Ch. 6: Even in One's Home...
As the dancers grew dissatisfied with their formation, Kanoe’s team fell apart.
The day after, Kanoe practiced on his own in silence.
Kanoe: “…hah!”
Kanoe didn’t ease up on his practicing, shouting loudly, and all I could do was watch over him and fret.
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Kanoe: “Every year, the family in charge of the Prayer Ceremony changes. Each time that happens, the family for that year influences what the festival will be like.”
Kanoe: “But it’s not a way to show off or a competition, it’s just that every royal family gets excited for the festival and goes all out. For me, I want this to be a festival that all the people can enjoy. That’s why I’ll make sure it’s a success.”
————————–
(I hope… it’s still a success.)
Kanoe: “…!”
Until now, I had watched over Kanoe, those emotions getting stronger in me as I watched him become even more determined and impassioned with his practice.
(I wonder if I can do anything…)
I could only turn my burning gaze to Kanoe’s dance…-.
Kanoe continued to practice, not just in the forest, but even after returning to the castle.
Kanoe: “…”
I stole a glance at his serious and brooding expression before quietly shutting the door.
(I shouldn’t interrupt him right now…)
Though I moved further away from him, I continued to cheer him on in my heart.
Ch. 7: The Festival and Welcoming the New Year...
Only a few days remained until the festival performance…-.
(I’m certain… Kanoe went ahead again to practice alone.)
I had dropped by a little before practice.
The forest was still covered in a chill fog, the last signs of morning, and sure enough, Kanoe had already started his solitary practice.
(Kanoe…?)
His entire body was soaked in sweat, and I could see it dripping down his sides where he’d removed his clothes.
He didn’t notice as I approached, instead pushing on wholeheartedly with his dancing.
(I need… to tell the others. About Kanoe’s feelings.)
With that strong determination, I turned and left…-.
…
……
I sent an invitation out to the other dancers, and they all gathered at the forest quicker than I’d expected.
Man 1: “He’s still practicing?”
Man 2: “It’s true the prince is the best of us, but I never thought he’d be coming out this early every day…”
The gathered men voiced their surprise, one by one.
Kanoe: “Everyone…! And OO as well.”
Kanoe noticed us and stopped his practice.
Everyone: “…”
An awkward silence fell over us…
(What now…? Maybe I went too far.)
I felt uneasy and looked up at Kanoe’s expression…-.
OO: “Kanoe? What’s that?”
He held a single sheet of paper in his hand.
Kanoe: “This is…”
Kanoe showed the others the paper, already stained on the edges.
Man 1: “This is…”
Man 2: “A new formation…?”
Everyone fell silent as they looked at the paper, immediately understanding what it was.
(Kanoe… has he been fine-tuning the formation that wasn’t working before…?)
There were signs of countless erased lines and redrawn formations on the paper, and areas where Kanoe’s sweat had dripped onto the paper.
Kanoe: “…the stage this year is a different shape than it’s been in the past. When looked at from above, it isn’t square but rather gets more narrow deeper in. I noticed when I went for a preliminary inspection. It’s so that spectators will have a good view of the stage no matter where they are.”
Man 2: “…that’s…”
Kanoe: “That’s why I had reworked the formation to really utilize that feature. But…”
After he’d reached that point, Kanoe’s expression fell.
Kanoe: “I didn’t explain it properly… no, even if I had explained it, it wouldn’t have changed the burden I put on all of you. I was complacent. And you have my apologies…”
Man 1: “Prince…”
Kanoe: “I’ll fix what can be fixed. So, I ask that you once again join me in practice.”
Kanoe bowed his head with sincerity.
Man 1: “…I’m sorry for saying those things.”
Man 2: “I’m really sorry Prince Kanoe…”
Everyone bowed their heads in return to Kanoe.
Kanoe: “Everyone…”
Kanoe swept an impassioned gaze over everyone.
(Kanoe…)
The members of the team sniffed, tears glistening in the corners of their eyes.
Man 1: “Let’s do it.”
Man 2: “If we start now, we might make it in time.”
Kanoe: “Everyone… yeah, we can make it.”
Everyone: “Yeah!”
(I’m glad… Kanoe’s feelings got through to them.)
I smiled happily when suddenly my eyes met Kanoe’s.
Kanoe: “You… you brought everyone here, didn’t you.”
There was a kindness in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before.
OO: “I…-.”
My heart leaped into my throat, cutting off my words…
Man 1: “Prince! I have a question about my position!”
The members had immediately taken to trying out the new formation, then called out to Kanoe.
Kanoe: “Right! I’m coming.”
Kanoe turned away from me and walked towards his dancers.
Left alone, I pressed my hand to my chest as my heart pounded, telling me there were things yet left to say…-.
…
……
After that, practices with the team began again.
They practiced every day well into the night, and were somehow able to get into proper form by the day before the festival.
The forest had grown dark, lit by the paper lanterns Kanoe had hung. Per his request, the two of us walked back together in their light.
Kanoe: “…OO.”
He turned towards me as he said my name, and the light of the lanterns showed me how close he was.
Kanoe: “Thank you… for today. And I’m also grateful… that you were watching over me all this time.”
OO: “No, I didn’t do anything… I was just watching.”
Kanoe: “No, you really helped me out. You were there… so…”
Kanoe brought his mouth close to my ear.
OO: “…”
Kanoe: “I wanted to make sure you have a good view of the performance at the festival tomorrow, so I reserved a special seat for you. I hope you’ll come.”
I nodded slightly, feeling my face flush.
In response, Kanoe smiled… a smile that was both tender and happy.
(So he can make this kind of expression too…)
With my heart pounding, I felt myself overflowing with enthusiasm and joy.
Ch. 8: An Unfading Heat
That evening, the festival performance began…-.
The pounding of the drums beat out a fierce rhythm that shook the very air.
Torches lit the perimeter of the stage, blazing up as if they would light the sky on fire. And within that blaze, the people pounded out their refrain.
Kanoe: “Hah! Sore sore sore sore!”
Kanoe’s shouts matched the movements of the team.
The team that had been so disorganized was now in perfect harmony.
(It was a close call, but now everyone is moving as one, as if they were a single living creature…)
I was transfixed by Kanoe’s powerful dancing, the sweat sparkling as it flew from him.
I was so caught up I even noticed how his outfit moved and fluttered around him as he danced. Before I knew it, the performance was reaching its end…
Kanoe: “Hah!!”
Everyone uniformly finished, stopping at exactly the same time.
(They did it! It was perfect.)
I stood and applauded without thinking, and as if following my cue, the rest of the audience did the same.
Kanoe and his group bowed some ten times to the clapping and cheering, but even then the applause didn’t stop.
Kanoe: “…”
On his way off stage, Kanoe’s gaze turned straight to me for a brief moment.
OO: “…!”
Though it was just a look, I found myself pinned in place and unable to move.
(My heart is pounding…)
From the joy or the excitement, or Kanoe’s look…
I was overwhelmed by all these different emotions as my heart beat painfully in my chest.
Man: “The dance this year was exceptional.”
Woman: “It truly was. It was so intense it gave me chills.”
(It’s not just me…)
When I realized it, I noticed how both tourists and the locals had been equally moved.
(I really am glad.)
I sat there for a moment, basking in the residual power of the dance, when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
Kanoe: “OO.”
OO: “Kanoe…!”
I didn’t know when he’d arrived, but his face was still flushed.
Kanoe: “Come with me.”
Kanoe took my hand.
His hand was a little slick, but a pleasant warmth spread through me…-.
…
……
We arrived at a slightly elevated area far from the stage when at last Kanoe stopped walking and turned to me.
Kanoe: “How was it?”
OO: “It was absolutely wonderful. And you were so cool!”
I lifted my face to him and tried to convey my excitement…
Kanoe: “Is that so?”
Suddenly, Kanoe reached out his strong arms…
(Eh…?)
And in the next instant, I was held tightly against his body, still emanating a burning heat.
Kanoe: “Sorry, I haven’t calmed down yet. I couldn’t help wanting to do this.”
Kanoe’s expression was earnest as he looked down at me, my heart jumping in surprise.
Kanoe: “…thanks. It all worked out because you were here.”
OO: “Y-you don’t have to thank me for anything…-.”
From within his heated arms, I shook my head slightly…
Kanoe: “This is the first time I’ve realized… that having someone support you and cheer you on can be really helpful.”
(It makes me happy… knowing that’s what he thinks.)
Kanoe: “Plus, you’re the one who made it possible for all of us to come together and work things out. I don’t know how to say this but…”
He held me tighter as if trying to express his passion.
We were surrounded in silence, as if we hadn’t just come from a boisterous festival moments ago.
And here, like this, time passed as he held me in his arms…-.
Kanoe: “I love you.”
OO: “Eh?”
My eyes went wide in surprise at his sudden and straightforward confession.
Kanoe: “I had made up my mind to tell you after the performance. I’m not very good with words, but… I wanted to make sure I told you my feelings.”
There was a glint of passion in his eyes, and they shimmered with emotion.
OO: “…”
Kanoe: “So I’ll say it again… I love you.”
And then, as I realized he’d put his hand on my shoulder, his face suddenly drew in close, and he kissed me passionately.
It was so powerful I couldn’t turn my head away, and it made my heart race.
(Eh… a kiss…?)
In the next instant, my eyes took in what I could see behind Kanoe…
As the night sky lit up with sparkling fireworks.
(Beautiful…)
OO: “Kanoe…”
Taking a short break, I spoke his name, and Kanoe smiled gently at me.
Kanoe: “Will you tell me your answer? …no… I know, even if you don’t say it.”
Saying as much, we kissed again. The accompanying explosions of the fireworks seemed to push us on and the kiss deepened.
As I picked up the faint scent of Kanoe, I was reminded of his form in the forest.
(At some point… I fell in love with you too.)
I slowly shut my eyes, accepting both the confession and the kiss.
Neither of us paid any attention to greeting the new year, instead focusing on the feeling and heat of each other.
END
Secret Story: Connected Thoughts
At last the day of the festival had come, and we all danced the part we had been so earnestly practicing while OO had watched over us…-.
Kanoe: “Hah!”
Everyone stopped perfectly in sync at the end, and for a moment there was pure silence.
But then, a single person applauding echoed across the stage…
(OO…)
Somehow, even from up on stage, I could see the enthusiasm shining in her eyes.
After a moment of her applause, the rest of the crowd took it up.
(I guess it was a huge success.)
As we basked in this sense of accomplishment, we bowed to the audience again and again at their impassioned applause.
Then, as I made my way off stage…-.
(OO… it’s entirely thanks to you that everyone can smile like this. I really am so grateful.)
As I was filled with gratitude, I looked towards OO and our eyes met.
(I have to tell her these feelings. But… I don’t know if I can find the right words.)
Thinking my words alone wouldn’t be enough, I thought back to the chaos with everyone earlier.
(No, I already made up my mind. When the dance was over, I’d tell her. I have to be very clear in these feelings about wanting to hold her…)
Immediately after following the others off stage, I went straight to where OO was with the weight of these feelings…-.
…
……
I took OO from her seat, and we went to a place removed from the stage…
Kanoe: “How was it?”
OO: “It was absolutely wonderful. And you were so cool!”
I had stopped and asked her the question, to which she looked up at me and answered with excitement.
Kanoe: “Is that so?”
(I’m so happy… that you enjoyed it that much.)
As if stimulated by the heat still in my body, I wrapped my arms around her delicate body and pulled her in close.
Kanoe: “Sorry, I haven’t calmed down yet. I couldn’t help wanting to do this.”
I looked down at OO wrapped in my arms, and saw she was surprised, but she didn’t appear uncomfortable…
So I decided to tell her my feelings while we stood like that.
Kanoe: “…thanks. It all worked out because you were here.”
OO: “Y-you don’t have to thank me for anything…-.”
Kanoe: “This is the first time I’ve realized… that having someone support you and cheer you on can be really helpful.”
I spoke honestly in response to OO’s humble response.
And she looked straight at me as I did.
Kanoe: “Plus, you’re the one who made it possible for all of us to come together and work things out. I don’t know how to say this but…”
(I don’t know if right now, right here, is the place to be saying this, but…)
I held her tighter and frantically searched for the words that would tell her what was in my heart.
But no matter how I searched, there were no other words that came to mind…-.
Kanoe: “I love you.”
OO: “Eh?”
I couldn’t believe how loud my own heart was pounding as I spoke plainly of my feelings to the woman in my arms.
Kanoe: “I had made up my mind to tell you after the performance. I’m not very good with words, but… I wanted to make sure I told you my feelings.”
I pulled away slightly and saw OO’s eyes had gone wide.
OO: “…”
Kanoe: “So I’ll say it again… I love you.”
(I’ll say it as many times as I need to until it reaches you. I love you, more than anyone else. Please… I want you to stay by my side.)
After I’d spoken my feelings clearly again, I placed my hand on her shoulder and kissed her.
(Words just aren’t enough to express these feelings to you.)
As if in a dream, I fully pressed into her lips…
OO: “Kanoe…”
She spoke my name as we parted for a moment, and I saw myself and the blooming fireworks behind me reflected in her eyes.
(…I see, so you feel it too…)
The passion I saw held in her eyes told me that she harbored the same feelings I did.
Kanoe: “Will you tell me your answer? …no… I know, even if you don’t say it.”
Her expression was spellbound as I kissed her passionately once more.
And after a little while, the kiss deepened…
(OO?)
As I felt the tension release from her, I opened my eyes slightly.
That’s when I saw her eyes close in acceptance…
(…thank you.)
Beneath the fireworks spreading across the night sky, we were intent on feeling the heat of each other.
Then as the sound of the exploding fireworks faded away…-.
Kanoe: “…”
OO: “…”
Our lips parted, and we looked at each other, smiling.
Kanoe: “It seems that the new year has begun. We can’t have you catching a cold at the start of the year. I very much want to stay just like this with you forever, but we should get back to the castle.”
OO: “Right…”
Within the refreshing breeze of a new year, I took OO’s small hand.
And in response, she firmly gripped my hand back.
END