Xenoblade Chronicles 2: The New Future

Chapter 28: You are the One

Art generated using AI (stable diffusion)

------

"... And that is what happened four days ago." I finished narrating to the sleeping Kev about what Elizabeth's mom and I did in the mall.

"I began to use the new shampoo for my hair and it feels pretty nice. My hair barely gets tangled and the knots are disappearing. Something I'm really glad about." I said, but then immediately forgot a detail.

"Oh!" I exclaimed while I grabbed a chunk of my hair and began to softly stretch it.

"It also makes it super soft. I'm loving it!" I added, with smile on my face while looking at the hair in my hands.

And then I told him of my new skincare routine. My skin felt so nice and smooth. It was unbelievable how the right products can drastically change the feeling of the skin.

I was super happy with what I bought.

And then... I recalled the experience I went through the ring shop. I remembered seeing pretty cool designs. I needed to tell him.

"... I loved the ring that I saw. That ring with many small stones embedded into its perimeter." I told him, but suddenly I got reminded of a very subtle detail of rings.

"Hey! Also, you never told me rings had a size at all! I learned that all fingers had different measures and rings were molded according to those standardized sizes.

They measured the size of my index, middle and ring finger of my left hand and I got to know those numbers.

It was super fun." I added as I kept looking down the floor while playing with my hair.

I was having the time of my life telling Kev my experiences so far. I knew he was asleep, but deep inside me, I knew he was listening and, perhaps, smiling from all the anecdotes. I wished he was awake to see his genuine reactions... But I had faith he was hearing my words.

And then... I recalled something was left pending; an issue that had been bothering me for quite some time.

"And... you know...

For some reason, I haven't gotten closer to Elizabeth; I found affinity in her mom." I said and then I took a deep breath.

"I'm really scared of what she might have to say... It is difficult for me to take the initiative to start a proper friendship with her. After all what happened... I can't find the courage." I took a moment and looked away for a second to collect my thoughts.

"I know you told me there is no reason to be afraid of... And even her mom said the same thing." I said and then I got closer to Kev.

I looked at his resting and adorable face. I saw his chest expanding and deflating as he breathed.

And... It hit me again. I realized that despite me saying words out loud, he never had a reaction. His comma was so powerful... But it was that way. I was kind of used to at this point, but sometimes the reality hit me straight and hard; just like this moment.

I forgot what I was saying, and instead, I gave in to the lonely feeling I had. I took a minute to stay in silence and reflect on what happened that day... And that specific moment I made the decision with no hesitation and filled with desperation.

I touched my core crystal with my left hand and I looked at his chest again. I also softly put my right hand on top of his chest. I felt the slow silent breathing motion he had.

"... I'm really glad it worked out... I really do. I... I was anxious due to the thought that... perhaps, it could've failed..." I said and I took a moment before continuing.