Morning. Furina slowly opened her eyes.
Luna was still asleep. Since they'd started living together, their sleep schedules had almost completely synchronized. When one fell asleep, the other would snuggle into the blankets beside her.
Occasionally, one of them would wake up earlier than the other.
But today, she had woken up early on purpose!
The reason was simple.
Furina hugged Luna, inhaling her scent for a moment before silently slipping out of bed. She picked up the calendar from the desk.
Oh, look what day it is! It's the first anniversary of the day we met! Furina nodded repeatedly. Unconsciously, a whole year had passed since they'd started spending their days together.
Such a momentous occasion deserved something special to set it apart from the everyday.
And we have to celebrate it every year!
Furina crossed her arms. "But Luna hasn't shown any special reaction these past few days. Don't tell me I'm the only one who remembers this?"
If that were true, she'd never let Luna hear the end of it.
Then again, she might be secretly preparing a surprise.
In fact, that's the most likely scenario.
When Luna wanted to hide something, she was impossible to catch—or so Furina believed.
After all, Luna had never hidden anything from her. Even if she had, she would surely have left a tiny clue to guide Furina toward the truth.
In any case, I have to prepare something special for today.
As Furina imagined Luna moved to tears of joy, her expression filled with smug satisfaction.
I have to make Luna cry at least once!
She stared at Luna's sleeping face for a while, then snuggled back into the blankets and hugged her again.
Before making thorough preparations, I need to mentally prepare myself! Furina nodded inwardly, burying her face in Luna's hair. This is definitely not me trying to slack off for a bit.
Just as Furina drifted back to sleep, Luna quietly opened her eyes.
-
Still half-asleep, Furina reached out beside her, but the familiar warmth wasn't there.
The absence jolted her awake.
"Luna?"
No response.
A note sat on the nightstand, bearing a simple message: "Breakfast is ready. I had to go out for something. Don't be lonely, okay?"
Furina puffed out her cheeks.
Does Luna even remember that we've been together for a whole year?
Or has she been charmed by some other woman?
Fine. If she's forgotten, then starting today, I'll make sure she remembers—that this time of year marks the day we met on the moonlit beach.
"Hmph, hmph. Now, what should I do?"
Furina began to scheme.
On second thought, with Luna out of the house, she had much more freedom to work with.
Not only could she prepare a lavish dinner, but she could also decorate the entire house to create an atmosphere truly fitting for their anniversary.
Drawing on her years of design experience, Furina quickly came up with...
...a mountain of design plans that were completely impractical.
"With just me, my options are too limited."
Even with the members of her Salon Solitaire, it would be the same.
Luna's house wasn't small. Decorating the whole place would take at least a day or two.
After much deliberation, Furina finally settled on a design. All that was left was to get started. She drew up a shopping list, filling it with everything she needed.
Time to go shopping!
-
Today is the one-year anniversary of when Furina and I met, Luna thought.
Of course she remembered, but she didn't need to show it.
Only by shrouding it in mystery would the surprise hit even harder.
Furina must be busy at home right now.
As a Fontainian romantic to the core—or so Furina claimed—she would never settle for a simple candlelight dinner. Atmosphere and ceremony were essential.
Luna could already picture Furina on her tiptoes, straining to hang decorations.
"Miss Luna, here's what you ordered."
"Thank you very much."
The shopkeeper shook their head. "You're welcome. You seemed so happy just now... Did something good happen?"
"Something good happens to me every day," Luna replied, her smile radiant as she collected the gift. "But today's good thing is a little different."
Could it be because of Lady Furina? the shopkeeper wondered instinctively. All of Fontaine knew they lived together.
More importantly—that smile was almost blindingly bright. It was the very picture of pure happiness.
Luna left the shop and checked her pocket watch.
I'll head back a little later.
If Furina was preparing a surprise for her, wouldn't returning too soon ruin all her hard work?
As Luna walked, she eagerly anticipated what she would find when she returned home. But what she wanted to see most of all was Furina's smile.
It was simply too adorable.
-
Meanwhile, Furina was straining on her tiptoes, trying to hang decorations on the wall. The three members of the Seafood Trio were busy cleaning nearby—only through teamwork could they ensure both efficiency and quality.
"If only I were a little taller," Furina sighed.
She kept glancing back at the door. Luna isn't back yet, is she?
Please don't come back now! If she catches me setting up for our anniversary, it'll be so awkward! Furina knew she wouldn't be able to play it cool in that situation. Even if she tried to lie her way out of it, Luna would see right through her.
"Hmm? What's that smell?" Furina twitched her nose.
Mademoiselle Crabaletta tapped her shoulder and pointed toward the kitchen.
Oh no!
Furina's face paled. She sprinted to the kitchen, lifted the lid, and found only charred pastries. She dropped to her knees, hands on the floor, and let out a wail.
"I completely forgot the pastries were baking!"
Clatter.
A sound came from the living room. Furina scrambled back to see what had happened.
"It wasn't hung securely!"
Furina sighed again. It felt like nothing was going right today. But she was determined to make this anniversary a beautiful memory for both her and Luna.
The first time is always the most important.
The first anniversary after their first meeting... Furina re-hung the decorations, thinking to herself: Besides this, there was their first kiss, their first... that kind of thing.
Before she knew it, they had already accumulated so many "firsts."
At this thought, a smile spread across Furina's face.
Although she didn't want Luna to come back right this moment...
...she really wanted to see her now.
And finally, after a long ordeal... effort, Furina's preparations were complete!
The lighting: perfect. The decorations: perfect. The wine and snacks were all ready—all that was missing was the person she wanted to share this day with!
Furina placed her hands on her hips, nodding in satisfaction.
So thoughtful, so beautiful. As expected of me.
All that remained was to wait for Luna to return. Furina let out a breath and sat down in a chair, waiting for Luna to push open the door and come home.
But it wasn't long before Furina started yawning repeatedly.
All that running around has made me tired.
This is bad, she thought, pinching her cheeks. Wouldn't it be mortifying if I fell asleep now?
...and she wouldn't get to see Luna's surprised expression when she walked through the door.
Furina crossed her arms, thinking, I will not fall asleep!
Absolutely not!
But she waited for a long, long time, and Luna never came back. The shimmering lights dimmed, the snacks lost all their flavor, and a chill filled the air. The special anniversary vanished with the chiming of the clock at midnight...
Furina had such a dream.
It was a dream, she thought hazily.
She could feel Luna's presence.
She wanted to part her lips, to call Luna's name and confirm she was there, but she couldn't. A warmth spread and bloomed in her mouth, a familiar taste that made her heart race.
Their lips parted, and Furina slowly opened her eyes.
"Luna?"
"Good evening, my lovely Lady Furina. You were sleeping so soundly," Luna whispered.
Furina's mind was still foggy as she responded, then her eyes shot wide open.
"Luna!?"
"Yes? What's wrong?" Luna smiled at her.
Behind Luna stood the decorations Furina had so carefully prepared, along with the wine and snacks on the table.
Furina froze for a moment before abruptly shooting to her feet.
"When... when did you get back!?"
"Well... that's a secret," Luna said teasingly.
That's just too cunning!
"But I could never get tired of watching Furina sleep."
Doesn't that mean you got back a long time ago!? Furina's face turned bright red as she grabbed Luna's shoulders.
Flustered, she stammered, "You... you need to forget everything you just saw, then go back outside and come in again! Yes! Otherwise, all the surprises I prepared for you will be completely meaningless!"
She started pushing Luna toward the door.
"That's asking a bit much, don't you think?"
"I guess so..."
Luna turned around, smiling. "Besides, I already knew what today was. And I knew what you were planning, Furina."
"Huh?"
Furina froze again.
"Today is the first anniversary of the day we met, isn't it?"
That's right.
So Luna remembered!
A wide grin spread across Furina's face. Of course! How could Luna possibly forget? It would be ridiculous if a Phantom Thief forgot the day she acquired her treasure.
She felt a wave of relief.
Furina pressed a hand to her chest, about to speak, when Luna held something out to her.
It was a bouquet of flowers.
"This is for you, Furina," Luna said softly.
"Huh?"
Furina froze again.
This isn't right! I was the one planning the surprise, so why is Luna surprising me instead?
Don't turn the tables on me at a time like this!
"Th-Thank you..." Furina stammered, her face flushing as she accepted the bouquet.
Luna clasped her hands behind her back, leaning forward with a slight smile. "Aren't you happy?"
"No, I am! I'm very happy! But—Hmph... You always do this. You call it a surprise, but sometimes it feels more like a shock, and it's so frustrating! I was trying to surprise you, but you ended up surprising me again!"
Furina hid her face behind the bouquet.
Her cheeks grew hotter. Though she was annoyed, she couldn't deny that happiness and bliss overwhelmed her. She hugged the flowers a little tighter.
"I'm really happy, truly."
"And..." Luna began again.
"There's more!?" Furina exclaimed in surprise.
Luna produced a large box, placed it on the table, and opened it. A multi-layered, delicious-looking cake appeared before them, making Furina's eyes light up.
"Wow, a cake! Did you make this?"
"Yeah, I borrowed the shop's kitchen. I did wonder what I'd do if you made a cake too, but I made one anyway."
We could always eat it later, after all.
Having one is much better than having none.
Furina's eyes sparkled. "Can I try a piece now?"
With a swift, clean cut, Luna sliced a piece and handed it to Furina.
She forked a small bite and put it in her mouth. Sweetness burst forth, spreading across her palate. Furina beamed.
"Delicious! As expected of you, Luna. You really know my tastes!"
"We've been living together for a year. If I didn't know by now, I might as well bury myself," Luna chuckled.
"That's an exaggeration... though I agree."
Luna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, leaned closer, and parted her lips, waiting to be fed. Furina forked another piece and placed it in Luna's mouth.
"Sigh... This isn't quite what I had in mind, but..."
Furina cupped Luna's face and leaned in to kiss her. The sweet flavor deepened between them.
"...this is wonderful too," she added softly.
During the preparations, I kept thinking of all the things I wanted to do with Luna. But now that the night has actually begun, none of that seems to matter anymore. Just being able to snuggle together under this soft glow is enough.
Luna took Furina's hand. "Oh no, that won't do. Tonight, I don't want you to be so easily satisfied."
"Let's dance together. I know you picked out a song for us."
"Let's enjoy the snacks together. I want to taste more of your cooking."
"You've been looking forward to this day, and haven't I been doing the same?" Luna said with heartfelt sincerity.
Luna was looking forward to it too... Nothing could be better than this!
Furina's heart swelled with joy. She squeezed Luna's hand, turned on the record player, and as the grooves spun, their bodies began to sway in a light, graceful dance.
"You said it! Tonight, I won't be easily satisfied. We'll dance together, eat delicious food together, sing together—ah, but of course, we can't disturb the neighbors."
As their steps shifted, Furina pressed closer to Luna.
"In short, let's cherish this special time together under the moonlight!" Her voice brimmed with delight and happiness.
"Until we both fall asleep in each other's arms?" Luna whispered, finishing her thought.
"Exactly. You know me so well."
The pearlescent moonlight swayed as their dance steps spun lightly. The world spun around them, yet they remained the unmoving center of each other's vision.
Furina gazed into Luna's eyes, unable to forget the sight of her silhouette under the moon when they first met. Luna gently caressed Furina's face, equally unable to forget the sensation of touching her skin for the first time. The soft press of lips against a cheek, the touch of their lips meeting, the feeling of their fingers intertwined—all these sensations melted into the night, flowing into the distance.
Late into the night.
Even after the lingering warmth of their dance had faded, Luna still held Furina tightly in her arms.
Furina was more than happy to rest in her embrace.
"Those words you said... they changed my life, Furina."
"Hm? Which words?" Furina tilted her head up and poked Luna's cheek.
"'Take me with you, too.'"
Furina's face flushed red. Why is she bringing that up again?
But before she could say anything more, Luna pulled her even tighter.
"If you hadn't said those words, Furina, I wouldn't be who I am today, and we wouldn't have shared all this time together. I love my life now. I love the days with you all here."
Can't she just drop the 'all'? It's ruining the moment! Furina thought.
But Luna's embrace was so warm that it made her forget all her complaints.
She pressed closer against Luna's skin. "Doesn't everything you just said apply to me, too?"
"Without Luna, I wouldn't have these wonderful days either. I love Luna. I love the days with Luna in them. Every single one is like the crown on a cake, sparkling and bright..."
Furina gently kissed Luna's lips.
Then, with a tender smile, she said, "But if you're truly moved, then you have to love me more than you ever have before. More than anything, I want your gaze to be on me."
"I was your number one before, and I'll always be your number one from now on!"
A blush crept onto Luna's cheeks, but she answered frankly, "Yes. Furina will always be number one in my heart."
"That's more like it."
Furina closed her eyes. "Well... good night."
"Good night."
Luna knew what she was waiting for and kissed Furina's cheek.
"—My dear Lady Furina."
-
"Luna, are you listening?"
"Hm? I was just thinking."
"About what?"
Luna gazed at Furina, who sat across from her sipping tea. Their hands rested on the table, gently clasped together.
"I was thinking about our first anniversary."
"Oh? Feeling nostalgic?" Furina asked with a playful smile.
"Yes."
Furina set down her teacup, their hands still linked. She propped her chin on her other hand, her expression also tinged with nostalgia, though mostly filled with a pure, joyful smile.
"Nostalgic over something from just last year? You'll have plenty more to be nostalgic about in the future!"
She narrowed her eyes slightly, her smile soft and gentle.
"We'll celebrate countless more anniversaries and birthdays together. Don't you worry."
"This is a play that belongs only to us, one that will never end."
Luna smiled back. "Mm-hmm."
Their eyes met, no words needed. Each saw the other's reflection, their smiling faces mirrored in their gazes. No matter how many years passed, this scene would repeat itself endlessly.
Because they were destined to spend their lives together.
"Still, Furina, you've never managed to beat me at that sort of thing, have you?"
"...Mind your own business."
-
Spy- Thank You for reading this story for the last year! Honestly I was not expecting this when I first started. I appreciate all the readers and all the support!
ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧