Since it was a brand-new phone, Leon didn’t even know his own number yet. Fortunately, he had already called Sophia earlier, so there was a record in his call log. Sophia, being generous as always, simply shared Leon’s number with Abigail.
Soon after, the girls turned their attention to helping Abigail—who still hadn’t bought a phone—pick one out. Listening to them, Leon realized for the first time that even old-fashioned models came in different brands and with varying features.
One in particular caught Abigail’s attention—a model boasting satellite call synchronization, allowing calls from anywhere on the planet. Abigail was clearly intrigued.
What surprised Leon even more was that Abigail, who usually came across as a straightforward, carefree girl, was now chatting animatedly with Haley. Sophia also blended into the conversation with ease, and before long, the topic shifted from phones to cosmetics.
Leon hadn’t expected Abigail to have any knowledge in that area. As a man, he felt completely out of place.
Fortunately, Emily returned at that moment. After greeting everyone, she called Leon out of Haley’s room.
“Sorry to interrupt your chat, but I just had a sudden idea for lunch. The kitchen work might be too much for me alone, so I could really use your help.”
Once they stepped outside, Emily clasped her hands together in apology.
“No problem. I was just wondering how to slip away from this all-girls tea party without disturbing them. If you hadn’t shown up, I was about to resort to the legendary bladder escape technique.”
Emily chuckled and teased, “True enough. I suppose boys don’t spend much time thinking about makeup and outfits.”
“Exactly. For us, as long as it’s wearable, that’s good enough,” Leon replied.
“In that case, maybe I should make you some clothes next time. You’ve got such a good build and a handsome face—it feels like a waste not to dress you properly. Don’t refuse, okay?”
Leon knew Emily was an expert seamstress, so he didn’t turn her down. “Sure, as long as it’s not too flashy.”
Since arriving in Stardew Valley, he hadn’t shopped for clothes at all. His wardrobe was full of casual wear, and he hadn’t prepared for seasonal changes. In summer, his farmer’s hat could regulate temperature, but winter was another matter entirely—he had nothing thick to wear.
“Don’t worry,” Emily said with confidence. “I’ll choose fabrics and colors that match your style and tailor something just for you.”
Chatting as they walked, the two entered the kitchen. Although there would only be five people for lunch, Emily had bought enough ingredients to feed ten.
“This is way too much. We’ll never finish it,” Leon said, trying to stop her from using everything.
“Too much?” Emily glanced at the mountain of fish, chicken, steak, fruits, and vegetables piled in the sink, which was almost overflowing. She quickly realized the problem. “Oh, sorry. I was thinking about what kind of clothes to make for you and didn’t notice I’d taken everything out.”
“I’m not in a hurry. You don’t need to put pressure on yourself.”
Leon couldn’t help but feel that Emily was a true woman of action—one moment she was talking, the next she was already planning and preparing to make it happen.
“That’s because I want you to be wearing it for the Flower Dance,” Emily explained.
“The Flower Dance is still a month and a half away!” Leon reminded her.
“A month and a half isn’t that long. Sewing only takes a couple of days, but designing the pattern will take much longer. I need to make sure it brings out your best side. It’s a real challenge for me,” Emily said.
“You’re making me feel guilty now,” Leon sighed. “Like I don’t deserve it.”
Emily laughed and winked. “It’s fine. I’ve got my own reasons.”
“Oh?”
“As payment for making the outfit, you have to dance the first dance with me at the Flower Dance. That’s not too much to ask, right?”
“I don’t mind,” Leon replied. “But I’m not great at dancing. I can sway a little, sure, but a full-on partner dance is another matter. Still, I heard the Flower Dance is more of a group thing, so it should be fine.”
It was just a dance—not like she was asking him to pay with his body.
Emily, however, had other plans. “I want to dance a partner routine with you. How about I give you some special training before the festival?”
“Uh… is it hard?” Leon hesitated. He wasn’t exactly graceful. Give him a sword to fight monsters, no problem. But precise footwork and coordination? That was a different story.
“It’s not hard at all. You just need to follow the rhythm, and I’ll guide you. You’ll pick it up easily,” Emily reassured him. She even suggested they try a few steps right then.
Leon quickly refused, using lunch preparations and the cramped kitchen as an excuse. Emily looked a little disappointed.
But only for a moment. After all, Leon hadn’t turned down her offer for future dance lessons. As long as he agreed, she could teach him anytime.
The topic dropped, and they got to work. Emily washed the vegetables while Leon handled the chopping. Once the prep was done, Leon fired up the stove.
Originally, Leon had planned to split the cooking with Emily. He wasn’t sure if stir-frying suited Sophia’s taste. Abigail wasn’t picky, and Emily and Haley had both enjoyed his stir-fries before. But Sophia had never tried them.
Emily, however, assured him that Sophia ate almost anything and had no dietary restrictions. She urged him to cook in whatever style he was best at.
Whether Emily genuinely preferred his cooking or just wanted to avoid work, Leon couldn’t tell. But with only six dishes to make, he didn’t refuse. After Emily tied a pink apron on him, he took up the role of stir-fry chef.
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