Hiiro (48)
For a while, I listened to Ikumatsu sniffle.
The situation brought back painful memories...
"Is overwriting possible?"
"Overwriting..."
"If we make him learn that nothing terrible will happen in that situation anymore, wouldn't that work?"
I voiced this, wondering if it was a naive thought of an amateur, but Ikumatsu nodded with a very convinced expression.
"I think that's a very, very good idea."
He continued with an excited tone.
"Yes, nothing terrible will happen. It won't happen. If he comes to know that!"
"Yeah."
Watching helplessly in this situation isn't good for my mental health either. Not being able to touch him feels like torture. I should teach him, over and over again, that nothing scary, painful, or distressing will ever happen again. We have plenty of time. We'll be together for life.
"Alright. Understood. Then you should return to your room and sleep now."
"Huh...?"
"I'll be taking a break for a while. I'll be away tomorrow for the preparations, so take care of Naruhito during that time. You should sleep now. You'll probably get out of shape, right?"
"Yes... I think I might already have a slight fever."
I brought a pillow and a blanket and returned to Naruhito’s side. I kept a careful distance so as not to touch him.
"I'll be here tonight. Sorry for calling you in the middle of the night."
"Yes."
Ikumatsu, with a look of determination on his face, headed towards the door. I spoke my final words to him.
"Get some sleep."
"Yes."
He won't sleep... He'll probably be researching something.
In the now quiet room, I gazed at Naruhito’s tense sleeping face, which didn't look like he was sleeping. How many times did I reach out my hand only to pull it back?
Suddenly, his eyes opened and found me.
"How are you feeling?"
When I asked, he snuggled up to me with a displeased look. His right hand gripped my nightwear tightly. I gently wrapped my arm around his back and patted him softly. I could feel the tension leaving Naruhito’s body.
"Feeling calmer?"
There was no response as he was starting to doze off again.
"Can you go back to the bed? Is it okay if I take you back?"
He didn't resist when I lifted him up, and he entrusted his body to me as if completely at ease. Only his right hand held onto my clothes tightly.
I understand.
It's alright.
I'm here.
When I hugged him on the bed, he relaxed and fell asleep as if exhausted.
In the morning, with a heavy heart, I pried his hand off my clothes and got out of bed. If I took a sudden day off today, it would be harder to take a long break later. I hoped he wouldn't cry when he woke up as I got ready for the day. A soft knock sounded. When I responded, Ichinose Murashige entered.
"Thank you for your hard work last night."
"Ah, your men took good care of us. Thanks."
"Your words are too kind. I will convey them."
"It seems that Naruhito has been in your care recently. I appreciate it."
"Yes. Your words are too kind. Today, I have a request for Your Highness. May I become his exclusive guard?"
… What does he plan to do about his duties as the head of his family?
What do you think about this chapter?
