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“My favourite prayer is to grow old with you. The prayer to God that's made true; My surname will be yours too.”
— Pasilyo; SunKissed Lola
Present – Navia’s birthday
Something in her made it impossible for him to look away. Even in her sleep, with her curls slightly messy, Navia would always be the most beautiful view to him.
Neuvillette woke up not quite acting like his calm and collected self. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself. Perhaps it was due to the excitement of being with her on her birthday, something he had never experienced before. In the past, fearing he might intrude and ruin her day, Neuvillette would watch from afar—her smile, their friends celebrating with her. But in that moment, Navia slept on his arms, peaceful, closer than she had ever been before. Her chest rose and fell slowly, and his heart pounded faster at the sight of the woman he swore to love ‘till the day of his eternal sleep.
He roused her up from her sleep with kisses and soft whispers on her ear: “Happy birthday, my love.” Not that she minded being woken up like that, but Navia was intrigued about his clinginess.
“Good morning…” Her voice was low and drowsy. His arms tightened around her and, with his hand rested in the back of her head, Neuvillette brought her closer to him. A lazy smile formed on her lips.
There was her favourite place to be: tangled in his embrace, showered with his kisses and reassured of his love for her. Her warm fingers slowly drew patterns over his back, savouring the softness of his skin. Neuvillette’s breath grew ragged, and their lips closed together. There was no reason to rush, and even fewer reasons to leave the comfort they found in each other.
Something had shifted in him, though he couldn’t really name it.
Soon the afternoon came. In the world outside, people of all ages left their home to celebrate the festival.
Neuvillette watched her as she twirled in front of the mirror, wearing the kimono Chiori sewed as her birthday gift. Her hair was tied in a loose bun, and some curls fell on her face. He took lazy steps towards her and hugged her from behind, his lips meeting the back of her neck. Navia’s body shivered and she raised her hand to his hair, gently stroking it.
“Hm, you’re really kissy today.” She chuckled and looked up at his beautiful eyes.
“I can’t help it.” He pressed his lips against hers slowly. “You make me fall for you more every day.”
The intensity of his love was overwhelming. Not that he wasn’t affectionate—much the contrary, but something about the way his hand gently, yet intensely held her face as their lips danced deeply and romantically in that quiet afternoon, felt out of the ordinary.
“Put yours on too.” She whispered as they pulled apart. He nodded, moving reluctantly from her and searching for his kimono.
Navia helped him wear it and smiled, watching him in those traditional clothes. She made a braid on the side of his hair and then tied the strands in a high ponytail.
“Ah, you always look so handsome.” Her words caused his cheek to blush.
“Do you think so?”
“Mhm...” She murmured and hugged him. “Let’s go!”
Holding each other, they mingled with the crowd and made their way to the heart of the festival, where many stalls and vendors lined the streets, and the firework show would take place.
The sun lazily drifted down to kiss the sea. That evening was vivid and cheerful. Children ran through the bustling streets, holding sparklers and playing the many games at the festival. The couple immersed themselves in the events, taking in the beauty of the place and its people, the music and the joy reflected on the faces around them. The cherry blossom’s petals flew with the wind, bringing a sentiment of romance to the moment, while the scent of the food lingered in the air.
They happened to find Yoimiya again, who kept her promise and led them to a spot with a perfect view. It was a secluded area, softly lit by lanterns, with small purple bushes scattered around. He helped her settle on the grass and then joined her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. She leaned into him, and they gazed at each other.
Low laughs from afar hung in the atmosphere. His fingers gently caressed her face. There was something in his eyes; a desire and yearn.
“I love you.” He whispered, and, inclining toward her, he kissed her.
In the high sky, the fireworks blew, catching the public eyes, but not even their beauty was compared to his lover; not even its thunderous sound could drown out the words he said silently. Navia whispered those words back, gripping his wrists.
“Happy birthday.” Neuvillette said, admiring her beauty under the sparkling lights. “Do you have any wishes to make?”
She smiled. “Yes. I wish to be with you, until the end of my days.”
“Then I will guarantee this endures… until then, and into eternity.”