I thought I'd dream about her again… but nothing came.
I only slept a little.
Maybe it was all just a fleeting vision.
A message? A sign that I need to find Uke Mochi's village?
To be honest, I think I've been stalling for too long.
After Grandpa's letter… I should already be on the farm.
So why am I still here, bruised, arguing about how I feel for some girl I met two weeks ago… and talking about childhood promises that feel like they belong to someone else?
When did my life get so complicated?
Not that I hate it.
But… I wish I could just have a little peace.
Something slower, quieter… something that didn't feel like a whirlwind of noise and drama.
I opened my eyes slowly.
I was in the same room I always slept in.
Alone.
With a throbbing pain in my nose and my head.
"…Hikaru really went all out," I muttered.
Yeah, that punch hurt more than I expected.
But more than the pain, there was a decision I couldn't keep avoiding.
After that dream… the way that girl asked for help… I need to find Uke Mochi's village. I need answers. I need to know the truth.
I started packing. And that's when I realized—I hadn't checked my phone.
It was off.
When I turned it on, a list of missed calls and messages from Kaori popped up.
"…So she really did try to reach me," I whispered.
I was the one who wasn't paying attention.
Just as I finished packing, I heard footsteps.
It was Kaori.
Without a word, she ran to me and hugged me from behind.
"I looked for you in the greenhouse, but you weren't there," she said, on the verge of tears. "They told me Hikaru hit you… I got scared. Are you okay?"
"Just a bit of a headache… and my nose. Nothing serious," I replied, zipping up my bag.
"He's an idiot! How dare he hit you?! It's not your fault that girl fell for you!"
"Well… I kinda get it. He really cares about Ailany, and I know how important she is to him."
I gave her a soft smile. "But yeah, he definitely went overboard."
"I don't care how much he likes her! He's still an idiot!" Kaori puffed up her cheeks like an angry goldfish.
"You know, even if you're older than me, you still act like a kid sometimes," I said as I stood up.
"…So, Haruki… are we leaving already?" she asked, looking at the bag.
I wanted to go with Ailany…
…or so I thought.
But honestly, I don't mind Kaori coming along too.
Still… I did want to go with Ailany alone!
If this much chaos happened in just two days, I don't even want to imagine a full journey together…
Where did my peaceful life go? Who took it away?
After chatting a bit with Kaori and changing my clothes, we headed to the main room.
Strangely, Ailany didn't come out to see me.
Everyone else was already gathered.
Hikaru gave me a rushed apology, saying he didn't mean it, that it was just a reflex because he cared about Ailany… or something like that.
Mr. and Mrs. Hanabira scolded him gently.
All I could think was: If that was unintentional, I'd hate to see him mad.
Ailany, on the other hand, was unusually quiet.
Not like her at all.
"…Something wrong, Ailany?" I asked gently.
She kept her head down, saying nothing.
I tried to break the silence.
"It's not your fault, you know. It was just a misunderstanding… same as with Kaori."
I thought she'd say something sweet. Like: "I'm sorry, Haruki. It was my fault. I understand things now."
I'd reply: "Don't worry, these things happen," and give her a warm hug.
Hikaru would finally understand he never had a chance with her.
But instead…
"Don't twist things around!" Ailany snapped.
"What happened with… with Kaori was totally different! She was almost naked, wearing your shirt! It's not the same, okay?!"
Eh?! That blunt?!
"Ailany, please…" Miyako-san cut in. "I thought you were worried. That you felt bad about what happened."
"I was! But it's just… not the same! He wasn't half-naked in my room, right?!"
"Maybe not," said Kazuo-san calmly. "But you need to understand—everything depends on context. On the people involved.
Tell me, do you want him to leave with Kaori and not you? Because that's what it sounds like."
"…No! I don't want him to leave without me!" Ailany blurted, her voice trembling.
"Then stop acting like this… and give him a hug. Isn't that what you really wanted to do?" Miyako-san added with a warm smile.
Seriously… these people are too wholesome.
We should take them with us on this trip. We're gonna miss them so much…
Ailany hesitated a bit… but eventually…
With her cheeks slightly flushed, she walked over and hugged me shyly.
Her heart was racing. Her body trembled just a little.
But her warmth… it felt like summer breeze.
Sweet, soft… full of love.
I didn't want that moment to end.
And I don't think she did either.
"I'm glad you're okay…" she whispered.
"You're coming with me, right? I don't want to leave without you," I whispered back, hugging her tighter.
"…Yes. I want to go with you, Haruki," she said, looking at me with those big green eyes, nervous and blushing.
Her gaze pulled me in… like she wanted me to kiss her.
I brushed her cheek gently and leaned in—
"Ahem!"
Kazuo-san cleared his throat.
"Well, looks like everything's settled," he said. "I'm glad it ended this way."
Kaori and Hikaru said nothing.
Their expressions were… serious. Maybe even upset. But they stayed quiet.
"Yeah… I think it's all resolved," I replied, still holding Ailany.
"Then let's talk about the journey," Kaori said, a little cold.
"You're really leaving already, Haruki?" Hikaru asked, surprised.
"Yeah… I've put this off long enough. I've got unfinished business."
I looked at Ailany.
So close, so flustered…
And still, doubt creeps in.
Is this love? Or something else I still don't understand?
Is it because of my promise with Kaori? Or the dream of that mysterious goddess?
"So all three of you are leaving today? Whoa, that escalated fast.
Just yesterday you were saying you'd go with Ailany… and now you're outta here.
Also… why are you guys still hugging?" Hikaru said awkwardly.
"I think she feels safe this way. I don't want to stop her… right?" I asked, looking at her.
She just nodded and clung to me even tighter.
"Haruki… is this what you were trying to tell us last night?" Miyako-san asked.
"Part of it, yeah. But now that everyone's here, I'd like to talk things through properly."
"Not to be rude, but if we're gonna talk about something important… maybe save the hugging for later?" Kaori said, arms crossed, a tight smile on her face.
"I mean… this isn't a romantic drama scene, you know."
"Yeah, and we're all watching," Hikaru added, looking away with a frown.
"If this is serious, then act like it. Less sugar, more sense."
"What's wrong with it?!" Ailany shot back, squeezing me harder. "We're not doing anything inappropriate!"
"Ailany… Haruki's not gonna run away. You can hug him later," Hanabira-sama said, keeping things light.
"My precious girl… you've always been a handful. I'm honestly a little worried for Haruki on this trip," Miyako-obasan sighed softly, fondly.
"No need to worry," I said with a calm smile. "I've gotten used to her personality."
"You've only known her a few weeks…" Hikaru muttered with a fake smile.
"But sure. You're already used to her. That was quick."
Eventually, Ailany let go of me.
We all sat down in the living room, ready to talk about the journey ahead.
And even though the dream still lingers in my mind…
Even though doubt still whispers in the back of my thoughts…
I know I can't turn back.
The village of Uke Mochi awaits.