Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Going out with Sonia (2): Holding Hands
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It was the day I went out with Sonia. After parting ways with Sonia, who said she had forgotten something at a store, I reserved a table at a shop Ratt-kun had recommended and waited for Sonia to come. After a while, Sonia came running. I waved my hand slightly to let her know where I was.
“Sorry! It took longer than I thought!” (Sonia)
“No, not at all. Are you okay? Did you find what you forgot?” (Lux)
“Yeah, thanks. I’m fine now.” (Sonia)
“I’m glad. So, what should we eat?” (Lux)
“We can’t miss the pot-au-feu, right?” (Sonia)
The pot-au-feu here was the one that Ratt-kun had passionately recommended, even saying he’d want to eat it in midsummer. From what I heard, since Ratt-kun wrote about it, the number of orders for pot-au-feu had increased.
After ordering a few dishes, we gazed out at the city through the glass window.
“So, what are you doing for the New Year?” (Sonia)
While picking at the salad that had come out first, Sonia asked.
“It’ll be like a summer vacation. There’s no one waiting for me in the southern village, so unless Noris says she wants to go home, I’ll be relaxing at the dorm.” (Lux)
“…Lux, can I ask you something a bit more personal? I hear about your grandfather, but… what about your father and mother?” (Sonia)
Sonia said this with a rather hesitant look.
“Yeah. By the time I became aware of things, it was just my grandfather. I only vaguely remember my parents’ faces.” (Lux)
“…I see. Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” (Sonia)
Sonia apologized, but my thoughts were a little different.
“No, there’s no need to apologize. How should I explain something like this… It’s difficult. I just grew up with my grandfather and Noris. That was normal to me. Afterward, I realized it was a bit unusual that I didn’t have parents, but honestly, I didn’t think much of it. So, when people try to be considerate, it actually feels like a burden to me…” (Lux)
Hearing my words, Sonia looked a little troubled and only replied with, “I see”.
The truth is, I don’t really have much interest in my parents. They’re practically strangers to me. And to make it worse, my grandfather didn’t like talking about them. That’s why I don’t know much about them, and I don’t feel the need to be curious about them. My grandfather gave me and Noris plenty of love, and after he passed, the two of us have supported each other.
I’ve never had any complaints about how I lived. I’ve never felt any dissatisfaction that would make me care about my parents. Whether it’s affection or hatred, I don’t really know, but I’ve never had those feelings. I honestly don’t have any complaints about my past life, or even my current life.
I conveyed these feelings honestly to Sonia.
Then, I added.
“You’re the first person I’ve talked to about something like this.” (Lux)
Sonia widened her eyes slightly and whispered, “I see”. Then, she smiled a little happily.
After a while, she said.
“Lux, you’re… strong.” (Sonia)
“Do you think so?” (Lux)
I replied, then added in my mind, “Not really”.
We talked some more about Sonia’s parents and the time Rita-san attacked Sonia’s town. It seemed Rita-san had single-handedly subdued 20 thugs while Sonia watched from the window.
Hearing the story again, I realize just how terrifying her strength was. But why did she suddenly take on gangsters? Maybe she was in a bad mood, or perhaps it was something else. But, this isn’t like Lulu-san, after all.
As we chatted, the pot-au-feu we had been waiting for finally arrived, and just as Rat-kun had praised it, it was exquisite. Especially during this cold season, it was even more delicious. It seemed to seep into my cold body. The tender potatoes cooked to perfection were especially tasty. Perhaps these were the same potatoes we helped harvest in the fall.
As we discussed how delicious it was, a familiar food stall appeared on the street.
“Ah, it’s Holand-san! I’ll go say hi!” (Lux)
I told Holand-san that I’d like to buy some sweets after finishing our meal. He said he’d stay open nearby for a while. I thanked him and returned to Sonia, enjoying the pot-au-feu again before purchasing some of Holand-san’s sweets. We then browsed a few more shops, and a relaxing day with Sonia passed by.
—
In the evening, as the sun set and the cold began to bite, we returned to the academy a little earlier than planned. When Sonia asked me to go with her to one more place, I followed her to a corner of the training area.
“Is there something here?” (Lux)
When I asked, Sonia stopped, hesitated for a moment. Then, she took a paper bag out of her bag.
“This is for you, Lux.” (Sonia)
She handed the paper bag to me, almost forcing it into my hands.
“Can I open it?” (Lux)
Inside was a warm-looking scarf.
“…It looks warm. Can I accept it?” (Lux)
“…Yeah. You said you don’t like the cold, so…” (Sonia)
“I’m happy. Thank you.” (Lux)
“Actually, Noris-chan told me about it.” (Sonia)
“About what?” (Lux)
“That today is your birthday, right? Happy birthday!” (Sonia)
—
Sonia, who was so nervous that she almost forced the present into my hands, looked at me with a surprised expression as I said, “Oh, my birthday… right. I forgot it was today”.
She smiled softly at that, and then asked, “You don’t remember your own birthday?”.
“Well, when I lived in the village, I didn’t pay attention unless Noris reminded me… and then I’d forget Noris’ birthday too and get scolded.” (Lux)
It was so typical of me, being slow and laid-back. Then, I happily took the scarf, wrapped it around my neck, and smiled, saying, “It’s warm”.
Seeing my smile, Sonia seemed glad she gave it to me.
“Oh, that’s right! I have something for you too. I was going to give it to you at lunch, but I forgot because I went to talk to Holand-san!” (Lux)
Saying that, I took a small box from my coat pocket.
“This is for you, Sonia.” (Lux)
When Sonia took it, I urged, “Go ahead and open it”.
Inside the box was a pendant shaped like wings, the same one we saw at the shop earlier today.
“Eh, where did this come from?” (Sonia)
“I bought it when you went to pick up your forgotten item. You said you liked it, so I thought it would be nice.” (Lux)
Looking at my slightly embarrassed face, Sonia’s heart fluttered.
“Thank you… I’m really happy.” (Sonia)
“…When’s your birthday?” (Lux)
“In the spring.” (Sonia)
“I see. Then, let’s go out again when it’s your turn.” (Lux)
“…Yeah.” (Sonia)
As the sun set and the cold increased, I couldn’t help but feel my face heating up. To cool my burning cheeks, small cold drops touched my skin.
“?” (Lux)
Looking up, I saw snowflakes gently falling. The first snow.
“Wow, it’s snowing. It’s the first time I’ve seen it for real.” (Lux)
I spread my hands out and playfully enjoyed the moment.
After watching the snow together for a while, we both silently reached for each other’s hands, ready to head home. As Sonia and I walked back toward the dorm, the tree with heart-shaped marks on its bark quietly, quietly watched over us.
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