Ch. 7: Details of the False Accusation (MOON)
Camilo had captured the boy that had led to the false accusation, and an investigation was now under way.
Today, Camilo had come to my room to give me a report on it.
OO: "So then that boy was…"
Camilo: "Yes, it seems he is the younger brother of the man I arrested before."
OO: "I see…"
Camilo: "Seems I had been his target all along."
After he'd said that, Camilo went silent and his gaze dropped slightly to the floor.
Camilo: "…"
Camilo was just doing the right thing, but…he was still resented for it by that boy.
I felt my heart ache as I thought that.
Camilo: "This didn't turn out well. It's almost like I'm being called out for doing something evil."
I saw his bitter smile and heard the self-deprecation in his voice, and vigorously shook my head.
OO: "! That's not true…! I mean, you're always working so hard to protect everyone Camilo. So…-"
Camilo looked at me in surprise as I argued passionately, and his expression suddenly softened.
Camilo: "Why do you look like you're about to cry…"
OO: "Eh…"
I…do?
Camilo: "You didn't notice?"
OO: "I just don't want you to feel down Camilo…"
I covered my cheeks with both hands, embarrassed at what he'd pointed out.
The corners of my eyes were hot as I felt them with trembling fingers.
OO: "I'm sorry. I was being too forward…"
I hung my head as I spoke, and Camilo took a step closer.
As I lifted my gaze, our eyes met as he stood so close we were almost touching.
Suddenly, I felt my body temperature rising.
Camilo: "Thank you. Hearing you above all others say that makes me happy."
OO: "Camilo…"
Camilo: "Frankly, I was discouraged. I was worried about how I was doing my job…"
He really was just trying to be brave.
Camilo: "Yet…your words were so incredible that they made my shoulders feel lighter."
OO: "…"
I felt my cheeks heat up again as I heard how happy he was.
Camilo: "I'm glad you came here. I feel like I can face my job again. Well, please excuse me."
He suddenly turned away and left the room.
Like a lingering scent, a single pure-white feather drifted in the air.
OO: "Ah…"
I grabbed the feather, its color similar to the flower petals of a white magnolia, and gently held it to my heart.
It was like I could still feel the warmth of the person who had just left.