I'm delirious from watching the Kobato anime.

So delirious that it was spun into a fic []

Spoilers for episodes 23 - 24.

(But I wouldn't say it's a spoiler...because this story has been out for a long time now ; )

I've been fighting with this fic since ten o'clock in the morning. Come finish at 7:30 p.m.

TT    TT

The fic that took the longest time to write in three worlds [ ]

Whatever you think, please leave your opinion.

...When...did you feel like that girl was this 'important'?

When did having that girl by your side become normal

And when... will you... come back?

...Kobato...

...When...did you feel like that girl was this 'important'?

When did having that girl by your side become normal

And when... will you... come back?

...Kobato...

"I'm sorry...but I won't be able to stay with Fujimoto-san tomorrow." A sweet, clear voice rang out at the same time. with words that made his heart flutter But my brain tells me to ignore it.

...At that time, he didn't even turn around to look at that woman...

"Good, now I can be free from you." I heard my own voice reply like that. He didn't know how much regret these words would cause him.

The next day continued as normal. He still went to work as he always did. A broken arm is sometimes a problem, though. But it wasn't that much. Even though it feels strange...when I can't hear a clear sound. With a smile that seems to light up the whole world like always...

Because I've always thought that everything will be the same as normal...Because I've always thought that nothing will change...

He almost collapsed...when he heard those words from the mouth of Chitose-san...the girl who watched over the house where he lived.

"Ah"

"Kobato-chan didn't tell me..."

"...No, sir..." It was like my heart had dropped. My mind is so empty that I can't think of anything. Before the voice of the female owner of the residence rang out. Called his consciousness back again.

"So...it's going to be difficult for you...saying goodbye..."

“And did you tell me where you were going?” How much did he have to strain his voice at that time? How much do I have to control myself to keep my voice from shaking?

Chitose-san looked embarrassed. Before answering "No...I just said that I would contact you after everything is settled."

He just knows that he has to find... I have to find her. What I remember is myself running. Run with all your might, like you haven't done in a long time. I don't know the exact reason that made me do that. I just know that I have to do it...that's it.

Because the shock from running made the broken arm hurt more...but the pain was still not equal to the feeling in his chest...

It hurts...it hurts so much...when I know that I may not be able to hear a voice...I won't be able to see that smiley face again...

When you're going...the station is the first place that comes to mind...

But there was no small figure in that place. that often jumps and dances brightly

...not...here...

Thoughts that make the feeling in my chest feel heavier. The body started to get heavier. ...but you have to find... When it's not here, you have to find it...

At that time, he ran with all his might...all his feet...

Where are you...where are you...

Because something...pulled him to run towards the resting park in the middle of the city...

At that time, I couldn't tell... how relieved I was to see that girl again.

"What do you think you're doing?" Her own voice asked. who still hasn't stopped running towards him

The sweet face that looked back showed no trace of surprise. "Fujimoto-san..."

He was panting...just tired from running for so long...but that wasn't as important as what made him do this...

"Where are you going?"

That woman's answer made my heart heavy.

"I don't know either."

Because of that...his response was gloomy, right...?

"I don't want that answer."

"In the end...you're still angry."

Why...was he dissatisfied with that question? Why are you mad at...yourself...like that?

“It is certain. Don't think that it will disappear. You didn't say anything like that!!!"

You probably don't see it, right? I couldn't see how his clenched hands were shaking.

"Sorry," she said with a slight bow. As usual...a gesture that calmed him down a bit because of its familiarity.

“Did I hurt your feelings?” His voice softened in a way that no one had ever softened before. That's right...even Sayaka-san, who was my first love, never...when the feelings were still strong. Live like this...

"It's not like that," a sweet voice replied at the same time. with a troubled smile

"Then why?!"

He raised his voice... If it's not like that...then why do you have to go?...

He saw... those brown eyes softened.

"Because it's the terms of the contract."

The voice of a man he had never heard before sounded. The sound was louder even though where there are no other people around

"Who's that!"

"I'm here...in this suitcase."

The answer didn't shock me too much that the small figure The blue stuffed dog that he always saw her carry around with her... was moving.

At that time, a clear voice Her voice rang again.

"Ioryogi-san."

His eyes must have widened. ...Ioryogi-san...is this...?...

"But that...is a doll..."

"I'm just pretending to be a doll."

Stunned...was the only feeling at that time...

"Anyway...about that deal..." Ioryogi's doll's small head followed her words and turned to the side where the woman was standing. "Kobato...let that guy take a look."

She looked quite shocked. Before smiling sadly, he reached out and pulled out a hat that he had never seen her take off for the first time.

A bright silver glow appeared in front of him. Something like a crown floated on her head.

"What is that?"

"Kobato is dead."

... I really want to ask what that means...

“Kobato's soul is not part of any world. Not like other spirits..." I don't know if I was just thinking this...or if that sound sounded a bit sarcastic. “Thanks to a high-ranking influencer... This girl has another chance. An opportunity to live a whole new life.”

"Wow, what do you say?"

"but"

The laughter that sounded from the sky and the tone that sounded extremely displeased made him flinch.

“Kobato...this girl is worried and wants to be beside you. You are more than enough to complete that agreement so…”

A white rabbit floating in the sky pointed a large flower towards her. At the same time, a low voice That rang again. "That agreement and contract...has therefore been cancelled."

A bright blue light flashed in a circle around him. girl's body

sad smile Appeared on his sweet, clear face, a sweet voice that right now he...missed so much... "That's why I have to go."

Because those words made his body move...run towards her again. But because of the clear wall of light If it's too strong to block him and her...

"Wait...wait!!!"

"I'm...very happy when I'm with Fujimoto-san..."

Words that made your whole body stiff...but not as good as when you saw tears...on that face...

"It's so bad...even though...I really want to say goodbye with a smile..." Her thin hand reached out and touched it in a certain spot. The same place he had placed his hand...even though Close to each other...really this close. Can't touch it again...

The light seemed to become slightly stronger, and the figure in front of him seemed to weaken.

"wait a minute! Stop...please stop!”

"Fu Jimoto-san..." A sweet voice directed his attention back to its owner. "Fujimoto-san is the person I love the most...have always loved...and will love forever..."

Words that make the whole world stop turning. Say words that make the heart clench...feel both the greatest joy and the greatest pain.

"...Don't go..."

It was strange...that just one word from him caused the wall of light in front of him to shatter...

Happy...happy... The most when seeing her face clearly Without anything blocking it And I was even happier when I saw that face decorated with a smile...

A strange light lit up between him and her. The small glass bottle that was the source of the light slowly faded. floating up in front Before her thin hand reached out and hugged him close to his chest.

"So warm...Fujimoto-san's heart..."

A gust of wind came from nowhere, causing many flower petals to float around her body.

"This...what happened..."

"I have somewhere I have to go...goodbye..."

The last words sent with a smile When he ran in to hold her back...her entire body dissolved...transformed. Flower petals... Disappeared along with the sealed memories...

He couldn't remember what it was like after that...

It feels like the world continues...with something inside him...disappearing...

The feeling that something most important... disappears from life...

Every time I walked past the city, every time I started a conversation with someone...it was like...something would come to me. head...but it faded just as quickly. With what appears...

Something made him feel this way...

...lost...

Until pieces of something shaped like candy fell from his coat...

Items that make him realize 'what' is missing from life...

...you...

...the most important person...

...Kobato...

Images of that person surfaced in my memory, image after image. There are times when you smile... when you laugh... you cry... and so on. So much more that I can't describe it all.

You are the most important person in my heart...

But besides him...apart from himself, no one remembers her...

What is this... Why...is it like this?

The coolness of the rain falling on the body could not be compared to the cold feeling in the chest.

Why doesn't anyone remember her? Why did she disappear!

Answer me!!

The last person he went to see... was the girl he had seen with that girl once...

"Yes...I remember you..." His voice was as calm as the surface of the water without anything touching it.

"Everyone I asked, no one remembered her...so why did you..."

"Is that 'really' what you wanted to ask? Is there really nothing else?..." The answer was the question that was returned.

Words that made him begin to calm down a bit. After running around the city looking for that girl in the pouring rain.

“Can you please tell me...that time...before you disappeared? She said there was a place I have to go...what does that mean?"

The girl in front of him just closed his eyes, and a soft voice spoke again... in a way that didn't match his question. "If you want to know the truth...you must promise beforehand that you won't be too shocked...when... who heard the whole story"

Although surprised by the offer But it's the only way

"Ah...um..."

A soft smile appeared as soon as he accepted.

"A long time ago... Kobato-san died due to an unexpected event that happened in another world."

"Lost...life..."

Again...he heard those words again...words that said that that girl...

“Kobato-san's wish... is to go back to that time. And live next to the person you love again... and the reward that will make that wish come true She was given a mission and sent to this world. The deadline for completing that mission is only before the four seasons have passed.”

His hands clenched tightly. Trembling...

"Then...you...have been here...?"

"I don't know..." Still...before that gentle voice rang out. "In the past... Shuichiro-san and I have had to tear each other apart many times."

The girl in front of him smiled slightly. "When Shuichiro-san was reborn.."

The words made him flinch.

“Yes...when he was reborn...we met again. It's like our hearts led us to meet each other. Even though the memories we had together in a past life are gone...we still have spirit. The same spirit...” The voice fell silent again. “As long as our spirit continues...no matter how many times we pass...

I believe that we will meet again...for sure..."

He left there feeling empty...the intense feeling of loss subsided...if the sadness remained...

All this time...he believed in that girl's words.

...as long as we hold the same spirit...we will meet again...

Because of that...all this time he had been trying to find...

I want to meet...at least I want to meet again...

If it's ineffective...

As he had always dreamed, he joined a famous law firm.

Everything seemed to proceed smoothly. If the feeling of emptiness in my chest still haunts me every moment.

“Fuu Jimoto-kun, I would like you to go check on the orderliness of a place... It was something my old client had specified in his will.” His boss explained the documents and tasks he had been assigned. “Both his son and daughter-in-law died in accidents a long time ago.

Therefore, his fortune was given to his only remaining niece. But because the things he left behind were very old. I want you to go check if it's still in good condition.”

The picture in front of us was a large mansion... in a dilapidated state as expected...

It's probably because I haven't had anyone to take care of me for many years...

He walked in and surveyed the place as assigned. But the big piano that was in each room One is what draws all the attention away.

Ding~

The clear sound of the piano that has not strangely become distorted with time makes both happy and sad memories more vivid.

A slight smile appeared on his face. As his hands spread across his fingers the melody he heard with every breath, the song that woman sang.

A picture of her playing with children. In kindergarten with a smile... The picture of that girl singing happily...

Memories throughout the year spent together... Everything that we did together...or at least we were a part of...

Every picture...every memory is more precious than any gem.

The music ended at the same time. With the image of her smiling at him popping up as the last image...

He smiled sadly to himself.

A sweet, familiar voice hummed into a memorable song from far away. Spark hope in the heart

The girl who looked exactly like her was like the same person...

"Are you a lawyer? Nice to meet you.” The words came with a smile that was unmistakably like hers.

"Nice...to meet you too...."

'Even though the memories we had together in our past lives have disappeared. But as long as our spirit continues...no matter how many times pass, Once...I believe that we will meet again...for sure...'

"...Piano..." A clear voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "You play the piano very well."

"I'm sorry for playing without asking permission." He bowed his head slightly. Even though the other party looks younger

“It's strange...that I feel like I've known this song before...even though... It's actually the first time I've ever heard it."

Words that make you smile a little appeared on his face. “It's...a song that my ex-lover often sang. Please...I...have been looking for you all along..."

"So...I hope you meet that girl soon."

The words of encouragement sent with a smile made his heart ache... Memories...really disappeared. So...the person in front of me...is someone who has the same spirit as that girl...but it's not...

"Thank you......" How much did he have to force himself to smile without the other party noticing... Before rushing to change the subject... before my heart hurts even more... "If you don't mind...I'd like to survey this house."

"Yes, please."

It feels like...time has passed so quickly... Even though I know it's not...but the deepest part of my heart still screams with pleasure...pleased that Having you back by my side again...even if it's just for a short time...

And before he returned... something ordered him to hand over an important item... a fragment of... Something like candy... something like a thin thread. that still connects him and that person to the girl in front

"If you don't mind...would you please sing that song for me one more time..."

Even if it's not...but at least let me fool myself a little more... I want to hear a voice like yours sing at least one more time...

“Yes.” The answer that came with a smile made my heart flutter. Squeezed tightly with feelings that were both painful and happy at the same time.

A sweet, clear voice rang out softly. with melodies from the piano

The voice he longs for...the voice he...loves...so much...

But the sweet, clear voice that suddenly It stopped at the same time. and the gust of wind made his heart drop.

The wind blew many flower petals around the thin figure of the girl in front of her.

again...

The wind is here again...

The previous time the wind was similar. Now he has to lose the most important person...and what will the wind take away from him this time...

When the wind calmed down...the figure in front of him was still there...not disappearing like he had feared.

He didn't want to...lose again...

"Is something wrong?"

I don't care if his voice shakes or not...as long as the person in front of me doesn't mind anything...

He doesn't want to see what's wrong with someone so similar to her...

"It's...just like this..." A sweet voice murmured softly. "The place I want to go...the person I want to be with..."

Words that made his eyes widen...

It's not true...right?...this time he's not fooling himself, right?...words that are similar to that girl's words...

"I used to think that if I had another chance...this time we would definitely be happy together... I'm...so stupid..."

Heart pounding with anticipation The voice that came out trembled a bit. uncontrollably

"Kobato...?"

A soft face that looked back with a smile, and clear water welling in those big brown eyes.

"I'm back."

Words that brought a heartfelt smile to my face for the first time in many years... A smile that comes with warmth in your heart

"You made me wait for many years...late again..."

Those short words that made the face he missed...the face he dreamed of seeing every night filled with tears.

"Fujimoto-san!!!"

A young woman's thin body suddenly swooped in and hit me unexpectedly...

The sobs and tears that always broke his heart every time he saw them. But this time, he... really liked it.

Because of what I saw... Because of the warmth received...

It's something that confirms that he has you back...

The thought made him tighten his grip around him. Two arms wrapped around a thin body in an embrace...

Never...never will he let this girl disappear...

There will never be a day when he will let you leave this embrace again...

I swear...I promise with my life and my heart...

He will definitely not let her leave again..

She was the person he loved with all his heart...

You're the only one

...Kobato...