Unconditionally yours

3

Naomi pov

'I hope the lady is still asleep by the time I'm done, she should be fine with the medicine and water, I did manage to put some food out for her too so she wouldn't be hungry'. I thought as I entered the village, I was a little late because of what happened with the lady, I feel like I should tell Muichiro and Yuichiro about it, but, I feel like I'll be scolded if I did, that being Yuichiro.

'Just thinking of what he'll say and do is already making me a little scared'. I thought with a sweatdropped.

"I'll just keep quiet and not say anything, she looks harmless enough". I said to myself as I waved it off, I went to my usual spot where there was already people waiting for me, I sighed, I already knew I wasn't going to head back till later.

"Well, time to get to work". I said with another sigh, already seeing people coming in my direction.

"Where have you been? a little late today". A woman said with a hand on her hip, I smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, I had to make more medicine and ointments, and I got caught up, it won't happen again". I apologized, she huffed.

"It had better not, now, I need some burnt ointment". She said, I nodded and got the said item out of the basket, I handed it over to her.

"Here, and keep an eye out, we have a traveler in the village". She said as she paid me for the ointment.

"I will, have a good day". I said with a bow as she left.

"Naomi, I need-".

Timeskip

"You sure ran out of candles fast, Naomi, here, have extra, on me". The old man said, adding more candles to my now empty basket.

"You don't have to do that; I'll pay for it!-".

"Hush now child, it's getting late so hurry on home, you know I don't like it when you walk up that mountain alone at night". He said shooing me away, I smiled.

"Thank you, I'll repay your kindness, you have a wonderful night, Ji-Ji". I said with a bow before I turned and left. He wasn't my real grandfather, but he sure acted like one to me, he was a candle maker, he would always have some put away for me since other villagers purchases them.

He knew I was afraid of the dark since I was little and his candles were my only comfort during the night which made him feel good that his candles were in good use and provided comfort, he would also worry for my health and would often drop by, but those visits were rare since he was getting old and can't walk up mountains, especially on his own.

"Oi, Miyazaki! Leaving without saying goodbye!? My poor heart!". A familiar voice echoed. I sighed, recognizing the persistent intruder.

'Oh no, not again'. I thought with a hint of worry, halting my steps and turning around.

"What do you want? I need to go home". I said, my patience wearing thin. The boy, around my age, a year or two older, had been pestering me relentlessly since we first met. He'd proposed marriage or asked me out countless times, and it was starting to feel more like obsession than affection.

"Don't be like that. Come on, I'll walk you home, it's not safe after dark". he insisted, smirking as he closed the distance between us. I stepped back, uncomfortable by how close he was getting.

"It's fine. I can manage on my own but thank you". I replied, my tone firm.

"That's mean, Miyazaki. I went out of my way to sneak out just to see you, and now you're turning me away? You should feel privileged that someone like me is taking you home". he said, arrogance dripping from his words.