Pik holds his umbrella over Riju and me, leaving Link standing in the rain by himself.

"Hello Zelda," Pik looks pleasantly surprised.

"Everything okay?" I ask Riju while eying Pik wairily.

"Certainly."

"She wanted to talk to me about the seals so I offered my umbrella" Pik explains.

"Oh." Of course she did.

"I missed you at my gig on Friday. It was a great show, should've been there."

"Sorry, something came up," I say honestly, avoiding looking at Link. 

"It's fine. I'll let you know when we'll play again," he replies, avoiding the same thing. This is all very unfortunate.

"Did you come alone?" I need to know if anyone else is here who might recognize us or if it's just him.

"Yeah, I'm here by myself. I come here sometimes to get inspiration for paintings. Although I think this time I am more drawn to writing a poem. Perhaps it will encourage more people to preserve nature."

"That would be really nice."

"Yes, you know what they say; actions speak louder than words but sometimes words can be pretty powerful too. I will read my poetry at the annual Scholar's Symposium, you should come."

"That's in October, right?"

I mustn't forget to sign up for participation. First place in an oral presentation would look great on my transcripts. And it could prove to Father that I don't need any rules to succeed academically.

"Yes, it's a few days before Halloween I believe. What do you intend to present?"

"Oh, probably a research paper," I shrug.

"I'll come to your presentation if you come to mine," he offers me his charming smile. I nod, I really just want to end this conversation. Poor Link is getting soaking wet.

"So..." Pik pulls his lip piercing between his teeth. "You and Link then?"

My eyes return to Pik in a heartbeat. "It's not like that," I shake my head one too many times.

"It's okay, it's not like I'm going to tell anyone," he says.

I am absolutely unprepared for this. No excuse comes to mind that explains why Link and I happen to be here at the same time. I barely know Pik, surely not enough to trust him with our secret. If this gets out we're doomed. I knew coming here was a bad idea.

"Don't worry about it," Pik continues. "I can tell you're uncomfortable and it's clearly none of my business. But I just want you to know that you can talk to me. Your secret is save with me. I'm not big on gossip, unless, of course, it's about me. I love hearing gossip about myself."

"What? Why would you like that?" Who in this world likes to hear gossip about themselves?

"There are so many reasons. First of all, it just goes to show that my life is more interesting than theirs. Their life is so boring that they have to create fiction about mine. It's like winning the game of life against a bunch of bullies. But more importantly, I am always the main character. Whether I'm the villain or the good guy, it's always about me. It's quite the thrill. Sometimes their stories get so creative that I gasp at my own actions, they have it all; plot twists, climaxes, unexpected endings, et cetera, et cetera. Just lovely."

"Okay but sometimes people say awful things."

"So? Let them talk," he shrugs along with a chuckle. "If I've learned anything at HU then it's that you know you're doing something right when people get jealous. Besides, if you keep thriving no matter what, you will eventually defeat your enemies with their own jealousy."

I nod again. Link is only a couple feet away, watching me talk to the guy I held hands with and stood by crying only a week ago.

"Before I forget, there's going to be a pop quiz on Tuesday," Pik tells me, starting yet another topic.

"Wait, Professor Astor can do that? I thought the teachers had to strictly keep to the syllabus," I say without thinking, unintentionally carrying the conversation on. 

"It's just for him to see whether his students pay attention. He doesn't grade it."

"Oh good. An unannounced quiz is an additional stress factor I didn't need on my agenda right now."

"If you want Astor to like you, you should probably get a good grade though. I can tutor you tomorrow. We can study in the library when you're done with all your classes."

"How did you even know about the pop quiz?" I dodge his question.

"I have my ways," he smirks.

"Are you cheating?"

"If I were, I wouldn't be able to tutor you," he laughs. "What time do you want to meet?"

Wait what? I didn't even agree to it. He just invited himself to a study session with me, now I have to uninvite him?

"Oh no, I think I'm getting sea sick," Riju has her hand pressed against her mouth, drawing all attention to her. "I think I have to..." she gulps, "Where are the restrooms?"

"I think I saw one over there," I say to her, then look back up at Pik. "Excuse us."

We hurry back inside with Link, not looking back at Pik, and enter a hallway near the dolphin tank. The only other visitors in sight are a family with two toddlers at the other end of the hallway. Likely not the type who would recognize either of us.

Riju bursts into laughter when I open the door to the restrooms for her.

"I was just pretending. You can't get sea sick on land," she says. 

"Why did you pretend to be sick?" I want to know.

"Because that right there was super awkward and I saw an opportunity to end your misery."

"Well... Thank you, I guess. But lying is bad." I'm not going to scold her, she did just save me from a very uncomfortable conversation.

"You do it too," she argues. "I heard what you said to Aunt Urbosa last night. About not caring about him," she gestures at Link. "You said it was a lie."

"Yes but--"

"And you want to be called by a different name, which is also technically lying. And you just lied to that boy at least three times."

She has a point.

"Yes, okay, you're right. Sometimes I lie, but just because I do it doesn't mean it's okay. I would rather not have to lie."

"So why do you do it?" She asks.

"Because people don't know about me and Link," I whisper.

"What don't they know?"

"That we hang out."

"What's wrong with hanging out?"

"It's complicated. We're not allowed to be together."

"What happens if somebody finds out?"

"Er..." The heat in my cheeks is unbearable. "People would get hurt."

"By people you mean you?"

"Myself and others."

"Would Link get hurt?" she asks, not quietly enough. He turns his head toward us.

"Possibly, yes," I answer for him.

"Would that other boy get hurt?"

"Pik? Maybe a little." Though he seemed fine a minute ago, I do believe that he is not fond of Link and I together. That was very evident by the drop of his smile when he spotted him standing behind me.

"Do you love him?"

Hylia, make it stop... Link is listening to every word I say. This is humiliating. What do I answer to that?

"Er... Well..." I stutter. How do I escape from this question? How can I explain to a very disarming twelve year old that we are still figuring things out? Love doesn't happen overnight, but saying that I don't have any feelings would be a lie too... I don't know what to do and the longer I pause, the more obvious it becomes. I'm not ready to talk about this, especially not in front of Link.

"Well, hm.... Link and I--" I begin but she interrupts.

"No, not him. You and Pik."

"What? No! Of course not, I don't love him."

Riju just smirks at me. Why does she do that? She looks so smug.

"What?" I ask.

"Your "No of course not!" was very different from your "Um, uh, well..."," she imitates me with a high pitched voice and air quotes.

"That is not what I sound like." I'm ready to just faint and pretend this never happened.

"Mhm," she has her hands on her hips and looks pretty content. Link's enjoying the show as well. He must feel pretty good about himself too, I basically just admitted that I... Well... I didn't admit to anything, but he might think I did. No, I shouldn't even be thinking about this. 

"What does it take for you to drop the topic?" I ask Riju with a burning face.

"Can I get a toy from the store?"

"Yes, let's go right now," I rush her, hoping she will forget about this conversation.

At least Link's face looks just as red as mine. I think even though I am the one who was put on the spot, he felt just as confronted by Riju's question. It's quite adorable really; he who is so courageous and inexpressive begins to suddenly blush. And all that because of the analysis of a child.

"You okay?" I ask Link quietly as we follow Riju to the souvenir shop. I can't help but giggle a little at his reaction.

"Mhm," he nods, scratches the back of his neck, and gives me a shy smile.

I think the head scratch is something he does when he feels abashed. I feel embarrassed too, but seeing him share my emotions reassures me that we are both clueless. We are both just trying to make the best out of this whole situation. Neither of us knows what exactly we are or where it's going. But... I think we are both happy when we are together. And that is worth fighting for.

I hide my face behind the scarf and beanie again when we reach the souvenir shop. I want to buy something small too, to remember this half-date. While I look at the key chains, Riju calls for me from the other side of the shelf.

"No, absolutely not," I shake my head at the 4 feet plush seal she is holding up.

"Come on, it even has the red bow, just like Patricia!" she pleads with puppy eyes.

I let out a long and deep sigh, drop my shoulders, and groan, "Fine."

"Thanks Zelda!" she beams.

After I pay for our stuff we head back to the car. The rain has subdued and the sun is peeking through the clouds. The drive to Urbosa's home consists of Riju suggesting we go swimming in the ocean, followed by me listing the reasons for why that it's not a good idea after heavy rain, Riju finding a million arguments to do it anyways, and me finally turning up the music and pretending that I can't hear her.

"Can you teach me how to drive?" Riju asks Link when we enter her neighborhood.

"Sure he can," I reply and he instantly looks at me in shock. "In four years when you're old enough," I laugh.

When we get back to the beach house, Urbosa is in the back yard, working out in the sand.

"Hey," I knock against the open glass door to announce our return.

Urbosa finishes her last situp and dries her face with a towel before she walks over to me on the sandy terrace.

"You're back early," she pants.

"We left when it started to rain." The sand is already dry again and the sun feels burning hot against my skin, especially where I am already sunburned.

"Sorry for kidnapping Riju without asking first."

"No need to apologize. Thank you for sending me that message this morning. I would have been worried if you hadn't told me that you're going to the aquarium."

"Of course. I didn't want to go against your rules. Riju just needed a day off. Just like I did yesterday."

"I'm glad you took her to have some fun. I'm sure it was a refreshing day for both of you."

"I did enjoy it very much," I admit, playing with my car keys.

"Where is she, by the way?" Urbosa asks.

"She is busy showing Patricia her room," I say, following Urbosa into the kitchen.

"Who is Patricia?"

"Her new giant plush animal."

"Oh my."

Urbosa fills two glasses with juice and ice cubes and hands me one of them.

"Thank you. I can't stay long," I take a small sip, silently trying to come up with a way to say what I'm about to say. "Link came along," I mumble into the glass.

"Is that so?" She gives a small but genuine smile.

"It was nice," I say coolly. If I as much as think about our kiss in the aquarium, my face will become hotter than the sand.

"That's good. I told you you'd get along splendidly."

"Unfortunately we did get recognized," I lower my head in shame. "By somewhat of a friend, however. I hope he can keep our secret."

"Have some faith, Little Bird," she advises worry free.

"Urbosa..." I hold the locket close to my heavy heart. "Riju told me about her mother's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Oh, Little Bird," she says softly, still smiling. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it. You were in your junior year and so stressed out about your performance at school, I--"

"Please don't apologize. It's okay. But you could have told me. I'm here for you too, you know? And the same goes for Riju. I know what it's like to lose a mother... If she ever needs someone to talk to, just let her know I'm here for her too."

"Thank you, I'm sure she will appreciate your words." Urbosa takes a step toward me with her arms open but stops. "I would hug you but I'm sweaty."

"Right, I didn't mean to interrupt your work out. I have to get going anyway, Link is waiting in the car and I have a science quiz to study for."

I place the empty glass on the counter and make my leave. Spending the night at Urbosa's has really helped me relax a little but getting recognized by Pik was yet another reminder that our relationship will be my greatest challenge yet.

Link drives me back to campus where my car is parked. For a moment we sit in silence because I still don't know how to say goodbye to him. I mean, do I hug him? Kiss him? Neither? I turn my head to look at him and smile.

"I think to make things a bit easier on both of us we should agree on a time for the next time we... hang out. In advance. Just so we can plan for it, you know?" I say and he nods. "We should probably aim for the weekends."

"I can't next weekend."

"Oh. Okay. What about the weekend after that?"

"I'd have to check for games, but other than that it should work out."

"Great, what do you want to do?"

"Up to you," he says.

"I'll come up with something," I chew on my cheek. "Hey Link... Does it worry you that Pik saw us today?"

"He said he wouldn't tell anyone."

"Yes but... We don't know him. We can't rely on that."

"Nothing we can do."

"I suppose." He doesn't seem worried but then again, he doesn't really have anything to lose. 

"Why do you think I would be hurt if people found out about us?" He asks and it takes me a second to remember that I said that to Riju earlier.

"If people find out, we won't be able to be together anymore. I just figured you too would be... upset if that happens."

"Why would we not be able to be together just because people know?"

He can't be serious. We've been over this.

"Because. Father wouldn't allow it. If he finds out that I am seeing you, he will forbid me to study my major of choice. He will make sure we don't see each other anymore."

"He can't keep you away from me."

"Then you really don't know my father," I chuckle. He doesn't.

"I know him. I know he holds power but he can't force you to stay away from me."

"Yes, actually, he can. Trust me, if we get caught, it's going to be you or biology. And we both know it won't be you," I say before I can stop myself. I did not just say that! 

Link frowns and looks the other way out the window. Did I just admit to him that I would choose my career over him? What do I say now? I pinch my eyes shut and want to slap myself for my impulsiveness.

"Link, I'm sorry."

"It's fine," he says, minding my eyes.

I hurt him. Again! Why am I like this? Why am I so insensitive?

"I didn't... I shouldn't have said that. It's not even true. I don't know what would happen if it ever came to that. That's why I'm trying to prevent it from happening."

My words don't seem to matter.

"Look, I'm really trying to make this work somehow. All my life I've been told what to do, who to be, how to behave... The only thing that always belonged to me, just me, was my dream. Becoming a biologist is the one thing I always knew I wanted. Even after Father told me to become a politician, I still knew what I truly wanted to be and had the courage to fight for it. It's what I've been pursuing all my life. I can't just give up on that. It's important to me..."

I place my hand on his arm to make him look at me.

"But you are important to me too," I say and his mien softens. "I can't just choose one of the two and drop the other. But I am willing to take a risk. This thing we have, you and I, it might be a time bomb to my career, but I am willing to risk it... For you. I'm willing to go against my father and risk losing something I've been working towards all my life, for you. If there is a way to make this work I will try my best."

He gives me a subtle nod and looks down at his hands holding mine. Although his skin is torn and scarred, his touch is soft and caring.

"I will try my best too," he says quietly.

A faint smile appears on my face. I believe that we can make this work somehow. I have faith. Unfounded faith, perhaps formidable naivety, maybe I'm blinded by his charm, but I cannot just give up on us any more than I can give up on biology. He has bewitched me. With every second we spend together my heart grows more accustomed to his. It scares me utterly but I am drawn to him despite the voice of judgment shouting from the back of my head whenever I think about him.