Ch. 6: In the Event of Victory (SUN)
Claiming victory after victory, Eins reached the finals at last.
Eins…
In the setting for the final match, Eins readied his sword.
The person standing before him was none other than his younger brother.
Eins: "I never imagined you’d end up becoming my rival!"
Eins' Brother: "Well, we did practice together, so I figured I’d enter too."
Eins: "I won’t go easy on you just cause you’re my brother!"
Eins' Brother: "That’s my line. After all, you never did beat me in practice."
Eins: "You don’t get it. Practice is totally different from the real thing!"
They’re at it again…
From my seat in the audience, I could hear them arguing back and forth, and I found myself smiling.
Both of you, do your best…!
But…
Eins, you can do it…
Then the signal for the start of the match rang out.
Eins: "Let’s go!"
Their swords clashed.
Then…
OO: "Eins!"
Eins mowed down his brother’s sword and claimed victory.
…
……
The competition ended, and the stars twinkled overhead as we returned to the castle.
OO: "Congratulations again on your victory Eins!"
Eins: "Yeah! It was only natural of course."
Eins spoke to me delightedly, a smile stretching across his whole face.
Eins: "Now OO, about the promise."
OO: "Promise?"
Eins: "I said it before the start of the match, remember?"
Before the match…?
Eins: "If I get first place…"
Announcer: "The second match will begin soon. Participants, please gather at the starting area."
Eins: "Say…!"
That…?
Eins: "If I got first place, you said you’d be mine."
OO: "Eh!?"
Eins grabbed my waist and pulled me in close.
Eins: "And OO, you were cheering me on right?"
To think he’d said something like that…
OO: "I-I’m sorry! Actually…I didn’t really hear you…"
Eins: "What!? Then you won’t be mine!?"
OO: "Well, I…"
Eins: "Then I’ll say it again! OO, be mine!"
OO: "…!"
My heart sped up under his earnest gaze.
I was reminded of all the smiling faces Eins had showed me.
I…want to see more, at his side. His different expressions, and feelings…
OO: "…Alright, I will."
Eins: "Just so you know, even if you reject me now I’ll keep…eh? What…did you say?"
OO: "Ah, well…"
Eins: "Yes! You said yes!"
OO: "Y…yeah."
Eins: "OO…"
As if relieved, Eins wrapped me in a strong embrace.
His heart was hammering in his chest like a bell.
Eins: "Don’t scare me like that…I’m serious."
Despite the severity of his voice, I couldn’t help smiling.
OO: "…Sorry."
Eins: "No, I’m not forgiving you. Not until I kiss you…"
Saying that, he stared at me.
Then…
OO: "Nn…"
He kissed me gently…
And everything around us fell away.
It was only me and him, with the sound of his beating heart.
OO: "……"
I knew I was blushing, and when we parted, my gaze fell to the ground.
Eins: "That’s not enough for me to forgive you yet. After all, ever since I met you, my heart has been a mess!"
Lifting my chin, he looked straight into my eyes.
Again, his face came closer.
Eins…
His red bangs gently brushed my eyelids…
And at their soft touch, I closed my eyes.
END