Ch. 3: What is to Be Treasured
After that…
I had borrowed some sewing tools and was using a maid's room, and fixed the fraying on Momo-chan's ear.
OO: "There, he's all done Hinata."
Hinata: "Thank you OO-chan! You can't even tell he's been fixed! That's amazing, he's perfect!"
OO: "I'm not very good at sewing…so I'm sorry if it comes apart again."
Hinata: "No way, it's great! I'd almost give up hope… yaay~ Momo-chan's happy too!"
Hinata excitedly held Momo-chan up in his arms.
I'm glad he's happy.
Hinata: "Oh yeah, I had no idea…that there was a way you could fix things. Whenever things got broke before, I'd just go buy a new one."
Hinata brought his face close to Momo-chan, then hugged him tightly.
Hinata: "But I didn't want to let go of this Momo-chan… he's been with me ever since I was little. And that's why I didn't like seeing other kids buy new ones… But being able to be with my Momo-chan again, it's like…I'm super happy!"
OO: "Hinata…"
[CHOICE]
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It's important to you (SUN)
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That's a nice expression (MOON)
OO: "Yeah, because of how precious Momo-chan is to you. I think it's better that you always treasure him rather than buy a replacement."
My words made Hinata put his finger to his temple and tilt his head.
Hinata: "OO-chan, there's… this weird feeling I've never felt before…it's growing little by little. What…is it?"
I watched Hinata and Momo-chan as he pondered, and a single doubt crept into my mind.
But…this Momo-chan looks like he's been repaired a few times. Does Hinata not know what?
[CHOICE]
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Don't ask (SUN)
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Try asking (MOON)
At that moment…-.
There was a knock at the door, and Hinata's mother the queen appeared in the doorway.
Queen: "Hinata."
Hinata: "Mother! Is something wrong?"
Queen: "I heard you had been awakened so I came to see you."
Hinata: "She did it! Her name's OO-chan!"
Hinata's eyes sparkled as he introduced me to his mother.
Queen: "Thank you so very much for saving Hinata."
OO: "Oh it was nothing…"
Queen: "Hinata, don't keep her up too late."
Hinata: "Of course Mother! Because OO-chan is precious…Hm? Precious…? This feeling…is cause I think she's precious?"
Hinata put his hand to his mouth, and once again started to seriously think about something.
Queen: "…OO, please take care of my unreliable son."
OO: "Y-yes!"
The queen smiled kindly at us, then left the room with a courteous bow.
Hinata: "Do I want her…because she's precious? I always want her here…?"
Though the queen had left, Hinata was still mumbling to himself about something.
…that reminds me.
OO: "Hinata…that was your mother right?"
I'm pretty sure he said before he was the only one in the castle.
Hinata: "Yeah, but she's not my real mom."
OO: "…eh?"
Hinata: "Huh? Didn't I tell you? When my family left, I got a new one."
He got…a new one?
Hinata: "I pay everyone with money, you know?"
OO: "What…does that mean?"
Hinata: "What-I-mean is just what I said! My family got sick and everyone died. But when I said I wanted one, a replacement family came right away."
Hinata said it like it was nothing, and I couldn't hide my confusion.
Hinata: "I already told you. Even something like a family…there's nothing I can't get. And…you're the thing I want most now."
I was caught in Hinata's eyes as they wavered ominously, and I nearly forgot to breath.
Hinata: "Hmm~"
I thought to ask, but hesitated to say anything as Hinata was clearly wrapped in thought.
OO: "Hey Hinata."
Hinata: "?"
OO: "Your Momo-chan…-"
OO: "That's a nice expression Hinata."
Hinata: "Really…?"
Hinata looked away, slightly embarrassed.
OO: "Momo-chan is really important to you isn't he."
Hinata: "Important…? Is that what my feelings are…for Momo-chan?"