Chapter 267: Are You Boasting Now?
The sun had risen higher in the sky, illuminating the city in its bright light as its citizens began wandering around. The wind howled, carrying along the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
The rays poured into the apartment through the sliding glass doors, casting shimmers on the ceramic vases and polished floor, and bathing the two figures on the pink couch.
Ruediger and Lariette stayed in the same position. One of his arms encircled her waist as she leaned comfortably against him. The lingering awkwardness from earlier eventually vanished.
Under her request, the man excitedly showed her more of his digital art pieces, some dated a few years ago. His happy chatter echoed in the living room, laced with her questions and their shared laughter.
"This one... I recreated the drawing from high school to see the differences."
"Oh, I just learned shading when I drew this."
"I sketched the road outside the cafe near our home. Maddie and Aunt Felicia liked their peach strudels."
Lariette looked from one image to the next. She suddenly exclaimed after Ruediger swiped to the next illustration, "Oh! This chibi is so cute!"
The image displayed two adorable chibi drawings of a mother and a daughter. They had a picnic by a lake where white swans glided on the surface.
"When I was in high school, Aunt Felicia brought Maddie and me to a picnic," Ruediger chuckled, evident joy glimmering in his eyes, "I drew this a few years ago when I saw the old photos."
Lariette tilted her chin up, catching the way Ruediger’s countenance softened as he brought up Madeline and Felicia. The fondness in his voice was unmistakable, the same tone she had heard whenever he mentioned the mother and daughter.