Flambéed Love (Story of Seasons / Harvest Moon Fanfiction)

Chapter 22: Time

"You're the heir to the Regenstein household?"

Klaus sighed, hesitating for a moment before he finally replied, "Yes, that is true." The sudden revelation was something he didn't see coming, yet he kept his composure, and remained calmer than most people.

Minori, on the other hand, was caught completely off guard, with thoughts running through her mind. Never once did she expect Klaus to be from such a highly distinguished family. Yes, he is a gentleman and he acts noble, but she didn't expect him to be a literal noble man. She blinked a few times, unsure of what to say about the newfound information.

"Minori, if I could please ask you one favour..." Klaus interrupted the silence. "Would you please keep this to yourself? I wish for my real identity to remain hidden.." he requested.

"Oh, okay. Sure, of course!" Minori quickly replied, followed by a short pause. "But Klaus.. if I may ask.. why are you trying to hide it?"

"Before I answer that, thank you for agreeing to my request, Minori. You have my trust." he smiled, making sure to continue being the gentleman that he is by thanking Minori. "I have a few reasons, but perhaps.. I mainly just wished to be treated equally.. and for who I truly am."

But his voice began to unusually trail off as he spoke those last few words, and he remained quiet. He kept his vision straight, blankly staring into whatever object is in front of him, until he decided that he felt more secure looking downwards towards the floor, where he can possibly avoid eye contact. Minori immediately noticed the strange behaviour that Klaus would usually never emit, and can't help but wonder why it became such a big deal for him to hide his real identity. She started regretting her actions, for prying too much into his life, and for bringing him to such a state. She frowned, and was visibly looking guilty.

"Klaus...." she called out to him, pulling him back from his trance. "I'm so sorry.. I shouldn't have pried into your life like that.."

"Oh!" he uttered, "There is nothing to be sorry about, Minori, in fact I should be the one to apologise for my rude behaviour." he gave a gentle smile to reassure Minori, as he observed that she seemed rather troubled by the current situation. As he was trying to comfort her, he suddenly felt a squeeze on his palm, and he turned to see that Iris was holding his hand to show her love and support. She knew of his past, and what he was probably thinking, and she knew he probably needed to know that she's always by his side. Klaus smiled upon seeing her kind gesture, and squeezed her hand back in return.

"Minori.." Klaus continued. Minori immediately looked into his eyes, awaiting for his next sentence. "I apologise once again for my earlier behaviour. I.. started recalling about a past incident that I wish would never have to happen again." Klaus made a pause, and sighed before he continued, "Some people in the past suddenly began to treat me differently once they found out about my background, and.. you could say that it did not end well."

"I'm sorry, Klaus. I really shouldn't have asked.." Minori apologised again.

"You don't have to be, Minori. The past is the past, and I know you meant no harm." he gently replied. "But I still do wish for my family background to remain undisclosed."

"O.. of course! Not even Raeger, I promise." Minori declared, followed by another smile from Klaus as he observed her genuine reaction.

"Klaus..." Iris suddenly interrupted. His attention was immediately turned towards the novelist, and she looked down as she nervously continued, "I'm sorry again Klaus.. I really should've been more careful." she frowned. She knew how important this matter was to Klaus, she was there for him - he told her everything. And Klaus is a very important man for her, and yet, how did she manage to carelessly screw up?