wanderer's moon | kaedehara kazuha

05 | yet once again

The late morning sunlight peeking through the straws of the roof was a sign of new beginnings and inevitable endings. It is constantly changing upon each rise of the golden sun, waking the world with its familiar yet new shine. Previous days of the past are long gone even by a single cycle, forcing us to move forward despite the blatant, aching feeling of heartache that is yet to be settled in time. Perhaps time is always harsh when it comes to moving past a breaking point; flowers blooming on spring's wake on someone's funeral, the rain ceasing when one's last breath is taken—a contradiction that is unspoken and terrifying.

Today is one of those days because it is sunny, and Kazuha is inevitably leaving for Liyue and perhaps, other parts of the world Nara feels small in.

When leaving her room, Kazuha was in the midst of tying his hair into a low side ponytail, yet from a distance, she could see a prominent strand of hair out of place that is not quite tucked in his hold.

"Allow me."

She approached with haste and kneels behind him, close enough to style his peculiarly soft and ethereal platinum hair. Kazuha wordlessly complies, letting go of his hair before facing the front. Her fingers gather any other strays, absently running them through the scarlet streak on the side of his head. Nara has always been curious about this particular part of his noble appearance, barely having the chance or thought to question him about it, but nevertheless, it is unimportant. After she gently ties his hair with a band, the samurai partly turns around with a thankful grin.

Noticing the black haori neatly folded beside him, Nara picked it up without a word, barely noticing how Kazuha's mouth opened slightly and then closed it when she helped him wrap the garment around him, tucking one side in the lower half while the other half wraps on his right side before securing the coat with an obi belt on top.

Nara continues helping him get dressed with the rest of his ornaments and accessories, all the while being silent and careful, unaware of his keen gaze.

Once she was done, a small chuckle abruptly breaks the quiet air in the cabin.

"My apologies. It's just...this reminds me of back when I was in my old home where my servant would personally dress me every morning. I didn't really think much about it when I was still trained to be an heir, but now...it all feels very nostalgic." A sad smile appears on his lips, eyes distant from the memories only Kazuha could conceive.

Watching his sentimental look would only cause Nara to look away, but she is always reminded that Kazuha is someone who would find empathy in every flower and every bird. Emotions tend to look lovely on certain people, even sadness, because it is what makes them human.

"I'm sorry," she dares to meet his eyes, the nostalgic glint still there but not quite.

"Worry not. But thank you for this. It feels oddly...therapeutic—like being cared for without asking to."

Nara blushes at his words, forgetting how forward she was moments ago.

Kazuha stands up from where he was, brushing off whatever dust that's stuck on his knees, then faced Nara once again, about to bow. Nara abruptly stood up, stopping him.

"I..." She starts, not sure of what to begin with. "I'll walk you to Ritou. Let me keep you company. At least, after last night—as my form of gratitude."

Kazuha had a look of surprise on his face, probably not expecting anyone to send him off when usually he was left alone at the start of a new journey.

"It's not every day that I get to walk with a friend..." She continues upon observing his unchanging expression.

And when the corners of his lips curled up, her heart stills and calms.

"I like the sound of that."