Tatsumi-kun and Kyoko-san Episode 14
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Episode 14
There are many shops in the Kichijoji area that sell wallets.
They are reasonably priced and not cheap.
"Kyoko-san, do you go shopping often?"
"Not... exactly often, but if I go out and something catches my eye, I tend to buy it. You know, clothes and things are all about chance encounters. It's rare for me to come shopping with someone like this."
She worries about things but doesn't ask for advice. But if she likes something, she buys it on the spot.
I keep thinking that the wallet I bought the other day is better. I found it at a shop near the illustration school I started attending; it's a slim, small, long wallet with an L-shaped zipper.
It's designed to hold coins in the middle divider, and you can slip about two cards into the sides of that divider. You can put bills on either side of the divider.
Ever since I thought a wallet would be a nice Christmas present, I naturally started noticing them. Among the many variations in design, leather texture, and color, I chose one that was black, glossy, and embossed to look like sturdy crocodile skin.
I had been thinking that if I found one Tatsumi-kun liked, I would want to give it to him as a gift someday.
"Actually, I came across a wallet the other day, and if you're okay with it, I'd like to get that one... Is it alright if I choose it?"
Yeah, that wallet really is the best.
It's a wallet for both of us, but I want Tatsumi-kun to be the one to pay when we're at the register. I feel like it will suit Tatsumi-kun perfectly.
I met the eyes of Tatsumi-kun, who was looking down at me slightly.
He has such kind, kind eyes.
"If it's fine with you, Kyoko, let's do that."
"And if we find something else we want as a gift, we can do it then."
"...Besides..., I want to be alone with you soon."
His eyes turned a little mischievous.
"Did you think about your homework properly?
To call me something other than 'Tatsumi-san'."
He says things that make my heart race so suddenly again.
"That's for... later..."
It's always a trivial exchange that makes me feel ticklish. I love it in a way I can't describe, and it makes me blush.
How much time do the two of us have?
I hope exchanges like this continue.
At night, after returning home, I rummage around looking for an envelope.
It's an envelope to put a new 10,000 yen bill in, to commemorate the two of us starting to go out. First, we each prepare 10,000 yen.
A slightly wrinkled 10,000 yen bill is in front of me. I want to keep this one.
Once we were able to start dating, I went alone to pay my respects to Benzaiten at Inokashira Park. I poured water over the new 10,000 yen bill with my wish. I wiped the moisture off well, put it in a Ziploc bag, and tucked it into a book to bring home, but it's a little bumpy.
But that's okay, isn't it?
I'll keep the wish I made on the 10,000 yen bill a secret from Tatsumi-kun.
It's not a promise, it's a wish.
I am grateful that we were able to spend today together.
I hope those moments keep piling up.
It's just right for the feeling of wanting to be together forever to be faintly visible.
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I am looking for an envelope
The thinnest envelope possible
Through the thin paper, please protect us
In the place where we both are
May a charm of happiness
Always come flying in
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The End
What are you talking about?
I will write the final epilogue.
It took quite a long time to finish writing it.
Thank you for staying with me until now.
I will take a break from the morning song introductions😌