14

Attheia gave Lucy one of the cotton candy she bought, taking one for herself. It was the annual celebration of founding the town. Lucas watched over his daughters while Athy walked with Arius, having him carry her stuff.

"Mom, do you really need to buy all this?" Arius asked.

"Of course not sweetie. I just wanted to tease you," Athy answered smiling sweetly.

Arius groaned and looked at his mother with dissatisfaction. She laughed, throwing her head back. She pinched his cheeks telling him he was cute. Athy laughed once again and let her son go. She took all the stuff she bought from him and secretly used magic to keep it away.

"You can go with your friends. Or you could go on a date with that girl you like," Athy winked.

"What? Mom, I do not have a crush on anyone. I'm gonna find Chris. Bye." Arius ran off blushing.'How did she-ugh mothers...'

"Be back safely! Don't go around too long!" Athy shouted as Arius waved from afar.

She joined the rest of her family and enjoyed the celebration together.

...........................................

If you are wondering, yes, Arius admit he finally liked someone. If you are wondering, when did this happen? Well, we need to rewind a bit for that.

He was at Madame Halsey's estate as usual, choosing which book to read next. It was self study today, something he requested from the madame. He flipped through the book in his hands as he walked to a table. He was not the only one there though.

Charlotte Halsey supported her chin with her hand on the table. She arrived not too long ago, observing Arius. When Arius noticed her, he closed the book and sat down.

"Hello, Arius," "Lovely day isn't it, Miss Charlotte. Or should I call you Charlie,""That nickname is only for my cousin to use. Everybody else uusually calls me Lottie,""Sorry. Can't help it, since you were introduced to me that way,""Right, that's why I'm here. I believe you and I have a few things to discuss regarding the matter of my cousin,"

Arius raised a brow. If she wanted to know about him, why didn't she just ask her cousin? "My cousin's answers does not satisfy me. I hope you can," Charlotte said."Alright, how about this; you and I get to take turns asking questions to each other. I think it's not fair if I am the only one being questioned," Arius proposed.

"Okay, sure. But no fooling around. Where do you live?"

"Right here. The Halsey's territory, down the road at the village. What is your cousin's name-full, real name?"

"Seraphina Irain. Sophie is her nickname. How old are you?"

"19. And the both of you?

"I'm 14. Sophie is 18. How did you two meet?"

"Bumped into her, helped pick up the nuts on the ground, exchange names and became acquaintances. Why did you guys go outside undercover?"

"Don't want to hear our parents lecturing. It's fun too. You got anymore questions? I think I could guess the rest of mine,"

"Nope. Me too. Have a good day miss,"

"Good day indeed. You pass. You may continue being friends with each other,"

A few days later Arius saw Sophie once again. They decided that these encounters are becoming more frequent and unavoidable. They continued being friends, chatting every time. He found her company enjoyable, which was rare for him to hang out with a girl. One day, he stared at the girl whose hair flowed in the wind and face lit by the shining sun, feeling his heart beat faster. Unused to the feeling, he asked his friends and sister, in which resulting to them getting overly excited."Arius, you're obviously in love" Attheia said. In love? What an unusual thing for him. He tried to deny but failed. His blushing face gave him away, and gave his friends a laugh.

How Athy knew? Mother knows best. Son suffers.

..................................

Back to present day. Lucy, whose face was covered with cotton candy, watched her brother bump into a girl and walked away with her. She was the only who noticed it. Lucas wiped her face with a napkin, proceeding to throw it away. Attheia grabbed her mother's sleeve and pointed to somewhere, eager to go there. "I want a good place to see the fireworks! Come on mom please?" She said with sparkling eyes. Athy just agreed.Lucas picked Lucy up so that they won't fall behind. He felt happy being surrounded by his three angels. Glad that the devil (his son) is off somewhere. Though he felt that Arius should be with them, he would bever admit it. Besides, Arius is older now and can take care of himself, and he must want to hang out with friends.

Contrary to what Lucas was expecting, he was not with his friends. Technically he is with a 'friend' ; just not what Lucas expects.

Arius led Sophie to a place where they could see the fireworks clearly and not surrounded by people. Not before getting snacks, of course.

Sophie's eyes wandered everywhere at the brightly lit town. There were people of all ages everywhere. And there were so many things she tried for the first time.

She was glad to meet Arius unexpectedly. Once again she snuck out of the mansion without a single escort. Not even a maid nor her cousin accompanied her. She got used to going during the day but at night was a whole other story. Who knows what lurks in the darkness? Sophie didn't know why, but being with the blonde man made her feel safe. Even though they just met.

"Here," Arius said while plopping down on the grass."Thanks," she sat down. "I'm sorry to disturb you. You should've spent time with your family and friends,"

"You are my friend. It's alright, I don't mind." He said smiling.

Sophie thank him again and they began having small talk, sharing stories as usual. "Ah. I think it's starting." Sophie said, turning her head to the sky. "Today was really fun, Arius. I'm glad I got to spend it with you,"

At that moment Arius realized that their time together that night will end with the fireworks. Charlotte told him she was visiting for a month or two. That means he might not see her again. He never thought that he would feel this way in all his life. Pain and longing. So he did the most ridiculous thing ever.

"Yeah, it was really fun." Arius began coming closer to her. "A-Arius? What's wrong?" Sophie said as she noticed their distance growing alarmingly smaller."Thank you, Sophie. For today and all the other days, in the past and in the future." Arius said while grabbing her hands, maintaining eye contact.

Just as she was about to open her mouth, she felt his lips on hers. And as clichè as it sounds, the fireworks began.

She was surprised at first but didn't push him away. It was a brief and simple kiss, much to his dismay. He was afraid she hated it. She would hate him.

Now it was Arius' turn to be surprised. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face on his chest. Clearly to hide her blush. He stroked her head, feeling amused. Then Sophie looked up to his face.

"I'm sorry. I like you very very much. But we can't be together. It's almost impossible. I think I should go." She said, tears in her eyes. She let go of him and tried to stand up but he held ger hand tightly, pulling her back down.

"Why?" He asked. "You already have someone?" "No! It's not like that! I-it's complicated. We just can't," "Why won't you tell me?" 'Come on just tell me!' He thought."Because it won't work even if I tell you," she tried to get back up again but stopped when she heard him call her.

"Seraphina Irain," Arius called her real name. The one he wasn't suppose to know.

"I know. You are a noble. I am just a mere commoner. Our status are too far apart."

"How did you find out?"

"I met your cousin before you introduced us,"

She was dumbfounded. She didn't know what to do. It seems he won't give up.

"But.... we still can't be together..." she said."Then can't we enjoy our last tine together right now?" Arius looked at her pleadingly.

She didn't answer. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled closer. He took this as a sign saying yes. Without wasting any time, he crashed his lips on hers, hugging her waist tightly.

They parted solemnly, not looking back. Because the knew if they do, they won't let go.

.......................

YAAY FINALLY YEAAH.

It's my birthday so I made this chapter. This is the longest chapter I ever made. Bare with me idk how to romantically word their relationship.I made these chapters before I am going to be busy again.

Now going on hiatus~~

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