Ch. 1: Eyes that Hide Intention
Land of the Calendar, Kuyou, Month of Stars…-.
Within the deep forest, a bright light accompanied the awakening of another prince…-.
??: “Ugh…”
OO: “Are you alright?”
??: “…”
After slightly shaking his head, the prince looked straight at me.
??: “You…”
He blinked, his pale pink eyes seeming to hide an intensity.
OO: “Um…?”
In the next instant…-.
OO: “…!”
He grabbed my arm and, with surprising strength, forcefully pulled me in close.
(Eh…)
The distance between us closed so suddenly that I didn’t even have time for my heart to speed up…
(His face is beautiful…)
His features were so beautiful that I could imagine he often got mistaken for a woman, and I found myself at a loss for words.
??: “Ah…sorry.”
He immediately let go of my arm and turned his face away as if in a panic.
(Just then… I wonder what that was about.)
Suddenly, his wandering gaze landed on my hand.
??: “…you’re hurt, on your hand.”
OO: “Eh?”
When I looked, I did see traces of a red mark on my left hand.
(He’s right. I hadn’t even noticed.)
??: “You should treat it…”
He grabbed my hand again, his expression not changing at all.
OO: “Th-thank you. But it isn’t that bad.”
??: “…I see.”
OO: “I’m OO. And you are…”
Hanare: “Ah, my name… I’m Hanare.”
(Hanare…)
The wind ruffled Hanare’s jet-black hair.
Still holding my hand, the two of us just stared at each other for a while.
Ch. 2: A Sullen Face
After that…-.
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Hanare: “…I’ll thank you. I would like you to come with me to the castle.”
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Traveling with Hanare, I finally arrived at the castle where he resided…-.
Hanare: “This is the castle of the Boar Family. In the Land of the Calendar, there are twelve royal families. Among them, I’m a member of the Boar Family.”
OO: “So you’re a boar…”
The image of grace he presented didn’t quite match up with that, and I couldn’t find a good way to respond…
Hanare: “A boar… but is there something wrong with that?”
OO: “Ah, no! I’m sorry. It’s nothing.”
Hanare: “I’d appreciate if you could be upfront if you have something you want to say…”
His murmuring made it seem like he was talking to himself, and he turned his face away from me.
(Did I make him angry…?)
I stole a glance at Hanare’s face, and his expression did look like it had hardened…
Though I felt like running away right then, I continued to follow him…-.
…
……
Servant 1: “Lord Hanare! Welcome back.”
Servant 2: “So you are the one who saved our lord! How can we ever repay you…!”
The servants all talked to me in rapid succession, and I was thrown by their vigor.
Hanare: “…”
Hanare just watched the scene unfold, a frown on his face.
(He looks like he’s pouting… I really ought to hurry and leave.)
OO: “Um, I’m happy for your consideration, but…-”
I nervously opened my mouth to speak at the same time as Hanare.
Hanare: “Can you stay for a while?”
OO: “Eh…?”
Hanare: “I haven’t been able to properly thank you yet.”
OO: “But…-”
(…isn’t he mad?)
Hanare: “…”
(I wonder if he’s just being considerate of me. But…)
Hanare: “…can you not?”
OO: “Eh? No! I’ll stay for a while.”
I nodded slightly, giving in under the force of his gaze…-.
Hanare: “Alright.”
His mouth seemed to move slightly into a small smile.
(He’s smiling…)
My nerves seemed to unravel at his unexpected smile.
Then I was suddenly aware of the pounding of my own heart…
OO: “Ah…-”
I reflexively turned away from him, and I could barely hear Hanare’s quiet murmuring.
Hanare: “…do you not want to?”
OO: “No! I’m happy. Thank you very much.”
OO: “…thank you.”
I happily smiled back, and Hanare blinked.
Hanare: “Why are you thanking me?”
As Hanare tilted his head to the side…-.
Man: “Lord Hanare!”
An elderly man ran up to us, clearly out of breath.
Hanare: “Master…!”
Teacher: “Lord Hanare, I am so thankful you have returned to us safely. Are you well physically?”
Hanare: “Please don’t worry. I’m alright.”
Teacher: “That’s good to hear. If you have no problems then, it is time for practice…”
I couldn’t believe my ears.
(Practice? But Hanare just woke up…)
I wondered if Hanare picked up on my shock as he spoke quietly to me.
Hanare: “This man is my dance instructor. He’s very strict.”
Teacher: “What are you saying? If you miss a single day, you naturally have to put in twice as much work the next to make up for it.”
OO: “Excuse me, but…-”
Hanare held me back with a hand, his expression stiffening.
Hanare: “Master is right. I’m heading to the training hall.”
OO: “Hanare…!”
Hanare: “OO. Please don’t worry about this and relax while you’re here.”
He spoke with a serious gaze, then turned and left with his instructor.
(But…)
The further away he got, the more uneasy I felt, and I ended up calling out to him.
OO: “Please wait! …would it be alright if I watched you practice?”
Hanare: “…!”
Hanare turned only his head back towards me, and his eyes were wide.
Hanare: “…my practice?”
OO: “Yes…”
Hanare: “Are you… curious?”
OO: “Ah…yes.”
(About your health…)
OO: “But I apologize. If it would be a problem, then…-.”
Hanare: “No. It won’t be.”
Hanare hurriedly spoke up before I had finished.
OO: “…?”
His cheeks were slightly red…
Hanare: “…I don’t mind. Let’s go.”
He turned on his heels and started walking again.
(What was that? For just a second…)
I was faintly aware of a strange sensation that I’d picked up on, one that I didn’t know what to do with as I followed after Hanare.
Ch. 3: "Onnamai"
In the practice hall, the graceful notes of a shamisen and shakuhachi* echoed…-.
Coupled with that elegance, Hanare began dancing with a refined grace.
Teacher: “Good, now lower your waist more at that part! You have to be more aware of your own height.”
Hanare: “Yes. Once more, from the beginning please.”
(Wow…)
His dance had a bewitching elegance like that of a woman, but hinted at a masculine power underneath. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
————————
Hanare: “I’m a male dancer, but I dance the dances for women. It’s called ‘Onnamai’.”
————————
(I wonder if it’s like when male actors would portray females in kabuki… it’s so beautiful.)
Hanare: “…!”
At that moment, our eyes met.
Hanare: “…”
I found myself pulled in by that sweet, seductive gaze that seemed like a woman beckoning to her lover…-.
(Beautiful…)
I found myself unable to look away from his beauty.
Hanare: “…”
It was just for an instant, but Hanare’s smile in that moment was markedly burned into my memory…
OO: “…”
I felt my cheeks heat up and I reflexively looked away.
Hanare: “…”
Yet I could feel Hanare’s gaze still on me, and I couldn’t calm my beating heart.
(It’s thrilling…)
Hanare’s every movement seemed to steal more and more of my heart.
I lost track of the passage of time as I watched Hanare dance…-.
…
……
When it was nearing time for a break, I grabbed a towel I found and handed it to Hanare.
OO: “Good work. Um… your dancing was amazing Hanare.”
Hanare: “…thank you.”
I remembered the moment our eyes had met, and my heart suddenly started pounding.
OO: “…”
(What should I do… I can’t look him in the eye.)
Hanare: “OO… please listen to me.”
Hanare’s voice was quiet, and I slowly lifted my head to look at him.
Hanare: “The dance I was practicing just now, it’s almost done, and I’ll be performing it at the prayer ceremony. For that performance, I’ll be wearing beautiful clothing and be on an even better stage.”
OO: “A prayer ceremony…”
According to Hanare’s explanation… there was a kagura** hall at the heart of the country, and the family in charge of protecting it would change every year.
There is a prayer ceremony to facilitate that transition, and at the start of the new year, the family who would take over protecting the kagura hall would perform a special ritual.
Hanare: “This year, the Rooster Family is performing the prayer ceremony, and we have the role of performing the opening dance for it.”
(I’m sure it will be on a lovely stage then.)
Just imagining the scene made my expectations start to run high.
OO: “I’d like to see it. Your dancing just now was beautiful, but to see it on a grand stage like that…”
That’s how I answered Hanare as my spirits soared…
Hanare: “…”
OO: “Um, Hanare…?”
I stared at him intently and found my heart speeding up.
Hanare: “I want you to see it too. I want to entertain you with my dancing.”
OO: “Are you sure it will be alright?”
Hanare: “I’ll prepare the best seat for you. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
At Hanare’s words, bursting with energy, my expectations soared even higher…-.
After that, his practice continued, and by the time it finished, it was completely dark outside.
Hanare: “I’ve kept you up quite late. I’m sorry…”
OO: “It’s alright. I’m looking forward to the prayer ceremony ever more now.”
Hanare: “I see…”
I was concerned with his gaze…-.
OO: “Um, is something…?”
Hanare: “No. It’s not like anything’s wrong, it’s just…-.”
His gaze, which until now had been fixed on me, suddenly turned to outside.
OO: “Hanare?”
I was curious about the face he was making…-.
OO: “Good luck on the prayer ceremony.”
Hanare: “Yeah…”
His voice was so quiet that I almost didn’t hear it.
Seeming to have lost his way with his response, Hanare just stood there in silence.
(I wonder what’s going on…)
Several times, he seemed like he wanted to say something, and his gaze would continue to search for something…
But Hanare continued to keep quiet, and I couldn’t understand his response just from his expression.
*TL Note: A shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument played with a large, wide pick. A shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute.
**TL Note: A kagura is a ceremonial dance that is often part of Shinto rituals in Japanese culture.
Ch. 4: A Lost Pouch
Moonlight filtered into the room, the silence stretching between us.
Hanare: “…”
OO: “Hanare?”
Hanare: “It’s nothing… good night.”
Giving his farewell, Hanare turned and I…-.
OO: “Wait…!”
As soon as I spoke, Hanare quickly turned to look back at me.
Hanare: “…! Do you need something?”
I just blinked, surprised at the energy in his voice.
OO: “Ah, no… good night.”
Hanare: “…alright.”
He murmured those words as he stood alone, and this time he left the room.
(Really… what was that about?)
For some reason, I slowly pulled back the hand that I had reached out towards him.
(What was that silence…?)
Hanare: “Then, it’s alright… for me to leave?”
He turned just his head to look at me as he asked the question.
OO: “? Yes…good night.”
Hanare: “…good night.”
For some reason, he sounded disappointed.
(What…?)
My suspicions continued to increase as I watched him leave…-.
OO: “…”
Left alone in the room, I let out a sigh.
(I really just don’t… understand Hanare.)
Thinking that, I looked around the room and…-.
OO: “Huh?”
In the corner of the room, I noticed a drawstring pouch.
(Did someone lose this…?)
From the slight opening, I could see it was filled with makeup.
(Could this be Hanare’s…? Oh no, I’m pretty sure he said he would be practicing again starting early tomorrow morning.)
Picking up the drawstring pouch, I hurriedly left the room…-.
(I’m pretty sure Hanare went this way…)
As I looked for him, I heard someone’s voice coming from the courtyard.
(Is that… Hanare and a servant?)
From the shadow of a garden tree, I could see the two of them, both with serious expressions.
Servant: “Um… the outfit you’ll be using for the prayer ceremony still isn’t finished. I think you’ll need to leave it to the purveyor that you always use…”
My feet stopped as I picked up on the complications of the conversation.
Hanare: “It can’t be helped if you’re telling me now. Did you hear about why there’s been a delay? You’re the one who decided on the merchant, right? And didn’t you tell me this merchant would be able to handle it without problems?”
His words were harsh as he spoke directly to the servant.
(It’s the first time I’ve seen Hanare look so grim. This seems complicated, so I should talk to him later…)
Thinking that, I turned to leave.
Hanare: “OO? Why are you here…?”
OO: “Ah…-.”
Having been noticed by Hanare, I nervously came out from the shadow of the tree.
OO: “I’m sorry. I wasn’t intending to eavesdrop…”
Hanare: “No… it’s fine. I’m sorry you had to hear such an unpleasant conversation.”
Hanare admitted his fault with a few words, then turned back towards the servant.
Hanare: “Tell them to finish the outfit with dying rather than embroidery. I’m sure they’ll be able to make something even better that way.”
Servant: “Dye? But then the quality…”
Hanare: “So?”
Servant: “Oh, no… excuse me, I’ll go tell them right away!”
The servant bowed to me, then left in a hurry.
(Embroidery…? Dyeing? I wonder if it’s related to the delay in the clothing.)
Hanare: “OO?”
I…-.
OO: “Um, about what you said… why are you going with dye?”
Hanare: “…it’s difficult to answer when you ask for my reasoning. I saw the designs for it before, but I’m sure it’ll work out somehow.”
(Somehow…)
But Hanare seemed to have confidence in it, and there was no wavering in his eyes.
OO: “I hope the costume makes it in time.”
Hanare: “There shouldn’t be a problem. I’m certain after seeing that man’s eyes.”
(I see… he trusts that servant.)
Suddenly, Hanare gave a polite cough.
Hanare: “Besides that…”
He turned his attention directly to me, and it seemed like he was expecting something.
Hanare: “Didn’t you have some business with me?”
OO: “Ah… um, here…-.”
Hanare: “…!”
The moment Hanare saw the drawstring pouch as I handed it to him, he gasped.
Ch. 5: Unexpected Confession
OO: “Ah… um, here…-.”
Hanare: “…!”
Hanare’s eyes went wide as soon as I presented him with the drawstring pouch…-.
Hanare: “…! This is…”
The usually calm and collected Hanare was clearly starting to panic.
(I wonder what’s wrong.)
OO: “…this was in my room, and I figured you’d forgotten it.”
Hanare: “Yeah… it’s mine.”
OO: “Ah, I thought so.”
I let out a sigh of relief at having been able to return it to him safely.
OO: “What a relief. I’m glad I could…-.”
Hanare: “Never!”
OO: “?”
Hanare: “It doesn’t belong to my lover or anything like that!”
OO: “Eh…?”
Hanare: “So I don’t want you to misunderstand.”
OO: “Misunderstand?”
(…what is he talking about?)
I could only stand there blinking at his surprising words…
Hanare: “!”
Hanare’s eyes went wide as if he were just realizing something, and his face turned bright red.
Hanare: “…sorry. I just… well, I thought you were going to say you liked me…”
OO: “Like a confession…!?”
Hanare: “…!”
I accidentally shouted, and I wondered if I surprised Hanare as he let out a small noise of shock.
(Me… liking Hanare?)
I could feel my chest slowly but surely heating up.
————————
Hanare: “…my practice?”
OO: “Yes…”
Hanare: “Are you… curious?”
————————
Hanare: “…”
OO: “Hanare?”
Hanare: “It’s nothing… good night.”
————————
Hanare: “Besides that…”
Hanare: “Didn’t you have some business with me?”
————————
(I wonder… if that’s what all that was.)
At the same time as my suspicions proved unfounded, my entire body was running hot.
OO: “Um…I…-.”
I couldn’t put my overflowing thoughts into words and…
Hanare: “…I see.”
OO: “Eh?”
Hanare: “I guess… I was the one to misunderstand. But I like you, so…”
I…-.
OO: “…”
I waited for him to continue, but he didn’t say anything more.
Hanare shook his head and…-.
Hanare: “It’s nothing… forget it.”
OO: “Um, Hanare. When you say misunderstanding…-.”
Hanare: “That’s exactly why I don’t know what to do.”
Hanare spoke over me, his voice pained.
His usually calm eyes were now full of violent emotion.
Hanare: “…!”
Almost like a thief, Hanare snatched the drawstring pouch from my hands.
Hanare: “Excuse me. Thanks for bringing this. Good night.”
Saying only those words, he ran from the garden.
(He likes me…)
I couldn’t get those words out of my ears.
(Someone as wonderful as Hanare likes me…?)
My heart wouldn’t stop pounding since it had started a while ago.
I wondered why that was…
(What… am I going to do?)
I still couldn’t give form to an answer.
Ch. 6: The Meaning of One Way or Another
The sunlight hit my eyes as I lay on the futon.
(I couldn’t sleep much…)
The conversation from the previous night kept replaying in my head…-.
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Hanare: “I guess… I was the one to misunderstand. But I like you, so…”
————————
(Hanare…)
I couldn’t forget how lonely his expression had been.
Contrarily, that expression seemed to cut straight to my heart…
(I want… to talk with Hanare.)
After I got dressed, I headed towards where he would be…-.
I breathed in the scent of the fresh morning dew on the greenery as I walked through the garden…-.
Servant: “Lady OO.”
I ran into the servant who had been talking with Hanare the night before.
Servant: “You have my deepest apologies for having seen such an unsightly display last night.”
OO: “It’s alright, but… um, did something good happen?”
The servant seemed quite happy for some reason, so I asked about it.
Servant: “Yes. Actually, regarding that matter, I spoke to the merchant as Lord Hanare instructed.”
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Hanare: “Tell them to finish the outfit with dying rather than embroidery. I’m sure they’ll be able to make something even better that way.”
————————
Servant: “According to the merchant, it seems the artisan was struggling with the complicated diagonal embroidery. When they pulled on the cloth, it was difficult to stretch the embroidery of golden thread and it would come undone… but since they’d taken on the project, they couldn’t just change it and were quite worried.”
OO: “I see… so then you told them that Hanare said to just dye it.”
Servant: “Yes. Now that the problem is settled, the outfit is getting the finishing touches so that it will be gorgeous and most fitting for the program!”
Seeing the servant smile widely, I picked up on their happiness and felt it as well.
OO: “Hanare… said it would work out somehow, but I wonder if he actually knew all this.”
The servant spoke, still smiling.
Servant: “No, it’s just as you say, I’m sure he just felt it would work out!”
OO: “Eh…”
Servant: “That’s always how Lord Hanare has been! He has a keen perception and possesses eyes that can see to the true nature of things.”
(That’s amazing…)
But I found myself understanding, possibly because of Hanare’s personality.
Servant: “Yes, I need to report to Lord Hanare immediately… ah, but… I wonder if I should do it later.”
OO: “Why would that be?”
Servant: “Oh, it seems that when I went to see Lord Hanare this morning, he was unwell…”
OO: “! Hanare is…”
My heart thudded in my chest.
OO: “Um, do you think it would be alright for me to go see him while he’s ill…!?”
Servant: “Yes, I think he would be happy about that.”
I headed for Hanare’s room along with the servant…-.
When I arrived in front of his room, it seemed like his dance instructor had just arrived as well.
Teacher: “Good morning. I’ve come to retrieve Lord Hanare as it is already time for practice.”
OO: “Um, it seems Hanare is sick…-.”
Teacher: “Eh…! Lord Hanare is ill?”
The instructor called to Hanare from outside his sliding door, and a little while later, it opened and Hanare poked his head out.
Hanare: “Ah…”
As soon as our eyes met, Hanare’s face went bright red.
Teacher: “Lord Hanare! Your face is so red! How is your body doing!?”
Hanare: “Eh…?”
I…-.
OO: “Hanare…! Do you have a fever?”
Hanare: “No, I’m fine…”
Hanare combed his hand through his crumpled hair.
OO: “How are you feeling? Everyone is worried about you.”
Hanare: “Eh? Then everyone includes… no, this is…-.”
Hanare mumbled as he avoided meeting my eyes.
Hanare: “Sorry Master. I’ll come straight down to the practice hall…-.”
Servant: “Lord Hanare, please lie back down. It will be bad if your body gets too cold.”
Hanare: “Eh!? No, I need to practice for the dance, and I’m fine…”
Servant: “You should take the day to reset if you’ve caught a cold…”
Hanare frowned, clearly troubled at everyone talking to him at once.
Hanare: “You’ve got it wrong! Please wait!”
His loud voice echoed in the room.