Ch. 2: An Awkward Kindness
As the night lengthened, the town became even more lively…
OO: "Thank you for saving me earlier."
Sky: "N-no problem."
OO: "I honestly didn’t think something like that would happen in such a crowded place."
Sky: "No…it’s my fault. This town has been dangerous lately. Guy’s doin’ whatever they want, snatching women and children, prowling the night. Sorry for keepin’ you waitin’."
OO: "It’s fine."
Though now that he mentions it, I heard Sky doesn’t live in the castle. I wonder why.
[CHOICE]
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Ask straight out (SUN)
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Ask in a roundabout way (MOON)
Sky: "…I live with the regular folk so I can learn about their problems. Well, somethin’ like that."
That’s why…?
Sky: "Anyway, you need to pay more attention. I’ve heard that guy back there doesn’t let someone go once he’s locked on to ‘em."
OO: "I’m sorry, for just walking around so carelessly."
Sky: "No, I’m sorry my country’s so dangerous. Well…you can relax now, I’ll protect you."
Sky…he’s so reliable.
Sky’s face was a little red, and as if to diffuse the situation, he took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. But he just stood there and didn’t make any attempt to light it.
OO: "…?"
Sky: "W-what!? Starin’ like that…"
OO: "Aren’t you going to light it?"
Sky: "…there’s a code about only smoking in front of other smokers."
OO: "It’s alright, I don’t mind…-"
At that time…
Young Man: "Yo Sky! You still pretendin’ to smoke? Yeah, that’s right, I know! You poser! My sis told me all about it!"
Sky: "Idi…s-shut up!!"
Young Man: "You don’t have to force it ya know! See ya later, swing by the shop sometime!"
The boy who happened to pass by said as much, and waved as he crossed the road.
Sky: "…"
OO: "…"
Sky: "…anyway! This place is dangerous. Come with me!"
As Sky put aside his unlit cigarette, he spoke as if having suddenly decided something.
OO: "R-right…of course."
After that…-
Sky: "Hey…could you not use any titles or anything with me? You can be causal."
OO: "Yes, of course."
Sky: "And…I’m gonna do a hard pass on the formal speech too."
Sky casually took my bags and turned in the direction of the road.
OO: "T-thanks."
Sky: "…sure."
He’s worried about me. Even though he can be kind of intimidating at first glance…
Unawares, I ended up smiling as his face reddened slightly.
OO: "Sky, why don’t you live in the castle?"
Sky: "…"
And then, Sky ever so slightly turned his head away.
OO: "Um…is something going on at the castle?"
Sky: "Is somethin’…goin’ on?"
For a second, his shoulders twitched in surprise.