“Quite the big question you got me. I don't see how I would ever lose him…unless one of us ends up dying ever after--”
“But if that kind of thing does happen, then I'm better off dead or alone for the rest of my life. Or maybe go down to the demon realm…I wouldn't know. I wouldn't have any direction left to go in life. I would be alone without anyone else.”
“Is that really a life worth living..?”
Kuron:
“...I was gonna say——you did lose me——several times, at least——temporary. The longest period was the time when I fell into a coma that lasted for two years.”
Kou:
“Touche mi amor--”
“But that coma doesn't count. You were technically still alive so I still had you, even if barely in my grasp.”
Kuron:
“Touché.”
42. What’s their relationship like with each other’s friends/families?
Kou:
“I’m Kuron's family, and he only has us. The only other person I know he admires is Lord Karlheinz. So I'd say we get along just fine~”
“Now his friends…I DO NOT like his friends. Especially a certain one of them…nosy and annoying is the least of the words I'd use for her. Simply put I'm not too eager to see them still alive.”
Kuron:
“Contentedly harmonious, I cherish and love my new family that Lord Karlheinz had first granted to me and now to reunite with them, is one of the best blessings for a chance of restart in my wretched life.”
“As for friends…I don't think Kou had ever bothered introducing me to any of them, since we don't work in the same company anyway——plus I have my own friends to entertain. I don't mind more added into my choice of contacts though~ I'm pretty adaptably friendly and click almost with everyone that I met, for real~”
43. If they picked out outfits for each other, what would they look like?
Kou:
“I think we've already done that quite a few times haven't we? We even got a photoshoot done for them, and you looked quite the charmer~”
Kuron:
“Uh…which one are you talking about specifically?”
Kou:
“You remember that pink one, the one you wore ~ But I guess you were the one that chose and created it~”
44. Do they cuddle often? Why or why not?
Kou:
“Ohh we definitely cuddle that's for sure~”
Kuron:
“Is that even a serious question? We definitely do more than just that——”
45. How do they support each other? How do they rely on each others support?
Kou:
“I give him all the support I can, my love and effort. My time and energy to make sure he gets what he wants and what he aims for. And if he's down, he gets hugs and love and comfort to settle down, for as long as he needs me, I'll be there.”
Kuron:
”Well…I learnt that being present is the best support for someone, thus I often tried my best to be there for him whenever he performs a challenge or mission and give him the best encouragement I can muster. Be it a performance, trying something new, facing a difficult challenge, I would stay by his side and watch as he strives to succeed——or step out with effort to resolve any small or big problems with him as much as I can contribute so.”
“I…do rely on him for a certain kind of support, I admit that. Sometimes he plays the biggest role of keeping my emotions and mentality under control——since I'm quite an impulsive person——both psychologically and physically. When that happens I simply…rely on his ability on dominating the situation as well as myself then maybe…a couple meek requests for some hugs and kisses…?”
46. Do they consider their relationship casual or serious? Is the answer different depending on who you ask? Why?
Kou:
“I mean- We're married so, you tell me if we're serious. Are we serious?” (asking Kuron with a joke tone)
Kuron:
“...Nope. Not at all, nuh uh——” (deadpaning at Kou)
Kou:
“...As you can see. No absolutely not. We're just casual.” (cold smile innocently)
Kuron:
“Yes and I'm free to hang with whichever hot girls I wish anytime and stay over in different motels every night~——”
Kou:
“Go to hell.”
47. Do they sleep beside each other? Why or why not?
Kou:
“Of course. We've been staying in the same room and sleeping next to each other ever since we've been together. Oops, spoilers~”
“I just think sleeping next to the person you love is important. Besides, what better way to wake up than next to someone you love?~”
Kuron:
“Ever since the first day moving in with him——yeah.”
“Why? Because I don't think I can sleep beside another or in another bed otherwise. Consider me his warm little blanky that he can't fall asleep peacefully without it.”
48. Do they talk about their future together? Why or why not?
Kou:
“We talk about things like that a lot. Though not as extensively, since we always used to do whatever we desired.”
Kuron:
“...Like adopting a kid or two——sometimes. Since we are immortals that don't age as fast as humans, there's a long way to go till we reach that stage of making changes to our current lifestyle——”
Kou:
“...Uh…Kuron?”
Kuron:
“...I-I mean we do roleplay! Act like vampires and scary horror creatures on stage——or theatre plays once we retired from our idol job——No harm having a new interesting hobby of sorts as fresh retiree homies amiright? AHa ha haa——”
49. Do they keep secrets from each other?
Kou:
“Well I don't have any secrets. But this man definitely does, right?~” (nudge nudge Kuron)
Kuron:
“——?! What? What——”
“...What kind of secrets?—Where? What——Huh?——”
Kou:
“Guess that's a no then~”
50. Would they ever break up? If so, why? Who would handle the breakup better?
Kou:
“...Breakup? Been there, done that. Don't want to deal with that shit again. Next.”
Kuron:
“Never again. I won't even consult on this, end of discussion.”
『For a special day like today. The most important rose in my life is you and you alone.
And for you, I'd go out of my way to show the world that you are perfect just the way you are. Because you deserve all the love that you are shown...』
#無神コウ
#無神クロン
#TheIdolsStory
⇒コウ 🅟.օ.ѵ.┊͙✧˖*°࿐
*✧・゚: *✧・゚:*✧・゚: *✧・゚: *✧・゚*✧・゚
——A whole mass of people were running, their steps and movements carried them from one end of the stage to the end as people rushed to pull the final touches of the concert together in the brief amount of time left.
“Hey where are the lights–?!”
“Does anyone have feedback, check?”
Calls were being made, orders and requests shouted from across the open air atrium as things were finally being prepared—No, it was already done by now. I could see it all coming together—— The stage, the venue, the decor, lights, camera, backup dancers, singers, and everything in between were working in the background unseen from the fore——And of course, me~
I was all dressed and long prepped for what's coming. And there was one thing that came to my mind to describe the current situation— ‘beautiful’. Just like that of tonight, all for this specially organised event that I had planned for the meagre few weeks since I improvised it.
But tonight…I was not the main feature of the event. I wasn't the star of the show, not this time, at least~
“Everyone we're up in an hour, let's get this moving!” The coordinating manager said on the main PA system so that everyone, inside and out could hear.
If there was one thing about Kuron that I could help with, it was his constant need to do something to make others feel good, the need to redeem himself for all his misdeeds.
All the time I see him doing so much for others while rarely do these 'others' treat him the same way or at all.
And in turn I see him behaving the same, insecure, unappreciative of himself.
How could someone like him be so readily selfless of himself and choose to help others and be so ridiculously kind to other people but themselves, I wouldn't even get it.
For someone like me, who would possibly be more amazing than myself, after all, I'm me. Who wouldn't love me. I'm already confident in myself after all. Everything I do is already so close to perfection~
But I guess, to give Kuron a little boost of courage, there is something that I could do, something I do best at——showering him with love and affection, and by that for this time, with a song~
And I know just the one to go for——An older foreign song that I stumbled on by accident while scrolling some days back then.
A song about rose, or at least a person like a rose. So perfect, beautiful, and adored Just like Kuron. Though the song itself was a little bit, squeezing on the heart to listen to, with such cheezy lyrics, it's a wonder how people make songs like those back in the day. Though I could do something about that, a little polish ... .which can make the song better and turn less cringe with a little tweak of lyrics.
And that's where it all started. I took the inspiration of the song and started to rewrite the lyrics from scratch…even if not completely since there was an essence I wanted to preserve from it. I wanted to make it so that Kuron would be able to listen to it and just pick himself up, more importantly, so that he could finally be rid of that pessimistic view of himself all the time and finally appreciate himself more, just like the way that I already do. After all, he was perfect, just the way that I always see him. Every part of him was precious. And that was going to be how I was rewriting the song. A little more…focused so that I could target him and his heart~
If this song doesn't help boost his confidence a bit, and make him see his worth, well I'm not sure what else will~
The song had one special message I wanted to give to him——and that is to remind him that he is precious and perfect and everything that he thought he wasn't—— or at least, what he didn't see in himself.
It talks about how he is so special that his qualities just made me fall in love with him. How he is beautiful and was perfect just the way he is, and how just the sight of him would be enough to make me fall for him again and again endlessly.
The song was…quite the simple one if I was honest, but that's the beauty of it. It was simple yet it was sweet and gave such a sense of romance and suave. Just like the way that he makes me feel, and everyone else as well.
Beforehand, I had thought about composing and developing the whole song in secret, by that I mean just for Kuron to listen.
Especially after seeing how the lyrics and feel of the song was so…personal, seemingly like a confession one to one.
This felt like a song that should be presented to him, and him alone. A secret song that is ours, that no one else in the whole world would ever know. And that would be what made it so special.
And so, that was how it was. After the finalized version of the song was complete, I never made it public. It was only present in two places in the entire world——the company laptop, and a single copy of it on a bootable drive.
The thought at the time of letting Kuron hear it made my heart flutter, but I already knew just the kind of face he would make from hearing this particular song, especially when he would listen to the lyrics~
Just a few weeks before the plan to make the concert came to mind, I finally gave him a listen to the song for the first time. And it more spectacular and adorable than I could've imagined~
It was so amusing, the bright tint of flushed red on his cheeks. He was mocking the song so much, pointing out how it was cringy and the lyrics being so shameless. He was trying to comment so much that he barely even camouflaged that growing embarrassment that was growing from his exasperative motions.
I still remember, he got so shy in the end about the fact that the song was sung directly to him, he got more silent the longer that he listened to it.
Needless to say, I had the time of my life, teasing him and poking fun at him, grinning at that cute and adorable face he makes when he gets all red and embarrassed as he listens to the song.
He was so vulnerable at the end, all curled up into a ball, trying to hide himself as he pushed me away. It was far beyond being simply cute that I just couldn't help but pounce on him. It was more attacking him…in the broader sense– So easy these past few weeks. Admittedly, it was both thrilling and freaking amazing, especially since he would become equally flushed the more I mentioned it to him~
I was planning on keeping it that way. Our own song, unpublished and unannounced so that we could indulge in it, like a private island, a space and world of our own. And yet, as time went by and the more I listened and saw his reactions when he listened to the song on his own, I came to realize that this song could be meant for so much more. And that the whole world should hear this too. There was a benefit to this–
���Plus seeing as I had a little push from my management…and even Kuron that this song would be nice to spread to the public. What did they say…'create an awareness' or so they mentioned.
And that's when I started to plan it all out. I picked venues, I picked personnel and a perfect date. That was all the simple aspects. The harder one was the singer. I had thought about being the one to sing it on stage, a special concert held just for Kuron~
But I had a better idea. What if I could somehow make him sing instead, and in fact, make it a surprise for everyone while I was at it. It would be perfect~
And the one thing I needed to do…is to bring Kuron to the concert and sing without him knowing.
It took me some time. A few days, but the whole time I was spending each and every moment I could thinking of it, planning from top to bottom. It's been awhile since I personally planned and organised something that was so seemingly large scale, I almost forgot how much work it would be to pull all of it together.
Luckily I had just the connections. And eventually when things seemed to finally come together into a network of properly organised event in my head, I knew that I was on the right track.
And I was about to give Kuron an event he wouldn't forget.
I already knew instinctively, I wanted the concert to happen today, so called a day some genius invented called the Rose Valentine's Day. A perfect day of symbolism just for someone like him. The perfect rose, the star of this romantic day.
Especially since he would definitely value this kind of celebration. He was one to take after and note all these seemingly random yet, somewhat sentimental events. More than I ever would if i was being honest. But I suppose that was one of his charms.
But to get Kuron to come out on a whim without question. There were only a few people that could help me to manage to drag him out, by force if I had to. For example, those two brothers of his.
So with the whole plan thoroughly thought out and every little detail predetermined and prepared ahead of time everything started and was set off like clockwork the moment Kuron left for work. Kuron had a fixed method of movement and he was disciplined, so I had them kidnap him ahead of time at a specified clock. Right on the dot as he was at the office.
I wonder if that was too much. I'm not sure what they did or how they pulled this off. Maybe they have proceeded to knock him out or drugged him even——
I just told them to bring him into a van as he was taking his lunch and drive him around for an hour or two. All while we were here. Preparing the concert venue.
And of course, I explicitly had them playing that song on the van speaker. Just as a little hint to what was coming~ Though that might give him too much clue on what was going to happen, but this would be worth it.
Back at the venue, I called over on the phone, to make sure that they were all set and that we were ready to take them in at the location.
It wasn't long after that that the private van which was carrying Kuron around town finally arrived and Kuron stepped out of the vehicle, his head coming out of the mask covering his eyes and his hair dishevelled as he looked at me with mega disbelief in his eyes.
“...What the HELL is going on?——What are you doing? Why did you bring me here——And where the heck am I??”
Kuron had a face flustered all over, and it was so funny seeing him so panic and confused. But we didn't have time for that now. Things were running on a schedule after all~
“I think you already know what's going on. We’re having a concert.”
“...A what now?——”
“A concert, silly! Just for you this time~”
“......”
Looking dumbfounded, he then turned his head and looked up at the building stood before us. It wasn't the kind that is too grand. Further It was actually a place that both him and I have both performed in for multiple different events. so it wasn't unusual but as though my words finally got to him, his features contorted in bewilderment before they turned flustered then bashful as he glared at me with a barely composed
flushed face then looked away from me in a huff.
“...Why you——Didn’t have to kidnap me like that just for this…what kind of insane, psycho scheme of a surprise this is…”
I heard him muttered under his breath, those bright emerald casted down as his lips were pursed to a small pout, looking so helplessly embarrassed thereby as he was visibly struggling to keep his arms rested composed at his sides, hands brought up subconsciously fidgeting with the end of one of the ribbons of the hair ornament attached to his hair.
“... Now? But…I'm not even ready for this…! You can't just expect me to perform at the last minute without having a single clue of what I'm supposed to perform…! You're bloody ridiculous, geez…”
“Oh come on~ This'll be fun! After All, today is a special day isn't it? Don't you remember? Rose day? Furthermore you've been listening to this song more times than you can count, so I'm sure you're long used to the easy lyrics at this point that you can even spell it out to it, hmm?~”
“Now, come on! Let's get you ready already in the trailer. Everything is ready—— except for you~”
I pointed behind me, walking aside as I showed the personal trailer that was parked at the curb right here at the back entrance of the venue.
Kuron stared at me sceptically before his gaze averted as his features bore a little hint of unsure as he pursed his lips, falling in brief silence.
“...You sure…I really have to do this?”
“One hundred percent! Come on you have to do it, at least——for me, pretty please?~”
I beamed at him the softest gaze I could muster, leaning my face up close with the widest eyes, softened in a loving gaze with a smile that melts him every time, letting out a soft mutter and noise to seal the deal while pressing on his chest. And finally, with a heave of a deep sigh, Kuron finally surrendered.
His eyes closed and head drooped for a moment as he lifted up his hand to gently massage the space between his brows and temples.
“...Fine. I'll do it.”
“Yay! Then, go go——let’s go get you all dolled up already——”
“Wait, wait——what was I performing again?? ——Seriously, that song?!”
“Mhm ♪”
Kuron let out a loud groan as he facepalmed upon my insistence to this plan, straightening up later, he darted me a dull look that shows he's completely surrendered to my quest.
“...You…are a fucking weirdo. Fine——fine, just for this once I shall entertain you——to the damn fullest in exchange for my embarrassment, you're very welcome, bastard.”
“...Right then, I'll go on ahead for this makeup session, see you later…I guess.”
Kuron grumbled, as he turned and headed towards the trailer then stepped into it and disappeared behind the slid close door.
Kuron was going to be in for a big surprise, especially when we sent him off to the actual venue. He was just like everything I hoped he would be. taken aback and so shy and resisting. But luckily he finally gave in. I was half worried that he would outright refuse me and just leave before I could convince him. But now that he was in the trailer, everything was about to go smoothly. The hardest part was behind us now. All that was left was the main event. Now begins the fun part~
Now then…for the final preps, and my turn to get dressed and it's going to be perfect~
I turned around, looking at the two people that had made all this possible, without which none of this could go as smoothly.
“Thanks you two~ You brought him here just in time. I really appreciate all the help.”
“Anything for our lil bro Kuron. I'm sure he'll be very…‘delighted’ with what you prepared, hehe~”
“Anytime–”
“Okay, well you two, stick around if you want…or not~ Things are going to get more 'fun' at this point onward. Hahahaa~”
“Fun you say…Anything about you is ‘fun’ as long as it involves Kuron. Stop flashing your relationship to our faces, geez…”
“Aww, don't be jealous Kazehi-kun~ If you ever need to, I can always help organize you a romantic surprise for you and your dear Subaru-kun~”
“...Cringe, no thanks. I can do it by myself just fine. Furthermore I'm sure I can plan a better surprise for my wife than you can anytime, humph humph.”
“Well, I doubt it. The only one that can plan the best surprises is literally Kuron himself. He always pulled them off so successfully and managed to get me taken aback all the time, heheh, that sweet romantic man.”
“Cringe.”
“Right, right, off you two go now! As Kuron’s loyal big brothers, you should be there to help him get perfectly ready too. Off you go now~”
I laughed softly, nudging those two towards the trailer after sliding open the door then pushed them inside of it.
“Yeah, yeah, you're right...”
“Well then, see you later?~”
With that they disappeared inside. Their private van sat there on the lot for awhile before it finally started to move when the pickup in charge of driving Kuron's away arrived and drove him off as well. Now it was just me, standing there alone.
I gotta admit, I didn't think that I would actually make it this far or manage to plan something this huge, not that I couldn't, this was child's play. But it has been a while and it's quite fun to go to the extreme sometimes, especially if it was all for Kuron.
It took some time during the car ride and I had ample time to think about things on the way there. I made sure that there was a copy of the song lyrics on the dresser table that he would sit in, specifically with just the small little edits I made on it, but the message was still the same.
Perfect for my perfect rose~
Within 10 minutes, we arrived at the venue. A large arena that was only reserved for our tours.
Damn, this was going to be fun. And I'm sure that it was going to run smoothly since I took the time to personally plan things out with the best team I handpicked. And I wasn't even biased this time~
Soon I was on my way to the dresser and stylist, completely all done with the external works as I made my way to the side entrance that Kuron would be using to arrive any minute….NOW.
Right on cue, Kuron trailer pulled up, right at the spot I had designated as I stood there, waiting for him as a few seconds passed by before he finally exited the vehicle, all dressed in his off-sleeved robe of bright maroon with rose patterned hems and green arm sleeves.
As he stepped out, his eyes scanned the surroundings, looking around as if trying to take in the sight of the previous location that he had just re-arrived at with a wide gaze of astonishment before those emerald shimmering eyes finally fell upon me, who was right below, welcoming him with a wide smile, dressed in my own version of the same fashion.
The traditional white eastern style clothes with open chest design in red seams and buttons, matched with circular framed glasses.
Just the exact getup that I remember Kuron had come to admire and loved to see me in so much, from the last time he saw me put this on~
And just as I expect, as I caught his cheeks flushed immediately upon setting sight on me, then avert as a look of complete bashfulness take over his features,
“...Ah you're…you're wearing that——”
“Well, do you like it? ♪ ”
“...Yes.”
He fell in silence, eyes narrowed as if he's holding back to say something, or rather, admit to anything,
“...You know I find you attractive in this getup—— That this is the outfit that…I particularly…like seeing you in…”
Well, ain't that a perfectly satisfying answer to my effort and choice of deciding to put this on for this very special event today~
“Well, I'm just glad to hear that ♪”
“Now let's go, we can't wait the audience waiting for long. Let's get you all ready and set for the performance hmm?~”
“I…I guess. But——”
“...Why did you plan to do this? And for me…to sing this song instead…rather than yourself…so weird…geez…”
“Wellllll you see– I wanted people to hear the song too, it might work as a confidence booster for you, I figured. So what better way to use this song, than to spread it to the whole world to listen to, and to deliver the message, that my cute pretty little rose is worthy to be loved and appreciated by many, not only myself~”
“...Kou…”
Kuron called out to my name softly as his eyes casted down with a sense of melancholy within them, and a hint of…touched sentimentality in his quivered eyes before he lifted up his head then nodded softly towards me, lips tugging a faint but gentle smile,
“...Okay~”
I didn't say anything. I just let out a bright smile as I reached to take his hand in mine, the countdown of the concert pending as I softly brushed on the knuckles of his finger, bringing him towards the interior as we made our way to the stage.
The stage was fully prepared for us as I came in with Kuron, the crowd chanting our names, the seats filled the arena as far as eyes could see.
Not bad for something so short notice~
“Hey everyone!~”
“We have a special song for you today!”
I announced as I climbed on the stage, with Kuron by my side, hand in hand as I can feel him fidgeting slightly in my hold even more so from the stares of the many audiences, how cute~
“At first, it was a song that I had written just for Kuron. A song to remind him that he was perfect. He was special, and that he was deserving of loving himself. In the way that he rarely sees himself, in the way that we all see him.”
“But tonight, he's going to sing it on behalf of me for all of you!~ With the lyrics that's re-written by yours truly on deck, but the song presented __ by our second most known idol who's known to have the voice belonging to a male angel.”
“So now, let's give him some applause, to encourage him to give us the greatest show of all this afternoon.”
“And to have him dance with me in this acapella music, that I have specially arranged for this particular concert show.”
Turning my head to look at him, right on cue as his eyes had lifted to meet with my gaze all at the same time,
I saw as his lips tugged a rather sheepish smile, then his eyes curved to soft crescents as if bestowing me the approval to have me proceed on with this grandiose masterpiece of a plan.
“...Well then, are we ready to start off this dance?~”
“...I am ready, if you are——”
“Let's do it, my master~”
▶ 【The Performance】
——Watching back the music video that was recorded on my phone, I had replayed the song that Kuron sang on stage for me on repeat so many times. I could still see the loving glint in his eyes even through the screen, taking in the wanderlust of his voice that I enjoyed as he sang, capturing every moment that his face made during the performance.
I should thank the photographer for taking so many great shots and moments for us during the event, really managed to capture the best of both of us~
Removing the earphones, I took in a deep breath and heaved a sigh as I leaned back against the chair after a deep stretch of my arms, feeling thoroughly satisfied with a job well done, making a surprise concert just for Kuron—A second large surprise I've held for him.
In fact, this one was the first successful surprise I managed to pull off that worked out perfectly.
I was quite satisfied, in fact, even happy, that everything worked out the way it did in the end result. And most of all, happy that I got such a grand message to myself from him, and that he seemed to gradually njoy the singing too, even if he was a little embarrassed at first, hehe.
With my eyes closed, I took a light rest, the minutes passed by before I opened them again and looked to the side, on the floor where a large sized present was placed upright. I couldn't help but smile at it.
My very last present for Kuron, a last gesture for this—a very special Rose Day.
I've known his love for roses, for almost as long as we've met, and to give him this many in one go, I'm a hundred percent certain that I'm in for a golden grade reaction of him being vulnerable and shy…not to mention I would definitely get to have my way with him at that point—
Trying but failing to hold back a grin, I turned to glance at the back, where the bathroom door was closed to me, the shower running as Kuron was inside taking a bath.
I looked out the window, the night was in full session, and the air was a chill even with the windows closed. The special day of roses was about to slowly come to an end, and it would finally be over and complete after this last surprise.
And I really really can't wait to present this beautiful bouquet of roses. Especially made just for Kuron, my precious neko.
My gorgeous, perfect and amazing in every imaginable way, beautiful and cute rose.
——Looking at your form that had collapsed on the ground, the blood stains on the corners of your lips—— is the naked evidence of my ruthless and horrific treatment inflicted upon you.
No matter how many times I have warned you——staying with me will only cause you to go through an endless cycle of suffering and abuse. Living your days so difficultly like that, it is not a suffer worth for you to bear at all.
Because being this cruel and ruthless monster I am, I will only end up hurting you. My irresistible anger and impatient nature shall bring to you countless moments of pain and sorrow.
Are you happy…?
While asking you this question, I am also asking myself.
Maltreated to the point until you eventually shed bitter tears…
How can you possibly be happy like this…?
——
“Are you happy…?”
The tears I shed in guilt are the price I pay for all the sorrow and pain you have endured because of me.
After coming to my senses from chaotic emotions, I realised that all the previous insults, judgments and belittlement on you were a reflection of the consequences of failure and disappointment that I faced upon myself. Just what a shameless fool I was…
And because I relied so much on you to make amends for the sake of me and such to achieve the impossible point of perfection, in all this selfish pursuit of perfection and making up for the mistakes I have ... unknowingly, ended up hurting you deeply in the process…
And also damage your remaining self esteem…
…Why must it always be this way, why would you stay for a monster like me…?
…Are you happy? With someone like this in your life, are you really happy…?
Again and again I asked myself the same question, again and again I asked you the same question.
It's because I fail to believe that anyone would remain and stay for a monster such as I, not even myself can be able to spare myself the forgiveness.
In desperation, I reached and grabbed for the last straw, but all I could do was guiltily mutter my apologies to you over and over again.
Many times I have accepted the possibility that you will leave me as a result. For no normal person would be willing to stay for such a monster like me...——
But many times, the consequences I receive were not being pushed away by you, nor was it your unforgivable glare..
But instead, I felt your cold hand of no temperature yet so warm in touch placed against my cheek,
Tilting my face up,
For me to look into your eyes that tenderly casted me a stare,
Bestowing a silent forgiveness upon me…
——
——Now that so much time has passed, whether it is a day filled with joy or sorrow, the coming and passing of year after year have become the cherishable times and moments worth for us to reminiscence.
All the hardships faced in life, a silver lining in the murky cloud.
Sunshine comes after a storm, and a gentle rainbow appears in the blue sky.
Just like the love story of our lives—— always unpredictable, yet always getting a happy ending again and again.
In the journey of our love, in the end, you have proved to me that no matter whether the days are good or bad, your final choice is always to stay, accompany me through this eternal life, and welcome the arrival of the future together.
At this point of moment, I slowly came to realise—— I no longer need to ask you that one question which has always left me in doubt and worry for the longest of time.
Because now I can easily find the answer I've been seeking for so long just by looking at your face.
“Here you go, I specially picked out these sweet orange slices from the oranges that Ruki brought back home earlier. Don't say I don't love you anymore, aight?”
“......”
“O-oi, what's with that face you're making? Quit it——”
——Say…don't you know? Your name Kou, when translated to another language (Chinese), it is called as… ‘皓’.
皓, is defined as the light. It refers to the way the sky and earth look bright when the sun comes out.
The white colour illuminated at that moment was the brightest among many other colours…
The first time you entered my life, your mere presence was like the sunshine appearing within the dark haze, the first ray of light shone in the dark world…
This ray of sunshine shone into my world at that time, not only illuminated the reaches beyond my vision, but also brightened my heart.
Causing the life that was previously bleak and hopeless, undergo a change.
And gave him who had lost all reasons to live, brought new hopes again and again…
Every time when I thought I had lost everything, you always showed up and proved me wrong
When everything seems hopeless, your beautiful light was what illuminated the road ahead.
Once, twice, three times...you are still my motivation that leads me to the path of light.
Once, twice, three times...you never gave up and persisted in shining the light on me…
Like the sunshine, you are the only reason that I smile even in times of distress
Like the sunshine, you let me find, what is waiting for me in the cold——
——You who was half tugged and half dragged by me to the kitchen, standing there with your hair unkept and messy like a rat's nest, and those droopy eyes of yours which seemed barely even open from their drowsy and sleepless state.
Looking down at the ingredients and materials arranged on the table in front of you while blinking your eyes blankly a few times, with a hint of speechlessness and contempt in your eyes.
“You... woke me up so damn early… just to teach me how to make chocolates for you?”
"Yes, yes~! Well, almost every year, I've been the one preparing all the special occasions for you... But this time, you have the opportunity to do a little something for me~ You should be happy, right? ”
I responded, pointing to the apron placed aside, smiling rather proudly,
“I’ll even lend you your favourite apron, no need to thank me★”
“…”
“You're crazy...!”
You seemed to be dumbfounded for a moment. After coming back to your senses, you grabbed a handful of hair on your forehead in annoyance, rolled your eyes, and turned around wanting to leave.
“I'm too tired for all this! I'm going back to sleep. Don't wake me up again–hey!”
“...Are you so heartless that you would miss this opportunity to do something for your lover?”
“Let go! I'm going back to sleep - waking me up before the sun has even risen for something like this... I would be crazy to listen to you!”
“If you really want to do it, you can wait until later...seriously, I'm still sleepy——”
“If it’s any later, I’ll have to prepare to go to work, not to mention I’ll have to stay back at school tonight for make-up classes for the students.”
“You would really bear to...miss this opportunity to do something for me…”
“——On White Day...?”
“…”
__
“Ah–Hey, Neko, what are you doing...!”
“Hehe...now there's poo on your face~”
“...Stop it, Kuron! Really... get on with it and teach me the next step! I want to sleep a little longer before going to work... Tsk.”
“Haha, okay, okay~”
“Humph…”
——Although there is still a hint of reluctance on your sleepy face, and your lips still mutter the words and excuses of "I'm very sleepy and just want to sleep."...
But the movements of your hands are so nimble. When you focus on the ingredients, your eyes gradually reveal the determination and concentration in your heart to learn the process of making chocolates well.
...Rascal, for this so-called hassle, you are actually quite keen to attempt it for me, right? ~ Honestly, why pretend to be coy★ Haha.
You have faced every challenge that has come forth to you without backing down once. Even when bearing through the harshest of treatment, you still managed to overcome your wounded heart and stay… unconditionally, just for this monster that had always hurt you…
Many times, you don't cry easily in front of me. No matter how painful the accusation is, no matter how hurtful the insult that you receive, you will only tolerate in secret silence, letting your heart gradually become numb and cold towards my silent treatment that I retort you with…
Until I finally realised the mistake that I had made and went to look for you, you still remained indifferent however. As if it wasn’t you that got hurt.
“...Is it painful?”
At this moment, the suppressed tears that were held back all along were finally given a chance to release. Only under my concerned stare of heartbreak for you can you show your vulnerable side and let me see without any defence, how much harm I have caused you…
You are, indeed, in pain.
But why haven't you ever thought of going to me and telling me what was bothering you? Instead, you hide yourself in the unseen darkness, silently licking those wounds that were inflicted on you…
No... Actually –I have always known that the sadness that you bore has long been let loose through the agonising tears you shed in the dark places that I don't discover...
You just don't want me to know– don’t want me to see… how much I have hurt you.
Because you know, if I'm to recognize this fact... I will not hesitate to blame myself, which in turn will cause me to suffer the heavy guilt.
Because of your thoughtfulness, you don't want this to happen. You would rather suffer in silence than let me blame myself for my own mistakes.
“... It's okay, I'm okay…It doesn't hurt, as long as you aren't angry with me anymore…”
“Silly…Don't cry…”
Although I say this, but as a matter of fact... I really long for you ... to cry to me more.
So this way, I can realise that I have gone too far, and how much harm I have caused you by what I said...
Your tears are the only way to bring me back to my senses. I admit that I, the monster, can never change.
But only your tears... can make me realise my fault and errors, and thus... make me not want to hurt you anymore, and rather... cherish you more.
“Next time…you can come look for me, hmm?”
When you are in pain, I would rather stay by your side...
I would rather listen to you complaining to me than to let yourself be immersed in cold sadness alone.
I won't mind about your worked up emotions. I won't mind about your dissatisfaction that you have against me, I don't mind about it if you're angry at me. I won’t mind if you choose to throw a tantrum and lose your temper on me——
Oftentimes I let my assumptions work their way through how I behave and think, that I have completely dismissed your silent cry of desperation, that voiced out what you truly need and want…
Thus resulting in my selfless behaviour of wanting to protect you from my own harm, becoming the reason for almost causing you to lose the happiness and contentment in life that you have gained.
It was me all along…that was stubborn and refuse to accept myself as the way I am. The me that had caused you numerous pains and toils in life, as you suffered through the abuse of my misjudgment and maltreatment…
However, what I didn't know is that…while I was in denial of myself, you have, however, accepted me the way as I am…
All these little fights that we had…meant simply nothing to you compared to the happiness that you gain while being with me…
Yet again and again all I did was try to push you away from me, and strive for many methods just so I could be gotten rid of from your life.
I used to tell myself, someone like me…would never strive to make you happy…
But then obnoxiously the truth backfires, it was when I realised that I have lost you…only then, did I find out…I have not only destroyed my own happiness.
…But yours too.
“Ruki…I'm sorry. Please allow me one more chance, just to be with him again…”
——Two deeply in love lovers, thereby restricted to be connected with one another…the kind of pain I felt back then…was the very first time that I got to experience that day.
“I shouldn't have let such a petty little fight…insist on such a separation…I really don't mean it…”
As humiliating as it gets, I know, if I don't repent for my mistake now, there won't be any more chance to gain back what I have so unwillingly lost if I'm any more late…
“...If you are to give him up so easily, then you don't ought to be with him anymore. ”
“Since he had already accepted you as you are, however it was yourself that had been in denial of yourself and rejected him over and over…”
“So tell me…how can you both be happy this way?”
Listening to those words…I regret it all.
For my own recklessness, I had chosen to give you up that easily, and by doing that, I nearly took away what meant most to you, I had almost…taken away…your Blue sky.
…I'm such an idiot…given that this is your own choice–to be with me. Why should I force myself to be apart from you…?
Since this is the route that you chose, seeing as how you've also been happily living in such a life…
…Why should I keep lying to myself, dismissing my heart that has long locked to you, and act as if I want rid of my life.
When actually…in truth.
…I am not even willing to leave your side…
“...I was wrong. From this day hereon, I won't fight over such a matter again…I promise.”
“So please…let me be with him again. I promise…this time…”
“I will choose to cherish him, instead…”
At that very moment, I had proceeded to make this unquestionable vow upon my life.
That such an incident that occured on that day…won't ever happen again, for the second time…
——In the vast rain, I found your lonesome figure standing there.
Your head was tilted up towards the sky, that has been long darkened by the black clouds above, overcome by the dreadful weather of storm and rain…
It was as if…you were witnessing the deterioration of that bright blue sky, that you believed had been then taken away thereon in your life...
…But no longer.
I assure you that it's no longer.
It's alright now…
For my timely amendment of fault, had changed the outcome of the result.
So that I can prove to you…once again, my sincerity towards you…
——Silently I walked towards you and took you into my arms.
Immediately you let out a whimper in my arms, as your hands dart to hold me tight, your trembling fingers buried deeply into my clothes,
...As if I will disappear from your world in the next moment.
“…Please don't leave me…”
——Your pleading is like a sharp sword, piercing deeply into my heart.
The pain caused tears to well up, and then flowed down silently as the rain fell on my face.
“...It's alright now. We're okay…”
“It's my fault…I shouldn't have given you up so easily. I promise you that…I won't ever do something like that again…”
“Really…I won't let go anymore…”
…I really won't.
Please don't worry.
Because…
After this experience, I discovered what is most important to me...what is worth staying…
I promise you at this moment that I will always be there…
“...Hey, I'm back. Look what I got you——its cute, isn't it? So cheer up okay? I'm sorry for being mad at you earlier…I was just frustrated…Don't be sad anymore, I love you, okay...?”
——Even though it was really your fault that got me angry and mad, but looking at your face like that…I can't help but melt into instant forgiveness, moreover yet the urge to make up to you was always so strong that I just end up showering you with more acts of love and care.
I can't ever bear to see you sad, especially that face filled with silent sorrow or timidity whenever you have caused me to be angry, unintentionally.
But even so…I just can't bring myself to stay mad at you for long—
—For your happiness, matter more than anything in the world to me.
“Kurooooon, let's try to play that thing— it looks so much fun! Come on, pleeease~ join the ride with me pretty pleeeease~”
“...Ugh…Haa…Fine, I guess—”
“Yay!! Then, I want to ride that one first, and then that one, then ooooh that one that one we must try! We're gonna have so much fun together, woohoo!~”
“......”
——For someone who never found enjoyment nor entertainment in amusement parks, however going there for the first time with you…everything changed.
Through the crazy rides of thrill and challenging games of excitement with you, I found myself, really having so much fun in an amusement for once in a lifetime.
Maybe it's because I'm not alone, maybe it's because I had you holding my hand every time I went on those scary rides with you.
Or maybe it's because…I get to see you smile with such joy and enjoyment.
That it makes me just want to have moments like this with you more in the days to come—
—Say master, let's have more fun times like this, shall we?~