Epi.1-3: A Confession in Silence

The two of them sat side by side on the bench in the courtyard. Somewhere far away, there seemed to be the faint creak of wood. Even so, this place—for now—was strangely quiet.

Shinobu kept her gaze fixed on her hands resting atop her knees and softly opened her mouth.

“…I’ve been scared all this time.”

Sayuri stayed silent, quietly listening.

“Wherever I am, I always feel like someone’s watching me. There are sounds… shadows that move… Sometimes I can’t see them, and sometimes I can—and every time, I just freeze. There’s nowhere I can feel safe… no one I can rely on…”

In Shinobu’s voice, the fear she had long kept buried began to seep through.

“Before I could even think about wanting to talk… there just wasn’t anyone I could talk to.”

Feeling a faint ache deep in her chest, Sayuri quietly answered.

“…I just—earlier, I kind of wanted to surprise you a little. But I never thought it’d turn out like this… I’m really sorry.”

Shinobu drew in a small breath and shook her head.

“…Back then, I was really startled. But… I don’t think you’re scary, Sayuri-san. Truly.”

Sayuri let out a soft breath and smiled in quiet relief.

“Thank you, Shinobu.”

A small silence passed between them. Sayuri quietly steadied her breath and lowered her gaze.

“…Hey. If you don’t mind… would you be my friend?”

Shinobu’s eyes opened slightly wide. For just a moment she hesitated—then, gently, she nodded.

“…It’s me who should be asking… please.”

At those words, Sayuri’s expression softened into a gentle smile.

“Thank you.”

Shinobu, looking a little shy, smiled back in return.

“Thank you… Sayuri-san.”

“Just Sayuri is fine,” Sayuri said gently.

“Uh… oh, okay.”

Shinobu lowered her eyes, looking a little hesitant— but still, she gathered her courage.

“…Sayuri…-chan…”

Hearing that voice, Sayuri smiled. It was a true smile—one that overflowed with warmth and peace from the depths of her heart.

“…I’ll be with you, always.”

Shinobu said nothing, but she nodded, certain and sincere. For the first time, real peace showed on her face.

Somewhere far away, a door creaked again. But within the space the two shared, only quiet time continued to flow.