Shiori Novella One-shots

Shiori and a Field of Memories

“Oh wow! It really is here!”

You and Shiori heard about the flowers that bloom here only during this season. Not wanting to miss out, you both decide to walk here and see if the tales of a rainbow field of flora are true. Based on the vast colors around you and Shiori’s excitement, the rumors alone are not nearly enough to describe the sea of blossoms swaying back and forth in a delicate mix of pinks, yellows, purples, and so many more.

“Yeah, it really-”

Just as you start talking, a sudden gust of wind blows from behind both of you, kicking up petals into the air. A giggle escapes from her mouth as her hair lifts up in the draft. She closes her eyes, and she takes a deep breath, seemingly breathing in the scent being carried by the breeze that is swirling all around us.

“It’s been a year already, huh? I’m glad that I’ve been able to visit so many places and see so many different stories. It really does feel like I’m living a dream.”

Her eyes remain closed as she talks. Petals dance in the air as time appears to stop as you watch her, preserving this scene for both of you. Despite everything going on in all of the worlds, stories, and people, nothing matters more than this moment of being with her-letting these seconds last just a little longer so you can both bask in a meadow of life and sunshine. In the end, you have no need to say the words out loud. It really is beautiful.

“Say, I hope it’s been fun for you as well. Do you have any favorite memories from this year?”
~~~~~
You think for a moment, before realizing that there’s been over a hundred stories the two of you have explored. Excluding random little side stories that are immortalized in graphics, this is the 128th story like this, another moment in time that you want to have last as long as possible.

“You know, this year has been a lot. It’s been chaotic, a little nerve-wracking…” As you continue, Shiori glances over, concerned. But before she can say anything, you continue, “But… It’s been a lot of fun. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thank you, Shiori, for being here, and for being so unapologetically you.”

Shiori just stares at you in a stunned silence, before smiling timidly and looking at the flowers at her feet, “That’s… unfair. You can’t just say that, Novelite…”

She shakes her head lightly. “You didn’t answer my question though!” she pouts and puffs her cheeks out a little. “You have to tell me!”

“Well…” you hum to yourself. One memory in particular sticks out to you right now… “I’d have to say teaching you to ride a bike. It was a bittersweet kind of comforting.”

The two of you stare at each other before Shiori flushes crimson, remembering what she told you back then.

“F-forget that… Right now!” she almost shouts, turning away.

“Noooope, absolutely not!” you chuckle back. “You were, and still are, adorable.”

Realizing what you just said out loud, it’s your turn to blush furiously, turning away from her.

“Ohhh?” Shiori starts teasing you, her more “bratty side” coming out. “What’s this? What’s this? I’m adoooorable, huh?” she giggles.

“Yes, but forget that… Please…” you plead with her.

“Noooope, definitely not!” she laughs.

It’s moments like this that you look forward to, just being around her and spending time with her.

“Well, let’s have a picnic, I made some snacks!” Shiori exclaims, making a shudder run through your body, as you remember the last time she cooked, still wondering if that could have been called food.

You decide to trust her, and nod, hoping this turned out better than last time.