waters of the lake. Everything looked like a canvas painting made by gifted hands.

The only word that escaped from my mouth was, "Lovely."

I faced the boy beside me, who was actually already looking at me with gentle eyes. Has he been staring at me this whole time?

"Do you like it?"

"I love it." I beamed. My chest felt light and giddy. "Have you always been coming here?"

"Only twice, I just discovered this place recently," Sein clasped his hand on his back, and then heaved in a breath. His eyes went to the lake as he continued, "And I've been planning to share this wonderful scene with you ever since."

I didn't know what to reply.

"Oh… thank you." My voice came out awkward, the pitch a little higher than normal.

My eyes went to scan the crystalline surface of the lake, imagining tiny fairies hopping and dancing above it—all so that I don't over-think what Sein's words meant.

"I've something else to show you."

I lifted my brows as I looked at the boy beside me again. "You're full of surprises today, aren't you?"

"It's not much of a surprise but, I guess." Sein giggled sweetly that might make my imaginary fairies steal him for themselves.

He dove his hand into his pocket and took out a tiny black box.

"A box?"

"A music box."

My brows furrowed. It looked like a normal box, plus it had no lever to spin.

"A magical one." he said as his pale and slender hand lifted it open.

Inside the music box was a tiny metallic figurine of a boy and a girl, hands on each other as they spun around a shimmering white light inside it. And as soon as it completely opened, a melody started to play. The pleasant symphony added up to the elegance of the moment.

I gasped. "H-how… is that possible?"

Sein's lips lifted prettily. "Well, magic can be wonderful at times."

Then he crouched down and placed the box on the ground. After that, he gestured a hand towards me, the other on his back. "Would you care for a dance?"

My eyes widened. "You have got to be kidding me." I chuckled.

He beamed in a manner that was breathtaking. "Not even at the least."

A pang echoed in my heart. "O-okay," I stuttered. "Just don't blame me for injuring your toes."

Sein merely laughed. "I have to get used to that starting tonight."

I didn't know what he meant by that but I eventually placed my hand on his. Then he pulled me closer to him as his palm made its way to my waist. I almost gasped at the sudden contact.

As soon as I'd placed my other hand to his shoulder, we moved naturally along the rhythm of the mellow music.

Unexpectedly, I enjoyed it—enough that I nearly hoped for this night not to end. A dance with a fine young man by the mystical lakeside, just the thought of it makes my heart race faster.

"About the gown," Sein started, our bodies still swaying to the music box's harmony. "I gave it to you so that we could wear matching attires."

I stumbled on my footing.

"Wh-what…"

"I know, I know. I should've asked for your permission first." Sein blushed. "But the thought that someone might ask you first made me panic. I was being impulsive. I'm sorry, Calla."

I didn't feel mad at all. Instead, I felt happy. Knowing that Sein had this side of him startled me, but he became even more adorable in my eyes.

"No, it's fine-"

I slipped on slippery ground, dragging Sein with me. We rolled into a little slope that overlooked the lake. As soon as we'd stopped falling, the pain of aching body parts and a twisted ankle surfaced. Goddess, this is so embarrassing! Why did this have to happen?! Have I always been this careless?

"Calla! Are you okay?"

I opened my eyes to a worried gaze. His silver hair covered with weeds glinted fairly below the moonlight. Sein was still good-looking even at this situation that it almost seemed unfair. And he was on top of me, our bodies only a few inches apart on the dewy ground.

My cheeks were heating up and I had the desperate urge to cover my face. "Th-th-that was so shameful! I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm reaaaally sorry!"

Sein laughed. I could feel his body shift as he chose to lie beside me. "Do you want me to forget this embarrassing moment?"

"Yes, I'll do anything... just please forget about what happened."

"Then," he only paused for a second, but time seemed to stretch. "During the birthday banquet, make me your first dance."

I dropped my hands from my face then turned to him. "That's it?"

"Mmm, that's it."

"Okay." I answered, my eyes traced Sein's gaze to the moon.

For a moment, there was only the silence, and the chirping of crickets. The both of us just lay beside each other, appreciating the glamour of the dark horizon.

"The moon is so beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, as his hand found its way on top of mine.