Ch. 5: Sad Eyes
Douglas: “Right, looking for gold and jewels. That’s more pirate-y yeah?”
Douglas told me of how he defended the peace of the sea and the land, but also that he hunted for treasure, and at that I felt my eyes sparkle.
Douglas: “That’s a good look… I figure most of the time girls don’t have any interest in this kind of thing.”
Douglas moved closer, his chin resting in his hand.
Douglas: “Do you… fancy yourself a pirate?”
OO: “Uh, I…”
Douglas: “Sorry, I was just teasing you a little.”
Douglas took another sip of wine with a small smile but…-.
Douglas: “…”
Huh…?
The smile gradually slid from his face, and his gaze looked forlorn.
OO: “Douglas?”
Douglas: “Ah…sorry. Just lost in thought.”
I could see a profound sadness in his eyes.
Douglas: “… are you worried about me?”
OO: “!!”
I realized I had been staring at him for an unknown amount of time, and I hurriedly looked away.
Douglas: “You really are cute.”
Douglas took a deep breath, then turned his gaze out at the sea beyond the window.
Douglas: “I’m actually looking for something from my old man.”
OO: “…your father?”
Douglas: “Yeah, as a present… for my mother.”
With that sadness hanging over his eyes, Douglas quietly continued his story.
Douglas: “When I was little, there was a terrible storm and the ship was wrecked. Everyone lost their lives in the tossing sea. It was then that my old man risked everything to protect my mother and me… but to this day I don’t know what happened to him. I’m sure… that somewhere in this wide sea, my old man is alive. When I would see my mother thinking about him and how sad she would look, it would break my heart.”
That’s so awful…
I watched Douglas in profile as he turned a distant gaze back to the sea, and it made my heart ache.
OO: “…”
I couldn’t find the right words to say, then suddenly Douglas turned and gave me a gentle smile.
Douglas: “…OO, don’t look at me like that.”
OO: “…”
Douglas: “I see… could it be you’re disappointed to find out I’ve got such a mother complex?”
[CHOICE]
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That’s not it (SUN)
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I can understand how you feel (MOON)
Douglas: “Maybe… if I find any good treasure while you’re here, I’ll give it to you, as a present.”
I met his gaze, then grinned to hide my embarrassment.
At that time…-.
Hostess: “By the way, I got an interesting bit of info.”
The hostess spoke to Douglas in a quiet voice, coming over to apparently move empty plates.
Douglas: “Interesting info…?”
The hostess slipped Douglas a note.
He read it over, then grinned.
Hostess: “Well?”
Douglas: “I’ll pay whatever you’re asking.”
Hostess: “You got it!”
All I could do was watch their exchange, having no idea what was going on.
Then…-.
Douglas: “OO, it’s about time we headed back to the ship.”
OO: “Ah…r-right.”
Just what was written on that paper…?
I watched Douglas’ broad back as we made our way to the restaurant’s exit.
OO: “No, that’s not it! You’re only thinking of your mother…”
Thinking of his intentions, I found myself wrapped in sorrow and rather forcefully bit my lip.
Douglas: “You’re very kind.”
I looked up, and Douglas was looking back at me kindly.
OO: “… I can understand how you feel. If the same thing had happened to me, I’m sure I’d feel the same…”
Douglas looked at me, slightly surprised, then his expression softened.