Gusion and Lesley stayed in the park for the entire day. They talked about everything, including the all new dark magic he learned from Lunox. They sat beside each other, staring at the beautiful lake. It was a peaceful day. No jungle monsters spawned in the park, and no one else was there. Gusion had planned to confess his feelings to Lesley. Since the day they met, Gusion liked Lesley a lot.
"Hey Gus, what do you think is Tigreal gonna do tomorrow?" Lesley asked.
"Maybe war plans. It must be related to taking back Eruditio." He replied.
"Whatever it's about, I just wish we could stay here longer."
"True. I just want to enjoy and relax for a bit."
"Well, after all the missions we did together, I think this is the toughest one yet."
"You think so?" Gusion asked.
"Of course! Imagine facing the strongest demons, who nearly destroyed half of Eruditio."
"That's true. And also all those people who chased me back in Antoinerei.
"You're the main target here Gusion. Now that the Abyss knows the Twilight Orb is gone, I think they might go after you."
"It doesn't scare me. I mean, we have Roger. He eats demons when he turns into a werewolf again!"
"Oh come on. That's not going to happen again." she laughed.
"By the way, a guy approached me earlier. He told me there's this kind of festival going to be held here…"
"Independence Day. Moniyan Independence Day. 8pm, here in the park."
"You wanna go there Les?"
"Since we're here, why not?"
It was starting to get dark. As soon as the two reached the place, they saw red lanterns lighting up from above. There were lots of food stalls and people around. Everyone was wearing traditional Moniyan uniforms, some wore kimonos, and some wore their casual clothes. In the distance, they saw Hayabusa and Kagura hanging out in the streets.
"Haya-kun, Kagura-chan!" Gusion waved.
"Oh, hey you two! Where have you been this entire time?" Haya asked.
"We stayed here. How about you guys?" Lesley asked.
"Haya-kun and I went shopping!" Kagura said.
"That's great. Nice kimono by the way."
"Thanks!"
"We'll see you later guys. Good luck!"
"See ya!"
Gusion took out his phone and texted Alucard.
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Gusion: Hey Alu, are you going to the event?
Alucard: Hell yeah! Everyone's with us.
Gusion: That's great. Where are you now?
Alucard: We took a good spot near the hills. You should secure a place to have a good view from the fireworks
Gusion: Fireworks? That's cool!
Alucard: I'll see you then partner.
Gusion: See ya.
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"(Fireworks huh? That could be the perfect moment for me to tell her!)" Gusion whispered to himself.
"Hey Gusion, are you okay?" Lesley asked.
"Y-Yeah! Sorry!"
They continued walking. A street band was playing music by the grass. From a distance, Lesley saw a takoyaki stand on the corner. She quickly took Gusion's hand and ran over.
"L-Lesley! W-Wait!"
There were a lot of choices to choose from. There was cheese takoyaki, Hokkaido special, and even more flavors.
"Good evening miss, what do you want?"
"Uhmmm… I'll have the Crab Takoyaki. 10 pieces." Lesley said. "Hey Gusion, what do you want?"
"I want the Golden Empire Takoyaki. 10 pieces too."
"You're the one paying Gus." Lesley whispered.
"Why me?!"
"Okay. That'll be one gold coin please."
"Wait what?!"
"Here."
Gusion put a golden coin in the container. The vendor gave them the food. Gusion saw eleven pieces instead of ten.
"Uhm, excuse me sir. You put eleven on mine."
"You're Gusion Paxley right?" the vendor asked. "I saw you in the news."
"W-What? H-How did…"
"You're a true hero sir. That one piece is for free."
"Thank you!"
Gusion and Lesley started walking again, eating their freshly delicious tako balls. Lesley put on a big smile, everytime she had a bite of the food.
"Hey Gusion, why is yours so expensive?" she asked
"Golden Empire. You know it." Gusion replied.
"Oh I didn't see that! Can I have one bite from yours?"
"H-Hey! One piece of this cost 90 silvers…"
Not being able to resist, Lesley took a piece of the Golden Empire Takoyaki from Gusion's container.
"Hey… Lesley!..."
"I'm sorry. It was too good!"
"We should go to the hills now. There's gonna be a giant fireworks display later.
"Fireworks? That's cool!"
The park was extremely wide. It took them thirty minutes to reach the hills. It was 7:59, and the fireworks was about to begin. There was a lot of people sitting there. King Tigreal and the other generals were standing in the stage below them. Behind the stage was a giant river. It reflected the moonlight from its waters, making it such a breathtaking view.
"Heroes and peoples, It is I, King Tigreal. I am pleased to be in prescence of you all. Are you excited for the fireworks???"
"YYEEAAAAAHHH!!!!!!"
"Celebrating the stand of the Moniyan country, let the fireworks, begin!!!"
And the fireworks lit up the moonlit sky. There were large sparks of different colors. Lesley was smiling, seeing the fireworks for a long time. Gusion knew it was his chance. He had to tell Lesley what he feels
"(Breathe in… breath out… Come on Gusion! Go get her)!" he whispered.
But Gusion couldn't make his move. His hands were shaking, and his heart was beating fast. He was nervous. His face had became so red.
"(Gusion, what are you doing? Why can't you move?)"
Gusion sat still, watching the fireworks. Lesley was staring at the sky, not noticing Gusion.
"(It's now or never. Just, do it!)"
Finally, Gusion decided to make his move. Both Lesley's and Gusion's hands met, pushing down in the grass.
"H-Hey Lesley, are you happy?"
"Y-Yeah!" she smiled. Her closed eyes and cute smile stunned Gusion.
"Yeah. I'm just going to get my…"
When Gusion stood up from the grass, he accidentaly tripped on a rock.
"Ahhhh! Look out!"
Gusion fell over Lesley. His lips and her lips met as they fell on the ground. In shock, Gusion immidiately got off Lesley and scrubbed all the grass from his clothes. He saw Lesley's face, extremely red. Her eyes were in shock, and her arms wrapped on her own body. Gusion was so embarrassed.
"L-L-Lesley! I-It was an accident I'm sor…"
Before Gusion could finish speaking, Lesley wrapped her arms around Gusion's neck and kissed him. Five seconds later, both of them wrapped their arms around each other, as their lips met under the fireworks sky. Both their faces were red.
"L-Lesley… I…"
"I didn't know you were holding back too. Why didn't you tell me so?"
"I don't know. I felt the same way when we first met."
Gusion put Lesley's head close to his. They were holding hands, in the grass. He stroked Lesley's dark hair behind her.
"Lesley, I never knew how I could I say this but, I love you. I want to spend my entire life with you." Gusion said.
"I love you too Gus. No matter where you go, I'll always be there to aid you."
The two lovebirds kissed again. All of a sudden, Gusion's phone rang.
"H-Hello? Who is this?"
"Congratulations bro! I feel so proud of you!"
"Huh?! Alucard? What are you talking about???"
"Oh, you're going to spill the beans, or I'll tell everyone else…"
"Screw you Alu! Where are you hiding???"
"I'm not hiding Paxley! I saw you two with my own eyes! Ruby might be disappointed if she hears this."
Gusion saw Alucard on the distance. He used his light magic and ran behind him. Not aware, Alucard got wrestled by Gusion to the ground.
"You're dead to me, you dumbass freak!"
"Ouch! G-Gusion stop!"
"You tell anyone about this, you're dead."
"I was joking! I'm sorry! Let me go!"
And Gusion let go, teleporting back beside Lesley in a blink of an eye.
"Gusion, don't let anyone know this. Let's keep this a secret okay?" Lesley said.
"Don't worry. It's just you and me."