Enchanted in the Moonlight ~ Shinra ~ Main Story

5.1 Looking for a book and some accidents

At the train station...

I can't bring myself to give up on my search for that book.

(I didn't find it at the library, but maybe I would have better luck at a bookstore. I feel like, if I could only get that book, I would be able to meet that boy again.)

The face that comes to mind is that of the guy I met the other day at the library, Taira.

(Come on, Ayame. You don't know that it's him. But if it was... heh.)

I find myself grinning as I stand on the train platform, when an announcement plays. "The express train will be passing through this station..."

Suddenly, a second before the train nears the platform, I have a loud ringing in my ears.

(Wh-what's going on?! I feel like my head will split open...)

A bead of sweat drips down my back and just when I start to feel chills...

"Ah..."

Some kind of force is pressing against my back. In front of my eyes, the train is about to rush through the station.

(It's going to run me over!!)

I struggle desperately to keep my body from falling forward.

"Nn!!"

The train passes in front of me. I'm safe by a hair.

"Thanks God..."

The tension leaves my body and I sink down the ground.

(What on earth just happened?)

I slowly and carefully look over my shoulder.

(Nobody is there... Was it wind? Did I just stumble on my own? No. I know I felt a push from behind me.)

--- Time skip ---

I'm a little scared but I make it safely to the bookstore. I look through the used books one by one, but I'm not finding anything that rings a bell.

"Okay. It isn't here, either. Next stop..." I'm looking at the map of stores in the area when...

"Watch out!" Out of nowhere, I hear a woman shouting.

"Huh?"

There's suddenly a big shadow overhead. I look up. A big billboard is crashing down toward me.

"!!"

(It's going to land on me!)

The second I think that, a force pulls me back and before I know it I'm in someone's arms.

"..." I slowly open my eyes to see a familiar face.

(Shinra!)

I realize I'm completely wrapped up in Shinra's arms. One step in front of me, there is a miserably dented billboard stuck in the ground.

"Phew. That was close." Shinra is still holding onto me as he looks over the billboard. "Man. That was dramatic. You okay?"

"Y-yeah."

Shinra's warmth and sweet scent envelop me, making me tremble.

(Oh no. I'm definitely blushing...)

"Good thing I made it in time." There's a relieved smile on his face, kinder than any expression I've seen before.

"...!"

(Ugh... Why is my heart pounding like this now of all times?)

My heartbeat quickens as Shinra's arms tighten around me.

(I can't see his face... What should I do?"

Just then...

"What?!" Suddenly Shinra looks very angry. "So it's him..."

(Wh-what?)