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Chapter 7 - Kano Silently Contemplates Will you become my temple’s bride? After I returned from Hazekura-san’s house, my mind was filled with this. Even though I like him, I feel irresistibly apprehensive when I think of becoming a temple’s bride. Aside from that, what Arikawa-san said that day won’t disappear in my mind. Are you prepared to marry into the temple...... During my late break from work. Seeing me sighing many times, Yokota-san in front of me tilted her head enigmatically. “Kuzuhara-san, is something wrong? Oh, could it be...... something happened with that super handsome boyfriend of yours......?” I was too stunned that my hand stopped scooping the omelet rice.
“Yokota-san, you’re surprisingly sharp......” “I knew it! What caused it? Did you two fight?” Mr. Yokota peered into my face with great curiosity. “No, we didn’t. I think I probably wouldn’t have a fight with that person. It’s not what happened...... It’s just that, I guess I became aware of the harsh reality of the world.” When I sighed, Yokota-san tilted her head again. “Harsh reality?” I briefly explained what Arikawa-san said last time. While listening to my story, Yokota-san’s expression gradually darkened. “Huh~~! What was that!? Are those skills required to marry a monk? They’re difficult, aren’t they? Then that means you’re going to learn everything from now on?” “......Hey, what do you think should I do......?” “Hmmm . . . Your boyfriend is really attractive, and if that’s the case, then you have to give it a little thought. Since that lady already has the necessary skills, I guess..... she’s anticipating for what will happen in the future.” Her words pierced my heart. Yes. That’s right. She might have acquired those skills from a long time ago, with marrying Hazekura-san in mind. In other words, she likes him so much. Then what about me? Should I start learning new skills from now on for his sake? Thinking about it, I can’t help but feel heavy-hearted. Arriving home feeling glum, I spotted Mother preparing dinner in the kitchen. “I’m home.” Hearing my voice behind her, Mother turned around. “Oh, welcome back. Dinner will be ready in about one hour though. Is that okay?” “Yes.” When Mother returned to her cooking, I covertly sighed. I went to my room and sat down on my bed. In fact, there are more bothersome things besides acquiring skills. Ever since that day, I tried to find out on the net and other sources about the married life in the temple. According to those sources, temples nowadays are struggling with a lot of things and management. In other words, instead of getting a bride from a very ordinary family like me, it would be better for the temple’s benefit if he marries a daughter of a wealthy man like Arikawa-san. I am neither a daughter of a parishioner [of Hazakura’s temple] nor of a wealthy man, and I don’t have the necessary skill a temple’s bride should possess, so I wonder if the parishioners will accept me…… The more I think about marriage, the more I think that I am not suited with Hazekura-san. After letting out a big sigh, I laid on my bed. Then, tears started to fill my eyes. I remembered that happened with Hazekura-san until now. He proposed on the first day we met, and from then on, he told me countless passionate professions of love. At first, I was confused. But I was struck by his sincere attitude towards his work, his indulgence to accommodate me, and his deep love for me, loving me more than anyone else. When I realized it, I also fell in love with him. I would like to stay by his side and be of help to him. I love him to the point that I’ll try my best even if it requires effort. But I realized, just because I like it, efforts alone cannot do anything. “Sigh……” Sighs and tears won’t stop at the barrage of thoughts that came to my mind. If you really like someone, you should think about the other person’s happiness. I know that, and it hurts. I wiped my tears with my hand and turned my eyes out of the window. Hazekura-san's happiness is...… the security if his family’s temple. No matter how much I think about it, that’s the only conclusion I can come up with. —Hazekura-san is a kind person, and he’ll surely tell me not to worry…… But if he got a bride who can’t do anything like me, what if Hazekura-san will be criticized? What if his reputation will suffer? I.…. I won’t be able to bear it…… I do not want to do anything that will invalidate his past efforts. —Perhaps, it was already impossible for us from the start…… I calmed my mind by taking deep breaths several times, and a few days later, I took my smartphone and called Hazekura-san, asking him to meet me at a cafe in the city halfway between his house and mine. Arriving a little earlier, my thoughts of trying to calm down completely went down the drain. It’s because Hazekura-san who is wearing his monk garb was already waiting for me at the store. “Hello, Kano-san.” “.…..Hello. I’m sorry for inviting you here knowing that you are busy.” I sat opposite him and placed my things. Hazekura-san’s expression looked kind of nervous. “When you told me over the phone earlier that you have something to tell me, I can’t help but have a bad feeling.” I wavered for a moment after seeing the usual good-looking Hazekura-san. But since we’re already here, I have to tell him what I’ve been thinking. I stared straight at him. As always, he has a handsome face. When I stared at his eyes for so long, my heart throbbed. I really like him . . . But I’ve already decided so don’t dilly-dally, girl! “Hazekura-san, I called you here today to give you my reply.” “It’s about marrying me, right?” “Yes. I really cannot marry you. It’s what I’ve come up with after thinking it very carefully. I’m very sorry.” I lowered my head after telling him the words I’ve practiced many times. Somehow, I managed to say it clearly without breaking into tears. “.…..So my guess was right. I felt that you would probably tell me that.….. but this response is more than I expected.” When I raised my head, Hazekura-san smiled. “Although you made a concession for me, I’m sorry……” “Kano-san, when you told me you like me, was it true?” Hazekura-san said in a rather strong tone to cover my words while I tried to lower my head again. “It’s true! But you’re the successor of the temple. I cannot marry you just because I like you. There should be other women who are more suitable than me. I am not fit to become your wife. That’s why, I think we should break up……!” Even though I have set my heart on this, my tears spilled when I said this. If I stay here any longer, my resolve will likely weaken. Realizing that, I said, “I’m really sorry,” one last time, got up from my seat and rushed out of the shop. —I have to leave here soon! I left and ran to the nearest station. However, my arm was pulled forcefully. The tears filling my eyes fell as I turned around. Hazekura-san’s monk garb was dishevelled and he grasped my arm with a grim expression. “Kano-san! I haven’t agreed to it yet!” —Hazekura-san……!! The cornered expression I’ve never seen before made my chest hurt. But at the same time, I felt happy that he followed me. I wonder how irresolute I am towards Hazekura-san. How good would it be if we were to ignore what I said earlier? No…… Stop that……! “I’m sorry! It’s impossible for me!!” I shook off Hazekura-san’s hand and started to run away again. “Kano-san!” I heard Hazekura-san’s voice coming from behind me. But I ran all the way to the station without looking back. I don’t know how I was able to got on and off the train, but when I realized it, I was walking home. No matter how many times I wiped my tears, it won’t stop flowing. I will never forget Hazekura-san’s expression over our breakup. Sigh…… How long will I become like this…… Maybe, I’ll never be with anyone in the future…… I can’t tell him that. With that line of thinking, I laughed a little. Yeah…… I’m fine, I can still laugh. Besides, I originally thought it would be okay to live alone forever…… I just returned to the way I am before I met him. Just that. For a moment, my heart ached…… When I opened the front door of our house, I saw an unfamiliar pair of shoes. [T/N: What’s with shoes anyway?] When I tried to listen, I could hear a man and another man speaking. Hoshina-kun…… I guessed as I looked into the living room. As I thought, Tasuku and Hoshina-kun were sitting on the sofa, drinking coffee. Hoshina-kun saw me first and bowed his head in greeting. “Hello, Onee-san. Sorry for intruding…… Huh?” Hoshina-kun, who picked up his coffee cup, stopped when he saw me. “Yes, Hoshina-kun?” “Onee-san, did you cry? Your eyes are red.” “What~!?” Tasuku was surprised by Hoshina-kun’s words, and examined me thoroughly. —Ah~ I screwed it. It must have been better had I went straight to my room. I cried on my way home and wiped my all my tears before I entered the house. Still, it seems that I could not hide my red eyes. I turned away from them. “What happened? Did something happen…… Ah, perhaps you quarreled with your boyfriend……?” “.……He’s not my boyfriend anymore.” “What?” “We broke up.” When I confessed, the place turned quiet for a moment. “Broke up…… Huh? Huh? Don’t tell me you initiated it, Sister…..” “.…..I did.” “Why!? Isn’t he a good man? Even Mother was happy with him……” Standing at the entrance of the living room, I searched for appropriate words. “.…..If you think about it logically, Hazekura-san and I do not suit each other. I cannot marry into the temple…… it won’t work out.” “No, that boyfriend chose you, Sister, right? Why are you giving up?” “.…..Because that person is solely responsible for the future of the temple. That’s why, it is better for him to marry someone who has good prospects for his sake and the temple. If you look that way, I am not the best partner for him. That’s what I thought.” Honestly speaking about the reason why decided to break up with him, Tasuku could not understand and frowned. On the other hand, Hoshina-kun was thinking about something while silently listening to our conversation. And then raised his head when he remembered something. “Onee-san. You mentioned the name Hazekura-san a while ago and…… perhaps, do you mean Hazekura Soushun-san?” “Eh? Ah, yes, you’re right……” —Huh? Did I ever mention Hazekura-san’s name to Hoshina-kun? When I tried to recall, Hoshina-kun spoke again. “I’m sorry. In fact, I know about Hazekura-san’s temple. My father who is a lawyer is in good terms with them, and the parishioners of the temple go to his office for consult.” “HUH!? Is that true?! Why didn’t you say so earlier?!” Tasuku demanded before I could say anything. Hoshina-kun smiled wryly at Tasuku. “There are a lot of temples around here, you know…… Even I was surprised. But I remember the name Hazekura. I think I heard from my father that there was an young and veeery attractive son. To think that he was Onee-san’s boyfriend……” Looking at me, Hoshina-kun faltered at his words. “Onee-san, I can somehow understand your sentiments a little, but that temple has a large number of parishioners, and its management is very stable. Thus Soushun-san doesn’t have to marry well for the sake of the temple as you thought it should be.” “Is that so……?” Hoshina-kun nodded with a serious expression. —But still…… “Thank you, Hoshina-kun. But it’s fine. I’ve already decided.” I gave Hoshina-kun and Tasuku my best smile. “Onee-san……” “Sister……” Ignoring their worried expression, I bid them goodbye and went to my room. After entering my room and hurriedly closing the door, I loosened up. Then, the tears I thought have stopped threatened to spill from my eyes again. —It’s fine, this is for the best…… The fact that we broke up made my chest ache. I clutched my chest and sat on the spot. --It’s something you have decided for yourself, so stop brooding over it! I told myself over and over again as I hold back my tears. A few days after I broke up with Hazekura-san. Although I'm desperately trying to forget, Hazekura-san kept getting in touch with me through my smartphone once a day. Sometimes, he calls, sends texts, it varies every day. I can still ignore it now, but I’m scared that one day I might reconsider my decision. However, I got more and more depressed that it is becoming impossible for me to reject his incoming calls due to my lingering attachment. At the end of the day, I’m worried that I might meet him at home and at work. I am disappointed at myself for being worthless. I don’t feel like going out on my day-off today, so I stayed holed up in my room. While sitting on the sofa reading a novel I still haven’t read, our intercom rang. Who is it, I mused as I got up. However, I heard someone in the living room on the first floor heading for the entrance. I felt relieved, but the moment I was about to sit on the sofa again, I heard a loud sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. Immediately after, there was a series of vigorous knocking on my door. “Si-Sister!! A man named Hazekura-san came! Wasn’t that your ex-boyfriend!?” For a moment, I did not get what Tasuku was saying. Eh……? Outside, a man named Hazekura-san c-came!? “Whaaaaaat!?" Finally comprehending the words, I hysterically squealed.
My eyes widened and I shook my head. “No——!! I can’t face him right now! Make him go home for now……” “What? No, I will not do that! He told me, with a very serious expression, ‘Just a glance. Could you please let me see Kano-san?’ Do you know that!? I can’t bear to turn him way!” Showing my unusual flustered self to Tasuku, I suppressed my unrest and pretended to be calm. “It’s impossible to talk to him. It’s impossible for me to meet him!” Having said that, I closed the door. From the other side of the door, the troubled Tasuku was pounding the door while saying, “Hey——!! What will you do, Sister?!” Why…… Why is he here…… I leaned my back at the door and slipped down the floor. He came to my house, but my heart pounded with excitement. He’s . . . He’s here, so close . . . but I can’t meet him. Because it might affect my decision. I repetitively took deep breaths, trying to calm my heart. At that moment, I heard a noise coming up the stairs. Tasuku…… Was he able to deal with him? Thinking so, I got up and grabbed the door knob-- “Kano-san.” My heart throbbed upon hearing his mellow and gentle voice. Hazekura-san!? I released the doorknob in surprise and stared at the door. “I apologize for surprising you. I begged you brother…… I know that I’m bothering you, but I wanted to talk to you again.” “.…..We-We have nothing to talk about. I’m sorry. Please go home.” “Then just listen to me. You said you wanted to break up for my sake, but this situation is not helping me at all.” I can sense he clearly said that in an angry tone, and I sighed. “Kano-san. I’m ashamed to say this, but up until now, I haven’t seriously liked a woman. So I thought I would live alone forever without ever loving someone. However, that thought was overruled when I met you.” Separated by the door, I continued to listen to Hazekura-san’s monologue. “When I lay in my bed at night, I think of you. No matter how tired I am, just remembering your smile will invigorate me. When we actually met, my heart felt like a clear sky after the rain. Although I may look like a mature man, I only knew love when I met you.” “.…..” His every word shook my heart. He was always thinking about me. He gently and slowly spoke to me. Tears started to blur my eyes. “When we went to see the fireworks, you argued with a man and defended me. Did you know how happy I am at that time? I became convinced that I wasn’t wrong to choose you. Whatever got into your mind and this decision, I couldn’t fathom. However, there is no other woman who I want to be my wife except you.” While he was talking, my eyes were filled with tears. I held my mouth and desperately endured, so that my voice will not leak out of my mouth. “—I’m sorry for selfishly liking you. Just don’t forget this. I don’t want to break up with you. Kano-san . . . till next time.” After he said that, he greeted Tasuku who was beside him, “I apologize for suddenly intruding here. I will now take my leave. Please excuse me,” and went down the stairs as quiet as before. I stood in front of the door until I could not hear a thing. “Huhu…… Hu……” Like a broken dam, my tears kept flowing down. In front of the door, I sat down on the floor and crumbled, sobbing. I felt happy that Hazekura-san came here and conveyed me his feelings, but also felt regret for hurting him. Also, I felt uneasy on what to do from now on, my mind in chaos. But there is only one thing that I can understand even with my current state of mind. It is the fact that I really love him. After a while, there was a knock on my door. “Sister? I know it was wrong of me, but I think it would be better if you would talk to each other.” Hearing Tasuku’s apology, I opened the door with my tear-stained face. “No. Actually, thank you. I was happy to know his feelings……” I heaved with sobs, making Tasuku scratch his temples with a troubled expression. “I don’t know what to say about the two of you but…… I know you’re concerned over his family circumstances and his occupation, but in the end, isn’t what he feels is the most important? Otherwise, the marriage will not work out. Am I wrong?” Unusually being seriously admonished by my baby brother, I fell silent. “That kind of confession that will make anyone blush if they hear it, you don’t get that often, you know? Is it really okay to break up with that kind of man?” With that, Tasuku quietly went out of the room and shut the door. —It’s just as Tasuku have said…… I don’t want to break up with him. I want to be with him. But I am currently useless. I felt inferior to Arikawa-san. The reason I didn’t want to marry him was because of my lack of confidence. —Then I should just gain confidence. I wiped my tears and raised my head. Nothing will happen if I keep on crying. Right now, I should take action. I slowly got up. But then, what should I start with? Of course, it is tempting to ask Hazekura-san directly. The other person who could give me more details would be . . . Arikawa-san. She was brutally honest with me, so I’m sure she would…… Wait, but I don’t know Arikawa-san’s contact info nor her address. No, before that, how will I face her when we meet…… Hmmm…… Then, folding my arms as I ponder, a certain person entered my mind. That’s right, that person might know a lot…… But that person also likes Hazekura-san. I wonder if she would hear me out. I hesitated for a moment . . . but I have no other choice. I rushed out of the house quickly. I headed to a Japanese confectionery shop near Hazekura-san’s home. Yes, it’s the Ikemoto’s store. If it’s Ikemoto-san, who is also a parishioner of Hazekura-san’s temple, then I may be able to consult her. With that in mind, I immediately proceeded to the Ikemoto’s store from the train station. As I entered the store, a few store attendants smiled and greeted, “Welcome.” “Erm, is Hatsumi-san around? My name is Kuzuhara.” “Please wait for a moment.” When I asked, he smiled at me and went at the back of the store. Perhaps she’s busy…… As I regretted why I went here on an impulse without making an appointment over the phone, I saw Hatsumi-san emerge from the back of the store. She looked at me with a surprised expression. “Welcome, Kuzuhara-san. You came to . . . shop, right? Is there something wrong?” “I apologize for disturbing you. E-err…… Ikemoto-san, I want to consult you…… Can you spare me a few minutes of your time?” “Consult? Me?” Ikemoto-san was genuinely surprised at my request, but she looked around and immediately guided me to their house adjacent the store, and said, “Please come in.” “So your store is next to your house.” “Yes. As there were craftsmen who lived in the past, such structure was made…… Please wait in this room.” The guest room is a Japanese-style room about eight tatami wide with a beautiful yard that can be viewed from the window. It was elegant. After a while, Ikemoto-san came back with tea and sugared red beans. “So what does Kuzuhara-san want to consult with me? Well, I have an idea what is about though……” After Ikemoto-san put the tea in front of me, she sat down on a cushion and stared at me. “Yes, it’s about Hazekura-san.” I dared to narrate to Ikemoto-san what I need to do in order to marry into the temple, based on what was pointed out by Arikawa-san the other day. While I’m talking, she silently listened. And after I finished telling her everything, Ikemoto-san sighed. “In other words…… you once decided to break up with him, but you want me to teach you the necessary skills because you want to try again?” “Yes. With my current worthless self, I can’t stand next to Hazekura-san. I’m not like Arikawa-san, but what can I do to support him even just a little……?” That’s when I noticed the change in Ikemoto-san’s expression. Her smile was long gone and her mouth has formed into a thin line. “You’re asking me that?” Ikemoto-san said in a cold voice and sneered. Seeing the change in her, I nervously replied. “I-I’m sorry for being insolent! Well……” “I like your obstinacy, but Soushun-san is also an obstinate one. He will never give up his goal to marry you. I did not expect that his determination was this strong……” Of course, Ikemoto-san said in a wry smile, putting her elbows on the table and sat in a relaxed manner. Staring at the situation, I was surprised. What happened to her? “Uhm, Ikemoto-san…… You’re like another person just now. Just what……” When I unknowingly voiced out my puzzlement, Ikemoto-san took a sip of tea and looked at me. “In the first place, I told Arikawa-san about you. Attracted by the looks of Soushun-san and have tried to approached him, she’s a nasty woman who settled herself on him.” “.…..Haaa!?” Wha……!! What the hell! Why did she trick me like that?! “Why did you do that!?” When I came to the realization, I shrieked and glared at Ikemoto-san. However, Ikemoto-san only put a sugared bean on her mouth. “You don’t know this, but Soushun-san is a celebrity in this area. It’s enough that he is good-looking, but he’s also smart enough to graduate as the top of his class. Naturally, he is everyone’s desire. And if it’s Arikawa-san, she can’t help it but look down upon the woman with a questionable origin like you who casually snatched him away from her.” —I did not intend to snatch him…… Overwhelmed by Ikemoto-san’s words, I unconsciously gulped. “And yet, Soushun-san especially brought you to his house…… Even though I’ve always loved him, a woman he loved suddenly appeared and got engaged to him in no time? I didn’t like that. So I thought of breaking you apart!” [T/N: Whoa! Plot twist!] At Ikemoto-san’s confession, my jaw dropped. Seeing my expression, she smirked. “You know what, that day, Arikawa-san went to the temple to stop your engagement with Soushun-san. I personally think that you could not stand a chance against Arikawa-san, so I thought it would be good if you lost your confidence and split up with Soushun-san. But you’re really obstinate.” Resting her chin on her hands, Ikemoto-san sighed. “Dumped by you, I will comfort the heartbroken Soushun-san and from there, your engagement plans will be ruined.” Hahaha, Ikemoto-san laughed drily. But I could not laugh. I’ve been filled with anger from the start. “After listening quietly, what the hell!? If you really liked him, you should’ve aimed straight for him without using underhanded means!” Ikemoto-san frowned upon hearing my words. “Don’t say it so easily. If I could do that, I would not have done this! Soushun-san only sees me as a daughter of a long-time acquaintance. If I confessed to him just like that, he would distance himself more from me. I don't like that. I do not want to be hated by Soushun-san!” Ikemoto-san turned away, pouting like a spoiled brat. “You’re saying it with all your might, right!? I know you’re scared but…… your feelings will never be conveyed unless you tell the other person!” “What’s this? You’re telling me as if you understood. What do you know about me? My feelings for him are already a part of me. You don’t understand it at all!” After her tirade, Ikemoto-san glared at me. But I can’t quail either. I resolutely refused to back down. [T/N: That’s our girl!] “Y-You’re wrong! I also like him!” “But not as much as me! You were not around before. I’ve liked him for so long.” “I don’t care about the time! I like him more than anyone! Even though I just met him, the depth of my feelings for him won’t lose!” Catching our breath, Ikemoto-san and I glared at each other silently. “.…..We’re not reaching an agreement.” “.…..You’re right.” Both of us drank tea to moisturize our throat. Ikemoto-san, who placed her cup on the table first, said with displeasure. “So what you said was true? Do you really want to marry into the temple? You don’t have to overdo it unless you're confident. It will be difficult for you to start learning now…… if you like, why don’t you leave Soushun-san to Arikawa-san and me?” Ikemoto-san replied in a sarcastic tone while she kept glaring at me. After returning the teacup to the table, I stared straight at Ikemoto-san and shook my head. Before I came to this store, my feelings were still somewhat wavering. I like him, but I’m not suited for him…… I was very anxious, I was irresolute. But-- “I’m serious. Anyway, I think Arikawa-san is a wonderful woman who is perfect for the temple, but I do not want to hand him over to anyone.” “Oh.” Ikemoto-san’s eyes widened with surprise. “I’ve decided. I won’t dither anymore.” I declared, standing from my seat. Ikemoto-san only regarded me silently. “I apologize for suddenly coming to disturb you. Well then.” Bowing my head politely, I passed by Ikemoto-san and left the shop. And then headed towards the nearby temple. “I know you’re scared but…… your feelings will never be conveyed unless you tell the other person!” That’s right. I want to tell him my feelings as soon as possible and before I knew it, I was running. Running out of breath as I go up the stairs leading to the temple, I took up several deep breaths to catch my breath. Suddenly, I realized that I came again without contacting first. What to do…… What if he went out somewhere…… If he’s not there, then it’s pointless. But what if Hazekura-san actually came back? Troubled, I wandered around the temple. Then, I remembered he comes here by car. —That’s right, the car. He should be there if there is a car. Turning around the parking lot, I saw the familiar black car of Hazekura-san. Thank God…… Hazekura-san is here! At that moment, my heart jolted. The more I tried to calm my mind, the faster my heart beat. It is already dusk. There are no more worshipers to be seen. I went straight to the temple’s office, conscious of my noisy heart. Then I put my hand on the sliding door. —Okay, here we go! “Excuse me!” Calling out as I opened the sliding door, Shouji-san, who was the closest to me, looked back at me. “Oh. Kuzuhara-sa—” “Kano-san!?” I heard Hazekura-san’s voice overlapping Shouji-san’s voice. He immediately came in front of me with an anxious expression. Shouji-san, who was about to stand up, silently observed us and sat down. “What happened? Or could it be that you have something to tell me?” His low mellow voice. I just head it a few days ago . . . but why does my heart beat so much? I took a breath and looked straight at Hazekura-san. His eyes, which seem somewhat uneasy, stared right back at me. “.…..Even though you came to my house last time, I was rude to you…… I’m sorry.” “No, I came uninvited after all.…..” I then gulped. “I really like you.” Hazekura-san’s beautiful eyes widened instantly. “I am not suited for you who is the heir of the temple—That’s what I thought, so I tried to give up on you. But it was useless. I also want to be with you forever. But I have nothing. I came from an ordinary house, I can’t even do flower arrangement or wear a kimono……” Hazekura-san, who silently listened to me express my true feelings, shook his neck many times with a serious expression. “It’s impossible that you have nothing, Kano-san. I want to be by your side, Kano-san. I can be happy just because you are on my side, and that’s enough.” This time I shook my head. “No! That’s not true! At the very least, the way I am now, I am not confident to stand next to you. I don’t want to drag you down!” When I frankly told him that, Hazekura-san giggled. “That’s really like you. I remember the first time we met…… Yes, an unyielding woman who will not bend from her convictions. That’s you…… Then, why don’t we do this? I will teach you everything I can teach about living in this temple. Beyond that, you can find a place where you can learn properly, then keep on learning until you are satisfied.” Hazekura-san smiled. Seeing that smile, I smiled as well. I was coerced the first time we met, but this time he considered my feelings and offered me the best choice. I am really no match for this person…… “Hazekura-san…… Thank……” The moment I was about to smile and express my gratitude, my body was engulfed in his arms. “It is I who wants to say thank you. Kano-san, thank you…… Just with you here by my side, I can be happier than anyone else.” I could hear Hazekura-san’s kind and mellow voice beside my ear. Oh, yeah—During the Bon festival too, he embraced me when I was about to crash onto him, and he called my name in this voice. Deep, but a little sweet voice. I gently put my hand on his back and held him tightly. I closed my eyes ecstatically as I felt his warmth after a long time. Just then, I heard an audible cough which returned me to reality. “It’s good that you’re now in a better state, but isn’t it time for you to go, Assistant Chief Priest?” Ooops! I forgot that Shouji-san was nearby. When I raised my face from Hazekura-san’s chest, whether he was shocked or have gotten used to this, my eyes met with Shouji-san, who sighed. Remembering the last time where he witnessed us kissing, I quickly scrambled out of Hazekura-san’s embrace. However, I was held more strongly, and I was embraced again in his chest. “Hey, Hazekura-san—!” What are you doing? But what I was about to say was blocked by his lips. “Hn—!!” Pushing my lips a little more intensely, he left my lips for a moment, changed the angle and ravaged it. And then gradually tasted my lips deeply and sweetly. It’s been a long time since we kissed, and I could’ve gotten swept away, but not right now! …...Hey, Hazekura-san! If you don’t stop, Shouji-san will get angry again…..! Thud, thud. After striking his chest several times as a means of protest, Hazekura-san finally let go of my lips. Leaving me breathless, he smiled mischievously and whispered in my ear. “It’s unfortunate, but I will hold back today. But please be prepared the next time we meet, all right? Kano.” And he then blew a hot breath in my ear. At that moment, an electrifying shiver ran down my spine. —Whoa……!! This is dangerous! A-And…… Just now, he called me Kano [without the -san]……! My knees weakened and I was about to fall. Hazekura-san grabbed my arm and supported me. “Are you alright?” —Th-This person…… He absolutely knew it! I grabbed his ear with my free hand and glared at him. “Wh-What are you suddenly doing?!” “You tried to leave me so that was your punishment.” Hazekura-san replied with a beaming smile, and it was beautiful.
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