dont talk to me

two

chapter 2 - too fast... to slow

Over the next week, I devote myself to cultivating my farm. I plant crops, buy animals, and construct necessary buildings to get my farm up and running. In my spare time, I also begin to interact with the people of the town, forging new friendships and connections.

Despite my progress in building up my farm and interacting with the townspeople, I find that I haven't quite managed to form close bonds with anyone yet. While I am friendly with the townspeople, the relationships feel more casual than intimate.

Harvey, the town's doctor, seems to have taken a liking to me. His warm and caring nature shines through as he interacts with me, and I can sense a growing affection in his demeanor towards me. However, it's not clear whether this affection is romantic or merely friendly.

Harvey is nice but... I know what my heart want.

Today, I head to Pierre's store to sell some of my freshly harvested vegetables. As I enter, I find Shane already there, restocking some goods. He glances up as I approach and gives a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Shane... My heart beat.

"Thank you," I hesitate. I was still embarrassed when he rejected my friendship attempt.

"No problem," Shane mutters in response, continuing with his task. He glances up again briefly, and a subtle, almost faint smile tugs at the corners of his lips. Though he tries to maintain his usual aloof demeanor, it's clear that he's not immune to my presence.

I'm still embarrassed but I'm still insanely in love. Kill me.

"R- remember me?"

Shane pauses for a moment, his expression softening slightly. "Of course I remember you," he replies. "How could I forget our talk in the saloon?"

I laugh awkwardly.

Over the months, I've been so consumed with building up my farm that I haven't had much time for socializing with the townspeople, including Shane. However, during the few occasions when I headed to Leah's house, which is located down the road from Shane's house, I did catch glimpses of him from afar.

I smile, awkwardly.

During one of my visits to Leah's house, I notice Shane standing outside his place, tending to a patch of parsnips in his front yard. He looks up and catches my eye. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he acknowledges my presence, but he quickly masks it with his usual aloof expression, returning to his gardening.

Six months have flown by, and I've adapted to the farming lifestyle. I've grown more confident in tending to my farm and have yielded a bountiful harvest of fruits. Today, I decide to visit each house in the town to share some of my delicious fruit with the townsfolk, including Shane.

After visiting the other houses in the town, I finally arrive at Shane's place. I am surprised to find that Jas, Shane's goddaughter, is the only one home. She excitedly invites me in, and I end up spending some time playing games and chatting with her.

As the day draws to a close and the sun begins to set, I realize that Shane hasn't returned yet.

Marnie, Shane's aunt and Jas' grandmother, returns home and finds I am still there. She apologizes for Jas taking up my time and gently scolds the young girl for keeping me for so long.

Just a few minutes later, Shane arrives back home after his day at work. Upon seeing me, he offers to walk me home, knowing it's already dark outside. Though he doesn't verbalize his reason, there's a hint of protectiveness in his voice.

"Thank you,"

"No problem," Shane replies with a slight nod, his voice betraying a hint of gruffness. The two of us head off together in the night, walking side by side toward my farm.

"Do you like younger girls?"

Free Shane from me.

Shane looks at ne with a mix of surprise and confusion at my question. He clears his throat, clearly taken aback by the unexpectedness of my query. "What?" he asks, the usual gruffness in his voice momentarily replaced by a bewildered tone.

"I meanㅡ"

Shane hesitates for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glances at me. "Why do you ask?" he inquires cautiously, his tone wary.

"I'm sorry... I crossed the line didn't I?" I bite my lower lips, feeling guilty. For myself. Why are you doing this to yourself??

Shane stare at me was careful.

I sighed, "you don't have to answer. I'llㅡ"

Shane regards me with a skeptical look for a moment longer before shrugging it off. "Yeah, well, it's an odd question to ask out of the blue," he mutters. He falls silent for a few moments, lost in thought, before continuing the rest of the walk in silence.

"Mm.. do you want a drink? In my house,"

FREE SHANE FROM ME.

Shane glances at me as I extend the invitation, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He seems to hesitate for a moment, as if weighing my offer in his mind. After a beat, he nods reluctantly. "Yeah, sure," he mutters, his gruff demeanor softening slightly.

"Oh."

I were surprised that Shane agreed to my invitation so quickly. I had expected him to decline or at least show some resistance, given his usual aloof nature. However, beneath his rough exterior, it seems that he too craves companionship and human connection.

As the night progresses, I find myself engaging in a more genuine conversation with Shane over a few drinks. Hours pass, and the sun has long set, casting the room in a gentle, dim twilight. Eventually, Shane glances at the clock and realizes how late it's gotten.

He stands up, stretching slightly as he does so, and a hint of fatigue tinges his voice. "Guess I should head home," he mutters, reluctantly.

One step at a time.