It was already after midnight when the last guests were on their way. Since school was due to be canceled tomorrow for a conference, Kajiro allowed her little brother to stay with his friend Kato. Kajiro also stayed with the Koujis that night. She and Matsoru already had their own guest room with the Koujis because Matsoru had long been a permanent guest of the family. It was no different for his sister. The two have been part of the family since the death of their parents. Kajiro and Natakue sat together on a small handmade wooden bench in the garden of the property. It was a starry night. The full moon shone in the glitz of darkness between thousands upon thousands of tiny sterenes.
,, Oh, finally alone .... This loud music and all the rumbling of the children almost drove me crazy. But it was a successful party, don't you think? "
,,This is true. Your sister has outdone herself again. But you didn't have to go through such trouble because of me. "
,, Oh Kajiro .... You really haven't changed a bit. Still the same reserved and decent person as years ago. That's what I love about you. You always have concerns that you could be a burden to someone, you are primarily polite and make no claims. Today is your birthday, so you too are entitled to a little joy and happiness. We only mean well with you, you know that. "
"Of course I was pleased, very much ... I just mean ... your sister had so much ..."
,, Now forget about my sister! She was happy to do that for you. "
,, I know that and yet ... "
,, Oh Kajiro .... Are you not happy to see me, or why do you keep starting over? "
,, No ..., I mean ... I'm really looking forward to seeing you ... very much ...
“Then why don't you show it? Kajiro, I've known you for so long now, I can see that something is depressing you. Did I say the wrong thing or did I get intrusive to you? I mean, is it up to me that you are so ... "
“No, Natakue. It's certainly not up to you. You did not displease me in any way. It's just ... I'm just a little overworked, you know? The fishery, the household, Matsoru .... I'm just afraid that I'm not a good sister to him and that I might neglect him. "
,, That's nonsense. You know that yourself. Matsoru knows how to appreciate your sacrifice! He told me that himself. You really don't have to worry about that. "
,, I don't know Natakue either .... I just feel so terribly alone sometimes. Even though I know that your family is always there for me when I need help and yet ... I'm so glad that you are there Natakue ... I ... "
"Could it be that you feel more for me than you admit? "Kajiro suddenly turned scarf red and her heart began to beat faster and faster. Was it really love that she felt for Natakue or was it just her imagination. No, Natakue had been her boyfriend since school days, she just loved him, but why did she almost go mad when she looked into his eyes ...? She no longer knew how to think clearly. Unexpectedly and hastily she stood in front of Natakue.
,, I ... eh ... I think it's better if I go to bed. Don't be mad at me, I have a lot of work tomorrow and I need to sleep in. We'll see you for sure tomorrow at noon. I wish you a good night. "
“Good night, Kajiro. Sleep well. And one more thing ... It doesn't help to hide his feelings Kajiro. At some point you will understand that too. I am always there for you, you are very important to me. And you will always have a place in my heart, no matter how you should decide a day ... I hope you know that. "
Without saying a word, the young woman went thoughtful and still a little confused into her bedchamber. Natakue looked after her with a soft smile.
"You'll understand soon enough ... that we belong together Kajiro."