good night!

“This isn’t a turnip. It’s a radish...” 

“How I really feel aside, lets see just how bad this dust is for you to be looking for help in the first place…”

“So you’ll help out? Really, really help out? Thank you! Let me just go on ahead and open up the door and...” It was just as bad as she made it out to be. A comical amount of dust covered the place.

“Wait just a second! You… you can’t do that! She’s also probably busy! Do you not want to clean up that badly?” He sighs. Once out loud, and once again mentally. He already knows where this is going.

“Aaaagh…. you’re not going to make me do it by myself, right?”

“Sorry! I forgot to take care of something back home! But I believe in you handling things yourself like a strong independent lady!”

“But teamwork makes the dream work, Raguna! There’s no “i” in team! And we’d make a great team, don’t just give up like that!”

“…”

Maybe he will visit Mist another day instead.

“...”

“...” 

“Huh?” The way she responded there, it wasn’t like the way she usually spoke was it? Then again this wasn’t really something they talked about at all, did they? And him falling for Zelda wasn’t something he was able to talk about with just anyone. Partly because he was certain it was just a one sided crush- and it was the princess! Not only did he have to worry about people believing him, but rumors being spread that would have an ill impact on her majesty. Should he be surprised that by waiting so long Mist found out on her own? No, but it did make him feel a bit guilty for some reason. Had he betrayed her? That didn’t seem right.

“Good, that’s a relief. Thank you, Mist. It’d be hard to move forward with this and my feelings if you were against it. I know that’s selfish, but it’s the truth. Your opinion means a lot to me. And… actually, I think you two might get along really well. It’s just a matter of finding a time for her to be here. She has to sneak out, which I don’t really agree with on the one hand. But on the other it’s nice to see her when there aren’t guards everywhere.”

He’s not going to comment on the embarrassing stories bit, he knows and she knows (that he knows) she’ll share whatever she likes, and if anything would only call out his own embarrassment even more.

“Why are you thanking me? We’re friends after all, if you found someone you like then you found someone! That’s rarer than finding a golden turnip, I’d say cherish her. It’s ok to be selfish, in fact I think you should be a little more selfish.” 

This conversation seems to go beyond her usual joking manner. But, that was ok. Having Raguna open up to her like this made her glad, it meant that he trusted her enough to speak so straightforwardly. Since he seemed to value her opinion, it would only be right to give him some sort of advice. That’s what friends do after all! While she’d feel lonely once Raguna goes steady with the princess (something she still can’t believe, the princess of all people) at the very least his feelings towards her felt genuine enough. And she could only hope for him to be happy in the future. 

“If you don’t like it that much, why not become her bodyguard? Think of it... like a part-time job! Where you get paid by being by her side longer! Or maybe... I can take that gig! I get to share funny stories and become the fun third wheel from time to time.”

“There’s no way I’ve taken it from you. I grow lots of vegetables, not just turnips! Wait, don’t just write off–” Ah, but she is moving on to the other topic, putting a second helping of pressure and accusation on the farmer. His head sinks from the weight, his shoulders slumping with a sigh. “I’m really going to deal with this then, am I?” He mutters.

“I didn’t you think you ever saw me that way, Mist. I’m… sorry? I think? Of course I still see you as my best friend. Are you not going to support me?” That would actually be a bit sad. “…I think the chick won’t mind at least.”

“Maybe I... did...?” With the way she adds an uncertain tone on the last word, it came out more like a question filled with ambiguity. Did she ever see Raguna in that sort of light? Though she knew of his potential, heck, even admired him for it! Mist couldn’t exactly pinpoint any romantic feelings towards his. Gratitude? Yes! Amazed by how hard he works? Of course! Tease him whenever she gets the chance? Naturally! But, did she envision herself loving Raguna the way that lovers did? Mist, was unsure. It didn’t sound too bad, but she does adore the farmer in her own little funny way. 

Though she’ll be happy with whoever Raguna wants to settle down with, it’d hurt just a tiny bit because this meant that their encounters would lessen. She could feel a lonely pang at that. 

“Wouldn’t that be your title, Mist? I’ve never met anyone who cares about turnips as much as you do.” He didn’t get bumped back too far. That shove had been more or less expected.

“Yeah, it was my title. But now I’m only number two compared to you. I mean, I love ‘em, what’s there not to like about turnips? But, can’t say I’ve grown a whole field of them. Gotta admit, even I’m impressed by your dedication.” Let’s not get into how it was at her insistence to grow as many turnips as Raguna could. 

A playful shove was given as though he were part of some sort of joke.

“Now, now. You know exactly what that means, don’t play dumb with me! It’s what you are now. From number one turnip manic to ultimate princess simp, you’ve really got on top of things and skill up your stats! It’s like watching some sort of monster evolve. I’m impressed. Nice job, Raguna!”