Chapter 5 Not What You’d Imagine

The next day, Luna’s activities were the same as the day before. When Jacob left his room for the balcony, he would immediately be faced with the sight of Luna running around chasing the rabbits.

Her face was so cheerful when she managed to catch the rabbit she was chasing. Luna would pick it up and stroke its head affectionately while giving it a carrot.

“Being friends with a girl ten years younger than me feels strange,” he murmured, leaning his body against the balcony railing. “But living on this island without a friend would be too boring. Maybe it’s time I taught that girl that education is just as important as play.”

Meanwhile, Luna did not realize that Jacob often watched her. She had grown used to being alone during her two years on the island. Her friends were the rabbits, which were so numerous there.

A young rabbit was in her arms. She stroked its soft fur while feeding it. When she turned around, Jacob was suddenly standing not far from her. The surprise made the rabbit in her arms leap away and run off.

“Sir, you startled me!” Luna cried, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the act.

Jacob smiled slightly, as if enjoying her reaction. One hand was tucked into his pants pocket, while his eyes swept over the sight of rabbits running around them.

“There are so many rabbits on this island,” he commented casually.

Luna nodded quickly. “That’s right. Every month, their population keeps growing.”

Jacob nodded, then added in a serious tone, “Then they must be delicious roasted.”

Luna stared at him with an expression of shock and a little anger. “You eat rabbits? Adorable animals like that? How could you have the heart to eat them?”

Jacob shrugged. “There are too many of them, Luna. Besides, rabbit meat is edible. It tastes like chicken, and I’m sure if you tried it, you’d like it.”

“No! I will never eat a rabbit. They are my friends!” Luna shot back, her voice rising.

Jacob only smirked slightly before turning and walking past her. “Animals are still animals. Rabbits aren’t savage creatures, and they’re pretty tasty,” he said without looking back.

Luna huffed in annoyance, her eyes glaring sharply at Jacob’s back. She had never thought anyone would see rabbits that way, especially a man who had suddenly arrived and claimed the island as his own.

Jacob’s steps paused for a moment, and he turned around and called out, “Don’t forget, you promised to take me to the beautiful places on this island. Hurry up and change your clothes, and get ready to take me!”

Luna let out a long sigh. From the start, she had not liked Jacob’s arrival at the house. Meeting him at first had made Luna afraid of the man, and now that Jacob had said he would eat rabbits, it made her dislike him even more.

However, since the island belonged to Jacob’s parents, Luna had no choice but to show him her good side. She did not want to be driven off the island, because she knew life outside the island was more terrifying.

“I have no choice. I’ve already fallen in love with this island,” she said with a resigned sigh.

**

Not long after, Luna led Jacob to one of her favorite places, a small waterfall hidden in the forest. Along the way, Luna gave directions only with the bare minimum of words, her tone sounding reluctant.

When they arrived at the waterfall, Jacob was instantly captivated by the view before him. Clear water flowed swiftly, creating a small pool that sparkled under the sunlight.

“Do you come here often?” he asked, gazing at the pool in admiration.

“Sometimes,” Luna answered briefly. “But more often in summer. The water is warmer then, good for swimming,” she added in a curt tone.

Jacob did not mind. Without saying much, he began to take off his shirt, revealing his muscular body. Luna immediately turned her face away, her hands quickly covering her eyes.

“Sir! Why are you taking off your clothes here?” she cried in panic.

Jacob turned his head with a small smile. “I’m not naked, Luna. I only took off my shirt. You’re overreacting,” he said casually before stepping down into the pool.

Luna peeked through the gaps between her fingers, making sure Jacob had really only taken off his shirt. Seeing him swimming casually in the clear water, she felt a little envious. Usually, she swam here alone, feeling free without worrying that anyone was watching. But with Jacob there, that freedom felt lost.

“Hey, don’t you want to swim too?” Jacob asked after a while.

Luna shook her head quickly. She did not want to take the risk. After all, she was aware of the difference in their genders, and she did not want anything unwanted to happen.

After he had had enough of swimming, Jacob climbed out. His wet hair dripped water that ran down his face and body. He looked so captivating, but Luna hurriedly lowered her head, staring at the pebbles under her feet to avoid the awkwardness.

Suddenly, Jacob spoke. “Starting today, you will be my student.”

Luna raised her face, confused. “Student for what?”

Jacob put his shirt back on as he answered, “You’re still young. You need to learn a lot. There are many books in the mansion, and I was the best student at my school. I will teach you.”

Luna stared at him, half surprised, half disbelieving. But before she could refuse, Jacob had already walked ahead.

“Sir, why do you like making decisions on your own so much?” she called out, trying to catch up with the man’s steps.

Jacob glanced at Luna from the corner of his eye, a faint smile appearing on his face. “Because I don’t want a girl like you to grow into a foolish woman.”

Luna huffed in annoyance. “You’re mocking me because I don’t go to school!”

Jacob did not answer, only kept walking casually, while Luna trailed behind him with a sour face.

“Because I’m younger than him, he acts however he wants with me,” she grumbled, stepping quickly to follow Jacob, who was already far ahead.