This was not their first embrace, but compared to last time, Erika felt warmer in Ash's arms—and somehow heavier, too.
"My cyclamen lady."
So, as his return gift, Ash opened his arms and embraced her as well, in a gesture that was both utterly simple and utterly real.
"!"
Erika had never imagined she would be treated like this. Her whole heart trembled.
Sometimes, a simple line truly surpassed a thousand words.
And so, now that he had truly appeared before her once more, and she could tangibly feel his existence through his warm embrace... clear tears could not help but stream down Erika's cheeks.
"This isn't... another lie to make me happy, is it?"
Though even if it was a lie, Erika was pathetically happy to hear it right now.
"Is the value of trust that cheap where you people are?"
Ash naturally liked this lively, positive little ray of sunshine too... as long as they did not bring up that old butt-punch incident.
"Because you're always lying to us! Whether before, or after you di—later."
She slightly lifted her head from where it was buried in his chest. Beneath bangs mussed into a stray cowlick were a pair of glasses framing eyes red with tears.
"But even if Ash is lying... as long as it's not too excessive, I think I'll forgive you."
She had prepared so many things to say to him, but now that the words reached her lips, they turned into something even more weak and pathetic than Rei's.
Ash, on the other hand, looked thoughtful. Oh? You said that yourself. Then I won't hold back!
"Then please forgive my fickleness."
His quiet whisper tickled her ear, turning the face that was usually so boisterous bright red.
"Later, I'll compensate you thoroughly."
Th-thoroughly? Did that