57th Dawn - Beanie

It had been days since I left Freya, but even now, I still can't seem to get a grip of what was Alessandra's real deal.

Tristan and I decided to meet at the park where Alexander took me back then. With Freya banning me from their headquarter, I had to wait for work hours to end yesterday so I could invite him. I was originally planning to give him something today since he had done tons of things for me during my stay, but what I only got in return was a miffing discovery.

"Miss Alessandra did what?!" I exclaimed, clearly peeved.

"Uh... Made you a laughingstock by spreading rumors...?" Tristan trailed off, taken aback.

"No! I mean, I already know that. What's new, anyway? But you said something after that."

"Oh, that... She spread words about you. You know, when you're walking all funny in those heels... Apparently, she made it look like some sort of a funny tale among the workers back in the headquarters."

I then groaned at this exasperatedly. Just when I thought we're finally done with this squabble, Alessandra really had to go all through that trouble to smash my remaining dignity into smithereens.

It's so childish that I'm starting to be convinced that she's a ten-year-old living inside the body of a grown-up. She's like a ghost haunting me, or an ex-boyfriend trying to ruin any chance I have to get a new one.

Then again, I should not be too surprised. She's doing the same to her own brother, after all.

"Let's forget about it, Tristan. I'd rather pretend she doesn't exist than fuss over what was already done," I muttered, massaging both sides of my forehead to release some steam.

"Should I stop informing you about Miss Alessandra, then?"

"Yes, please. My reputation is already rock bottom as it is, and she's stressing me out. Just update me again if she finally gives up her humanity and hires an assassin to take me down."

Tristan only bursts into laughter at that, his whole frame shaking with mirth. It's a good thing that he thought I was just joking about the assassination, though. I might get into trouble again for surmising that a noble is capable of such unlawful acts.

Even then, however, I trust that he will not bust me out. He always has my back since the beginning, and even though he has a shady sideline job, I can tell that he's a good-natured fellow.

After all, Tristan is the only person who'd been worried about me when I left.

"That aside, I called for you since I want to give you something," I voiced out before rummaging in my backpack.

"You've got a lot of baggage there, Lily. You're really moving, huh?" Tristan commented, peering at my briefcases.

"Yep! Sir Alexander told me the address last time, and I already finished settling some stuff with the Baron... Oh, here it is!"

At this, I pulled out a crocheted ash gray beanie that I was busy making for the past days. The outer part has a simple geometrical design in the form of small squares and stripes.

It isn't that grand, but I did pour all my heart into making it. I even brainstormed on what will suit him best, though I don't want to admit it out loud since he might get the wrong idea.

"It's my thanks for all the deets. They're mostly bad news, but... What's really important is that you helped me out, isn't it?" I continued, handing the hat to him.

"Is this... an original?" he questioned in surprise before reaching out for it.

"Uhh... Yeah?"

Baffled, I just blink at him for a moment until I suddenly recalled something. I forgot how I used to mess up my memories and completely expected that he had seen one before.

Considering that Tristan works at a huge fashion company yet still doesn't have a clue about it, this can only mean that beanies are as good as non-existent around here.

It's quite a shame, though, since beanies are cool winter headgears that aren't stiff like other hats. It makes use of soft fabric, has no brim, and is somewhat like a convenient fashion of some sorts.

"Thank you, Lily!" Tristan suddenly chimed in with a beaming face, catching me off guard.

Rather than his playboy facade, I think this kind of look fits him better. He appears to be immensely delighted and amused, which only makes me want to mirror his ear-splitting grin.

I'm also a little relieved since he didn't pry on the beanie any further, unlike Baron Pierre who's fond of asking about far-fetched stuff like the item's history and whatnot.

"Hey, look there..."

"My~ How handsome..."

"Who's that gentleman?"

"I think I've seen him before..."

"Wait, is that his girlfriend?"

"Eh...? No way..."

"Indeed. She looks like a commoner."

It seems like Tristan is really an eye candy to the ladies. This circle of female onlookers was just taking a stroll a minute ago, but now, it appears that they caught quite a lucky haul. Back when I was still in Freya, I'd usually see this kind of scenario from a distance.

He's often surrounded by women, which I find somewhat understandable especially with that beauteous frame and manly physique. I myself have seen him under the same light at one point, though I just chose to be indifferent to his charms since they're coming from a playboy.

I'm not certain how I suddenly got involved in the equation, however. I even made sure to sit a few good centimeters apart from him, but for some reason, they still came up with the impression that we're lovers.

My status was also insulted again.

"Anyways, I should get going now, Tristan. Thank you for everything," I blurted out before standing from the bench. As I was about to pick up my briefcases, he grabbed my wrist out of nowhere, making me halt on my tracks. Surprised, I then swivel back around and face him, only to find a weary expression on his face.

"Take care, Lily... And also, just call me Tris if you want. You did let me use your nickname."

Taken aback, I just stare at him as I try to recall when exactly I have given him permission to call me that. He's the one who started using it as far as I know.

It's also quite surprising since our relationship is somewhat different from ordinary friends. What's more, although he isn't a huge fan of nobles, I'm aware that he's actually one himself, which means that using each other's nickname is probably a bit of a stretch.

"Are you sure? I thought nobles have that particular way of thinking... You know, about nicknames being used as a display of intimacy or something?" I wondered out loud, tilting my head quizzically.

"You mean, that one where we're only allowed to use them to those we have a close relationship with?"

"Yeah, like siblings or cousins or... like lovers...!"

Then, he smiles.

Flummoxed by such an uncalled-for reaction, I just blink my eyes at him and remain in daze. I'm now starting to sense the rise of his flirty vibes. What he's probably thinking now isn't even the one I've been meaning to say.

"Or maybe friends?" I added a bit awkwardly, smile stiff and strained, making him guffaw for some reason.

"Y-Yes, of c-course... We're f-friends..." he stuttered in the middle of his fit of chortles.

"Right..."

Making him laugh is still better than seeing him pull out another cringey, romantic advance, though.

"It's really gonna be boring without you around, Lily," he mused out loud, much to my surprise and puzzlement.

"Am I that entertaining?" I deadpanned, lifting an eyebrow.

"Oh, not like a clown, okay? Clowns aren't cute like you."

"Right..."

I then find myself wanting to end this ridiculous switching of topics. Such a smooth guy isn't healthy for my heart and brain.