2 - Smiles

~Kokoro~

[September 10^th, 1998]

The tree we planted eight days ago has not sprouted yet. Professor said that it took a long time for a tree to sprout.

He was sitting down in front of the screen the whole time. I told him to take a break, since he might fall ill, when he shook his head.

“No need,” he went up to me and ruffled my head. “This is useful to you.”

In what way? He was risking his health, he said, albeit a little jokingly. At that time, I did not know what he was working on. Why was it useful to me? I watched him walk back to his seat and stared at his screen, typing.

“No need to worry,” he rubbed his head and stretched. “Amane.”

Worry? What is that? Another feeling.

He gasped in surprise as he looked at me. Turned out I was smiling. For the first time, I smiled. But what did I smile at?

He went up to me and gave me a hug. I did not know how to respond.

“Put your arms around me,” he instructed. “Like how I'm doing now.”

And so I did.

"Amane,” I heard him sniff. “I love you.”

Love? Another feeling? I asked him, and he said that it was hard to explain. He just held me. After a few moments, he let go of me and wiped his eyes. Why did he hug me? Why did he told me that he loved me?

I could not understand.

~Kiseki~

Day 8, 10^th September, 1998

I worked on Kokoro for her. From the time I woke up, up till now, nightfall. Take a break, she said. But unfortunately, I could not do so.

I told her that this was useful to her, and that I would risk my health to do so. I jokingly said the latter part, but I meant everything I said. I truly cared for her, and I wanted the best of her. I ruffled her hair out of happiness.

I told her not to worry, as I would be alright.

Then I saw it. She was smiling. For the first time, she smiled.

I felt myself shake. How much she looked like that time, before she left...

I hugged her, and she seemed surprised, not knowing how to respond. I told her to put her hands around me. She did, and I felt warmth. I never did this for a long time. Tears began to roll down my face, and I held her tightly. I never wanted to lose her again, just like that time.

I could not even say goodbye to her...

I let her go, and continued on Kokoro. I uploaded everything I had of her. I told her to go recharge herself.

And I cried alone, looking at her pictures.

I love you, Amane, my dearest--

OMG WTF GAH.

stress. streeeesssssss. Finally I finished this part. GAAAH I NEED TO KILL SOME BOOMERS AND TANKS NOW. (withdrawal symptoms from L4D.)