Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051600327232539
It seems moths flocking to streetlights aren’t actually drawn to the light itself.
Apparently, it’s simply that their instinct to fly while maintaining a certain angle to the moonlight is being disrupted by the intense artificial light right in front of them.
They just want to fly straight, but because they’re so determined to maintain that angle to the light source, they end up trapped in an endless, chaotic spiral. It’s a tragic error.
It was 2:00 a.m. From my usual spot on the bench, I was idly watching the final outcome of that system error.
“…Phew, phew. Hey, what was that just now?”
Right in front of me, another error asked the question, out of breath.
It was Hoshino Shizuku. A few days had passed since then.
She’s been showing up at this park almost every night, performing those mysterious dance steps right in front of me.
“The way you move your left arm reminds me of a traffic director on a national highway, directing drivers to take a detour.”
“Huh!? No way! This is supposed to be a super cute choreography where a flower fairy descends from the sky!”
“There are many interpretations of fairies. Some fairies do descend along the highway. They’re practical fairies who protect drivers’ safety during nighttime construction.”
“That’s not cute! It’s not idol-like at all!”
Shizuku puffed out her cheeks and plopped down on the bench. I felt like the personal space between us had shrunk by about 15 centimeters since the first day.
Without a word, I flicked a hundred-yen coin into the vending machine, bought my usual super-sweet cocoa, and tossed it to her.
“Oh, thanks. I’ll make sure to pay you back later, okay?”
“It’s fine. It’s payment for how Shizuku-san’s traffic control has made logistics in the park run so smoothly.”
“I told you, I’m not a security guard.”
With a satisfying “psh,” Shizuku popped the tab and gulped down the cocoa. A satisfied puff of white breath melted into the night sky.
“…You know, maybe I’m just hopelessly untalented.”
Shizuku said quietly, staring at the cocoa can.
“You shouldn’t bring up that vague concept of ‘talent.’ I only trust data I can see with my own eyes.”
“So, what does the data say?”
“Well… at least the sound of your footsteps is about three decibels quieter than yesterday.”
“…Isn’t that just because the soles of my sneakers are worn down?”
“Even so, it’s the result of scraping away the asphalt. A physical change has definitely occurred.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you complimenting me?”
“Sort of.”
Shizuku exhaled in exasperation, but her expression had softened slightly compared to before.
“Usually, isn’t the right thing to say in a situation like this, ‘That’s not true, you’ve got talent’?”
“Don’t ask me for the right answer. I’m the kind of person who’d casually fill in the wrong answer box on a multiple-choice test and hand it in without a second thought.”
“Fufu… You’re the worst. You were the one watching my dance?”
“If you don’t like it, go find someone else. Though, the only ones with nothing better to do in this park at this hour are me and a moth endlessly circling in spirals.”
Shizuku chuckled softly and drained the sweet liquid left at the bottom of the can.
“…Alright.”
She stood up and stretched her Achilles tendon lightly.
“I’m going to dance one more time.”
“Haven’t you guided enough trucks yet?”
“No way. I’m a fairy, after all.”
Shizuku smiled with a hint of pride and joy.
“Since Minato’s watching, I’m going to be a slightly better fairy.”
Under the streetlight, she began to take her clumsy steps once more.
I took my eyes off my phone screen and simply watched her inefficient movements in silence.
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