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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]

  • It's important to you (SUN)

  • 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]

  • Don't ask (SUN)

  • 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?"

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