Light and Dark: Last Year and This Year’s Valentine’s Day
Ai’s PoV
We walk home, our fingers intertwined. Snowflakes dance in the air before landing on our hands and melting away.
As I watch the fleeting snow, memories of last winter resurface.
The harassment hadn’t stopped. Though it had become less frequent… someone anonymous would always choose special, joyful days like this to wound me even deeper.
Last year, in the depths of despair, I had been crying as I endured the cruel words, “Help me… Why did you leave Mom behind?”
The decision for my father and me to live apart had been made, and my heart had been so cornered that I had no room to feel any joy over passing my high school entrance exams or starting a new life.
“Aren’t you cold? It’s been a while since we’ve had snow.”
He always looks out for me.
I love these simple moments. Just walking beside him fills my heart.
Last winter, I hated even stepping outside. The fear of not knowing where my enemies might be lurking was unbearable. But now, I feel—no, I believe—that no matter what misfortune befalls me, I can overcome it as long as I’m with him.
I love him so much that even the hellish memories of last Valentine’s Day feel like they’ve faded into the distance.
I want to stay close to him a little longer.
Summoning my courage, I link my arm with his and lean into him slightly. Just as I thought, I can clearly feel his warmth and strength—it’s so reassuring.
He gives me a small, wry smile but lets me stay like this.
“I should’ve cherished the time before we started dating a little more.”
When I murmur this, he asks, “What do you mean?” So, I playfully tease him.
“For example, when we’d get all flustered over unexpected physical contact.”
“I see.”
“Or when I’d tease Senpai for getting nervous over my bold advances.”
“I feel like that happened quite a lot, though.”
“Or when we weren’t sure if we liked each other and played those little love games.”
“That sounds about right.”
“Or when I put my heart into making a special Valentine’s chocolate, only to get too embarrassed and pretend it was just an obligatory one.”
Thinking about it, I realize that’s exactly something my past self would’ve done, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Couldn’t you still do that now? I’d know right away that you were joking, though.”
“That’s true. But no, I don’t want to.”
“Why not?”
“Because… I don’t ever want to say—even as a joke—that you’re not my real Valentine. No matter what, it’ll never be just obligation.”
Embarrassed by my own words, I bury my face into his arm.
Our happy Valentine’s Day continues. (To be continued?)