Several days passed, and September 25th arrived.
By the Old Calendar, today was August 15th—the night known as Jugoya.
In the Old Era, the nation that preceded Kyokutou reportedly held a long-standing tradition of gazing at the moon, calling it the Mid-Autumn Moon. That custom lived on even now, and it seemed that Moon-viewing Banquets were being held all across the city.
We had set up our own spot in the expansive gardens of the Shinonome House Manor, where Luna, Nagisa, and the others were busily preparing for the festivities. The red glow of the bonfire mingled with the sound of laughter, and plates of steaming food and dango were lined up everywhere. The savory scent of cooking drifted on the breeze, accompanied by the genuine warmth of the voices reaching my ears.
It was a lively, joyful atmosphere.
However, Shion and I had wandered off to a quiet spot a short distance away. Our hands, joined naturally, shared a pleasant warmth. We spoke little, but the silence wasn't awkward. If anything, the stillness itself seemed to add a special color to our time together.
There wasn't a single cloud in the night sky, and a brilliant full moon illuminated the darkness. Looking up, I saw a silvery-white light softly enveloping the world. That radiance, far more intense than any city lamp, seemed to quietly soothe the depths of my soul.
"...It's beautiful, isn't it?" Shion murmured softly, still gazing up at the moon.
"Yeah, it is," I replied briefly. She chuckled and gave my hand another squeeze.
We sat down together on the grass. The night breeze brushed against our cheeks, gently cooling our flushed faces. The insects began to chirp in unison, yet it felt strangely quiet where we were—as if we were the only two people left in the world.
"It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve just relaxed and looked at the sky like this."
"Me too. I’ve been so caught up in work that I haven't really taken the time to enjoy the view. But..."
"?"
"Just having you here beside me, Shion... it makes this scenery feel like something more than special."
Even as I said it, I felt a bit embarrassed. But it wasn't a lie.
Shion blinked in surprise, then looked down as if to hide her blushing face. "That's not fair, saying things like that."
"Sorry. My true feelings just slipped out."
"Honestly... But I’m really happy you said it." She leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder. Her smooth silver hair brushed against my cheek, shimmering faintly as it reflected the moonlight. A gentle warmth spread through my chest. There was no reason to pull away. In fact, I found myself wishing I could stay in this moment forever.
"...Is it okay if I keep you all to myself like this for a little while?" Shion whispered, her voice warmer than the night air.
For a long time, the only sounds were the insects and the wind. Then, Shion spoke again, her voice low.
"...I wonder if I've managed to get a little closer."
"Closer?"
She kept her eyes on the moon as she continued. "We made a promise when we were little, remember? That I wouldn't let you be alone. That I'd become strong enough to stand by your side. Compared to back then, I think I've managed to close the distance... both physically and in our hearts."
I listened in silence as she paused, a shadow of doubt crossing her face.
"But you know... I feel like I'm still not standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the way that matters. You see and know so much more than the rest of us, Orun. You're looking at a future far beyond what I can see. I feel like I need to become someone who can share that vision with you, even if you don't tell me what it is."
Shion fell silent and lowered her gaze. In the moonlight, her profile showed a mix of hesitation and the fierce resolve trying to overcome it. Eventually, she lifted her head from my shoulder and looked me straight in the eye.
"Because I don't want to just chase after you... I want to see the same scenery from right beside you."
"Shion..."
"You have a habit of rushing ahead on your own before anyone notices, don't you? So, I'm going to keep chasing you with everything I have so I can keep walking at your side."
Shion tightened her grip on my hand. Her serious gaze pierced through the silence of the night, speaking volumes of the strength of her feelings.
"I'm never letting go of this hand again."
Her voice was unwavering. Even in the dim light, I could feel the depth of her conviction.
"...So I don't leave you behind?"
"No, that’s not it." She shook her head and looked me in the eye. "I want to walk beside you forever so you're never alone again."
My heart swelled. I was simply happy to hear her say those words.
"...Thank you, Shion."
"Eh?"
"I know I have a tendency to rush forward on my own because I feel like I have to. But you’ve made me realize once again that I’m definitely not alone." I chose my words carefully as I looked back at her. "If I ever start heading down the wrong path, you'll pull me back, won't you? Just like back in the Hidden World—if I'm about to give up, you'll be the one to make me stand up again, right?"
Her eyes widened, and her cheeks turned a soft shade of red. Then, she gave a firm nod.
"Yes. Absolutely. As many times as it takes."
At that moment, words were unnecessary. Her face was so incredibly dear to me in the moonlight that I found myself leaning in before I realized it. Shion gently closed her eyes.
Our lips met.
In the cool night air, her warmth was the only thing I could feel. It was a brief kiss, but an unmistakable one.
"...Make sure you pull me back if I'm about to make a mistake."
"I will. Even if I have to use every bit of my strength."
Even a joking exchange like that felt like a sacred promise now. I carved that warmth into my heart, wishing with everything I had to keep walking beside her from this day forward.