Chapter 8: The Language Spoken by the Moon, The Event That Shook the Earth

Chapter 8: The Language Spoken by the Moon, The Event That Shook the Earth

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“Talking too much slang is actually pretty cringe, huh? Or maybe it’s just me... I mean, it’s a bit much for someone in their thirties. I’m lowkey embarrassed.”

A few days had passed since my jealousy over Yukifuyu started to fade—well, mostly. To be honest, I was still a little salty.

Tonight, I was sprawling on the apartment sofa, munching on potato chips while eyeing Kazuaki. He was at his desk, staring intensely at his laptop. Every time he opened his mouth, it felt like listening to someone reciting an ancient manuscript. So stiff!

“Chinatsu,” Kazuaki began in a calm, almost robotic tone, “should I venture to procure a chalice of tea, dost thou desire a refreshment as well?”

I just stared at him, one eyebrow arched. “Ugh, Kazu, why are you being so extra? Just chill! That’s way too formal for just hanging out.”

Kazuaki glanced at me, looking genuinely lost. “Nevertheless, is it not so that refined speech is the mirror of a noble soul?”

I burst out laughing. “Oh my god! You sound like you're giving a boardroom presentation. It’s such a buzzkill! Here, try talking more casual. Like, give me some Kobe vibes! Use the Kansai dialect!”

He looked even more confused, and it was honestly kind of adorable. “But I am unaccustomed to such parlance. It is my bounden duty, as a scion of the Minato family, to uphold our honor through educated tongue.”

I threw a pillow at him, giggling. “Stop being such a stiff! When it’s just us, just talk normal. No need for the 'thee' and 'thou' energy!”

Kazuaki nodded slowly, though he seemed hesitant. “But... if I were to speak thus, could I still maintain my decorum?”

I gave him a wide grin. “Just be comfortable first. You don't need to overthink the formalities with me. We’re dating, right?” His face went bright red, and I couldn't help but laugh.

After a bit of coaching, he finally tried. “I, Kazuaki, am... uh, no! I mean... I’m Kazuaki, just vibin' here.”

I cracked up again. “There you go! Do it again.”

After a few rounds of practice, Kazuaki started getting the hang of it. Even if he was still a bit awkward, at least he wasn't sounding like a walking history book anymore.

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While I was teaching him, the apartment suddenly lit up like a massive spotlight was hitting the window. I jumped up and peered outside, completely shook.

“Yo, what is that?” I moved closer to Kazuaki, who was already staring out.

Outside, a figure leaped with insane grace, carrying a large Japanese umbrella—a wagasa. With one swift move, they swatted a sudden burst of light from the sky. The light shot down like a meteor, but that person literally parried it with an umbrella! No cap, it looked impossible.

I rubbed my eyes, blinking fast. “Kazuaki... am I trippin'? Did that person just float?”

Kazuaki looked stunned, watching the figure in silence. The person wore a creepy mask and seemed to glance at us for a split second before vanishing into thin air.

“What was that?” I whispered, barely believing it.

“Chinatsu,” Kazuaki finally spoke, his voice dropping low, “perchance we ought to investigate this occurrence further.”

I nodded, confused, but followed him out. The street in front of the apartment was already crowded. A brilliant light was smoldering on the ground, looking exactly like meteor fragments.

People were buzzing. Some said it was a falling star; others were screaming “UFO!” I glanced at Kazuaki, who was staring at the glowing shards. His face was dead serious.

“Kazuaki, did you see that? Was that even human?”

Kazuaki remained silent, eyes fixed on the street. “A mortal capable of repelling such radiance with naught but a wagasa... ’tis surely no ordinary feat.”

I stayed quiet too, my skin crawling. “Man, Kazu, I’d rather not think about it right now. This is straight-up spooky.”

He gave a small, faint smile, but his gaze didn't waver. “And yet, the flames of my curiosity cannot be quenched.”

I just rolled my eyes. “You and your overthinking. Your brain's gonna overheat!”

Kazuaki didn't argue, just smirked. But I had a feeling this was just the beginning of something much bigger, and for some reason, I couldn't stop the bad vibes.

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Back in the apartment, the door clicked shut, but my mind was still racing. Cosmology was my field, but what we just saw—the falling light, the floating figure, the vanishing act—it made zero sense! I couldn't even tell if it was from outer space or something way weirder.

“What was that thing?” I mused, leaning my head against a sofa cushion.

Kazuaki stood by the window, his expression grim. “I know not, Chinatsu. That entity... it felt not of human essence.”

I gave a dry laugh. “Kazu, why are you back to the old-school talk? Seriously, I’m too tired for the riddles!”

He turned to me, startled, then quickly bowed. “My apologies, Chinatsu. Old habits die hard.”

I hopped off the sofa, half-annoyed, half-grinning. “You! Sometimes when you talk like that, I get so lost. Like... can’t you just stay chill for a second?” I walked toward the table to grab his leftover drink, catching my reflection in the mirror. Why was I getting so worked up over his grammar when we just saw a meteor get slapped by an umbrella?

Kazuaki looked stumped, scratching his head. “But... how may I speak with ease when it... contradicts the very foundation of my upbringing?” he asked softly, looking at me for understanding.

I sighed. “Don't sweat it too much. With me, you can just use regular words. I'm not a stickler for etiquette, so just try to talk like a normal guy!”

Kazuaki hesitated, then nodded slightly. “So... I should speak... more relaxed, like this?” He tried to steady his voice, though the awkwardness was still there.

I chuckled. “Yeah, like that! But don't go full 'slang mode' either, you'll give me a headache. Just keep it casual. Like everyday talk.”

Kazuaki nodded again. “Ah, I see. My bad. I don't really get your slang anyway, so let's just stick to... normal talk?”

I shook my head, smiling. “Fine, I can work with that. From now on, let's keep it... you know, mid-range. Not too formal, not too crazy.”

“Alright, Chinatsu,” Kazuaki answered softly. This time, I actually felt a bit of a relaxed vibe in his voice.

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We settled into a comfortable silence. Kazuaki went back to his desk, the sound of his keyboard clicking away. The apartment felt more alive somehow, like he was finally adapting.

But the light... it kept haunting me. “Was that really a meteor?” I murmured.

Kazuaki looked up. “Are you still thinking about that?”

I nodded. “I mean, maybe. But if it was a meteor, why was there someone there to hit it with a wagasa? That’s literally impossible.”

Kazuaki paused, then walked to the window. “I don't really know, Chinatsu. But... I think we'll find out eventually. Stuff like this... it doesn't happen for no reason.”

I stood beside him, watching the crowds still gathered outside. The glow in the distance was still bright. But it didn't feel like it came from the sky. It felt... intentional.

“Meteor or not, we gotta find out who did it,” I muttered. “Maybe it's the same person from earlier. They’re definitely more than human.”

Kazuaki nodded, his gaze sharpening. “I agree. I want to know who that was... Human? Or something else?”

I sighed. “I can't even. This is so messy. What if it’s not even a meteor? What if it’s something else entirely?”

Kazuaki’s brow furrowed. “I believe we must tread with caution. This is no trifle.”

I looked at him, feeling the tension rise. “But why the mask? And why disappear so fast?”

He replied quietly, “Perhaps... he wanted us to see him, but not to know him.”

That gave me the chills. “That... actually makes sense.”

Suddenly, I felt that annoyance again. “Ugh, why is this getting so complicated! Stop, Kazu! Don't talk all mysterious like that! It just makes me more confused!”

Kazuaki actually let out a little chuckle. “I'm really sorry, Chinatsu. I'll try to be more normal.”

I rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine. At least from here on, let's just keep the convo chill. Normal. Deal?”

Kazuaki nodded with a small smile. “Deal, Chinatsu.”

I smiled back. “Well then, let's just start with a normal day tomorrow.”

That night, we sat in the living room, staring out at the mystery. Even with all the weirdness, I felt a little better knowing I could finally talk to Kazuaki without a language barrier. For the first time, it felt like we could just be ourselves. But I knew... this was just the prologue. The real storm was yet to come.