Ch. 6: We're Friends? (SUN)
While Sirius and I had been out on the town, evening began to fall.
Yet the town was even busier than it had been when I’d gone out in the afternoon before.
OO: “It feels different today.”
Sirius: “That’s cause today is the harvest festival. Everyone gets excited for it.”
Now that he’d said something, I realized the shops were crowded and heaped with fresh produce, and people were even drawing faces on the vegetables.
Then…
OO: “Ah! A flower carriage!”
Though the streets were incredible busy, a carriage decorated with flowers was slowly moving down it.
In front of the carriage were random people playing flutes and drummers, and people were following behind.
Sirius: “Yup, there’s a parade too. You like stuff like that?”
OO: “I’ve never seen one before, but it’s very pretty…”
Sirius: “Well, sure, makes sense. I guess I like it too.”
OO: “You guess…?”
Sirius: “When I was little, I saw that carriage during the harvest festival and begged them to let me ride in it. And there’s more than just the carriage. Everything downtown is super fun and exciting. It’s like everyone’s feelings are the same during festivals.”
I watched as Sirius’ eyes sparkled, and my heart thudded in my chest.
Sirius: “Ah, come on. Let’s get a closer look!”
OO: “Ah…”
Suddenly, Sirius grabbed my hand and started walking.
I squeezed his hand back, both embarrassed and happy.
Sirius: “Everything’s prettier when I’m with you.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Sirius: “I mean, it was pretty amazing before, but now I feel this for some reason, and I’m happy.”
His whole face broke into a smile when he said it.
At times like this, I guess Sirius can say what’s on his mind without being shy… I’m jealous…
A pain gripped my chest.
Sirius: “Oh, I know. Let’s pick up something to bring back.”
OO: “Sure.”
After that, we enjoyed the harvest festival to our heart’s content before heading back to the castle.
Sirius: “Hey, you’re too far away OO.”
OO: “…!”
It was night after we’d returned from the town, and Sirius and I were setting up to play a card game we’d bought.
Sirius had come to my room, his expression twisted into sullenness as he waited impatiently.
Sirius: “You were so slow I thought you’d fallen asleep.”
OO: “S-sorry. But you can’t just come in here like that.”
Sirius: “Why not? We’re friends after all.”
OO: “Well…yes.”
Even though we’re friends, we’re still a boy and a girl… I wonder if Sirius feels like that’s simply all we are. If it is… I think it makes me a little sad…
Sirius: “Hm? What’s up? You look down. Was it really that bad of me to come?”
OO: “…that’s not it. Wait just a second, I’ll be ready soon.”
Saying that, I turned my back to Sirius and…-.
OO: “!?”
Sirius: “OO…”
Suddenly and without any warning, Sirius stood behind me and wrapped me in a hug.
I was so surprised that I stood rooted to the spot.
Sirius: “Hey, you really don’t hate me right?”
OO: “O-of course I don’t hate you… Sirius, um, could you…”
I tried to say what I was feeling, but I couldn’t get the right words out and…
Sirius: “I really like you.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Sirius: “I really like you OO. And your scent…”
I felt the tip of his nose brush the nape of my neck.
My body twitched in response.
Wh-what do I do… my heart is pounding so loud…
Sirius: “Yeah, from now on, I like you the best. And it feels weird to say we’re just friends.”
OO: “…yeah, me too. We’re not just friends.”
Sirius: “Then what are we?”
I-I can’t just say it…!
My face was growing hotter, and Sirius let out a puff of laughter that ghosted warmly over my neck.
Sirius: “We’ll think of it together, right? OO.”
OO: “…yeah, of course.”
Then as we were both embarrassed…we smiled at each other, as if to say we’d be together from now on.