Ch. 5: A Dance in the Sky
The next evening…-.
The stars shone down on the empty party hall.
I have to try my best.
Alone, I practiced the waltz Sefir had taught me.
Ow…
Since the previous day, I had been using the time when everyone was sleeping to practice. My heels were red with blistering from the shoes.
But I want to help Sefir and everyone else.
A quiet waltz spilled from the gramophone styled like a lily.
My footsteps echoed through the hall in time to the music.
Such a pretty song…I think I heard it was composed for Sefir's mother.
At that moment, the heavy doors to the dance hall opened.
Sefir: "I came after hearing from a maid that…"
OO: "Sefir…"
Sefir spoke in surprise upon seeing me.
Sefir: "You're practicing…so late into the night?"
OO: "Yes. I was thinking of how I want to dance my best at the party."
Sefir came closer and smiled kindly in understanding.
Sefir: "…thank you so very much."
He gently put his hand around my back and started to lead me in the dance.
OO: "…"
I reflexively grimaced at the pain in my feet and…
Sefir: "Is something the matter?"
Sefir picked up on it right away.
Sefir: "…please don't push yourself so hard."
His eyes fell to my feet, and he moved to lift me up.
[CHOICE]
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Let me do it (SUN)
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I'm not pushing myself… (MOON)
Sefir: "You really are a kind person."
Then Sefir's whole face lit up in a smile, and it took my breath away.
That open, defenseless smile…
His smile was so incredibly gentle that I naturally smiled in return.
Sefir: "Only thinking about others…"
Before I knew it, I was floating through the open air, held in Sefir's arm.
After that, the two of us quietly set our feet to the steps of the dance.
My feet don't hurt… Oh Sefir, he's always thinking about me.
The stars shone on Sefir's smile, and the quiet waltz filled the room.
Just like a real angel.
My heart beat loudly seeing him smile.
OO: "Please, let me do it. I want to be useful. No matter what…"
As he was moving to lift me, Sefir stopped in surprise.
OO: "I'm not pushing myself too hard…I'm alright."
Sefir, who had been trying to lift me up, gently placed his hand on my cheek.