The seniors regarded me fondly, their expressions softening as though looking at a chick freshly hatched from its egg, moved by my heartfelt confession.
“Well, on second thought, stargazing for the first time in ages doesn’t sound half bad.”
“Alright, everyone, let’s settle down on the mat. Haha!”
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Oh! Look over there—a really bright star!”
“Where? Where?”
Soon enough, my companions were cheerfully chatting and gazing upward at the glittering night sky. Seeing them so engaged, I quietly did a little victory pose. Honestly, I’d been pretty confident this would work out. After all, stars and the crisp night air naturally made people’s spirits soar. Plus, staying awake past our usual bedtime gave us a pleasant thrill of small rebellion—especially when shared with those we care about.
“Achoo!”
“Honey, are you okay? I told you to dress warmer.”
“Hoho, I’m perfectly fine.”
Watching Grandpa Tail cough cutely reminded me of something important I’d almost forgotten.
“Oh, right! I also prepared something warm to drink. Let me pass it out now.”
“My, you’re so thoughtful!”
I carefully distributed the drinks Elizabeth had helped me prepare, matching each person’s preferences. Mari’s eyes sparkled excitedly when I handed her a mug of hot chocolate topped with fluffy white marshmallows. Then, noticing Kalz quietly stepping closer, I asked him too.
“What would you like to drink?”
“What are you having?”
“Hot wine for me,” I replied, smiling slightly. It felt like a luxurious little treat, perfect for adults enjoying the stars. Kalz nodded thoughtfully and reached out his hand.
“I’ll have the same.”
“Alright. Here you go. What’s that—you’re thanking me? No need.”
“You’re handling everything yourself, so there’s no reason for extra thanks,” he replied simply.
Kalz chuckled softly at my playful jab, accepting the cup of wine from me. Casually, he settled down beside me.
“For something you thought up on the spot, it’s actually quite good.”
“Wow, praise from the ever-critical Kalz? See, I told you I’m pretty amazing.”
“True. At least it’s better than a sled that crashes people straight into trees.”
Ugh, this man. He was doing so well, and yet he always had to add unnecessary commentary. Muttering under my breath, I sipped my wine. Beside me, he laughed softly, clearly amused.
Annoyed, I whipped my head around, ready to snap, Careful what you say, that sled’s still in storage! But the moment I saw Kalz, my words vanished.
His eyes shone warmly, their golden hue reflecting the gentle starlight. His lips curved softly in a relaxed smile as he gazed peacefully at the night sky, free from any worries or stress.
This was exactly the sight I’d wanted to see.
I swear, until just moments ago, I hadn’t even realized I had such a wish. Yet now, seeing Kalz wrapped perfectly in this serene moment—a moment that felt entirely mine—there was no denying what I felt.
When had this started? Was it from the night that I watched the meteor shower? Had that been the reason I’d arranged tonight? Oh my god, this was ridiculous…
“…Why aren’t you answering?”
His voice snapped me from my thoughts, and I shot upright in panic. Right now, I was afraid of both my emotions and his gaze. I needed to escape immediately.
“I’m getting more wine.”
“Already? Looks like your cup’s still half full.”
Glug, glug, glug.
“Not anymore.”
“What the… are you a hippo? Who drinks wine like that?”
“Excuse me!”
Fleeing hastily, I made my way toward the drinks, where Mari was already standing. She looked adorable, fiddling nervously with the hot chocolate pot while sneaking cautious glances around. Her shy behavior calmed my nerves.
“Mari, what’s wrong? Are we out of hot chocolate?”
“Bell! Oh, no, it’s not that. I just got cold and needed something warm, that’s all.”
She quickly pulled her hands back, clearly embarrassed by how much she’d been drinking. I pretended not to notice her marshmallow-filled cup, already nearly overflowing.
“Me too. It’s chilly, so I came for more wine.”
“Really? Exactly!”
Mari’s face brightened immediately. Smiling, she reached out her small hand.
“Give me your cup. I’ll pour it for you.”
“Thanks. Wanna sit together? It’ll be warmer if we’re close.”
“Yes, I’d love that!”
Mari and I sat down again, warm drinks in hand. Holding Mari close and gazing up at the stars, I noticed the Pitts approaching.
“Bell, sweetheart, mind if we join you? I’m fine, but Grandpa Tail keeps coughing. He refuses to listen when I say he should go back inside.”
“Of course, please come sit over here.”
“Hoho, thank you, dear.”
Seeing this, the others gradually started gathering around us.
“Maybe I’ll sit here, too.”
“Hahaha, come closer, everyone!”
“I’ll join too, if it’s alright.”
“Then I’ll lie down on Grill. He’s nice and fluffy.”
“Ellie, that’s a bit…”
Soon enough, everyone except Kalz and Butler Squawk had clustered snugly together. Instead of cold, the atmosphere felt comfortably warm—maybe even a little too warm.
Laughing and chatting with everyone under the starry sky brought my confidence back, and finally, I stole a glance at Kalz. He had moved to lie quietly in the spot I’d vacated earlier, silently gazing upward.
I hadn’t meant to exclude him, so why was he alone over there? Well, at least Butler Squawk was keeping him company, so he wasn’t entirely isolated.
Just then, Elizabeth suddenly burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! Mari, look at your mouth! Grill’s fist could probably fit in there!”
“I think that’s going a bit too far, Ellie.”
“That’s so mean, Elizabeth!”
Caught mid-yawn and mercilessly teased by Elizabeth, Mari’s cheeks flushed deep red. Chuckling softly, I gently patted her head.
“Mari, are you feeling sleepy?”
“No! I’m totally fine—I’m not sleepy at all!”
Despite her protest, Mari’s eyes clearly betrayed her exhaustion. Watching her pretend to be wide awake just to keep enjoying herself with everyone was simply adorable.
Butler Squawk quietly landed on my shoulder and leaned close, whispering softly.
“Briel, perhaps it’s time we start wrapping up. It’s nearly midnight.”
“Already?”
“It’s not quite a full moon, but it’s always best to keep track of the time.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
Reluctantly, I accepted his suggestion. It was the right moment to conclude things, anyway.
“Well, everyone, let’s call it a night here. It was surprisingly nice to just relax and watch the stars together, wasn’t it?”
The seniors smiled warmly in response. Mari puffed up her cheeks, clearly wanting more time, but I gently reassured her by promising we’d do something even more fun next time.
“I’ll handle the cleanup, so everyone please head inside first.”
“Bell, I’ll help you.”
“No need. I’ll just stack things up tonight and finish tomorrow. You go inside and rest, Mari.”
“Exactly,” Elizabeth teased. “Children who yawn without covering their mouths should hurry straight to bed.”
“Elizabeth!”
After waving goodbye to the seniors as they returned to the mansion, I gathered up the mats and dishes, neatly stacking them aside. It was dark, after all; tidying up properly could wait until morning.
But why was Kalz still lying there?
“……”
Kalz was still stretched out comfortably on his mat, clearly enjoying the starry sky far more than I’d anticipated. Honestly, seeing him so relaxed and content filled me with a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Curious, I approached him and playfully peeked into his face.
“Aren’t you going back? Once you fold your mat, everything’s done.”
“…Fine.”
He got up slowly, as if reluctant to let the night end. Perhaps his lingering mood rubbed off on me because, without thinking, I blurted out another question.
“Hey… are you sleepy?”
“Not really. Why?”
“If you don’t mind… would you like to go for a short walk with me?”
