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Their figures shone in the moonlight.
It's past midnight, and the two had just come back from a gathering of sorts with their friends and family. Ray had been tired out from the party, so he left early, leaving them to their own devices. Emma had offered to stroll around in a park nearby, as she didn't want the day to end just yet. She eagerly intertwined her hands with Norman's, with him following her behind without a second thought. She never noticed the heat that crept up his face.
The park had sakura trees framing the entrance, with the flowers dimly lit by the moonlight, adding to the ambiance. Petals had fallen occasionally.
"It looks like it's raining petals!" Emma had commented, her face in awe. Norman had given an endearing look in her direction as a response.
The gate had been huge, with intricate detailing. A fountain had also been in the center of the park. Of course, this fountain was shut off, much to Emma's disappointment.
She brought him to a bench, and they chatted for a bit. They talked about nonsense to even about their future. Norman enjoyed and cherished every second of it. He felt so ecstatic every time he managed to make Emma smile with mirth or be the cause of her melodic giggles.
"Do you know how to waltz, Norman?" She had asked innocently. The conversation had shifted to music and dance at one point, so she was curious. She shifted her hands onto her lap, waiting for an answer. She lightly kicked her dangling legs back and forth in a rhythmic motion.
He shook his head in slight embarrassment. "Not really. I haven't found the time for it."
Emma placed her finger on her chin in thought. “I’ve only seen movies, but I’m thinking we could try doing just that!” She spontaneously sprang up from her seat, slightly stumbling in her heels from the abrupt action. Norman immediately caught her arms in his, giving her support. She could feel his breath lightly flutter on her face. A blush was found on both of their faces, given how close their faces were.
Emma murmured a shy “thank you” in their embarrassment. They were used to being close, but never this close.
She recovered from the situation a bit quicker than he did, so she began to guide him along with the waltz she saw in movies. Emma's lively hair bounced with every step she took, as well as her short, light yellow floral dress. She also wore a few small white flowers in her hair to compliment her outfit. Her eyes only made her even more gorgeous in the moonlight.
Norman followed, his own eyes glistening as well. He wore a simple white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up halfway, as well as formal pants and shoes. Despite the supposed plain attire, he looked ethereal in the lighting.
Emma occasionally stumbled in the dance, causing them both to giggle. It wasn't perfect, but Norman found it endearing. These little habits of hers caused him to fall hopelessly in love with Emma, after all. As they continued to move, Norman had considered confessing to her here and now. The timing had seemed perfect. It was peaceful, beautiful, and they were together, alone. He’d held back all of his emotions for Emma for quite a while now, and he’d wondered how much time he would have left to say how he truly felt.
But, before he could even utter a word, Emma spoke.
“Hey...you know how earlier we were talking about how we want our futures to be like?” She asked, her voice lower than usual. Norman nodded in confirmation, prompting Emma to continue.
“Well, have you ever thought about spending that future with someone? R-Romantically, I mean. I know you would want to spend your future with us and everyone in our family and-”
“Emma,” Norman interrupted. “I know what you mean.”
Emma closed her mouth, her eyes shining with curiosity. She waited for an answer.
Norman smiled softly as he responded. “I do have a certain person in mind, if that’s what you’re asking.” His heart threatened to force out five simple words along with his answer.
‘That person is you, Emma .’
He made sure the words died on his tongue. He didn’t want to put her in a difficult position, as well as make things awkward.
Emma hummed, delaying a step. “I see. Is it someone we know?”
“Well, I would say you know this person better than anyone else,” Norman chuckled. “I’ve known them ever since we were little kids. Their smiles always made my day a little brighter, as well as their spontaneous decisions.” He closed his eyes, deciding to just continue this approach.
She was always quick to catch up, after all.
“They’re so reckless but selfless and compassionate at the same time. Their mind works in such a way that I could never fathom, but if possible, I’d want to be right by their side, spending the rest of my life trying to figure her out.”
Norman’s eyes widened as those last few words slipped out. His heart raced when he saw Emma’s eyes flicker with realization.
“ Know better than anyone else, ever since childhood, reckless, her ,” she muttered. She felt warmth rise to her face. She remembered how often Norman looked at her with such a gentle expression, and how he’d always make time just to be with her. With all of those habits and gestures...
“...It’s me, isn’t it?”
Norman gave her a shy smile, nodding in confirmation. Emma's eyes widened, her mouth parting in shock. She blinked a few times before giggling. Her lips upturned into a smile, filled with relief and satisfaction. "That makes it easier to say this, then."
She wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in the crook of his neck. "E-Emma?" Norman blushed in embarrassment, unsure how to respond.
"I like you, Norman. I really do. Whenever I'm with you, I feel I can just be myself. I feel safe around you, like I'm home. You feel like home. I know I want to spend my life with you by my side as well," Emma confessed.
She moved her head to make eye contact with Norman. He cupped her face with his palm, giving her the smile he's reserved just for her. “I’m glad we feel the same way, then.”
Emma placed her hand on top of his and leaned in to place her lips on his. Norman froze in shock at first, but gradually melted into the kiss, embracing her with all the love he had for her.
It was a lovely night for the both of them.