Chapter 5 — The Promise at Sunset
The evening sky burned in shades of orange and gold.
Himari walked down the lively street, hands behind her back. The air buzzed with chatter, sizzling pans, and the smell of fresh food from nearby stalls.
Suddenly—
"Boo!!"
Thud!
Himari instinctively punched the person behind her.
"AHH—!"
She opened her eyes.
Flochien stood there, rubbing his cheek.
"Hehe… I was just kidding…"
"Floch-kun! Don't scare me like that!!" Himari rushed toward him, checking his cheek with worry.
She puffed her cheeks out in frustration, her green-blue eyes shimmering under the sunset light, pink hair glowing softly.
Flochien poked her cheek.
She's the most adorable being alive…
He snapped back to reality.
"Did you eat anything? The food smells amazing today."
Himari nearly drooled—but quickly wiped her mouth.
"No! I'm on a diet for the volleyball tournament!"
"One time won't turn you into a hulk—"
Smack.
She hit his head again.
"No!"
They continued walking, Flochien rubbing the exaggerated bump on his head.
"Floch-kun! Wait here. I'll talk to my friends about practice!"
She ran toward a group near a small roadside store.
Flochien noticed Quinshiki standing near a drink stall, sipping from a can.
Quinshiki waved. "Oh, Flochien. Come here. I'll give you a treat."
"A treat? Why suddenly, Quinshiki-san?"
Quinshiki smirked. "I finally started dating the girl I was flirting with last year."
Flochien's eyes widened. "OOOH! I remember her! Her name was— it was—"
He grabbed his head dramatically.
Quinshiki chuckled. "Haruka Loeri."
"AH! Yes! You're lucky!"
"Yeah, yeah. So? Coming?"
"Yes!"
They returned with snacks.
Quinshiki's phone buzzed repeatedly. He glanced at it and sighed dramatically.
"My girlfriend won't stop texting. See you."
"Bye, Quinshiki-san!"
Soon after, Himari walked back toward Flochien.
Her expression had changed.
"Floch-kun… promise me something."
He blinked. "What promise?"
"You won't leave me… and you won't forget me… even if I'm gone."
His heart skipped.
"Ehh!? I promise! But—you're not going anywhere, right?"
She nodded and smiled.
"Yes…"
They began walking again.
Flochien held up a cup of fried chicken.
"It tastes good!"
Himari took a piece.
"Mmm… it does… Only this once."
"Yeah, yeah. Diet starts tomorrow."
They laughed.
Eventually, her house came into view.
"Bye, Himari! Take care!"
She turned, fidgeting with her bag strap.
Flochien noticed immediately.
"What happened?"
Himari glanced toward her house for a split second—then back at him.
Her eyes welled with tears.
"H-Himari…? You can tell me anything."
Suddenly, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
Flochien froze, face burning red.
"Floch-kun… I… I…"
She struggled to speak, tightening her grip.
"Don't move on from me quickly… even if we marry in the future…"
His brain shut down.
Indirect confession? Future marriage? Crying?
"Why are you saying things like that? Do you want to come over? My sister can help if something's bothering you."
She shook her head.
"Nothing… I cried for nothing! I just remembered the birthday gift you gave me. That's all. Happy tears!"
She touched the blue rose hairpin.
Flochien sighed.
"You're emotionally soft, Himari… Do you want me to stay longer?"
"It's late! You should sleep! Byee!"
He hesitated, confused—but finally turned and walked away.
Himari stood there, waving.
Flochien didn't notice—
From the darkened window of Himari's house,
A shadow lingered.
Two faint, glowing eyes stared from within.