Flambéed Love (Story of Seasons / Harvest Moon Fanfiction)

Chapter 6: Bonds

Minori sat lifeless, contemplating on the events that occurred three days ago. She continues to stir her tea, yet not even a sip was drunk - leaving it cold.

'Iris and Agate were right.'

'How did this happen? I know they warned me..but I really did not expect it to be true..' Minori continues drowning in her own thoughts.

She looked down, and her eyes spoke remorse. "I....I...I've hurt his feeling, girls. I'm the worst!"

Iris and Agate can't stand the sight of Minori hurting herself. Minori won't stop blaming herself - even though there really is no one to blame for the incident. They looked at each other, wondering what they can do to cheer their bestfriend up.

Meanwhile, the events kept on repeating itself inside Minori's mind.

...

"Minori.. I have a crush on you." Fritz spoke aloud.

Minori was frozen. Her suspicion had been confirmed, yet she was unprepared to face it. How should she respond? How should she face him?

The young farmer had her mouth wide opened in shock, but she knew she had to answer him sooner or later - and the former is obviously preferred..she can't let him hang on to a false hope.

"Fritz..I.." she paused to carefully construct her next sentence, "I'm very sorry..you are very important to me, but... only as a precious friend." She looked at him with such guilt..she had no idea things would turn out this way.

Fritz's heart sank. It was the response he dreaded, but also one he was not expecting. He thought that she was going to agree to go out with him.

"Oooh..um..right..I see.." Fritz finally replied.

Minori could definitely sense his disappointment and dejection. It pained her so much to see him in that state, because he is such an important friend. But more significantly, the guilt was consuming her.

"Fritz..I'm sorry.. I should've-"

But before Minori can finish her sentence, her fellow farmer interrupted her. "Ahaha..well, I guess it's a no..but that's alright, don't think about it, Minori!!" Fritz laughed awkwardly.

"No..no! Of course I'll think about it, Fritz. I can't ignore this!" Minori shouted back in disagreement.

Fritz felt helpless, but he didn't want to show his true feelings. "Minori..don't be so serious! It's alright..we're still friends right!" He smiled bitterly.

"Oh I just remembered! I have to go and see Raeger now. Well, see you Minori, don't wanna keep him waiting!!" Fritz quickly waved Minori good bye and dashed speedily towards town.

"Fr...Fritz!! Wait!! We have to..."

But before Minori could say anything else, Fritz was already far ahead of her. Perhaps..too far to even hear a word she says; and soon after, he was no longer in sight.

Minori looked into the distance, her heart now heavy with misery.

...