5☆ Date with Sariel - Pulchritudinous Game (瑰丽游戏) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Disclaimers: 

1. I used 'pulchritudinous' for the translation of 瑰丽 because the original Chinese word means 'so uniquely/ extraordinarily beautiful like a rose', but it's too long for the title, and this word with a Latin origin that means 'with great physical beauty' and the word 'beautiful' isn't enough to do justice for it. ｡:ﾟ(;´∩`;)ﾟ:｡

2. It has a teeeeny tiny bit of angst that isn't obvious unless you've read deeply into Light and Night Chapter 4's translations, but overall it's an enjoyable card. Enjoy reading~

--- Prologue ---

In Sariel's workshop on a warm and beautiful Saturday afternoon.

You: I've finally sorting them all!

I let out a long breath, and looked at Sariel by my side. He's holding onto a pen as he draws and writes on the draft paper. The gentle, warm rays from the sun passes through the greenery from the windows, with speckles of lights poured onto him.

Seemingly have felt my gaze, Sariel stopped the movements of his hands, and raised his head from the incomplete design draft.

Sariel: Done sorting?

You: Yeah, not only I've sorted out a lot of old drafts out, I've also found an exquisite chessboard!

I pointed towards the well-polished chessboard hat has delicate patterns on the side.

You: I've only seen chessboards made of wood. This type that is made of stone and yet slightly translucent is really unique. But I haven't seen the chess pieces after looking for a long time, I wonder if they were stuffed somewhere. I'll look for them again later.

Sariel: No need to look for them. That chessboard has no chess piece.

You: Ah? What do you mean?

Sariel: It literally means so.

You: Alright... It's such a pity that such good chessboard has actually no chess piece.

He did not answer, only stood up right away, and pinched between his brows.

Sariel: Since you've done sorting, then go out with me.

You: Right now? Where are we going?

He pointed towards the ink slab by his hand, its insides are already empty.

Sariel: The inksticks are finished, and the draft is unfinished.

You: Oh, alright!

Very quickly, we've arrived the storefront of  'Timeless Inkstone'. This store is opened in the depths of the street with handicraft workshops almost everywhere. Different from the other bustling shops along the street, this store looks a little quiet and rustic.

Sariel pushed the briefly concealed door and walked into the store, and a slightly languid male voice could be heard from the doors.

Owner: Welcome.

The middle-aged man that was originally sitting on the rattan-woven chair as he drank tea raised his head to look at us, and immediately put on a smile.

Owner: Oh isn't it Teacher Qi. Please wait for a while, I'll get the inksticks of top quality for you. I've calculated that you'll be visiting around this period.

The store owner took out a small, long, rectangular wooden box and handed it to Sariel. Sariel conveniently passed it to me, so I took over the inksticks and placed it into my backpack.

The owner examined us, and smiled again.

Owner: What a good timing for the both of you to be here. There's a street anniversary festival coincidentally happening over this area, it should probably start soon. I heard the presents are pretty good, although they aren't invaluable, but they are still quite rare. Who knows if both of you might be interested?

You: Festival?

I gave it a thought, and suddenly remembered Sariel's incomplete design draft, and subconsciously raised my head to look towards him.

And right at this time too, he drooped his gaze. As our gazes met, his eyelashes moved a little.

Sariel: Do you want to go?

You: It feels like it'd be pretty lively... But your design draft is more important, it's better for us to go back and continue drafting.

Sariel nodded, simply bid farewell to the store owner and brought me as we leave the store.

We walked out along the original path we came from.

Sariel: Have you recognized the road here properly?

I recalled the route from Sariel's workshop to this place, and took out my memo book to draw it out seriously.

You: With this I will not forget anymore!

Sariel: Very well. Next time when the inksticks are finished, you will come here by yourself.

You: ... So the reason you brought me here today is to recognize the route?

Sariel: What else?

You: ......

Very quickly, we walked out of the alley.

The festival seemed to have begun, the street right now has been decorated with banners, and looked comparatively livelier than the time we have arrived. The surrounding shops are different from the business center, their display windows are placed with various kinds of unique handicrafts.

There are delicate jewelries, and there are also desserts that are so good-looking that you can't bear to eat them, there are just so much variety in goods.

You: Wow, this street feels pretty great! Why have I never realized this before? Feels like I've lost a hundred million dollars! Next time I'll have to bring An An to come over, she'll definitely like this place!

Sariel: Thinking of next visit before even leaving?

You: Yeah, didn't you have to go back to continue drafting your design?

Sariel: There's no need for you to worry about my draft for now.

Listening to what he said, I can't help myself but to pout.

You: Although it's the reality, but the way you put this out so directly will be sending me a direct hit.

Sariel: Only by taking a couple of hits that there will be improvements.

You (pouting): ......

Sariel: Why looking at me with such an angry puffy face? Don't you want to shop anymore?

I was stunned, but responded very quickly.

You: Of course I wanted to! I'm just a little surprised, are you going to shop with me?

Sariel: Why, don't you need me to? Very well. Then I'll go first, since you can recognize the route back anyway.

He turned around and was just about to leave, I quickly tugged him and blinked at him.

You: It feels like something is lacking if I were to shop alone, please allow me to trouble Teacher Qi to accompany me!

Sariel snorted coldly as he threw a glance at me, and walked forward. I quickly followed his footsteps.

You: Wow, Sariel, look at this earring, the pattern is so unique! The osmanthus cake from this shop smells so good, how about we buy some to try before we go back?

I excitedly lingered at each and every display window as I tugged Sariel to look here and there.

You: These shops are so great, all of them are so interesting!

He glanced at the bags I'm carrying on my hand, and smiled coldly as he snorted.

Sariel: I don't know if the shops are really interesting, but it seems like your stamina is really good to me.

You: Of course, don't you underestimate girls when they are shopping.

I bit onto the candied hawthorn* as I spoke with puffy cheeks, and struck a strong pose.

*T/N: 糖葫芦 (Tanghulu) is also called bingtanghulu, is a traditional Northern Chinese snack of candied Crataegus pinnatifida fruit, also known as mountain hawthorn. It's coated with sugar syrup, so you'll often need to bite pretty hard to shatter it. But it's really sweet and delicious! It's also a pretty popular snack for Chinese festivals.

He paused for a moment, and the corners of his lips have curved up a tiny bit, then lifted an arm to poke on my puffy face.

You (flustered): ......

Sariel: It doesn't feel that bad to bring a hamster out either.

You (flustered): ...... Hamsters could never remember the address to buy inksticks.

I bite hard to shatter the tanghulu in my mouth, turned my head over and continued shopping.

Right then, a shop's giant hand drawn poster by my side has attracted my attention. There are various delicate accessories drawn on the poster, from hair accessories to brooches, bracelets, and even completed with necklace.

You: ... Anniversary event, you can receive a prize as long as you participate... the prizes are all single custom made items, one and only!

I can't help myself but to look towards the display cabinet by the poster, there's a black velvet box placed in it. Within the box, an exquisite metal piece carved with floral patterns is supporting a piece of clear, transparent moonstone pendant. Within the depths of the moonstone*, it exudes a faint blue, deep yet beautiful.

*T/N: Just to share this as someone who used to collect crystals: Moonstones are very valuable if it has a great shade of deep blue (or rare colors like purple), especially if it's transparent and looks clean (without black spots). 

You: Wow, the pendant is so pretty...

I subconsciously tugged Sariel and pointed towards the display window.

You: Sariel, look!

He seemed like he didn't expect me to drag him, and his body uncontrollably paused, and looked towards the direction my finger have pointed to.

The gentle lights from the lamp, accompanied by the deep blue of the moonstone have reflected into his eyes. The glass on the display cabinet too, have reflected his face.

He stunned so slightly, but very quickly returned to the cold look he had earlier.

Sariel: I see it, what then?

You: Don't you think the color of this moonstone is really special, and it looks really good, no?

Sariel: It's passable.

You: What kind of comment was that...

I pouted as I turned my head to him, but unexpectedly faced his chest all of a sudden. I stunned and looked downwards, until my gaze falls onto my hand that has been dragging him. His warmth slowly spreads over through his clothing, although it isn't hot, but it's enough to make my cheeks blush uncontrollably.

I quickly let go of him, moving my gaze away, and let out a dry cough.

You: Ahem, this- this pendant looks like the prize for this shop's anniversary event. Oh right! It doesn't seem like only the pendant is the prize, but also the other things by its side! Look!

Sariel chuckled a little, and looked towards the display window again. There are a few more delicately beautiful accessories by the moonstone pendant. There are some hair accessories, a hollowed folding fan, and a box of elegant agate Go stones*.

*T/N: Go (围棋, Wei Qi) is an abstract strategy board game for two players in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. The playing pieces are called stones.

His gaze brushes past the few other items, but stopped for a couple of seconds on the agate stones, and his gaze exudes a sliver of interest.

You: The agate stones are so special, it's actually not black and white, but it's in red and green.

Sariel: Stones of this color is rare indeed.

Looking at the box of shining stones, I suddenly remembered the chessboard that lacked chess pieces, and my heart suddenly jolted.

You: Do you like this box of stones?

He kept his gaze and glanced at me, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Sariel: What are you planning to do?

I shook my head, and had an idea from my heart.

You: Nothing, it's just... I really wanted that moonstone pendant. It is so exquisitely made, this is my first time seeing a moonstone polished to such a manner.

Sariel: So?

I put my hands together, and looked at him with puppy eyes as I put on an aggrieved begging expression to him seriously.

You: So can you accompany me to participate the anniversary activity of this shop?

Sariel's brows turned into a frown for just a single moment, then pursed his thin lips, drooped his gaze and threw a glance to me.

Sariel: If you are so eager to participate, you can go yourself, I won't stop you.

I blinked towards him more aggressively, and faked a pitiful and helpless look.

You: But... It says that it requires two person to participate the event.

I pointed towards the small line of words on the poster, and immediately saw Sariel's brows knitting into a frown.

Sariel fell into silence. After a while, he tidied the folds over his sleeve, and spoke in a low voice.

Sariel: If you only wanted the pendant, you can make it yourself, it's just nice enough to use it as practice.

You: It's correct to put it that way, but this looks really good. If I can get it, then I can learn as I look at it. To practice with a purpose and direction is a good practice, am I right?

Sariel raised an eyebrow, and slightly opened his lips, I suddenly had an idea, and immediately spoke.

You: If you participate with me, then I'll snatch the tickets to watch that crosstalk group that you like with you. I heard that they are going to perform soon right? I've heard that the tickets are very difficult to snatch!

He stunned for a moment, and the words he was about to say have turned into a mere sneer.

Sariel: If I were the one to watch it, there's no need for me to snatch tickets.

You: But...

Sariel: But, I do have some extra time before dinnertime.

You: So that means, you've agreed to participate with me?! Thank you, Sariel!

He undeniably have curled the corners of his lips as he gets dragged by me into the shop to complete the registration for event participation.

After the registrations are over, we've gathered with the other participants to listen to the event rules by the host.

Host: Dear participants, please take note. It is required for the two participants to pass the minigames that are set within the venue together within limited time. You will accumulate points through this method. There are two types of difficulty levels of the minigames here. Besides the normal game, there's also a mysterious challenge of high difficulty in the venue. Whoever that succeeds in the challenge will receive ten times more points compared to the normal minigames! The first place with the highest accumulated final points can select any single item from the gifts of this anniversary event! Everyone, please strategize a gaming plan that suits yourself the most!

I am a little troubled when I look at the minigames listed on the choices. What should I choose now--

[Choice: What kind of game should I choose...?]

Calling: Challenge the game on the right hand side

Listening: Challenge the game on the left hand side

Heartthrob: Challenge the mysterious game with high difficulty

[Choice: Do Nothing]

Looking at the various types of games in front of me, I suddenly have difficulty picking, and I am completely unsure of which one we should start with.

Sariel: Remember to seek treatment for your indecisiveness when you're back.

Despite Sariel spoke in disdain, he is still holding onto my hand firmly.

Sariel: Listen to my commands from now on, we'll challenge whatever I've selected, understood?

You: Yes sir!

He held onto my hand tightly as we walked to one of the game stops, and began our points accumulation journey.

[Calling: Challenge the game on the right hand side]

The game on the right hand side is a game to let one of the person from the pair to wear a noise-cancelling earphone, and guess what the other person said when they talk loudly as they mouth the words.

You: I'll mouth the words, and you'll guess, is that alright?

Sariel: Sure.

This game is usually a test of tacit, I wonder how many points Sariel and I can score with our tacit...

Each turn has a set of words, and each set has two words, and the question of the first set is--

The first word is 'tsundere*', and the second word is 'fox'.

*T/N: Tsundere is a Japanese term for a character development process that depicts a character with a personality who is initially cold, temperamental, hotheaded (and sometimes even hostile) before gradually showing a warmer, friendlier side over time.

Let's challenge to say out a word that he'll understand loudly! 

[Hold onto the button to yell 'fox' or 'tsundere' (in Chinese), depending on the word you say, the scenario will be different]

[Talk gibberish]

This game seemed like it's completely set against us. No matter how loud I've yelled, or how exaggerating I've tried to mouth the words, Sariel couldn't understand a single thing.

Finally, we ended the game with a failure.

[Say 'fox' (狐狸)]

I gathered m energy to my abdomen, and tried my best to mouth the words seriously.

You: Fo~ x~

Sariel: ... Hm?

You: Fo~~~~ x~~~~~~

Sariel: ......

Oh my God, is this word that hard to understand? I've tried so hard, why can't he understand it?!

You: Ffffooooo~~~~~~~ xxxxxxx~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sariel: .... *scoffs* Fox.

The rounds afterwards have became a lot smoother, and we successfully received full points before the time ends.

Sariel: It's just a minigame, and yet you're already this exhausted.

It's because the first 'fox' has taken too much effort, thankfully everything behind it were smooth. So from your perspective, was the 'fox' I've performed earlier that difficult to guess?

Sariel (sneers): Huh.

You: Why are you laughing? Ah. Could it be, you were doing that on purpose?

Sariel: Who knows? Alright, hurry up and proceed to the next game.

He must have done that on purpose!!

[Say 'tsundere' (傲娇)]

I yelled the word in embarrassment, and thinking I'm not making a connotation of anyone, I definitely didn't*!

*T/N: Tsundere is exactly what Sariel is. lol.

I didn't expect the two of us to quickly complete all ten sets, it went so smoothly that even the staff suspected there were issues with the earphones, and even stopped us to double check on it.

Sariel: Why are you putting on such a silly smile?

You: What's silly?! I'm just happy, because we are both in tacit.

Sariel: Che. Simply answering a few questions correctly is already considering that we have tacit?

You: How could you say it was 'simply'? It's clearly very difficult! Even the staff said we've broke records.

Sariel: What if I told you I am capable of lip-reading?

You: Really?! That's very impressive of you!

Sariel: I lied. It's your performance that wasn't bad.

You: Can you not beat around the bush so much when you praise me next time?

[Listening: Challenge the game on the left hand side]

Let's challenge the game on the left hand side!

Sariel: That's a cooperative game. One draws the lot, and the other gets blindfolded, then the two has to complete a mission according to the lot's content.

You: Huh? That sounds pretty easy.

Sariel: Huh. Easy? Look to your left.

I turned over to see a blindfolded boy putting on makeup for a girl, and the girl's face is already turned into a sorrowful sight.

You: ... I'll correct my words, this game is very challenging.

Sariel: *scoffs* Alright, hurry up and draw lots. Don't worry, although you're ordinary in other aspects, but your luck isn't bad.

You (pouting): I can't feel that you're praising me.

I stood before the lottery box, and made a wish sincerely.

You: Please give me your blessings so I can draw a simpler mission!

After touching around the insides of the lottery box, I opened the paper slip I've drawn very carefully.

You: "Within limited time, one of you has to be blindfolded and carry your partner on your back, then walk towards the designated area under the guidance of your partner."

It seems better than the couple putting on makeup while being blindfolded, but this means to make Sariel carry me on his back! If I really do this, does it count as a form of disrespect?

Sariel: What's written on the slip?

Sariel took over the paper slip from my hand and frowned as he glanced over it, then folded it neatly and threw into the dustbin on the side.

You: ... This seems to be putting you into a quite a bit of a difficult situation.

Sariel: ......

Sariel glared at me, then took a few steps forward and half-squatted agilely to carry me on his back.

You: Eh?!

Sariel: Look at you dilly-dallying like this, until when do you wish to stay in this place?

You: I was just making mental preparations...

I leaned towards Sariel's back, and for one moment I still didn't feel anything.

[A voice clip stars playing here]

Put on the blindfold for me later.

Why don't I wear it myself? 

*scoffs* 

If you wanted to fall down, I can wear it on my own.

Hey.

What's so funny about putting on a blindfold? Hm? Or did you put it on wrongly?

You usually laugh like this when you're doing something bad.

Alright, stop fooling around. The game is about to start soon, it'll probably be very noisy later.

Remember to tell me the directions loudly, do you understand? Hm?

It's begun. Hug me tight.

Huh? You have to first turn three rounds...? It's fine for me, I'm just concerned about a certain someone will have a dizzy brain later.

*Sariel turns three times*

1... 2... 3... Done. How are you? Are you feeling dizzy?

Hm? Talk properly, don't get so close.

I did ask you to stay a little closer... But not asking you to stay close to my ear like thi-... Forget it.

Now where should I walk to? Hm? To the left?

*footsteps sounds* 

Then to the right? Mm.

Then five steps to the left and walk forward? Alright.

*footsteps sounds* 

Huh? We'll be arriving after walking a few more steps forward?

*hastened footstep sounds*

Huh? Be careful of the steps? Alright, then hold me properly, don't make me fall with you.

*heartthrob sounds*

Hm? You won't be scared? 

*sneers* 

That'd be difficult to say.

Don't yell so loudly, I can hear that...

Still saying that you weren't scared, you almost strangled my neck off.

*chuckles*

Alright, the game's over, we've succeeded.

[Heartthrob: Challenge the mysterious game with high difficulty]

You: How about we try to challenge the "mysterious game with high difficulty?"

Sariel: I didn't expect you to have such confidence for yourself.

You (awkwardly): That's not it, it's actually because I've never played those interactive minigames before, so I am not confident to earn points from each of them. Also, you seem like you have never played those minigames before too...

Sariel: What?

You: Ahem ahem! I'm saying, if we can successfully complete the game with high difficulty, then we'll have many points in our hands, and have a bigger say!

Sariel: So confident?

You (awkwardly): Uh... If we can't succeed, then consider that as a difficult start, and at least the games afterwards won't be that difficult, right? What do you think?

Sariel: It isn't a bad thing for you to think of such a strategy with that brain of yours.

You: So that means you've acknowledged my point of view, right?

Sariel: Since I've already accompanied you to participate this endless event, might as well as challenge the hardest one to save time.

You: ... You're right.

After choosing the game, we've arrived the game area with the staff's guidance.

I didn't expect a huge garden to lie behind the tiny shopfront. The lawn is evenly split into a few racetracks, and on its end are the the row of several archery targets placed one after another.

Staff: Coming up next, we will reveal our mysterious high difficulty game -- two-person archery competition. Each participating team will have three chances, and points will only be rewarded if you can hit the bullseye. After three turns have ended, the group that hits the bullseye the most times will win, and directly receiving 1000 points.

You: Wow! 1000 points! Other minigames only award 50 or 100 points! If we can win in this competition, then we're basically holding onto the winning ticket!

Staff: Everyone don't panic, next up we'll invite our staff to demonstrate how to play the game and also to explain the rules.

Only seeing two staff with one standing very closely behind the other, with one holding the bow, and the other to pull the bowstring, and work together to shoot the arrow onto the target. Just when the demonstration ends, everyone has started their discussion.

Participant A: It looks so difficult, I suddenly feel it's better to play minigames...

Participant B: Even the ones who demonstrated only barely hit the target, and it's so far from the bullseye!

Participant C: Yeah yeah, how about we quickly look at the other games?

In an instant, many groups that were prepared to participate have chose to exit the competition. Judging from the current situation, I've started to feel a little uncertain.

I looked at Sariel with hesitation, and only seeing him to put on his usual, indifferent expressions, as if this game is merely a piece of cake for him.

You: Sariel, have you done archery before?

Sariel: I did in the past. Why, think you can't win?

You: Since you've done it in the past then I shall trust you! I think we can do this!

Sariel: Oh, looking at you being all pumped up earlier, I thought you have complete confidence.

You: ... I have shot balloons in bazaar shooting stalls in the past, but that was also quite the mess.

Sariel: Mm. Understood.

You: ......

Sariel's gaze falls onto the target not far away from us and smiled.

Sariel: Comparing to losing, I dislike giving up halfway even more.

I stunned, and in an instant the new flames of hope have lit up in my heart upon hearing his words.

You: Yeah! Since we're already here to participate, then let's work hard! Also, I believe in you!

He took the bow and arrows distributed by the staff without hesitation, and his expressions is still as cold as usual.

Sariel: Rather than believing in me, it's better for you to work hard to not hold me back.

You: Oh...

At last, including us, there are only three groups left to participate in this competition. We stood before our respective lanes, and shoot the first arrow in turns. Although the first two groups seemed to have really good forms, but they missed the target. 

Very quickly, it's our turn.

Sariel: You draw the bow*.

*T/N: Archery terms: Nock an arrow = position your arrow to the bowstring; Draw the bow = pull the bowstring; Loose the arrow = let go of the arrow and send it flying.

As he speaks, he held onto the bow stably with a single arm, and moved sideways to make space for me to draw the bow.

I carefully adjusted the strength, but he have instead pulled me into his embrace.

Sariel: How are you going to exert strength with that standing posture just now? Lean closer to me, raise your arm, arm in line with your shoulder.

He guided my movements seriously, and his breath fell onto the back of my ear, and I suddenly trembled.

Sariel: What are you nervous about? Don't tremble, just think of it as you shooting balloons in the bazaar.

I paused, then nodded and focused completely towards the target, and draw the bow.

Whoosh--! The arrow left the bow and shot towards the target, yet it has limped and fell onto the ground before it could reach the target.

You: Uh... Did I not pull hard enough?

Sariel stayed silent for two seconds, with a sliver of helplessness could be felt from his tone.

Sariel: This is my first time actually shooting such a weak arrow.

You: ......

We're completely annihilated in the second round for once again. 

Looking at the feathered arrow that I've shot sideways, and all I could do is to let out a dry laugh.

You: Ha... Ha... I have a feeling, we will definitely succeed in the next round!

Sariel: Oh, is that so? before this, first learn the basics.

As he speaks, Sariel held onto my shoulder, and readjusted our standing positions. His elbow bypassed my shoulder, and held me entirely into his embrace.

His palm held onto my hand that's holding the bowstring, and began to correct my movements in a serious manner.

The warm body temperature from him has surrounded me. I subconsciously stunned, and gulped with difficulty.

You: Sar......

Sariel: What now?

You (flustered): No... Nothing.

I took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself down. I can hear Sariel letting out a chuckle from my back.

Sariel: With your hand trembling this much, no wonder the arrow will be shot so off path.

You: ... I am a little nervous, since that is the bullseye, it's a lot more difficult than shooting balloons.

He scoffed coldly, and no longer say a word, only increasing the strength of his grip in an instant, turned the bow to another direction, and aimed towards the treetop above us. The slender fingers held onto my hand tightly, leading my arm to draw the bowstring backwards.

Sariel: Watch properly.

He swiftly let go of the hand that was pulling on the bowstring. 

There was no arrow on the bow, but I can clearly feel a flow of air shot towards the treetop! In an instant, a few leaves fluttered down.

You: !!

He placed the bow down and let go of me, and his voice sounded by my ear again.

Sariel: Remember the posture and strength earlier properly.

His breath falls onto my ear for once again, and I subconsciously froze for a moment. I can even feel his heartbeat coming from the part of my back that is leaning against his chest. Beating in a pause, then another pause, it is a lot more stable than the rapid heartbeats in my tightened chest.

I quietly nodded in his embrace.

You: Understood, I'll try my best, and not letting you to shoot a limping arrow anymore...

Sariel: ..... Forget it. Even if you can't remember, I still have other ways.

Listening to him, I subconsciously pursed my lips.

You: I know you can win this on your own, but this is a two-person match, so I will give my all too. Anyway, I believe in you. So I hope you can also believe in me too.

His golden pupils have reflected my firm expressions.

Sariel: Let the results speak.

Very quickly, the other groups have failed once again on their last round, and it's now our turn.

Sariel: Follow what I said earlier, don't think too much about it.

I nodded, and stood before him. He picked up the bow stably, and moved a little closer to me as he adjusted the direction. In an instant, the familiar and warm temperature from him has returned for once again.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down, then nocked the arrow and aimed at the bullseye with an eye open. Recalling the posture and pulling strength from Sariel, I let go of my hand after making minor adjustments!

Whoosh-- The arrow moved forward with a great momentum, and hit right on the bullseye!

You (surprised): ......

In an instant, I could hear the surprised cheers from everyone around me. I stunned as I looked at the feathered arrow for a couple of seconds, and turned around to hug Sariel in excitement!

You: Sariel! We did it!

Sariel (shocked): .......

His body immediately froze, and his heart seemed to have skipped a beat, or perhaps it was my misperception. I quickly returned to my senses and let go of him, flustering as I stepped a little backwards.

You (flustered): Ah... I'm sorry! I was just too excited...

He stood right there as he looked at me, and his lips have pursed into a straight line. 

After a few seconds, he moved his gaze away, clenching his fist as he covers his mouth to let out a cough.

Sariel: Ahem, don't be this excited next time. 

Sariel: It's not always me who's staying by your side, you hear that?

You: Okay... Eh? What does that mean?

He glanced at me, and suddenly reached an arm to pat on my head. Although there wasn't much of a change in his expressions, but his tone seemed to have softened a little. 

Sariel: Your brain has always been this slow, it isn't bad either.

[Common Ending]

With Sariel's assistance, we very quickly received the highest points among the participants.

Host: Because your points are the highest, so you can select your own present.

You: Okay! Thank you very much!

My gaze passed by each aond one of the exquisite gifts, and I pointed towards the box of agate stones without hesitation.

You: I'd like to have that box of agate Go stones! Thank you very much!

A sliver of weirdness flashed past Sariel's eyes, and he opened his mouth slightly.

Sariel: Didn't you want the moonstone pendant?

You: That one is indeed good-looking, but just as you said, I can make it myself. But for such delicate stones, they are something that I couldn't make.  Also, it looks like you like it pretty much too.

I took over the heavy stones from the host, and handed it to Sariel.

You: I'll give this to you, we've worked really hard to win this, so you have to store it well~

He paused for a moment, reaching an arm to take the box of stones, and suddenly a laughter could be heard.

Sariel: Never in my life I have encountered a dummy like you.

You (pouting): What now, why are you talking bad about me again... Although I have made that bit of mistake when we were playing, but we still ended up clearing the games, no?

Sariel curved his lips, and looked towards me. Suddenly, the pair of somewhat cold-looking eyes a t all times has a ray of dazzling light entered into them. Clear and bright just like honey, and reflecting my figure within them.

You: Sariel, how about we play a round of Go when we have the chance next time?

Sariel: Sure, but I don't play with chess players with too much of a gap in terms of skill levels. 

You: Well we haven't played before, no? Who knows we might be equally skilled? Also, if it really can't do, you can teach me live~

Sariel: Didn't you say 'equally skilled' earlier'? What now, do I still need to teach live?

You: I'm saying just in case... Just in case!

Sariel: I've never seen someone so thick-skinned like you.

I giggled, then walked out with him.

It's already sunset, and the originally bustling street full of pedestrians are now with lessened people.

I looked at Sariel by my side, and an unspeakable feeling gushed out from my heart.

You: Actually, I wanted to borrow this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for sparing so much of help outside working hours. I'll remember the things you've taught me properly, and execute them the best that I could!

Sariel: Are you reading out some sort of speech for the year-end conference?

You (flustered): How could it be? They are all my heartfelt words.

Sariel: Those that I've done were merely pastime. As for Go...

His gaze suddenly looked into somewhere distant for an instant, but he kept his gaze back very quickly, and fell into my eyes along with orange rays of the sunset.

Sariel: Since it has been quite a long time an opponent has looked for me, it doesn't hurt to try it out with you either.

You (pouting): Alright I understand now, it's for pastime again right?

Sariel (smirking): Not anyone can afford to become my pastime.

His voice blends into the evening breezes, and gently brushed past between us. Surrounding the afterglows of the setting sun, it drifted towards somewhere in distant.