At dawn, Kajiro had made his way to her parents' fishing hut. She was used to getting up early to prepare the cutter for fishing and to take it out to sea. With difficulty, Kajiro dragged the heavy boxes for the catch onto the small, somewhat outdated boat, all by himself. She had to use all her strength because the boxes were not exactly easy to log. Box after box, she got ambitiously on deck when she suddenly felt a strong man's hand on her shoulder. She shrank back because she did not know who would meet her in such an early hour and then also in such a remote place as the lake shore where her boat was lying. Slowly and uncertainly she turned around and breathed a sigh of relief.
,, Natakue! Did you scare me! What are you doing here on the shore early in the morning? "
“I longed for you. So I thought, I'll look after you, maybe I can make myself useful. And as I can see, I wasn't too wrong. The boxes are way too heavy for you. Let me help you. "
,, Stop that Natakue ..... Longed for me ... what are you talking about? Besides, I can do it all on my own. After all, I've made it the last 2 years, haven't I ?! Because of me, you can go back to your rooms and rest, I won't stop you. "
,, What are you so scratchy this morning .... You can take my help calmly. Besides, I couldn't sleep very well anyway, and now I'm guaranteed not to sleep any more. So, let's get down to work. "
Without any further comments and still a little angry about Natakue's persistence, Kajiro went on the hunt with him. For a long time there was an icy silence on board. Neither of the two could make a sound.
“Why did you leave so quickly last night? "
Natakue looked Kajiro straight in the eye with a questioning look that suddenly penetrated her and once again threw her completely off track.
,,Your eyes... . "
,,What about you? "
,, What do you actually want Natakue? Why are you asking me all this. I like you, I like you very much, but you know that it is not easy for me in the current situation. I lost my parents. Yes, I know it's been 2 years now. But I have a fishery that needs to continue. I have to protect the family's honor. I have a little brother who counts on me and I ... Oh, I don't know either. I have no room in my head for games like that. I have no strength to deal with something like that. "
“Can you actually still hear yourself speaking Kajiro? I also know that it is not exactly easy for you with the company and your brother. But you can't always put yourself and your needs on the back burner.You're lying to yourself! Don't you think that I noticed that you feel something for me too? Then why are you turning away from me so? Are you afraid of being disappointed or that I will betray you. I'm not someone like that and you should know that too. Why don't you just take my help? Kajiro, you love me too, I know that! Stop fooling yourself. Why can't you just let it go "
“How many fish do you have in the net so far? "
“Don't keep deviating from the topic! You can't hide from your feelings forever! "
"Who says that I have feelings for you anyway? I like you. I get along well with you. It has always been like this. After all, as children we spent almost every day together. There is nothing more. Or do you want to tell me a bird whispered that to you. You should really sleep in again Natakue, seriously. "
“Do you really think I don't notice what's wrong with you ?! We are no longer children Kajiro! I can see it in your eyes. I've noticed it before. You can't hide from me I love you Kajiro even if you don't want to hear it. And at some point you will understand that you love me. Besides, I'm not the only one saying that. "
,, I see. Who says I love you "
“The stars told me. "
"Of course, the stars told you ..."
“Stars don't lie to Kajiro. You said that yourself once. Do you remember "
Thoughtful and without saying a word, the two drove back to the village. She knew he was right about what he was saying. But she didn't want to see it. Maybe because she was scared. Afraid of losing him too, like her parents. But she didn't want to admit that. Stars don't lie. She knew that best of all.