Flambéed Love (Story of Seasons / Harvest Moon Fanfiction)

Chapter 13: Bliss

Minori increased her pace, trying to catch up with Raeger's longer strides. Especially at times like this, Minori grumbled at her short legs. "Raeger, w..wait!" Minori requested.

Raeger immediately stopped and looked behind to see Minori panting with one palm on her knee. He finally realised how quickly he has been walking, perhaps in anticipation and anxiety on what was to come. He turned his body to face Minori, and stooped so that his eyes would be on the same level as hers. "I'm sorry, Minori. I didn't realise how quickly I was walking..." he spoke with guilt.

She took a few more deep breaths, before she finally settled down and straightened her posture back up. Raeger followed her gesture and was once again standing tall on both feet. With her arm still in his grip, he looked gently into her eyes. Minori blushed slightly, and smiled sheepishly before she let out a chuckle. "It wasn't your fault, Rae. My short legs are to blame." she pouted, expecting Raeger to tease her as usual.

Instead, Raeger smiled gently and walked towards her direction to close the little gap that they had; his eyes still fixated on hers. He placed a palm on Minori's head, and softly caressed her hair. "You're adorable like that, Minori."

Minori was now blushing even harder, and immediately looked down to hide her embarrassment. She was so thrilled hearing his words of praises, but she just didn't know how to respond. Raeger raised his eyebrows in surprise, and giggled at her reaction. Judging from the way she behaved, Raeger deduced that she was at least comfortable enough with his touches, signalling that he could proceed with his moves. He let go of her arm, to Minori's surprise, and brought her close to his embrace.

"Rae..Raeger?" Minori asked shyly.

Raeger remained silent as he continued holding Minori in his arms, not wanting to move and let this moment ends. But they were only halfway towards his original destination, and he wanted to bring her there for the special occasion, no matter what.

He stepped behind to allow space between the two of them, and motioned Minori to look at him. "There's a place I want to show you, Minori." Raeger explained tenderly. "Shall we continue walking? I'll slow down my pace, of course." he chuckled.

Minori returned his gesture, and soon nodded in agreement. "Let's go!"

...

"So this is it!" Raeger beamed as he introduced his favourite place in Oak Tree Town to Minori.

Minori made a few more steps towards the direction of the river stream; the water body glistening in abundant sunlight, so crystal clear that creatures residing in the river could be seen dancing their way around. It didn't feel like the middle of winter. The place felt warm, loving, and bright. While the trees were naked following the seasons, Minori could imagine how lush they would have been once spring comes; how the flowers would bloom beautifully, and how the animals would emerge as they rose from their slumber. She continued to stare in amazement, slightly annoyed at herself for not noticing such a magical place sooner.

"Raeger, this is amazing!!!" Minori expressed her excitement.

Raeger smiled gently, and made her way closer to where Minori was standing. "This is my secret place. I come here whenever I need to unwind, when I'm sad, or simply when I want to be alone - And I want to share this place with you."

She felt herself getting warmer from his words of affection, and found herself gazing into his eyes. "Such a special place for you.. and you want to share it with me?"