[30.3] Young Love is Awkward

Once we arrived at the square, I quickly climbed out, ready to devour everything in sight. Cyrus climbed out almost zombie-like, still staring at my dress with an expression I couldn't interpret.

I pursed my lips, "Do you hate my dress that much? Tsk. I knew I shouldn't have worn it. It doesn't suit me after all."

"Not at all." He spoke as if he was unaware he was even speaking, "...You look so beautiful I can't look away."

I felt a sudden heat explode over my face, "W-What?"

He suddenly realized what he said and averted his eyes, "Er! I- no, what I meant was… I, uh, I-I think that you would look good in anything."

I suddenly felt extremely self-conscious and pushed my hair behind my ear, "R-Really?"

Cyrus suddenly looked shocked at himself, "No!"

I decided to tease him to rid myself of my embarrassment, "No? You think I look bad in everything?"

"AH! I mean, I didn't mean no- I just meant that you- I, uh…"

I laughed, "Relax. I know you didn't mean it in a bad way."

Cyrus coughed in embarrassment and tried to change the subject, "Did Caldwell make your dress?"

I shrugged, "No idea… By the way, where did Caldwell go?"

"He found someone to annoy." Cyrus pointed into the crowd and I could make out Chief Gonza in his uniform. Caldwell was obviously flirting with the poor on-duty officer while Chief Gonza was trying his best not to abandon his duty and run away.

I laughed, "I am impressed that he never gives up."

Cyrus laughed with me, "I'm more impressed that Chief Gonza hasn't beaten him up yet."

Hearing his light-hearted laugh, I stared at him intently as the corner of my lips curved up.

He noticed my gaze and frowned, "What is it?"

"You have a nice laugh."

His eyes widened slightly, then he promptly started walking, "Didn't someone want chicken legs?"

Zephyr ran forward with his hands in the air, "Chicken leeeeegs!"

I shouted after Cyrus, "Don't be embarrassed! Wait! Slow down!"

Although he didn't turn around, his footsteps slowed down, allowing me to catch up. We all made our way over to the nearest food stall with greasy chicken legs.

The stall owner each handed us a piece, "That'll be six tin prices."

I reached inside and nonchalantly handed it over to Zephyr who bit down on it. He grinned, "It's tin!"

Cyrus stared at me in disbelief as I handed it to the owner. He spoke after we had gotten our food, "What was that?"

I grinned, "What? You told me that tin is more flimsy than silver."

His expression twitched, "I didn't mean you should have him bite it!!"

I snickered, "Well I'm not going to bite it."

He groaned, "I don't think either of you should bite it!!!"

Hazel stood off to the side watching with a gentle smile as Zephyr ate his food. She calmly pulled out a handkerchief and blotted the grease off his face once he finished, "Want mine?"

He licked his lips, "Duh!"

She handed it to him with a giggle and happily watched him devour it.

After buying Priscilla a candied apple, Felix rejoined the group. He gazed at Cyrus and me before slowly turning to watch Zephyr.

Hazel noticed this and turned to him with a strange look in her eyes, "Did you want a chicken leg?"

Felix was surprised for a moment before forcing a smile, "I'm not hungry."

She spoke firmer, "Isn't it dinner time? If you want, I could buy you one."

He gulped with a pale expression, "I-I really am okay."

She stepped near him with a threatening aura despite the smile on her face, "I really insist. Here."

Seeing the greasy chicken leg in his face, his face paled. Priscilla noticed this and stepped in, "My brother can't handle greasy food."

Hazel let out a low chuckle and pulled the leg back, "Aw. Is his stomach too sensitive?"

Felix pressed his lips together and looked down with a shameful look.

Zephyr licked his lips as he watched and spoke up, "If he doesn't want to, don't force 'em."

Hazel's lip curled in irritation, but she held back. She turned to Zephyr with a bright smile, "I wasn't trying to force him. I just worry that he is not eating enough. If he were to eat more meat, maybe he wouldn't look like a child."

Felix's shameful look suddenly turned into one of anger.

Oh… I don't think I've ever seen that look on his face before.

Zephyr cut in innocently as if he didn't even know the two were fighting, "I think it's better if he doesn't eat meat…" He snickered, "Because then there's more for me."

Felix burst out into genuine laughter, "I will make sure to give you my share."

Hazel glared at the two of them and watched in jealousy as Zephyr allowed Felix to rub the top of his head. Noticing the tense atmosphere, I nudged Cyrus.

I waited for him to interrupt, but when he didn't say anything, I turned to look at him.

He was still staring at me in a daze.

My eyebrows twitched so I nudged him harder, "Ehem."

He snapped out of his daze with a look of embarrassment, "L-Let's look around, shall we?"

I wrapped my arm around his and started dragging him, "Let's go!"

The four others eventually followed after us, and soon we were all walking through the town staring at all the festivities. There were varieties of foods and drinks that were usually not sold, and even trinkets and homemade gifts lined the street.

I took everything in feeling a bit overwhelmed, "It really is a festival."

Cyrus raised an eyebrow at me, "What did you expect?"

I shrugged, "I had no idea what to expect- Wait. Are those carnival games?!"

Cyrus paused, "Carnival games?"

I ran over to the nearest one which had the player shoot objects to knock them over in order to win them, "How much to play?"

The game master grinned at me, "One copper coin for three shots."

I put down a coin and he handed me the fake rifle. I looked over at the toys until my eye caught sight of a white rabbit. I aimed at it and shot.

It missed.

I shot the remaining bullets, but all two missed.

Zephyr burst into laughter, "Haha! You suck!"

I shoved the gun into his hands, "Then you do it!"

After paying, Zephyr aimed.

His first shot missed.

I smirked, "Not so easy, is it?"

He stuck out his tongue and aimed again.

This time, he hit the rabbit on the forehead.

The rabbit wobbled but didn't fall over.

Zephyr grinned, "I hit it!"

The game master smiled at us, "You have to knock it over to keep it."

I glared at him, "How is that fair?!"

The game master continued to smile, "That's the rules of the game, Miss."

Fine. If that's how he wants to play it.

I have no choice but to make it fair.

I giggled mischievously and pulled out my wand.

The game master cleared his throat and pointed to a sign which read: 'No Magic Allowed'

I put away my wand with a click of my tongue.

Cyrus calmly put down a coin and took the other rifle. He aimed and shot all three bullets in one quick succession. The rabbit fell over forcing the game master to reluctantly give it to him.

Cyrus turned and handed me the small plush, "Here."

I took it and stared at him in admiration.

He stared back at me in confusion, "What is it?"

I grinned, "You're so talented… Let's take all the prizes."

The Game Master turned pale.

Cyrus flushed and walked away, "Just be grateful that I won you that one."

I looked down at the rabbit plush and poked its cheeks lovingly.

I don't know why, but my heart feels so warm all of a sudden.