Mizuki Nomura - Book Girl and the Scribe Who Faced God, Part 2

Here you go. Like I promised.

When I slowly dropped the peach-colored phone strap of the woven ball into her palm, Kotobukis face curved into a joyful smile.

Th-thanks.

Sorry its so late, I apologized a tiny bit sheepishly, and she shook her head so violently it sent her hair flying.

No way! Its really cute!

She squeezed it with a little smile, and then she slooowly opened her hand again, picked it up in her fingertips, and dangled it in front of her face. She went on gazing at it, enchanted.

The morning classroom was filled with an easy atmosphere. Clear light streamed in from the windows, making Kotobukis face shine brightly.

People would start filtering into the classroom in greater numbers soon, but it looked like Kotobuki wasnt paying attention. She looked up at me and her cheekbones were ever so slightly pink.

Did you hold on to this phone strap the whole time?

Yeah. It was supposed to be a souvenir from my trip over the summer, but I forgot to give it to you. Like that postcard you were supposed to send me over the summer.

When I said that, she pursed her lips a little.

Come on. I mean you thought I was an awful person. You hated me.

Thats not true. In fact, it was more like you hated me. So I thought you might not like it if I brought you a souvenir.

B-but no! I didnt hate you, its justI-I would get nervous and look really intimidatingeven when I tried to talk to you, the words didnt come out very well, andhate you? No way. I mean, this whole time Ive

It was cute how she was denying it so frantically, and the inside of my chest felt ticklish. Feeling happy, I laughed.

I know that now.

When I said that, Kotobukis face calmed as well, and she dropped her head shyly. Good.

She squeezed the phone strap in both hands, cradling it.

You picked this out for me.

I did.

Were you thinking about me when you chose it?

Yeah. I thought this color would suit you.

Kotobuki looked even more embarrassed, the corners of her mouth relaxing, and in a tiny voice, she whispered, I like pink.

Then, her cheeks still red, she asked, But what made you think to buy me a souvenir? I was so off-putting back then.

She glanced up at me, her eyes charged with expectation.

My voice stuck.

Something bitter had mingled suddenly with my glowing, treacly emotions.

Because Tohko said we should buy souvenirs for everyone.

Smiling kindly, using a tone like an older sister worrying about her little brother, she said it was important to build up plenty of little gestures for the people I talked to every day.

With a scratchy sensation deep in my chest, I opened my mouth to speak.

Because I started yelling and left so suddenly that time I went to visit you in the hospital. It was to make up for that

I saw Kotobuki was disappointed, and I hurried to add, And then I thought it would be great if I could get to know you better because of it.

Instantly, a syrupy light came into her eyes. Kotobuki turned to one side in embarrassment.

Y-you dont have to lie. Im just happy that you bought it for me and held on to it all this time.

The word lie sent a stab through me.

But

Ill treasure it forever.

Kotobuki lifted her face and smiled, and instantly my clenched heart was filled once more with something gentle.

Her pure, straightforward eyes devoid of any betrayal or scheming, simply intent, looking only at me

Id been saved by those eyes.