Another story

Chapter 3: Our departure and our promise

"Had a nice sleep?" I said as she slowly opened her eyes.

"a-ah ! Sorry for falling asleep," she replied with a faint red on her face.

"It's ok, you seemed tired."

"I think I'll go back to my world," she said as she stood up.

"I thought you stayed in this realm because you don't want to." I replied, her words were something I didn't expect.

"Thanks to you, I finally have the courage to do what I was supposed to do, so I guess we eventually will have to say goodbye." sadness is visible in her voice.

"Will we meet again?" i asked

"That is a certainty; we are saying goodbye, not farewell, aren't we?" She smiled, "But before the time comes for me to leave, I want to stay with you just for a little bit longer if it's alright for you."

I nodded. What am I supposed to say really? I want you to stay with me as well. I probably would if it wasn't for my ego. At times, you just want to look like you are tough and that your heart isn't easily swayed, especially when you meet with someone that you adore or someone whom you want to be something more with you. but in reality, despite what you express on your face, no matter how you want to act, Your heart can't lie,

The night sky retreated to reveal the sun slowly rising at the horizon as we sat at the shrine entrance. I suppose it's one of those moments where you just want it to stretch on forever and you don't want it to end. And frankly, I can understand why.

"So how am I going to return to my world?" She asked, "Do we have to find iris?"

"That wouldn't be necessary," I replied, "when your heart is ready to return, you should be able to return, or at least that's what Iris told me."

"Is that so? That's oddly simple, don't you think?" Her response seems like she was somewhat dissatisfied. I wonder if a part of her was expecting me to say that leaving wasn't going to be so simple.

"It is, but then again, I'm not the owner." i shrugged

We stared at the sunrise, the sun slowly rising, marking the beginning of a new day. It would be nice if it wasn't signaling her departure.

"I suppose our time is running out, huh?" she asked

"It appears so," I replied.

"Oh wait, I never knew what your name was; can you tell me your name if you don't mind?" She spoke with anticipation.

"The names San-... actually. I never really had a name," I replied, and she seemed surprised with my revelation.

"eh ? You don't have a name? Hmmm, well, your hair is white like mine, so how about calling you Shiro or Yuki?"

"Hm, probably Shiro is fine." i replied

"It's settled then," she smiled. "Well, I guess it's about time for me to leave," after saying so, she looked at me in the eyes.

"After I left, open the piece of paper I gave to you, alright?" She smiled, "Again, thank you, Shiro, for everything." She said as she gave me one of her hair pieces. It looks like an amethyst crystal; you can see it glowing a little by itself. "This is our promise that we will meet again."

"Alright," I replied as I gave her the necklace that I usually have. "You have a piece of mine, and I'll have a piece of yours."

She accepted it with a smile. She seemed very happy. For some reason, I felt the same as her. She embraced me, but before I could feel her warmth, she slowly faded away, leaving me alone in the light of dawn. I guess her heart finally decided it's time to return. I took the yellow piece of paper she gave me from my jacket's pocket and read it.

This is my gratitude for you. Thank you for staying beside me throughout my time here; you gave me something I always wanted to experience for nine years. I feel at peace while being beside you. I truly am grateful for it. But if you are reading, this means I have already left. Well, I suppose I can't run away even if I have the chance to. I really want to stay. but someone must seal the honkai away for the greater good. You probably don't know what honkai is, so let's just say someone needs to do what must be done. May we see each other again, and when we do, I can't wait to introduce you to my friends and let's go to a real festival this time^^

- Kiana

I folded the paper and put it away. I held the hairpiece she gave me in my hands while looking at the sun rising. "Yeah, we will meet again. You have my word."