(POV Kaito)
A refreshing breeze swept through. The girl’s hair swayed, and glimpses of emerald eyes hidden underneath her chestnut locks could be faintly seen. They were beautiful eyes.
“Chika-chan….It’s been a while; how have you been?”
“I think I am fine.”
Her calm voice echoed in the night. What was she doing on the balcony at this hour?
“What are you doing at this hour?”
“Well… I guess I just wanted to feel the wind… That’s all. I was studying until a moment ago, so I thought I’d take a break too.”
“That must be tough for you…”
If I’m not mistaken, her parents put a lot of emphasis on her studies, so she must have been buried in books until this late, which explains why she was on the balcony at this time that spanned across midnight.
“Oh no, I haven’t really decided anything myself.”
Her face, as she spoke those words, seemed to have reached a state of resignation and was fading away. It wasn’t a childlike expression; it reminded me slightly of the first time I met Chiharu. I wondered if the protagonist in the game had this kind of atmosphere, even though they didn’t depict it much.
Perhaps she had some ordinary worries appropriate for her age as well.
“I don’t really have anything significant going on. I’m just going with the flow… So, it’s not difficult.”
While I couldn’t see the full extent of her concerns, I somehow understood what she meant. I, too, had such worries, and that’s how I currently saw myself. I believed that I wasn’t anything special, merely drifting along in life.
I hadn’t grown or changed in any way. Truly, I was just an ordinary and weak person. Even though Chinatsu and the others noticed that I had this self-assessment and advised me to change my thoughts, my fundamental thinking remained unchanged. Perhaps that’s why, even without a clear picture of her troubles, I felt compelled to speak somehow.
“I see. Then, maybe I’m in a similar boat,” I said.
“The same?”
“Yeah, there are times when I also feel like I’m not anything special.”
“…. Taking in four children is an impressive thing, though.”
“…Well, I just sort of went with the flow. Even when I set goals, I ended up deviating from the path and taking detours. I’ve been living like a leaf in the wind since I can remember. Sometimes, I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything,”
…I might have gone overboard with my story. She might see me as some sort of pushy old man, so I should wrap it up here. Besides, I need to talk to Chinatsu.
“Uh, yeah, well, you know, even at this age, there are adults who think about such things… Yeah, that’s the gist of it…” I added.
“…You’ve been troubled for a longer time than I have.”
“Well, um, maybe not troubled to that extent. I’ve only lived a little over ten years longer than Chika-chan, but there are parts I can sympathize with.”
“…Sympathize.”
“Yeah, sympathize. So, if you ever have any thoughts, feel free to share them. I can’t guarantee I’ll say something great, but maybe I can help change something, even just a little.”
“…Yes, please.”
“Well then, good night. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“――Eh!?”
With a light wave of my hand, I said those words and returned to my room from the balcony. I was worried that I might come across as just a guy who talks too much. I wouldn’t want to be seen as someone strange who came out of nowhere with too many comments.
But, come to think of it, at the end, she had such a surprised expression. Was there something wrong? Did the conversation get awkward and make her uncomfortable?
I felt a bit sentimental.
◆◆
(POV Chika)
The wind felt a bit refreshing. Not too long ago, drowsiness had been creeping in, but now, I felt wide awake. I even started to wonder if I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
“Just Kaito” (Tadano Kaito) … His name appeared quite ordinary at first glance. When we first met, there was nothing particularly striking about him. I just followed his directions when I asked for the way.
Then, when I found out that my new home was next to his, it didn’t trigger any strong feelings either. However, I did feel a slight curiosity about the fact that he was taking care of four children. So, I decided to talk to the quadruplets in my new class to get some insights. They mentioned that they wholeheartedly trusted Kaito, and that sparked a bit more interest in him.
By sheer coincidence, when I was tired from studying and stood on the balcony to catch some breeze, he happened to be next to me, and without much thought, I started talking to him again.
The moment I spoke to him, I saw another option.
――Make your choice.
――ask about the quadruplets (Learn about the quadruplets) or share a bit about your own life (Ultimately leading to learning about the quadruplets).
Also, this is it. The world will unravel everything for me because something caught my interest. It will tell me, inform me. There is no disadvantage to whichever option I choose. Everything is predetermined on the tracks. My will does not interfere…
With my heart growing colder, I decided to go with the latter, for no particular reason, just a vague feeling. Surely, it would lead to an unexciting outcome, and I didn’t hold any expectations for the future.
Perhaps, the reason I chose the latter was because I wanted someone, anyone, to hear my daily frustrations and find some release. Or maybe, I simply wanted to share my story. As the conversation progressed, he mentioned that there were moments when he could empathize with me.
And so, the conversation ended just like that. He left, saying he would listen if there was anything else I wanted to share…
――I was shocked.
After all, nothing like this had ever happened before. All the people I had interacted with, regardless of their age or gender, never ventured beyond the realm of available choices. There had never been any unexpected results. That’s why I couldn’t conceal my surprise. Not even my parents had gone beyond the choices.
It’s as if 《《 he alone was somehow defying the laws of this world》》. Could he possibly be an alien? No, I don’t think that’s likely…
I guess this is what it feels like to be unable to keep up with your understanding of things. Right now, I don’t know what I should feel or focus on. There’s something in my heart, in my chest, but I can’t comprehend it. I’m just bewildered by the fact that an unforeseeable future has unfolded before me.
…He said he would talk to me again. I’ll have to speak with him. I want to listen and be heard.
With my expressionless and unsociable face, a small part of my cheek was raised slightly.
◆◆
(POV Chinatsu)
I was feeling nervous, my heart pounding faster than usual. I was about to reveal something I’d kept hidden for a long time, and I was also feeling embarrassed standing here with just a bath towel on, anxiously waiting for the moment I would grow bigger.
The fear of being denied and rejected, like it had happened in the past, and my life returning to what it used to be terrified me. But I’ve decided to believe.
I turned the doorknob and entered Kaito’s bedroom. The room was filled only with the moonlight from the full moon. Kaito had a determined look in his strong eyes.
“Um, the reason I came dressed like this, I’ll explain it later… For now, just don’t touch me.”
“Understood.”
“Yeah, thanks… I’ll keep my promise. Just look at me…”
Trembling, I made my way toward the moonlight. I had never willingly exposed myself to such dazzling, beautiful light before. Various memories flashed through my mind like a whirlwind. The fear I experienced when I was almost stabbed with a knife still haunted me; it even appeared in my dreams. Perhaps because I was still trapped in the past.
I was being controlled by a paralyzing fear, unable to move forward on my own. I didn’t want to see such dreams anymore; I wanted to dream only of happiness.
――So, please accept me.
Bathed in the light, my body began to rapidly grow. My perspective shifted higher, and the scenery around me changed. As always, Kaito looked into my eyes. Without saying a word, I sat down beside him on the bed. Concealing my body as much as possible with the towel, I felt my trembling lips and uttered,
“Kaito… This, um, is, my… other, form…”
The moment of acceptance or rejection was approaching… Tears welled up in my eyes even though I couldn’t say a word. I felt overwhelmingly sad.
“You don’t need to be afraid of anything. Even if I see your true form, I won’t change from who I’ve been until now. So, please rest assured.
“R-really…? You won’t push me away?”
“Of course not.”
“And you don’t find it… repulsive?”
“Rather, I think it’s beautiful.”
“You truly feel that way?”
“I do.”
“――Then, can you hug me…?”
“…”
I extended both hands toward Kaito, reaching out as if asking for a hug. He showed no signs of hesitation and gently pulled me into his embrace.
“I want you to pat my head…”
“Alright.”
“And could you hold me a little tighter…”
“If it hurts, let me know.”
“Call my name…”
“Chinatsu…”
In this form, I am the biggest of the sisters. It used to feel unpleasant, scary, and uncomfortable, but in front of this person, I feel so small and insignificant. Wrapped in his warm arms, my consciousness drifted into a drowsy state.
“Is it okay if I sleep like this today?”
“Of course. You must be tired. Rest peacefully.”
“Thank you… Kaito…”
My vision gradually blurred into emptiness. As I drifted into a deep slumber, I spoke the last thing I wanted to convey:
“――I love you.”
******************
TN: Only one more target.
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