Chapter 3: The Fear That Wanes Not - Part 2

Chapter 3: The Fear That Wanes Not - Part 2

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"The light of the moon doth fade into the arms of the sun, as though it speaketh, ‘I shall rest, yet thou shalt shine until I returneth.’"

The air grew thick with a sudden and uneasy silence. I felt warmth flood my cheeks, perhaps redder than the ripest of tomatoes. Chinatsu lay atop me, her eyes widening in surprise, as though she’d only just become aware of our... rather compromising position. For a moment, it was as if time itself had stilled. Her face was so close that I could feel the faint breath escaping her lips.

“K-Kazu…” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, trembling slightly.

“F-Forgive me! I did not… I meant no—” I stammered, attempting to move away from her, feeling both guilt and panic rising within me.

But as I shifted, a sudden thought struck me—a thought that froze me in my tracks. Her pregnancy. “Chinatsu-san… art thou unscathed?” I asked, worry etched across my face. “Thy condition…?”

She lifted her head, offering a small, reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Kazu-kun. Don’t worry,” she replied, but there was a hint of doubt flickering in her eyes that did not escape me.

I swiftly rose to my feet, helping her sit carefully upon the sofa. “Verily, thou must be careful, Chinatsu-san. Allow me to examine thy ankle.” With gentle hands, I tended to her foot, noticing the faintest of twists upon it.

She adjusted the mask on her face, chuckling softly. “You know, Kazu, I don’t usually do silly thin’s like this,” she said, raking her fingers through her tousled hair. “Sorry about that.”

“Pray, think nothing of it.” I moved to fetch ice from the freezer, wrapping it carefully in a cloth before handing it to her. “Now, raise thy foot,” I instructed, setting her leg gently upon my lap. My heart began to race, though I willed it to remain steady as my hand brushed against her ankle.

“So… it is not overly grievous, I hope?” I inquired, striving to mask the concern in my tone.

“Seems like just a small sprain,” she answered, though a faint grimace betrayed her discomfort when I applied the cold compress to her swollen ankle. “This… it should help.”

We fell into a mutual silence, the rhythmic ticking of the clock filling the quiet of the night. Outside, the wind’s gentle hum only added to the calm.

“Thank you, Kazu-kun,” she murmured at last, breaking the stillness. “You’re always the one takin’ care of me.”

“Ah, Chinatsu-san, I… I ought to apologize. Had I already been abed, this whole affair would have been avoided.”

“No, Kazu-kun. It’s my fault for not bein’ more careful,” she replied, attempting a smile, though a faint blush crept upon her cheeks.

As we continued conversing, my thoughts drifted back to my youth—to a memory of a critical moment when I was but 16 years of age, in that fateful match at Mizunami High School.

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It was a time when the weight of the world seemed to rest squarely upon my shoulders. I recall the fervent anticipation—the crowd, my classmates, my family, and even Chinatsu, who had come alongside Miharu, were all there to lend their support. Their presence was an unwavering strength, a promise I could not bear to break. Yet, when the moment came, I faltered. The final goal slipped through my grasp, and in its place, I fell, twisting my ankle. The roar of the crowd faded into a disheartening silence, the collective disappointment cutting deeper than any injury.

As the match concluded in a bitter defeat, I withdrew to a quiet corner of the school’s garden, grappling with the pangs of failure. My ankle throbbed, but it was a mere shadow compared to the ache within my heart. It was there that Miharu found me, his comforting presence like that of an elder brother.

“Hey, Kazu. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” he said, seating himself beside me. “You gave it your all. There will be more games to come.”

His words soothed me in ways only he could, his steadfast support a balm to my soul. Not long after, Chinatsu joined us, bearing a small first-aid kit.

“What happened?”she asked, her voice filled with worry. “Kazu, your ankle!”

Without hesitation, she knelt beside me, her hands gentle as she tended to my wound. Her touch, warm and careful, eased the sorrow that had settled so heavily upon my heart.

"You'll be okay, Kazu-kun. This is only temporary," she murmured, her voice a quiet comfort as she applied a dressing to my ankle. “This injury is but fleeting.”

That memory has stayed with me, a fragment of warmth amidst a sea of hardships. In my time of need, I was not alone. Chinatsu and Miharu’s presence that day lent me strength beyond measure.

✿———✦———✿

Returning to the present, I glanced at Chinatsu-san as she held the cold compress against her ankle. A smile found its way to my lips. “Thou knowest, I have oft recalled that day—the final match in high school. Thou didst care for me then, as thou dost now.”

“Yes, that was a special moment,” she said, a soft smile gracing her face. “Even though you lost that year, didn’t you win the next one?”

Her words brought a warmth to my heart. In the tranquility of this night, I found solace in knowing that though much had changed, one thing remained constant—we could still lean on one another, no matter the trials that may come.

As I finished tending to her ankle, I noticed her face begin to relax, though I knew exhaustion was likely creeping in. "Chinatsu-san, it doth seem thou art in need of rest," I said, my worry unmasked. "We should retire to the chamber so thou mayst sleep in comfort."

She nodded but hesitated, her eyes casting a shadow of reluctance. "I... I can just sleep on the sofa," she replied, trying to sound steadfast though I could sense her weariness.

“Nay, that shan't provide thee comfort. Come, I shall carry thee,” I declared, rising to my feet, ready to act.

She looked startled. "Kazu, you don’t have to! I can walk on my own."

“But thy foot…” I countered, taking a step forward. “Pray, trouble not my heart. I am able to bear thee.”

I bent down and gently lifted her. Though her weight rested on my arms, my heart felt lighter. She remained silent for a moment, her cheeks coloring, before a soft laugh escaped her lips, easing the tension. “You’re still as strong as ever, huh?”

"Aye, though I oft find my courage wanting when it comes to spirits of the night,” I jested, a smile tugging at my lips. She shook her head, laughing softly, and the awkwardness began to dissipate.

Carefully, I carried her to the chamber, ensuring each step was as gentle as possible for her ankle’s sake. Once we reached the bed, I laid her down with care. “This is more fitting, wouldst thou not agree?” I asked, seeking to ensure her comfort.

"Thank you, Kazu-kun," she replied, sinking into the pillow with a grateful nod. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment, and I could see the surrender in her expression.

“If there be aught thou needest, call for me,” I said, standing by the door.

"Alright. But you should get some rest too. Don’t push yourself, okay?” she replied, her gaze soft and warm.

I offered a small smile, though inside, the worry remained. "I shall rest upon the sofa. Perchance I might conquer my fear of the shadows this eve," I said, attempting to deflect her concern.

After confirming she was comfortable, I returned to the sofa, yet the night seemed darker than before, stirring my old fears. Clutching a pillow, I tried to calm myself.

My mind began to wander through the events of the night. How is it that this world can feel so complex? And how might I best aid Chinatsu?

Just as sleep’s fog began to descend, her voice drifted from the chamber, soft and reassuring. "Kazu-kun, are you still out there?"

"Yea, I am here. What wouldst thou have of me?" I replied, moving quickly to the door, drawn by her call.

"I just… wanted to hear your voice," she said. “It makes me feel safer.”

Her words sent my heart pounding. “Very well, I am here. Should thou need anything, I shall be nigh,” I said, seating myself by the door, strangely comforted by the sound of her voice.

“Kazu, if you’re afraid of the night, try lookin’ at the stars. I promise, it’ll help with the fear.”

Following her advice, I looked through the window at the stars twinkling in the dark expanse. She was right. "Aye, 'tis indeed calming."

“Kazu-kun, did you know? I used to want to be an astronomer. I loved studying the stars and always wished to learn more about the heavens… especially the moon. I felt like there was somethin’ there waitin’ for me. But my dreams never came true… You know, I’m not from a family like yours…” She chuckled softly. "Sorry for goin’ on like that.”

I looked at her earnestly. “There is naught wrong with dreaming, Chinatsu-san, though dreams may sometimes elude our grasp.”

We continued speaking in hushed tones, our voices filling the quiet of the night. In that stillness, I felt that we were bolstering one another. Although my fear of the night lingered, hearing her find comfort in our conversation soothed me as well.

At last, weariness took hold, and I felt my eyes grow heavy. Perhaps tonight, I could sleep without fearing the night. But just as I settled on the sofa, a soft sound reached me—a faint cry from her room.

“Kazu-kun, I… my foot, it aches a bit,” she murmured, her voice weak.

I quickly rose and entered her chamber. "Is there aught I can do?" I asked, anxious.

"Just a little massage, maybe? It might help," she replied.

"Very well," I said without hesitation, drawing a chair close to her bed and carefully massaging her foot, pouring all my care and affection into each gentle touch.

"This is wonderful, Kazu-kun," she said, her eyes fluttering closed. “I feel so much better.”

I smiled softly. We spoke more, sharing stories and laughter until the quiet of the night enveloped us once more. In such moments, I realized how deeply we relied on one another.

Finally, I closed my eyes, lying on the sofa, finding a surprising sense of peace. Though shadows still haunted the corners of the room, knowing Chinatsu was near lent me strength.