♡TO CAPTURE YOUR HEART♡

제10장

♤THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE♤

Time flew by like a cheetah on the hunt, and soon it was the morning of January 20, 2018, at nine forty-five. The only ones still lost in slumber were Mrs. Thatcher, Artemis, and Brynleigh. Meanwhile, Arrietty, Amethyst, and Dion were busy in the kitchen, savouring the delicious breakfast Arrietty had whipped up. The feast was nothing short of heavenly, featuring fluffy Japanese pancakes, crispy fried brown bread, perfectly poached eggs, savoury bacon, juicy sausages, both white and black pudding, and delightful breakfast tacos.

During breakfast, Dion's phone, resting on the kitchen island next to his plate, chimed, signalling a new message. He quickly swallowed his bite and took a sip of orange juice to clear his throat before reaching for his phone. A broad smile spread across his face as he read the message from Kiyoto.

Arrietty and Amethyst exchanged amused glances and burst into giggles. Dion shot a disapproving glance at his sister and cousin, raising an eyebrow in bewilderment. "What's so funny?" Arrietty and Amethyst exchanged mischievous looks, smirking playfully before bursting into laughter.

As their giggles faded, Dion sighed in irritation. "Seriously, can you explain why you two are acting so strange?" Arrietty cleared her throat, her smile widening. "I couldn't help but notice that when your phone chimed, your eyes lit up, and your cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink as you checked the notification. It must have been a message from someone special, right?" Dion's face flushed, resembling a ripe tomato.

"I-I have no idea what you mean." He stammered. Arrietty shook her head, her grin only growing more radiant. "Oh, come on! I know I'm onto something, and you can trust me-I'm always supportive and respectful." Dion glanced down at his clasped hands, took a deep breath, and finally met Arrietty's gaze.

"Okay, fine. There is someone special." He admitted shyly, prompting a chorus of squeals from both women. "Who's the lucky one?" They pressed eagerly. Blushing even more, Dion revealed that the person he had been harbouring feelings for over the past few months was a barista at a café just around the corner from his workplace.

"I had no idea you were homosexual." Dion's expression shifted to one of sorrow. He looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not sure I am; he's the only guy I've ever really fallen for. For as long as I can remember, I thought I was only attracted to women, and that's who I've always dated. Now, I'm confused about who I really am, and it frightens me." Arrietty hadn't intended for the discussion to take such a heavy turn.

Feeling a surge of empathy, she quickly hopped off the stool and moved closer to Dion, hoping to offer him some comfort.

"You're still Dion Thatcher. Falling in love with a man doesn't change who you are. You're still the same brave, clever, sarcastic, loving, protective, and kind person I've always looked up to. As your cousin and best friend-if I can call myself that-I'm here to support you as you explore this new chapter in your life. Let's ensure you feel comfortable embracing this side of yourself, okay?" Dion wrapped his arms around his cousin and softly whispered a sincere thank you in her ear.

"I've been overwhelmed with anxiety about what this could mean and how it might change everything." She smiled warmly, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "I understand that change can be intimidating, but it can also lead to something beautiful. You're still the same person, Dion; this is just another aspect of who you are. I promise I'll be here with you every step of the way." Dion felt a surge of relief wash over him. Her unwavering support acted as a guiding light, clearing the fog of his worries.

He expressed his gratitude to his cousin once more before jumping off the stool and carrying the empty plate and glass to the sink to wash them. Arrietty beamed as she settled back down next to Amethyst, who wore an expression of admiration. "You are truly amazing, and we are so fortunate to have you in our lives." Arrietty chuckled and took a bite of her bacon while Amethyst savoured a long, refreshing sip of her orange juice.