Chapter 109: Hair Ornament

I sighed and walked.

He was not wandering unconsciously from one shipwreck to another, but walking normally through Zarozhen.

Leorio, Gon, and Killua were not around.

Not even Sora was there.

The hand she had decided not to let go of was no longer there.

Yet Kurapika continued to walk through the Dream World, not feeling uncomfortable due to the contradiction.

I don't know how many times I opened the Mobile Phone in my hand instead of feeling her body temperature, and sighed.

The image floating on the liquid crystal of the Mobile Phone I opened was an email she had received a few days ago.

Kurapika's master, Izunavi, told him that Kurapika's Training was complete; after he reported to Sora, she promised to see him in a few days and said, "Hmm, as promised, I will teach you about the Phantom Troupe."

Kurapika sighed heavily, expressing his dissatisfaction; although he only had a few days left, he hadn't thought of anything.

"... What exactly is he so happy about? Although he is greedy for life, he is too selfless about everything else, which is a problem."

Of course, merely expressing dissatisfaction could not solve the problem.

So Kurapika wandered aimlessly, feeling even more troubled.

Nearly five months late, I had been worrying about what gift to give for Sora's birthday.

Originally, it was because Sora herself had completely forgotten her own birthday, and Kurapika only learned of her birthday during another event a few days later, so he had no desire to give her a gift.

I forgot, so of course without that person's own reminder, I thought I would celebrate it properly next year, but I hadn't thought about celebrating it after it had passed.

However, although Kurapika forgot his own birthday because he couldn't talk about others, Sora remembered it very clearly. Perhaps it was because the date April 4th was too easy to remember, but on that day, I sent an email congratulating him on his birthday, and Kurapika also remembered his promise from four years ago.

The promise to show cherry blossoms, the Yoshino cherry tree, was realized with a photograph.

In the end, Kurapika sent me an email and a photo of an explosive statement, and finally had a big fight with Izunavi; with that feeling, I decided to give her a birthday gift that was already overdue.

Deciding to take action was easy. However, deciding how to make an essential "birthday gift" was extremely difficult.

This was too hard for Kurapika, who only had experience giving gifts to women like his mother, but I didn't even know if that woman should be aware of being a woman when choosing.

Just as Kurapika complained, she lived so greedily that she ended up entering another world, but conversely, she was basically indifferent to everything else about herself.

When it came to material desires, it was probably the same as not being serious.

Since she said she liked games and manga, it wasn't that she didn't like luxury goods, but Kurapika thought they were just for killing time.

In fact, when she was at Mount Kukuroo, there were no such luxury goods in that mountain cabin, but she didn't complain and spent nearly a month happily.

On weekdays, Sora's attitude of being happy and satisfied with the things in front of her was always a good thing, but now, even though he knew there was nothing wrong with Sora, he still felt somewhat dissatisfied.

Although I had many bad feelings and imagined annoying her like I do, I wanted her to be happy, I wanted her to be happy, so I didn't know what could make her happy. Feeling frustrated by this, I walked aimlessly, looking at shop windows here and there.

However, the things displayed in the windows were obviously too feminine, and I could only think, "If you're not good at it, don't cry."

From the exchanges on the airship after the second test and the conversation on the same airship heading to Padokia, I thought Sora didn't particularly hate feminine things, but was essentially girlish. I learned that their nature had been distorted and sealed by the worst values of a "Magician," and when they didn't need to feel ashamed, they felt ashamed, and even if they thought they hadn't been hurt, they were deeply traumatized.

That was why Kurapika wanted to give her something practical, something that wouldn't bother her even if it wasn't a hobby, something that wouldn't spoil easily like food or consumables, but rather a female accessory.

While wanting to slightly correct her distorted values, the desire to see such an innocent, girlish, and cute Sora had never disappeared.

However, judging by how she looked when she found out about her nature, it was embarrassing to give her something too feminine. I was dissatisfied with her...", and combined with her kindness, it would turn into a Disaster, far from making you happy, you would end up feeling guilty.

First of all, it was almost certain that Sora didn't hate feminine things as much as her words and actions suggested, and Kurapika selfishly thought that she actually quite liked pretty things, and even Kurapika himself knew that this possibility was high.

Regardless of her trauma or her values as a Magician, Kurapika felt that giving her something that wasn't her hobby would make her worry and be very awkward, so Kurapika gradually reduced his already few options and was at a loss.

"... Really, what are you so happy about?"

Kurapika sighed deeply again, fiddling with his Mobile Phone, and opened a photo file.

A photo of Sora turning around and smiling against the background of an old cherry tree.

After an email congratulating him on his birthday, he received an email titled "I forgot," which also contained some words that would make Kurapika sink.

Was it the word she forgot to include in the first email or this picture? Which one was next? Kurapika didn't know if these two things were what he absolutely wanted to give Kurapika.

But I did know one thing.

The only thing I could tell from this photo was that her hair was longer than when she took the Hunter Exam... longer than when I first met her.

Even if I said it grew out, it was only about 3 months after I finished the Hunter Exam when this photo was taken, so I didn't know if it was grown out on purpose or if I didn't have a chance to get a haircut.

There was no guarantee that Kurapika's words, "I want to see," would be taken seriously, and her hair had really grown out.

Perhaps it would return in a few days, and Kurapika would get used to it and it would return to its original length, so it wouldn't be strange at all, and there would be no complaints.

But that was the only thing I noticed in that photo. The only answer I could give on that airship was "I don't know."

When she asked, "Do I look good?" I could only answer, "I don't know." I realized that if I did that, I would regret it even more.

Sora should keep her hair long.

With long hair, I could clearly see that her appearance, which transcended gender differences and possessed both androgynous and asexual qualities, was clearly that of a woman.

There was nothing that could describe her as an unparalleled beauty.

Kurapika thought more than he did at that time, more than he did at that time.

"I want to see Sora with long hair."

After all, Kurapika's footsteps were just a little lighter when he sighed, because he couldn't think of anything that would make her happy.

Only the direction I wanted to give seemed to have been decided.

"Is Kurapika just your 'younger brother'?"

Faced with Leorio's serious question, Sora rolled her eyes and was silent for a while.

Sora crossed her arms without saying a word, tilted her head more and more like an Owl, and after tilting her head to the limit, asked Leorio.

"What are you talking about, Leorio?"

Faced with such a reaction and answer, Leorio looked surprised, or rather, turned into a bitter face, and when he asked Senritsu, "Are you serious?" I didn't understand.

Not only Leorio, but even Senritsu said with a bitter expression.

I don't like this kind of reaction.

"To you, this guy is a 'man'... 'heterosexual', isn't he?"

"Hm?"

I don't want to get involved, because watching other people's love lives only makes me angry or feel empty. Leorio was completely understood by their words and actions, yet he was irritated by the fact that they wouldn't admit the "sentiment" of the other party.

Sora, who did not notice Kurapika's feelings, could be seen from the side as being very annoying, regardless of whether it was unpopular jealousy or not.

If she knew there was no problem with herself, then there would be no need for this.

That's right. Leorio knew that Sora was not dull; he was naturally insensitive to these things, and in the world where he was born and raised, he could not survive if he were not numb.

Knowing the cruel twist of Sora saying he was "almost forced to marry at 10," and seeing that overly calm face, I knew it wasn't Sora who should be blamed, and I almost shouted at him.

"Why aren't you angrier?!" I rewrote it and hit it.

From Kurapika's perspective, this question would only be annoying, far from being unnecessary help.

If Kurapika woke up and knew he was talking about this, he could not seriously guarantee Leorio's life, but Leorio clearly knew this and still asked.

Likewise, although Senritsu knew, she did not stop Leorio.

It was not because she wanted to know the answer, not because she wanted to know the answer, but because she wanted to know the answer.

Senritsu wanted Sora to know the "answer" precisely because his heart told him that, without hypocrisy, he knew nothing from the bottom of his heart and had noticed nothing.

However, Sora's answer was far from their original intention.

"... Why is Leorio trying so hard to encourage me to commit a crime?"

"Why did my story turn out like this!?"

Leorio hurriedly rushed in, his tone quite serious, looking at me again with eyes of Absolute zero.

Sora's gaze returned from Absolute zero to a normal temperature, and he tilted his head expressionlessly, asking again.

"Hm? In Leorio's country, is it okay for children about Kurapika's age to go out and play?"

"Hm?... Ah, I see."

Hearing Sora's question, Leorio understood why Sora had such a cold expression.

Senritsu, who was a bit confused by the sudden contempt, smiled bitterly and asked Leorio about the reason for Sora's contempt.

"In Sora-chan's country, is it impossible for teenagers to have contact with them?"

"... It's a strange country with many gray areas. Whether agreed upon or not, those under 13 are out. Females over 16 and males over 18 can marry with parental permission. This has been legal since the United States started it. At 14, unless you are prosecuted by the police, but if you have proper morals and ethics, I would label anyone entangled with someone under 18 as a pervert. Then this is normal, and those who are annoying are treated as lunatics."

"Then you and Kurapika are not qualified to be so contemptuous either."

Facing Senritsu's question, Sora, who was stoic by nature, believed in the theory that the temperament of his hometown was good, and Leorio answered with a slightly dissatisfied expression.

If it were a country where not only those in their twenties but also dating were legally allowed to go out, Sora's reaction would be different in other countries. Even if you know this, it is common sense for people born and raised in that country, so I understand that you might look down on it, but even in Sora's country, it is gray, but if the age gap between Sora and Kurapika is before the law, ethically speaking, it has not reached the point of being criticized.

Since that was the case, when Leorio cast a protesting look, saying it didn't matter if he was so disrespectful to him, Sora apologized with a smile as if he were tricking him.

"Ah, sorry, sorry. Indeed, even if there is an age gap between Kurapika and me, I won't think about it. I won't blame a 21-year-old because they are a strange person."

However, although Kurapika and I only have a four-year age gap, we met four years ago.

Responding to Sora's answer, Leorio and Senritsu placed their fingers between their eyebrows and expressed in unison, "... Of course," "That... would be judged."

The age gap hasn't changed; 21 and 17 are generally considered too old and underage, so it's usually out.

Of course, there are many people who are terrifyingly mature at 13, so this is just a big bias, but what is certain is that even if they look mature on the outside, they are immature on the inside.

The problem in this case is the default age, not the age difference. Even if the age gap is the same, you will know how dangerous it is. Leaving aside the two-year age gap, if there is a four-year age gap, the older party will look like they are deceiving the naive younger party.

I agree with Sora's words. Her statement is correct.

However, this is also why Leorio and Senritsu said to Kurapika from the bottom of their hearts: "Sorry for asking some unnecessary things."

Sora's answer was correct, but since he bluntly said "Kurapika cannot be a lover," I can only apologize.

Before Sora was traumatized and his values were distorted, I am sorry for notifying him to withdraw from the combat unit just because he was right. This is no joke, so Leorio sweated a little impatiently and said, "No, but you and Kurapika have only been Together for about a month, right?" I will try to change the "I can't do it" mindset.

"Yeah. Regardless of 4 years ago, if Kurapika isn't seen as the opposite sex even a little bit now, wouldn't that be pathetic? I think if I thought about how I haven't grown up at all, I would become depressed."

Kurapika is too much for Senritsu, so he supports Leorio's consciousness reform.

But this woman has no mercy.

"Well, I think Kurapika has grown incomparably since four years ago, and when I saw him again, I was surprised that he seemed like a different person..."

To be honest, if you look at this girl solely from her appearance, she is more like the opposite sex from four years ago. Plus, the first-person pronoun is "I," so I sometimes seriously forget Kurapika's gender."

"Oh, by the way, when I saw her again, she immediately said, 'Are you my sister?!'"

If you have been Together since an age where you couldn't realize you were the opposite sex, then even complete strangers would feel like siblings, and even if the other party is over 20, they won't be identified as the opposite sex; you are very likely to be attacked by self-loathing and guilt, as if you had touched the greatest taboo.

However, if we have only been Together for about a month, and we reunited suddenly after four years, that would be the time when not only his physique but also his face changed drastically, so it is not strange even if his cognition shifted from "younger brother" to "opposite sex." On the contrary, Leorio tried to convince them that even with such a gap period, it would be strange to only see them as family, but in this case, Kurapika is wrong. Kurapika's face is too feminine, it's really terrible.

Leorio lamented that Kurapika could seriously kill him, and Senritsu held her head and said, "What should I do... I can't think of any way."

Naturally, there shouldn't be any fault, but for the first war criminal Sora, their reaction was too Ambiguity.

Of course, if he answered foolishly and honestly, Senritsu still affirmed that Leorio would be killed by Kurapika, so Leorio looked away and came up with an unrealistic answer, but it wasn't a lie either.

"Eh~, no, there's no special meaning, but no matter how you look at it, your love for Kurapika is like a pair of fools."

I didn't lie. Or rather, if Sora's feelings for Kurapika were truly "familial affection" for his "younger brother," even if they had no blood relationship, Leorio wouldn't have said anything.

Kurapika is pitiful, but it's not something that can be forced to change, and it's certainly not something that should be changed.

I don't want to say anything unnecessary because if I don't say it, I'm sure Kurapika will understand.

Seriously, if Sora's feelings for Kurapika were "familial affection," he definitely wouldn't say anything.

I can't be sure it's "different," but I can't be sure it's "not" either.

When Gon, who didn't understand anything, said "Why don't you give me Kurapika?" on the topic of "Magic supply," the originally uncomfortable reaction became so great that I couldn't ignore it.

When Kurapika asked him to provide Mana, Sora panicked, but there was no "disgust" on his face.

After doing such a thing, there was only the "awkwardness" and "confusion" of not knowing how to get along with Kurapika, and most importantly, my relationship had changed, and I couldn't fix it. I could see "as much fear as possible of being broken, but no matter how much he loved those who only treated him as family, he would at least have the 'disgust' that he absolutely harbored because he loved them. I couldn't read it as best I could.

Of course, this might also be because his values as a mage have been distorted.

To her, the act of "providing Mana" itself is shameful, but she has nothing to think about regarding "incest," one of the three great human taboos, even if it is a mental, most severe distortion. Perhaps he is unconsciously Stick-ing to it.

So, although he knows Leorio will turn into a jungle Snake, the reason he asks so many troublesome questions might be because he wants to discard the worst possibility.

When I analyzed the reason for my behavior like that again, I glanced at Senritsu; she was smiling, looking a bit troubled.

Troubled but not sad, which means she can read others' minds more deeply and accurately than she can her own, and at this moment, she can also read Sora's mind more accurately than Leorio can.

If Leorio's interpretation is true, then she should be able to figure out why there is no "disgust."

Moreover, if you can guess, and if you are not sad when you encounter trouble, then the name of Sora's feelings for Kurapika is—

"Hmm.

I know I spoil myself, doing too much, but I don't know what true family affection is, so I let go and do too much. If that's the case, why don't you give Leorio the same love?"

"Stop it. I'm really going to die, so stop it."

"What do you mean!?"

Faced with Leorio's answer, Sora raised his voice as if he understood, while completely denying Leorio's words.

Furthermore, she spread her arms, putting on a look as if to say: "Come here, I will take care of you, come over." I was startled by this reaction.

Sora misunderstood something, but Leorio's reaction was sincere.

If this woman loved me like Kurapika, I would definitely die. Killed. Leorio was convinced that Kurapika and Killua would definitely kill him, so he refused vehemently.

If I don't refuse with all my might, it's easy to imagine that Sora would really spoil Leorio to the point of making him uncomfortable.

Just as Leorio thought, Sora himself realized this too.

They don't know what family affection is. She doesn't know how much intimate contact there should be between family members, how much interference is allowed, and she also knows she does too much.

This is the most painful love.

She is like a mother, giving everything, forgiving everything. That is why I don't destroy it; there is no bottomless pit. Most importantly, he wants his partner to be happy, so he takes a stern attitude, such as scolding, with the intention of being resented.

To speak of this overly mature affection is nothing more than painful, because she herself is too young, too pure, and too ignorant of "love."

Pitiful.

But that is why there might be hope in that "love."

Ignorant and pure.

The name of that "love" now called "family affection" might still need to be changed now.

You might notice it has a different name.

I thought so, and Leorio asked Sora again.

"Sora. Seriously, wouldn't Kurapika be like this?"

Presumably Kurapika, if Sora's feelings for him and his feelings for her were just "siblings" and "family," he must have realized the "dream" budding deep in his heart and forcibly renamed it to another name.

I don't want to be awkward with Sora, and I don't want to keep staying by Sora's side, so I can see that I am giving up that "dream" myself.

A "dream" is more important than anything, and in order to protect that "dream," I have no choice but to throw it away with my own hands.

There is no other way.

Neither Kurapika nor Sora can Compromise, because they both have a fair sense of morality that is flawless.

This difference in love types makes it impossible for them to live Together, unless one of them gives up and throws everything away.

If I have to throw it away, I know Kurapika's "dream" will be the only one.

If I could suddenly change my mindset and see the other person as the opposite sex, I wouldn't have had such a dream in the first place.

Therefore, Kurapika will choose to abandon that "dream" himself.

There is no other way.

A shared story. I at least know this is the loss of a worldly "dream."

Originally, it was too rude to interfere.

However...

"To you, is this guy just a child you have to protect for a lifetime?"

Sora knows nothing about what "family" is. I don't know.

That is why I still have time.

I still want to know if I can change the name of the love there.

No, you might not even need to change it.

Perhaps you just need to correct your mistakes.

The name of the "love" Sora now calls "family affection" might actually be the same name as Kurapika's "dream."

"If this guy no longer needs you, if he can go anywhere alone, can you send him off with a smile?"

That is the reason I asked.

The relationship of "family" is a bond that can never be severed; even if the other party avoids you, one day you must Absolute-ly leave the nest.

Parents and children, siblings can never sever ties, and there is no need to sever them, but they shouldn't always be Together either.

"Home" is the first and last safety net. When you cannot bear the loneliness, it is the last place you can rely on.

That is why we cannot always be close to each other.

Not helping each other, just relying. Because it is spoiled.

However, there is only one kind of "family" relationship that can be Together until the very last moment, in such a "family" relationship.

In a "family" relationship where it is assumed that one day they will leave the nest and depart, there is only one relationship where there is mutual support, rather than destroying them. I originally thought they were strangers who only became "family" to be Together.

A "family" name, living Together, supporting each other, vowing to each other until death, separating them at the moment of parting, one day.

Isn't your relationship just "siblings"? Leorio asked.

"-I can do it."

However, Sora answered Leorio's question with a smile.

Wearing a beautiful, transparent smile.

"I have long known that Kurapika has become so strong that he truly does not need my help. I know he is no longer the child I must protect."

That is why I know that what I am doing now is merely relying on this child.

So... if Kurapika could say 'it's okay,' I would surely smile and say 'do your best.' That is... that is the 'dream' I have always seen whenever I look at him."

Unwavering, undistorted, I said I do not understand "family love," but I know the most Heavy thing, and I decided long ago that I must do this because I love you the most. Sora answered with a smile.

With a clear, bright smile, answering crisply and neatly, Leorio replied: "... Is that so?"

In response, Senritsu immediately asked back with a slightly displeased smile, then interjected.

"So? What is your true intention?"

You do not have to listen to the other person's heartbeat like Senritsu to understand.

I cannot say this is a long-term relationship. My relationship with him is the least, and there may be many things I do not understand.

Even Leorio understood.

Her clear smile, precisely because it was clear, was a lie.

Sora's usual smile, true to its name, was not very clear because it was sunny and bright.

It was a smile filled with unfathomable joy and happiness, revealing another depth beyond the ocean. It was discovered soon enough.

This woman is sincere, but she is a liar, and she is a very good liar.

That is why I do not know if it is intentional or unintentional, but the lie is too easy for the audience to see.

If you do not look at her carefully, if you do not have that kind of leeway, you are easily deceived; you lie perfectly, but because you are perfect, you will see that you are unnatural if you look a little closer.

I realized it was unnatural because only one part was so perfect.

If you know her well... even if you do not have the time, if you are someone who truly wants to know the truth, even if the truth is cruel, it is not a gentle lie, and you can easily see through such lies.

If I pointed this out directly, Sora's transparent smile would become blurred.

Various emotions were intertwined, and although it lost its transparency and became murky, it was still beautiful.

"... Yeah. Sorry, it was a lie."

He seemed embarrassed to have been discovered by Leorio, he seemed sorry for having lied to him, he was embarrassed that his lie had been exposed, but even though he understood his true intentions, he did not seem to criticize him. Sora smiled at this, hoping he would acknowledge the true feelings hidden in the bottom of his heart.

It is not transparent. Various selfish and human emotions are mixed together, and just by coincidence, it turns into a beautiful color rather than a dirty murkiness, but it is certainly, at least for Leorio, much, much, much better than that transparent smile. She answered with a smile.

"Actually, I want to be Together with Kurapika forever."

With the ends of her white hair, which had grown incomparably long since the Hunter Exam, and the ends of the crimson ribbon decorated with gold thread winding around her fingertips, Sora answered honestly with an embarrassed face.

"I really told Kurapika, 'I am already... are you okay... unnecessary,' I might die of loneliness."

Faced with Sora's honest answer, Leorio replied again, "... I see."

This time, with a satisfied smile.

Senritsu listened to the guilt and relief of the truth, "After all, there is no need to interfere; that is an unnecessary Obstacle, and worrying is a loss."

Senritsu's smile made him realize that his true intentions had been leaked to her; he did not confuse the meaning of his words anymore, and he stated the quick solutions to various matters, as well as the Obstacles that tried to stop them, in an easy-to-understand manner. Although it was not the most direct at the moment, Sora still asked back with an uncomprehending face.

"No, why is Leorio so eager to put Kurapika and me Together? I mean, why would Killua appear?"

Leorio was even more surprised by the woman's cruel words about Kurapika and Killua, and replied: "How can you still say that?"

"On the contrary, why are you just a 'younger brother' to the point of missing him, and dying if he leaves? This guy isn't a 'man' to that extent, is he hopeless in terms of combat power?"

"That's right. At least I don't mind being a 'younger brother,' so please don't forget that Kurapika is a man."

After hearing Leorio's surprised and sympathetic words, Senritsu also warned him to at least stay sober, while smiling bitterly.

However, this woman is too cruel and has no room for sympathy, such as having her values distorted by her family environment.

"Well, sometimes I really forget Kurapika's gender, but first of all, I cannot talk about others, and I prefer older people, but unless the age difference is large, there is no need to ask young people. This is not a translation."

"But Kurapika is like that; the more calmly I treat him as a 'younger brother,' the less Kurapika is a husband or a lover. However, I am sure Kurapika would not want me."

Straightforwardly, Sora said.

I am glad Kurapika is asleep. Leorio and Senritsu, while thinking it was really good, suddenly stiffened and asked at the same time: "... Why?"

Even to this question, she answered firmly with an opaque white face.

"Because of Kurapika's scarlet eyes, his workplace is in the middle of the road in many ways. He is serious about everything, but his hands are clumsy, and his head is big, relying on manual labor, especially housework. His cooking is devastating, I cannot talk about people, and I have no interest in femininity. But he is a very troublesome child who gets depressed over good things."

"Seriously, I cannot help but worry if there will be a child who becomes this child's bride."

After saying this, he said with a straight face, and Leorio hugged his head.

Of course, if Leorio were a woman, no matter how good-looking Kurapika was, even if he knew he was a good person, the shortcomings were too great, and he realized that he was the type who could never be called a husband or a lover.

Or rather, in Kurapika's case, a good face is also a negative aspect. I absolutely refuse a lover who looks better than me.

Well, regarding Leorio's evaluation, Kurapika himself would likely say: "First of all, I have the right to choose." With a face of genuine disgust, he remained silent.

Just when I thought there was still hope, Sora knocked me down in despair, and Leorio wondered if it was Sora or Kurapika who was the culprit. Laughed out loud.

Thinking of Kurapika's overly ruthless incompetence, I thought I could only laugh out loud, but Senritsu's smile was not dry, but genuinely funny.

Leorio and Sora looked at the smile inexplicably, and Senritsu said to Sora with a smile.

"Although you know Kurapika's shortcomings like the back of your hand, you still love him so much that you would die without him."

"Hmm? Yes."

Sora answered Senritsu's words immediately with a puzzled face. It was a direct reaction that made me want to say, "What are you talking about, this person?"

Just like that, she continued without thinking.

"Frankly speaking, I cannot find any benefits to Kurapika as a husband or lover, but I love Kurapika as long as she is Kurapika."

Of course, there are places I am not good at, and there are flaws I hope you solve, but if that is an important part of 'Kurapika,' I do not want you to lose these."

Sora did not just smile and say, "What is that about?" It turned into a distorted face, just saying it.

At the end of the day, the reason for this woman's "no" is that Sora's personal feelings are excluded, and looking at the situation objectively, it seems that Sora herself cannot be the reason to hate Kurapika anyway.

Seeing that heart-burning and disgusting face of Leorio, Sora tilted his head; just as Leorio had asked him at the beginning, this was already the limit of the indulgence Leorio could accept.

You guys are really screwed!! Don't worry about Kurapika's wife!! Instead of worrying about her, you'd better worry about me!! Damn!

Seriously, you guys are exploding! Explosion! Forever and ever exploding and scattering!!"

"Leorio, calm down. I understand how you feel, but calm down."

"Is it now or forever?"

To Sora, it was sudden, but for Leorio and Senritsu, Leorio was going crazy because Sora pressed the explosion button multiple times, Senritsu was very much in agreement with him while soothing him, and Sora still didn't understand the meaning of it, rushing into that part. It's okay, I put it in.

Only one person didn't care about this kind of stupid exchange.

He was the culprit of this exchange, the central figure of the topic, and the biggest victim didn't even know that such a story was being discussed and continued to dream.

No one knew if it was happy.

＊＊＊

Enduring the shame, I looked around a few women's clothing stores and asked the clerk: "Is this for your family?" I estimated that Kurapika would definitely use it... In other words, I found it when I was heartbroken from being constantly talked to because I was mistaken for a woman.

Looking at the Kanzashi, a hair accessory from Japan, the country most similar to Sora's hometown culture, I thought to myself, "... This can be used as a weapon." A confused Kurapika put the Kanzashi back on the shelf where it was originally placed, looked around, and said: "For the time being, it's a candidate."

A bright crimson ribbon with delicate embroidery, decorated elegantly without being too flashy.

The reason for wanting to give Kurapika a hair accessory was because I wanted Kurapika to fulfill his selfish desire of "wanting to see Sora with long hair."

That is why Kurapika looked for and chose simple things as much as possible, so that her pain would not spread unknowingly.

He tried his best to choose simple hair accessories and avoid cute and feminine designs, but Kurapika already knew that his appearance might be mistaken for a woman, so he had to tie his hair up because he was more easily mistaken for a woman. I never pulled it too long so that it wouldn't, so the only things Kurapika knew how to use were hair bands and hair clips. I didn't know how to use the Kanzashi I saw earlier; it was just a stick with decorations to tie my hair together.

I decided to give a "hair accessory," but even if I had to choose something I didn't know how to use, I wanted something simple, but it felt like a gift. I didn't even notice that I was raising the result, and I hesitated whether to create a better selection criterion without asking "can it be used as a weapon," but the moment I saw that ribbon, I thought.

"This is good," he said.

There was no thought of "I believe Sora will be happy."

The standard of "feminine and cute things" that he avoided was exactly in the middle when it came to "ribbons," which are rarely used by people now.

The colors were bright but not overly cute pastels, not bright enough to be blinding, but chic colors, and the embroidered design was an elegant floral pattern, so the word "ribbon" was not associated with childishness.

On the contrary, it was an elegant thing, so I felt that even for Sora in his 20s, if it was a simple ponytail, or just a hairstyle tied with one hair, it wouldn't be too cute, compared to other people with poor accessories...

In my opinion, this was almost an afterthought excuse.

If Kurapika really thought so, then Kurapika should not have chosen a crimson ribbon with gold thread, but the dark blue ribbon next to it, also embroidered with silver thread.

Even Kurapika had absolutely no confidence in his feelings for women's accessories, and knew that it suited Sora's eyes and hair color better.

However, Kurapika picked up the crimson one.

In fact, I just linked the crimson color to the "eyes" of my clan.

Because the crimson embroidery thread was very similar to the color of my hair.

It reminded me of myself, so I just wanted to give it to someone.

I thought, if I could see Sora's long hair, which I like, decorated with something that reminds me of myself, I would be indescribably happy.

I don't know what the important Sora would think, nor do I know if he would be happy.

It no longer exists, and although it should have been the original goal of "I want you to be as happy as I am," this was all just selfish.

Kurapika did not see himself and others as the same, to the point where he didn't realize that it was nothing more than self-satisfaction; of course, as long as he was good to himself, he wouldn't care about others.

So I was really worried.

Kurapika had no choice but to take this crimson ribbon on his head; it was too annoying to have someone else buy it and wear it on someone else's hair other than Sora.

That's why I made excuses in my heart that this was "insurance because I couldn't find anything better," and then bought it.

Even though I knew I couldn't find anything good.

That was the original path Kurapika walked in the past, but the moment Kurapika found that ribbon, he didn't look at other hair accessories, let alone the ultramarine one next to it. Crimson ribbon, walked to the checkout counter.

In my heart, I didn't make excuses for my complacency.

After that, even if I couldn't find it, I still wouldn't go to other stores.

"Is this really okay? It doesn't matter if she doesn't like it, but wouldn't it hurt Sora more?"

Because Kurapika knew.

I don't question the basic part of why I know this; I accept it.

With a smile of acceptance and anticipation for the known future, I touched the earrings hanging by my ears.

The birthday gift sent by Sora is not yet here.

A small sky-blue gemstone with the name of hope proves this. Kurapika's wish will come true.

This should have been a terrible selfish complacency, but it was not a lie at all, let alone the initial explosion; she even got what she really wanted to give Sora.

Kurapika knew she was too girlish, really cute and happy.

Therefore, buying that ribbon without hesitation or guilt.

Unable to see it directly, it was a mirror image on the window glass, but I saw it again. Sora's cute girlish smile. While dreaming of a future that shouldn't exist anymore, trying to see it properly.

She is not by his side. The hand I swore not to let go, my warmth, are all gone now.

However, even if she is not by my side, I can definitely feel her existence. Kurapika thought, feeling the happiness she gave him.

Living Together should be like this.

Even if they are not by your side, they will live in the most important place in your heart, they will smile happier than anyone else, hold your hand, and let you see a happy future.

I think this is what "Living Together" means.

Even if the girl holding this hand is just Kurapika's wish in the end, it is also Kurapika's Conscience, and it is also Kurapika's wish. Because it is something I want to protect, I will absolutely not use it as an excuse to reflect on things Sora will never do. I cannot do that.

This is why Kurapika doesn't need to worry.

When I met Sora, my anxiety about expressing complaints disappeared.

I want to be by your side forever. I want you to say, "You are not wrong." That kind of dependence, just dependence, is gone, and I can walk the path I want to walk in the way I think is most correct.

So Kurapika picked up the ribbon and left the store.

The moment that day's dream became reality, I began to walk once more toward the source of happiness itself.

Kurapika did not notice.

I have no reason not to know the source of the current dream, which I myself have also passed through; although I have not forgotten that knowledge, it did not appear in my consciousness.

Sora is the same.

I knew a hair accessory would be a Magic dress, but I did not consider anything else.

Many cultures consider hair to be a particularly important part of a woman.

Sora's world and Kurapika's world are the same, so it can be said that this culture is the foundation.

This is why in cultural spheres with many countries, the act of "giving a hair accessory" has a special meaning.

Of course, few countries still value that kind of culture, but if you are interested in past cultures such as folklore or archaeology, you can do nothing if you do not actively study them; it is a common "meaning" that you can know a beat.

This is why Kurapika, who is well-educated and knows the meaning of ancient Sumerian Tattoos, and Sora, a Magician who truly emphasizes that hair can possess Magic and not just culture, should not know the culture and its meaning. It is unnatural.

I know it all.

However, although neither of them forgot, they were not conscious of it.

They knew that giving a woman a hair accessory meant "a proposal," and accepting it meant "approval" of the proposal, but they were not conscious of it.

... Of course, the two who were not conscious of it, I do not know if it is because if they were conscious of it, they could not give it, nor could they accept it.

However, Kurapika did indeed give him a hair accessory, and Sora received it, even though he knew and had not forgotten.

Unknowingly, I found what kind of "meaning" there.

The world was turned upside down unknowingly.

The answer is always swept away and shattered by the world itself, yet one cannot think of it.

If it were possible, the regret of being unable to provide an answer would be a kind of happiness.

＊＊＊

"！?"

The moment he left the shop, Kurapika blinked his eyes.

Something was wrong. Something was very different. Despite thinking this, Kurapika did not know the difference.

Although he felt a sense of incongruity, he did not notice the identity of this incongruity.

He did not even notice that his gaze was already much lower than before, the ribbon that should have been held in his hand, and the Earrings decorating his ears were all gone.

"He" shouted to the bewildered Kurapika, who did not realize what "he" had lost.

"What's wrong, Kurapika? Are you okay?"

Kurapika answered that voice, ignoring the incongruity pulling at his chest.

Kurapika did not realize there was a nostalgia that made him want to cry at any moment.

Because he naturally believed that the existence of "he" was eternal.

"... It's nothing. It's fine... Flame Soldier."

He told his best friend and himself that there was nothing to worry about, then went home.

There were just a few more final exams to go out for.

All that remained was to tell him that I was just taking the daily necessities I bought home.

I possess everything important to me. His hometown, his kin, his family, his best friend, his expectations of the outside world, his trust in others, the dream of walking with his best friend—nothing had fallen into his hands.

Tell me you haven't lost anything.

Kurapika did not notice the emptiness, the void, the empty thing in his heart.

Let us talk about dreams.

If a happy ending stands out precisely because there is a tragedy on the bottom card, then the tragedy

itself might become the fuse for the hammer of a happy ending to fall.

If so,

could it be the opposite way?

-Come on.

Nightmare dream, can we talk?