Damnation Of Devotion ✔

4: Unchanging With Constant Changes

{ KI }

Aht.

Aht. Aht. Aht. I wonder what he's doing now— I'm dumb! He's sleeping of course! Normally, I wouldn't be bored. I would have listened to the crickets sing, bathe in the moonlight, and play with the animals near the forest to let the time pass by. Us spirits have official meetings once in a while. Right now, however, I'm not in the mood for any of those. But for Aht.

Why him? Why do I feel at home with him despite being in my own home? I don't even know him. The reasons I gave him weren't hitting the bullseye from what I feel, even though they are valid reasons.

I stare at the river, where he cleaned himself up. Where he ate my fruits heartily. Where I get to see him up close. I shouldn't be fixated on this one human because I had seen countless spirits and humans throughout my life. Hoping the morning comes faster, so I can see him and get my answers.

____________________

"Kiiii, what are you up to? I'd like to bid farewell before visiting the north. It'll be a long time."

I stop singing to the bunnies, searching for Fomu. He takes shape and perches on a tree above me.

"Singing."

His eyebrows shoot up. "To the bunnies? Isn't it hard?"

What does he mean by it? "Why is it hard? All night, I'm—"

"You've been singing for them the whole night??"

"What's the matter?" I'm close to irritation if he doesn't explain soon.

"...You hate singing to them because they love love songs. You told me it's difficult because you will get teary-eyed."

Oh dear, I'm in deep. "Uhm..." I'm surprised he remembers, though.

"Ki. What is going on?" A suspicious look swims over him.

Might as well tell him. Fomu flits around, never staying long enough to break out a single secret to anyone. "I met a man," I mutter.

"I...? I beg your pardon?"

"A human man. He stumbled upon here yesterday. We... talked."

His mouth opens, yet hasn't uttered a word. Until he blinks and exclaims, "You never let a human stay long on your meadow. And the love songs?"

"Oh no! I'm not in love..." I scratch my nape, trying to sort out my feelings.

He flashes me a sympathetic smile. "You know one day you will?"

That's it. That's the bullseye. "I don't know why I feel like this. He's a random human!"

"Maybeee a random person who turns themselves into greatness, like many historical figures before."

"He is not famous. He was just a slave and a traveler before." Pondering more on Aht's features, I sigh, "A brusque man with softness inside."

"Maybe he has achieved greatness in your standard."

"My standard is utmost understanding."

"You see? He must be extremely so."

Another bullseye. "Even towards our kind and his fellow humans; substantially towards me. He wasn't dismissive... He offered me books too."

"Some human he is! Wait? He'll come here again?"

With a sheepish smirk, I nod. He sighs. Bah, lecture again. Thankfully, Taq's not around. She always adds fuel.