Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"Why are you still alive?"

"What the hell are you saying?"

At my words, the divine Noya twisted his face in a grimace. I froze for a moment, taken aback by his grotesque expression.

"No... that’s not what I meant."

I stopped myself mid-sentence. It was too clear what I meant.

I thought carefully and spoke again.

"Really, why are you still alive?"

"...What should I do with you?"

Eventually, I repeated the same words. Noya sighed, as if utterly bewildered.

"Why? Does it bother you that I’m alive?"
"…Is that even a question?"

Of course not. That wasn’t what I meant, but my trembling fingers made it clear that I was lying. Seeing this, Noya chuckled softly.

"Don’t get all sentimental now. Don’t come hugging me or anything."
"I’m sorry, but I’d rather not do that either."
"Damn you."

Heh heh heh.

Noya laughed.

I watched quietly, then asked,

"But Noya..."
"Yeah?"
"...Is it really... too late?"
"Hm?"

Hearing that, Noya widened his eyes slightly and let out a hollow laugh. Then he stretched his arms out.

I moved my heavy feet and rushed to embrace him.

"...Tsk tsk. Foolish child. Just earlier, you said you didn’t want to."
"..."

I quietly held the old man, feeling his rough hand stroking the back of my head.

"See..."

He stopped mid-sentence. His voice didn’t sound right.

"What’s this, now?"

Hearing that, Noya’s voice became laced with laughter.

"You crying?"
"…I’m not crying."
"You are."
"I’m not. Who’s crying?"
"Ha ha ha ha!"

Noya burst into hearty laughter.

"You funny thing. Acting all tough, yet here you are, whining like a child."
"I’m not crying!"
"Heh heh."
"Stop laughing already."

I wiped my eyes with my hands. Fortunately, no tears had formed. It was probably just a little feeling of melancholy.

‘Embarrassing.’

That thought seeped into my voice and caused it to falter. I’d almost let myself cry like a child.

"...So why did this happen?"

I spoke through clenched teeth, resentment slipping into my voice. Noya’s smile faded.

"Didn’t I tell you to just leave it be? I… what could I have done?"
"Yangcheon."

His hand reached for the crown of my head.