Watermelon Kiss Game

“I was thinking of playing a game with watermelon,” said Mark confidently.

“Huh? What do you mean?” replied Theophile. 

“Do you remember when we went on vacation to Paju? Playing with watermelon seeds is really interesting, right?” Mark returned to his opinion, trying to remind Theophile of the game he was referring to.

Theophile ignored Mark's opinion and went back to picking up the large piece of watermelon that was still left on the tray. He felt full but, not because of the watermelon but Lavelle, who seemed to be completely out of her dark world. Lavelle accompanies Dizhael, who is engrossed in swimming in a plastic pool. Lavelle is a small child who is trapped and can't do reparenting for her own inner child.

Theophile saw the perfect happiness in Lavelle's eyes when she was with Christelle, Liza, and Dizhael. Theophile realized one thing that was, and she realized that Lavelle had changed a hundred and eighty degrees while she was with the family she loved in the meantime, not if she had heard anything about her daddy being somewhere currently or perhaps already dying. 

“Theophile… what are you thinking?” Mark asked suddenly, making Theophile, who was focusing on Lavelle’s shady face, startled and sigh, then put down his cell phone. 

“I’m not thinking about anything. Maybe I’ll play with both of them,” Theophile said. 

“But you look like someone who is thinking hard,” Mark mumbled later.

“Do you think so?” asked Theophile then. 

“It shows on your face, man,” Mark mumbled again. 

But Theophile shrugged to himself, evasively, “You who think too much, I'll go over to both of them.”

With fast steps like the wind, Theophile immediately went to Lavelle and Dizhael, who was engrossed in playing in the water, splashing each other with water until half of Lavelle's clothes were soaked. Theophile smiled faintly, then glanced at Lavelle, who looked embarrassed and covered her wet clothes.

“You look so radiant today, sweetie. You’re so cheerful today. This makes me a little happy,” Theophile said, then he immediately glanced at Dizhael, who was busy playing in the water. “Are you so excited about playing, honey?” 

“Sure, Uncle Theophile. The water is very cold. This makes me so comfortable playing,” said Dizhael.

“What do you think about this pool? Do you want to play with lots of small fish?” Theophile asked Dizhael. 

“Um… small fish? Is there a swimming pool full of small fish? Aren’t small fish only in the sea?” Dizhael again asked Theophile with wide eyes. 

Theophile laughed then lightly touched the top of Dizhael's head. “Of course, next time, Uncle will take you to a pond that has a lot of small fish in it.”

“Theo… don’t talk about weird things with Dizhael. I’m afraid she’ll want to come with us when we get back. I’m afraid she’ll tell Mom and Liza about this.” Lavelle held Theophile’s hand tightly as she tried to change the subject. 

“Gosh, you’re too mean to me, sweetie. You gripped my arm really tight, even though I just wanted to invite my future niece to play someday,” replied Theophile, teasing Lavelle.

Yes, it was not without reason that Theophile was flirting with the silver-haired girl. Theophile was pleased to see the girl's face turn bright red when he did that. Those desirable, freckled cheeks were like ripe peaches though Theophile was afraid that the smile on Lavelle's lips would fade in an instant when he teased her often.

Liza came over to surprise them, bringing a large plate of fruit salad with various pieces of fresh fruit that were delicious with melted mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of matcha on the right side of a small bowl. Liza smiled in satisfaction as she placed the large bowl on the wooden table and clapped her hands, introducing the name of the dish. 

“Matcha mozzarella mixed with salad. You can’t stop thinking about how the Mozzarella cheese melted on top of the fruit pieces and mixed with a very soft matcha sprinkle,” As if, like a chef, Liza introduced the name of her homemade food very smoothly. 

“Sounds quite extreme but looks quite delicious and refreshing in the summer like now,” replied Mark with a cheerful face.

“Um... matcha and Mozzarella... the perfect combination.” Lavelle hurried over to the large bowl and took a few spoons into the small bowl. 

However, Liza prevented Lavelle from eating the fresh fruit salad. Liza snatched the small bowl from Lavelle’s hand and put it back on the table. “You can’t eat it before you play the game I made?” 

“What is that game?” asked Lavelle, pouting her lips. 

“I really like what you are asking, dear. Now take the watermelon that I have cut into small pieces, and the sour candy comes here,” said Liza, glancing at a large bowl next to Mark. 

“But for what?” asked Lavelle for the umpteenth time.

“You’ll find out later, and Theophile… come here. This is a special game to build chemistry between the two of you,” Liza said excitedly. 

“Jeez, what exactly do you guys mean by this?” Lavelle growled in annoyance.

Liza rolled her eyes quickly, then asked Dizhael to come inside the house to do her schoolwork before the afternoon because Liza would drop her home after the afternoon. This made the three of them a little surprised, wondering what kind of game Liza was going to make that day. 

+++

“Liza, what is this game? Your brain is so perverted!” Lavelle sighed in annoyance when she realized the punishment that would be received if one of the playing partners couldn't get enough group points. They would be punished for kissing each other using a piece of watermelon or a piece of sour candy. 

Liza smiled sarcastically. “It was a fun match, and it’s not about the punishment but how smart you two are.” 

“You’re crazy! I would never play a game like this,” Lavelle quickly refused.

“We've kissed three times this month, and I don't think there's anything wrong with doing anything bigger than a kiss.” Theophile interrupted with a hint of innocence in his tone. 

Lavelle hit Theophile on the shoulder so hard it made a sound that was very pleasant to hear. Theophile winced in pain and pursed his lips, but that only made Lavelle angrier, and she wanted to get out of the sight of the two freaks now. Theophile took a deep breath, then tried to calm Lavelle, who had lost control. 

“I’ve suspected for a long time that you two must have a special relationship more than friends or acquaintances.” Liza put some watermelon flavored candy that she got from the fridge, again presenting a very seductive look to her little sister, who was blushing wildly. 

“Oh, God! Why do I have an annoying older sister like Liza,” Lavelle grumbled. 

“This is just a small quiz. There are only three questions,” Liza said later. “But, not with a kiss penalty, Liza,” Lavelle complained. 

“So, what about the kiss punishment? You can pass chewing watermelon or share sweets,” Liza said later. 

“Then who should I kiss?” Mark asked confusedly. 

“With the pole behind you,” Liza said nonchalantly. 

“Let’s be serious,” Mark insisted.

“I really didn't expect that you would follow this game, Mark,” Liza said while shaking her head. 

“Then what should I do?” then asked Mark with a confused face. 

“Be a referee for them. Here's the answer key, and please be honest, I'll be watching from that corner,” Liza mumbled later.

“Liza, please change the punishment. I will not follow the game, and I will go,” said Lavelle.

“Oh, my dear Lavelle. Have fun, and I’ll be waiting inside until you guys actually finish this candy.” After that, Liza glanced and signaled to Mark to follow her orders, and Mark awkwardly immediately took the piece of paper in front of him. 

“Why is this world so crazy,” Lavelle complained. 

“Don’t you want to do that?” whispered Theophile, slightly grabbing Lavelle’s hand.

“Of course, it’s crazy to do,” replied Lavelle, “You’re not crazy, are you?”

Mark can only be an awkward man between the two who are arguing about Liza’s game that doesn’t make sense. 

“Lavelle, calm down, sweetie. I also have an idea that is so potential,” said Theophile later. 

“Don’t look me in the eye, let alone try to hypnotize me,” Lavelle gasped.

Theophile took a deep breath, then nodded, understanding that the girl was really upset. “Alright, we had better do it once and finish the rest of the candy. I know you really wish you could eat that matcha, don’t you?” 

Lavelle pouted a little. However, it was true. She hadn't eaten her favorite matcha in a very long time. Wasn't this a great time but, how could she persuade Liza to give her a fruit salad without a stupid kiss addicted Theophile—even though she really couldn't turn down the offer because Theophile was addicted. This addiction had always been made her want to curse herself. 

“Everything will be fine,” continued Theophile. 

“I know, but… this is too crazy.” Lavelle had no choice but to pick up one of the watermelon-flavored candies and shove it into her mouth. Still a little reluctant, she went to climb up the wooden chair by the table. 

“Mark immediately asked us a question.” 

“Now.” 

“What are you doing, dear? You could fall. The chair looks fragile.” Theophile was worried. 

“You are too tall.” 

“Huh?”

Mark cleared his throat, then looked at the two with conviction.“Name the inventor of the boomerang?” 

“I don't know,” said Lavelle.

“And you Theophile?” Mark glanced at Theophile. 

But Theophile just shook her head in ignorance of it. 

Lavelle sat across from Theophile, then gently wrapped her arms around him. “It sucks.”