𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 | 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏-𝑯𝒂

𝟑𝟔 | 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞

{Next Morning} ~ Yumi's pov:

********************

The roiling and gushing sound of the river water's roll down the mountain nearby, hearing the tranquility of the morning blending in.

Birds chiming in along, I hum softly.

Bending down beside the riverside I splash my face, while trying to calm myself down after another nightmare. They kept repeating each time I lose consciousness for at least ten minutes....and now my body is feeling sluggish. Droplets of water roll down the tips of my strands of hair, before landing back into the water.

A heavy tension was fogging my head, I couldn't ease the tension at all.

"Dammit," I mutter, while my eyes train upon the ripples wavering within the gentle river side.

"Pyu-Kyu!"

Blinking a few times, I felt the little squirrel scurry upon my shoulder.

Softly smiling I scratch her chin, "Morning Ao........is Shin-ah with you?" I ask her softly, but in response he stayed back. "I see.......well you're more than welcome to see me."

"Pyu-Kyu,"

A thought finally drifts into my mind.

"You know Ao.........everytime I look at Shin-ah, I see that small boy I met all those years ago," I break the calm silence, while I lift myself up onto my feet. "He has the exact periwinkle blue hair, and wears a similar mask and spoke rather quietly......do you think it's him? Have I reunited with him again?"

I held my palms up to my face, as she jumps up on my hands staring up with cute eyes.

My eyes drift away for a moment, "Maybe I'm just seeing things.....I mean, it's coincidence?" I doubt myself, when she squishes her chubby and soft cheeks against my own. "Why are you so fluffy and cute!"

I nuzzle the cute little creature, before noticing the sun was fully out melting the crisp morning air.

"Hmmm? Should we head back to everyone?" I ask her softly, noticing the time while the sun was brightening the beautiful day. Ao soon jumps on top of my head, burying herself into my hair while I slowly start to make my way back to the hut. Pinching the bridge of my nose with a heavy and unsteady breath, I finally make it back only to find it very quiet.

Blinking a few times, my eyes dart around.

"Huh? Where is everyone?" I question, confused with how quick everyone left the area.

Presence was soon found before me seeing the happy priest, smiling gently.

"Good morning Kimi, did you sleep well?" He asks me, which made me nervously smile.

He sighs deeply, understanding just by looking at my expression.

"I see..........how long have you been dealing with this....problem?" He questions, but more with concern than just forcing himself to care.

Hesitant I felt my throat grow dry, lowering my eyes.

"For as long as I could remember......"

He walks up to me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"What was the cause of your insomnia?"

Why is he so kind, so gentle and warm? His voice just lights up a spark inside my heart, and his deep concern made myself want to tear up.

"I-I......can't say," I mumble, scratching my arm nervously.

Knowing his sadden and helpless gaze, I shook my head.