Ch. 6: Light of Daybreak
Vairy was enveloped in a gentle white light.
And then…the light disappeared, and Vairy’s wound was healed.
(What…just happened?)
Vairy: “Does this mean…the curse…was broken…?”
OO: “Eh…!”
Vairy: “I don’t know how to explain it but…I’d felt like something was different from before, like…a dark spot inside me was gone…that kind of thing.”
(I’m glad…)
OO: “I’m so glad you’re alright Vairy…”
I collapsed on the spot, relief moving me to tears.
Vairy: “OO…haha. Just look at yourself.”
The tears I couldn’t hold back anymore spilled out, and Vairy held me close.
(I like him…)
I buried my face in his chest, and he continued to gently stroke my head.
Before I knew it, daybreak had come, and a beautiful morning light shown down upon us.
Ch. 7: A Heart That Carries Passion
In the small amount of time that passed after the curse was broken…-
The rumors about the werebeast gradually vanished, and peace returned to the people.
Butler: “Really Lady OO, how can we ever thank you enough…”
I was being treated to dinner in the parlor.
OO: “Oh no…I didn’t do anything.”
Butler: “It’s the first time I’ve seen Lord Vairy look so calm. I had thought you would be the one to break the curse Lady OO.”
OO: “…um, but what did I do to break the curse…?”
I resolutely asked the butler what had been on my mind.
Butler: “True love…Lady OO, your feelings for Lord Vairy are what broke the curse.”
The butler had said it so boldly, and I felt my face heat up.
What I had realized before, my feelings for Vairy.
(These feelings are true love…?)
Vairy: “Hey! I’m back!”
My heart leapt as I heard that voice.
Vairy entered, full of energy after having gone to check on the town.
Butler: “Welcome back Lord Vairy. I shall go finalize the preparations for dinner.”
The butler withdrew, and the two of us were left alone.
Vairy: “You got a fever or something? Your face is bright red.”
Vairy asked it so innocently.
OO: “I-it’s nothing!”
(I’m so nervous, I can’t look at his face…)
Vairy: “Really? Your heartbeat is super loud you know.”
OO: “…!”
(Right, I heard that beastmen have really good hearing…)
OO: “I’m sorry…I have to go!”
Unable to stand the embarrassment, I moved to leave.
Vairy: “Ah, hey…”
As I put my hand on the doorknob, a large hand was placed atop mine.
OO: “…!”
Vairy stood right behind me.
Vairy: “…wait.”
He used his other hand to shut the door, encircling me with his arms.
(My back feels hot…)
It was like he was about to embrace me from behind, and I could feel the heat from his body on my back.
OO: “I, um…”
Vairy: “…what you said before.”
(Before…)
——————–
OO: “Vairy…I…”
——————–
OO: “U-um, I…I really have to go!”
I insisted on leaving as I turned towards him…and our eyes met. He looked at me, full of concern, and I once again felt my cheeks heat up.
Vairy: “You sure you don’t have a fever? Your face is…”
OO: “…!”
Vairy put his hand to my forehead.
OO: “…I-I’m fine! Sorry, but I’m going to go take a break.”
Wishing my pounding heart would calm down, I left the room.
Vairy fixed his eyes on OO’s back as she left.
Vairy: “…I couldn’t say it.”
Vairy muttered to himself, still feeling the heat on his hand from where he’d touched OO’s forehead a moment ago.
Ch. 8: Confession
The next day as the sun was climbing and the sky was clear…-
Invited by Vairy, I once again went to the forest.
The gentle sunlight filtered through the trees, embracing me, but my heart wouldn’t stop pounding.
(Being alone with him makes me really nervous…)
Vairy: “What’s up, your face looks weird.”
Vairy said as much then flicked my forehead.
OO: “…! Geez…that hurt you know!”
Vairy: “Haha…you know, things are better when you’re full of energy.”
(What do I do…? When I see Vairy smile, my chest aches…)
Going a little further, we arrived in an area where the sunlight beat down even more intensely.
(This place is…)
Vairy: “We’re where the curse broke. Though it was night then. Hey…I still haven’t said something to you.”
Vairy turned to me and spoke with a strong voice.
Vairy: “Thanks, for breaking the curse.”
He looked straight at me, and my heart began to pound even harder.
OO: “I…didn’t do anything.”
Vairy: “True love can break the curse…”
OO: “Vairy, you knew about that…?”
Vairy: “Yeah…but I didn’t believe in fairy tales like that. But, there’s one thing I wanna ask you. Um, the thing you were trying to say before…”
OO: “…!”
——————–
OO: “Vairy…I…”
——————–
OO: “U-um…”
Vairy: “…man, I’m pathetic. I ‘m trying to tell you something.”
He looked at me as I hesitated, and gave an embarrassed smile.
(Eh…?)
Vairy: “Sorry, I can’t seem to say it.”
After a short pause, Vairy said his words clearly.
Vairy: “OO, I like you.”
OO: “…!”
(Vairy likes me…?)
Vairy: “…I’d given up. I’d decided that when I turned into a beast, I’d live alone. But…when I was in that light and heard your voice, I couldn’t help thinking I wanted us to be together.”
OO: “…”
Vairy: “I wanna do stuff like take you around the world. And if I can’t see you…I get worried.”
Vairy awkwardly scratched his head.
OO: “Vairy…”
(…I’m happy.)
Vairy: “OO…what do you think of me?”
(I…)
I recalled the words I had been trying to say before.
I had already chosen my answer.
I moved closer to the embarrassed-looking Vairy.
OO: “…me too. I like you too Vairy.”
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees.
Vairy: “…thank goodness. I was super nervous about what I’d do if you said no. I may be kinda pathetic…but are you okay with that?”
OO: “…yes.”
Vairy looked at me and lovingly placed his hand on my cheek.
Then…slowly, he kissed me.
OO: “…nn.”
A moan escaped me, and my face started to burn up.
Vairy: “…no backing out now, right?”
Vairy traced my lips with his fingers and smiled playfully.
OO: “Vairy…”
Vairy: “…you can be a little more casual.”
OO: “Yeah…”
We kissed over and over, again and again.
Vairy gave no indication of letting me go from the embrace of his arms.
OO: “…is this feeling what they call ‘true love’?”
Vairy: “Dunno. But…I don’t want to ever let you go.”
(It’s hot…)
Vairy gently stroked my head, and the heat from his hand was comforting.
(…I like Vairy.)
Wrapped up in those strong, warm arms that would protect me countless times, I completely lost track of time.
The forest was even brighter and more beautiful, as if giving us its blessing.
END