"You felt strange? When you saw me?"
Tsubaki blinked her eyes, staring at her husband.
"What if I told you it was love at first sight?" Ren chuckled. Mischief was reflected in his eyes when he saw the look of disbelief on his wife's face.
"Knowing you, it's impossible. You're not promiscuous." Tsubaki shook her head. "If not, you have fallen for countless beauties already. I don't believe that."
"Is that a compliment?" Ren raised one of his brows in amusement.
"Yes, hubby."
After returning from the market, both of them were cuddling on the couch while waiting to cook dinner. Ren started telling Tsubaki a little piece of their past together. She enjoyed it because it sounded so real even though she didn't have any recollection of it.
"And then? What happened next?" Tsubaki was so eager to know the next story.
Ren glanced at the wall clock. He returned his gaze on his wife's face. "I'll continue some other time. We should cook for dinner now. After dinner, I'll bring you somewhere. Is that okay?"
"But, I still want to know..." Tsubaki knitted her brows in displeasure. How could he stop here?
"Later, sweetheart." Ren laughed while pinching her nose. "We have all the time in the world, I could continue some other time."
"Okay..." Tsubaki reluctantly agreed.
Both of them wore aprons and began their dinner preparations. Tsubaki asked Ren to wash the vegetables while she cooked the rice first. They worked together in harmony. Their dinner was served after almost one hour they were in the kitchen.
The fresh mountain vegetables went well with the side dishes. They were so scrumptious. If possible, Tsubaki wanted to bring some home for Grandma and Satsuki. Both of them would love it.
"Where are we going?" Tsubaki asked when Ren helped her wearing a wool cardigan. After dinner, he immediately went upstairs and retrieved two outerwear from the closet. He had dressed in his usual black trench coat.
"You'll know soon." Ren smiled mysteriously. It was supposed to be a surprise so he shouldn't say anything now. He wanted her to enjoy it firsthand. "Let's go."
Tsubaki put on a pair of boots. The sky was already dark outside. Ren brought a torchlight in one hand while the other holding her hand. They walked inside the forest using a small pathway. It was a different one than the one they used earlier.
"Is there something in the forest?" Tsubaki glanced around but it was so dark, making her shiver unconsciously.
"There's something magical waiting for us," Ren replied fondly as he held her hand.
Since it was so dark, Tsubaki felt like it was an endless journey. She took each step with extra caution since the moonlight was obscured by the tall trees and their leaves. Ren was considerate enough to walk slowly for her sake. They walked and walked until they reach the end of the pathway.
Once Tsubaki laid her eyes on what was before her, she was awestruck.
"Do you like it?" Ren pulled her closer, bringing her into his embrace.
"I.. this is..." Tsubaki was still surprised. Her eyes widened in shock while her lips parted slightly.
There was a clearing in front of them. And since no trees stood in the way, she could see the bright lights of the moon and the stars above her. When she walked in the forest earlier, it was so dark due to the tall trees. And now she was witnessing the beauty of the night.
"Come." Ren smiled. He tugged her hand and they ran to the center of the clearing.
The night was a bit chilly but Tsubaki had fallen in love with the vast sky of stars. They were twinkling brightly, leaving no room for darkness. It had been such a long time since the last time she saw night sky like this one.
"This is so beautiful," Tsubaki muttered. Her eyes were still trained on the sky.
Ren pulled out his phone from his jacket. He searched for a song in the playlist before he settled for a symphony. He turned the volume to the max. Soon, the clearing was filled with a beautiful melody.
"You might not remember but we always danced under the stars before," said Ren. His eyes locked onto hers.
"Really?" Tsubaki asked curiously. "We danced under the stars?"
Ren smiled without answering verbally to her question. He pulled her hand and placed it on one of his shoulders while the other linked with his fingers. He adjusted their position while resting his other hand at the small of her back.
"Ren, I don't know how to waltz." Tsubaki wanted to pull her hand from his but Ren refused to let her go.
"That was your excuse the last time too but after a few attempts, you've already mastered it." Ren chuckled, his voice was low and calming. "Follow my steps, sweetheart."
Tsubaki nervously agreed.
Soon, Ren started leading her for a waltz. The accompanying music was really suitable for their current enjoyment. There were a few occurrences when she nearly stepped on his shoes but after gaining confidence and following his lead, she relaxed gradually.
"See? You can dance, sweetheart," Ren smiled as he saw her relaxing. "You're doing good."
"Well, my dear teaches me well," Tsubaki replied. She smiled cheekily.
As their eyes locked together, it was as if their time had stopped moving, Both of them were lost in their own world. Without saying anything, they understood each other. Tsubaki couldn't resist herself from smiling sweetly while Ren responded in the same way.
"Ren?" After a while, Tsubaki opened her mouth, calling his name. Her voice was so soft, dreamlike in the peaceful night.
"Yes, love?" Ren's eyes were still on hers.
"Nothing," replied Tsubaki. "I just want to call your name."
Ren chuckled. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You can call my name, anytime you want."
This peaceful time belonged to them both. Nobody could ruin it. Not even her old memories.
When the time came, he would fight it back.