Ch. 6: When You Become an Adult (MOON)
Possibly because it was a weekday, there were relatively few people out in the town despite the fine weather.
Totori and I headed down the quiet streets, spending the time together.
This really is the last time I'll be able to spend time with Totori…
Before long, we reached a quiet plaza on the outskirts of the town and stretched our legs.
Totori: "I like coming here to read on this bench. Come, sit OO."
Totori pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and spread it out on the stone bench.
Seeing his stylish movements that wasted nothing, I forgot to express my thanks and instead nodded and sat.
OO: "The wind feels nice…"
Totori: "Listen carefully. The rustling of the leaves sounds so pleasant."
I carefully cupped my hand to my ear, and heard the pleasant rustling sound.
It's so calm…I can almost forget I'm in the middle of a town…
Perhaps because I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep the night before, that gentle sound lulled me to sleep…
I slowly closed my eyes…
…
……
Totori: "…OO…OO?"
Such a kind, calm voice…is that…Totori…?
OO: "Ah…!"
My eyes flew open, and Totori was smiling kindly at me with the twinkling stars spread out in the night sky overhead.
It seemed as if I'd somehow fallen asleep on his lap.
Oh no…and this was the last day I had with Totori…
Totori: "Are you awake?"
I straightened up, and Totori stretched a finger out and stopped at my cheek.
Totori: "…why are you crying?"
OO: "Eh…oh, so I am, I wonder why…"
Not understanding why myself, I tried blinking to stop the tears.
Totori: "… the sun's gone done… let's return to the castle."
Totori turned away from me and quietly stood up from the bench.
OO: "…alright."
Wiping away my tears, I walked alongside him back to the castle…-.
…
……
I walked next to Totori in silence down a castle corridor.
This really is the end…
An oppressive pain weighed on my heart…
Totori: "…is it because of me?"
Totori spoke suddenly.
Totori: "The reason you look so sad…"
OO: "…"
My mind had wandered, and I tried to hold back the tears that felt as if they'd start to fall a second time…
OO: "I figure…when you look at me Totori, I seem like a younger sister…"
I was somehow able to get those words out as those feelings filled my heart.
OO: "Even so…I want to be with you…"
Totori: "OO…"
Totori's soft golden hair shone as it took in the starlight.
Totori gave a small huff and his lips turned up in a faint smile, then he gently stroked my head, like he was comforting a child.
Totori: "I've been thinking…about when you've become a little older. You don't have to push yourself, just be as you are now… you should go see and enjoy many more things. Because those are memories you can only make as you are now, and involve feelings you haven't experience yet. "
OO: "Now…?"
Totori: "Yes, that's why when you've learned more, will you come back here and walk with me again? With our hands connected like this."
His long, masculine, angular fingers intertwined with mine.
OO: "Really…?"
Totori: "Yes, it's a promise."
OO: "Totori…"
Totori: "I swear I will wait for you…"
In that way we made our promise, and I left Toriarl with a pain in my heart.
As well as the anticipation of the days that were to come when I would return to this country and reunite with Totori.
END