Kari rushed to the airport, only to find Ronald had been waiting for over two hours. As she approached, looking like she'd run a marathon, Ronald stood up and steadied her, "Didn't I tell you to take it easy? What's the rush?"
"Why on earth would you come all the way to Maplewood?" Kari huffed, out of breath.
Wasn't he busy enough with his work back in Capital City?
Yet, he had to make a trip to Maplewood.
Ronald pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat off her forehead, his expression calm, "Maplewood's got its charms, thought I'd come and unwind a bit."
When Willa found out Ronald had a thing for Kari, she went all out trying to play matchmaker.
Kari was well aware of Ronald's feelings, but she'd always seen him as a brother figure. The thought of anything more made her recoil.
Yet, Ronald always kept a careful distance, and their interactions had grown increasingly charged, making it impossible for Kari to keep seeing him as just a brother.
But she couldn't shake off the image she'd had of him for over two decades.
She'd finally made it to Maplewood for some relaxation, and now Ronald was here too.
Ronald, in his haste, still looked sharp in his suit, giving off an even more intense vibe.
Kari, taking the handkerchief, wiped her own sweat, "Why didn't I hear about this 'unwinding' plan earlier?"
If she had known, she would've arranged for someone else to come to Maplewood.
Ronald could see through her, feeling a bit down. He'd been by Kari's side for the better part of the last six months, with Kari playing oblivious. He couldn't bring himself to push too hard.
"Kari, you know why I'm here in Maplewood," Ronald spoke softly.
Kari's hand froze, and her cheeks flushed.
Before Ronald could continue, she balled up the handkerchief, "It's getting late, I should take you to the hotel."
Ronald chuckled lightly.
Kari's flustered reaction was proof enough that she wasn't entirely indifferent to his feelings.
"Alright."
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