もののけ | monster | soshiro hoshina (Kaiju No. 8) (COMPLETE)

しち | seven

もののけ | kaiju | monster

07

6 months later...

Soshiro

TIME SEEMS TO BLUR, and before I knew it, six months had passed since Kiyomi and I started dating. Our relationship has only grown stronger with each passing day. In those six months, we've learned how to work together, navigating the ups and downs with a shared determination to make things work. Yes, there have been arguments and misunderstandings along the way, but we've tried to learn from each other, helping each other grow. And here we are, still going strong.

In the beginning, I felt a lot of insecurity during the first few months of our relationship. I doubted myself, unsure if I was truly worthy of someone as amazing as Kiyomi. But she helped me through it, reassuring me with her unwavering support and love. Without her, I don't think I could have overcome those feelings. Now, I find it hard to be away from her for even a minute or two, like I'm a leech clinging to her side.

"Oniichan! Am I doing it right?"

I snapped out of my daze as I felt small hands tugging at my shirt. Looking down, I saw Kikoru, her bright eyes shining with curiosity. She was holding up her math homework, a mix of neatly written numbers and some slightly crooked lines. I couldn't help but smile.

"Well done, Kikoru-chan!" I praised her, ruffling her hair. She grinned up at me, revealing a gap where one of her front teeth used to be.

"Oniichan, I'm done with my homework! Let's play! Let's play together with Oneesan!" she said, still tugging at my shirt.

I glanced over to the working table where Kiyomi was buried in her schoolwork. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, her blonde hair falling in waves around her face as she focused intently on a document. Lately, she'd been incredibly busy with her responsibilities as Student Council President. Despite our time together, it felt like she was always lost in a sea of papers and projects, her own needs often pushed aside.

"Just a moment, Kikoru-chan," I said gently. "Let me see if Oneesan can join us."

I walked over to Kiyomi, placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked up, her dark emerald eyes meeting mine. There was a hint of exhaustion in them that tugged at my heart.

"Kiyomi, Kikoru-chan finished her homework and wants to play. Do you think you could take a break?"

She sighed, glancing at the stack of papers in front of her. "I wish I could, Soshiro, but there's just so much to do. I need to finish these proposals for the upcoming school festival."

I nodded, understanding that Kiyomi was really quite busy, but a knot of worry formed in my chest. As if I wasn't even there, she continued working diligently, her focus unwavering. I sighed and walked back to where Kikoru was waiting for me, her eyes full of hope and energy.

Kneeling down in front of her, I gave her an apologetic smile. "It looks like I'll be the only one playing with you, Kikoru-chan. Oneesan is busy with her work."