Summer Is For Falling In Love
2. Clothesline

"Thank you for inviting me to breakfast, Mr. Holland," Esther said, cutting the steak neatly.

Holland, who was sitting in front of Esther, just nodded and cut the steak.

"It's nothing, Miss Esther. I promised yesterday to see you again, right?"

Esther laughed. "You're right. And I thought if you were a noble because you could enter the private beach of the Marchioness Sephien."

Holland flashed a faint smile. "And I'm sure that you too are a noble."

Esther laughs. "That's right, Mr. Holland. But, we're here for a vacation, aren't we? So, for what purpose should respect each other for titles?"

Holland smiled thinly. Geez, the pounding on his chest never disappeared, it was more crazy every Esther opened her lips to talk. The beautiful melody that Esther plays has dominated all of Holland. Bringing Holland into a temporary nibbana.

"That's right, Miss Esther. We're on vacation right now. So, our relationship here doesn't need to attach great importance to the title of nobility."

"Yes, so just enjoy this holiday. I only have seven days to fill my summer here before I have to go back and work."

Holland could see Esther sighing and pouting slightly. Holland can say that it is so cute. Yeah, Holland admits it, Esther's so cute.

His red-colored hair was constantly being toyed with by the wind child in the air, making the strands of hair continuously dance in the sky and sparkle. It caught Holland's attention.

Holland was curious. He wanted to touch the hair, then feel how soft the strands were in his fingers.

"I was also given time by Marchioness Sephien for a seven-day vacation here" Holland said, ignoring the awkwardness in which Holland feels that her aunt is intentional to bring the two together on a seven-day summer vacation.

"And this is my second day, Mr. Holland. Are you so too? If so, then are we going to spend the holidays together?"

That's a good idea. Holland almost wanted to shout to agree to the idea, if only Holland did not want to hurt his sky-high self-esteem.

"Miss Esther, did you just say that you work?" holland asked, the highlight slightly softened, making the iris like a ripple of soothing water look more shady.

Esther's golden bead looked directly at Holland, then gave a small smile. "That's right, Mr. Holland. I am a writer."

"Is that true, Miss Esther? If you can, what books did you write?"

Esther just chuckles nervously. "Roman novels only. It's possible, these tastes don't suit you, Mr. Holland."

Holland blinked a little. The man couldn't possibly say out loud that he also read romance novels, right? Many romance novels. Because to be honest, for Holland, admitting it is a shameful thing that is taboo to be exhibited.

"Miss Esther, tell me your pen name."

Esther grabbed the teacup and shook it slowly. "Well then, my pen name is Asteria."

"Asteria ...? Asteria who has published the popular romance novel?"

"You know?"

Holland was a little jolted. He was suddenly nervous. "A-Ah, your novel is so popular that I can figure out your novel."

"I think Mr. Holland read my work. I'm almost happy."

Holland just smiled softly. It's impossible, right, for Holland to admit that he's collected all of Asteria's novels? Even Holland has its own bookshelf for Asteria's work in his room.

Thanks to knowing the name, Holland came to know who the woman in front of him was.

Holland may not have known the real name of Asteria, because many biographies tell of Asteria.

Esther Dercastez, the eldest daughter of Baron Dercastez, whose household was saved thanks to Esther's income as a now popular writer.

The readers are constantly immersed in the diction and images of Asteria, which makes the woman eventually develop into a famous writer. In fact, some of his work is used as educational material in the academy.

Asteria started her career five years ago, just when she was fifteen. When Baron Descartez's household nearly collapsed as the business run by the Baron was in decline, and many scams had been experienced by the household.

Thanks to Asteria, the household of Baron Descartez still stands today.

"Then, I'll try to read your work" Holland said, making a smile on Esther's natural red lips.

Holland held a thump in his crazy heart.

"Well! I'd be honored."

"I feel even more honored because apparently I can meet you, the famous author. Where many of your fans are eager to see you."

Esther chuckles small. "We're both lucky, Mr. Holland, to be able to see each other."

Holland could barely contain something exploding inside his chest cavity, as if something was sneaking up on each of his veins, giving off a sensation so unfamiliar, but strangely so pleasant and opiate.

"Mr Holland, we can't possibly continue to sit here and be quiet, can we? What if we enjoy this summer vacation for us?"

"That's a very good idea, Miss Esther," Holland replied with a faint smile on her lips. However, anyone who sees a tiny curve there, will say that it is a sincere and affectionate smile.

So that's where they are. Running on the coast.

Holland in her thin shirt was messy and wet because Esther had splashed water on her, meanwhile, Esther's summer dress had also been drenched as she slipped when the waves arrived.

Both giggle. So loose. It was as if the two were birds chirping freely, regardless of status, pride, treasure, and dignity. However, purely because of the pleasure and lust burning in the chest.

"Ahahahahah! Mr. Holland, your hair is a mess, you look ridiculous!" esther laughs again after successfully making Holland slip.

Esther laughed loudly and was satisfied. He's completely free. Holland was amazed.

Nobles can't laugh like that. Nobles should put ethics and norms ahead of other nobles. That's what Holland has been doing for decades. Maintaining the dignity and self-esteem of Duke Floral's successors was extremely strict. However, upon seeing Esther free, something inside Holland seems to be explosive. Whatever it is, it feels so good. Instead of being angry, Holland wanted to feel that way again. Again, again. Continues.

Esther laughed tiredly, she then sat down on the soft sand of the beach, letting both her legs be toyed with the tiny, tickling waves.

Holland sat next to Esther.

"Miss Esther."

Esther turned to the side, to find that Holland was in a few jengkal nearby.

"What's up, Mr Holland?"

"Thank you, Miss Esther."

Esther tilted her head. It looks cute in Holland's red eyes.

"For what? I'm not doing anything so amazing that it's worth it to accept your gratitude, Mr Holland."

Holland just grunted amusedly. "What do you mean, Miss Esther? You've done a lot of things."

"For example?"

"You're so free."

Holland immersed himself in the golden bead of the enchanting woman.

"I've never been allowed to be that free before. I've never done anything so fun like this before. I have never experienced this kind of feeling, where the relationship between me and the people around me this time is not a formal and political relationship, but rather. I'm very happy, Miss Esther. The first experience to feel everything I've never done before is to be with you."

Esther smile. His golden eyes looked at Holland narrowly.

"You said things that could make any young lady misbehave, Mr. Holland."

"really?"

"true."

Esther looked straight ahead. Examine the soothing ripples of the waves, as well as how the waves roll together in the ocean, or some small jumping fish. Esther enjoyed the beautiful panorama.

Holland stared at the same panorama.

Silent for a split second.

The silence was not awkward.

The silence seemed to give both of them meaning, as if commanding the two individuals there to understand each other.

Holland's fingers moved, to find the woman's hand next to her that was piled on the sand of the beach.

When Holland touched the fingers, the man immediately linked the fingers to each other tightly.

Esther was not surprised, as if she had already predicted the same thing. Instead, Esther clasped the fingers.

Warm.

Although the clothes were both soaking wet and sent a faint tremor as the wind blew, the pair of interlocking fingers felt warm.

Opium.

Holland bit his lips softly.

He did not know when to hold back his feelings any further. He's not really strong. His heart was exploding, his heart was hammering, and his mind kept screaming. That's troublesome.

The only thing Holland wanted to do was express what he felt to the young lady beside him.

However, Holland had to hold him back.

This was their second meeting, Holland could not loudly express his interest in the young lady.

"Miss Esther."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Esther tucked her hair behind her ear. "Well, well, Mr. Holland, thank you again. Although I don't know if the reason you said just now could be said to be the right thing for me to accept your gratitude."

"You deserve, Miss Esther."

Holland enjoys this holiday. Her aunt is truly the best woman. Holland promised to give his aunt a box of jewels later.

...***...

July 2nd, 2023