The sun hugs the earth after a few hours of not seeing each other. The birds were singing enthusiastically, even the butterflies were dancing with the flowers that had just bloomed.
Neko gives a smile every morning. Because she believes that a smile in the morning makes the day to be lived easier.
However, she did not know how long he had not received news of his lover. After graduation, Neko left Japan and moved to America with her best friend, Natsume.
Working, playing, even living together feels normal. However, his heart remained empty.
"Koneko-chan, do you have a shift this afternoon?" Natsume asked while tidying up his documents.
"I don't think so," answered Neko lightly.
Natsume sighed. He embraced the girl and brought her closer to him. "How about a walk tonight?"
"Go for a walk?" repeated the girl.
Natsume was a little shy too. "Yeah, just the two of us."
Neko slightly shook her friend's invitation, although in the end she also agreed.
"But remember, I didn't want to go to that place at that time. I almost got lost, you know," Neko said while puffing her cheeks.
Previously, Natsume had also asked Neko to go. They visit an old house to help Natsume find a book.
Natsume said that the book was a rare and forbidden book. Galdabrok is the name of the book.
Galdabrok is a magic book or one of the grimores that has existed since sixteen hundred years. It is said that the book contains spells used by the four legendary magicians from Iceland, including healing spells, black magic, protection, and so on.
However, unfortunately Natsume didn't find it. He only found an imitation book that could not be read or demonstrated at all. In addition, his journey to find the book was in vain. Neko is already afraid of insects, dust is in every corner of the room, even the air is very humid and makes this house feel haunted.
In addition, Neko also told him that if he wanted to find a book, he should look in the library. In fact, the library would not accept such a book either.
"I promise," said Natsume, who actually hadn't finished looking for the book.
"Natsume," called Neko.
Natsume just returned the call with a look. He noticed the movements of his partner who began to show a sad look.
"Ritsu... have you received any news from him?" softly Neko.
"Not yet. Rei nii-san also hasn't given any news about Ritsu, nor the Sakuma family," replied Natsume.
Instantly, Neko realized that what Rei was doing felt like an indirect expulsion. Neko still remembers well about the love story of the two worlds that made up this mistake.
As in the story, Neko shouldn't love Ritsu. She should have obeyed his friend's words.
"But, you still have me who can take care of you. Just tell me if you have a problem or feel something uncomfortable. I will help you as much as I can, Koneko-chan," said Natsume while gently ruffling Neko's mane.
"Thank you," murmured Neko who slowly began to smile at him.
No, Natsume couldn't see that smile. Honestly, Natsume is still annoyed with what Ritsu did to turn the person he likes into a gloomy girl and gives off an aura of sadness.
If he could, he should have banned everything before it was too late. But in fact, Neko is more interested in cold-blooded humans than magicians.
It sucks to remember. But, it can't hurt to hope, right?
Natsume stroked Neko's chubby cheek, "I'll wait outside, Koneko-chan."
"Um!" answered Neko who kept smiling.
*****
When night fell, unfortunately the weather was not so supportive. Suddenly, the clouds became darker than the usual night.
Overcast? Yes, cloudy clouds actually blanketed the area around them. Even so, that didn't stop them from getting some fresh air.
Although, it was actually Neko that ultimately forced Natsume to leave in this weather. She said that she needed new entertainment after working for so long. However, Natsume knew that Neko just felt lonely.
Strolling around the square while looking at the surrounding scenery is relaxing. Many young people who looked three years younger than them were playing and joking with their friends.
Not only that, foreign tourists also occasionally appear in this area to make videos.
"I feel calm now," said Neko who was leaning on Natsume's shoulder with a cup of warm coffee and hotdog in hand.
"I know that Koneko-chan actually feels tired, lonely, empty," said Natsume.
"Ish, Natsume-chan! Don't just read someone's mind," Neko said firmly while lightly hitting Natsume's arm.
"Don't call me by that nickname!"
"You yourself, don't just read someone's mind!"
"It's your own fault, Koneko-chan. You weren't honest with me."
Natsume's words left Neko speechless. What Natsume said was true. All this time she didn't want to say or tell anything she felt to Natsume.
"Sorry," Neko whispered.
"Koneko-chan, I know if you understand that I am always there for you. You are free to tell me everything," said Natsume.
Neko pulled away from her best friend. She stared at the fountain in front of him guiltily.
"Koneko-chan?" call Natsume.
"I ... I just miss Ritsu. I always worry about him. Every time, I always wonder about his condition. Until finally I feel tired by myself."
Neko paused to wipe her tears.
"Natsume, I'm afraid to talk to you about this. I'm afraid I might end up hurting your feelings."
Natsume felt pity. He knew that later he would feel sick. But, he also doesn't like to see Neko keep everything to herself.
"No problem. You know, Koneko-chan? Don't think about my feelings. Even if it makes you relieved or calm, you can tell me," said Natsume which he was actually shy to say.
Neko laughed in her light cry.
"What is so funny?" asked Natsume.
"Somehow, your attitude like that feels weird, Natsume-chan," answered Neko.
"That's up to you, Koneko-chan."