Sunlight shines my fancy room. The weather today seems very nice. I just woke up not too long ago. I wonder if I can take a stroll at the garden. Ah, today is an important day for us, or so they told me last night....
It has been a week since I came here. The guys were very nice and romantic when they greeted me. After they took care of my belongings, we had dinner in the main dining room. I was very amazed by Ivan's delicious foods, especially his special parfait. Samael gave me his rose and a box of branded perfumes. Flan helped me arrange my clothes and stuffs, as well as a little decoration for my room.
As for Rein, he showed me around the mansion and explained some things I did not understand about the use of complicated devices in different rooms. Since he was the one who found me outside the front gate, I am very thankful to him. Besides, he is somehow…kind…and…very good looking too…
''What are you doing over there? This is not the time for daydreaming, Melisa.''
Rein! Ah, I forgot to lock the door. That surprised me…
''Rein…what is it…? S-sorry…I was just thinking about something…''
''Yeah, I can see that. More importantly, are you going to dress like that today?''
Eh? Oh my, I am still wearing my towel! I cannot believe I do not notice this. This is so embarrassing!
''Eh, I'm very sorry for this…I will wear my clothes now. You can wait for me outside for a while….''
''Or do you want me to dress you up? I will be more than happy to assist you.''
''No…!''
I push him out of the room in embarrassment. Getting flattered in the early morning is unusual for me. More importantly, I have yet to ask Rein about today. Is there an event? I will soon find out, so I better get ready for it.
Yes! I am done. While I was still doing my makeup, Rein told me to go to the main hall. He probably got tired of waiting outside the room. I feel sorry for him.
There is no one yet in the main hall. I wonder where they have been. Am I too late…? I think I arrived on time. Ah, I can see Ivan in the main dining room. It does not look like he is preparing anything. I should ask him about today.
''Good Morning, Ivan! Have you seen everyone else? Ah, may I know what today is about…? Is there a celebration or something…?''
''Ah, Melisa! Good morning to you too. Today we are going to acknowledge you as the member of Rose Garden. We will go out on a picnic at the garden. The guys are currently preparing themselves in their rooms. Isn't that wonderful?''
''Eh, I thought we had dinner when I first came here…''
''That was a normal dinner. Yesterday, we planned on making a little welcoming party for you. Today, you should relax and accept our special treatment, Melisa. Besides, you are part of the mansion now.''
''…T-thank you…Ivan…''
So this is what they meant. I do not know what to feel, but one thing for sure…my heart is beating very fast right now. I never thought they would be this nice to me. It is hard to leave the mansion after hearing Ivan's words.
Ah, my shoulders are being patted…
''This is all to show how much we care for you, Melisa.''
''As the owner of this place, I can say that Rose Garden is not like other rent houses, you know. ''
Flan…Samael…but I still do not understand why I can stay here for free.
''Thank you so much, but...is it really okay for me to stay here…for free…?
Rein walks past me. He stares at my puzzled face in bewilderment.
''We will tell you about it during our picnic, so don't worry that much. Samael will be the one explaining since he is the owner of Rose Garden.''
''Yes, you don't have to worry. Like I said, your safety is guaranteed. We will never do bad things to you, Melisa.''
I smile cheerfully after hearing their words. I really am lucky to be a part of Rose Garden!
''Thank you, all of you! Shall we start our picnic now?''
The four of them are excited. Ivan starts preparing some beverages and fruits. Flan is bringing the mats and picnic stuffs. Samael goes to the storage room along with Rein. I wonder what they are looking for. Well, I might as well enjoy this day!
Wah, I am finally at the garden! Roses, Tulips, Daisies…lots of beautiful flowers! Fragrance of flowers surrounds the atmosphere, and it surely enchants our presence. The feels I am having right now are absolutely amazing.
Having a picnic surrounded with four charming princes is a dream come true!
''Hey, Melisa…''
''What is it, Rein…?''
''Do you have a boyfriend?''
I choked on my water. I cannot help but to cough many times.
''B-b-boyfriend…!?!?!?!''
''Whoop, Rein has already taken an interest to Melisa. Cheesy man, are you?''
''Shut up, Samael. I only want to know. If we somehow do something to her later, it would be a problem if she has a boyfriend.''
What do you mean by 'do something'…!!!!!
''Ugh…what do you plan to do with me later…?''
''Oh, you are actually looking forward to it.''
''N-no…!!! It's not like that, okay…?''
Everyone laughs after they teased me. Coming with that sudden question really made me shocked…
''But really, do you have a boyfriend or not?''
''N-no…''
''Do you have someone you like?''
''N-no…''
Why do I feel like a hopeless girl…? Come to think of it, I got rejected on the spot during my first confession back in middle school. Since then, I focused on my studies. I read romance novels and play online games during most of my free time, probably wanting to stay away from reality…
''Melisa, daydreaming again…?''
''E-eh, sorry Rein! I was thinking about something, don't mind me.''
Rein takes my right hand and gives me a rose.
''In Rose Garden, your problems are often connected to your dreams. Most of the time, running away from having to face them will make you a sore loser. Even so, a loser with no problems is fine with some people. On the other hand, we want to live and understand every conflict and trouble that comes in our life. Once we are able to solve our problems, we are most likely to have a bright path ahead. Eventually, you will experience a wonderful dream made by your own thoughts and actions. Moreover, having trusted people helping you out will be easier.''
Rein…I cannot…resist…those honest words…
''What Rein said is true. Melisa, there is a reason why we wanted you to stay in Rose Garden. It had been a while since a woman came to this place. Um, your friend suggested you to check this place out, isn't that right?''
Eh? Why do I have a feeling that this will not end romantically…
''Yes, Samael. Her name is Elina. She is my classmate in class 3-A at Mirage High School. Do you know her...?''
Everyone gives off a weird expression.
''Elina…is…my little sister. She is um…the 'true' owner of Rose Garden.''
Wha…!?!?!?!?!
''She called me and said that her friend did not manage to find a place to stay. Therefore she wanted me to help you out. Basically, Elina is the reason you're staying. If I did not help you, she would kick us out from the mansion and slams my body with her whip.''
Uh, that is terrible. I am a bit disappointed, but I feel sorry for them, especially Samael!!!
''Oh, is that it…? Hmm, I guess I am sorry for disturbing. I know Elina is being a good friend, but I feel sorry for you guys…''
Rein stares at me in bewilderment for the second time today.
''Even so, ever since you arrived in the front gate that time, I was already interested in you.''
''E-eh…? What do you mean, Rein…?''
''My words are honest, Melisa. You looked like you really needed a place to stay, and I couldn't help but to help you out. Besides, the rent houses in the city are always full. Please do not leave, for you are a part of Rose Garden now.''
''Rein…''
Ivan and Flan sits beside me.
''For a week, you helped us doing chores, cooking and garden work. Before your arrival, we spent a hard time doing those things. Now that you're here, everything seems much easier now, and we love your presence. Isn't that right, Flan…?''
''Ivan is right. Melisa, you don't need to leave. Every one of us wants you here for a reason. For me, seeing a helpless woman like you, I would feel more than happy to make you smile once more, and that smile of yours will melt my heart away every now and then. You may be helpless, but you are one dependable woman. I love you for that.''
You guys…I cannot take this anymore...
''Uh…''
''You're crying! Melisa is crying! I'm sorry if I said you're a helpless woman.''
''This is all Samael's fault for giving her a lame reason!''
''Eh, it's my fault now, Ivan!?!?!''
I cannot help it but to burst into laughter. I was crying at first but their reactions changed my mood. They really are nice guys after all!
''No, I am not crying. I am too happy to hear all of your reasons. Telling the truth is better than having to lie, right? Right now, I feel so relieved. This is the best picnic in my life…Thank you, guys…''
All of them smile after hearing my funny laugh. Ivan serves us fried chicken and steamed fish. The smell of Ivan's delicious foods makes me hungry.
''Eat up, guys. Enough talking and start feasting your meals! We have to make this picnic the best for Melisa.''
The picnic was a blast! We are currently heading to the main stairs. Today was indeed special. I finally know the actual reason for my stay. Remembering their words never fails to make me happy and relieved.
After parting with everyone, I jump on my bed and gaze at the window. The full moon is very beautiful...
Will I experience love with one of the guys eventually…? When that happens, will there be problems between us all…?
I do not know for sure, but let me enjoy my present time and create some memorable moments.
End of Chapter 2