Flambéed Love (Story of Seasons / Harvest Moon Fanfiction)

Chapter 12: Wölfe

Despite coming into the restaurant at the same time today, Klaus and Giorgio did not sit together at the same table; in fact they never did. While the two gentlemen are fairly acquainted (only because of their mutual friend Marian), they prefer to have their meals alone. Being a busy perfumer and farmer respectively, they truly value the time they get to unwind.

However, being the observant gentleman that he is, Klaus immediately noticed Raeger's sudden uneasiness when he stepped into the restaurant with Giorgio. More importantly, he noticed how Minori was desperately trying to hide her face from everyone present in the vicinity, with her posture slumped. Concerned, Klaus approached Minori's side instead of his usual table and took a seat beside her. He took off his coat to allow easier movement, and simultaneously patted Minori's back gently as he finally settled down.

"Is something troubling you, Minori?" Klaus spoke quietly, to prevent anyone else from listening.

Minori tilted her head towards his direction slowly, and bit her bottom lip lightly. Her heart was still pounding quickly, her cheeks rosy. She needed someone she trusts to confide in, and the right person was now just in front of her. She wanted to tell Klaus everything. But she didn't know where to start, nor could she find the right words to describe her feelings.

"Uhm.. I, uh.. it was.. uhm.."

She continued to stutter, and thus drawing an unsettling sigh from Klaus. He leaned his arm against the counter, and bent his back slightly down to look at Minori in the eye.

"I apologise for prying into your business, Minori, but does it perhaps has something to do with Raeger?" Klaus questioned politely.

Minori flinched for a second, terrified of the accuracy that Klaus has when it comes to reading her mind. But to her, this was perfect - because it saves her the trouble of having to start the discussion awkwardly. She took a deep breath, and slowly nodded her head.

"Yeah.. well, we were kinda in the middle of something before you and Giorgio came.." Minori explained sheepishly and she suddenly halted. "But I'm not blaming you in any way, Klaus!!" She quickly waved her hands in disagreement as soon as she realised how her words could have been misinterpreted.

Klaus chuckled lightly, "Of course, Minori. I know you'd never do that!"

He paused, and looked at her gently, "You like him, don't you, Minori?"

"Yeah.." Minori replied shyly. "I was so sure that he wouldn't feel the same way, but recently.. I've, um, started to be hopeful."

Klaus raised an eyebrow subtly. "Could you elaborate on that, Minori?"

"Well.. it could've just been my imagination, but.. I feel like he's been more conscious around me lately... He's always been sweet and caring towards me too, but it somehow feels.. different now - in a good way." Minori recalled recollections of the time she spent with Raeger. "He was about to say something to me.. but he didn't manage to complete his sentence."

"I know that you are going to object this, but I can't help feeling guilty for interrupting your conversation. My humblest apology, Minori." Klaus frowned.

The young farmer chuckled in amusement, yet admiration for Klaus' gentlemanly nature. "You didn't do anything wrong, Klaus. The timing was just bad.. that's all."