ただの友達 | y. okkotsu

ten

"[y/n] nee-chan! We're going on an adventure today!" You watched as the little girl jumped up and down in delight, admiring how her purple eyes glowed like amethysts under the daylight rays.

"Quiet down, Emiko. Stay put while we wait for a ride." It was early in the morning, and all five of you were in front of the inn while waiting for a cab to drive you to the main town. Coincidentally, the timing of the trip was perfect for enjoyment, since Sanmachi-suji, a district in Takayama know for housing a lot of traditional houses, breweries, and other shops and restaurants, are lively during this time of the year.

Although if you remember correctly, Takayama wasn't known for attractions that capture the hearts of children. It was mostly just old and traditional houses, and the most exciting part you could think of (in the perspective of a child) were riding cable cars to get a great view of the Japan Alps, but even that was a little dull. Or at least, not as thrilling as you expected for an itinerary planned for a child's satisfaction.

"[y/n], let's go." Yuta snapped you out of your thoughts once a cab finally decided to show up. You give a brief nod before walking to the cab while holding Emiko's small, warm hands. You do not know when she decided to grab your hand and take a hold of them, but you didn't complain, since you liked the warmth and the joy she seemed to spread just by intertwining her fingers with yours.

It gave you a sense of comfort and peace, knowing that there is someone beside you, willing to call you as someone she viewed as a big sister, in this world where you thought you lost purpose. She gave you the purpose of watching out for her safety and protecting her and her family, so you think you're not as empty as you thought you were. And it is through her that you were starting to see hope, future, love, and happiness. Together with Yuta of course.

Once you settled inside the cab with Emiko right beside you again, you looked at her excited features and ask. "Emiko, do you like history?"

She perked up, looking at you with her adoring purple eyes before it closed in a toothy grin. "I do! Although I still don't know a lot, I just find it nice seeing and studying the past. I also love scenery so much!"

Your brows furrowed a little, shocked to find out what interests her, and curious about why.

"You're still young, but you already like history. Other kids hate history, so I guess it's really good that you're interested at such a young age." You commented, making her smile shyly this time.

"A lot of other people also say that it's weird, especially fellow kids who can't appreciate it. But they're missing a lot!" She replied.

"Is there a reason why you like history?" You asked gently, making her smile once more.

But there was something different about this smile. It was a little sad as well.

"Maybe it's because I keep seeing small fractions of the future that I find interest in the past. Plus, I find the past pretty in general! Well, not the wars, but the way houses and buildings were built back then is really pretty!" She replied.

"Emiko, you're really mature for your age." You told her, purely amazed and surprised that she already holds so many thoughts and realizations at the age of six. Perhaps, it was also wisdom granted to her by her technique.

"I am? Is that a good thing?" She asked, her small face furrowed into a frown of worry, and it made you laugh a little.

"Yeah, it's a really good thing."

~

The day has gone by fast, as all enjoyable things in life do. A moment ago, you swear you were just walking through the district of Sanmachi-suji, following Emiko around as Yuta chatted with her parents.