Ch. 6: Together With Your Smile (SUN)
Clown: "In the royal family, we are to return to the castle after we have finished bringing smiles to 100 working people. And then as royalty, we are to live our lives bringing smiles to the people. In other words, this is where we must part ways OO."
His words grated on my heart.
OO: "We have … to part ways."
I squeezed my hands, unable to say anything else.
Clown: "…that was my intention."
OO: "Was?"
Unable to read further into it, Clown packed his magic tools back into his pockets.
Clown: "OO, you woke me up, and during my journey with you, I found myself conflicted."
OO: "What do you mean?"
Clown: "From the time you woke me up, I fell victim to your gentle gaze. However, rules are rules. I had decided to return once I had completed my mission. But let’s not!"
OO: "Eh?"
As quick as the wind, he raised his hand overhead.
Then, all at once, red flowers began to dance around me.
Clown: "I realized it when I met you. OO, your smile has even surprised and captivated me, a clown. This world is full of all sorts of things I don’t know about that can amaze and surprise me."
OO: "…!"
Speaking quickly, he reached his hand around to my back and held me close.
Clown: "Of all the smiles I’ve seen on my long journey, yours is the only one that has truly made me smile…I’m sure that if I hadn’t gone on this journey, I’d have never seen your smile. OO, would you continue this journey with me?"
OO: "With you…"
Clown: "Yes. Because your smile is the best of all the ones I’ve seen OO."
Holding me, Clown’s face covered in makeup smiled gently.
I was stolen away by his sparkling, glittering eyes.
Clowns are usually only about making jokes and being funny but…
On this journey with him, I had realized something.
I’ve only smiled since I’ve been with Clown. I love his beautiful smile…
OO: "I think your smile is the best Clown."
Clown: "Haha, are you planning on leading me astray?"
OO: "W-what…"
Clown: "I like it. Your face when you smile, and when you’re embarrassed. It’s truly lovely…"
OO: "Clown…"
Saying that, he gently kissed my forehead.
My cheeks heated up in response to that soft sensation.
Clown: "Did I surprise you? Ah, but I promise to supply you with many surprises on this journey. And each time, I want you to show me even more honest smiles."
OO: "…alright…"
In the next instant, Clown lifted me up.
OO: "Clown!?"
Clown: "Now that that’s settled, we should head off to our next destination."
Clown walked off in high spirits, still holding me up.
The light from the stars in the vast sky illuminated the path before us, as if blessing us as we started our journey.
Clown: "I’m sure we’ll encounter lots of wonderful expressions on this journey."
OO: "Yeah, I’m looking forward to it."
Clown: "No matter what, I’ll never let you go. Through the good times, the bad times, and anything in between. We are partners, walking side by side."
OO: "Yeah…!"
Clown: "Ah, I pray your charm does not increase anymore! I won’t be able to hold myself back if I'm enchanted by your magic."
Saying so in jest, I looked at him and laughed.
My chest swelled as I started my journey with him.