so i kinda thought, why not just make into a full-fledged branching story? 
存在の花 (sonzai no hana) // Flower of Existence
protag: gendou kyouji
1st heroine: otoshima aika
sub-character: morizawa yuuto
setting: *** gakuen (supposed to be a combination of middle school and high school), *** town/city, japan
without further ado, i present to you a preview of chapter 1
Spoiler! :
*
March 4, Friday
[???] “Hey, wake up! Classes ended thirty minutes ago!”
A young woman’s voice, followed by gentle shaking. If it were like this then I would not mind sleeping a bit longer…
[???] “Yuuto’s already waiting, you know? We’ll go ahead without you if you don’t wake up.”
The shaking got a bit rougher… Earthquake, maybe?
[Kyouji] “… Mmm, just a bit longer… It feels so good sleeping in your arms, Aika…”
[Aika] “Wha…!? What are you dreaming about, you ***!?”
*smack*
A harisen to the back of the head, REALLY hurts.
[Kyouji] “You didn’t have to wake me up so harshly, after all you were embracing me so tenderly just minutes ago…”
*smack*
Another harisen to the cheek does not hurt so much, if I did not risk whiplash that is.
[Kyouji] “I wouldn’t mind if you end up killing me by accident, just as long as you bid me farewell with a night of pleasure…”
This here is Otoshima Aika, one of the few people I consider friends.
She has been on the receiving end of my pranks since pre-school; it is actually one of the biggest mysteries in this world how she has not managed to kill me yet, or at least break ties.
But I guess ever since the beginning, we were kind of aware that we were in it for the long haul, however long that is.
By the way, that harisen of hers is currently winding up for a home run swing… I am not going to be decapitated, am I…?
[Aika] “Let me send that lecherous spirit of yours to hell right now!”
Right now, I think I just saw the Hand of Salvation from up high…
Correction, Yuuto’s hand just prevented Aika from making the home run of the season.
[Yuuto] “You’ll probably hate me for saying this, but from the looks of it Otoshima, you’re slowly becoming the S to Kyouji’s M. You wouldn’t want that, right?”
[Kyouji] “Tch, did you really have to spoil my plans Yuuto? It’s taken me almost a decade to get here, how do you plan to compensate me for my time and efforts!?”
[Yuuto] “Like I care. But hey, do something about Otoshima, she’s going to fade to nothing at this rate.”
Morizawa Yuuto. Since we are on first-name basis with each other that makes us more or less friends as well.
Unlike Aika however, we do not go that far back.
All throughout middle school, there have been quite a lot of guys who took notice of Aika’s charms – whatever those are.
Consequently, I have received quite a lot of summonses from guys who thought I was also pursuing Aika, probably to size their up “rival” or something.
So when I also received a summons from Yuuto during 2nd year, I figured I have had enough of it, and was about to give this dude an idea of what it means to waste my time…
… which didn’t happen. Turned out his little sister in 1st year is somewhat interested in me, and as such, she asked a favor of him to scout me out, so to say.
That one is another story that would take longer to reminisce. Besides, I have a more pressing issue at hand, cheering Aika up.
[Aika] “SM… black leather… whip… candles… rope… gag…”
Saying all those things with a dark expression… Wait, do you even know what those are for!? You’re supposed to be a “maiden” right!? (Self-proclaimed though…)
I guess this needs to be a knees-to-the-ground apology.
[Kyouji] “Do forgive this lowly soul’s transgressions, Mistress. As appeasement please accept a daily dessert set for a week, at the White Lace Café.”
[Yuuto] “Seriously Kyouji, bribing her with sugar? Even if we’re talking high-end desserts and such, can’t you be a bit more sincere?”
[Aika] “MAKE THAT TWO WEEKS. Understood, slave?”
[Kyouji] “As you wish, Mistress.”
[Yuuto] “I don’t even know what to say anymore…”
March 4, Friday
[???] “Hey, wake up! Classes ended thirty minutes ago!”
A young woman’s voice, followed by gentle shaking. If it were like this then I would not mind sleeping a bit longer…
[???] “Yuuto’s already waiting, you know? We’ll go ahead without you if you don’t wake up.”
The shaking got a bit rougher… Earthquake, maybe?
[Kyouji] “… Mmm, just a bit longer… It feels so good sleeping in your arms, Aika…”
[Aika] “Wha…!? What are you dreaming about, you ***!?”
*smack*
A harisen to the back of the head, REALLY hurts.
[Kyouji] “You didn’t have to wake me up so harshly, after all you were embracing me so tenderly just minutes ago…”
*smack*
Another harisen to the cheek does not hurt so much, if I did not risk whiplash that is.
[Kyouji] “I wouldn’t mind if you end up killing me by accident, just as long as you bid me farewell with a night of pleasure…”
This here is Otoshima Aika, one of the few people I consider friends.
She has been on the receiving end of my pranks since pre-school; it is actually one of the biggest mysteries in this world how she has not managed to kill me yet, or at least break ties.
But I guess ever since the beginning, we were kind of aware that we were in it for the long haul, however long that is.
By the way, that harisen of hers is currently winding up for a home run swing… I am not going to be decapitated, am I…?
[Aika] “Let me send that lecherous spirit of yours to hell right now!”
Right now, I think I just saw the Hand of Salvation from up high…
Correction, Yuuto’s hand just prevented Aika from making the home run of the season.
[Yuuto] “You’ll probably hate me for saying this, but from the looks of it Otoshima, you’re slowly becoming the S to Kyouji’s M. You wouldn’t want that, right?”
[Kyouji] “Tch, did you really have to spoil my plans Yuuto? It’s taken me almost a decade to get here, how do you plan to compensate me for my time and efforts!?”
[Yuuto] “Like I care. But hey, do something about Otoshima, she’s going to fade to nothing at this rate.”
Morizawa Yuuto. Since we are on first-name basis with each other that makes us more or less friends as well.
Unlike Aika however, we do not go that far back.
All throughout middle school, there have been quite a lot of guys who took notice of Aika’s charms – whatever those are.
Consequently, I have received quite a lot of summonses from guys who thought I was also pursuing Aika, probably to size their up “rival” or something.
So when I also received a summons from Yuuto during 2nd year, I figured I have had enough of it, and was about to give this dude an idea of what it means to waste my time…
… which didn’t happen. Turned out his little sister in 1st year is somewhat interested in me, and as such, she asked a favor of him to scout me out, so to say.
That one is another story that would take longer to reminisce. Besides, I have a more pressing issue at hand, cheering Aika up.
[Aika] “SM… black leather… whip… candles… rope… gag…”
Saying all those things with a dark expression… Wait, do you even know what those are for!? You’re supposed to be a “maiden” right!? (Self-proclaimed though…)
I guess this needs to be a knees-to-the-ground apology.
[Kyouji] “Do forgive this lowly soul’s transgressions, Mistress. As appeasement please accept a daily dessert set for a week, at the White Lace Café.”
[Yuuto] “Seriously Kyouji, bribing her with sugar? Even if we’re talking high-end desserts and such, can’t you be a bit more sincere?”
[Aika] “MAKE THAT TWO WEEKS. Understood, slave?”
[Kyouji] “As you wish, Mistress.”
[Yuuto] “I don’t even know what to say anymore…”
Spoiler! :
*
As such, we are now seated inside the White Lace.
It opened up a couple years ago near the station, making it a high-visibility store and a common meeting place.
Its brand of sweetness has always struck that perfect balance according to the town’s female population, so it quickly became a household name favored by women of all ages.
As for the other side of the gender equation, recently the crew chief decided to do her own take of the maid café theme, so the (female) service crew’s uniforms ended up giving the store name a whole new meaning. (Read: white lace goes well with skin)
I think the storeowner planned this all along. Not that I mind, men are easier deceived after all.
[Yuuto] “So, to what honor do Otoshima and I owe this free meal from Gendou Kyouji-dono?”
[Kyouji] “Who said anything about me paying for all of us!?”
[Aika] “This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t go have those naughty dreams of yours.”
[Kyouji] “What’s so wrong with a naughty dream once in a while? They do feel good after all.”
*smack*
I should really learn how to block or avoid that. I almost landed face-flat on my blueberry cheesecake.
[Yuuto] “Cut it out you two, I don’t want to end up getting banned from the premises along with you guys.”
[Aika] “That’s because…!”
[Kyouji] “I know, I know, no more adult humor for now. To answer your question Morizawa-dono, I’ve been losing sleep the past few days, that’s why I was out cold through last period and cleaning duty earlier.”
[Aika] “Knowing you, you probably just pulled all-nighters watching those a-a-adult videos of yours, right?”
*smack*
[Kyouji] “Would you please not hit me with your harisen while I’m enjoying my espresso? Besides, didn’t I just say that I wouldn’t be using adult-themed humor for now?”
[Aika] “Hmph.”
[Yuuto] “……”
[Kyouji] “Anyway, back on topic. The reason I’ve been losing sleep recently is because I’ve been studying for the finals next week, aside from cleaning my room and packing my stuff that is.”
[Aika] “… !?”
[Yuuto] “A reasonable explanation then, but I think you just let slip something outrageous. You’re thinking of leaving the dorms?”
[Kyouji] “I guess I have not told you guys then. Ever since the start of 3rd year I have been thinking of leaving the dorms after graduation, try my luck with living alone all throughout high school.”
[Yuuto] “Sounds like you’ve been through some heavy decision-making. But wouldn’t that be a lot more difficult financially? Never mind the lifestyle since the school dorm pretty much enforces self-reliance, but rent’s going to be quite the expense for regular housing.”
[Kyouji] “Rent’s actually the least of my worries. I’m not really comfortable with discussing family issues since there are a lot of complicated factors behind my decision, but it looks like my primary option’s going to be board and lodgings free of charge.”
[Aika] “… You’re moving back to the Gendou estate?”
[Kyouji] “As expected from a childhood friend, you figured out that much.”
[Yuuto] “You mean that large piece of prime real estate near the shrine? I thought nobody lived there since, I don’t know, a decade ago?”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “One and the same, and you’re partially correct Yuuto. The estate was vacated close to nine years ago, save for a team of family servants who maintain the place weekly, all-year-round. You’ve probably also heard by now that there’s major construction work about to be completed on the estate, right?”
[Yuuto] “I thought that was for demolishing the main house and erecting a new housing unit of sorts, or did I hear wrong?”
[Kyouji] “The veracity of town gossip… Anyway, again you are partially correct. There has been no talk of demolishment, nor will there be. What has been discussed is to redo the compound landscaping, and to renovate the main building.”
[Yuuto] “You seem mighty well-informed, is it because you’re a Gendou?”
[Aika] “……”
I take the last sip of my espresso. Aika’s been awfully silent since this conversation started. I guess she is being considerate in her own way…
[Yuuto] “Let me rephrase my question, because there’s one thing I think needs to be answered before I can really wrap my head around this… Who are you, Gendou Kyouji?”
[Kyouji] “What a nice way to phrase your question. You address me by name, yet you wish to know more regarding my identity.”
[Aika] “… are you sure, Kyouji? This might change everything.”
One of those sad smiles of hers again. Every time I see her like this I remember, and imagine, many things…
As I said, we are in it for the long haul…
[Kyouji] “Allow me to re-introduce myself. As you know, I am Gendou Kyouji. Beyond that, I am firstborn to the current Gendou patriarch, and as such am first-in-line as successor to Clan Head.”
[Aika] “……”
[Yuuto] “……”
One of those times when I wish a server would come by and ask for coffee refills. Better yet, let me hide my face while sipping hot black bitterness…
Until Yuuto decided to break out in laughter, the kind that makes you think he just heard the gag of the year.
[Yuuto] “Dude, you should’ve seen your face moments ago. Rather than ‘Young Master’, you would have fit the description of ‘Master’ instead. Do they teach how to do that kind of regal face somewhere?”
Aika gently relaxes into a smile, and I guess I am tempted to do the same.
OK, just a little smile.
[Yuuto] “Then again, this lecherous geezer disguised as a stud is supposed to be the next Gendou patriarch? I pity your ancestors man.”
[Aika] “Now you have a faint idea of what I’ve had to go through for years.”
[Kyouji] “You two just have to be so casual in your rudeness, don’t you?”
… Glad that is over with…
As such, we are now seated inside the White Lace.
It opened up a couple years ago near the station, making it a high-visibility store and a common meeting place.
Its brand of sweetness has always struck that perfect balance according to the town’s female population, so it quickly became a household name favored by women of all ages.
As for the other side of the gender equation, recently the crew chief decided to do her own take of the maid café theme, so the (female) service crew’s uniforms ended up giving the store name a whole new meaning. (Read: white lace goes well with skin)
I think the storeowner planned this all along. Not that I mind, men are easier deceived after all.
[Yuuto] “So, to what honor do Otoshima and I owe this free meal from Gendou Kyouji-dono?”
[Kyouji] “Who said anything about me paying for all of us!?”
[Aika] “This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t go have those naughty dreams of yours.”
[Kyouji] “What’s so wrong with a naughty dream once in a while? They do feel good after all.”
*smack*
I should really learn how to block or avoid that. I almost landed face-flat on my blueberry cheesecake.
[Yuuto] “Cut it out you two, I don’t want to end up getting banned from the premises along with you guys.”
[Aika] “That’s because…!”
[Kyouji] “I know, I know, no more adult humor for now. To answer your question Morizawa-dono, I’ve been losing sleep the past few days, that’s why I was out cold through last period and cleaning duty earlier.”
[Aika] “Knowing you, you probably just pulled all-nighters watching those a-a-adult videos of yours, right?”
*smack*
[Kyouji] “Would you please not hit me with your harisen while I’m enjoying my espresso? Besides, didn’t I just say that I wouldn’t be using adult-themed humor for now?”
[Aika] “Hmph.”
[Yuuto] “……”
[Kyouji] “Anyway, back on topic. The reason I’ve been losing sleep recently is because I’ve been studying for the finals next week, aside from cleaning my room and packing my stuff that is.”
[Aika] “… !?”
[Yuuto] “A reasonable explanation then, but I think you just let slip something outrageous. You’re thinking of leaving the dorms?”
[Kyouji] “I guess I have not told you guys then. Ever since the start of 3rd year I have been thinking of leaving the dorms after graduation, try my luck with living alone all throughout high school.”
[Yuuto] “Sounds like you’ve been through some heavy decision-making. But wouldn’t that be a lot more difficult financially? Never mind the lifestyle since the school dorm pretty much enforces self-reliance, but rent’s going to be quite the expense for regular housing.”
[Kyouji] “Rent’s actually the least of my worries. I’m not really comfortable with discussing family issues since there are a lot of complicated factors behind my decision, but it looks like my primary option’s going to be board and lodgings free of charge.”
[Aika] “… You’re moving back to the Gendou estate?”
[Kyouji] “As expected from a childhood friend, you figured out that much.”
[Yuuto] “You mean that large piece of prime real estate near the shrine? I thought nobody lived there since, I don’t know, a decade ago?”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “One and the same, and you’re partially correct Yuuto. The estate was vacated close to nine years ago, save for a team of family servants who maintain the place weekly, all-year-round. You’ve probably also heard by now that there’s major construction work about to be completed on the estate, right?”
[Yuuto] “I thought that was for demolishing the main house and erecting a new housing unit of sorts, or did I hear wrong?”
[Kyouji] “The veracity of town gossip… Anyway, again you are partially correct. There has been no talk of demolishment, nor will there be. What has been discussed is to redo the compound landscaping, and to renovate the main building.”
[Yuuto] “You seem mighty well-informed, is it because you’re a Gendou?”
[Aika] “……”
I take the last sip of my espresso. Aika’s been awfully silent since this conversation started. I guess she is being considerate in her own way…
[Yuuto] “Let me rephrase my question, because there’s one thing I think needs to be answered before I can really wrap my head around this… Who are you, Gendou Kyouji?”
[Kyouji] “What a nice way to phrase your question. You address me by name, yet you wish to know more regarding my identity.”
[Aika] “… are you sure, Kyouji? This might change everything.”
One of those sad smiles of hers again. Every time I see her like this I remember, and imagine, many things…
As I said, we are in it for the long haul…
[Kyouji] “Allow me to re-introduce myself. As you know, I am Gendou Kyouji. Beyond that, I am firstborn to the current Gendou patriarch, and as such am first-in-line as successor to Clan Head.”
[Aika] “……”
[Yuuto] “……”
One of those times when I wish a server would come by and ask for coffee refills. Better yet, let me hide my face while sipping hot black bitterness…
Until Yuuto decided to break out in laughter, the kind that makes you think he just heard the gag of the year.
[Yuuto] “Dude, you should’ve seen your face moments ago. Rather than ‘Young Master’, you would have fit the description of ‘Master’ instead. Do they teach how to do that kind of regal face somewhere?”
Aika gently relaxes into a smile, and I guess I am tempted to do the same.
OK, just a little smile.
[Yuuto] “Then again, this lecherous geezer disguised as a stud is supposed to be the next Gendou patriarch? I pity your ancestors man.”
[Aika] “Now you have a faint idea of what I’ve had to go through for years.”
[Kyouji] “You two just have to be so casual in your rudeness, don’t you?”
… Glad that is over with…
Spoiler! :
*
After the usual nonsensical chatter and that one-off serious discussion, we left the White Lace. However, having to pay for three people is a bit too much… For this to go on for two weeks, even if it’s just Aika’s share, my monthly allowance is going to hate me for this.
[Yuuto] “Very well then. Young Master, might I be indulged the honor of escorting ‘tis fair maiden to her Lord’s abode?”
[Kyouji] “Don’t get so full of yourself, commoner.”
[Aika] “Isn’t it about time for your part-time job Morizawa-kun?”
[Yuuto] “Just about. Guess it’s just the two of you then. See you tomorrow.”
[Aika] “Then see you tomorrow as well, Morizawa-kun.”
[Kyouji] “Cut back on trying to pick up the ladies OK?”
[Yuuto] “Like hell I would. You’re just envious of my looks.”
[Kyouji] “And I have a supermodel mistress. Now get to work.”
[Aika] “You men and your repartee…”
[Kyouji] “Why? I think it’s pretty normal like this…”
[Aika] “Never mind.”
[Kyouji] “Say, don’t you have to buy stuff for dinner or something?”
[Aika] “Nope, I got a message from Mom earlier saying it’s her turn tonight. So just shut up and escort me home.”
[Kyouji] “… roger that.”
After the usual nonsensical chatter and that one-off serious discussion, we left the White Lace. However, having to pay for three people is a bit too much… For this to go on for two weeks, even if it’s just Aika’s share, my monthly allowance is going to hate me for this.
[Yuuto] “Very well then. Young Master, might I be indulged the honor of escorting ‘tis fair maiden to her Lord’s abode?”
[Kyouji] “Don’t get so full of yourself, commoner.”
[Aika] “Isn’t it about time for your part-time job Morizawa-kun?”
[Yuuto] “Just about. Guess it’s just the two of you then. See you tomorrow.”
[Aika] “Then see you tomorrow as well, Morizawa-kun.”
[Kyouji] “Cut back on trying to pick up the ladies OK?”
[Yuuto] “Like hell I would. You’re just envious of my looks.”
[Kyouji] “And I have a supermodel mistress. Now get to work.”
[Aika] “You men and your repartee…”
[Kyouji] “Why? I think it’s pretty normal like this…”
[Aika] “Never mind.”
[Kyouji] “Say, don’t you have to buy stuff for dinner or something?”
[Aika] “Nope, I got a message from Mom earlier saying it’s her turn tonight. So just shut up and escort me home.”
[Kyouji] “… roger that.”
Spoiler! :
*
Three-fourths of the way to her home, Aika decided to take a detour to the neighborhood park. The sun will soon be setting behind us, pretty soon it will be dark.
[Aika] “……”
Yet here she is, sitting on a swing plank, waiting for the streetlights to turn on.
And here I am, standing in wait.
[Aika] “… hey, Kyouji.”
[Kyouji] “Hm?”
[Aika] “Did you feel… hesitant, saying all that to Morizawa-kun?”
[Kyouji] “Of course I did. Did I come across as seeming otherwise?”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “Besides, you know the background, right?”
[Aika] “Were you ever afraid of Morizawa-kun treating you differently if ever he found out the truth from another source?”
[Kyouji] “I’d be lying if I said I weren’t. Then again, we have been with each other for the longest time. Was there ever a time when I came across as lonely, with or without you?”
[Aika] “… No. And I will probably never understand how you can be that way.”
For a short eternity, we stayed there. Looking up, the first few stars began lighting up the firmament, seconds before the streetlights came on in a procession from east to west.
Silence, but not of the uncomfortable kind… For me, at least.
[Aika] “… Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
[Kyouji] “About my deciding to move out of the dorms?”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “Because I figured you would misunderstand, that I had thought of moving away, transferring to a different school or something.”
[Aika] “… Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
[Kyouji] “Because I figured you would have understood by then, that I hadn’t taken any other admissions exams aside from the one to our high school, which I passed comfortably I might add.”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “Sorry…”
[Kyouji] “In some ways, I guess we never really grew up since that day, five years ago…”
[Aika] “……”
[Aika] “… I guess so.”
……
[Kyouji] “……”
[Aika] “It probably…”
[Kyouji] “… Hm?”
[Aika] “It probably isn’t my place to choose where you get to live for the next three years. But…”
[Kyouji] “……”
[Aika] “… But just for now… Until I get home, can I ask of you to hold my hand?”
[Kyouji] “… Shall we go?”
Sometimes, the smallest nod of assent is all that is needed.
Three-fourths of the way to her home, Aika decided to take a detour to the neighborhood park. The sun will soon be setting behind us, pretty soon it will be dark.
[Aika] “……”
Yet here she is, sitting on a swing plank, waiting for the streetlights to turn on.
And here I am, standing in wait.
[Aika] “… hey, Kyouji.”
[Kyouji] “Hm?”
[Aika] “Did you feel… hesitant, saying all that to Morizawa-kun?”
[Kyouji] “Of course I did. Did I come across as seeming otherwise?”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “Besides, you know the background, right?”
[Aika] “Were you ever afraid of Morizawa-kun treating you differently if ever he found out the truth from another source?”
[Kyouji] “I’d be lying if I said I weren’t. Then again, we have been with each other for the longest time. Was there ever a time when I came across as lonely, with or without you?”
[Aika] “… No. And I will probably never understand how you can be that way.”
For a short eternity, we stayed there. Looking up, the first few stars began lighting up the firmament, seconds before the streetlights came on in a procession from east to west.
Silence, but not of the uncomfortable kind… For me, at least.
[Aika] “… Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
[Kyouji] “About my deciding to move out of the dorms?”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “Because I figured you would misunderstand, that I had thought of moving away, transferring to a different school or something.”
[Aika] “… Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
[Kyouji] “Because I figured you would have understood by then, that I hadn’t taken any other admissions exams aside from the one to our high school, which I passed comfortably I might add.”
[Aika] “……”
[Kyouji] “Sorry…”
[Kyouji] “In some ways, I guess we never really grew up since that day, five years ago…”
[Aika] “……”
[Aika] “… I guess so.”
……
[Kyouji] “……”
[Aika] “It probably…”
[Kyouji] “… Hm?”
[Aika] “It probably isn’t my place to choose where you get to live for the next three years. But…”
[Kyouji] “……”
[Aika] “… But just for now… Until I get home, can I ask of you to hold my hand?”
[Kyouji] “… Shall we go?”
Sometimes, the smallest nod of assent is all that is needed.
Spoiler! :
*
I wonder when was the last time I held Aika’s hand, or for that matter, someone else’s hand.
I think I read somewhere that the Western custom of shaking hands as either greeting, or a symbol of sealing a transaction or agreement, came from the civil euphemism of ensuring that the other party did not have any concealed weaponry. If ever that were true, that is…
However, as for holding hands, I do not think I have ever come across any definitive origins to the gesture during my readings. For that matter, the nature of holding hands carries quite the variety of emotional significance.
……
The moment we reached Aika’s home, it just happened.
Both our hands just relaxed, releasing the hold simultaneously. Nobody asked in advance, nobody agreed in reply.
Just a sad smile for a sad smile.
……
[Aika] “Would you like to come in? I’m pretty sure Mom and Dad would be delighted to have you over for dinner.”
How about you? Would you be delighted?
[Kyouji] “I think I’ll pass. I think you know that your parents would be too delighted that your father might try and get me drunk, and then your mother might try and get me to sleep over for the night.”
[Aika] “… Touché.”
How about you? What would you want?
……
[Kyouji] “Why don’t you try and invite me some other time?”
[Aika] “… Sure.”
One more sad smile…
[Kyouji] “When we’re neighbors again that is.”
[Aika] “…!?”
… that somehow turned into a happy smile.
[Aika] “… Sure.”
Not if, but when.
I wonder when was the last time I held Aika’s hand, or for that matter, someone else’s hand.
I think I read somewhere that the Western custom of shaking hands as either greeting, or a symbol of sealing a transaction or agreement, came from the civil euphemism of ensuring that the other party did not have any concealed weaponry. If ever that were true, that is…
However, as for holding hands, I do not think I have ever come across any definitive origins to the gesture during my readings. For that matter, the nature of holding hands carries quite the variety of emotional significance.
……
The moment we reached Aika’s home, it just happened.
Both our hands just relaxed, releasing the hold simultaneously. Nobody asked in advance, nobody agreed in reply.
Just a sad smile for a sad smile.
……
[Aika] “Would you like to come in? I’m pretty sure Mom and Dad would be delighted to have you over for dinner.”
How about you? Would you be delighted?
[Kyouji] “I think I’ll pass. I think you know that your parents would be too delighted that your father might try and get me drunk, and then your mother might try and get me to sleep over for the night.”
[Aika] “… Touché.”
How about you? What would you want?
……
[Kyouji] “Why don’t you try and invite me some other time?”
[Aika] “… Sure.”
One more sad smile…
[Kyouji] “When we’re neighbors again that is.”
[Aika] “…!?”
… that somehow turned into a happy smile.
[Aika] “… Sure.”
Not if, but when.
