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…?"