Time changes everything, even if things seem to be unmoving and how much we wish that they were stuck in place, it cannot withstand the inevitable change.

As we grew up the number of responsibilities that we held also increased, because even if my parents, which by the way was also now considered as Ada's parents, because they took her in when they heard her backstory, as my parent's sympathetic nature took over and they couldn't just withstand not helping her.

Anyways at this point in time, this was also at the stage where we were at the discovery of the parts of our body, as being curious is a part of developing no matter what species they belonged to.

"Hey Philip before we go to the forests and fight those beasts, why don't we go and check up on what the adults are up to? I've been curious ever since I slightly heard of your parents being up the last time we left" Ada said nonchalantly.

"I-I don't think you'll want to see it" Philip said in hesitation, flustered as he always knew what they were up to because of his incredible senses

"Cooome on, what are you trying to hide from me?" Ada said tease fully as she ran outside and hid right next to the windows of Philip's parents' room, so she can take a sneak peek.

Which Philip also followed shortly after-

"Dear, not right know"

Huff! Huff!

"Shh! Don't you think Philip is feeling a bit lonely being our only kid, don't you think he'll want a sibling?" As he caressed her body.

In response she could not mutter a single word, "Hmmphh..."

"I'll do you so hard, that you'll become pregnant" He whispered softly into her ears.

Before things got out of hand Ada quickly looked away from the windows, and instantly ducked covering her eyes and reddish face.

"That's why I told you - You needn't know" Philip said in a condescending tone of voice.

"Shut up!" As Ada tried to express her anger but couldn't do so as she was being very careful not to raise her voice, so she just silently fumed and expressed her wrath.

On the other hand, Philip obviously tired of always hearing this happening just sighed and murmured to himself that, "Sigh Why'd they always have to use me as an excuse and bring up my name every time they, do it?"

***

As the coverage of the time the ward of the amulet was effective shortened, and the numbers of beasts increased that were now coming from all directions.

Ada and I had a few close calls, especially when she was the one who all of a sudden accidentally provokes the beasts aggro, because she had assumed the role of the long ranged damage dealer while I assumed the role of a short ranged damage dealer.

But every time that happens I would immediately swoop in to save her, and yet despite almost dying, she would always come out with a smile, even though we're only doing this to keep up the lie.

Maybe it is because of her optimistic personality that contrasted mine, but at some point I already became dependent of her, just like how she also trusted and depended on me when she was in danger.

She was the light that guided me, she was irreplaceable.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

My confession of love towards Ada was actually nothing special, as one day I just woke up and realized that what I'm feeling was no longer just pity, I didn't realize it, but I could not bear to see a future where she was not with me, maybe it's just my overflowing youthful passion but I've loved her, I've completely fallen for her.

Yet to this day, I still couldn't explain why, perhaps it's because that's just how love is, unexplainable...

***

Twas like any other night, when they sneaked out, trying to take care of the beasts, however this time Philip had prepared to confess to Ada, so he gulped and tried to talk, but his first attempt failed as his rising heartbeat made him stutter-

"Urk!" So, it sounded really awkward.

It should not be this hard, as he already knows what Ada's answer to him is, she was the one waiting for him to reciprocate her feelings.

But the words that must and that he was trying to say held a lot of weight behind it - 'Is their future really something that should be decided this easily? What if they hurt each other in the process?' Philip contemplated.

As their culture places a lot of importance when it comes to choosing a partner, as the mere act of being a couple once, gives rise to the assumption that he and his partner had already decided that they will probably be marrying, and it is very much discouraged to break up and find another partner.

However, Philip remembered the advice his father gave him, when he travelled to the kingdom of humanity, it was that sometimes it is okay to take risks.

"I love you Ada..." Philip said in a mixture of meek and monotonous sound of voice.

"H-Heh? What do you mean by that" Ada replied flustered, not knowing if what she just heard was right.

"I meant that I want you to become my girlfriend, I am saying yes to your proposal" Philip replied quickly so that he does not lose his composure while they were travelling through the woods

In shock Ada said, "Just like that I am your girlfriend?!"

"Did I wait for too long? Have you changed your mind?" Philip replied still trying to maintain his composure, but deep inside he was already panicking, as he thought that he might've already lost of what could have been.

"N-No, it's just that I at least want to be treated like a woman" Ada whispered.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

So, for the whole time, after they took care of the beasts, Philip was befuddled, perplexed, and perhaps even disoriented on what he should do.

("I mean he already knows that in their culture that the man must woo the woman by giving her gifts, at least he already got that figured out - but the question is what kind of gifts would a woman like Ada want?" The narrator changed perspectives and narrated in second person point of view.)

So, the next day Philip prepared a surprise for Ada, he thought that she would really like flowers, ("As for how he came to that conclusion I don't get it either, in fact if I told the story, you guys would probably be more confused" The narrator whispered before finally continuing to narrate the story) thus Philip scoured the entire territory for flowers of any kinds and colors.

As Ada walked into their usual meeting place, she was astounded at the gigantic thing she just saw, "W-What is that?"

Philip looked away from Ada and said in a timid tone of voice, "It's for you"

Ada blushed as she picked one of the flowers and said in teasing voice, "Really?" Which she then followed up with a kiss on Philip's forehead.

"Smooch! - You can leave the rest there" As Ada set the place where they used to have their meals together

Philip was stunned, he finally realized that it was never about the flowers.

***

After a few more years had gone by, it was time to get married, of course my parents, and now acting parents of Ada guided the whole celebration.

The first part of it was enjoying a feast that me and Ada did our best to consummate the food, so that everyone from the village can enjoy a delicious meal.

It was lively of course, but our whole focus was on each other, not minding all the chattering going around us, there was just me and her, as we enjoyed the celebration and food that we poured all of our love into making.

"Hahahaha!"

"Ohohoho!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Chatter! Chatter!

Murmur! Murmur!

Everyone laughed and danced till the sun began to set, after which we were then sent to find the rings that our parents hid on our home, and after we do find it, we will be recognized as officially married.

"Good luck and do your best Philip and Ada!" My mom shouted as we entered our newly built home.

"Don't disappoint me son! HAHAHA!" My father jokingly said, which to this still made me feel embarrassed.

Because it was all just an excuse, the real reason behind this tradition was so that we can have our time alone and do the devil's tango.

...