In line with her enthusiasm at my suggestion, it eventually came to a point that Miwa-nee took the reins on planning our camping trip.
However, before she moved onto the actual planning, I got to hear stories that she found precious even today. Stories about her hiking trips that she truly held dear. They were experiences that she could always look back on. freewebnov(e)l.com
Hearing about those with her own way of retelling of her adventures, almost magically, I could imagine accompanying her and seeing the same scene as her.
And looking at her thrilled expression along with a hint of nostalgia, those were definitely golden days for her.
I once mentioned her love for hiking. Although not often, there were times when night caught up on her before she descended, resulting in her camping for the night right where she was.
According to her, the challenge could certainly be identified as the whole climb towards the peak. But nothing would beat the reward she was receiving upon reaching the peak, the amazement she was feeling along with the contentment as she gazed at the stretch of land below, staring at the civilization that was growing and evolving nonstop.
Compared to me, who could only remember a few camping trips organized by the schools I attended, there’s simply a wide gap of experience or know-hows between us.
That’s why once she finished with her stories and reminiscence, I simply listened to what she could come up with.
Naturally, with Minoru coming with us, we could only pick those famous spots for camping in a mountainous area rather than an actual mountain to hike. Furthermore, it would be a place accessible by road. That way, we could save time on climbing up on top.
With that as the baseline, Miwa-nee stood up and began writing on a paper, listing the requirements she had just spoken.
Once she’s done, she returned and presented it to me, asking for my seal of approval.
“To better prepare for it. Let’s not rush, Ruki. It will be two weeks from now. A day or a few days before I returned. Leave the researching and picking of what will be best to pick to me. I have a lot of free time nowadays, so this will be a worthwhile endeavor.”
Miwa-nee said as she returned to her previous place and snuggled back in my embrace. She’s beaming a dazzling smile as enthusiasm overflowed from her eyes.
“Then I will be troubling Miwa-nee. I’m looking forward to what you can come up with.”
“You better be… Oh, before I forget, we won’t be camping for a whole day. Going there in the morning and returning in the afternoon is the most ideal. That way, you can still attend to your other commitments for that day, such as your part-time job.”
“Hmm? Miwa-nee won’t ask me to just rest at home after we return?”
“You’re asking that as if you will listen.” Miwa-nee smilingly shook her head. She found it incredulous that I asked that.
Well, I could give her a point for that. It’s right, but not quite…
“Uh… Probably not. You know me too well, Miwa-nee… However, I will probably accept it if you insist. I mean, I’m even fine with skipping a day in school.”
“Hmm? Didn’t you only say that to entice me? Ruki, I’m aware how packed your days are. Even though we always remind you to rest, you still keep on going out to meet someone or do something…”
After another shake of her head, Miwa-nee placed her hand on my cheek and lovingly caressed it. Being subjected to that, I could feel my heart beating rapidly, stimulated by my lovely girl’s touch.
A moment later, she continued.
“… Honestly, though, I don’t see it as a bad thing. Do you know why? Because every time you return to us, you always have this gentle and satisfied smile pasted on your lips. That alone is enough to prove that your trips aren’t wasted. Whatever you’re doing, there’s always a meaning for it. And on the same note, they’re always meaningful for you. Otherwise, you won’t hear the end of our nagging for pushing yourself to exhaustion on an unrewarding task.”
“Remember, Akane, me and the other girls have our laps always waiting for you to rest on… You need only ask if you feel like lying down to take your much-needed rest. And naturally, you can keep doing what you have to do, Ruki. The same as how you’re watching over us, we’re also doing the same for you. That’s how much we love you…”
Miwa-nee’s loving touch continued and occasionally, when doing small pauses, she would press her lips on mine.
On the other hand, as I listened to Miwa-nee’s heartwarming words, my arms wrapped around her kept on pushing her closer, enough that we could feel our warmth and hear the beating of our heart.
After another pause, Miwa-nee blinked and gave a slight nod.
“Yes… The same as you, it’s about time for me to move on from feeling guilty on turning you into this, and I now accept that everyone loves you the same.”
Ending it with that, Miwa-nee tried to snuggle close to my chest again. However, I prevented that. After all those, it would be weird if I wasn’t moved by everything I heard, my lips naturally found hers.
And while only moving as quietly as possible to not disturb the boy’s sleep, I conveyed everything I wanted to say through my kisses, my touch and the connection we made.
Even though my initial objective on visiting her tonight was to only spend some quality time with her, it switched to reminiscing, to planning and eventually to this.
I got to hear Miwa-nee’s inner thoughts about our situation and in the end, our bond was once again reinforced.
Due to this, I stayed with Miwa-nee until she fell asleep. And before I left the room, I watched over the mother and child, making sure that they’re both comfortably sleeping.
By the time I returned to our room, two out of the three women were already asleep. I thought they’re just acting at first but when I climbed up and checked on them, both Akane and Haruko were already snoring peacefully that I felt bad for doubting them.
I kissed their foreheads and whispered good night before putting the blanket on them. After that, I shifted my eyes to the silver koala, who was adorably restraining herself from jumping in my embrace.
I first climbed down the bed and went to the side of the bed nearest to her. I stretched my arm out to her, which the girl readily took before carefully getting off the bed.
As soon as Edel lifted herself off of it, I supported her to stand straight before reaching for her hand and clasping it with mine.
Moment’s later, I turned around and began walking towards the door.
While meekly looking at the floor as she followed my steps, Edel cautiously asked, “Uhm. Where are we going?”
“Hmm… Let’s take a walk outside. Here, wear this.” I reached for a thick, warm jacket hanging at the side and draped it on her shoulders. “Don’t worry, this isn’t about our earlier talk. I just want to spend some time with you without disturbing their sleep.”
“O-okay…”
In less than a minute, we reached the front door. Before opening it, I turned towards the girl and asked, “Are you still afraid of me, Edel?”
Upon hearing that, her answer came swiftly and without a hint of falsehood.
“No. My fear, my trauma, has stopped reacting to you since that day. For years, you’re the sole guy who… achieved this. I’m distrustful enough that I depended on Haru who understands my circumstances. You changed it… Ruki.”
“I see. I’m glad to hear that. But if it’s only me. I still have a long way to go in helping you, right?”
Not waiting for her answer, I opened the door and pulled her with me outside.
The cold breeze of the night immediately brushed past us. Even with her thick jacket, I noticed how her hand tightened as part of a reaction to the chilly wind.
Why did I bring her outside? What I was trying to accomplish?
Honestly, I had no idea. I just thought we could talk freely while we’re here. I even left my phone on the table in the room just to make this become a moment for us.
“It’s cold…”
“Right it is. We can postpone this walk and come inside instead.”
“No… Let’s go, Ruki… Did you know? It’s been years since I took a walk outside during the night. The last I can remember is… with my father. The day before he passed away.”
After dropping a revelation like that, Edel took the lead as she began dragging me with her, walking while being guided by the streetlights and the moonlight.
Right. My mind somehow slowed down on processing it. Who would’ve thought that a spontaneous suggestion of taking a walk outside would result in unearthing a detail about her past…
Nonetheless, I quickly gathered my wits and matched her pace. But before doing so, her silver hair reflecting the moonlight gave her figure a more heavenly feeling. If not for the jacket draped on her shoulders, she’d be close to a Goddess who descended to the surface.
Yet, with or without that jacket, the hint of another nostalgia, but a different one than what I witnessed from Miwa-nee earlier, covered this silver beauty.
“I’m sorry.” I couldn’t help but blurt that out as I tried to peek into her current expression…
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