Chapter Text
A photo album sits in Sayaka’s lap. Years of memories, from both of us, condensed into a neat file. Sayaka was very intent when putting the files together, for she wondered which photos I had kept all these years. Her surprise showed in blushes when she put the folder together for us. There were nearly enough photographs taken to fill the book completely.
Perfect, perfect. You are perfect. I think as she cozies up next to me, to show the fruit of her work. My arm wraps around her stomach. I pull her in just enough that leaning into my shoulder is an ease. Sayaka’s face squished into my shoulder, and I feel my heart rate calm with her held like this. These moments used to excite it, but I feel calmer years later, wrapped around her sweetly. Careful comfort prolonged by trust.
These photos date back to when she first became my secretary, until now. We each hold a side and point out our favorites. My favorite is your cute expressions upon teasing. Even, the sweetness of your tears.
Photographs capture her face but not always her essence, which is fine. I remember each photograph with ease, pull a strand of her long hair from her eyes, and tenderly caress cheeks of red. I have her right here, right now.
“What’s the matter? Do you hate the gift?” Sayaka looks upset, an expression I’m fond of too, for she pouts and looks away as if to pretend she’s not.
“No, it’s wonderful. You’re wonderful, ” I pull her face back so I can see her eyes. “You cannot beat the real gift: you here by my side.”
Sayaka’s face turns to a blush, tears teasing at the corners of her eyes. Always quick to react and give away her feelings. No poker face could run past my teases, and Sayaka knew this by now, considering how many card games she had lost to me before.
I breathe sweet nothings in her ear, and in no time we forget about the photo book, but not its contents. Love fills our eyes. Sayaka and I can never forget each other. Enraptured. We are enamoring the sweet angels that bless us with heavens only found on earth.
While our expressions are captured and immortalized, I wish to immortalize her love in my heart more. I wonder if she can feel the desperation in my kisses to do so.
Igarashi Sayaka. How I wish to see you through to infinity. The world should know statues and buildings and churches that honor you. Perhaps I cannot build a religion of you to the masses, but I worship you here in the privacy of home. I’ll build a church for you here, yet.