Ch. 5: A Sudden Embrace (SUN)
I awoke the next day to see Kairi finishing getting ready to leave.
OO: "…are you going out?"
I said it while rubbing my eyes, and Kairi's expression didn't change for an instant as his hand went to the gun holster at his waist.
Kairi: "I know who killed my little sister. I'm going out to avenge her."
OO: "Eh…"
Those words cleared my still sleep-addled brain as if I'd been doused in cold water.
I could do nothing but stare intently at him…
Kairi: "Can you still say that you trust me?"
His voice was low as he asked me that question.
OO: "Yes."
I looked directly into his eyes and answered definitively.
Kairi: "…I see."
Kairi almost seemed to be looking at me fondly when…
Kairi: "…"
OO: "Ah…"
Suddenly, Kairi wrapped his hands around me and pulled me into a tight embrace.
Kairi…?
Kairi: "…"
All that could be heard was the beating of our hearts in unison.
I didn't know how long we stood there like that…
But at last, he slowly pulled back from me and turned away.
OO:" Kairi! You'll…come back, right?"
Kairi: "…"
OO: "Because I'll be waiting for you."
Kairi didn't respond to my words, and left the hideout in silence.
Even though he said he didn't want anything to do with me.
And even more so, it had seemed like that embrace had been a sign of farewell, and it felt as if my heart would burst.