20th Dawn - Headband

Hours turn into days, and days turn into weeks. Lewis and I keep seeing each other as usual.

One weekened afternoon, I came up with the idea to gift him something. Modelling for him isn't really much of a payback, considering how he'd use art tools and invest time on teaching me to draw. That's why I decided to cook something for this poor peddler boy.

"You sure made a lot, Lily. What's the occassion?" Ruben asked out of nowhere.

I'm currently borrowing the diner's kitchen to prepare a lunchbox for me and Lewis. It's just a simple meal that Mother used to cook for me when I was little, though it doesn't really turn out the way it should be. The first ones were a bit burnt, and I'm not sure how this will end up tasting like.

"It's for a friend."

"A friend? Hmm...."

My eyes then bulge in surprise at one, vital realization. The thing is, nobody else knows about me meeting Lewis. Now, if Ruben were to find out that this friend of mine is a boy, the news will surely reach Madeline's ears in a matter of minutes, and then, I'd be bombarded with questions once again. She always makes a big deal out of everything, after all. This time will be awkward since I'm really over any crushes for now.

"W-Well, look at the time! I should really get going...!" I stammered out, trying my best not to fret but to no avail. Ruben is already squinting his eyes on me in suspicion. With that, I finish packing up our lunchboxes and scurry out of the kitchen in an attempt to evade any questions, leaving him dumbfounded.

"But there isn't even a clock here..." Ruben deadpanned.

Unlike any other day, I didn't rush to the meeting spot since I'm carrying a basket full of snacks. I just take my time strolling over there, humming a cheerful tune and basking in the mellow streaks of sunlight. For today as well, we're meeting at the park instead of the monument. It's not that far apart from each other, but I still take a while to get there. When I arrived, I instantly spot Lewis, who's presently wearing a casual walking suit. He's dressed in this oxford blue vest with checkered pattern on one side, which appears to be rather expensive for some reason. I'm even more puzzled upon learning that he also brought something. He carries a bag full of art materials with him, including paintbrushes and a canvas frame.

"This is for me?" he asked with surprise when I handed him the lunchbox.

"As thanks for the past few weeks. Don't expect much, okay? I'm not a great cook," I replied while he opened the lid.

"Looks like it. They appear to be barely edible."

"Hey!"

Lewis really has no delicacy. The two of us bicker for a short while after that, with him poking fun on my lunchbox which he claims is packed of my shortcomings as a woman, until my stomach suddenly lets out a loud growl and shuts both of us up. At this, we finally decided to have our meals, but not without another round of banter. As soon as we start partaking in our meal, however, I can't help but notice how elegant and proper Lewis eats. He's using a napkin and chews very quietly. It somehow reminds me of Felicity.

"Hey, Lewis, what's with the canvas?" I started, mouth still half full.

"I'll be painting you today. Oh, and don't talk with your mouth fu-"

"Paint?!"

Confounded, I almost choke on my food, trailing Lewis off.

He's just supposed to be a peddler, but he was still able to afford painting materials. Eyeing them closely, they seem to be not just any ordinary ones like those that I saw in the market. But then, I decided to just zip my mouth on this one. I have a feeling he won't tell me the details, anyway.

Once we finished eating, Lewis eagerly begins his sketching endeavour. He made me sit on a grassy field near the entrance of the forest and positioned me with my arms hugging my knees. Just like he requested, I wear a scrunchie on my wrist, a pair of plain black flats, and my newest creation, which is a headband. It just happened that he saw a picture of it in my portfolio and was a bit drawn to it. He then told me how I should not waste my designs by not making them into reality.

"But, they're not generally the type of hair accessories women wear around here," was what I told him that day when he found it.

Lewis only replied that it's the same with the scrunchies. Nobody would see the beauty of it if no one would make them. After he told me that, we then engaged in a longwinded discussion on how exactly the women of this city view fashion.

"Women here are either conservative or just overly strict with how they dress themselves. Looks are everything for them. They choose to stand out by blending in with the others, which I think is quite ridiculous," was what he said with an unamused face.

Our conversation that time ended with him telling me to make a prototype of a headband. With that, I spent the previous night making a red and black, floral-patterned one. It's not that difficult of a task since I'll be just playing with fabric again.

"I'm just thinking, Lewis. What are you doing with your drawings of me? Please don't tell me you're posting them all over the wall of your room 'cause I'll run," I blurted out as he drew, making him chuckle.

"Don't be hilarious, Lillian. I'm-"

"Lily. I thought I told you to call me Lily."

Lewis then just chuckles again before peeling his eyes from his canvas and staring at me, still smiling.

"Shall I tell you something, then, Lily?" he inquired while I just eyed him questioningly.

"I'm going to an art gallery tomorrow. I participated in an exhibition at the town square and I was hoping to get your permission to let me submit my drawings of you."

My jaw dropped at this, eyes as wide as an owl's. Without uttering any word, I then stand up, pace towards him and pinch both of his cheeks so hard that they redden, making him yelp in pain. His words came out flummoxing since he sounded like he just sold my soul to the devil.

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" I growled, voice low and steely, while glaring at him.

"What? Do you want me to post your pictures in my room instead?" Lewis teased, miffing me more.

"I've been in this city for quite some time now, but I haven't found a good subject to draw until I saw you crying that day-"

"Crying?"

I only blink at him in bafflement while he suddenly looks jittery and fretful. It's as if he just said something he shouldn't have. I then narrowed my eyes at him in suspicion as he flailed his hands around, face a bit flushed.

"No, what I mean is... Just come with me. I'll explain everything there. Everything you want to know about me - I'll say it."

Hearing these, I have no choice but to comply and agree. Though still doubtful, I'm quite happy to hear that he'll finally open up to me.