001 ▼

[luminance]

who: jungo and hiro.
when: late morning.
where: random street.
style: first.
status: closed.


Hmm.

[ Gently wondering, Hiro leads as they walk through the currently cheery streets of Vatheon. As he looks up the "sky," he can't help a faint nostalgic smile. ]

It's been almost a month, Jungo. Just a month ago, we've been dealing with... the longest week of our lives.

[ A short, maybe a little too quiet laugh escapes him, then quickly turns to face his dear friend. ]

Yet, everything is so peaceful now. [ ... ] Hey, Jungo... We'll be able to bring a similar kind of peace back at home, right? Surely...

Comments

[luminance]

... I won't apologize. Because if I do, it would mean that I'm apologizing for calling you what I had.

[As Hiro is sincere with that compliment, he won't take anything back. He does, however, feel sorry for Jungo's reaction. This boy is just too shy.]

As long as you keep your words then, I won't have to worry so much.

[chawanmushi]

...I won't ask you to if you won't, but I don't really think I am.

[He slowly and carefully gets off the floor, and at that moment, he notices the crushed flower. Jungo must have dropped it when he accidentally collided into the wall and then fall on top of it. ]

...Oh... I ruined it.

[Jungo carefully scoops the broken flower off of the floor.]

...Mmm, I'm sorry Hiro...

[luminance]

[Hiro wordlessly takes the flower, then breaks the center piece off. Right afterwards, he shows Jungo the core in the palm of his hand. It's shortly that he turns a little, then allows the gentle wind to carry off the pollen of the flower. Each pollen dissolves in the air, orange and yellow seem to sparkle as they all fly away.]

It's okay, Jungo. It's as I've said... Even after being stepped on, flowers will continue to stand. They will come back one day, to bloom even prettier than before.

Flowers are indeed beautiful. But, it is not them who think so. It is those who see them.

[That's why... Even if Jungo doesn't think that of himself, there will be someone out there who will think exactly that.]

[chawanmushi]

Hiro...

[His cheeks couldn't possibly get anymore redder than they are now. But rather than hide his face like earlier before, Jungo looks directly at Hiro for a long moment.

Then a small smile graces his lips as his gaze drifts towards the direction the wind had blown the pollen earlier.]

Mmm, thank you. [Even though he still feels unsure but,] Hearing that from you makes me feel really happy.

[luminance]

It's difficult to find someone like you. In a chaotic world like ours, I'm even more grateful...

[A lot of people are selfish, after all. But, Jungo has that childish innocence that is definitely hard to find... Especially from someone at his age.]

I'm happy that we met. I'm glad that we got to fight together. Even if I'm a mere civilian, you and the others still treated me well, believing in me as you all had.

[chawanmushi]

Mmm, I have to thank the people who have helped take care of me and my friends for being this way.

[But being too naive can be trouble on the battlefield right?]

Hiro was the one that called me a friend first.

[He smiles happily at that memory.]

Those words saved me at that moment. And then you and the others saved me once again only hours later.

There's also the time with Jungo too. Hiro has done a lot for me so... I really want to return all of that to the fullest.

[luminance]

Then... That makes two of us.

[The two of them who just wants the best for their dear friends. It's no doubt now that they'll continue doing their best, supporting each other as they always had. The thought alone softens Hiro's expression.]

It's not so bad, being here. We have assurance that everyone is still safe, even if we still can't find a way back. But, most of all... Being here, I got to learn more about you and Juneko. I'm thankful for this chance.

I wish that the others are here, too. But, that might be too selfish to wish for...

[chawanmushi]

....It's okay to be selfish one in a while.

[Because honestly, Jungo also feels the same way too.]

It's a lot more peaceful here. And yes, I'm happy that we get to spend a lot of time with you too, Hiro. It won't be like this forever, but I'll always cherish everything!

[luminance]

... Yes. Let's do our best, Jungo.

[To find a way back, together with their new friends in this world.]

[chawanmushi]

[Jungo slowly reaches over to pat Hiro on the head. It's been a while since he's actually done that.]

Mmm, I'll support you to the best of my ability.

But before that, we have to keep our strengths up right? Let's have chawanmushi together, okay Hiro?

[What better way than to eat a nicely cooked meal like chawanmushi?

He smiles grows wider as he gently pulls on Hiro's sleeve to lead the both of them home.]