Chapter 43: Confused Mind, Deep Mourning
Everyone knows death.
But knowing does not mean accepting it.
Just as a cherry blossom sheds its petals shortly after it blooms…
death, too, is inevitable and natural—like being born.
Lady Akira's voice was calm as she spoke these words.
But her gaze was not.
She was looking at the frame in front of her.
At Kenji's photograph.
He was smiling in the picture.
As always—quiet, yet with a reassuring smile.
The assistants and hunters who had known him…
none of them could hold back their tears.
Some lowered their heads, others clenched their fists.
The shelter was filled with a heavy silence;
only suppressed sobs could be heard.
Sora raised a hand to her eyes.
Her breath trembled, her chest tightened.
Sora (drawing a shaky breath):
"I can't… accept that he's gone.
For these two days… I kept thinking he would come back.
I thought he'd walk through the door…
But he—"
She couldn't finish the sentence.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Her shoulders slumped.
She turned her head toward Daichi and quietly leaned against him,
as if he were the only thing keeping her on her feet.
Daichi gently wrapped an arm around her.
His hand moved slowly along her back.
Daichi (sad, but calm):
"Sora… don't worry.
He's at peace now.
He isn't in pain.
Please… don't hurt yourself like this."
A little farther away, Haruto stood watching.
He looked at the crying twins and at Yuki.
Seeing them like this weighed heavily on his heart.
Haruto:
"Just like Daichi said, kids…
please don't cry."
Zen sniffed, trying to wipe his eyes, but his voice trembled.
Zen:
"But…
he's not here anymore."
The words hung in the air.
Shin didn't say anything.
He turned his face away, trying to hide his tears.
His teeth were clenched, his shoulders trembling slightly.
He didn't want anyone to see him.
But his body betrayed him.
Yuki took a deep breath.
Her chest tightened with pain.
With tear-filled eyes, she looked at Haruto.
Yuki:
"Haruto… I—"
Before she could finish, Haruto pulled her into his arms.
Tightly, but gently.
Haruto:
"Hey… Yuki.
Please stay strong."
Then he lifted his head and looked at Shin.
Haruto:
"Shin… calm down."
After that, he turned to Zen.
He closed his eyes and put on a forced, yet warm smile.
Haruto:
"And you too… Zen."
For a moment, it was as if he wanted to give strength to all of them.
Then he stood up.
He looked at Kaito, who was standing a short distance away.
His gaze was sorrowful, yet silent.
Kaito stood straight.
His face was as cold and serious as ever.
But his fists were clenched.
His breathing was slightly heavier than usual.
Haruto understood him.
Haruto (thinking):
"Yeah, Kaito…
let's see how much longer you can keep this pain locked inside…"
Mourning continued in the shelter.
And everyone carried the same pain—
each in their own way.