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Reiji: ...What the heck. Those two still aren't back yet...
I mutter that to the empty living room as I set the dinner table.
When I came back home from school, those two weren't at home.
Even though there wasn't any sign that they would be back anytime soon, I started preparing dinner anyway just in case, because
I thought they might have gone to buy materials for it.
Reiji: Jeez. Just what are those two doing...
Sakura: I'm home~
What perfect timing since I was just thinking about them, as I hear that carefree voice drift in from the entry hall.
Reiji: Where did you go? Isn't Sayuki with you?
Sakura: Feh? No, I'm by myself, can't you tell?
Reiji: You two didn't go out together?
Although I was sure they had gone out together, apparently they each some seperate business.
Sakura: Nn. Sayuki-chan woke up and flew out of the house in a panic somewhere. After that, I went for a walk.
Reiji: Well, you love to do as you like...What's in the bag?
Sakura: Sweets~
Sakura holds out a suspicious looking bag to me with both hands.
Reiji: Nah, I don't need to see it. Still, I am interested in how you got such a big bag full of sweets. ...Did you pay for it?
Sakura: Nope, it was free.
Reiji: ...Don't tell me you were followed by a strange guy or something?
Sakura: As if I would do that! Master, that's really rude of you!
Reiji: Sorry, I just have a hard time believing that you got a big bag of sweets like that.
Sakura: The person who gave them to me said I should eat them with my friends.
Reiji: Friend?
Sakura: Nn. While I was walking near the farm areas, I smelt something good and went to check it out.
Reiji: You didn't steal them or anything did you?
Sakura: Of course not! ...When I got closer to the smell, it was coming from a small house.
Reiji: House?
I didn't know that there were any homes out in the area where the farms are on the island.
Sakura: Yeah, there was an old lady out there who lived alone and loved to make friends.
Sakura: She said she always talks with one friend in particular, but I guess I took his place today since she said he didn't come.
Reiji: ...A friend who always comes?
Sakura: Nn. She said he was a funny and good-natured guy that was a little older than me.
Reiji: ...A guy...
When I heard those words, my heart pumped loudly in my chest.
It tickled somewhat, as if it was reacting to something that I should know.
Sakura: Apparently that guy always came around and told her wild and colorful stories.
Sakura: Although she never really understood what he was telling her, they always seemed interesting, and she was always happy.
...Therefore, she always looked forward to the next day.
Reiji: ...Waiting for a friend...
Sakura: Nn. Since she's lived alone for so long, she was really glad she was able to become friends with him.
Reiji: ...It can't be...
Though it has to be impossible, the face of my classmate jumps to the forefront of my mind.
Sakura: What is it? Master...you look lost.
Reiji: ...No. I was just thinking that maybe the guy she was talking about was Kirisaki.
Sakura: Kirisaki-kun?
Reiji: Ah. He said that there was a friend waiting for him. ...But, he's already gone.
Sakura: ...Nn.
Reiji: Therefore his friend shouldn't remember him. Nevertheless, he's still gone.
Sakura: ...Somehow, I get the feeling she really was talking about Kirisaki-kun. ...Yes. I'm sure she was.
Reiji: Eh?
Sakura: I'm sure that old woman's friend was Kirisaki-kun.
Reiji: I thought you said remembering such a thing wasn't possible.
Sakura: Well...It's romantic in a way.
Reiji: Maybe it is a little romantic...but in reality it's impossible right?
Sakura: That's true. That's probably the case. But still...
Sakura looks up and glances outside the window with a smile on her face.
Following her lead, I also look up at the sky.
Sakura: Still, even if his existence disappeared and the memories they had are gone...
I think something was left behind since they spent everyday with each other.
Sakura: Therefore, I'm sure of it. It's not that easy to completely forget someone so important to you...
The warm feelings you are able to share with each other.
Reiji: ...Maybe so.
She may be a weapon, but Sakura's words definitely have a human quality about them, and I can't help but smile.
Although I would probably laugh it off, since the story is hard to believe...
However, Sakura's mysterious words aren't that bad, at least that's what I think.
Reiji: Next time, introduce me to her. ...I'd also like to be friends with her.
Sakura: Nn. I'm sure they would like that.
Reiji: Ah.
I slowly nod with a smile as I watch the evening sun. And, I swear that I see a small light shine in line with the deep red light.