35 Under The Sky Filled With Million Stars (2/2)

”Fine, fine... Jeez. Why are you being so cute today?”

”Mou~~~ Saying it now is no fair! This is how I've always been!”, replied Hanako.

Who would believe that? But I didn't say that out loud, of course.

***********

”Thank you for the meal~”

After I washed up the plates, I was about to escort Hanako home when I noticed that she wasn't in the living room.

”Hanako?”

I kept looking around the house and finally saw Hanako on the balcony of my room. It appears that she is stargazing. That beautiful figure of hers, coupled with the vast night sky, really gives off an irresistible charm.

I walked up to her and stood beside her, looking up at the sky.

”Nee, Yuuji.”, she spoke up first.

”Hm?”

”Do you have an answer for that day yet? You know, the day when you slept at my house?”

Ah... That day... Hanako asked me for an answer, huh? To be honest, I haven't given it much thought yet...

”Nee, Yuuji.”, she spoke the same words again.

”Hm?”

”I know that I said I told you that you can act as if you didn't hear anything, however, it hurts you know. It hurts so much. I never knew that just waiting for an answer from someone can hurt this much. I... I can't stand it anymore, Yuuji. So please, give me an answer. Please.”, she said that as her eyes teared up.

”Hanako...”, I didn't know what I should say. I wanted to give it a little more thought, but seeing Hanako as she is right now is heartbreaking. I... I should just give it a thought right now. I don't want to hurt anyone anymore.

As I steeled up my resolve, I started to recall all the times we spent together since we were kids. The times we spent together at the park. The time we spent together at school. What we talked about at the cafe. What we are doing right now, and finally, what my feelings towards her are.

Even though she might not be the most beautiful person in the whole world, she still has her own charms. Even though she might be a little dishonest with herself, she is like that to hide from her own emotions. In the end, she is just a lonely girl. Someone who craves the warmth of others. Ever since I knew her, my life was filled with colours. Since we were kids, she would often come up with games Mio and I have never heard of before and play it with us. When I entered high school, I have to admit that I am really happy to see her once again. I thought that we wouldn't be able to see each other forever. Thus,

”I...”

Hanako looked at me with eyes steeled with resolve. It looks as if she can accept any answer now. Looking at her right now, I also steeled my resolve and decided to give her my answer.

”I agree.”

With that said, I pulled her into my arms for an embrace. I could feel the tears streaming down her face.

”I'm so happy, Yuuji. Thank you... Thank you so much! I...”, she kept crying nonstop while saying those words. It seems like a major burden had been lifted off her chest now.

”There, there. No need to force yourself to say anything, Hanako. I'm right here with you. I won't run away again, okay? So don't worry.”

Thus, I kept embracing her until late into the night under the sky filled with million stars.

It seems that my life will be more fulfilling now, I thought to myself while feeling Hanako's warmth.