When The Mist Loves || T. Muichiro

Prologue

A sanctuary.

That's probably what I'd describe Muichiro. The first time we met was when I tripped myself over some rock. I was stupidly naive, and physically weak. So when a sinister looking stranger pointed a stone-filled pathway and told me it would lead me to a clear spring, I took on an adventure. The smoldering sun worn me out, I tripped. My wobbly legs didn't help, but Muichiro certainly did.

"Here, take my hand. Let's check for wounds."

Ah. I remember looking up being blinded by the sun and finally focusing on him. Mint-green eyes, long black-to-teal hair, hands extended for me to grab. I held his hand and he immediately pulled me up. He gave me water and dusted off dirt from my knees.

"You have no scratches overall. Are you okay now? Why did you take that road? It could've been much more dangerous for you if we weren't here."

He's beautiful, huh.

I remember him asking questions and me being bedazzled, my mouth agape. But I tried my best to answer, nervous to converse on my own with a stranger for the first time.

"Uh, thank you for helping me. I was told that this way leads to a clear spring and I wanted to see!"

"I know where the spring is! Want me to take you there? I'm Muichiro, nice to meet you!"

"I'm Makoto. Please take me to the spring!"

Muichiro gave me a big, warm smile. And then there it was, a blossoming friendship that had just begun.

—————

I remember being an eight year-old, and I remember having the spring by Muichiro's house as my favorite place.

I remember being shocked finding out he's younger than me. He was a lot taller than me at most so he'd tell me he'll always protect me. He was kind, much kinder and outgoing than his brother.

I remember telling him that even though they're twins, they're polar opposites of each other, and I remember him laughing at those remarks. He always looked on the brighter side of things.

He'd always helped his father, and took good care of his mother... and me, in a way. I remember him the first time I shared my physical condition, and the next day, he prepared teas that he got from his father that he said could help my body become stronger.

I remember that it was part of my routine to meet him by the spring and that we've allotted time to spend just for the two of us. I've always adored Muichiro that way - innocent and curious, carefree and happy.

"Thanks for taking that rocky path, Mako. I'm glad you did, even if you might've regretted doing that. If it weren't for that day, I might've never found my best friend," he laughed first then smiled at me.

But honestly? I was glad that I took that road too.