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Despite putting himself in a grand library holding a book in front of his face, Freminet wasn’t focused at all.
To be fair, he was going to be here regardless, to read books relating to diving, of course, and (just earlier he was attempting to discreetly read fairy tales but, nonetheless,) this occurrence just happened to be pure coincidence. So it wasn’t totally his fault that now he’s distracted, all over something that definitely was out of his control.
Every few seconds, he would sneak glances towards her, who was near the bookshelves, while he stayed seated at the table. And every time he felt that she was going to catch his direction, he just shoved his face deeper into the book, hoping that the book was big enough to cover his entire face.
He wasn’t going to say that he was clueless on how this all began. Because deep down, he knew, so maybe what he just wanted to know was instead why—why it had to be him, out of all people, to even have himself wrapped into this situation at all in the first place.
Freminet knew that he wasn’t as shallow as a person to just simply fall for looks, but…truth be told, it was the first thing that caught his eye. He always thought that the whole “love at first sight” thing was just for people that only cared about what was on the exterior, but look where he was now…
He shook his head, erasing this thought. Sure, maybe it might’ve been looks that caught his eye at first, but upon the small actions that she would do for him, whether it just be helping him out when she didn’t have to (since surely she was busy on the daily which would have to naturally put him at the bottom of her priority), or even being by his side when she didn’t have to, her mannerisms, the way she talked—were all just things that built up upon each other that caused him to make him feel like this. Like there was this huge, untieable knot in his chest whenever he looked at her, or even simply thought about her.
But, if god made it so that they met, then it must’ve happened for a reason, so it couldn’t be a sin to fall for her, right? It wasn’t like he had the mindset that she would eventually fall for him too, as easily as he did for her, and to be downright honest with himself, he couldn’t even imagine someone as brilliant as her to even view him as the opposite sex, as a man. Heck, it even seemed like his own brother had his eye on her too, so it shouldn’t be surprising if she got swept up by some other man that had the chivalry and charm as one as a prince, or maybe just a whole prince could fall for her.
In that case, where did he even stand a chance?!
And apparently, with this stupid nonsensical thinking, Freminet wasn’t doing a good job at hiding himself anymore.
He saw her coming closer, and he quickly proceeded to act as if he was intently staring at his book, trying to focus on the words displayed in front of him. Maybe she didn’t notice him, maybe she was just getting a book that happened to be closer to his direction, maybe she was going to head to a different isle, or, or maybe—
“It’s nice seeing you here, Freminet!”
It was over for him.
He only had about a split-second to decide whether or not he could act like he heard her or not, to make it seem like he was super focused on his book, or to look up and meet eyes with her, but that would show that he actually wasn’t focused this whole time. But normally people would look up if they heard their name, right? So who was he kidding, obviously he’d have to look up to not seem dumb.
“Hey…It’s nice seeing you too..”
Why did he just repeat exactly what she already said? Was he not capable of thinking of something original?
At this, she simply laughed in a melodic manner, her steps coming closer, before sitting in the open seat right next to him. Right next to him.
Freminet smelled her familiar scent as she sat down, a clean, natural scent. He liked it, a lot actually. He felt the corners of his mouth rise at this small detail, but quickly shut it back down upon realizing what he probably looked like. Hopefully she didn’t have to see that.
Her eyes seemed to glow, with the sunlight seeping through the stained glass window behind them reflecting upon them. If he could look at her like this forever, he would.
“So, I see you’re as diligent as ever! No wonder why you’re so skilled at what you do.”
“Oh, it’s nothing…It’s just that I have nothing better to do in my free time when I’m not given any orders…”
His whole body was practically screaming at this point.
She shortly hummed in response, now placing her gaze on her clasped hands on the table. “Say, and tell me if this is too personal or if you would just prefer not to answer…” Her gaze now shifted to him, her head slightly tilted. “But is there a reason in particular that you need these orders? Don’t you have things that you’d love to do, like, hmm…dreams of your own, maybe?”
“I…”
He wasn’t expecting this question, and even he wished he knew the proper answer to this. Nonetheless, he still tried his best to give a response.
“…I think that even if I had a dream of my own, I think I’d feel better if I was putting myself to use for another person, especially for whom I respect.”
“So it’s because you’re completely selfless, huh. That’s pretty admirable, in a sense.” Her face expressed an almost saddened smile, but it quickly washed away before Freminet could properly discern that. “But, you know…
“I think at times it should be okay to give in to your desires, once in a while!” She said this, in a determined, almost persuasive look. She followed this with a pretty smile.
…
But would you really say that, knowing what I would really wish for the most?
Maybe his look was saying too much, or maybe his luck was just terrible today.
“Freminet? Is there something wrong?” She leaned in, the center of her brows raised. “Sorry, was that unnecessary of me to give unsolicited advice?”
“No, no it’s not that…”
A small gap of silence followed.
“…If there’s anything you’re alright with telling me, I’d always be glad to listen. But I know it can be hard to open up on personal matters, especially those that are troubling you.”
“…!”
Freminet’s eyes darted back to hers, alert filling his eyes, as it seemed like she was getting the wrong idea. It wasn’t anything traumatic, no, it was just some stupid wish of his. While rushing to find the right words to say, he began to feel a soft, warm touch on his hand. Her face was getting even closer.
Instinctively, his eyes widened. Freminet pulled away, letting go of all contact with her.
“I…! Um…!”
His heart was probably going to explode had he stayed put, as if it didn’t feel like it was already. Her face was now expressing confusion, as she had every right to, and now Freminet had even more explaining to do.
“The thing that I really want…” He looked down at his feet, as he couldn’t dare to face her right now, especially while saying this. “…Is something that I shouldn’t even try for, since it would be a nuisance. It’s not anything deep, really, but I’m just okay with things the way they are.” He felt like he needed to say more. “Thank you for your concern, though…”
“I see…” She pursed her lips, as if to ponder something. “But just by guessing from what you’ve told me, I’m assuming that you haven’t tried, yet?”
“That’s—” He stopped himself, before slowly dipping his head to nod in response. Guilty.
“Well, how about this;” She turned her body and crossed her legs, neatly placing her hands just below her knees. “Maybe give it a shot, at least? Worst comes to worst, if it ends up not working out as you already envisioned, at least you can say that you tried, and there’s no harm in giving an attempt in something that’s important to you!” Her eyes shifted into a deeper place, suddenly more stern. “It’s a lot worse when you start to regret the things you haven’t done…That one opportunity in the past will never be given to you again…”
One opportunity…
This phrase lingered in Freminet’s mind, leading him to subconsciously focus his gaze down on his clenched fists on his lap. He found himself in deep thought for a few moments—or at least, in his mind it only lasted a few. Who knew if the timer in his head was accurate or not, but that didn’t even matter, especially now.
As if to speak up for the first time, Freminet now furrowed his brows, bringing his head up to match his eyes with hers again, something he’d usually try to avoid.
Placing the fingertips of one hand on the table and the other on the edge of his seat, he scooted over in the slightest bit, leaning forward.
Like a small butterfly making its land on her cheek, he softly placed his lips on it briefly, resulting in what one might call a kiss.
He backed away, eyes filled with an inexplicable emotion; one that could be dissected, one with many layers beneath it.
She widened her eyes and placed her hand where Freminet had made contact, unfamiliar to what Freminet could have been referring to with this one action.
“…It’s how we Fontainians say hello.”