The house was unnervingly quiet; not a footstep, not a creak of wood, not even a voice could be heard, as if no one were there at all.

The four of them sat at the table, the silence pressing down like a weight. No one dared to speak; for a moment, it felt as if the world had paused.

At last, Jean let out a deep sigh and turned to Arthur, who was clearly puzzled.

“So, you were friends with Matthew,” she said, breaking the long silence. “I knew he was a soldier, but I never imagined the two of you knew each other.”

Arthur nodded, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yes, and I never thought that you two were friends either. What a small world.”

“WE’RE NOT FRIENDS!” Jean snapped, slamming her hand on the table.

Matthew chuckled, clearly amused by Jean’s reaction.

“Of course, we’re not,” he replied.

Jean clicked her tongue in frustration, her irritation mounting.

Alice, sensing the growing tension, clapped her hands together with a nervous smile.

“Alright, everyone. This is unexpected… Arthur and I are a bit confused,” Alice said, glancing at him.

“We’d like to know what kind of relationship you two have,” she continued but her voice tinged with nervous.

Matthew turned to Jean, his face wearing a smug expression.

“What are we, Jean? They’re curious about our relationship.” He smirked, eyes glinting with amusement.

Jean could no longer hold back his frustration.

She stood abruptly. “Thanks for your time, Alice. I’m leaving,” she said curtly—and without another word, she was gone.

Both Alice and Arthur were left completely bewildered.

Suddenly, Matthew burst into laughter, making them even more disorientated.

“She’s mad at you, isn’t she?” Alice asked, her voice tingled with concern.

“Why are you so happy about it?”

Matthew shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“She’s always been like that since we were kids. I’m used to it.”

Arthur leaned forward, placing his hand on the table.

“I think it’s about time we learn about your relationship with Jean, Matthew,” he said, his curiosity now overwhelming his usual composure.

Matthew’s expression shifted. His usual playful smile faded, replaced by a serious look.

“Actually, we’re childhood friends,” he said, his voice suddenly grave. “We were very close back then, but because of how close we were, our families arranged a marriage between us.”

The atmosphere grew heavy, and Alice was taken aback. She had known that her friend was engaged, but she hadn’t expected to meet the groom so soon.

“Well, should I say congratulations?” Arthur teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Matthew smiled, though there was a hint of sadness,

“Thank you,” he replied, sighing deeply.

Alice, sensing the weight of the moment, asked quietly,

“Are you not happy with it?”

Matthew looked at her, noticing the seriousness in her eyes. He frowned, the sadness in his expression deepening.

“Of course I’m happy,” he said, his voice sincere. “

I’ve liked her ever since. Knowing that I’m engaged to her brightens my world.” His eyebrow furrowed, as he pressed his lips together.

“But seeing her unhappy about it, struggling because of it, makes me both sad and angry at the same time.”

He paused, clenching his fist, “I want her to be free, but I also want her to be mine.” His face were full of genuine emotions.

“I’m conflicted. My mind and heart aren’t on the same wavelength. "What should I do?” His eyes filled with sincerity within it and both of them could feel how genuine those words he just said.

His voice broke with the weight of his inner turmoil. Arthur, moved by his words, patted him on the shoulder.

“Are you trying to comfort—” Matthew’s words caught in his throat when his gaze landed on the woman standing near the door.

Jean

.

Her face was flushed bright red, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

She tried to compose herself, but the effort was in vain.

Without a word, she turned and ran out of the house, her footsteps echoing in the quiet.

Matthew stood up, unsure of what to do. His heart pounded in his chest.

“I think you should chase her.” Alice said, her voice calm yet firm.

Matthew lowered his head, weighed down by a wave of doubts that seemed to paralyze him.

Arthur stood up, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I might not be the one to say this, but I think it’s time you told her what you really want to say.”

“I’m scared,” Matthew admitted, his voice trembling.

“Scared of what?” Arthur asked.

“I’m scared of rejection.” His voice raw and desperate.

“What if she already likes someone else? What if she hates me?” Matthew’s words tumbled out, but before he could finish, he heard Arthur’s soft laugh which made him startled for a moment,

“Seeing you like this, Matthew… I guess this is scarier than any wars we faced.”

Matthew felt the tight knot of nervousness in his chest loosen as he heard the words. He exhaled deeply, a small, reluctant smile forming on his lips.

“I guess… you’re right.”

Arthur lightly pushed his back. “Go!” 

Matthew was taken aback by the unexpected gesture, yet a surge of motivation stirred within him, melting away his hesitation. He dashed toward the door with confidence.

Alice smiled gently. “You’re pretty good at this, Arthur.” she said, amused by the scene.

Arthur glanced back at her. “You think so? I only pushed him a little.”

With that, he walked through the door and closed it behind him. 

Matthew ran as fast as he could, his heart hammering wildly, breath coming in uneven gasps.

It was as if his body moved on its own, pulling him toward her despite his better judgment. Hesitation clawed at him, yet his feet refused to stop.

He darted through the village streets, but no matter how fast he ran, she was nowhere to be found.

Frustration surged, and he bit his lip, ragged breaths shaking his chest. Then, a memory flickered—of a place they always visited as children, a place they had always cherished.

Hope sparked in his eyes. Without a second thought, he sprinted straight for it.

When he arrived, the sight before him momentarily took his breath away.

The garden was alive with vibrant, blooming with wildflowers, their colors bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun.

The light danced across every petal, creating a scene so mesmerizing it felt almost unreal.

For a moment, he stood frozen, stunned by the beauty around him, unaware that his panic was slowly fading away.

But it wasn’t the garden that held him—it was her.

There she was, standing among the flowers, her delicate fingers brushing against the petals. Her hair swayed gently with the breeze, catching the sunlight like strands of silk, and for a second, she looked like a fairy.

She was beautiful, more beautiful than he had ever allowed himself to admit.

He could have stayed like that, watching her forever, and never grown tired of the sight.

Damn… she looked like a goddess.

He whispered under his breath.

Then, as if sensing his presence, Jean turned toward him.

Her gaze met his, and she smiled—a soft, gentle smile so unlike her demeanor from earlier.

“You knew I’d be here,” she said, her voice calm, almost serene.

He nodded; his eyes locked on hers. “Why wouldn’t I? This was our place. We used to play here all the time,” he replied, his tone serious, unwavering.

Suddenly, a gust of wind brushed against their skin, sending their hair dancing along the breeze.

Her eyes grew wide, and a trace of astonishment shimmered across her face.

“I see. You still remember. I thought you’d forgotten about this place,” she said softly.

Her cheeks flushed at the intensity of his gaze. Flustered, she quickly averted her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, stepping closer to her, his voice tinged with concern.

“A-about what you said earlier… is it really true?” she stammered, clutching the fabric of her clothes tightly against her chest.

He stopped in his tracks, inhaling deeply to steady his nerves.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “It’s true.”

She hesitated, then turned back to face him, her eyes glistening with hurt.

“Then why?” Her voice trembled, fragile yet piercing.

"Why did you bully me back then? Why pull my hair for no reason, tease me all the time?” Her lips quivered while tears glimmered in her eyes as she continued.

"And why—why didn’t you tell me the truth when you joined the military? You say you love me, but your actions… they’ve always said the opposite. Now, tell me!” She continued, her voice rising with a desperate need for answers

Matthew ran a hand through the back of his hair, avoiding her gaze.

“W-well… haven’t you heard? Boys tease the girls they like… to get their attention,” he mumbled, cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

Jean blinked, caught off guard by his answer. Her cheeks flamed crimson as she tried to process his words.

“W-what is that even supposed to mean?!” she exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, a small, nervous smile tugging at his lips. “But I do know… my feelings for you back then are the same as they are today.”

Jean’s cheeks flushed for a moment, then she shook her head, her expression softening slightly, though the bewilderment in her eyes remained.

“Then why didn’t you say anything before leaving? Why… why join the military without even telling me?”

His smile faded as he lowered his gaze. “Because I’d already made up my mind to join. It was my dream… to serve as a soldier for this country.” He paused, meeting her gaze, and felt the weight of seriousness in her eyes.

“But… I knew that if I saw you that day, everything would have changed. I wouldn’t have been able to leave. My love for you…would have kept me here.” He put his hand to his chest as he took a deep breath.

“That’s why I avoided you. And for that… I’m truly sorry.”

He stepped closer, his voice heavy with regret.

Jean’s brow furrowed, thoughts racing as she struggled to process his words.

“I-I don’t understand… What are you even saying? I don’t get it,” she whispered, her voice shaky and uncertain.

When he reached her, he took her hand gently, the other brushing her cheek with soft, deliberate care.

She gasped, startled by the sudden intimacy.

“W-what are you doing?” she stammered, her face burning crimson.

“Please, Jean,” he said, his voice gentle, eyes brimming with sincerity.

“Believe me. I want to make you happy. I want you to be mine… and mine alone. Trust me, and I promise to make you the happiest person alive.” His chest heaved, every heartbeat echoing in his ears.

“Please… marry me.”

Jean searched his eyes for any trace of doubt, but all she found was unwavering honesty. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded, 

“Y-yes.” She held his hand softly.

“I-I’ve liked you ever since.” A shy smile curved her lips, and her eyes shone with joy. “I promise… to make you the happiest person in the world too, Matthew.”

Matthew’s breath caught. He stood frozen, heart hammering, unable to believe she had truly accepted him.