Re: His Shadow

#32: Whispers of the Wind

Entrance of Kuri Town

Hana looked back and saw the empty road. 

"Hana. I already got most of the things we need", Seri carried a basket with her. "You look excited every time we're asked to buy something in town", Hana noticed. Seri nervously chuckled. "In my young age, I wasn't allowed to go out as often as I would like to", Seri explained. "Your parents must've been worried for having such an adorable kid like you. If I have seen you in a younger age, I could have kidnapped you", Hana joked around. 

"I haven't seen Shiro since then. Maybe, I went overboard last time", Hana remembered shoving him away. "I wonder if he already gave up", Hana gave a weak smile. Seri savored the look in Hana's eyes. She was expectant and even if she kept denying it, she truly wanted to go with him. 

"Is Shiro-san just a friend to you, Hana?", Seri suddenly asked. Hana nearly dropped the basket she was holding but Seri caught it on time. "Don't startle me with those questions", Hana sighed. "What do you mean? Shiro-san seems to be a special person to you", Seri noticed. 

While walking around the town, Hana saw married couple holding each other's hand. They seems to be in the middle class. They were smiling ear to ear. "When I was younger and quite an idiot, I swore to Shiro-sama that I'll be marrying him someday", Hana covered her flustered face. "Marry", Seri repeated. 

Then, will you marry me then? That way,  I can also set out into the sea. 

Seri felt a thug on her chest. "People thought that if he marries me, I would be taken away from the poor life that we have. If I gain access to his riches, I might as well feed my family. But then, looking back, even when we're innocently just playing in the village, Shiro-sama is still someone who I would like to marry... Not because he can take me out of my poverty but because he can free me from my misery. Just being with him is enough", Hana smiled the whole time she was saying it. 

"That's why. Even if he's another son of a villager in our place, I'd gladly spend my days with him even if I'm still kept in that poor village of ours", Hana honestly said. 

Seri stopped walking. Hana noticed that no one is following her so she looked back. "Your feelings for him is so pure, Hana", Seri commended. Hana shook her head and started to be all panicky. "But that was just before. This time is different. Even if he ask me to go back in the village, I'll stay here", Hana justified. Seri didn't say anything but just smiled. Hana gave up and relaxed. 

"It's embarrassing", Hana suddenly opened. 

"It's embarrassing to ask someone for help. That's why... people tend to just keep it to themselves. Right, Serima?", Hana looked at the seemingly surprised woman. 

Should I have told him as well? 

Should I have just asked him to take me, right away?

Would I have spent more time if I wasn't just ashamed to ask that?

"How about you? Are you tied with someone before?", Hana tilted her head. "I was. I don't know him or even saw him once. At the coming of my age, I was pledged to that person", Seri narrated. "What happened?", Hana was curious. "How can I...marry someone I don't know", she had a short chuckle. 

Outside the Town

"Hit it with all your might", Trafalgar was training Shiro with swordsmanship. He's not the best teacher since he never really cut anyone with his blade. He just separates their body. "Then, you're going to need armaments, right? Once I have Hana in my arms, I'll be true to my promise. I'll give you as much as you need", Shiro promised.