Riku Short Story - Budding of True Love

“Riku, are you returning now?"

I was on my way back to my quarters after finishing my shift at Kunado when I was approached by a longtime friend.

“Akaza! Perfect timing!”

“What's wrong, Riku? Did anything happen?”

“Yes, thanks to you! Why did you give the permit (to go to Yomi) to Olympia? What do you think you're doing?”

“I thought she might want it.”

When I was at a loss for words after that simple answer, Akaza continued.

“I am sure you two will meet again in Kunado and Yomi in the future. Please take good care of her.”

“Don’t ask me to take care of her! What are you going to do if something happens to her going in and out of Yomi?”

“She seems to like Yomi, and if anything should happen to her, you and Yosuga will be there.”

I was again crestfallen and glared lightly at Akaza. The surface and Yomi are separated by a huge Kunado torii gate. The military guards take turns day and night, and you need to have a permit to pass through. In other words, if you let them have such a thing, they can freely enter and leave.

"...Akaza, she is a rare [White], isn't she? What are you going to do if she gets caught up in some evil scheme in Yomi?"

“If she doesn't go outside, she won't be able to find her crucial future husband."

“About that...... Instead of making her go to all the trouble of looking for a husband, why don't you just be the one to do it? Is there anyone on this island more suitable for her than the Red’s Akaza?"

He just gave a small smile without replying. (T/N: Ahahaha Akaza 😏)

“Did you maybe take my words as an insult, Akaza? I don’t mean it that way. I respect and trust you with all my heart. That's why I think you deserve her.”

“I know, Riku. I also respect and trust you with all my heart. We will be friends for the rest of our lives on this island.”

Blood red hair, red eyes. The color of his eyes is a testament to his strength. If only I were like Akaza.

“I want her to learn more about this island." The red eyes showed hope. He would not make a foolish move. He may have an agenda, but I still don't agree with allowing her to go to Yomi every day.

“What about you, Riku? What do you think of her?" At the moment he asked me, I felt her pearly hair dance in front of my eyes.

(flashback to Olympia saying these words to Kaina) “You heard it, didn't you? This person (Riku) made fun of everyone in Yomi and you!”

It was the first time I had ever been glared at by a woman. Her whole body was filled with hostility toward me.

To her, I was a villain. She would hate me for the rest of her life. But that was inevitable. I am a military man, and it is my duty to maintain order on this island.

“Don't ask me stupid questions, Akaza. My role is ...... you know it best. I can never be her husband.”

Yes, my role is already set. I know it best. I am .... Riku of the Blue.

—-----------------------------------------

[Flashback to when Olympia invites Riku to her hideout. Riku’s POV~]

“Is this ......?”

“It's my secret hideout.”

“H-hideout? Don’t tell me… You're not harboring any shady people, are you?”

“Of course not. I'm the only one who ever comes here. And you're my first guest, come on in.”

“I-I'm ...... the first?”

For some reason, I felt like running away.

The hideout was a house on the cape. It was on the beach near Tennyo Island and had a great view.

It was the first time I had ever been stared at by a woman, and the first time I had ever been invited into a house like this.

In the bright sunlight, I could see driftwood, shells, and various other decorations, and I knew immediately that they were her prized possessions.

I wondered if it was okay for me to be standing in such a place where she had collected her precious things. Would it be okay if I was the first one to enter?

I felt so out of place that I wanted to run away again.

“I-I know it’s strange for me to ask now, but… Are you sure you can teach me that dance? Isn't it only for people of the Blue?”

“I don't have a problem teaching you just its form. It is an offering of thanks to the Lord Hiruko and to send off the dead in peace.”

After some twists and turns, I ended up teaching her the dance. That is why I came here.

"Now first, put your arms out in front of you.”

“Like this?”

"Then keep your palms ...... Wait, standing in front of you may make things confusing. I'll get behind you.”

I swear, I had no ulterior motive until that moment. And yet.

"Wha?!”

As soon as I turned around, her pearly hair touched my cheek. That was enough to make me scream.

“Y-your hair… is a little in the way…”

“I'm sorry! Should I tie it up?”

“No, I don't mind if you leave it that way....”

What am I saying?

I'm not sure what I'm talking about. If it’s tied up tight, she won't be touching me. I've never touched a woman's hair before. I'm sure I've seen enough of my own long hair, but I wanted to look at hers for a long time.

It smelled of flowers I didn't know existed. Her hair, shimmering in the sunlight, was austere and beautiful.

What am I thinking, I wondered.

"Your fingertips are stiff. Relax them a little."

"Y-yes!”

"Pull your body back a little more."

I'm not doing anything wrong. This is a lesson.

She asked to be taught and I just responded.

Then what is this pain in my heart? This inexplicable thing that feels both ticklish and like being poked with a needle.

No, don't think about it anymore.

I am Riku of the precious [Blue].

Therefore, I cannot… be her groom.

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