Chapter Text
On their way back from their training camp, there were just the two of them, alone in their own world. Marika was walking a few meters in front of Dalia.
Marika… Sometimes, when I look at you, your eyes seem… kind of empty. I wonder if beneath your cheerful front lies a different image that no one knows? Dalia thought while looking at Marika's figure from behind. Dalia didn't understand why she was thinking like this when Marika was simply enjoying her walk.
After a few minutes of thinking, she realized that something was wrong. It was too perfect, Dalia thought. The picture reflected in her eyes was simply too perfect, it was like an ephemeral illusion. Even though Marika seemed really happy, Dalia's heart said otherwise. It was an indescribable feeling. Indeed, the more she observed Marika, whether it was her gestures, her way of speaking, or even her appearance, the more she was certain that there was something behind the perfect image she was displaying. Dalia was worried about Marika for some reason. The feeling was so strong at this moment that she had no choice but to call out to Marika.
“Say, Marika...!” At Dalia's voice, Marika stopped in her tracks and slowly turned to Dalia, facing her.
“What is it, Dalia~?” Marika was smiling sweetly. But faced with Dalia's silence, her smile gradually disappeared, replaced with a more serious and curious expression more suited for the situation.
“Hmm...” Dalia looked away. “If you have any concerns... Don't hesitate to tell me,” she spoke slowly and awkwardly. Dalia didn't really know how to approach the topic but she hoped that it was enough for the one she loves to understand that she could rely on her too.
“…” Marika didn't answer at first. She looked away from Dalia, then glanced up at the sky before looking at the silver-haired woman once again. “Don't worry, Marika is fine. Totally fine~” she replied simply with a cheerful tone.
Faced with Marika's answer, Dalia was somewhat disappointed. She glanced at Marika who started to walk once again, before looking away to the ground, hoping that her disappointment couldn't be read on her face.
At this moment, Dalia could only feel how useless she was. Deep inside, she wanted Marika to share her worries and rely on her more. But it seems she was nothing to Marika, and it was... painful.
Looking at Marika again, she could see that the distance between the two of them continued to grow. Dalia had the presentiment that if she left Marika all alone, her feelings would never reach her. At worst, Marika would disappear for good from her life without leaving a single trace.
But what could she do? What would she have to do to be special enough for Marika? Dalia didn't know. After all, Marika wasn't the type to talk about her worries. Even now, behind her mask of cheerfulness, Dalia didn't have a single clue about who Mizushima Marika truly is. It didn't matter, though, she knew she loved her and it was enough.
“Dalia~ what are you doing? Come here~!” Marika called out to Dalia in a childish tone, interrupting Dalia's endless negative thoughts. “Look, Dalia, look- Aah, it went away!” Dalia smiled at Marika's antics.
Did... I just smile? It caught her off guard. Dalia was surprised at herself and at how easy it was for Marika to make her happy.
You know, Marika, you're unfair... Really unfair. But, even if I have to wait a long time, I don't care. I'll wait as long as it takes to get to know the real you. She muttered to herself before joining Marika, leaving all her worries behind.