Sky Flowers and a Moonlit Promise
In the grassy field, alone under the night sky where the last embers of the sky lanterns still floated.
"I wonder if it reached the stars and the moon...?"
Luna gazed up at the heavens, taking a soft breath. The wish she'd written and sent aloft moments ago still seemed to sparkle warmly somewhere deep in her chest.
"From where I'm standing, it looks like it's already there."
"Really...?"
"Yeah. Right now, the stars and moon are probably fighting over who gets to grant Luna's wish. Haha."
"......"
It was a picture-perfect night. The moonlight was gentle, the surroundings warm, a blissful evening hand-in-hand with the one she loved.
—Squeeze.
Luna nestled snugly into Si-hyun's embrace, always so ready to cradle her feelings.
Si-hyun's arms... so warm.
Whenever she was held in that cozy, comforting warmth, it felt like this happiness would last forever.
Luna discreetly wiped away the tears she hadn't realized were falling, not wanting Si-hyun to notice. He'd only worry if he saw.
Si-hyun's such an idiot... he only has eyes for me.
The silver-haired girl tilted her head up to gaze at Si-hyun, who was hugging and patting her.
"Finally gracing me with your attention, Princess?"
"Eh, huh...? You've been watching me the whole time...?"
"Can a bodyguard take his eyes off his princess? Haha."
"......Si-hyun's an idiot..."
"Think I've heard that more than a hundred times already?"
"In Selenum... and here too... Si-hyun's really just an idiot who only cares about me. Hehe..."
She'd thought they'd be admiring the beautiful night sky as the sky lanterns slowly rose.
But his eyes had never once left the princess with her golden eyes.
Just like a bodyguard vowing to protect his most precious charge.
I don't want to lose this moment of utter happiness...
The distant chimes of wind bells and music. People laughing happily, orange lanterns glowing so beautifully.
Si-hyun's deep eyes gazing at me are filled with love... so why do I feel like crying...?
A strange unease spread through Luna's heart, like a single drop of black ink staining the princess's pure feelings.
Just as she felt like collapsing and sobbing,
"Luna."
Si-hyun's low voice called her name, as if reading her mind.
Luna looked up at him with slightly teary eyes.
"Luna, remember I said there are two big events at the Moon-Welcoming Festival?"
"Besides the sky lanterns... there's more...?"
"There's a super cool, super pretty highlight left."
"I'm curious...! Tell me!"
"Well... it's—"
Si-hyun leaned close to Luna's ear in his arms and whispered softly.
"It's a secret, Princess."
"Ehh?? No fair!"
"Hahaha! You didn't tell me your wish earlier either. I'm just doing the same."
"That's mean! A bodyguard has to obey his princess's commands! Tell me!"
"Hmm~ Should I... or shouldn't I~?"
"Tell! Me! Now!"
The girl lightly pounded Si-hyun's chest with her delicate hands in playful protest.
Haha, is this what it feels like when a cat kneads?
Si-hyun chuckled softly and pulled the protesting Luna back into his arms.
"Luna, remember the flower that blooms especially beautifully under the full moon in Selenum? The one that sparkles like silver, so pretty."
"Yeah, the Full Moon Flower. Si-hyun's favorite."
"I loved it even more because it reminded me of your silver hair. There's a very special flower like that here too. One that blooms only at night—in the sky."
"A flower blooming in the sky... it must be amazing!"
"That's the second event I prepared."
—Flash!
Si-hyun scooped up the excited Luna, her golden eyes shining, in a princess carry.
"I found the perfect spot for flower-viewing! Shall we go, Princess?"
"Ahem...! Yes, onward, my guard!"
Luna wrapped her arms around Si-hyun's neck, trying to hide her blush as she commanded like a proper princess.
"Then hold on tight, Princess."
"Okay!"
The black-clad bodyguard arrived at a small rocky hill backed by a thick cluster of blue trees, carrying the moonlit princess.
It was too modest for a cliff, too special for just a hill.
"What do you think? I reserved this spot just for you, Luna."
"Wow! Way prettier than the sky lantern spot!"
Thrilled, Luna hopped down from Si-hyun's arms and scampered around the hill.
Before them stretched a sky pouring starlight and the night sea in one breathtaking view; behind came the fresh scent of grass and rustling leaves.
—Twirl.
Luna spun like she was dancing, then came back to Si-hyun.
"Si-hyun, how'd you find a place like this? It's so pretty, and we're the only ones here—it's amazing!"
"This place has magic that only lets you in, Luna. I asked the god who manages it specially, and he allowed us just for today."
"Eh... really?"
"Of course! Even the god couldn't say no to a princess as beautiful as you. Haha."
Of course, Si-hyun's words were half-joke, half-truth.
This is private property at the Moon-Welcoming Grass Villa. I scraped together every bonus to rent it out—thought my spine would snap.
<The god managing this place = the landowner>
<The magic keeping others out = one-day full rental>
Si-hyun had cleverly fooled the innocent princess once again.
No one got hurt, so my white lie is innocent! Innocent!
The pure Luna, oblivious to his ulterior motives, was simply touched.
"Hehe... Si-hyun's so romantic..."
"When the world's most beautiful princess loves me, this much is nothing. Shall we take our seats?"
"Yeah!"
Si-hyun carefully lifted Luna and sat her on the wooden chair with the best view.
The bright moon overhead seemed to shine its light solely for them, huge and gorgeous. The breeze was perfectly cool, the air filled with the scent of trees and grass.
"Hey, Si-hyun."
The princess exuding an especially sweet fragrance there turned her golden eyes on him.
"When do the sky flowers appear?"
"When the most beautiful flower on earth smiles with genuine happiness."
"Hmm? So we just wait—"
As Luna tilted her head, not quite getting it,
Si-hyun met her eyes directly, saying no more.
"Luna."
"Yeah?"
"Remember? I once said I wanted to make a promise to you under pretty moonlight."
"A promise...?"
With that, Si-hyun pulled out a small ring box that glimmered faintly in the breeze.
A soft silver ring, like moonlight, lay sleeping inside.
—Slide.
Si-hyun opened the box and gently took Luna's hand.
"...S-Si-hyun...? This is...???"
"......"
Without a word, Si-hyun carefully slipped the ring onto the girl's left ring finger.
"Luna, I promised. Under the moonlight, to spend my life with you, my most precious."
"Wha-what...?"
Si-hyun smiled softly at her.
"Marry me, Luna."
"...!!!"
His brief confession stole her breath.
She'd thought maybe he'd forgotten.
Worried bringing it up would burden him.
Si-hyun... didn't forget... He's been preparing to propose all this time...
—Tear.
Her eyes trembled slightly, then clear, pure tears of joy spilled forth—no trace of sorrow.
With them bloomed a serene, sunlit smile on her lips.
"Yeah...!"
At last, the world's purest, happiest smile lit her face.
"I... want to marry you, Si-hyun...!"
—Boom!
In that instant, the first firework burst in the sky behind them.
Blue flowers, red flowers, golden spirals dyed the night sky.
—Boom!
—Boom!
Multicolored fireworks bloomed like flowers, painting the black heavens beautifully.
"F-Flowers in the sky...?!"
"Told you. When the most beautiful flower on earth smiles happily, flowers bloom in the sky too."
Si-hyun grinned and stroked her hair.
"The sky's blooming flowers because our princess is happy."
"......!!!"
—Thump thump!!
Each firework illuminating his face made Luna's heart pound with surging love and joy, ready to burst.
Ah, can't take it anymore. I can't hold back...!!
—Thud!
"Whoa?!"
Luna lightly shoved Si-hyun away, then swiftly tackled him into the grass.
"Lu-Luna?!"
"Haa... haa...!"
Straddling him, cheeks flushed to her ears, Luna eyed him with half-lidded gaze.
Her golden eyes gleamed dangerously between narrowed lids.
Her breaths came hot and heavy, hotter than the fireworks.
"Hnn... S-Si-hyun..."
"Luna, what's with the sudden—"
"Haa... It's your fault, Si-hyun...! Hugging me, confessing, putting a ring on me, asking me to marry you... Now it's my turn... hehe."
"Wait, Luna, calm down a bit—"
"Shh!"
Luna pressed her index finger to his lips.
"This is punishment... for dodging the world's cutest princess's kiss last time...!"
"Lu— Mmph?!"
—Smack!
Luna's soft pink lips met his gently.
A sweet scent brushed his nose; her plush lips explored his.
"Hnn...!"
Unable to hold back her love any longer, Luna expressed it fiercely.
The light kiss deepened into a passionate one brimming with emotion.
"Chuu... haa...!"
Her small, soft tongue slipped into his mouth.
"Mmm... Si-hyun...! Si-hyun...!!"
With her tiny lips, she devoured his breath, every movement laden with her feelings, promises, and love.
—Stroke.
Far from startled, Si-hyun caressed her cheek and drew even closer.
He was a little surprised, sure, but pushing her away? Not a chance.
Sucks I couldn't man up and go first, but this works too. Wonder if she learned tongue from... the queen, huh.
Si-hyun inwardly sighed, Queen, you again?
—Boom!
—Boom!
The sky's fireworks still bloomed gorgeously.
But
"Haa... chuu...!"
For Si-hyun and Luna right now, the brightest sparks were the shy glances their eyes traded amid the lip-locking.
After nearly ten minutes of kissing, the girl finally pulled away, satisfied, and collapsed onto his chest.
"Haaa... outta breathhh..."
"Our princess needs to learn to breathe while kissing."
"Ugh...! That's why we gotta kiss every chance from now on! To get used to it— Mmph?"
Smack.
Si-hyun pecked her lips the moment she spoke.
"Like this, Luna?"
"Hauu...?"
"Hahaha! The princess who tackled me can't have defenses this weak."
"Uuuu... Dunnooo..."
Luna buried her face in his chest and closed her eyes.
So so happy...! Hehe.
—Nuzzle nuzzle.
As the girl rubbed her face blissfully against him,
Si-hyun sighed inwardly with worry.
Sigh... How do I tell Luna this...?
The time until parting with Selenum's princess, Luna, is not far off.
Fuck, we're really screwed? How the hell do I tell a blissed-out Luna we have to say goodbye!! Just kill me already!