After saying our goodbyes, we started walking down the dirt path that stretched beyond the small Hanabira farm. The morning air was still fresh, and the sky remained a soft, pale blue—calm and open, like a blank page waiting to be written on.
Kaori-san walked beside me in silence. Ailany-chan was a few steps ahead. She tried to hide it, but I could still hear her quiet sobs. Each one felt like a needle piercing my chest… as if her pain were my own.
I get it. We've only known each other for a few weeks, and yet she's already setting off on this journey with me—toward the unknown. Maybe she's in love with me… or maybe she's not. What if I'm just an illusion, something new and exciting in her life that only seems special? I don't want her to wake up one day and realize she was just confused. Because that… that would hurt more than I could bear.
"Ailany-chan… you're not alone, okay? I'm here for you. I know I'm not like Hikaru… or your grandparents. But I'll protect you. I promise. I'll do everything I can to make you feel at home," I said, my heart pounding so hard it made my voice tremble.
I stepped up beside her. Without thinking, I held out my hand.
"You don't have to walk alone. From now on… we can walk together."
"Thank you..." she whispered, her voice still shaky as she wiped her tears with her sleeve. Slowly, she reached for my hand—but just then…
"Hey! That's my arm!" Kaori-san shouted, clinging tightly to me. "I know you're feeling down, but you can have the other one, okay?" she huffed, turning away in awkward defiance.
"I'm already regretting letting you come with us…" Ailany sighed, clearly trying to keep her cool. "But just for today, I'm not fighting with you. I don't want to start this journey off with a pointless argument."
Then she took my other arm and gave me a mischievous look, a teasing smile curling on her lips.
"Are you sure she's older than you?"
I glanced at Kaori-san. A wave of childhood memories rushed in. She's always been like this with me. I guess I've just gotten used to her. After all, she's only a couple years older…
"Hey! I know you meant that as an insult!" Kaori pouted, puffing out her cheeks like an angry child.
"For the record… at least I'm not a jealous maniac."
"I'm not jealous. I just don't trust you. That's why I act like this," Ailany shot back, looking away with her nose in the air.
"Yeah, yeah… whatever you say, jealous girl," Kaori teased, letting out a mocking laugh.
Before I knew it, a smile tugged at my lips—light and nostalgic. I'm not sure why… Maybe because I never thought I'd be in a moment like this. Surrounded by two beautiful girls who care about me.
I always thought I'd walk this road alone, like I always had.
But I was wrong.
I met people who taught me how to see the world differently. People who helped me change.
The fear I once felt toward the real world… is slowly fading. And even though I sometimes miss the quiet comfort of my old routine… this chaos, this excitement—it's not so bad.
Now I understand what you meant, Grandpa.
I promise… I'll keep moving forward. Because this isn't the end. It's only the beginning of my evolution.
I want to keep discovering this world. I want to uncover my true feelings. I want to learn how to love—not out of gratitude, not because someone pulled me out of the darkness—but truly, genuinely love someone.
I want to know them better… and when the time comes, choose the one who truly touches my heart.
Even if… deep down, I wish that moment would never come.
But for now, I'll protect the goddess who saved me from the void… and the flower princess who turned me into her prince.
"You're the one acting like a spoiled brat," Ailany teased, her voice playful.
"Eh? Haruki-kun...? You're smiling! Do you really think I'm a spoiled brat?" Kaori asked, her eyes sparkling somewhere between laughter and mock offense.
"It's not that, Kaori-san. It's just… I never imagined this. I'm happy. And it's because you're both here with me. You're both amazing girls, each in your own way. I feel blessed by the gods."
I used to be a lonely guy, with no friends… And now, somehow, I have you two.
Thank you for being with me, Ailany… Kaori.
I love you… I really do.
"You're acting weird, Haruki-kun… But I love you too," Ailany said softly, blushing as she clung to my arm. "You'll never be alone again."
"Haruki-kun… my lonely prince," Kaori murmured gently. "You don't have to be brave or strong. I'll always love you and take care of you."
She hugged me too. And even though I turned red as a tomato, the warmth they gave me was comforting. I was nervous… but happier than I'd ever been.
There are still people waiting to be met… A mysterious goddess awaits me… and each step brings us closer to the Spring Blossom Farm.
But for the first time… I truly feel ready for whatever lies ahead.
"Thank you… really. Kaori-san, Ailany-chan. I'm not great with words… but I mean this from the bottom of my heart."
And so we kept walking, beneath the gentle summer breeze…
With our hearts beating in sync.
The future is uncertain. I don't know what lies ahead.
But this time, I'm not afraid.
Because this time… I'm not alone.
Yonde kurete arigatou.
(Thank you for reading.)