Chapter 5 — When the Sun Begins to Fall
After we finished eating, the others went back to the lodge where we were staying.
Mike and I stayed behind to watch the sunset from the pier.
After a while, I told him, "I think I left something in the store."
He just waved lazily. "Alright, don't take too long."
That was a lie.
The truth was—I was waiting for Belle.
I stood by the path leading to her shop, feeling the sea breeze brush against my face.
My heart wouldn't stop pounding.
I have to clear things up with her... before she thinks I'm that kind of guy.
"Auntie, I'm heading home!"
Belle's voice echoed from the store.
I froze.
Then she appeared at the door, sunlight painting her hair gold.
When she saw me standing there, I instinctively looked down, searching for the right words.
She walked past me without saying anything.
Panic sparked in my chest.
"Ah—please wait a moment! Don't ignore me!" I blurted out.
Belle stopped, turning her head slightly.
"Are you going to keep me waiting?" she said with a faint, teasing tone.
"Umm…" I fumbled, completely lost.
She crossed her arms lightly. "You successfully picked up a girl."
My eyes widened. "No! It wasn't like that! They were just—those girls were the ones who wanted to hang out with us!"
Belle tilted her head. "But the number of people was just right."
'Waaah... she's right,' I thought miserably.
If someone saw us earlier, they'd definitely think we were paired off. I couldn't even deny it.
"Are you… busy later?" I asked quietly.
She blinked, surprised. "No, I just have to go home. Why do you ask?"
I scratched the back of my head, heart racing. "Then… if you're free, could you… maybe show me around the island?"
Belle raised an eyebrow, amused. "There's nothing much to see. Are you trying to pick me up?"
"This isn't about that! Well—maybe it looks like it, but it's not… I mean… there are two ways to meet a girl…" I rambled, half-dying inside.
Belle chuckled softly, covering her mouth.
"Hee hee… you're certainly different."
I looked up, puzzled. "Different?"
"Okay," she said, smiling warmly now. "I'll show you around."
Her voice carried a lightness that made the sea breeze gentler somehow.
And as she smiled at me, my heart quietly whispered—
This might be the start of something I'll never forget.
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