Under the Sunset

Taiyori and I hung out at the shop for about half an hour, before saying our goodbyes to Misha. Together, we walked along the sidewalk of the plaza under a bright sunset.

"Oh, wait!" she exclaimed.

She pulled out her phone and took a nice picture of the background with the sunset in the sky.

"You can't go a full day without taking pictures, can you?" I chuckled.

"Of course not. How else am I supposed to look back on good memories?"

"I don't know. Just... remember."

"It's more fun to have something tangible to look at. That way, I don't have to use my brain. Just gotta swipe and admire, then rinse and repeat."

"I suppose so."

"Someone who lives under a rock like you wouldn't understand."

Taiyori sat down on a nearby bench beneath a maple tree and began editing her photo. After a few moments, she started taking more pictures of herself, striking different poses just like she had in the limo.

I took a seat beside her, watching quietly. Her eyes briefly shifted toward me, but instead of the usual accusation for staring, she simply smiled and went back to snapping photos.

"Hey, hey! Take one of me!" she exclaimed as she threw her phone at me.

"You already took so many," I sighed. "What difference does it make if I were to take it?"

"Eh? There's a massive difference between a selfie and a photo taken by another person. Come on!"

"Fine."

While I held up the phone, Taiyori struck a pose, leaning her elbow on the bench's armrest and resting her chin on her hand. She gazed off wistfully into the distance, her expression serene.

But before I could press the button, my hands froze. Slowly, I lowered the phone.

As Taiyori sat there, a gentle breeze swept through, causing her crimson hair to dance in the wind like waves of silk. The maple leaves descended softly, as though crowning her in nature's quiet majesty. The sunset cast its warm glow, reflecting off her eyes and creating a soft, ethereal light.

At that moment, I wished time would stop. Even someone like me couldn't deny just how beautiful she truly is.

"Hey. Have you taken it yet?" she turned over and groaned. "My arms are getting tired."

"Yeah," I said.

I handed her the phone, and she took it with a grin, probably excited to see the photo. When she saw it, her face dropped.

"Huh? There's nothing here," she said. "You said you took it, didn't you?"

"I did."

"But it's nowhere in my gallery."

"It's... saved somewhere else."

"Eh?! That doesn't even make sense! Here, take it again."

"Haha, fine."

Finally, I snapped the picture, and she began editing that one. Apart from being strange herself, she's very particular about strange things.

"There!" she grinned. "Doesn't it look nice?"

"It does," I said.

"You didn't even look..."

"Of course I did. I had a front-row seat, after all, so I'd know how nice it looks better than any of your little followers."

"W-wha..."

I turned over with a smile, and it was well worth it. Her mouth was slightly open and trembling while an obvious blush streaked across her face.

"Do you... mean that?" she asked.

"I don't make jokes," I said. "Besides, why would I lie about that? You know your own worth, don't you?"

"O-of course I do! It's just... weird to hear it coming out of your mouth."

"I figured you would've had your fair share of corny compliments already, even from strangers. Was I wrong to assume so?"

"No, but that's just it. I hear it so often that I'm numb to it now."

"Then why is it so different when I say it?"

Her expression took a turn, and she became flustered. "B-because! I... I don't... really... know."

For the first time in my life, I let out a genuine laugh. Why did her voice get quieter with every word? It was like something out of a TV show.

"What are you laughing at?!" she shouted. "I'm trying to be nice!"

"That's exactly why it's so funny," I said after getting it out of my system. "It doesn't suit you at all."

"Tch... I hate you!"

She began throwing a series of soft punches on my shoulder while I sat there and took them all. Perhaps she really is trying her hardest, but I'll never know.

"Hey... Can I ask you a question?" I said, prompting her to stop.

"W-what...?" she grumbled.

"Do you actually hate me?"

Just like that, her grumpy expression faded, replaced by a look of sudden shock. We locked eyes for a moment, but she quickly turned away. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I myself don't even know why I asked her that.

After collecting herself, she grumbled. "What do you think?"

"Hm... I thought you did, but sometimes, it doesn't seem like it. I'm not entirely sure."

"Eh?" She then let out a small laugh. "Pft... What? Is it bothering you that you don't know my genuine feelings?"

"...A little."

"Hehe... You're really something else, Tsuki."

Taiyori quickly lifted her phone and within the following second, she snapped a picture of us both.

"What..." I mumbled.

"Haha! It looks good!" she grinned. "Here, I'll send it to you."

"What was that for?"

"A special little something to remember this occasion."

Suddenly, my phone's notification sound went off. I opened Line and saw the photo that Taiyori had just taken.

"I look dumb..." I muttered.

"You always do," she giggled. "Keep it. Not many boys get to take a picture with me. As for my answer to your question, Tsuki... Hm... I think I'll keep that to myself."

"Hah..."

I should've expected it. She'd never admit to something like that. At the very least... It certainly doesn't seem like she hates me. That alone is enough.

My eyes turned back to the photo. Even though I was in it, I couldn't take my eyes off of Taiyori. She was holding her hand up with a 'peace' sign and a gorgeous smile.

Just then, a call popped up on my screen. It read 'Unknown Caller,' so I can only assume who it was.

"Who's that?" Taiyori asked.

"Not sure," I said. "Give me a minute. I'm gonna take this."

"Hah, taking phone calls from unknown callers? You're so weird."

"I thought you already knew that."

I stepped away just enough to avoid Taiyori's ears. She was still within eyesight, so here should be good.

I then picked up the phone and answered. "Hello?"

"So..." a voice replied, but it wasn't Watcher. It was someone far worse, and he was speaking in the most childish tone. "How's~ your date~?"

"...What the hell do you want, Sakuno...?"

"Hey, man! I'm just checking in on my best friend on his first date ever! Well, not really. I lied. The old man called me for a mission. I stopped him from calling you because, well... You guys are still out, right?"

"Yeah. I'll be there, though. Give me a couple of minutes, and I'll call you back."

"Sure thing! Anyway, have you two kissed yet?"

I don't think I've ever hung up on someone so fast. That guy really is annoying. I took a moment to collect myself and went back to Taiyori.

"Everything alright?" she asked.

"Yeah, just a scam caller," I smiled.

"I see. Anyway, I called my chauffeur, so he should be here in a bit. It's about time we wrap up the day."

Right as she finished her words, the limousine swung around the corner and stopped right in front of us.

"Ah, speak of the devil," she giggled. "Ready to go, Tsuki?"

"You... go on ahead," I said. "There's something I have to do here."

"Hm? What is it?"

"Hah. Sorry, Taiyori. I'll keep that to myself."

"... Hmph. Weirdo. Whatever. Go ahead and make a helpless girl go home by herself."

"Um... A-actually, I'll postpone it and—"

She suddenly giggled and turned around with a beautiful smile.

"What? You feeling bad now?" she asked. "I'm just kidding, Tsuki. Go on. I'm gonna text you later tonight, so be sure to answer, hm?

"... Yeah. I'll do that," I replied.

"Good. Oh, and one more thing, Tsuki."

Taiyori stepped forward, motioning with her hand and signaling me to lean down. Does she need to tell me something? I wondered what could be so important that she couldn't just say it out loud. There wasn't anyone nearby, yet I obliged, lowering my head to meet her height.

Then, everything stopped.

A soft, gentle pressure brushed against my cheek. Her lips—warm and fleeting.

What? What's going on? What's happening right now?

I couldn't move. No matter how hard I tried, my body wouldn't respond, frozen in place. Even my eyes refused to blink.

As Taiyori stepped back, a faint, almost inaudible smack echoed in my ears. Her hands fell to her sides, and I was left staring at her—the most radiant smile I'd ever seen on her face. The blush she had earlier was nowhere close to the rosy glow that now lit up her cheeks.

"Thanks for today, Tsuki," she whispered. "I had a lot of fun."

"...T-Taiyori..." That was all I could say before she put a finger over it.

"I'm in a weird headspace right now. If you say anything else, then I won't know how to reply. So... just leave it at that for today and go."

Taiyori's chauffeur came around the side and opened the passenger door for her to get in.

"Then... Goodbye for now, Tsuki. And remember, reply to my text!"

Still unable to move, I watched as the limousine disappeared under the sunset. What the hell... just happened...?