The weather in the Soul Society was somewhat different from that of the Living World. There were no distinct seasonal changes; most of the time, it felt like early spring.
The birdsong was crisp, and the fallen leaves beneath their feet still carried traces of dew, making everything seem so tranquil.
Asano Kiyoshi and Nel walked along the morning path. Though neither spoke, they both knew that they had waited a long, long time for this day.
As they walked, Asano Kiyoshi looked at the lake in the distance, its surface shimmering like gold, and suddenly asked Nel,
"Nel, um... would you be upset about what I said yesterday?"
Hearing Asano Kiyoshi's sudden question, Nel shook her head. Then, blushing, she rubbed her sleeves with both hands, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
"No, I'm not upset. Actually... actually, I thought that if you'd said it earlier, I would've been even happier."
Hearing Nel's words, Asano Kiyoshi froze. His mind went blank. With the sunlight framing her, Nel looked so sacred and beautiful.
His breathing involuntarily quickened. Looking at Nel's rosy, full lips, Asano Kiyoshi swallowed unconsciously and leaned forward, only to be interrupted by Aizen, who suddenly appeared from the path beside them.
Seeing Aizen suddenly emerge from the nearby path, Asano Kiyoshi was so startled that his entire body jolted, his reaction far too dramatic.
However, seeing Asano Kiyoshi's exaggerated reaction, Aizen did not grow suspicious in the slightest.
After all, if Asano Kiyoshi alone reacted like this upon seeing him, it would have been worth pondering.
But now, seeing the awkward, flushed expressions on both their faces, Aizen had his answer.
So I interrupted a couple's date. No wonder their reaction was so intense. Still, this feeling is rather nice once in a while.
Aizen