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TSSITWON Chapter 68: Not Going To
🕑 Added 2024-10-23 12:56:31 +0000 UTCBut suddenly, in the midst of my chaotic thoughts, a voice was heard.
"Shizune?" It was Aoki's voice.
In an instant, I became aware. The darkness that had enveloped me slowly faded away, replaced by another kind of fear—fear of myself. What had I just been thinking?
I looked at Aoki, who was standing near me, his face showing concern. Aoki's usually calm eyes now looked anxious, and I realized the danger of the thoughts that had just crossed my mind.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Aoki asked in a worried tone, his face filled with confusion and concern.
I nodded, trying to hide the turmoil within my heart. But inside, I was still trembling, shaken by what had just happened. How could I have thought of doing that? What had happened to me?
...
...
...
"Um... Ah, Aoki-kun?!" Shizune exclaimed, startled upon realizing Aoki's presence. Quickly, Shizune tried to wipe away the traces of tears on her cheeks, hoping Aoki wouldn't notice.
However, Aoki had seen everything. Even though Shizune tried to hide it, Aoki was more focused on the haunting question: what had made Shizune cry?
Aoki walked slowly towards Shizune, his movements calm, as if giving Shizune space. Without saying a word, Aoki sat beside Shizune, allowing silence to take over. Aoki did not try to hug Shizune, nor did he wipe away her tears. He just sat there, quietly, giving Shizune the time she needed.
The silence hung thick in the air, creating an awkward atmosphere that pierced through. Shizune could feel it, the tension that was almost unbearable. She wanted to leave, to escape from the pressing feelings. With a bit of hesitation, Shizune began to move to get up, but Aoki's hand quickly grasped her wrist—soft, yet strong enough to stop her.
"Let go," Shizune whispered, her voice almost drowned in the silence. Although her voice was quiet, Aoki heard her. However, Aoki did not release Shizune's hand.
"Please, let go," this time Shizune's voice was a bit louder, but still trembling. Aoki remained unmoved, as if he did not hear Shizune's plea.
"Please, let go!" Shizune finally shouted, tears streaming down her face. The sound of Shizune's sobs filled the room, releasing all the emotions she had been holding back.
Aoki still did not let go of Shizune's grip. He took a deep breath, then looked directly into Shizune's eyes, his gaze filled with determination and concern. "No," Aoki said softly but firmly. "Not until you tell me why you're crying. I want to know what you're feeling, Shizune. You are my first female friend. I can't just stand by and watch you suffer alone."
Shizune fell silent, tears still flowing, but Aoki continued. "If you keep everything bottled up inside, Shizune, the pain will only grow heavier. Share your sadness with me, let me help you bear it, Shizune."
Silence enveloped them again, but this time it felt different—warmer, more meaningful. Shizune looked at Aoki, and slowly, her cold heart began to open little by little.
Shizune could only remain silent. Aoki's words seemed to render her voiceless. She then looked down, staring at the ground with a vacant expression, as if searching for something that was never there. The feelings of confusion and hurt were evident in the way she avoided eye contact.
Aoki observed Shizune's reaction. He said nothing, just waited in silence. Gently, Aoki pulled Shizune's hand, asking her to sit back down on the park bench. They sat side by side under the dimming evening sky, but neither of them spoke. The atmosphere felt awkward, even the air around them seemed heavy.
Aoki tried to distract his mind, looking around the park. He attempted to store every detail of this scene in his memory. The tall trees swaying gently, the sound of the wind rustling, and the distinctive scent of flowers in Konoha.
