Tsun'na Megami-sama to Darenimoienai Himitsu no Kankei Epilogue

Epilogue – Song

 

That day, somehow I ended up catching a glimpse of Yukimiya’s family situation. For some reason, I couldn’t sleep, so I went out to the balcony and stared at the full moon.

It was already two past midnight. Monday had just begun.

I knew I really should sleep since there’s school tomorrow, but unfortunately, I wasn’t sleepy at all.

If I dozed off even a little in class, I’d definitely get scolded. But if I skip, I’d struggle to keep up with the lessons.

"Hah... Who would’ve thought this would happen."

Right now, I won’t stop being involved with Yukimiya, and it even feels like Korekiyo-san has given some kind of parental approval... No, I don’t even know what kind of approval that is. We’re not even in a relationship that needs approval.

We’re not close friends... or anything. Just fellow student council members, and if I had to say it... neighbors? Yeah, that’s right. Maybe 'neighbors' is the best word.

And... about Yukimiya’s stepmother, it seems that issue still isn’t resolved.

Her stepmother, Minori-san, right? The reason Yukimiya hates home... Hmph, if possible... I don’t want to meet her.

While I’m with Yukimiya, I don’t want to get involved in troublesome things.

"Haa... Looks like I’m going to get caught up in complicated problems again..."

"That’s very rude to say."

"No, no, I really am caught up—Eh?!"

The voice...

I peeked through the divider, and... sure enough. It was Yukimiya.

"Good evening."

TL Note: In Japanese culture, saying “Good evening” (こんばんは, konbanwa) is a common greeting used throughout the night, even late hours like 2 AM, whenever people meet or start talking.

"Ah, yeah. What’s up? Can’t sleep?"

"Yeah, more or less. Here, coffee."

"Thanks."

She was so prepared. Could it be she knew I was here and purposely made coffee for me?

But if I drink this now, wouldn’t it make me even less able to sleep? Hmm, whatever. Since it’s offered... fine, I’ll drink it.

We sat side by side on the balcony, drinking coffee.

"This is good."

"Glad you think so."

Usually, exchanges like this feel awkward, but not here.

This was the perfect distance between us, and it felt just right. No, it was actually the best.

As I sighed and looked at the moon, Yukimiya started talking, "By the way, the homework I gave earlier, did you understand it?"

"Homework?"

"The difference between trust and belief."

That topic again?

"...Don’t know. It’s the same thing, isn’t it?"

"They’re very different. Trust is built based on your past. I don’t know Yatsuhashi-kun’s past, so I can’t judge in these two weeks whether you’re trustworthy or not."

Hmm... she’s right. After all that, our relationship has only lasted two weeks.

"But belief is about 'trusting and relying.' Not you in the past. I believe and rely on the you right now, Yatsuhashi Hazuki—that’s you. So, I’ll keep believing in you."

"—!"

From behind the divider; she smiled and said something like that... Damn, that’s unfair.

If you do this to me, I might end up falling for you, so please stop.

I looked away and simply replied, "Okay..."

"You’re shy, huh?"

"No."

"Denying quickly is proof that you are shy. High school boys are so easy, huh~"

"Stop it. And don’t think all high school boys are the same. I’m the only easy one."

"You admit it, huh."

"...I hate you."

"Oh? But I like that side of you."

Don’t say that, or I’ll take it seriously, okay?

I sipped the still hot coffee. The temperature was just right for now.

Yukimiya didn’t continue, just quietly kept drinking her coffee.

Then, a soft sigh came from across.

"I remember something."

"What is it?"

"...A song."

A song...?

Then... the sound of a slow melody started.

A foreign song sung with a beautiful voice.

Under the moonlight, Yukimiya’s singing, unfamiliar yet captivating, went straight into my mind.

My thoughts vanished the moment I heard that angelic voice.

Forgetting everything that happened before, I just focused on looking at Yukimiya’s side profile and listening to her sing.

It was past midnight — two a.m. or whatever, it didn’t matter.

There was only one thing I wanted—to keep listening... that’s what I thought.

When the song ended, Yukimiya sighed softly and wiped her eyes.

Maybe she almost cried.

"...My mother used to sing this to me. As a lullaby."

"I see..."

"Thanks to you."

"Me?"

"Until now, I hated home so much I forgot everything... But now it’s okay. As long as I still have a connection with my mother, I’ll be fine."

"...That’s good to hear."

That was all I could say right now, but from deep in my heart, I felt happy too.

Forget the past, forget the future, let’s cherish the present.

Under the moonlight, we continued to chat casually about many things....