The Girl in Tokiwa Forest

Beauty, the way most describe it, is either having a beautiful face or a rockin’ body. But me? I describe beauty — or rather, I see it — in a person's personality. You can be the most beautiful person in the world and it wouldn't matter if you have a nasty attitude.

That might be a little cynical, I know, but it's the honest truth. Even though that's what I believed, in that moment, all of it changed because of one girl.

I stood right there beneath the rustling trees. On my left, there was a gaping hole — actually, it's better to call it a wide, open space — that allowed the sun to grace the trees' profiles as a gentle breeze followed the golden light.

This space was most likely the reason I could see her from way down there. The train tracks caught my eye as I glanced to the side, then looked at her again. Her hollow eyes were like gems, or maybe like shining rubies.

They were quite immaculate. One glance at her and I was captivated instantly. I remained silent for a moment, then I finally spoke.

“Uh, hi. Uhm...” I stuttered, feeling nervous. Then my thoughts ran rampant.

Dude, what is with this girl? Why is she so darn cute? She's probably my age. Hold up — if I don't flop this, could we actually end up...? Yeah, no, that's highly unlikely. Clearly, she's way out of my league, but it is worth a shot. Yep, I'm going in.

“Uh, sorry for being quiet for so long. I was still thinking of a way to respond. To answer your question — no, I'm not lost.”

“Truly?” She queried, tilting her head. “Then have you come to see me, perhaps?”

Either she's psychic or a deity, because that guess was flawless. Or maybe I'm just an idiot who lacks common sense. What do you think? Nah, you wouldn't know either. You're probably not any different from me; you might be even worse.

Having heard her question my cheeks gave in to a red hue. “I… no, I didn't. It was just a coincidence that I ran into you here. Anyway, I noticed you were looking at the sky before. Were you waiting for something?”

“Someone. I'm waiting for a person I've never met. I've only seen glimpses of them in my dreams.”

Her murmur was like a musical tune. A beautiful face, body, and voice — one would say she's the whole package. And when I say one, I mean you and me both. I paused as I tried to process her response, then I said, my tone warm and friendly:

“That sounds—”

“Foolish?”

“I was gonna say cool. It actually feels like I just ran into a princess from those animated princess movies.”

Aaaaand I geeked out. Awesome job, Hiroshi. Now she'll know you're a nerd. Congrats, you idiot.

“Oooh~ Do I truly look like a princess?”

“Well, yes. But a more traditional Japanese princess, to be more specific, since you're wearing a yukata and all. I'd say it increases your cuteness factor to a 9.9 outta 10.”

She giggled a bit, her voice echoing quietly around us in little, adorable noises. I happened to notice that her manners were perfect, too perfect. The way she spoke, the way she laughed, and her body language all screamed polite maiden.

Whoever she was, one thing was for sure: she was a rich girl. I've watched way too many anime not to spot something this obvious. In anime, most rich girls are polite and well-mannered. But some can be different, and those are most likely tsundere girls.

“You are so amusing. Just what is your name?”

“It's Hiroshi. Sato Hiroshi.”

“It's nice to meet you, Lord Hiroshi. My name is Chiyoko. Watanabe Chiyoko.”

“Likewise, Watanabe Chiyoko.”

“Do you not wish to use my first name?”

Chiyoko questioned, her ruby eyes staring into mine. I replied, “No, it's not like that. I just didn't want to seem forward. But if you're fine with it, I guess I'm down with being on a first-name basis.”

We're on a first-name basis! Let's go!!!

“Okay, let's try this again. It's nice to meet you, Chiyoko-san.”

“I feel the same, Lord Hiroshi.”

I think it's no secret that this girl talks a little weird. Have you noticed? She speaks in a formal manner, and not only that, but she's almost weirdly polite. But hey, I'm your run-of-the-mill otaku, so I don't think I'm the best person to ask about this kind of stuff.

Chiyoko's smile widened a bit as she asked, “Since this is our first encounter, I'm guessing you're new around here?”

“Yes. This is the first time I've actually visited this place. I mostly came to visit my mother and younger sister.”

“You have a younger sibling?”

“That's right. She's a third-year in middle school.”

“What about you? Have you graduated?”

“No, not yet. But I am in my third year, so it's only a matter of time until I graduate. Which year are you in?”

“I'm not sure. I'm homeschooled, so I don't know.”

“Oh, sorry for asking.”

“Do not worry, it's fine. Tell me, Lord Hiroshi, do you understand the concept known as love?”

Love, huh? What really is love? This is a question that always seems to find its way to me. Of all the questions out there, why did she have to choose that one?

“I don't know. I mean, I do have a vague understanding of it, but that's about it.”

“Really? Then would you like to hear my opinion on the concept?”

“If you like, then please go ahead.”

“In my opinion, love is a beautiful concept that touches on the complexities of the human heart. Through love, even a person who has convinced themselves that their life is meaningless can find meaning, as long as they are loved. In conclusion, love is a valuable part of a person's life. Wouldn't you agree?”

"I didn't peg you as the philosophical type. We have that in common."

We actually have something in common! Am I lucky or what? That is a huge W for me.

“Oooh~ I suppose so.” She lowered her eyes a bit as she smiled while walking towards me.

“About what you said earlier,” I paused for a moment as I cleared my throat, then I continued. “The person you're looking for... are they like your soulmate or something? And also, why are you looking for them in this forest?”

“I am not sure. But this very forest is where I always see them every time I have a dream. It is always the same dream every night.”

“Okay, then here's a proposition. How about we meet here every day and wait for the person to finally show up? But there's a catch.”

“A… catch?”

“Yeah… the catch is… I'll wait here alongside you, as long as… you and I can be friends. Well, how does that sound?”

I'm pathetic. I'm so desperate that I cooked up this wonky idea just so I can have an excuse to see her again.

I smiled with a radiant grin on my face, while she looked at me with the same relaxed expression. But then, it softened a bit.

“Hmmm. Okay, I accept your proposition. May we both become the best of friends, Lord Hiroshi.”

She purred with a velvety tone as we both smiled in unison. The only difference between us was that she looked at me directly, while I just looked away in embarrassment as my cheeks turned deep red.

As we continued standing there, I remembered that I left the house without unpacking and decided to head back home.

“I have to get going now. It was nice getting to know you, Chiyoko-san. I guess I'll see you tomorrow.”

I said this while running back from whence I came, while she waved at me slightly. The motion of her hand was slow and steady. As I ran out of the forest, I felt my heart throbbing loudly. 

My face was still slightly pink while our entire conversation replayed in my head. Yes, I was embarrassed. This was the start, after all. The start… of a beautiful friendship.

[To be continued...]