Cosplay Elf from Another World [Volume 1]

4. I'll Be Her Crane

I'm so tired.

Slouched, I walked towards home after our dismissal at two in the afternoon. I'm still catching up my breaths. My noodle-limped legs burned like I exhausted my limits from a workout. Earlier at lunch, I even rushed down the building only to find out that Sera was escorted by the school guards out. It's fine with me though, since I don't have anything to say to her, but the stamina... Argh, so tired.

Before I went home, I passed the convenience store and grabbed a bun and an ice tea. While inside, I saw Izumi going home. It was already my habit to stay inside the store to avoid her path. I don't want to stay close to her since it will only cause more issues. Though she glanced inside the convenience store for a second, she continued towards her route.

When does my sighing end? There were still doubts whether I wanted to be closer or farther to her. But we live in different worlds. We aren't destined to be together.

I passed the nearby park and witnessed Sera lying on the bench where I always used to sit. She faced the heavens covering her eyes with her arm and sobbed disturbingly. Her body pulsed frantically, synchronizing with her hiccups. The tear in her cloth enlarges, partially showing her underwear.

Her appearance was lean and haggard, a sure sign of suffering. Besides her face, tears crawl down like waterfalls. There are no words leaving her mouth; all I heard was her silent cries of suppressed despair. She might've lied there with no motivation to get up, losing hope, giving up.'

I don't have anything to say to hear, but seeing her like this... made me want to help her more. I approached without her noticing and put the bun and tea near her head. She was still detached from reality, and this might be her first time feeling the pain of the truth.

Now I wonder, do those who get lost ever truly find their way back on track, do they discover new paths... or do they get stuck in the middle?

When I was eight, blur filled my eyes as I wandered into unknown territory. I ran and cried, following the field trip bus that left me behind. The moment I lost it in my view, I felt desperate to use all my strength to catch up. But being human sucks.

I got rooted in my place, mourning, not knowing what to do. I don't have anyone to approach but the trees around me. Soon, my tears dried up, and my eyes were glued at the only road's horizon. For an hour, I thought of things that may or will possibly happen to me, probably terrible ones. That pulled my feet back on track.

Though slow, my feet advanced in a rhythm, preserving my stamina. Is it bright? Dark? I don't even know. I don't even recognize the time. As long as I'm able to go back home, even if it takes years, I'll dry my cries and continue to strive until it's the end of me. Even if one was surrounded by darkness, light will always come. In my case, an approaching car saved me before I passed out.

I didn't notice that Sera fell asleep after her outburst of emotions. When I did, I left. I'm assured that she'll be able to fight for her goals again. Sera, I hope you'll be able to find your way home soon.

***

Sera woke and stood up on the bench. The lingering smell of cold bread invaded her nose. Before her stomach growled, she took the bun in hurry and ate it. After finishing her hastened chomps, she took the bottle of tea and pulled the lid. She didn't notice that it was already open before she drank it. After a series of quickened gulps, she showed a refreshed Ahh expression.

Holding her tummy after partly satisfying her hunger, her emerald eyes softened, filled with an inner glow. Soon, she placed her hands on her chest and gazed up at the sky with a gentle smile of gratitude. However, she's in the public space. This doesn't guarantee her safety.