And so, we all returned to the main room.
It was time for round two: trying to convince Hikaru why joining this trip wasn't such a great idea.
Even I had to step in to help Kaori-san, since Hikaru remained stubborn, insistent… way too intense, like he wanted this trip more than any of us. It felt as if he'd been dreaming of this moment for years.
Whatever excuse we gave, he instantly came up with five counterarguments.
"Hikaru… what about your family? Aren't you worried about leaving your mom behind for such a sudden trip?" I asked, trying to bring him back to reason.
"My dad passed away a long time ago," he replied, his voice lowering a bit. "And I think I could leave my mom with my aunt. If I explain it well, I'm sure she'll understand…
Or… are you saying you don't want me to come anymore?"
"No! Not at all! How could you think that?!" Kaori-san and I shouted almost in unison, waving our hands in denial. "You're an incredible person!"
But then, Ailany-chan stepped forward.
Her expression was far more serious than usual. Her voice, sharp and unwavering.
"I'm sorry, Hikaru. But you can't come with us. This trip… it's something I want to do only with Haruki."
She spoke coldly. Then added with an intense gaze:
"Unfortunately, some parasite latched onto Haruki. But even so, you can't come. I hope you understand… and forgive me."
Uwah?! That blunt?!
I was caught off guard.
Ailany-chan can be brutally honest sometimes—no fluff, no sugarcoating.
But in a strange way, I admire her for that.
It takes courage.
Still… I did feel bad for Hikaru.
This trip… just didn't include him.
"I get it, Ailany…" he replied, eyes cast down.
The spark in his expression vanished, replaced by a distant melancholy.
"I hope your journey goes well. I actually came to apologize… but with all this going on, I took too long. I have to help my mom at the market. So, I'll be going now.
Kazuo-sama, Miyako-sama… and of course, Ailany. I wish you all the best.
And you, Haruki… take good care of her, alright?"
Without another word, he left.
Ailany-chan's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
It wasn't loud crying, but a quiet rain—soft, cold, and nostalgic.
I understood perfectly. They were close. Very close.
And now… it was over.
I approached her gently and spoke in a low voice.
"Are you sure about this, Ailany-chan?"
"I love him deeply, Haruki… but my mind is filled only with you," she whispered, her voice trembling as she wiped her tears with shaky hands.
"It hurts… it really hurts… but I had to choose. I had to draw the line.
In life, we have to make choices like this—for our own sake, and for the other person's too.
If we keep dragging it out, I think that's even crueler. Because that person lives on with the hope that one day, they'll be loved back…"
She paused, glancing toward Kaori-san.
"I hope you understand, Haruki."
I didn't reply. I stayed quiet.
Because I knew she was right.
The problem is… maybe that person finds joy in that hope.
Taking away that tiny happiness… feels far too cruel.
I don't want to see Kaori suffer.
And I don't want to see you suffer either, Ailany.
I don't want to choose. Not yet.
I need time. I need time to give me the right answers… and the right decisions.
In the meantime, I'll try to make both of you happy.
I don't think it's that hard.
After all, my grandfather used to say:
"One flower is lovely, but a whole rose garden is even more beautiful… though it demands more love and care."
I… intend to take very good care of them.
"Alright, enough feelings and misunderstandings for one day," said Kazuo-sama, trying to lighten the mood.
"How about some mizu-yōkan Miyako made?"
[Mizu-yōkan (水ようかん): A chilled summer dessert made with red bean paste (anko), agar-agar, and water.]
"Yes, please!" we all answered in unison.
I'm pretty sure what I'll miss most about this farm… is the food.
Miyako-sama's cooking is so good—so incredibly good—that no restaurant in Japan could even compare.
Not even one from Kyoto.
After dessert, the goodbyes began.
Kaori-san and I gave our thanks for everything, then stepped outside to wait, leaving Ailany-chan with her grandparents so they could have one last moment together.
After a while, they came out.
And so began the final farewell.
"I wish you could stay with us," said Miyako-sama, her eyes gleaming.
"But I know more than ever that you're determined to leave… I only hope your decision doesn't bring you pain, my dear Ailany."
"I never thought I'd live to see the day my little girl would leave home…
This farm's going to feel so quiet from now on," added Kazuo-sama, his voice heavy with melancholy.
"Stop it already or you'll make me cry!" said Ailany-chan with a faint smile.
Though… the tears were already rolling down her cheeks.
She ran toward them and hugged them tightly.
"I promise I'll bring her back, Kazuo-sama," I added, solemnly.
And between tears, broken words, and sincere embraces…
the farewell came to an end.
A fleeting goodbye…
Because I'm sure it won't be long before I return to this farm.
Especially… to the Hanabira-sama.
I just hope that by then… I'll have all my problems sorted out.