“I didn't think you’d actually, literally, come and find me. And so soon? You FREAK.” Her shadow’s voice echoed all around her.
The way Nozomi could not see anything but herself in the dark reminded her of the previous state of her heart space. Nozomi snorted. It was a little nostalgic. She had come so far from then. The feelings and dreams she had now, were things she would never have back then.
“But what do you think you can do to me in my world?” Her shadow mocked.
Her shadow
Nozomi silently resumed her departure, pulling her finger out of Hina’s grasp. “Can we not fight anymore?” Hina hurriedly asked. “Please?” Nozomi paused again. She looked back at Hina from the corner of her eyes. Seeing Hina sorely reminded Nozomi of Erica, further tugging at Nozomi’s heartstrings. Nozomi sighed softly. Just as she thought she was beginning to cope with it… “Why do I need to?” Nozomi’s tone softened considerably. “You did as I asked.”
Not wanting to worry her mother about her magic, Nozomi took the long way home. Hina had tried to question Nozomi about it, but Yosuke pulled her away in time to shut her mouth and explain his guess to her more privately. Nozomi’s mother took in the sights around her with bright eyes like she was a tourist. Despite her fatigue, her relief and excitement kept her going. “It’s so peaceful, isn’t it, Mi-chan?” Nozomi nodded with a faint smile. A new monster with empty eye sockets and a ga
“Why… Your big brother…? My daughter…” Aiko frowned in concern, as her gaze shifted between Hina and Nozomi. “Hina knows I like him and she’s trying to indulge me, a sister she never had before…” Nozomi flatly explained with an equally flat expression. This time, everyone’s stares stayed on Nozomi. Did she just confess? But the person in question was lying unconscious in the hospital. Hina was just thinking about how happy her brother might be if he had heard Nozomi, but Nozomi’s pier
“If I’m meant to die, there’s nothing you can do but accept it.” Nozomi softened her tone but sounded just as serious. Hikaru could no longer hold his smile. He looked down and seemed to contemplate what Nozomi said. “Wouldn't you have done the same for me, though?” Hikaru gently rebutted. He looked at her solemnly, andhis eyes seemed to pull her into them. Meanwhile, Hina’s mind tumbled down a rabbit hole.
[They left .] BaoBao reported. Nozomi had been shaking her legs on the edge of the rooftop while she kept the area clear of monsters. “There shouldn’t be any for a while.” Nozomi sighed in satisfaction and looked up at the darkening sky. “It’s so peaceful now…” She closed her eyes and enjoyed the quiet for a while longer. No voice in her head. No book monitoring her. Free to talk to BaoBao whenever and do whatever. “You’ve really been a huge help, BaoBao. I’ll give you a biiiiig hug th
Not long after Nozomi entertained the thought of ditching school, she chided herself. /Don’t get complacent! I just evaded her suspicion!/ Hikaru smiled, albeit it was a sad one. “See you soon.” Hikaru’s expression tugged on her heartstrings. Shelingered a little, reluctant to leave his side as well. Besides, she remembered something she had to tell him. “Um, I don’t think I have to say this but please don’t let anyone know about… How we are now. I don’t want anyone thinking too much.”
After deciding on a diner that was close to home, Hina intentionally took the route that will pass through a shopping district. Hina had finally gotten her wish to spend some time with Nozomi, so she was full of energy and enthusiasm when suggesting a ton of clothes and accessories for her. However, Hikaru kept stealing the spotlight. He did not speak much but would often place something different on Nozomi, and each time, Nozomi was not as averse to his suggestions. “But wouldn’t these look
Days passed. After the first night, spending time in the same room was less agonising for Hikaru. Although it was the end of the school year with no exams to prepare for, there were other assignments that he had to catch up on. Whenever he was not studying or working, he ate and slept, under Nozomi’s strict supervision. Once, he tried to complain that it should be the other way round. “Why?”