Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093083511177921/episodes/16818622176546190769
New Year’s Eve.
I picked up my smartphone in my room at home. I could hear the sound of the TV and the lively voices of my family coming from the living room. I wondered how Hina was doing at that moment. Thinking about that, I wanted to send her a message.
[Did you eat New Year’s Eve soba?]
As soon as I sent it, I got a reply from Hina.
[Yes, I did! Sakine and I made it! How about you, Hikaru?]
[I ate some too. Just the regular kind, though.]
While exchanging such trivial messages, I lay down on my bed.
I wondered if Hina was having a lively time with Sakine right now.
After a while, my smartphone softly lit up. It was a call from Hina.
“Hello?”
“Hikaru! Are you okay right now?”
Hina’s voice sounded a little excited.
In the background, I could faintly hear the sound of the TV and Sakine’s cheerful laughter.
“Yeah, I’m fine. What’s up?”
“Well, Sakine is watching TV in the living room right now, and she’s being very lively. It’s a little noisy, so I came outside.”
I could clearly hear Sakine’s cheerful voice in the background.
“I see. It feels like New Year’s Eve.”
“Yes. But I wanted to talk to Hikaru.”
Hina’s words warmed my heart. Even in the midst of all the excitement, she wanted to talk to me.
“Are you having fun, Hina?”
“Yes, I am. But…”
Hina’s voice sounded a little lonely.
“Actually, I really want to spend time alone with Hikaru.”
Hina’s sudden words startled me. The words she said in the park, “I want to spend time with someone special,” echoed in my head.
“Hina…”
I didn’t know how to respond.
“Oh, I’m sorry! I said something weird.”
Hina said hurriedly.
“No, that’s not true. I was thinking the same thing.”
My honest feelings spilled out of my mouth. Hina was silent for a moment, then smiled softly.
“I’m glad. It’s not just me.”
A warm silence flowed between Hina and me. In the distance, the sound of New Year’s Eve bells began to ring. The heavy sound echoed, “Gong, gong.”
“The new year is about to begin,”
Hina whispered softly.
“Yes. I look forward to spending next year with you, Hina.”
When I said that, Hina’s voice sounded a little shaky.
“Yes. I look forward to spending next year with you, Hikaru. I want to be by your side all year long.”
Hina’s words sank deep into my heart. She would be by my side next year too. That was the greatest happiness for me right now.
“Me too. I want to be by your side forever, Hina.”
When I said that, Hina smiled softly.
“Speaking of which, Hikaru…”
Hina changed her tone of voice slightly.
“I was really surprised when you were wearing that costume back then.”
“Huh?”
I was taken aback by Hina’s sudden comment. I didn’t expect her to bring that up now.
“Because you were so clumsy back then, but you were trying so hard… I was really interested in you at that time.”
Hina smiled happily. I felt my face getting hot.
“I see. At that time, I didn’t think Hina was watching me.”
“Yes. But it’s strange to think that Hikaru at that time is connected to Hikaru now.”
Hina’s words warmed my heart. That’s right. Saving her sister at that time led to my encounter with Hina. And just the other day, when she saw me in the panda costume again, she recognized me and came to see me. Everything is connected.
“Hey, Hikaru. Next year, I want us to experience more things together.”
I nodded strongly at Hina’s words. Even though it was over the phone, I’m sure she could feel my feelings.
“Yeah. Of course. I want to go anywhere with Hina.”
When I said that, Hina happily replied, “Yeah!”
“Now that we’ve decided, where should we go for the first shrine visit of the year? Let’s talk about it again tomorrow.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
As we talked, the date changed, and the new year began. In the distance, the sound of fireworks could be heard.
“Happy New Year, Hikaru.”
Hina’s voice reached my ears gently.
“Happy New Year, Hina.”
In my heart, I wished for Hina’s happiness and our future together.
I finished the call and put my smartphone on the bedside table. In the quiet room, only the sound of my heartbeat echoed, thump, thump. Though the call with Hina was brief, it filled my heart with warmth.
This winter break became an unforgettable one, as my relationship with Hina took a significant step forward. Through the Christmas party and New Year’s Eve, the bond between me and Hina grew even stronger.
I closed my eyes slowly, hoping that the new year ahead would be filled with many memories with Hina.
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