Adrian wiped his palms on his shirt, feeling the rough texture of the tablecloth he had been arranging for the festival stalls. Every time he looked around the bustling town square, he felt like a stranger crashing someone else's life.
"You sure you know what you're doing?" Isla asked, leaning against the wooden post of the booth, arms crossed. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she studied him struggling to fold the banner just right.
"I… think so," Adrian said, fumbling with the cords. "I mean, I've seen festivals in the city, sort of… it can't be that different, right?"
Isla's laughter rang out, musical and teasing. "Not even close. You're overthinking it already. This is our village festival, not some fancy gala in your skyscraper world."
Adrian flushed but smiled. "I'll try to keep that in mind."
"You'll try?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "That's not confidence, city boy. That's hesitation."
He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the sting in her words. "Well, maybe I'm just… cautious. Some of us can't rely on the whole village to bail us out."
Her smirk softened, a hint of something warmer shining through. "You might be the first outsider I've seen who admits that. Most just stumble around thinking they're helping and end up causing more chaos."
Before Adrian could respond, Lara appeared, waving from the other side of the square. "Isla! Adrian! Come help with the banner over there! We need strong hands!"
Adrian moved toward her, but Isla's voice stopped him. "You going to follow me around all day, or can you handle the banner too?"
He hesitated, then squared his shoulders. "I can do both," he said, forcing a grin, though the truth was he had no idea how he would manage either.
As they worked side by side, Isla's tone softened. "My dad… he used to say outsiders can't be trusted around the land. Always thinking they know best, taking what's not theirs. He's… protective. Over the land, over us. There's history there."
Adrian glanced at her, caught off guard by the sudden seriousness. "I see. I didn't mean to… I just… want to do something right here. Not mess things up."
"You're not messing up… yet," Isla said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Just don't make me regret letting you help."
Adrian swallowed hard, nodding. I can do this. I've already managed worse in the garden… maybe I actually belong here.
Before he could respond further, Rico appeared again, clipboard in hand. "Kingsley! Good, you're here. Festival coordinator wants you to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow. Apparently, you're the 'guest of honor.'"
Adrian's jaw dropped. "Lead? Ribbon-cutting? I… I can't—"
"Relax," Rico said breezily. "It's symbolic. Just… say a few words, smile, look impressive. Easy."
Adrian groaned. "Easy? I've never led anything in my life, let alone in front of an entire village!"
Isla tilted her head, trying not to laugh. "Guest of honor? You? Really?"
"Yes, really," Adrian said, eyes wide. "Apparently, being the city boy automatically qualifies me to be the star. Fantastic."
She studied him for a moment, then smirked. "Well… I guess I'll have to make sure you don't embarrass yourself too badly."
"Thanks," he muttered, sarcasm lacing his tone. "I feel better already."
Lara waved at them from the food stall. "Come on, you two. We have decorations to finish. And don't start flirting… not yet."
Adrian felt his cheeks warm. "Not flirting," he said quickly, though he avoided Isla's gaze, pretending to inspect a crate.
"You're terrible at pretending," she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips.
The day continued with constant activity. Adrian found himself running from stall to stall, helping wherever he could, though each attempt brought small mishaps—spilling paint on a banner, tripping over a cord, or tangling decorations. Each time, Isla and Lara were there, teasing, correcting, laughing.
At one point, Isla turned to him, her expression serious. "You know… your heart's in the right place. But pride… it can get you into trouble. Sometimes you try too hard to be perfect and forget to just… be."
Adrian blinked at her. "Just be?"
"Yes," she said simply, her eyes meeting his. "Let the people see who you really are. It's easier than pretending you know everything."
Her words lingered in his mind as he walked to the next stall, catching himself watching her more than the work. There was something magnetic about her—something that pulled him in even as he tried to focus on the task at hand. It's not about looking perfect. It's about being part of this community… being part of her world. I think I'm finally starting to understand that, he thought.
Isla, meanwhile, watched him from across the square. He's clumsy, he's loud, he's… frustrating. But he's trying. And he's paying attention—really paying attention. Maybe I misjudged him at first. Maybe he deserves a chance.
By afternoon, the village square had transformed into a riot of colors, banners, food stalls, and the excited chatter of locals. Adrian, exhausted but strangely exhilarated, paused to take it all in.
"You did… okay," Isla said from beside him, nudging him lightly. "Better than I expected."
"Better than expected?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Thanks… I think?"
She laughed softly. "Yes, thanks. You're learning. Slowly, but learning."
Adrian let out a shaky laugh, thinking back to the hours spent in the community garden hauling sacks of fertilizer and mending fences. It's all connected. The garden, the village, the people… and her. Every misstep I made there taught me something that actually helps me now. I might just belong here after all.
Isla noticed the thoughtful look on his face and allowed herself a small, private smile. He's changing, growing. I can see it now. And maybe… I'm changing too, letting him in, piece by piece.
As the sun began to dip behind the hills, casting golden light across the square, Adrian and Isla stood together, surveying their work. The banners fluttered, the food stalls smelled of spices and sweets, and the laughter of children echoed through the town square.
For the first time since arriving, Adrian felt a sense of belonging. Not just because he had helped set up the festival, or because he had survived the awkward chores, but because he had earned the quiet respect of someone he cared about.
And Isla? She didn't fully realize it yet, but she had started to trust him—not completely, not blindly—but enough to notice his effort, to appreciate it, and maybe even to care.
The storm of tension, curiosity, and the fragile beginnings of something more wasn't gone—it was still there—but for now, it could wait. Today, they had shared victories, laughter, and small lessons. Tomorrow, the village would see Adrian as the city boy guest of honor—but today, he had proven something to himself, and Isla had noticed.
And in this quiet, golden moment, both of them understood that they were stepping into something far bigger than a festival. Something that could change both their worlds—and their hearts—if they were willing to take the risk.