Ch. 10: A Smile in His Eyes (MOON)
After we'd finished gathering the parts of the plane, some time had passed…-.
Ster: "This really is hopeless. We can't fix it."
We started on this journey because I wanted to see Ster smiling again, but I wonder if it's useless…
It was like we were just going through the motions, and just like us the engine wouldn't start.
Traveler: "Yes, seems that way. But that's alright. I'll end my travels."
He lovingly patted the fuselage of the plane, then dropped himself into the sand.
Traveler: "I got this from the prince, and traveled around the world. Those days were like a dream…"
Ster: "I'm sorry I couldn't fix it."
Traveler: "What are you saying!? You gave me the best ending to the best journey."
Ster: "The best? …even though I couldn't grant your wish?"
Traveler: "It would have been nice if you could have, but I was able to get something even better. You and that young miss giving it your all with me… Thinking back on this moment, I can feel that sense of warmth at any time. There's no better way to end a journey."
The man smiled in delight, and happily closed his eyes.
Ster: "…"
Ster is smiling…
Traveler: "Oh, that's the smile of a lady-killer. Miss, haven't you completely fallen for him?"
OO: "Eh, I…!"
But…
The smile was faint.
Just seeing Ster's smile like that brightened my heart so much.
Ster: "It may not be a pleasant experience…but I can send you as far as your own planet if you'd like."
Traveler: "That's alright, my friends should be here soon enough, but I appreciate the offer. I'll just stay here with this one for a little while longer. …Ah! I know. Would you two take a photograph with me? In commemoration of this day as the end of my travels."
Ster: "A photograph…?"
Traveler: "There's a mechanism you put on the ground with a thing called a camera. Well, it's like an impromptu portrait."
The man took out an appropriate stand for the camera, then gently set the camera on it.
Traveler: "Alright, now just stand still!"
…
……
Then, after we'd returned to Meteobel Castle…-.
OO: "Ster, here…"
I did my best to hold back the smile I felt bubbling to the surface.
Ster: "…oh leave it alone."
The photo of the three of us was developed, and between me and the man who were both smiling stood Ster, stiff as a board.
Ster: "It was my first time alright? Having my picture taken or whatever."
He took the photo from my hand and put it in his pocket.
Ster: "It's an interesting piece of technology…"
He often looked at the camera he'd gotten, peering into the lens.
OO: "Then let me take another one. This time you have to smile, okay?"
I jokingly moved to take the camera from Ster's hand and…
OO: "Ster…?"
I wondered why he gently placed the camera on the desk, then he turned me around so my back was to him.
Ster: "More importantly…"
Ster pulled me into a deep embrace from behind.
OO: "Ah…"
He placed a kiss on the nape of my neck, and I felt a sweet numbness spreading through my body.
Ster: "There's something I want to tell you."
OO: "Eh…?"
Ster: "What you said to me before. That even without my powers, I could make people smile if I gave it my all. I was always happy seeing other's smiling, even when I was distressed. But you know…now I understand. The smile I want to see most is yours."
OO: "Ster…"
Ster: "I've always thought about this since I was a kid. Why was my lifespan so short even when I had been born into a family with this kind of power? I wondered why I had even been born."
His lips followed up my neck…then finally he gently kissed near the base of my ear.
Ster: "I'm sure I was born to grant your wishes."
OO: "…"
Ster: "Forever after…I'll use every bit of this life you gave me. I want to grant your wishes. I want to see you smile."
His sweet whispers mixed with the loud pounding of my heart.
Ster: "Smile for me…"
Saying as much, he held out a small bunch of flowers.
OO: "These are…"
Ster: "I picked them in the garden just now. I wanted to give you real flowers. When they wilt…I'll pick more for you. I'll do it as many times as you want, so I can see your smile."
With those words, he smiled at me affectionately.
OO: "Ster…"
What do I do…I feel like I'm melting.
His smile filled my heart with happiness.
Ster: "I love you…OO."
The night breeze made the curtain sway gently.
I saw myself reflected in his eyes, holding the small bunch of flowers, and I smiled in delight.
END