Ch. 3: His Sleeping Form
A little while after Sai and I helped the kitten…-.
I had planned to bring the kitten some food and once more arrived at the cabin.
Kitten: "Meow."
I walked over, and the kitten started rubbing its head against my legs.
It's so cute…
I scratched its head, and it purred and rolled over to show me its belly.
Does it remember me? I'm glad.
Sai: "OO."
Sai poked his head in through the entrance of the cabin.
After that first time, Sai had also come with me to look after the kitten in the cabin.
OO: "Sai! It looks like the kitten finally remembers me!"
Sai: "That's nice."
OO: "Sai, should we give it a name?"
I proposed naming the kitten to Sai, my heart bubbling with happiness, however…
Sai: "…I don't think we should do that. It'll make it more painful when we let it go."
He replied, his voice cool.
Speaking of which, we said we'd look for someone to adopt it, but we haven't actually done any looking. But…somehow, that kind of hurts.
Sai started reading on a nearby bench.
I wonder…
[CHOICE]
-
Do you not like cats? (SUN)
-
Could you not? (MOON)
Sai: "I don't dislike cats, and it doesn't bother me."
OO: "Really?"
Sai: "Yeah."
OO: "…I'm glad."
But…then I wonder why the kitten doesn't seem to affect him.
I thought that as I went to pet the kitten's head again when…-.
*Bang!*
There was a loud noise, and some lumber leaning against the wall of the cabin started to fall towards me.
OO: "…!"
I instinctively turned to protect the kitten…-.
Sai: "…"
OO: "Sai!"
Sai moved to cover us, protecting both me and the kitten.
OO: "Sai! Sai, are you alright!?"
A large plank struck Sai's shoulder and slid to the ground.
Sai: "I'm fine…that was quite a shock, wasn't it."
OO: "Th…thank you. Let me see your shoulder."
Sai: "Really, I'm fine. More importantly…"
I followed Sai's gaze…-.
The kitten was curled at his feet in fear.
OO: "That was pretty scary for it…"
Sai gently stroked its head.
Sai: "There there."
…such a kind face.
I unintentionally stared at Sai's face, his eyes so very gentle as he calmed the kitten.
Sai: "Everything will be alright now."
His voice was gentle, and a pleasant warmth flooded my chest.
I really think…
OO: "I really do think you should take the kitten in Sai."
Sai: "Eh?"
OO: "It's taken such a liking to you and all… And your expression is so kind when you pet it."
Sai: "…"
Sai looked a little surprised at what I said, but…
Sai: "I told you before, I can't bring it into the castle. Anyway, I think there's someone out there who will treasure this kitten more than I can."
His voice was calm, but frank.
[CHOICE]
-
I guess so… (SUN)
-
I don't think that's true (MOON)
Sai chuckled and continued to pet the kitten.
He says that even though his expression is so kind.
Sai: "We should hurry and find someone to adopt you."
Sai's expression was still very gentle as he addressed the kitten.
My mind went in circles as I tried to think of a way for Sai and the kitten to be together.
The next day…-.
The sky was perfectly clear as I once again went to the cabin to check on the kitten.
…huh?
Inside, I could see Sai sitting against a wall.
OO: "Sai…?"
I quietly called out, and his eyelids fluttered slightly.
He's asleep…
The kitten was curled up next to him, sleeping.
Sai…he came to take care of it.
Sai and the kitten were wrapped in the gentle sunlight coming through the window.
I wonder…if it's ok to sit next to them.
I quietly moved to sit next to Sai, a peaceful expression on his face, when…
Sai: "Nn…"
…!
Sai's head fell onto my shoulder, and his hair tickled my cheek.
He's warm…
Before I knew it, I fell asleep as well, feeling his warmth and wrapped in that comfortable sensation.
OO: "Sai…is it that you don't like cats?"
Sai: "Why would you think that?"
Sai looked at me curiously.
OO: “Was it too difficult to search for someone to take the kitten…?”
Sai: “That’s not it.”
OO: "I guess you're right…"
Sai: "Right. And I think it would be happier with someone kind like you OO."
OO: “I don’t think that’s true!”
I spoke with unintentional enthusiasm.
Sai: “You sure are taking this seriously.”