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A/N - I highly recommend that you press play on the video above and let the music run throughout this chapter! :)
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Ranpo sat on the weathered wooden bench, his gaze fixed upon the vast expanse of the sparkling Yokohama sea that stretched out before him. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore echoed in his ears, a comforting melody that seemed to match the rhythm of his numb heart. The salt-tinged breeze tousled his unruly locks, his dishevelled hair dancing in sync with the ebb and flow of his thoughts.
The setting sun painted the horizon in hues of fiery orange and soft pink, casting a warm glow over the world. But Ranpo's gaze remained distant, as if the vibrant colours of the sky held no allure for him. He felt detached from the beauty that surrounded him, lost in the depths of his own melancholy, because nothing—absolutely nothing—could ever possibly be as beautiful as those dangerous [E/C] eyes that had the ability to destroy and revive a man in the same second, and those luxurious [H/C] locks that could turn a sinner into a saint.
As the minutes ticked by, the silence enveloped him, broken only by the gentle lapping of the waves and the occasional cry of a seagull. It was in this solitude, amidst the symphony of nature, that Ranpo sought solace, seeking answers that eluded him.
The approaching footsteps, soft but distinct, disrupted the tranquil atmosphere, pulling Ranpo from his reverie. His gaze shifted, turning towards the source of the sound, and there, standing just a few steps away, was Yosano—her presence like a ray of light piercing through the fog that cloaked his mind.
"I thought I would find you here," Yosano's voice floated on the breeze, carrying a sense of concern and understanding. Her words, simple yet profound, spoke volumes of her empathy and intuition.
Ranpo's eyes met hers, searching for answers, finding solace in the familiarity of her presence. He remained silent for a moment, the weight of his thoughts and emotions hanging heavy in the air.
"Is everything okay?" Yosano inquired, her voice gentle and soothing, an invitation for him to share his burdens.
A fleeting shadow of a smile tugged at the corners of Ranpo's lips, a bittersweet acknowledgement of the sheer irony that underscored his feelings. He turned his gaze back to the sea, its vastness mirroring the depth of his thoughts. Seagulls soared overhead, their cries mingling with the soothing sounds of the waves. They danced upon the air currents, their wings a vibrant contrast against the backdrop of the endless expanse of water. Their presence added a touch of ethereal beauty to the scene, as if nature itself had sent its messengers to witness the unfolding drama.
"I was right about everything," Ranpo began, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and sorrow. "Every single thing. The one time I desperately wished I could be wrong...I wasn't."
