『Arthur: I still have some things to take care of, but once that's done, I'll take a long vacation. Plus, we need to go buy you some clothes, right? 』
『Lina: Yes, I really appreciate it. Then I'll help you get the food ready first. 』
『Arthur: Don't worry about that. I'll just make something quick. 』
『Lina: Alright. 』
Once Arthur went to the kitchen, Lina turned her attention to asking the other boy a few things.
『Lina: Do you live with him? 』
『Neizan: Yes, we help each other out to get things done, while I look for a way to solve something. 』
『Lina: Solve something? 』
『Neizan: I want to gather as much money and information as possible to build a library here. 』
『Lina: What? You really like books that much? 』
『Neizan: Yes. But it's more than that. I still don't fully understand how to read and write, so I need someone smart to teach me. 』
『Lina: That's great! I could help you. My mother was a teacher, and she taught me almost everything I know. 』
『Neizan: I thought you only lived with your father. 』
『Lina: Yeah, but a while back, my mother was there too. She left home six years ago. 』
『Neizan: Don't look down. I understand how you feel, but if she left, it must've been for an important reason. If not, there would have been no reason to leave you and your father behind. 』
『Lina: I know. 』
The boy lowered his gaze for a moment, his voice carrying a faint tone of melancholy as he said:
『Neizan: I lost my mother a long time ago too. 』
The girl furrowed her brow slightly, her curiosity piqued but aware that she had stepped onto delicate ground. Her voice, now softer, broke the brief silence.
『Lina: What happened to her? 』
The boy pressed his lips together, his gaze darkened by memories he preferred to keep buried.
His fingers intertwined nervously before he spoke again.
『Neizan: I'm sorry, it's not something I want to talk about right now. 』
His words felt like a wall being raised between them, though not out of coldness, but out of a deep sadness the girl could feel.
『Lina: Yeah, I understand. 』
She whispered, respecting his silence.
Neizan looked up, grateful not to be pressured, and forced a small smile to lighten the mood.
He changed the subject, trying to clear the air.
『Neizan: So, if you feel up to teaching me how to read, I'd appreciate it. 』
He attempted to put some lightness in his tone, looking at the girl with a hint of hope.
The girl raised her eyebrows, surprised.
『Lina: I'll teach you what I can... though I've never been to school. 』
『Neizan: Schools aren't all that useful anyway. 』
She said with a touch of skepticism.
It's better if someone teaches you, or if you learn on your own. After all, your attitude is what really matters.
Lina looked at him thoughtfully, then nodded.
『Lina: So, shall I finish cleaning, and then give you your first lesson? 』
『Neizan: Sounds good. If I have time now, I'll help you finish. 』
He offered kindly, glancing around the room.
The girl's eyes sparkled with excitement, and her smile widened.
『Lina: Great! 』
She exclaimed.
That afternoon was filled with pleasant conversations between everyone.
The house was bathed in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Once night fell, after dinner, Lina went to the boy's room.
She took a deep breath before softly knocking on the door, feeling a slight curiosity about what his personal space would be like.
『Lina: Can I come in? 』
She asked from outside, her voice barely audible behind the door.
The response came quickly, with a relaxed tone.
『Neizan: Yes, come in. 』
Lina opened the door slowly, and as she crossed the threshold, she couldn't help but let out a slight gasp of surprise.
『Lina: Woooow… so this is your room. 』
She said, her eyes scanning every corner of the space.
The bedroom had a wardrobe next to a large bed, and just beyond that, a door led to the bathroom.
A desk with two chairs sat in the corner, and on the table were several books, papers, and pencils, along with some lit candles that bathed the room in a soft light.
The open windows revealed a torch burning outside, casting a faint glow over the space, allowing the forest and the starry sky to peek through from outside.
Nana, the boy's loyal companion, was also there, lying on a brown fur rug that covered most of the floor. Her eyes watched them both closely, her tail gently wagging back and forth.
The boy watched as Lina inspected the room, and although his tone remained calm, a small smile appeared on his lips.
『Neizan: Do you like it? 』
『Lina: Yes, I'm impressed. 』
Lina sat down next to the boy, who was already in the other chair at the desk.
Though she tried to stay composed, her heart was racing.
It was her first time being alone with a boy in his room, and the nervousness and embarrassment were overwhelming.
She glanced a boy out of the corner of her eye, unsure of how to act.
『Neizan: I'll tell you the little I know so far, alright? 』
『Lina: Yes, tell me what you know first. 』
She replied, leaning slightly toward him, curious and trying to hide her nervousness.
He calmly explained what he knew about the calligraphy and symbols.
Lina listened attentively, quickly absorbing the information.
Soon, she knew exactly where they should start, feeling the conversation flow naturally.
『Lina: Well, then I think today we'll start by learning this. 』
She said enthusiastically, pointing to the first strokes on the paper.
The atmosphere in the room was warm and relaxed.
Between practical and light conversations, both seemed to forget the initial tension.
Slowly, that warmth reached his heart, and he began to feel more at ease.
『Neizan: Before we continue... 』
He suddenly said, his tone more serious.
『Lina: …? 』
Lina looked directly into his eyes, paying close attention to what he was about to say, her heart beating fast.
『Neizan: My name is Neizan. 』
The impact of those words was immediate. Lina's eyes widened in surprise, and she blushed instantly.
She hadn't expected him to share something so personal.