"So." Link is trying his best to suppress his smile.

"So." Even if I tried hiding my smile, mine would still surpass his by a landslide. "What now? How does this work?"

"Hm?" He tilts his head.

"I've never been... in a relationship before." 

I should write these feelings down so I can remember them forever. I need to make a mental note of this weightlessness. I feel like I'm floating. Every feeling that's been sitting in my stomach for the past 7 months is surfacing a million times more vividly. I feel excited, scared, and at an utter loss of control. But most importantly, I feel this superlative overdose of love. 

"Are we going to change? Is it going to be different?"

"Doesn't have to be." Link takes one of my hands into his. "Couples do what friends do but sometimes they can do other stuff too. Like this," he kisses the back of my hand, "or this," then he plants a kiss on my wrist, "or... this," he says seductively, placing one more kiss a little further up my arm. I can't help but smile so hard that my cheekbones are hurting. "But," he backs away slightly to look at me, "the first thing any couple does to make it official," he kisses my cheek and leaves his lips there to whisper in my ear, "is to take a shower together."

"A shower?" I laugh and push him away. "Of course that's what it is! How convenient for you!"

"Sorry," he bursts into laughter and covers his face.

"Don't," I grab his wrists to pull them away from his face. "Don't cover your smile." Suddenly our laughter fades into the night and everything becomes quiet. I cup his cheek and study his face. He is a handsome man. I know beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder but who could deny that his nose, his lips, even his chin and eyebrows are the epitome of perfection? "I really... really like your smile," I say under my breath.

"Okay," he returns quietly. His eyes are unable to leave my gaze.

"You're beautiful, you know that right? Your smile, your laugh... they're one of my favorite things about you."

"Same to you." He gives me a soft smile and leans in slightly.

This is real. This is really happening. I feel like I'm caught in a dream. "I have a boyfriend," I whisper, terrified that saying it out loud will mark the end of this dream.

"And I have a girlfriend," he grins. His eyes leave mine to wander to my lips.

"Yes, you do..." I lean in closer.

"Maybe we should introduce the two. We could go on double dates," he chuckles at his own joke.

"Do you have to ruin every romantic moment?" I roll my eyes with a smile.

As I get up, his hands quickly reach for my hips and pull me back down. He catches me on his lap and doesn't hesitate to kiss me. "I didn't know you were such a hopeless romantic," his laughter continues. "I can give you romance."

Not letting go of me, Link gets to his feet and wraps his arms around my legs and back in the process. I let out an involuntary gasp when he picks me up. Taken aback by his actions, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on tightly as he carries me.

"What are you doing?" I yelp.

"Carrying you back inside."

"No! Father will see us!" I wiggle with my legs. "Put me down!"

"No, you wanted me to be romantic." He is enjoying this way too much.

"Link!"

"Yes, darling?" he mocks amused.

"Put me down! Put me down before somebody sees us!"

"You want me to put you down?" He smirks.

"Yes!"

"Right now?" He stops walking. "Right here?"

He's holding me over the edge of the pool. "No!" I squeak and clutch to his body.

"Make up your mind, woman," he swings his arms back and forth to gain momentum.

"No! Stop it! Link, I'm serious! Don't! I--I have my phone in my pocket!" I lie.

"No you don't," he laughs and finally puts me down.

I shoot him a glare but his grin doesn't disappear. I love everything about this. I could never stay mad at him. I wasn't mad in the first place but I wanted him to feel at least a little bit guilty. Had he gone through with it, Father would have been furious with us. Speaking of the devil—the glass door slides open and an angry man thunders.

"Keep it down! I have important phone calls to make," Father tells us irritably.

"So sorry! You won't hear another sound from us," I promise.

Father looks at us, shaping suspicion in his head. One of us is trying to hide his amusement and struggles to show his utmost respect, the other is tense and uncomfortable, probably glowing red as a street light.

"What is up with you two?" Father questions.

"N-nothing."

"You seem different," he notes.

"Everything is in the ordinary," I lie and pull Link inside and up the stairs.

Having reached my room, I let out a long breath, shut the door, and search my bag for my phone.

"Why didn't you just tell him that we're dating now?" Link asks me from the door.

"I can't."

"I thought the main reason you didn't want to be seen with me in public was so your dad doesn't read into it. I thought now we won't have to hide anymore." He sounds disappointed when there is no need to be.

"We won't have to," I simply answer, phone in hand.

"But... then why can't we just tell him?"

"Because I promised Impa she'd be the first to know when I have a... boyfriend." That word still tastes foreign. "I have to tell her before my father finds out."

"Oh, okay." Link presses his lips together, embarrassed to have been prematurely disappointed.

As I wait for Impa to pick up, I walk over to Link and kiss his cheek. "We are not going to hide anymore."

"Alright," he blushes.

I know it's a Saturday night but Impa better answer her phone. I am not in the mood to drive all the way back to the frat house just to tell her that Link and I are together now. When Impa picks up, loud music is the first thing I hear. 

"Hello?" She shouts into her phone.

"Impa, hey! Please tell me your mind isn't fogged up by the alcohol yet."

"Nope, still working on it," she giggles.

"I have some news... About me and Link." I look at him as I wait for Impa to give me a sign that she heard me.

"Yeah me too. You're not gonna like it," she laughs. Why would she say that and laugh? "Some girls started talking shit. They started telling people that you two are secretly dating just 'cause they saw you guys leave the party together."

"Funny," I give her a fake laugh. "It's not just a rumor anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Link and I... we are..." Just say it Zelda!

"No fucking way!" She already knows what I was going to say. "For real? Like—actually for real?" 

"For real," I say as calmly as I can while freaking out on the inside.

"Yo no way! Congrats! I'm... I'm happy for you. Both of you. That's awesome, Zelda."

"You are the first to know."

"Kinda. Looks like everyone else knew before you two even knew."

"It appears that way," I chuckle.

"You guys should come back to the party!"

"Link has a big game tomorrow. That's why we left; so that he could rest."

"As if you two love birds were gonna rest tonight." I can hear her smirk through the phone.

"Good night, Impa."

"Wow, no, wait, hold on! You didn't deny it."

"Deny what?"

"You're not gonna sleep with him, are you?"

"No!" I gasp, pulling Link's eyes to me.

"No you're not going to sleep with him or no you're not not going to sleep with him? Shit I'm confusing myself."

"I'm not," I whisper.

"You're not what? Be clear."

"I can't be clear," I say through my teeth. Link would hear me say it and that would just be mortifying. "I'm not going to do it."

"Good. You should wait."

"Okay, Impa. See you tomorrow, okay?"

"Yeah, alright. See you at the game."

"Have fun. But not too much fun."

"I'll have the maximum amount of fun," she says confidentially and hangs up.

With a smug grin, Link waits for me to explain the phone call. When I don't, he asks, "Not going to do what?"

"Nothing. Don't—don't worry about it."

"I could literally hear her shouting through the phone," he bursts into laughter. This is humiliating.

"We should go to bed. Big day tomorrow..."

"Eager much?" He grins.

"Separate beds," I scowl.

Link gives in easily this time. He picks up his bag and follows me to the guest room. I wish he could move in here. We have more than enough space and that frat house is not a good environment for him. Revali would agree, even if it's just to get rid of Link, that still counts as a vote.

"This is a hell of a nice guest room," Link says impressed, dropping onto the king-sized bed.

"What time do you have to get up tomorrow?"

"7ish. I want to work out, take a shower, and then I have to go to the team breakfast."

"Oh. So we won't be eating breakfast together?"

"Sorry. We can have dinner together."

"It's a date," I smile abashedly.

Link takes off his t-shirt, drops it to the floor, and covers himself with the heavy blanket. I remain standing by the door frame. 

"Listen, Link..." I rub the back of my arm and focus my eyes on the floor. "Will all of this obstruct your pregame routine? Usually you like to be by yourself on game days to calm your mind and body. I don't want to mess that up with... us. This... thing... I mean, this relationship... it can wait until after the game if that's better for you."

"It'll be fine," he answers calmly. "If I get a little distant tomorrow, it has nothing to do with you. It's just a habit."

"That's not what I'm worried about. If you need to completely shut me out tomorrow, that's okay. I just want you to be as prepared as you can be."

"I trained a lot for this. I practiced every day, watched my diet, did my stretches, meditated... It should be okay."

"Aren't you scared at all?"

"Scared? Of what?"

"Anything. Losing the game. Or of Ganon provoking you? Or of fouls and injuries..."

He takes a deep breath and rubs his neck. "You've asked me this so many times."

"I know. I'm sorry. It's just... I don't know. It's Lorule. I am scared of them and I'm not even the one standing on the field."

"It can be scary. But that's what meditation is good for. I will clear my mind before the game."

"It's okay to be scared."

"Not really. I can't risk my hands shaking from the nerves or overthinking stuff and missing the ball. I have to be calm."

"I understand that."

"Remember what I told you when you asked me why I do things even though it's scary?"

I nod, not any less worried. "You said fear is your body telling you that you can't do it. But you know you can."

"Yeah. So, even though I'm scared of failure, and maybe even a little uneasy playing against the Boars, I know that I'm ready to compete."

"I believe in you."

"See?" He smiles up at me. "If someone as smart as you believes in me I have nothing to worry about."

I hope you're right. "You should get some rest now."

"I hate it but yes I should."

"In 24 hours, it'll already be over," I try to comfort him, but more so myself.

After we say goodnight, I head back to my room. Maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea if Link moved in. I wouldn't bear to sleep in my own bed, knowing he is down the hall. I spend the first thirty minutes twisting and turning in my bed, unable to drift into sleep. My phone starts buzzing and I immediately imagine all the possible reasons why Impa would be calling me. I can't help but expect the worst.

When I pick up my phone and nearly get blinded by the screen brightness, I find out that Impa is not the one calling me. Why is Link still awake? He doesn't usually have any trouble falling asleep.

"Hello?" I answer the phone confused.

"Come here," Link quietly requests.

Without another word, without the slightest hesitation, I get up, leave my room, and sneak down the hallway. I'm barefoot, only wearing Link's t-shirt without shorts to cover my bare legs. The hem falls just below my hips, which feels too exposing to be visiting Link in his room but the darkness hides my skin just well enough.

I enter the guest room without knocking first and shut the door as quietly as possible. The room is pitch black but the light from my phone's screen helps me find the bed. Link lifts the blanket. I hang up our call and climb into the bed. He lowers the blanket to cover me once I've lied down, and as I scoot closer, his hand brings my leg up to rest around his waist.

Why is it that he hasn't said a word and yet I know exactly what he's thinking? Perhaps because we are both thinking the same thing. We can't sleep apart. I would rather risk getting caught in Link's arms than spend another minute in my bed all by myself.

"You're wearing my shirt?" Link whispers, his hand still on my leg.

"I told you I was going to sleep in it."

"It's hot."

My stomach flutters as I silently gasp. I try to spot his eyes through the dark but I think they are closed. My hands are curled up by his chest and our noses are touching. I barely have to lean in to kiss him. His lips welcome mine as if they had been waiting for them for the past thirty minutes, that's when it hits me again; this is my boyfriend.

I try not to smile at that thought. I don't want to interrupt our kiss. His hand moves up my leg but doesn't push past the hem. I bring my body even closer. Our kiss lasts another couple of seconds before he slowly stops himself from taking it any further. Sometimes I catch myself wishing he had less self-control, but I came here so we could finally sleep, not to keep him up any longer.

Lying close enough to feel his hot breath on my lips, I shut my eyes and rest in his arms. This is the perfect ending to a perfect day. But what makes this all the more perfect is that this is only the beginning of our story.

✤ ✤ ✤

I wake up facing the other way. The sun is already up, which means it must be past 7 AM already. I roll over to spoon Link. He's so warm. I kiss his shoulder and neck until a smile appears on his face.

"It's past 7 AM," I whisper.

"Good morning to you too," he chuckles in his morning voice and rolls on his back to look at me.

I sit up halfway and reach past him to tap his phone. It's 6:58 AM. "Did you set an alarm?"

"I did. But waking up to your kisses definitely beats my alarm," he laughs.

I'm already blushing and we haven't even had a full conversation yet. So far he hasn't turned distant yet. Part of me hopes that he stays this sweet and loving throughout the day but I know that space and silence are what he really needs today.

Link tucks my hair behind my ear and smiles up at me. I have never seen him act like this on a game day. As much as I enjoy this, I am worried that it will influence his performance. When his eyes settle on my lips, I lean down to kiss him. I may be worried but I'm not going to decline a kiss.

Link's alarm rings at 7 AM. He turns it off and sits up to stretch his arms over his head. "Quick workout, then shower, then the team breakfast. Then another workout, ice bath, stretches, meditation, warm-up, more meditation. And then it's game time." Looks like I worried over nothing. He is still focused on his routine. "Then girlfriend time."

"I'm part of your routine now?" I blush.

"You have been for a while. We just didn't have a name for it." He gets up, picks up his clothes, and stretches his back in front of the window. "Weather looks fine."

"Would you prefer to work out outside or in our home gym?"

"Ohh that's right, you guys have a gym!" he beams. "Both. Gonna go for a quick jog outside first, then the gym."

I could never do what he does. Just alone the thought of jogging drains me of energy but having to work out every morning, take ice baths, follow an eating schedule, and treat my body like a permanent school project just seems impossible. I don't know how he does it but I am impressed.

When Link opens the door to start his routine, I call his name and he stops to look over his shoulder. "I'm proud of you," I mutter with heated cheeks. "I don't know why I tell you this so rarely but I think about it every time I look at you."

He walks back to the bed, cups my cheeks, and presses his lips against mine. "I'm proud of you too."

After Link's workout, I drive us to campus. It's still quiet and not many people are here at 8.30 AM on a Sunday. Some of his teammates spot us in the parking lot in front of the baseball field when he kisses me goodbye. It's difficult to ignore them when they are whistling and shouting our names but I think we are doing great so far. This will take some time to get used to. Having a boyfriend... I still can't believe it.

Since we probably won't be talking again before the game, I wish him the best of luck and make my way to the library. Hours remain before the game starts so I have plenty of time to get some work done. But sitting here in the library, I realize that I am 3 weeks ahead in all my classes. At least the ones that allow you to get ahead. I could do extra credit work but my grades couldn't get any better so it's a little useless. 

I find a quiet spot near the tall windows and start a new novel. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. I thought if I could find a way to combine my passion for reading with Link's passion for playing sports, it might help me develop some kind of fondness for baseball.

After the fourth chapter, I check my phone. Nothing from Link. No notifications at all. I open my chats, a poignant reminder that I have yet to text Pik. I'll meet up with him tomorrow to talk to him about what happened after Valentine's Day. I miss him. Not in a romantic way, this semester has just been different without seeing his smile every week. Aside from the flirting, he is a really good friend. The way he acted wasn't right, but I'm not always the most collected and mature person either and if everyone broke off contact after the first sign of a conflict, we would all be alone.

At noon, Impa texts me to meet her at the Loftwing statue. Less than an hour remains until the big game and I'm starting to get really anxious. Seeing Impa will help. She always makes sure I stay calm. The good thing is that it's not an away game; meaning Link will stand on familiar ground.

Even from a distance I can tell that Impa is excited about today's game. She's wearing a baseball hat, ripped shorts, a tight crop top, and an oversized baseball jersey on top. When she opens her arms to give me a hug I see that she covered her cheeks in black war paint.

"You look great!" I should have worn the Hyrule sweatshirt she gave me last semester to show my support.

"Here," she takes her hat off and puts it on my head as if she had read my mind.

"Thank you."

"For sure!"

"How was the party? Are you hungover?"

"I actually didn't drink that much," she says proudly. "Even though I could have used a drink after I lost beer pong against Prissen."

"Wait, you lost? Does that mean you guys..."

"Yup."

"Are you okay?"

Impa laughs, "Yeah it wasn't that bad. And it wasn't the first time either."

"Oh, but you aren't dating him, are you?"

"Pfft, no. Holy shit, I totally forgot! You and Link!"

And just like that, a giant smile stretches over my face once more. "Yes, me and Link."

"Damn. What happened to your five-hour PowerPoint presentation?"

"I never had a presentation."

"You know what I mean."

"I was caught in the moment. He said he loves me and I... I don't know, I just asked him and he said yes."

"Duh. No was never even an option," she palms her fist and lets out her villain laugh.

We pass the science building on our way to the baseball field. It makes me think of Pik again. I wonder if he is working at the planetarium today. It's a Sunday, so chances are he's not even on campus.

Some guy whistles and a couple of other guys start laughing. Impa and I instinctively turn to look in that direction. I wish I hadn't turned around... It's Karusa and his teammates, only a couple of feet away.

"Hey babe," he winks at me with that vile smile of his. "Come to watch me?"

"Yeah, watch you miss the ball," Impa sneers.

My heart instantly begins to drum against my rib cage. I wrap my arms around Impa's arm and pull her closer. Not to hold her back from a fight but for my own safety.

"Aw, don't be jealous, there's enough of me for both of you," Karusa laughs and actually stops walking. I lower my head to hide my face behind the cap. Ganon is there too but he hasn't said anything yet. He's looking, but not laughing along.

"Why so shy, Zel-Zel? Last time you had so much to say," Karusa says pleased.

Even if I had the courage to speak right now, I wouldn't. I'm already having trouble breathing and refuse to waste my last breath on him.

"Karusa! We're already running late..." a teammate yells annoyed. He is standing further away, waiting for his teammates. I recognize him, he's one of the guys that were watching when I encountered Karusa back in August.

"You heard the man," Karusa shrugs and takes a step backward, not breaking eye contact with me. "See you after the game though? We can meet behind the field again and pick up where we left off."

"I'll gladly meet you," Impa steps in front of me. "I'll take that dick of yours and shove it down your own throat."

"Impa," I gasp disturbed.

"Don't Impa me. He's hitting on you and thinks it's okay to say his disgusting thoughts out loud. It's gross." She shifts her glare to him. "My probation is over, asshole. One wrong move and I'll beat the living shit out of you. Don't get near her, don't even look at her or you'll have to deal with me!"

"That's kinda hot," he grins balefully. "See you later then I guess." He blows us a kiss and keeps walking.

"Holy fuck! I didn't think anyone could be more arrogant than Revali," Impa huffs as her eyes follow him. "At least Revali knows boundaries. This moron is a full-blown asshole!"

I finally let go of her. My whole body is shaking. "I can't– I can't do this."

"Do what?"

"Be near him, h-having to–to look at him... I can't–" I feel like I'm buried alive and the coffin is running out of air!

"So don't," Impa turns my face to make me look at her. "Focus on me, don't even give him any attention."

"I hate him..."

"Yeah, I know...... Me too. Um, Zelda, can I ask you something? Is he the guy who tried to make out with you last summer? He said to meet him behind the field again to pick up where you left off."

"Yes... He is the guy who kissed me that day..."

"Bastard! I should have broken his arm before he had the chance to walk away."

"Violence begets violence," I quietly remark.

"I don't care! He shouldn't even be allowed to be playing. I would have kicked his ass a while ago if Daruk hadn't intervened. By the way, did he try shit during the soccer game too?"

I feel like I'm about to faint. Just alone the mention of the soccer game takes me back to that tunnel. The way he slammed me against the wall and pressed himself against me... The way my agony brought joy to him. All the noise... So many people surrounded us but nobody heard my cry for help. Bellum just kept walking while Karusa's fingers were digging into my skin.

"Zelda?" Impa presses just as the door to the science building swings open. Her sister steps out and spots us at once.

"Hey guys!" She waves at us full of elation.

"Purah, what are you doing here?" Impa asks her.

"I was working on a robot with Robbie. But now I'm going to the baseball game to take some pics for my photography course. I'm guessing you're heading the same direction?"

"What gave it away?" Impa laughs, showing off her outfit in a couple of different poses. Purah arrived just in time to take Impa's attention off of me. I don't think it's a good idea for Impa to know about what happened in that tunnel.

"What are we waiting for? Time's a-wasting, right?" Purah chants and walks ahead.

I follow them with heavy steps. The only thing that is keeping me from collapsing is the thought of it all being over in a couple of hours. I won't have to see Karusa or Ganon for a very long time and can finally push all my worries under the rug. No more threats or rules. Just Link and his perfect smile every day.

I open my messages and send a gif to Link that says *Go get 'em!*

I could save his name as Link now that I don't have to hide him anymore. I could even add a heart to his name. Or use a nickname. I wonder if there is a Japanese word couples use for each other. I will have to ask him about that after the game.

Thinking about Link just cheered me up. He's not even here but still manages to make me feel better. I should start looking up some restaurants in the area; dinner tonight will be our first meal together as a couple. It's funny... everything is the same and yet it all feels different and new. 

We enter the stadium and find our seats in the crowded stands. I recognize a lot of faces among the fans; Domidak and Prissen are sitting near a group of girls who are wearing Link's jersey number, Fin and Armes are here too, Malice is sitting on the other side with the Boars, even Daruk is here, chatting with Urbosa and–is that Father? So this is why he said he wasn't going to be available on Sunday. He doesn't like sports but he will be sure not to miss a game against Lorule. However, the person I'm most surprised to see is Mipha. Since when does she attend Link's games?

My eyes keep roaming the stands. I've made a lot of friends in college so far, it's crazy how many familiar faces I see. Ganon and Karusa count to the group of people I wish I hadn't met in college. They are on the field, talking to the coach. Ganondorf is in the stands right next to Malice. 

No sign of Link. I'm assuming he is on the bench where I can't see him, meditating as usual. I hope he is doing okay. He hasn't responded to my text, which is probably a good sign. It means he is focused on the game and doesn't allow himself to get distracted. 

I wish I was able to calm my mind too... Maybe I should try meditating too? This place is way too busy and no matter how hard I'd try, I don't think I could ease my nerves right now. Not with Karusa smirking up at us. He elbows Ganon and gestures at me. Now Ganon knows where I'm sitting too. I shrink in my seat and pull down the cap to hide my face from them.

"Shit, I forgot to buy snacks," Impa snits. "I'll be right back, anyone want anything?"

While Purah shakes her head as Impa gets up, I grab ahold of her arm and pull her back. "Don't go," I beg.

"I'm not going far. Just gonna run to the kiosk to buy some soda and chips."

"Don't go," I repeat. She's not leaving my side until the game is over and the Boars are gone.

"You wanna come with me?"

"No. We don't need snacks. Besides, the game is about to start, you don't want to miss anything."

"Okay," she nods concerned and slowly takes her seat again. "You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"We don't have to watch the game. Link will understand."

"No, I want to watch. I'm fine."

"If you say so."

"I just don't want to miss Link walking out."

"Ah, I get it. You miss your boo," she teases. "So did the honeymoon phase just now start or is it still going from when you first kissed?"

"What?"

"The honeymoon phase. When a relationship feels new and perfect. The phase during which couples are disgustingly annoying with their cutesy wootsy baby behavior. When you see the world through your rose-colored glasses."

"Ah, er, still going? I think? I don't know. It's not much different from before. But it was never perfect either. I suppose it does feel a little new, even though I can't pinpoint why that is exactly."

"Because even though you two didn't change, everything around you is going to change."

"That makes sense. We don't have to hide anymore."

"Exactly. You should change your wallpaper to a picture of you two."

"But you are my wallpaper..."

"I know, but he's your boyfriend now."

"So? You can still be my wallpaper."

"Okay," she smiles. "You could have him as your home screen though."

"Good idea," I grin and open my settings. 

Link and I have taken quite a few pictures together since we have met, how could I choose just one? This is exactly why Link didn't choose a wallpaper for such a long time. It doesn't matter which picture I choose as long as it has him on it. I select a selfie we took on Valentine's Day. I convinced him to apply the spa face masks he got for me. It's a silly picture of our faces covered in blue and green clay. It's a bit blurry and I don't like my smile on it because Link decided to tickle me the moment I took the photo, but it's by far one of my all-time favorite photos.

"It's starting any minute now," Impa nods toward the field where the two teams circle around their team captains. I brace myself and put my phone away.  This is it. I close my eyes, hold on to my necklace, and silently send positive thoughts Link's way. I hope it will make a difference.