Episode 120: The Place Where It All Began (2)

‘Takizawa?’
‘What?’
‘Nothing. I just wondered if you were really here.’
‘Of course I’m here.’

Takizawa was holding my hand and didn’t seem about to let go. That made me happy and tickled my heart.

I still felt as though I were in a dream.

　After Takizawa told me she liked me, then ran away, I chased after her and tried contacting her countless times, but she wouldn’t answer. Waves of anxiety washed over me, fearing she might never see me again.

I kept thinking I had to go and see her, but whenever I stood in front of her house, I lacked the courage to ring the doorbell. I’d come to this park to gather my courage, then go back to her, and repeat the cycle.

So, I never imagined I’d actually meet Takizawa here.

　The stars spread out above us had brought us together.

That’s how it felt.

Here we were, in the dead of winter, huddled together on a park bench, sharing a coat. I could feel the warmth radiating from her hands.

Takizawa was really here beside me.

That simple fact filled me with joy, and I unconsciously tightened my grip on her hand.

Her body, which had been cold just moments ago, began to give off a gentle warmth.

We simply gazed at the stars.

‘That constellation you showed me, Canis Major, looks just like you, Endo-san.’
‘Eh…?’

When I looked at Takizawa with a face that seemed to show my displeasure at being thought of as a dog or something again, she looked mischievous. I found even that expression endearing.

I didn’t have to hold back these feelings any longer—.

‘I love you…’
‘Yeah.’
‘I really love you…’
“Yeah.”
“What about you, Takizawa?”
“I said it earlier.”

She said that, and wouldn’t say it again.

Feeling a bit sulky, I look away from Takizawa, only for her to pull my face close and press something warm against my lips.

“――I love you.”

　I don’t know if it’s because it’s cold or because she’s conscious of me, but Takizawa’s face has turned red. Could there be anything happier than this?

“I’m so happy…”

　The word ‘happy’ just spills out of my mouth.

　I could die tomorrow and be perfectly content.

　No, I’ve finally managed to connect with Takizawa. There are so many things I want to do.

“Endo-san, how long have you liked me?”

　Takizawa asks me that with a serious expression. I hadn’t expected her to ask me that, and I felt so embarrassed I looked away.

‘I didn’t realise it, but my heart was drawn to you more and more. I think I properly realised it was romantic feelings around Christmas in our second year.’
‘In our second year?’
‘Yeah.’

　That’s right, come to think of it, I’d been pining for Takizawa for a whole year.

　There were plenty of hard times.
　But if today was going to happen, I think I could have kept going, no matter how many years it took.

“I see. Sorry I didn’t realise.”
“Really? I’ve been trying to get your attention the whole time.”

I puffed out my cheeks and looked at Takizawa, and she gave a little chuckle.

“Why did you laugh?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“Is that something to laugh at?”
“I just thought you were cute.”

　――Cute――

　At that simple word, a rush of heat spread through my whole body. Could Takizawa really think I was cute? I couldn’t believe it, and I felt embarrassed that my face was flushing just because of that.

‘You idiot, Takizawa.’
‘You’re the idiot, Endo-san.’
‘……Takizawa, are you really sure I’m the one for you?’

　I’m so anxious I can’t stand it.

　I keep wanting to pinch my cheeks, just to make sure this isn’t a dream.
　I’ve been pinching my cheeks so much on the way here to meet Takizawa that they’re about to swell up.

‘It’s Hina I love—’

　When I looked at Takizawa in response to those words, she was turned away from me, her face flushed all the way to her ears.

　What should I do?

　The urge to touch her was swelling so much that it felt as though it might burst at any moment.

　The idea that Takizawa likes me feels like a dream.

　And on top of that, she was the one who confessed her feelings to me.
　No matter how I look at it, I can’t help but think this must be the day I die.

　I looked up at the night sky once more. Countless stars were twinkling. Amongst that vast multitude of stars, I found the one that meant the most to me: ‘Takizawa Hoshizora’.
　It didn’t matter if it was a coincidence or a miracle. Once I’d found that star, I would never lose sight of it again; I would never take my eyes off her.

　As I was lost in the stars, Takizawa moved closer than before, resting her head on my shoulder.

　The cold was getting worse, and a shared coat was no longer enough to keep us warm.

‘We’ll catch a cold, so shall we head home?’
‘I suppose so.’
‘Do you want to come back to my place?’
‘Is that alright? I’d feel like a bother going home at this time of night, so I’d really appreciate it.’

I took her small hand and decided to walk her home.

Wait, wait—.

The first day of being together with Takizawa, and we’re staying overnight at my place——.

No, what on earth am I thinking?

“Endo-san, your face is bright red. It was cold, wasn’t it? Sorry.”

　Takizawa gently strokes my cheek.
　It was just that, yet I felt as though my ears were about to burst into flames.

“I’m going to take a bath.”

　I rushed into the bathroom. I plunged into the bath with such force it could have been a scene from a film.

　As I soaked in the tub, my whole body warmed up from head to toe, and it felt lovely.

Nothing has happened.

Nothing has happened — and yet just knowing that Takizawa and I are together now has me entertaining all sorts of strange expectations.

From now on, will it be okay to hold Takizawa’s hand when I want to? Will it be okay to touch her when I want to?

Nothing but wicked desires are surfacing inside me.

I felt like I might overheat, so I jumped out of the bath before things got worse. As soon as I got out, Takizawa went straight into the bath herself.

I waited for her on the bed.

So much has happened.

In my life up until I met her, there were plenty of painful and difficult times.

But right now, I’m confident I’m the happiest person in the world.

‘I wonder when Takizawa will come out.’

My heart was brimming with anticipation for what lay ahead.

What sort of memories will we make?
What sort of scenery will we see?
What sort of food will we eat together?
What sort of time will we spend together?

As long as Takizawa is by my side, I can think of nothing but joy and happiness.

As I thought about all the happy things, before I knew it, my mind was no longer on the bed.