𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Part 18: Her Words

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Is this... really what I see?

Kanao knew she could feel nothing but the coldness of her fingertips, a rush of emotions inside her heart that made her eyes beam, reflecting more light than usual. Her shoulders went hard and stiff, as if her bones would break if she forced any movement on them.

Lips quivering, she gasps a few breaths that she accidently skipped seconds ago. Her right hand extended to just one direction, to where the person she had missed so dearly stood.

"Ka- nae... " She murmured, and a lonely tear slid down her cheek.

Kanae flashed her the same gentle, breathtaking smile that broke Kanao into a fit of wailing. Those pale purple eyes squinted with utmost tenderness as they darted at Kanao, watering ever so lightly.

To take this all as the reality was too much for Kanao, her heart swelled in happiness as she knelt down. Her back hunched, allowing her to cry for every pain she had swallowed inside her fragile self.

"Ara, ara. Doshite (what's the matter), Kanao?" Kanae walked over to her younger sister as the calm wind blew her long hair aside.

Crouching down, Kanae lifted Kanao's chin up using a palm.

"You're crying..." she said in a tone that Kanao could detect as surprised but relief at the same time.

"I suppose you've grown so much, you can express your emotions more beautifully now."

Kanao's tears spilled like endless streams on her face at that, "Nee-san!"

She lunged at Kanae and was caught in a bear hug. The two siblings shared the moment with happy tears gliding and hands stroking at each other's back to confirm their true presence there.

As much as this felt like a dream to Kanao, she had a feeling of longing to never wake up.

"Please... don't... disappear..." That kind of wish is beyond possible, but Kanao let her mouth blurted that out, startling Kanae.

She burried her soaked face into Kanae's butterfly haori, muffling a few words. A spark of light could be seen filtering Kanae's features, she smiled down and ran her delicate fingers through those black locks.

"I'm here, Kanao. I'm here," Kanae said in a reassuring tone.

Kanao squeezed her waist once more to prove to herself again, choking on a sob after she spoke, "I- I miss you so much. I'm sorry... for unable to-"

"I know, I always know. I miss you too, more than you can imagine." Kanae drew her close, making sure she could let it out with her face pressed against her welcoming chest.

After minutes passed, Kanao collected herself and released the hug, staring at Kanae with flushed cheeks.

"I've heard such wonderful news~" Kanae clasped her hands, twirling herself around playfully. "You've been appointed by Oyakata-sama as Flower Hashira, right? I'm so proud of you, Kanao. Congratulations!"

"E- eip. I guess I wouldn't be able to surprise you myself..." Kanao pouted, wondering if it was Shinobu who had rushed to tell Kanae about that.

"Well, Shinobu told me on the very first day the news is out." Kanae jumped slightly after she took Kanao's hands, beaming with delight.