Our Eternity

 After explaining this world’s rules to Touko on the walk, we arrived home. She took her time exploring the house, commenting on the furniture and decor. I told her a lot about Lili, too.

“She was my reincarnation, right? So she was good at magic?” She asked curiously.

“Yeah, I remember one time we got escorted out of a ball for hurting a guy that was harassing us,” I retold the story.

“Oh! It’s like that one time at school, you remember?”

“Yeah, of course I do. Attacking that guy was actually what made her remember.”

She became noticeably more sluggish as the tour continued; that was to be expected, though. I’d imagine everything that just happened took a significant toll on her body; she already didn’t have a lot of energy in the first place.

She stumbled around the house as I led her into the bedroom. I peered out the window; the trees were bathing in the moon’s light; otherwise, it was pure darkness. She sank into our bed, beckoning me to lie beside her. Her gentle touch graced my cheek.

“I’m so happy… I missed you so much,” she said, her voice growing drowsy.

“I’ve missed you too…” I responded quietly.

Her fingers traced the exposed parts of my skin slowly before reaching my face again. Her finger made its way inside my mouth, inviting me to bite it. I moved her hair out of the way, allowing me to gaze at her beauty.

I withdrew her finger, intertwining my hand with hers as I stared at her.

“I love you, Touko.”

“I love you too… I love you so much I want to dissolve into you.”

She used her hands to pin my wrists to the bed, a mischievous smile growing across her face.

“Tonight…” she began, her breath growing heavier, “I want you to make me forget everything all over again. Is that okay?”

I gulped, my breathing syncing with hers, and nodded.

“I’ll do everything I can to make you happy,” I reassured her.

That night, we hardly slept, yet it was the most tranquil I’ve felt since forever ago.
—
I woke up in Touko’s arms, getting halfway through my morning routine before her eyes fluttered open. She stared at me as I dressed myself in my usual attire.

“Haru,” she said my name suddenly but softly.

I turned around, startled, “Hm?”

“You seem so much happier than before. I’m glad.”

“Than before?”

“Right; you don’t know what happened after I vanished, do you?”

I shook my head, concerned about what was to come.

“After we died, I woke up in this abyss. After some time, I was able to see through Lili’s eyes. I couldn’t control what she said or did; strangely enough, though, I was never scared. It was like being trapped in her subconscious enveloped me in a blanket of tranquility. Otherwise, I would’ve died without you. Even now, I feel that slight warmth inside me; I wonder if that’s Lili.”

“Wait…” I mutter with a small gasp, “I didn’t hurt her?”

“You didn’t. I’m sure she’s even happier now that she can see you smile.”

Touko approached me, our blanket draped over her shoulders, and pulled me into a tight embrace; a wave of relief fell over me. Words can’t express my happiness; everything finally fell into place. I don’t have to worry about my guilt or whether I believe I deserve this happiness. I’ve exhausted all of that. I can finally let go and be happy.

“Promise… promise me she’s happy.”

“I promise. You didn’t hurt her, or anyone for that matter. Everything is okay. You’re okay.”

She cradled my head against her chest, running her fingers through my hair.

“I’m sorry I made you do so much for me,” she sincerely apologized.

“If I needed to, I’d do it a hundred times over if it meant I could spend eternity with you.”

“There’s no need for that now… our eternity starts right here.”
—
The rest of the day was spent reminiscing and talking to each other about mundane things, catching up on lost time. We took the day off to spend time together and explore the town. We arrived at the park where Lili obtained her first memory; Touko walked along the pink trees before settling on a bench. She patted her thighs, inviting me to rest my head.

Following her command, I laid my head on her thighs. I only rested my eyes briefly, yet I fell asleep instantly. The moment I dozed off, I was transported into my mind.

I was lying in that same flower field, and this time the flowers transformed into lilies of the valley, forget-me-nots, and sunflowers. With a smile on her face, Lili was standing in the center, admiring the flowers. She approached me quickly, a shine in her eyes and a big smile on her face.

“Haru! I was going to visit you last night, but… you know,” she chuckled.

My face grew flushed, averting my gaze from her.

“Are you happy here? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” I asked, rubbing my neck nervously.

She shook her head, “I was really scared and a little angry at first, but it’s so peaceful residing in someone’s subconscious. You also look so much happier with her than you did with me.”

“Will you be lonely?” I asked with a concerned face.

“No, this serenity doesn’t allow me to feel lonely. I’ll still visit you sometimes, but talking to me too often might hurt you, so I’ll refrain as much as I can. Don’t worry, though; I’m not sad.” she smiled with a hint of understanding.

“I understand. I’m happy you’re happy.”

“-And I’m happy you’re happy! Remember, Touko and I will always be on your side if no one else.”

“I know,” I hugged her, resting my hand on her head.

“You should probably wake up now…” My embrace lingered before she pulled away, “It’ll be a while before we talk again. If guilt clouds your thoughts, remember this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I promise you’ve done the right thing for everyone.”

“Thank you…” I smiled at Lili, feeling myself dissolve. I’ve needed this closure more than I thought I did.

“Of course. I’ll always remember you.”

“I’ll always remember you, too.”

My eyes open, staring up at Touko.

“You’re cute when you’re asleep, you know,” she rested her hand on my head, stroking my hair.

Remembering my dream, my eyes tear up. I wrapped my arms around Touko’s waist and pulled her closer.

“What’s wrong, Haru?”

“Nothing’s wrong…” I sniffed, “I just realized… our dream can finally come true. Everything we’ve ever worked for, everything we’ve ever done, wasn’t for nothing. We can finally… be happy.”

She giggled, cupping my face.

“She talked to you, didn’t she?” She wiped away my tears.

“I have nothing to be guilty about anymore… nothing,” I mumbled.

“I know… I know… This life is allowing us to experience it finally. I’m happy, too.”

Laying in Touko’s lap, I feel the embrace of tranquility, ready to start the rest of my life.

The life of our dreams.