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Ch. 4: A Reliable Smile

After Haku and I returned to the castle…-.

 

We treated the rabbit's injury in Haku's room.

 

Wow, there are so many books…

 

Haku's room was like a library, filled with the faint scent of books.

 

Haku: "Will this be alright?"

 

Haku wrapped a bandage around the rabbit's leg with a practiced hand.

 

Haku: "Do you…want to stay in this room till you're fully recovered?"

 

As if in response, the rabbit's ear perked up.

 

Haku: "Alright…"

 

Saying that one word, Haku gently stroked the rabbit's head.

 

I'm glad…

 

OO: "Thank you for this Haku. Well then, I'll be off…"

 

Saying as much, I moved to leave Haku's room when…

 

Haku: "Hey."

 

He suddenly called out for me to stop, and I whipped around to look at him.

 

OO: "I-is something the matter…?"

 

Haku: "From yesterday, I want to eat them again."

 

By yesterday he means…?

 

Now it was my turn to incline my head, and Haku spoke quietly.

 

Haku: "The cookies you made."

 

Ah…

 

My heart leaped at those unexpected words.

 

OO: "Do you like cookies?"

 

At my question, Haku once again fell to pondering.

 

Haku: "This feeling…is liking something? I don't really understand…but I want to eat them again."

 

[CHOICE]

  • Say thank you (SUN)

  • Smile (MOON)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OO: "Because I'm happy."

 

Haku: "I see…"

 

Haku smiled slowly.

 

OO: "This time I'll add some dried fruits to them!"

 

Haku: "…sure, thanks."

 

After I'd left Haku's room…-.

 

I'm happy…Haku enjoyed my cookies. I wonder if there are other things Haku likes.

 

I had felt my heart quicken a surprising amount at Haku's smile…-.

 

The next day…-.

 

I immediately went to Haku's room with the cookies I'd made.

 

I'm glad I could use the kitchen.

 

I went to knock on his door when…-.

 

Haku: "…"

 

OO: "Haku…!"

 

The door opened quietly, and revealed Haku.

 

Haku: "…what?"

 

His long hair was sleek as it fell over his cheeks and he looked down at me.

 

OO: "Um, were you going somewhere?"

 

Haku: "To the forest, to read my book. Do you want to come?"

 

I'm glad…he's inviting me…

 

OO: "Yes! …oh, right."

 

I showed Haku the cookies I'd brought.

 

OO: "Yesterday you'd said you wanted to eat them so…"

 

Haku: "That was surprisingly fast."

 

This time, Haku gave me a reliable smile.

 

My heart thudded in my chest.

 

I wonder why, but I want to see Haku smile more…

 

With the thudding of my heart, a sweet emotion was being born.

OO: "Sure…thank you!"

 

I was so happy that my voice came out unexpectedly loud.

 

Haku: "Why are you thanking me?"

Does this mean Haku liked my cookies…?

 

Happiness filled my heart and I smiled naturally.

 

Haku: "Why are you smiling…?"

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