The Village Girl And the Fox Prince

Chapter 26 - A Request.

When the dish they ordered came, Hazel and Lynx immediately ate the food. But the situation was a bit awkward because the old woman who owned the tavern turned out to be hoarding.

The hunchback woman pulled up a chair and sat down one table with the two of them. So Hazel and Lynx are hesitant to chat. Even though the old woman did nothing and just looked, it still felt uncomfortable.

“Eating you is very voracious young man,” he said while observing Lynx.

Actually more than voracious. Because the shameless Lynx looked like a greedy person.

The Lynx who was casted like that only put on a clumsy snort. Hazel immediately gave a sharp delicacy to him, as if telling Lynx not to eat in such a way.

“Are you two lovers?” ask the woman with gray hair.

“We--” Though Lynx already confidently wanted to answer, his happy expression was sticking out on the face of his face, but it turns out that his speech had been cut first by Hazel.

“Friends only.” Hazel tried to adjust things. Smile, even though you don't want to. “Not always women and men who walk together are interpreted as two people who have a relationship, right?”

Lynx chose silence while bowing her head, while the old lady with close eyes even carved a smile.

“It's true. But you guys look good. It is said that two people who have opposite nature and often differ in opinion, they are long match. In a sense they are very suitable to be together,” said the woman who owns the store.

“... Plus, you're already wearing a couple's bracelet. Hopefully you can be a match soon,” he added with a smile that does not fade.

Hazel only responded with a brief smile, re-enjoying her many remaining meals.

Lynx stopped chewing, putting the remaining fish on the plate. Then gazed with focus on the old lady sitting next to him.

“Thank you for your prayer. But a relationship like that can only be done by two people, right? If only one of them wants, then the relationship will not be formed,” Lynx quipped, making listening Hazel feel shocked.

“Again, it seems like a man who only looks like me will be difficult to love. There are some women who think realistically, can not be easily ignored just by words of love alone,” added Lynx increasingly clarify everything.

The squeaking sound of the chair rubbing against the wooden floor split the tense atmosphere, so that the focus of the two people who were talking earlier instantly looked directly at Hazel who was now inching from the chair.

“I want to go to the bathroom for a while,” say goodbye to Hazel before they ask.

Before Hazel actually went inside the door that was connected to the back room, the old lady suddenly spoke, “You know, young man? Soon there will be a full moon night festival.”

“In this village, often hold a full moon night festival because it is often used to find lovers. Because full moon nights are rare, making the festival event considered special.”

He slightly brought his body closer to Lynx, then continued his speech. “How? Are you interested in coming to the festival? Trust me, there must be a lot of women after you. So don't go too far after something uncertain.”

Not knowing what the old woman's purpose was, probably wanting to cheer up a bit of the sad-looking Lynx when she said the truth earlier. Because without even being asked, through the eyes and expressions he released, anyone would know that Lynx was talking about his own story.

But instead of showing interest after hearing the old woman's advice, Lynx showed another expression. As if surprised, yet still trying to hide.

As for Hazel, she had already entered the door. But he heard everything what the old woman said. Even now, he was sticking his body on the door to hear their chatter.

Because from the beginning, Hazel's intention was not to really go to the bathroom. Just wanted to escape the conversation that seemed aimed at her.

To put it more simply, Hazel did not want to feel cornered by Lynx's words that were true as they were. Hazel did not understand herself. His heart and logic are always opposite.

Sometimes Hazel always regretted her meeting with Lynx, because it continued to be overshadowed by something bad that had not happened. But on the other hand, Hazel was pleased that Lynx's presence brought a bit of positivity.

As her hearing becomes more sharpened in order to tap into the sound of their chatter, Hazel has to attach an ear to the door.

“How long does the full moon festival last?” Hearing from his voice, it was Lynx who asked.

“As I recall, every year only happens for a week or even more, depending on the weather or natural conditions. You know that, right? It's not a regular full moon night.” The old woman began to tell stories.

“From ancient times, this rare full moon was not perfectly white. Except for the bright light blue. That's why the night of the full moon that will soon happen is considered special.”

Curious, Hazel peeks through the door to see what the situation is like between them. Not as expected, it turns out the look on Lynx's face looks sad mixed confused.

Hazel doesn't understand what's going on, but she knows enough about the festival they're celebrating. But from year to year, Hazel never joined in celebrating or having fun like everyone else.

In addition to not having family or friends to do so, Hazel is also always busy taking care of part-time work to earn money. So he has absolutely no time to do what others often do.

“What's with that face? What is he thinking?” Hazel muttered curiously, tucked into a sudden worry.

***

After nearly an hour in the old shop, the two decided to go home. Since Hazel returned to her seat after saying goodbye to the bathroom, Lynx has really changed drastically.

He's quiet a lot. Even if asked, it takes many times to respond. It was as if his focus was fading, and his mind was somewhere.

Hazel, who could not stand Lynx's behavior, took the initiative to ask questions rather than continue to guess and ended up remaining curious without any definite answers.

“Hei, Lynx. You--”

“Hazel,” serobot Lynx quickly, her paused legs make her body face the girl beside her.

“What if I ask for a minute?”

Hazel's forehead was flinched with confusion. “Time? For what?”

While putting on a stiff smile, Lynx replied, “Time to be alone.” His eyes rolled in any direction. “Yes may ... One week?”

The sudden request made Hazel even more confused. Not finished the curiosity before, now another curiosity increasingly nurtured his mind. More and more questions that do not have answers.

“I'm actually no problem.” Hazel tries to remain relaxed, even though her heart is not calm. “But what reason do you want to be alone?”

“There's one reason I can't tell you,” reply while looking away.

Well, in this position Hazel can't force.

“Are you going back to your world?” Not knowing why, Hazel suddenly came to mind this question.

But the fear of the conjecture that had plagued Hazel's mind was instantly wiped out as Lynx shook his head. That means he won't be back so soon.

“I wouldn't go back there without you.” Lynx had already fixed her gaze on Hazel.

“A-what?” Hazel's manic crept in disbelief.

Lynx briefly touched the top of the girl's head in front of him. “As it were, I asked for some time to be alone doesn't mean I'm going to really leave you. I'm just going away for a second. Your current expression is opposite to what you've been about.”

“... If you don't love me, you shouldn't be happy if I'm no longer by your side?” Lynx made clear.

“Bu-not so I mean,” refutes Hazel while lowering her gaze.

The man taller than Hazel chuckled softly, then grabbed the back of his interlocutor's hand while bowing his body. In this position, Hazel remained silent, not struggling with a heart beat that had gone awry.

The pink soft lips had already landed on the back of Hazel's hand. Yep, Lynx kissed him. It feels a little ticklish because the pounding of warm breath is very felt there.

As Lynx's head slightly looked up to see Hazel's expression, her lips arched a smile. “I promised, I will never return to my world without taking you to come along. You recall? You are the Queen who will sit on the throne to accompany me.”

***