Ch. 6: Awareness of Love (SUN)
Apis collapsed, and the dinner party ended halfway.
In the dim coolness of Apis’ room…
Apis was breathing quietly, having taken the antidote.
OO: "…he hadn’t been feeling well all day."
Apis' Mother: "I see…. This boy has always behaved exactly how I wanted him to, without complaint. I guess that has always been a cause of pain for him."
His mother grasped Apis’ hand in concern.
OO: "…I think Apis loves you too."
That’s why I’m sure he forced himself to meet those expectations.
Apis' Mother: "…"
Apis’ mother’s face was full of sorrow, but overflowing with love.
I’m sure…he just didn’t know how to express it well.
Apis' Mother: "…tomorrow Apis has official duties all day. But let’s have him take a break."
Apis’ mother looked at me with a kind smile.
Apis' Mother: "Lady OO, tomorrow, if you could…"
…
……
The next day was nice and clear…
At his mother’s request, I took Apis out to the flower garden.
His condition had improved, and his complexion was good too.
This feels nice…
Many flowers were blooming, swaying in the wind as they sparkled in the sunlight.
Apis: "…man, even though my schedule was packed with official duties…"
It’ll be good if he can just rest a little.
Apis: "OO, my mother said too much. Giving me time like this…it isn’t like her."
OO: "Your mother really loves you Apis…"
Apis: "…I know. I’m just really bad at responding to it, aren’t I."
OO: "Apis…"
Apis: "You really are nosy."
Apis picked a nearby flower and quietly took in its fragrance.
Apis: "I wonder why I’m relaxing at a time like this…"
Apis is really beautiful.
I was captivated by his movements, and he suddenly grabbed my hand.
Apis: "The sunlight is getting stronger."
Saying that and holding my hand, we moved to the shade of a tree.
OO: "…um, Apis? Don’t you not like touching me?"
I remembered how he had always shaken off my hand if I reached out to him.
Apis: "…?"
Apis’ expression was puzzled, and he stood lost in thought for a moment.
Apis: "Yeah…I hate touching and being touched by others. But it seems it's fine if it's you."
Chuckling, he pulled me in.
OO: "…!"
Before I realized it, Apis was holding me close.
Apis: "Yeah, you’re ok."
At the suddenness of his actions, my face turned beat red.
OO: "U-um…Apis…?"
Apis: "I had always thought love was irritating…but I guess it can be warm too."
He smiled, and his eyes were clear.
That expression was different from any I’d seen before…
Apis: "…it feels nice."
Slowly, I instinctively encircled my arms around his back.
OO: "…yeah, it’s warm."
The fragrance of the flowers drifted on the gentle breeze.
I rested my head on Apis’ chest and heard the beating of his heart.
He gently stroked my head and…
From within, a feeling of contented warmth spread throughout my body.
END