While we waited for the dance to begin, Emi and I spent some time sitting, talking about various topics. We didn't have a specific conversation, but rather, multiple subjects that were exchanged as we remembered something more interesting. Emi was smiling all the time and making some jokes.

How should I say it, although Emi technically looks like a boy thanks to her current clothes, even the way she acts is a bit masculine, if I may say so. It's not like I don't like it, but instead of a romantic partner, Emi feels more like a longtime friend than anything else.

"I'm happy to see all these people having fun... I hope that in the future everything continues like this, calm and peaceful"

Emi commented with a gentle smile on her face, her gaze fixed on three children dancing and running happily from side to side. Hearing her words, I really didn't know what to say to Emi. Unfortunately, whether ordinary people would continue to be at peace was determined by those in power, and they didn't always agree with each other. The same could be applied in this case.

The other continent's attempt to kill me made us start off on the wrong foot, and I really didn't see how we could reconcile, let alone that they would prefer it that way. Overall, I couldn't say that our situation was good.

"Yes... I hope so too"

Was the only response I could give to Emi. I didn't expect it to be satisfactory from her perspective, but I also didn't want to lie by saying that everything would be fine. The world is vast, and twists and turns can happen at any moment. Honestly, there was no way to know if I would be prepared for all of them.

"But..."

My voice came out barely audible but still enough for Emi to hear. My hand landed on hers as I looked at her, her golden eyes staring at me as a soft smile appeared on my face.

"I'll do my best to make sure you can continue to have this view... I promise"

Hearing my words, Emi put a warm smile on her face and intertwined our hands. It was a simple gesture but loaded with meaning.

"Yes, thank you, Ren"

After that, Emi and I continued to hold our hands together. Of course, whenever someone passed by, we quickly let go, but as soon as we were alone again, our hands found their way back to each other. Emi and I repeated this gesture for some time as we watched the scenery around us.

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Everyone seemed happy and cheerful, which made an involuntary and subtle smile appear on my face. As this happened, I noticed some girls approaching where we were, three of them to be exact. Although all three were beautiful, it was easily visible that the one in the middle stood out among the other two.

As they approached, the one in the middle stayed silent for some time, although it was visible that she was trying to say something. Seeing this, one of the girls behind her gave her a small push, making her come a bit more forward, precisely toward Emi.

"Um... H-Hi"

Said the girl, putting on a shy smile. In fact, I knew exactly what was going on here, which made a small smile appear on my face. I decided to simply watch the scene unfold, as it would be quite rude to interrupt.

"Hello... do you guys happen to need any help?"

Emi asked with a friendly smile on her face, which made the girl blush even more. After a few seconds of silence, the girl seemed to gather courage and continued.

"Could you... could you please dance with me tonight?"

The girl asked as she extended her hand to Emi. The scene I had imagined in my mind was unfolding right in front of me. Emi, witnessing this, appeared visibly surprised, probably not expecting this invitation. Even dressed as a boy, I think receiving attention from other girls in this way is still something new for Emi. She looked at me, her golden eyes seeking silent guidance.

Seeing this, I slowly moved my mouth, encouraging Emi to follow her heart. She noticed my gesture and nodded, then turned to the girl.

"I'm glad you asked me, but I'm afraid I have to decline your proposal. I already have someone I want to dance with tonight"

Hearing Emi's words, the girl looked visibly sad and stepped back, being comforted by her friends who accompanied her. However, one of them stayed behind, her gaze fixed on me. Emi, on the other hand, remained calm, but I could sense a hint of compassion in her eyes as she watched the situation unfold.

"Umm..."

The last girl who had stayed, timidly approached me. Her eyes expressed a charming shyness, and her presence exuded a lovely aura. Unlike the other girl, who could be considered stunning beauty, the one standing in front of me could easily be described as cute.

"Yes?"

I asked, confused. Shortly after, the girl made the same gesture as the previous one and extended her hand towards me.

"Would you like to dance with me?"

The girl asked, her hand extended. Honestly, this time I was truly surprised, as I didn't expect this. I mean, with Emi by my side, would someone really choose me? Or maybe I was the second choice, since Emi had just turned down the previous girl's request? In the end, there was only one answer I could give her.

"I appreciate the invitation, but I am also waiting for someone"

I said as I looked at the girl with a warm smile on my face. Sadly, she nodded and began to step back along with her friends. As soon as they left, both Emi and I leaned back on the bench, trying to process what the hell had just happened.

"This is the first time a girl has asked me out"

Emi said calmly. Hearing her words, I was a bit confused, as the girl hadn't said anything about going out with Emi or anything like that.

"What do you mean?"

I asked, confused. Hearing my question, Emi let out a small laugh before answering.

"Don't you know? There's a tradition in Solaris that when you ask someone to dance at the festival, you two are destined to be together. But it also counts as asking someone out. The two girls before were basically asking us to be in a relationship with them"