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꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚
Between the immensity of the sea and the infinity of the sky, they close before us; we rest in the middle, reuniting with each other.
꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚
He gazed at the vastness of the sky through a small circle that enveloped everything, trapped in that shape, capturing the stars and the immeasurable infinity of the sea. And from the inverted perspective of that sphere, they were prisoners.
In that gloom and uncertainty, like a soft caress on the hair in the middle of the night.
Trapped on the other side, the line that divided them into factions, and their own tongue crowning them with the most reckless words that irrevocably condemned all those who had drawn it and protected it from their own kingdom.
he sighed; the cold was palpable, seeping into the lower part of the boat where they had been abandoned. Her eyes were icy cold, and the tip of her nose pressed against the window, wishing it were some kind of evil spell cast upon them, unable to understand the advanced words of those who had guided her.
A void.
How difficult it is to ignore it.
Because it's a mark more pronounced than ever, one that separates them with every stupid act she commits, an act that has accompanied her throughout her journey.
You cradled me in your arms .
—It's cold tonight, isn't it?
Matsukaze whispers in her ear; she doesn't mind the closeness. It was another line that was cut off, I think literally, from the very beginning.
You leaned in and whispered.
—Can I stay nearby?
Keep me in your heart.
—I think you're silly. Don't ask me that. You're here now. If you want, you can sit down or go back to sleep.
Matsukaze wasn't just nearby, he was always there, like a balm for the loneliness to come. Or like the sun that surpassed him in the sky, and the breeze that cooled him on the hot afternoons to come.
I'm very puzzled .
And although he walked three steps behind him whenever she had the chance, her heart still beat irregularly, wondering why.
What is this new wish called?
he knew the name of that strange, overwhelming thump in her chest that wouldn't let him rest her head during the brief moments of intimacy with the dark-haired boy. The feeling of lying together at night, with casual conversations and the unspoken complicity of skipping chores, became a daily occurrence.
Before, I knew nothing about love.
But I think I'm learning now.
The minutes slipped by like rivulets between their palms, and sleep was inconsolable for both of them. He remained there, wordless and gestureless, accompanied only by that peculiar company from which Iba learned more each day about him, the reasons for it, and the disheartening truth.
And yet, it still captivates me.
Perhaps the connection wasn't like his brother's, as he initially thought, but something stranger that he couldn't quite understand, but which he felt floating near his superiors, with those dreamy looks that connected across a million places without ever truly meeting.
How Ruri targets Chrome.
Taiyu y Yuzurija.
Like Senku in Gen.
And I could go on with thousands of examples, because love always seemed to be the center of attention, and yet, it was so scarce that they sought it with such fervor.
From the very first moment, I longed for that kiss.
It must have been on the first or second day when she realized that protecting him wasn't a complete lie.
he follows him from dawn till dusk. Was it responsibility, guilt, or a devotion born of longing and the hope for something more?
I've been waiting for you all night.
Finally, after several minutes together, their eyes met as they looked out the window.
—Don't you want to go to sleep?
Matsukaze felt sleep creeping into his mouth, but the well-being of the young man who had once shared a face with his master was stronger.
he shook her head, still trapped in that bubble.
——Are you thinking of something specific?
Then we ran down the street at dusk, under the last light of London.
He observed her irises with curiosity; the fading light fell upon her face, revealing her thick, bushy eyebrows and that peculiar expression of scrutinizing everything, every breath, movement, or sound, especially if it came from him.
—I wish I could shrink down, climb out that window and fly through the sky until I reach Ishigami.
The world froze around us.
he looked away, refocusing on the impossible idea of escape. She wasn't clever enough to devise something brilliant enough to get out, but no one could take away her ability to fantasize, not even for a moment, with the wind swirling in her hair.
The black-haired boy landed in front of him, paying no attention to the outside world, only to him. Time stood still between them, without them exchanging a word.
He gave her a goodnight kiss.
—Do you miss your home?
I hugged myself tighter, shrinking back.
He felt judged, and then you see him with someone else; how strange to feel that company was both comfortable and uncomfortable in equal measure.
—All the time.
—Flying would be wonderful, wouldn't it?
He's bewitched me. Every damn second you're with me.
I looked at him with amazement and blind innocence.
—It's just a fantasy, Matsukaze.
I tried to think clearly, but I felt terrible.
He repeated it, as if it were about to come true. With his feet on the ground, as his brother said, Matsukaze still managed to lift it.
You wrote me a note, you charmed my heart.
—That's clear, but don't you think that without those flashes of fantasy or innocence, it's a part of our humanity that, if not nurtured, can wither away over time? Perhaps it's one of the few ways we allow our souls to be free, at least a little... And maybe a better future.
And you bewitched me. You bewitched me.
he stares at him, and a rarely seen light shines within him. He was like them; he was so bright and witty, as if the weight of shadows or despair could not consume him, with that sinful desire to be and not to seem.
You haven't even left yet. I already miss you. What's going on?
—I didn't think you were a dreamer. It's charming. I wish I could—Eulogia says, noticing how her shoulders tense up.
—Not at all, my lord. I merely reflect a higher light that has always been with me. It is not something that originates from me.
They responded with a murmur, more to themselves than to him. A mockery, or perhaps simply disappointment, which he couldn't quite grasp, but which they shared.
I've never experienced anything like this.
This all-consuming fire is still smoking.
—And then I'm the fool. You are like Senku and the people of the Kingdom of Science, dazzling and different, like precious stones. You cast spells, enchanting people as you build the future. You are special.
he envied them for everything that was going so well for them, and yet, a deep disappointment was growing inside her.
I wished I could be just as wonderful.
Cursed to the moon, losing all control and crying.
He sighed wearily, turning his dejected gaze back to the window.
—If only I could be... Mmm. Well, if you don't think you're the most dazzling person in the universe, at least be useful, unlike me, who ended up ruining everything.
A dry, graceless, or casual reply, a mixture dictated on paper, waiting to be burned, but he hadn't counted on someone being able to put their hands in the fire for him without fear.
Because I think I'm falling.
Suddenly, Matsukaze's hand gently rested on his shoulder, pulling him closer in less than a fraction of a second.
—Lord Ginro... you are the one who shines in every moment.
You bewitched me from the first time you kissed me
Her breath caught in her throat as he fixed her gaze, not with pity, shame, or effusiveness.
—I see it in every training session, how hard you work to use the spear well and to be by your brother's side in every fight, and that's really important. Even if you fail, we keep fighting; this isn't over.
Human, far removed from magic and fantasy, he was a burden full of humanity that touched his own, unable to detach himself from it.
—We're human, stubborn, foolish, and ignorant. That's why we make so many mistakes, take risks, and sacrifice everything for what we want, because we're more than just dazzling beings. And I'm just a man who would also risk everything for you...
Then we ran down the street at dusk, under the last light of London.
The starlight reflected in the glass illuminated her face as she spoke those words tenderly.
You bewitch me. You bewitched me.
—You say it so easily... but we're here, Matsukaze. We were locked up because of me. My brother is trapped in Corn City. You're injured. Stanley is pursuing the science team, and no one knows what will happen inside the heart of the jellyfish."
He took a deep breath.
—I am the most compelling proof you need to see that I cannot be what you expect. I cannot be a great warrior, much less a hero, and even less... your lord...—
The world froze around us.
—Ginro... I don't expect that anymore, because you are what I desire most... Only you.
Without shame or reservation, she unlocked something deep inside herself that had remained locked away, and that technical assessment she had of him vanished like a flutter of butterflies in her stomach.
And then you gave me a goodnight kiss.
—Matsukaze—he said softly, feeling the warm atmosphere envelop him comfortably in his arms, snuggling cautiously against his neck.
You bewitched me.
There were no permissions or unnecessary words to justify that embrace or the words they exchanged, only a conspiracy of their own desires and actions while they rested amidst the chaos, but that wasn't important at that moment.
Every damn second you're with me, I try to think clearly.
Because they were equally selfish hearts that loved each other. That needed time in this cruel world.
But I'm falling madly in love.
—Thank you for saving me.
I'm falling apart.
And without asking, silent tears fall like pearls down her cheeks, easing her chest. She tightens her embrace.
—Ginro.
You wrote me a note, you charmed my heart.
They separate for a second and, without thinking, he stands on her tiptoes as high as she can to reach his face, hidden by those characteristic strands of hair.
A gentle touch occurred between them, but it was enough to understand an entire field of fireflies.
You bewitched me.
They separate for a moment, and she notices the samurai's deep blush. he takes his hands as best she can.
—I'm sorry, it was a silly thing to do...
—No! My lord-gin, you, I just... I didn't expect you to simply...
Matsukaze began to stutter, losing his train of thought and tangling his words. Suddenly, he burst into laughter amidst the nonsense he was spouting, and his cheeks burned with heat.
He took her hands in his own and brought them together somewhat roughly.
—Matsukaze, when this is over, and if you don't end up hating me, you could stay with me forever.
He said it with some uncertainty, as it was the first time he had done something like this. He looked up and Matsukaze heard him, gently stroking his cheek with his hand.
—He will always be by your side, never doubt it.
They hugged again, without a care in the world, simply enjoying the moment. And they spent the rest of the night together, both feeling a warmth in their hearts.
—Matsukaze?"
—Mhg
— You bewitched me.
꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧