Ch. 4: Sai's Feelings
A breeze caressed my face, and I slowly opened my eyes.
Ah, I…
I had intended to sit nearby so I wouldn't wake the two of them, but I had fallen asleep as well.
Sai: "…are you awake?"
I heard a gentle voice.
OO: "…!"
I realized my head was in Sai's lap as I looked up at him.
His left hand was resting on my shoulder, making it feel warm.
OO: "I'm sorry! I …!"
I hurriedly sat up…
Sai: "…you looked comfortable while you were sleeping."
Sai averted his gaze, looking a little embarrassed.
Sai: "…"
OO: "…"
The silence lengthened, and my heart was only beating faster.
Sai: "Oh right, the kitten is gone."
Sai broke the silence.
OO: "Eh…"
Sai: "It was gone when I woke up… I thought it might come back, but it hasn't yet."
OO: "I wonder where it could have gone when its injury hasn't healed yet."
Sai: "…let's look outside."
OO: "Right."
I looked for the kitten with Sai, but it was nowhere to be found.
Where did it go?
I came out of the trees and walked over into a small cave when…-
OO: "Sai! Over there…!"
A rushing river was inside the cave, and the kitten was stranded on a rock sticking up in the middle of it.
The water looked as if it would soon swallow the rock where the kitten stood.
OO: "Why is it over there… we have to hurry!"
As I made my way to wade into the river…
Sai: "Wait!"
Sai grabbed my arm.
OO: "But we need to hurry!"
Sai: "No, it's dangerous!"
[CHOICE]
-
I'll be fine (SUN)
-
Move to go (MOON)
Sai let go of my arm, and didn't hesitate as he walked into the river.
The water was only deep enough that it went past his waist, however the current was strong and it pulled on him.
Sai…!
Somehow he was able to reach the kitten. He gently lifted it into his arms and waded back to me.
OO: "Thank goodness…! Thank you."
Sai: "…"
His blue eyes were fixed on me.
OO: "Sai…are you alright?"
He had said nothing, and I asked worriedly…-
Sai: "You're really reckless."
OO: "Eh…-"
Sai murmured, his voice a mix of exasperation and worry.
Sai: "…"
His sparkling eyes were so beautiful, they took my breath away.
OO: "Y-You are too…I was worried."
Sai: "It's because you looked like you were about to do something crazy. I get that you wanted to save the kitten…-. But don't you think you should look after yourself a little more too?"
Sai smiled, a hint of mischief on his lips.
He can smile even now.
That smile sent a pleasantly sweet sensation flooding through my chest.
Sai: "Alright, here."
Sai handed the frightened kitten to me.
Sai: "Let's head back to the castle."
OO: "…yeah!"
Sai and I returned to the castle, taking the kitten along with us.
Butler: "Lord Sai…!"
We reached the castle, and the butler raised his voice in surprise as he saw how soaked Sai was.
The butler hurriedly grabbed a towel and rushed over.
Butler: "What on earth happened!?"
Sai: "I'm alright."
Butler: "…"
Sai took the towel, and moved to leave.
The kitten trotted behind him at a brisk pace but…
Sai: "Sorry but you have to stay here. OO, sorry to ask this, but could you take the kitten to the stables?"
Sai said only that much then turned on his heel to leave.
Butler: "Lord Sai can be so indifferent about these things."
The butler watched as Sai walked away.
I sensed a deep affection in that gaze.
Butler: "That is how it has always been. He doesn't really worry about others, like there's a line there that he won't cross."
OO: "I think I understand what you mean."
The butler smiled at me, looking a little troubled.
Butler: "He is a very kind person…yet to me, he looks just a little lonely."
OO: "I really do think you should take the kitten in Sai."
Sai: "I think there's someone out there who will treasure this kitten more than I can."
Sai…
At the same time, I remembered his smile from before.
Sai: "It's because you looked like you were about to do something crazy. I get that you wanted to save the kitten…-. But don't you think you should look after yourself a little more too?"
Sai, you should do the same…
Deep down, that's what I thought as I continued to watch Sai walk away.
OO: "I'll be fine! Hurry…-"
Sai: "Alright, I'll do it. Just wait here!"
I tried to shake him off and move into the river.
Sai: “I told you it’s dangerous! You just stay here.”