Ch. 6: A Wish
Without thinking, I held onto Makoto.
Makoto: “…”
I didn’t know what expression Makoto was making then, but…
I continued to hold onto him tightly.
Makoto: “…get off me.”
I didn’t know how much time had passed before he dropped those simple words, and I hurriedly let go.
OO: “I-I’m sorry…”
Makoto: “…”
Makoto continued to stand there in silence, but finally…
Makoto: “…I’m going home. Looks like… they got away.”
Looking to where the man had been, I found he’d vanished.
Makoto: “…”
Makoto looked annoyed as he kept his eyes on where the man had been, but eventually he turned and started to walk away.
OO: “W-wait…!”
He continued to walk as if he hadn’t heard me.
As the shadows started to grow around me, my voice echoed in the silence.
Ch. 7: A Person Who Fades Into the Night
Though it was night, the city was shining with the lights from the buildings.
I thought Makoto might disappear into that light, so I desperately chased after him.
OO: “Makoto… wait…!”
Makoto: “Shut up. I have no use for you if you aren’t going to cooperate. Hurry up and leave.”
My heart ached as he directed those cold words at me, but…
(I can’t just leave Makoto alone…)
OO: “Makoto…”
As I called his name, Makoto turned to me with a piercing glare.
Makoto: “…what, you want to die? I thought you’d get it after what happened, but being around me is dangerous.”
OO: “That’s not…”
Makoto: “If you want to die… should I just kill you?”
OO: “…”
My heart tightened at that voice, calm-sounding yet reckless.
However, when Makoto said it, he looked like he was close to tears…
OO: “Makoto…”
Without thinking, I reached out for him.
Makoto: “…!”
He quickly reached out with a strong arm and pulled me behind his back.
OO: “…!”
A car sped by recklessly, right through the spot I had been standing.
Makoto: “Figures… there’s no public order here, as usual. This wouldn’t have happened before.”
OO: “Um… thank you.”
Makoto: “…”
Makoto said nothing as he stood there.
————————–
Makoto: “My father and mother… everything that was precious to me…!”
Makoto: “I will never forgive them! Then killed my family and now they’re getting to live it up! Rather than killing them, I want to give them pain and suffering… ahahahaha!!”
————————–
(I know that I’m in no position to say anything about it… but if he continues seeking revenge like this, Makoto will…)
OO: “Makoto… I want you to stop seeking revenge.”
Mustering my courage, I turned those words to him.
Makoto: “You have no right to say that to me. My revenge is my whole reason for living.”
Makoto’s eyes seemed vacant and hollow as he said that.
OO: “But… then why do you look like you’re about to cry? I don’t want to see your expression… when you’re in pain.”
Without thinking, I took his hand.
I naturally thought he’d try to shake me off, but…
Makoto: “…”
(Eh…?)
I faintly felt Makoto’s hand tighten around mine, just a little.
Makoto: “…my mom would hold my hand like this a lot when I was little.”
Makoto’s voice was quiet, as if he were standing all alone and talking to himself.
OO: “…!”
He was so close to tears that my heart ached to see him like that…
I squeezed his hand and wrapped it in both of mine.
(Makoto…)
Makoto: “…it’s warm.”
His hands were like ice, and I wanted to warm them up, even just a little.
Holding onto that wish, I would continue to hold Makoto’s hand for as long as needed.
Ch. 8: Promise
Makoto: “…my mom would hold my hand like this a lot when I was little.”
Makoto: “…it’s warm.”
————————–
After that…-.
I couldn’t just leave Makoto alone, so I went back with him to his house.
Makoto: “…I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
Saying as much, Makoto crawled into his bed.
Makoto: “Hey. Why did you come back here when you knew I planned to use you?”
OO: “Because I didn’t want to leave you alone…”
Makoto: “… Ah… I see.”
After a span of silence, Makoto spoke but his voice was muffled.
Makoto: “You… me…”
OO: “Makoto…?”
Makoto: “…”
Before long, Makoto’s breathing relaxed as he fell asleep.
(He looks so innocent when he’s sleeping…)
I gently touched his cheek.
He’s expression after he’d fallen asleep was so gentle…-.
…
……
(…huh? Did I… fall asleep…?)
Makoto: “Morning OO.”
OO: “…?”
I slowly opened my eyes and found Makoto’s face right next to mine.
OO: “Ah… Makoto…!”
I frantically stood up from the chair I’d fallen asleep in.
Makoto: “Ahaha! The bags under your eyes make you look like a bear.”
Makoto smiled without concern, and I felt myself relax.
OO: “Makoto… were you able to calm down a little?”
Makoto: “What do you mean calm down?”
OO: “I mean…”
(He looked like he was suffering so much…)
For some reason, I held back, unable to put that thought into words.
Makoto: “…don’t look at me like that OO.”
As Makoto said it, he suddenly took my hand…
OO: “…!!”
And placed a kiss on the back.
OO: “Ma… Makoto…!?”
Seeing me flustered, Makoto’s entire face broke into a smile.
Makoto: “Do you get embarrassed by something like that? So cute!”
As Makoto giggled, he gazed directly at me.
Makoto: “I want to see that shy, awkward expression even more.”
Makoto seemed to be enjoying himself, like a kid with a mischievous plan, as he took my hand.
OO: “What… what’s the matter?”
(How did it end up like this…?)
I blinked repeatedly.
Makoto: “What…? OO, you want to stay with me, right? So naturally I want to have fun with you, see?”
OO: “Eh…”
Makoto: “Am I wrong? But you said so yesterday.”
————————–
Makoto: “Hey. Why did you come back here when you knew I planned to use you?”
OO: “Because I didn’t want to leave you alone…”
————————–
(I did say that, but…)
Makoto: “It seems like you’ve fallen for me a bit, so I’ll love you in return.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Makoto: “Aren’t you glad? Ahaha!”
Makoto laughed as if he’d never been having so much fun.
(I like Makoto…?)
As those words flew at me out of nowhere, so I tilted my head in confusion.
Makoto: “Yeah, that face really is the best.”
As Makoto said it, he held me up with his long arms.
OO: “M-Makoto…!”
I was surprised at how strong he was, and I felt my face turning red.
Makoto: “It’s so much fun seeing your expression when you’re at a loss like this OO ♪”
Makoto leaned in and peered at my face very closely.
I reflexively turned away in embarrassment, then Makoto lightly dropped me onto the bed.
Makoto: “Now now… won’t you show me your face properly?”
Makoto lovingly placed both hands on my face and I looked into his eyes. My body wouldn’t move.
Makoto: “I’m not using my power on you right now, you know?”
Makoto smiled a little maliciously.
Makoto: “I wonder why… even though I’ve only been living for revenge, when you’re here, I’m kind of enjoying myself.”
Saying as much, Makoto ran his fingers down my neck.
OO: “…!”
Makoto: “Ahahaha…!”
Seeing my shoulders twitch, he let out an innocent laugh.
Makoto: “While you’re here… I’ve kind of started to forget about revenge ♪ Hey, OO, hug me.”
OO: “Huh…?”
Makoto: “Hur-ry uuuup!”
I couldn’t refuse, so I timidly held his face to my chest.
Makoto: “Yeah, that’s nice and warm. I could probably live just with this warmth alone.”
(Makoto…)
I felt love filling me and I started to stroke his head.
Makoto: “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
OO: “…”
(His eyes are so kind…)
My eyes turned to the glass case and the insect box inside.
(But I can’t get Makoto’s cold eyes out of my mind…)
Nervously, I looked into his eyes.
And he gave me a charmingly kind smile in return.
(I really want to believe that he’s actually a good person… Maybe, if he can smile like this when he’s with me…)
Makoto: “What’s wrong OO?”
Makoto gripped my hand in worry.
OO: “Makoto, how about we let the butterflies go outside…?”
Makoto: “Whaaat!? Why? They’re my special hobby…”
His tone was like a sulking child.
OO: “How about we do lots of fun things together then…? Because I’ll be with you…”
Makoto: “… do you promise…?”
His voice turned cold like ice.
As I swallowed down my fear, I nodded…
Makoto: “…alright.”
As he said it, Makoto opened the glass case and took out the insect cage.
The beautiful butterflies fluttered about as they flew out of the cage.
Makoto: “Is that good enough?”
Makoto muttered those words as the butterflies danced about the room.
Makoto: “You promised… OO.”
Makoto looked up at me with cold eyes.
I gently touched his face, and…
Makoto: “I’ll love you forever and ever.”
Makoto whispered those words as he grinned.
I hoped that Makoto would always wear this angelic smile…
And for that to happen, I vowed in my heart to stay by his side.
(Forever and ever…)
I glanced towards the glass case, and saw a countless number of butterfly wings caught in the webbing.
(Did they not get out…?)
Then the spider started to move slowly towards those beautiful butterflies.
END
Secret Story: An Annoying Heat
OO: “I don’t want to see your expression… when you’re in pain.”
I felt a faint warmth coming through my hand.
(So annoying…)
I knew it would be better to just shake her off, but for some reason I couldn’t.
(Why…)
I was irritated, but it felt nice.
It was… a warmth that told me to always move forward.
(Mother…)
————————–
Makoto: “Hey, Mom. Is Dad done with work yet? He’s always so busy… I’m bored. I want to play more with Dad.”
Makoto’s Mother: “Your father is doing a very important job that no one else can do. For everyone else… and for you Makoto.”
Makoto: “…”
Makoto’s Mother: “Someday, you’ll be a splendid king, just like your father Makoto.”
Makoto: “…yeah.”
Makoto’s Mother: “But, you know… you’ll be leaving home soon to visit other countries. Because of that… I’ll let you be a little selfish, okay?”
Makoto: “! …yeah! I want to ride a horse!!”
Makoto’s Mother: “I’m sure your father will teach you. He’s very good at it.”
Makoto: “Yay! It’s a promise Mom!!”
————————–
Makoto: “A promise…”
(Mother would hold my hand like this…)
Makoto: “… …my mom would hold my hand like this a lot when I was little.”
I was squeezing OO’s hand back without realizing it.
OO: “…!”
Then OO wrapped both her hands around mine.
(Aah…)
Makoto: “…it’s warm.”
Annoyance and warmth wreaked havoc on my heart…-.
…
……
After that, I headed back home in a daze.
Makoto: “…I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
I couldn’t think anymore, so I immediately crawled into bed.
But…-.
(…why is she here?)
Beside me, OO was looking at me anxiously.
(I tricked her into coming here, and put her in danger… normally I’d think she’d leave in a fit of anger.)
Makoto: “Hey. Why did you come back here when you knew I planned to use you?”
OO: “Because I didn’t want to leave you alone…”
Her voice was quiet, but she spoke with determination.
Makoto: “…”
(She doesn’t what to leave me alone? What is she talking about? She should get it by now, after what happened today. What it means to be with me… Is she just an idiot to the very end? Or maybe she has a death wish? Or…-.)
As my mind spun in circles, I finally arrived at a conclusion.
Makoto: “… Ah… I see.”
But by that time, I was already starting to fall asleep…
Makoto: “You… me…”
OO: “Makoto…?”
OO called my name from very far away…-.
…
……
(…hm? Ah, right, I fell asleep…)
Makoto: “!”
As I slowly opened my eyes, I saw OO had fallen asleep across my bed.
Makoto: “…idiot. This is just being too defenseless.”
I brushed the bangs away from her face, but she showed no signs of waking up.
Makoto: “Heeeey. If you don’t wake up, I’ll play a trick on you.”
I gently placed the palm of my hand on the back of her neck.
I felt the regular beating of her heart.
(It’s hot…)
As I listened to her heart, I remembered all the expressions she’d shown me.
Her smiling face, her face twisted in shock, her sorrowful expression, and…
Makoto: “…”
I grinned and suddenly a chuckle escaped me.
Makoto: “This has ended up being pretty fun.”
I said those words to myself as I examined OO’s gently sleeping face.
————————–
OO: “Makoto… I want you to stop seeking revenge.”
————————–
(Since OO said it… maybe I should stop? If you stay at my side.)
Casually, my eyes turned to the corner of the room where no light could reach, with the glass case.
Inside, the butterflies trapped in the insect cage calmly flapped their wings.
(Forever and ever… I’ll love you OO. It’s a promise…)
I couldn’t contain the surge of emotion in my heart and I placed a kiss on OO.
END