"When I chose to quit back then, it really was painful. But that was many years ago now. To me, it was already a past that had faded away long ago."
But now, I had things that were even more important to me—everything before my eyes and at my side.
"If a dream disappears, you can create another one. But if someone important disappears, then there's truly no way to get them back."
Speaking words so similar to Ash's from long ago, Yuri's meaning and gaze both turned earnest.
"So, Ash, precisely because I once lost my family in the past, and even nearly lost them forever... that's why I want this now."
That was why I didn't want to be greedier. Everything else was hollow to me; only you were real.
"Yuri-nee..."
Hearing her words, even Rei, who had been dissatisfied by this sudden attack earlier, was moved by the purity of those feelings.
All I want is the one I love! As long as you're by my side, even the most ordinary daily life is enough to satisfy me.
Just like those rare peaceful days I spent in the past, when I still knew nothing about you.
"..."
After hearing that heartfelt confession, Ash leaned his entire body back into the chair and slowly spoke at last.
"Yuri, I can't make that wish come true for you."
"Huh?"
"Because something that will definitely become reality can't be called a dream or a wish."
"Then I don't have any other wishes."
Yuri happily narrowed her eyes. She looked as adorable as an elegant cat that would show its belly only to its owner.
"Just think of me as a shallow woman with no great ambitions."
"Haha, that's the first time I've heard that."
Noticing Yuri's rarely displayed sense of