“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, and his 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?”
Hikaru brought Nozomi to a roving ramen stall that they had passed by earlier. It was a short distance away from the shrine. They had a quick meal, then returned to the shrine and found a quiet corner with a bench to enjoy the scenery. “Now, let’s see how effective this ground is?” Hikaru said. “So, this is what you had in mind.” Nozomi smiled, impressed. “Good idea.”
The boy beside Nozomi had a shit-eating grin on his face. The rest of his group was busy praising Hina. They were still trying to score something with Hina. Nozomi had chosen to ignore them because they were not too much of a nuisance and had not gone overboard with anything. However, this was the first time she was approached instead of Hina. ‘Did I look THAT pitiful?’ “Hey, let’s play another round, I’ll help her this time, yeah? I’m good at this.”
“Standby with your hands like this...” Goro said, preparing Nozomi for the start of the song. He stood close to her and casually touched her hands like they were familiar with each other. “Watanabe-san, you asked me what era I was from, didn’t you?” “Hm? Yeah?” [Coast is clear!] BaoBao gave the green light. “How about you guess?” She sneered and turned her face to look at Goro. Goro was met with her discoloured face that had streaks of black. He yelped and jumped back in fright. “Wh- Wh- Wh- What are you?!” His huge reaction drew some stares from those closer in proximity. However, Nozomi had already changed back to normal. “I told you to guess.” She said too softly for anyone to hear above the blaring music and noise all around. He shook his head and pointed at her. “You’re a freak!” His expression was pale. [Go again!] Others had already returned their attention to their games. Nozomi changed into her dark form and appeared inches before his face within a
The days passed uneventfully, and White’s Day came upon everyone. Hikaru had prepared simple mass-produced gifts to return the favour that he had received on Valentine’s Day. He would have loved to announce his status as attached, but he still worried about Nozomi’s age. He sighed inwardly. He was torn between wanting time to stop and wanting time to speed up. Meanwhile, Nozomi watched Hikaru pack his bag for school. He had already warned her beforehand and she could empathise with how he felt about what should be done. So, why did she still feel this angsty and stuffy inside? ‘Is this my feeling or because of how affiliated with the dark I am? ...Ah, it’s likely both. How annoying.’ When Hikaru caught her staring, he suggested, “You can follow me around in my shadow, if you’d like.” Nozomi’s eyes widened. “What for?” Hikaru smiled with a knowing look. “Actually, I have something for y