He had pulled her hand towards him.

Without thinking much, Hana extended her hand while taking another sip of her fruit wine. Weed carefully touched each of her fingers with his large, robust hand, then took something out from his other hand.

“Ah, hahaha!”

After seeing what was laid bare in Weed’s palm, Hana couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“Why are you laughing?”

“You’re giving this to me?”

“What? Yes…”

“Why?”

“Well, it seemed like your fingers were looking empty… I thought maybe I’d slip this on…”

Hana hadn’t worn any rings before. There was no particular reason; not many people indulge in rings anyway.

It seemed he had been paying attention to her hands as they walked together. Noticing her fingers appeared empty was a good excuse. Or was it really just an excuse? Or was it genuine? It was hard to tell.

‘Fingers looking empty, huh?’

He was supposed to say something sensible. Hana almost asked if it was really true but stopped herself. Why bother with such a grand banquet hall preparation, dressing as a pair, and boldly kissing in the most prominent seat if not for this?

And now, he insisted on giving her a ring.

She was certain there was a matching ring. Just as they had coordinated outfits, he must have one for himself as well. So now, Weed was suggesting they both wear matching rings.

“Which finger are you thinking of slipping it on?”

Hana playfully touched Weed’s fourth finger. Before Weed could respond, she called out to him again.

“Weed.”

“Yes.”

“Show me yours, too. You have a matching one, right?”

He cocked his head, slightly puzzled, and pulled another ring from his pocket. Hana took the ring that was tailored to fit his larger finger.

Weed’s expression was as if he was wondering, ‘How did you know?’ He looked utterly baffled. At this point, not knowing would be silly.

“Give it here. I’ll put it on for you.”

“Ah, well…”

It was unclear why he was suddenly bashful after having acted so straightforwardly.

Hana gently stroked the back of his hand that looked utterly lost. She caressed his fourth finger and slipped on the ring studded with bright white stones. Glancing up after she was done, she saw Weed’s face flushed deep red.

“Can you do the same for me?”

Weed, momentarily lost for words, quickly nodded.

He pulled Hana’s hand toward him and kissed it at the same spot where he had placed her ring, then gently slipped on the matching ring for her.

The night continued to hum softly. At the brink of spring, insects chirped, adding to the unceasing music. Amid the lively chatter of the forest creatures, enjoying their own revelry, none paid heed to them. In the most conspicuous spot of the banquet hall, yet unnoticed, they exchanged rings.

Hana smiled gently.

“Shall we dance too?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Responding to his concern about her health with another bright smile, Hana teased.

“If it hurts, you can just kiss it better.”

As expected, Weed smiled happily.

Considering they were in a space crafted to have fun through the night, it seemed a waste to simply watch time pass by. Especially now that she could move freely without pain or worry.

Hana moved as she wished with Weed. No formal dances were required here. Nobody in this place imposed any specific format. They simply danced to the music as they pleased. Spinning and laughing without drawing attention as when they first entered the hall. The spontaneous interactions felt seamless, unforced.

“Weed.”

“Yes, Hana?”

Suddenly, she felt as if all the events since arriving here had been somewhat glossed over. Especially those involving Weed. Every incident had been so startling yet felt surreal, as if they hadn’t been taken seriously enough. Looking back, it seemed they had hastily moved past important moments.

After first arriving, despite the shock, they had managed introductions calmly. Then, somehow, they ended up embracing and, before she knew it, kissing. It was an event that should have sparked outrage, but instead, she found Weed’s embarrassed reaction amusing. It had been somewhat cute.

They had also fought over absurd things. They had slept together, both tenderly and fiercely. He had pleaded with her to stay by his side. He had talked endlessly about what he wanted to do together in the future, what he wanted to show her, and how he wished to make her happy, offering everything to ensure her happiness.

And today, attracting the attention of everyone, they walked through the center of the hall on a path made of soft petals. Dressed in coordinated outfits. What words could capture this feeling? Would the same expression hold meaning here too?

Did he know what he was doing?

Or was he pretending not to know?

Given that Weed was not human, such sentiment might seem a bit absurd. He wasn’t human, and from another world, after all. At times, it was impossible to decipher his thoughts, yet occasionally, his intentions seemed transparently clear.

What would his reaction be if in her original world, all these actions were the entire process of lovers? Would he be perplexed? Would he deny it while his face turned red and his heart thumped loudly?

It was hard to predict. But somehow, she felt he might like it if she described their actions that way.

When she asked if he liked her while hugging and talking sweetly, he denied it. When she asked if his talk of future plans together was a proposal, he was speechless. And now, they had walked down the center of the banquet hall with everyone’s blessings, ending with a deliberate kiss.

What would he say if she asked him now, ‘Are we married?’

‘Why don’t you die yet?’

‘He’s using his overflowing life force solely for you. He’s keeping you alive against your will.’

‘I live for you.’

As they danced joyfully, she caught sight of Rutis. Their eyes met, and he bowed his head gently. The words ‘stay by my side as long as possible’ echoed in her mind. Hana looked back at Weed.

Could it be that they might die on the same day?

When the time comes, could they depart without any pain?

Perhaps. Weed couldn’t bear his own suffering, so she believed that he would somehow make it bearable when the time came. This thought strangely comforted her.

Everyone was anticipating the end. What was Weed thinking about it? There was no way to know how much time was left. It was impossible to gauge the remaining time through pain since her body was only experiencing blissful days now.

Perhaps time is really running short. But it seemed okay. If she could be with him until the end like this.

Then, what could be the thing they could do now? Maybe they can fill their remaining time with happiness together. And Hana knew one of the easiest ways to do that.

If she said this, surely Weed would give her the happiest smile in the world.

“Weed, you see.”

“Yes, Hana?”

“I, Weed…”

Crash.

Bang.

Clatter.

A loud noise interrupted them, and the soft music that had been playing came to an abrupt stop. The cheerful atmosphere died instantly.

Hana had no choice but to stop speaking.

“I, Innis! Innis!”

A man’s cracked voice tore through the silence.

She looked towards the source of the commotion. Suddenly, it reminded her of the time she had combed her hair. There were too many white hairs. Hana had laughed and responded. No, they are just silver. And Innis had giggled.

Juice and glass shards sprawled messily across the table, among the disheveled gray hair. Sister, thank you. Thank you for throwing this party. She had said with a shy smile. Hana’s head throbbed.

The end of spring.

Someone’s last banquet had also come to an end.

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