As Emi and I made our way to the main square, we passed several stalls around and bought something to eat. Despite being simple foods, Emi showed great joy with every bite, which, in a way, made me smile too.
Although I expected it, with every step we took, one or two girls would stop and look at Emi, probably thinking she was a man. I won't be skeptical about this even though as a boy, Emi could be quite attractive. The masculine air that emanated from Emi was somewhat surprising, giving her a gentle yet confident appearance.
"Just as you said, there's a great variety of foods around here"
I said as I walked with Emi by my side. We were both savoring two skewers of meat we had just bought. It was actually Emi who insisted on buying, as she was really craving it. I didn't mind much and gave in to her request, since, to be honest, I was also hungry. Even if it's something simple, meat is still meat.
"Yes, it's the first time I've eaten so many things. Normally, my diet is quite balanced since I always need to stay in shape"
Emi said as she walked, a smile lighting up her face. She seemed genuinely amused by the whole situation. I believe the fact that we were doing something hidden from her parents was something new and exciting for her. Well, it's not like I could really understand, since in my past life, I couldn't even leave the hospital premises.
"Hey, youngsters!"
As we walked, both Emi and I were startled by a voice coming from one of the shops further ahead. The man who spoke clearly looked at us, gesturing with his hand for us to approach. Emi and I looked at each other in confusion, as we didn't know if he was talking to us or not. At the moment, there was no one around that could really be described as young; most of them were probably already at the main square getting ready for the dance.
With doubts, Emi and I approached the man's stall who was calling us. The first thing I noticed was some fruits covered in a variety of toppings. At first glance, the sweets looked much like the candy apples from my old world.
"You two seem to be heading to the main square, and from what I can tell from the amount of food you're carrying, you're probably going to meet your girlfriends, aren't you? How about taking a Wedding Crispólia with you? I'm sure your girlfriends will love it"
Said the man, keeping a smile on his face. Upon hearing his words, I raised an eyebrow, as the name was quite different from what I was initially imagining.
"Wedding Crispólia? This is the first time I've heard of this sweet"
I thought. Listening to my words, Emi, by my side, fixed her eyes on the sweets, specifically the one covered in strawberry. Anyway, even if I didn't know about the sweet, the fact that Emi wanted it was all I needed to know.
"Well, I guess it won't hurt if each of us gets one"
I said, looking at Emi with a warm smile on my face. Hearing my words, she turned to me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she nodded in agreement. With a smile on my face, I turned to the man again.
"Please, I want two with strawberry topping"
I said. Hearing my request, the man started wrapping both sweets and soon handed them to us. After paying, Emi and I continued our way to the central square where the dance would take place. Along the way, we took the opportunity to eat the sweet we had bought. If I had to describe it, I would say it's quite sweet. The taste isn't exactly like an apple, but it's quite similar.
"How should I say, it's really tasty, but I really wonder why it's called that"
I commented as I savored the sweet. My words came out naturally, and I really didn't expect anyone to respond.
"From what I've heard, several couples who eat this sweet together end up getting married in the future... or at least that's what I heard from the maids"
Emi replied with a hint of amusement in her voice. After that, she and I continued the rest of the way to the square in silence, our hands intertwined. Although the risk of being seen was relatively high, I really didn't care if it happened. In fact, thinking about it made me reflect on what people thought of same-sex couples in this world.
With that, Emi and I had finally arrived at the central square. The place was surrounded by posts that illuminated the area, giving the place a magical feeling. Several boys and girls were chatting around, while a podium could be seen, with some people messing with instruments. Probably, that was the band that would play the music Emi had mentioned earlier.
"It's really crowded"
I commented as I looked around. Hearing my words, Emi, who was by my side, let out a cute little laugh.
"Well, it's almost time for the main attraction to start, I guess all the couples are pretty eager to start dancing"
Emi said, looking at the people with a smile on her face. After that, Emi and I sat on a bench and started waiting for the dance to begin. Occasionally, some girl would pass by, casting glances our way, but Emi almost always ignored them. In fact, I don't think Emi even noticed the looks in her direction.
Her excitement seemed to be taking over all her thoughts. Emi was still dressed as a man, the cap she wore still hiding most of her hair, but it was inevitable that some part was showing, revealing her rare white hair.
Not to mention her golden eyes, which were undoubtedly her greatest source of beauty while Emi was dressed this way. They were beautiful, golden eyes that seemed to shine in contrast to the night.