Chapter 48 The Reason for His Existence
Almost immediately, Haruko looked at him earnestly and replied, "Shiro is the gentlest and most amazing person in the world! He's also the most, most, most important person to me!"
"If we had never met before, and were enemies from the very first meeting, would you still think this way?"
Bai's usually clear and bright eyes, when staring at her demanding an answer, became deep and dark.
Haruko paused for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed, saying under his puzzled expression, "If that's really the case, I'll definitely snatch Shiro away! After all, Shiro promised to take care of me for the rest of my life!"
The firm and straightforward words made Bai's eyelashes tremble slightly. Just a moment ago, he had been questioning, but after receiving undisguised affection, he was instantly at a loss.
He clenched his fist, then deflated as if venting his anger.
Haruko Hayama always taught him a lot, patiently and gently, about what happiness is, what sadness is, what heartache is, what love is... everything was born because of her.
And now, Haruko Hayama has taught him what "being grateful" means.
...
After their forest chat, Shiro finally returned to his usual self, and Haruko could finally relax.
However, there were still subtle differences. Shiro seemed to be more clingy to her than before, following Haruko wherever she went in the morning, just like when Shiro first came to her house.
Haruko had tried to subtly inquire about the reason, but Shiro refused to say anything, instead looking at Haruko with an expression as if he were looking at his entire world.
...Why don't you just say it? Are you trying to be like the male lead in an idol drama?!
The peace in the village did not last long. As usual, they followed the drunken man to the bridge, only to find a villager lying unconscious on the ground.
“What is this…” Haruko Hayama took a step back in disbelief.
Seeing this scene, Shiro gritted his teeth and gripped Haruko Hayama's hand even tighter, as if this was his last chance.
Zabuza, who had failed in his previous assassination attempt, reappears. Kakashi Hatake, having previously used his Sharingan, is seen through and suppressed by Zabuza. Haruko tries to bring Haku along, but finds Haku standing still.
"white?"
The anxious voice of Haruko Hayama reached his ears. Shiro felt the blood piercing his palm from the force of his grip, and he struggled to utter each word: "I...I can't..."
It seemed to be an answer to Haruko Hayama, but it also seemed to be a warning to himself.
Seeing that the teacher was about to collapse, Haruko forced herself to calm down, took out a kunai, and rushed forward.
Her hand was pulled away, and Bai looked up in alarm, "Qingzi!"
*Pfft*
His narrowed pupils reflected the image of Haruko Hayama, whose heart had been pierced by Zabuza-sama.
Haruko Hayama, the reason for his existence, is dead...
Tick-tock.
Tick-tock.
Fresh blood kept gushing from the girl's slender body.
What is Haruko Hayama to me?
If it were the old Bai, he would answer without hesitation: it is his dream, his salvation, and the sole reason for his existence.
However, upon seeing Zabuza-sama, Haku's unwavering belief wavered.
Is this a dream? Or some kind of illusion...?
Bai sat quietly on the grass, silently venting her emotions, and unconsciously reflecting on her life.
When he was five years old, on a snowy night, he encountered a snow fairy who saved him from a desperate situation.
No, it should be Lord Zabuza who took me away...
Two memories collided fiercely in his mind.
Suddenly, he heard Haruko Kasumi sit down next to him.
This must be one of your tricks, right?
Bai couldn't help but think maliciously, "They're clearly enemies, yet they pretend to save their childhood selves. Are they trying to highlight their own greatness?"
But looking into her cautious eyes, Bai couldn't bring himself to say anything that would hurt her.
How do you really see me?
Is he a pitiful person, a fool, or...?
"Bai is the gentlest and most capable person in the world! And also the most, most important person to me!"
Bai heard her say that.
It's all because of this dream! Because of this dream, you treat me so gently!
If it weren't for this dream, we would never have formed this bond!
"If that's really the case, I'll definitely take Bai away from me! After all, Bai promised to take care of me for the rest of my life!"
Bai heard her say that again.
Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in this world. The reason you say these things is because you are carrying the memories of the present.
But... why am I so happy?
His heart was pounding, as if it were being filled with a constant stream of intense love, making him so happy that he wanted to cry.
Bai Momo felt fortunate.
Yes, thankfully.
I'm so glad I had this dream, so glad I was saved by Haruko Hayama in another possibility, so glad... even if I regain my memories, I can stay by her side for a short time.
Dreams will eventually end.
However, Bai never expected that the story would end with her death.
"Haru...ko..."
"Haruko!!!"
The scene before him was shocking, and Bai cried out his hope with all his might.
Isn't this a dream? Isn't this a dream?!
Why am I still not awake? Why?!
Give me back my Haruko...!!!
His vision was blurred with tears as he collapsed to his knees, screaming out his pain and despair.
Finally, the surrounding scenery began to crackle, and at some point, only Shiro, who was crying bitterly, and Haruko Hayama, who was lying in a pool of blood, remained on the bridge.
"Haruko... Haruko!"
Fearing that she would also break down, he hurriedly crawled to Haruko's side, cupped her lifeless face in his trembling hands, and let tears drip down his cheeks onto Haruko's eyelashes.
"...Will you also be saddened by my death?"
Haruko had regained her breathing at some point and opened her eyes, trying to smile at him.
Recovering from the suffocating collapse, Bai's tears flowed uncontrollably. He held tightly to the hope in his arms, "You can't die... I'm the one who should die!"
Hot tears kept falling down his face. Haruko struggled to raise her hand to touch his face, trying to wipe away his tears, but it was no use; he had too many tears.
"Don't cry... Bai..."
Before she could say a few more words of comfort, Haruko lost her strength and her hand, which was stroking him, fell to the ground. However, Shiro hurriedly caught it in mid-air and pressed her hand against his face.
The pain in her chest was so real it was almost unbearable. Haruko frowned and took a few breaths before continuing.
"Actually... I'm quite curious to know whether you'd choose me or that muscular guy..."
"But I really couldn't bear to see you in so much pain."
"So... wake up, Bai."
The surrounding area finally cracked with a series of ear-piercing cracking sounds, shattering into pieces like a broken mirror.
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