Chapter Text
“Why aren’t our carp the same color?”
While saying this, Rin points to the pole planted in the back garden on which four koinobori are floating – black, red, blue, and green. Sae, who has paid little attention to the day's festivities and therefore has no real answer, shrugs, focusing his attention on the ball in his hands.
“So we're not the same or something I guess.”
“I want to be the same…”
Sae looks at the wind-beaten paper carp for a long time before he manages to find an explanation that’ll satisfy Rin.
“Look, if we mix blue and green, it makes the color of our eyes.”
Rin tilts his head, confused. “Hm?”
“So that means that we need to be together to really be us.”
“Together?”
“Yeah. Even if we're not the same color, we only work together.”
The argument makes its way through Rin's head – Sae sees his expression change as the meaning of his words sinks in – and he nods. Rin looks at the koinobori again, a satisfied smile on his face. It’s a stupid idea, but it worked.
“But next time I still want the same,” he finally says.
“Ask the parents.”
Sae tried at least.