Sunlight shines the garden, and tuneful melody of chirping birds can be heard from here. I am currently waiting for Rein at the front gate. I never thought that Rein is studying at the same school as me. Thinking about it makes me slightly embarrassed. I hope nothing awkward happens between us sooner or later.
Ah, Rein is running towards me. Luck is probably on my side today because I actually never get chased by a guy.
The urge of wanting to talk to him is inevitable. Having a walk together without talking to each other is a waste of chance. I need to initiate the conversation!
''Say, why were you addressing me as 'little lamb' back then? Do you always address female strangers like that?''
I have been wondering about that for some reason. Almost any girl would feel a little weird being addressed like that. More importantly, I need to have a conversation going on with him in order to liven up the mood.
Rein took a glance at me and he steadily faced up, gazing at the blue sky.
''Come to think of it, I have been wondering about it too. Do you have any idea why I addressed you as 'little lamb'?''
''Eh, how come…? You're the one who came up with that weird name!''
''I might think of you as a fluffy girl who lost her way to find her destined place.''
I blushed a bit after hearing his answer. Rein greeted almost everyone around us as we walk together. I guess he is well-known at this place. Somehow, we seem like a couple now…
Weird sound suddenly pierced our ears. Rein faces towards me with a surprised look on his face.
''Melisa, you have got to be kidding me. Don't tell me you didn't have your breakfast?''
Ah, why did my tummy let out that ugly sound! This is not the right time to be hungry. School is starting soon and I do not want to have Rein waste his time with me anymore.
''This is nothing to be worried about. School is more important, you know. I will buy something at the cafeteria later. Let's keep walking, Rein…''
Rein smirks for a second. He then walks to the other path and tells me to follow him.
''I know a shortcut to school, Melisa. Come, you will be surprised.''
''Surprised…? Why do I have to feel that way…?''
''Shut up and follow me, or else you will be left behind.''
I follow him while having an uneasy thought running in my mind at the same time. Shortcut, you say? I am not sure about that because I explored this part of the town and I remember every path and road ahead.
Uh, my tummy let out that hungry sound again. I had a fine dinner last night, so I should not be really hungry now. What gives? Maybe I am a girl who needs a lot of food to live a normal life.
''Oi, Melisa! Done daydreaming? I called you many times and you're just standing there like a stone.''
Eh, I did not pay attention to Rein because I was thinking unnecessary details.
''Eh, I'm sorry. Where are we…?''
''Have a look at the place at your left.''
I face left to check it out. Oh my, the new dessert café that everyone in school talks about! The 'Cherry Blossom Café', a dessert café that is popular in the town, as well as a famous local café in Sulis Town.
''Wow, are you serious…?''
Rein smiles while poking my tummy. That slightly tickles…
''Who cares about arriving early at school when you have new desserts waiting for you, right? Have as much desserts as you want because it's my treat.''
''That doesn't sound convincing, but in my current situation, I have to agree with you, Rein. Oh, and thank you for the treat…''
I barge in the café and quickly go to the dessert selection area. Rein is finding a place to sit. This place is heaven for young girls! There are so many delicious ice creams and cakes at this place. I cannot wait to eat my desired dessert choices!
Chocolate milkshake with whipped cream, strawberry parfait with extra cherry, and peanut butter waffle slice. I think this should be enough for breakfast. I walk happily to our seat while carrying the delicious desserts on a tray. As I took a seat, Rein lets out a long sigh.
''Is there something wrong, Rein?''
''You sure eat a lot. Well, this should burn my wallet a bit.''
''Oh my, I'm so sorry! I'll pay you back tomorrow, okay?''
I was too excited, already forgotten that Rein will be the one paying. He smiles at me, looking pleased all of a sudden.
''It's okay, I don't mind. As long as you finish these deserts, I am glad to pay for you. Ah, since I was guarding our seat, I didn't had the chance to join you at the selection area. Now the queue is too long, so may I have some of your desserts?''
That is so nice of him. I wish there is no school today, so that this moment can last longer. Having to share my desserts with him is kind of embarrassing though, because that makes us look like a couple.
''S-sure. Here, have some of this strawberry parfait. You can take another straw and share the chocolate milkshake with me.''
Rein smirks at me. He quickly puts another straw in the chocolate milkshake while I am drinking and gladly joins me. Oh my, I cannot believe that we are drinking together on a same glass!
''You can be quite lovely, Melisa. Other guys would be very happy if they are in my place right now.''
Small blushes covered my cheeks after hearing Rein's words. I am not really good when it comes to flattery and compliments. Since the school gate will close in a few minutes, we decide to finish up the desserts and rush ourselves to school. Rein calls one of the waiters and pays for the desserts.
Our running pace is far too different. Rein runs very fast, whereas I run like a snail. It takes him a while to realize that I am left behind. He gives me a sympathetic look on his face.
''I know I'm slow...''
''I can see that clearly.''
''Y-you may want to go on first. School gate will be closed any time soon. I will catch up later...''
I do not think I can make it to school in time. Rein should not waste his time with me. I do not want to burden him more. Uh, now I feel guilty for bringing Rein into this mess. I close my eyes and repeatedly take a deep breath. Running with him was very tiring. I am not sure if I can run anymore.
''You really are hopeless, Melisa.''
''That doesn't sound convincing, Rein...''
I bend down and hold my knees due to extreme fatigue. I am starting to feel bad for being a physically weak woman. Rein slowly walks towards me and raises me up back to my feet. He softly tackles my legs with his right hand and catches my shoulders with his left hand. He then lifts me up confidently. Oh my, he is carrying me! I am being carried by a guy!
''W-whaa...! Rein, what do you think you're doing...?''
''I'm carrying your heavy body because you slow me down.''
''I said you can go on without me...and I'm not that heavy!''
''Just shut up and let me carry you to school, princess.''
This is beyond embarrassing! Everyone else is looking at us. I stare at Rein's sweating face as he run across the clear roads and paths. My heart is beating way too fast, and I am not able to control it in the current situation. I do not know what to say to him after this, but deep down in my heart, a sense of gratitude towards him can be felt.
We reach the school's gate! About time, too. Rein drops me carefully, and I feel less tired now. I should thank him for what he did to me, even though it was very embarrassing.
''Rein...t-thank you for carrying me to school with you....I will never arrive here without your help...''
He gently strokes my head. His warm touch brings peace to my heart.
''You're welcome, Melisa. Well, I'm on my way to class now. I will see you after school, okay?''
I nod in agreement. Both of us are on our way to class. Well, I might as well enjoy this day and relieve my tiredness. Running will sprain my ankle, therefore I am forced to walk slowly to class.
End of Chapter 3