Ch. 5: Lonely Voice
After Forma saved me…
My head still felt fuzzy and I wondered if the toxin that had stolen my consciousness was still in my system.
Forma: “Are you alright?”
Forma had supported me, and we finally reached the castle.
(I expect Forma isn’t doing well either.)
OO: “Yeah, thanks.”
Forma: “I’m glad you’re safe. But OO, I think it would be best if you left this land.”
OO: “Forma…”
Forma: “You’ve become completely wrapped up in this. I don’t know what will happen now.”
Forma gently ushered me into bed.
Forma: “It’s already late, you should get some rest. I’ll be with you.”
I couldn’t tell from his expression what Forma was thinking.
But I could sense the sadness in his voice.
Ch. 6: Unseen Heart
The next day…
OO: “…nn”
As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw a room dyed red.
OO: “I…”
Forma sat nearby, looking at my anxiously.
Forma: “You slept for a whole day. Are you alright?”
OO: “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.”
(Was he with me the whole time…?)
Forma: “I’ll call for the court physician.”
Forma stood from the chair to leave.
As I saw his retreating back, a sudden feeling of helplessness overwhelmed my heart.
OO: “Don’t go…”
The words spilled out before I could think.
Forma: “OO?”
Forma looked back at me in surprise.
OO: “Sorry. I just…”
(I wonder why I want him to stay…)
Forma: “…please don’t make that face.”
Forma knit his brows and his face reddened.
Forma: “…Otherwise I won’t be able to leave.”
OO: “…Forma?”
Forma adjusted his glasses and returned to the chair.
Forma: “I can ingest any poison. And unawares I can sense the malice in others. That was my suffering until now…”
OO: “…”
Forma: “But OO, when you’re here, that suffering is eased. It’s the first time that’s happened.”
Forma’s intense gaze gradually softened.
Forma: “I thought of how I wanted to be with you.”
He smiled at me kindly, and I felt my chest warm.
(If I can end his suffering…)
OO: “I want to be with you too…”
Forma: “…You’ll probably be faced with more dangers.”
OO: “…I know.”
Forma: “…”
Forma looked straight at me, as if he had decided on something.
Forma: “Then, stay by my side a little longer.”
OO: “Forma…”
He gently embraced me.
Forma: “I really can’t see anything from you. But…I’d like it if I could see your heart, OO.”
Forma’s palms felt hot as he gently stroked my head.
OO: “Me too…”
Forma: “Look into my eyes…”
I saw myself reflected in the depths of his amber eyes.
Forma: “You have such beautiful, clear eyes…”
OO: “…Forma.”
He gently touched my lips.
Forma: “OO…”
He lovingly traced my lips with his finger.
(Forma…)
He removed his glasses with his other hand and slowly drew closer.
As I felt his breath, I slowly closed my eyes.
Our lips met, and I felt a sweet paralysis spread throughout my entire body.
From outside, the rays of the sun enveloped us in a soft red.
END