When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

03: Like What?

"FITZMAEL?" HER FOREHEAD WRINKLED. "It really sounds familiar..." She looked down, murmuring, as though rummaging through her memory. After a few seconds, her grip on my arm tightened. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "F-Fitzmael? Y-You're part of the Fitzmael clan?"

I nodded. "Isn't it obvious?" I frowned, acting offended. "Do I not have the same charm as my siblings and cousins?"

"Huh? What are you talking about? You're not ugly!" she said quickly, flustered. "I was just shocked, okay? I'm only a second-year student at Fitz University, and we barely see any of you there. You only appear during big events." She took a deep breath. "To be honest, you're the most attractive guy I know—and chivalrous, too." She looked away, her cheeks tinting faintly pink.

"T-Thanks, I guess?" I mumbled. It felt strange to thank someone for saying things like that.

"Shit!" she suddenly gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. "The Fitzmael family also owns Bloom Restaurants, Hotels, and Airports, right?"

I nodded, chuckling. "Correct."

"D-Don't tell me you—you own Bloom?"

"My parents own it."

Her face drained of color. "Dammit!" she muttered under her breath. "I'm so sorry for what I said earlier."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing. After a full minute, I finally caught my breath. "I'm telling Mom about this," I teased.

She actually looked horrified. "I'll kneel if I have to—just please forgive me!"

I reached out to stop her before she actually did it. "I was kidding!" I said between laughs. "I wasn't offended, promise. Actually, I found your rant about our business kind of cute. It's my first time hearing someone say those things to my face. But if you really want to make it up to me, then don't complain the next time we eat at Bloom Restaurant." I grinned. "I'll take you there every day."

"Are you sure you're not hurt?"

"Not at all. Don't worry. We're good. We're still friends." I chuckled.

"Ren!"

I turned to the familiar voice. My smile faded when I saw Zius leaning against his car, smirking like a menace. "How long have you been standing there?" I asked flatly.

"Long enough," he said with mock innocence. "I've been calling your name, but I guess you were too busy. You've changed, Ren."

I exhaled sharply. If Elimae and my nephews weren't here, I'd have punched that grin off his face. "Tsk."

"Is he your brother-in-law, Ren?" Elimae asked as she instinctively clung to my arm. That simple gesture made me smile despite my irritation.

"Yes, Eli." I gently guided her toward the car. The triplets were inside, and their faces immediately lit up. "Hi, baby elements!" I greeted cheerfully. Elimae's face softened, completely smitten. "This is your Aunt Elimae."

"Is she your wife, Uncle Ren?" Krypton asked innocently.

Erazius chuckled under his breath before scolding his son. "Krypton, you can't ask questions like that."

"I'm sorry," Krypton said shyly. "I just saw you talking happily like Mom and Dad. That's why I asked. Sorry, Uncle Ren and Aunt Elimae."

I couldn't help but laugh softly. Then I turned to introduce them properly. "This is Arsenic," I pointed at the one who smiled shyly, "Krypton," the one flashing a peace sign with rosy cheeks, "and Cadmium," the jolliest of them all, grinning widely. "And that—" I gestured to the driver's seat "—is Erazius, my sister's husband."