𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗘. Demetrius Desmond

13

The city festival was bustling with energy, each corner of the plaza brimming with vibrant colors, laughter, and the aroma of freshly cooked treats.

Banners swayed in the breeze while children dashed about their faces painted in colorful designs. Both me and Leon signed up to volunteer mostly because we wanted to help Yor with the setup and making sure everything ran smoothly.

My initial tasks had me running from tent to tent, setting up tables, stringing lights and greeting community members who were equally eager to pitch in.

She seemed genuinely delighted to see me there and with a warm smile mentioned how much the community appreciated extra hands for events like this.

After finishing my initial assignments, I noticed a tent across the square where an elegant woman in her seemingly early forties was unloading boxes alone.

She had sharp eyes and an air of calm confidence, though she was clearly struggling with the weight of some of the supplies. "Mind if i help?" I asked with a smile plastered on my face.

"Oh sure yes, thank you!" she replied warmly, her voice carrying a hint of surprise. "These boxes have decorations for tonight's closing ceremony. I didn't expect them to be so heavy."

As I lifted the crates effortlessly she watched me with raised eyebrows and a small smile. "You have quite a bit of strength." she remarked, folding her arms as she observed with admiration.

I grinned, setting the boxes down by the table. "I suppose so. It's part of the job today!"

We continued working together, unpacking colorful fabric banners, string lights and small handcrafted decorations that looked delicate and beautiful.

I could feel her gaze from time to time, assessing me with a certain intrigue and I realized she wasn't just a festival attendee. She carried herself like someone used to respect, authority, and people listening closely whenever she spoke.

Once we finished setting up, she brushed a stray lock of hair back and extended her hand. "I don't think I've introduced myself properly. I'm Melinda." Her tone was friendly but composed, each word carefully chosen.

I shook her hand, noticing how firm her grip was, which matched her composed and dignified presence. "I'm Y/N. It's a pleasure to meet you, Melinda."

She smiled at my introduction, seemingly pleased. "You know, Y/N," she began thoughtfully, "it's not every day I see someone your age so committed to helping their community and with such strength." She chuckled lightly, her eyes bright with amusement.

Melinda's smile lingered as she glanced over the crowd then back at me. "Tell me, do you often volunteer for events like this or am I just lucky today?" She asked

I shrugged, glancing around at the busy festival scene. "This is my first time, I'm mostly helping my aunt since they are shortened with staff."

Her gaze softened with a kind of respect. "You remind me of someone I knew—Young but strong, and always looking for ways to help." She chuckled softly, her tone almost nostalgic.

"The world could use more people like you, Y/N." She said and i giggled, thanking her for her kindness.

Just then, two women entered the tent, dressed in coordinating outfits that matched Melinda's dignified style. They exchanged quick glances with her and she nodded, acknowledging their presence.

"These are my friends and colleagues, who will be helping us here." she said, motioning toward them. They smiled politely and after a few words they began setting up the rest of the tent.

I took a step back to let them work and Melinda turned to me, folding her hands gracefully. "You've been a great help already and I'm certain we'll see each other again during the event." She spoke and i nodded. "See ya!" I said running back to the city hall tent.

The event was lively and sprawling with every corner of the square buzzing with activity. Vendors offered trinkets and crafts, games drew in children and teens and a small stage hosted poetry readings and speeches.

But despite the energy. I wandered aimlessly, weaving through the crowds until almost without realizing it, I found myself back at Melinda's tent.

There she was, struggling alongside her friends to hoist a large glass statue into position. I chuckled, stepping forward. "Need a hand?" I offered, smiling as their relieved faces turned to me.

"Oh, Y/N!" Melinda said with a warm smile. "We'd appreciate that so much, dear." she replied gratefully.

As I lifted the statue with ease, the women exchanged impressed glances, murmuring in admiration. Just then, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

"Mother, here's the box you wanted." the voice said and I felt a jolt of surprise ripple through me. I turned slowly to see none other than Demetrius, standing with a small box in his hands, looking just as taken aback as I was.

"Demetrius, what are you doing here?" I managed, my voice barely hiding my astonishment.

He gave me a quick glance then shifted his gaze to his mother and the statue I was holding, almost as though confirming this wasn't some strange dream.

Melinda, picking up on the tension raised a brow, a hint of intrigue in her expression. "Oh, you two know each other?" she asked and i turned to her, I didn't even realize that she was a Desmond.

"We're classmates." Demetrius answered smoothly, though his voice was a touch too composed, his eyes locking with mine for a moment that felt like a silent conversation. 

"Really? I didn't know you went to Eden too! What a lovely coincidence." Melinda said, her tone laced with genuine excitement. She looked between us, clearly curious.

"Yeah." I replied, glancing back at Demetrius who was studying the statue with slightly narrowed eyes. "I transferred in at the beginning of the school year, right after summer break." My gaze drifted to the statue I was holding. "Where should i put this?"

"Oh, yes, right over there." she said, snapping out of her musings and pointing to a spot in the corner as I carefully placed it where she requested, stepping back to check if it was aligned.

"Thank you for your help, y/n! You've carried all our heavy decorations." One of Melinda's friends said and i smiled. "It was nothing, Don't worry about it." 

Suddenly, upbeat music blasted from a nearby station, drawing the attention of everyone around. People were gathering and dancing—small children, adults, even elderly couples swaying happily in tune.

Melinda's voice pulled me back to focus. "Say, Y/N, do you know how to dance?" she asked as i  hesitated, caught off guard. "I mean yes, I know a bit." I replied, wondering why she was asking out of the blue.

Her smile widened. "Then why don't you dance with Demetrius?" She suggested. Both of us froze, cheeks instantly flushed as her suggestion hung in the air. Demetrius looked as flustered as I felt.

"Mother, Father would never—" he began but the words caught in his throat as Melinda's expression shifted. Her gentle demeanor was gone, replaced by a commanding presence that seemed almost ominous, her gaze narrowing ever so slightly.

Demetrius swallowed, evidently silenced. Her unexpected fierceness left no room for argument, and he simply nodded, glancing at me as if to ask, Are you okay with this?

Without a second thought, I took his hand. "I don't mind." I said with a small, encouraging smile, and with that I pulled him toward the dance floor.

The warmth of his hand in mine sent a rush of adrenaline through me and we moved into the space, surrounded by the swirl of laughter and music.

Demetrius looked at me, his expression softening as he began to relax. "I never expected you to know my mother." he murmured, his voice just loud enough for me to hear.

I laughed, feeling the last of my own nerves melt away. "I didn't know until you appeared and called her mother." 

We started to dance as we both settled into a rhythm. It was a simple dance, a carefree sway to the beat and yet with each turn and step, we were drawn closer.

His hand on my waist felt reassuring and I found myself smiling momentarily forgetting the world around us.

As the song slowed, our eyes met and for that brief moment everything else faded, He leaned forward to me ear as he whispered something causing my heart to speed. "I LOVE YOU."