[ It was near impossible to not notice Miketsukami’s sudden mood change when she brought about the topic of Watanuki’s birthday coming up soon and after a while she remembered on why that was - Miketsukami didn’t understand what it meant to celebrate ones birth and that still saddened her, more than he could ever know. She wasn’t sure if their situations were similar or drastically different when it came to their upbringing for most Atavists were not treated as human beings as such, but more like lucky charms of their respected families. As such, they knew not of anything but loneliness due to lack of sincere affection. Was it possible that Miketsukami was like her, or was he different?

... Of course, Ayame had saved her from his ‘house arrest’. Of course he didn’t have a similar upbringing to her for she was still allowed outside but she wasn’t kept under lock and key. Just thinking about such a thought made her feel beyond upset, and more than anything she wanted to assure Miketsukami that she would never let that happened to him in any lifetime ever again. She didn’t know the full story, but she could imagine. Staring at her reflection in her coffee, she wraps herself up in her own thoughts for a while without realising it until she heard him speak once more and judging by the implied question in his answer, he wasn’t overly confident in it. ]

... What’s with the uncertainty? [ Naturally, the only way she could break the strange mood was by being, well, Ririchiyo. ] I thought he was one of your childhood friends? Hmph, to be unable to remember something like that with confidence... are you certain you’re friends?

[ The silence was unsettling, to say the least. It was obvious that her way of speaking had hurt him and as much as he thought he was doing a good job at concealing that fact, she knew the truth and she knew fully that her way of phrasing her earlier question was out of line and patronizing in context. But how was she meant to go around apologising to the other? After all, apologising wasn’t her strongest forte and as much training flags Miketsukami gave her in that area it just didn’t change the fact that she was terrible at it. Nevertheless, she felt inclined to express her regrets on speaking to him harshly which is why she grips onto his sleeve as she halted in her walking.

Ah, where did she even start? It was difficult, coming up with the right words to say to express her apologises. As much as she wished she could, she knew that saying “many apologises” to something like this was still considered rude - or, at least, to a person who wasn’t Miketsukami it was. Fully aware of his tunnel vision of, well, her, she knew that he would insist that he did not need an apology from her but the truth of the matter was that he did. For her rude behaviour, she had to apologise for ruining the mood he had running. Tightening her grip on his sleeve, she keeps her gaze downcast as she puts her uttermost effort into apologising for her earlier mistake. ]

I— I spoke harshly to you earlier when I shouldn’t of for it’s a subject that you aren’t entirely comfortable with. F-For making you feel uncomfortable during such a time as this... I-I’m sorry.

[ Just seeing the spot was almost enough to knock the breath out of her with how beautiful everything looked. Had Miketsukami really set this all up, just for the two of them? It was strange, to say the least, the feelings she found herself experiencing in this moment of time. He really had put forth so much effort in making this as perfect as he could for her, and that was touching and made her chest swell up with many emotions that were just about ready to burst. However, it seemed that her harsh way of speaking wanted to make itself known as she huffs and turns away, yet feeling bashful. ]

I’ll praise you for the amount of effort you put forth in preparing all of this in such short timing considering that you possess such a tight work schedule. [ A pause. ] I wouldn’t be against saying that I’m quite impressed by your hard work. So? What is next on today’s agenda?

[ It wasn’t too surprising that her harsh way of speaking had gone over his head and she was finding that if such a habit didn’t bother him, why fret too much over it? After all, it wasn’t every day that people found her language adorable, strange as that was. Clearing her throat, she follows Miketsukami’s guidance toward the blanket before sitting herself down in a comfortable position, albeit slightly awkward-looking as she begins to fidget and play with the hem of her dress with glowing cheeks of pink.

“Finally I’m alone with Miketsukami-kun. H-How nerve-wrecking though, I can barely keep myself seated in a firm position which makes me look weird. Yes, I definitely look weird right now. Wh-Why can’t I stay still? At this rate, he’ll think that something is bothering me. E-E-Even so, it’s not as though that isn’t true but, but... I haven’t really been alone with Miketsukami-kun since that night we became even closer than usual...” Nervous, she glances up at Miketsukami from the corner of her eye as he talked. Since then, since that night... it was even more difficult to act normal around him than it usually was. No, it was a lot harder. ]

Is that so...? I-It’s not as though they’re anything special to me... [ Not completely true for she had a deep love for everything and anything of french origin. ] But if you want to take a taste out of something, by all means, feel free to. [ And yet, why did she get the feeling he wanted her to feed him? ] You’re an adult, so you needn’t wait for my permission to have a sweet.

[ Even if she was only sitting with him like this, she couldn’t control her rapid heartbeat as she stares down at her covered legs. To think that since that night, she had been feeling odd whenever she was alone with Miketsukami - part of her knew it was only natural since the last memory of being alone with him was when they were extremely intimate in more ways than one. Since then, she had been wondering on how she was supposed to act around him for she didn’t want to offend him by pretending that it never happened, but at the same time she didn’t want him to think she was, well, nervous. Being as excessive of a lover as he was, she couldn’t tell if or when he would pounce on her which actually bugged her somewhat. For someone of Miketsukami’s nature, it wasn’t exactly uncommon for him to take her by surprise.

Shifting her gaze every now and again in a suspicious manner, she tries to see if she could find any of his tell tale signs in case he was planning on doing something perverse while they were alone and, not only that, but where there wasn’t anyone else for miles. Weren’t this enough of a sign that he was planning on doing something improper? How frustrating it was, not knowing what he was thinking. Why did he have such a good innocent face? So annoying! He was far from innocent and yet... and yet...! ]

Hu-Huh? [ Forcably dragged out of her thoughts, she blinks up at Miketsukami as he spoke. Sit comfortably... there? Slowly her gaze follows his hand as he begins to adjust his position slightly as he made room for her to sit between his legs. D-Did she really look that obvious? Of course she did for anything she tried to hide always ended up showing itself. With the guidence of his hand, she follows his lead as she takes a seat between his legs. ] Well then, excuse me.

[ Just as soon as she was seated, she stares out at the view before them. It really was beautiful... Seeing such a scene made her remember the many letters she shared with Miketsukami in the past and that alone was a peaceful thought for her. A fond memory, even. ] The trees always look beautiful this time of year... Even if by Winter the leaves will decay and fall from the branches, I still find the beauty in a naked branch. Do you want to know why? [ Not waiting for an answer, she allows for a small smile to surface on her lips. ] Because when Summer comes around again, the leaves will return in all their glory.

[ He really was innocent. To speak in such a way, he really was a child deep down who knew nothing of the world and was still coming to grasps on learning the ropes of life - no doubt, this was what being under house arrest did to a person as it stunted their social growth. Just from his words alone, she could tell that his horizons weren’t very broad during his younger years and even now, to a degree. To not be able to appreciate the little things in life, that was something even she couldn’t understand was possible for she always loved to take note of every little thing. The smell of lavender plants, the magnolia flowers that surrounded her garden, the crisp and cold smell that followed shortly after Autumn arrived, even the touch of cold that touched her fingertips when she went outside during the month of October... it was all precious to her. Even time, to her, was something dear to her. Even as days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months, her time with Miketsukami alone was very precious to someone as sentimental as herself.

But it wasn’t only time with him she viewed as precious, but time with other people for their would come a time when all things living would come to an end. Some would call it the apocalypse, others oblivion but fact still remained that their would come a time when the human population would cease to exist and everything - everything - would be forgotten, whether it be something memorable you did or just your very own existence. More than anything, Ririchiyo was aware of that and as much as it scared her, she didn’t want to waste time worrying over such a thing for it was inevitable as time waited for no man - or woman - and because of that, time was brutal. Live while you can, waste not a single day, appreciate the small things life has to offer. With those thoughts in mind, she plucks a piece of grass from the ground as bits of frost clung to it and, without a pause, she places it in Miketsukami’s hand gently. ]

Regardless if my condition weakens my body during the winter months, it doesn’t prevent me from appreciating the beauty. However, I do find it upsetting that I have to stare at the scenery through glass windows for it doesn’t hold the same effect as experiencing the weather and feeling the cold wind brush against my face. [ A delicate pause. ] As for summer... it is disheartening to know that my body disagrees with it so, but at least I can walk outdoors. But, Miketsukami-kun, don’t you see - everything in this world has a purpose and nothing is impure or tainted, and nothing has a worthless existence. I love this world, even despite the many hardships it enjoys throwing at me. For you see, as long as I overcome the difficult times, good times will soon follow as a reward for my perseverance.

[ Content, she leans herself back slightly so that her back was pressed up against Miketsukami’s chest. Even as he explained to her not understanding her reason for loving the world as much as she did, she listened carefully while still in a peaceful sort of bliss. The answer came to her naturally, once again no pause being needed. ]

Wallflower. [ ... ] I notice things and take them in that not everyone sees. I see even the smallest of things and see their worth despite others not thinking twice about them. Have you ever seen a Erysimum genera? They’re small, annual, short-lived perennial herbs or sub-shrubs that reach only ten or a hundred and thirty cent-meters. People rarely notice them as they don’t stand out much compared to other plants. What I mean to say is, I prefer to observe others as opposed to experiencing it. Or, at least, that’s what I used to think. But now... now I would like to experience everything.

[ There was no particular deep meaning behind her action of giving him the piece of grass, but it was more to empathize her point in how nothing in the world was pointless and how everything was beautiful and pure in its own way. Staring out at the view from her spot between Miketsukami’s legs, she allows for the scenery to burn itself into her mind for many more years to come - she wanted to remember everything that she saw this day, as well as the memory itself. The scenery was, to say the least, breath-taking despite how to most it would look dull or boring. She really did love Autumn, the orange leaves especially that gradually began to fall off of the trees. Even if the weather was chilly at most, she didn’t hate the chills it would give her body every now and again as she buried herself further into Miketsukami’s hold on her.

Every month was a reminder of sorts to her - a reminder of the first day she met Miketsukami under the guise as Kagerou. In that moment, she was reminded of her favourite classical piece by Andre Gagnon as she begins to hum ‘Comme au Premier Jour’ to herself, lost in the happiness of spending quality time with the person she loved. Everything around the both of them was dyed a beautiful sunset orange to show that, yes, it really was Autumn - even the water held more beauty than how it usually did for it seemed to shine more whilst surrounded by the different shades of orange and reds. In some ways, the colours looked as though everything around them was on fire when, in actuality, nothing was set aflame at all. Around them were even sweet osmanthus’ which, much alike many things today, reminded her of one of the letters she sent to ‘Kagerou’ when she was younger than she was today.

“Are you familair with the scent of fragrant olives? I’m sure you’ll know it once you smell it.”

Those days... those days really were the times she felt happiest when she exchanged letters with Miketsukami. He was a gentle person in his letters, and she really did like him for he tried to connect with her on many levels - when she told him to read a book, he would read it. When she told him to listen to a piece of music? He would also listen to that. Despite her strange topics, he would always write back to her, even if all she talked about was what type of bed she was going to buy and which ones she would avoid. She remembered those days well as those letters were the one thing that seperated herself from her life in the Shirakiin shrine and her life from school. She was bullied mercilessly at that time which, come to think of it, was the time she began forming her bad habit. At the beginning of their letter exchanges? She wasn’t like how she was now. She was innocent and, yes, quite sad. But Miketsukami helped her somewhat, even if he didn’t realise.

And then the letters stopped, and her heart broke. Nothing was giving her piece of mind anymore, and she had to learn to face things. She couldn’t hide away anymore, and so... she changed herself. She turned herself into what the Shirakiin’s wanted her to be - she wasn’t ‘Ririchiyo’ anymore, but ‘Shirakiin Ririchiyo’.

Upon hearing Miketsukami’s gentle words, she snaps herself out of her revere as she stares up at him with a childlike expression of curosity. He would do everything his power to make any and all her wishes become a reality once winter reaches this world...? What did he mean by that? She didn’t entirely understand if her clueless expression was anything to go by as she remains staring up at him, almost in a world entirely of her own. That was, until he opened the bag of treats in front of her view.

Huffing, she turns her gaze elsewhere as to show that she was back to her usual default haughtiness.] Do whatever you like, I don’t particularly care what you do so long as it doesn’t involve something lewd in form of nature. Haven’t I already told you? You’re an adult, so you don’t have to ask me if it’s alright to do something or not.

[ Taking one treat out of the bag, she begins to eat it delicately while staring up at Miketsukami’s form from the corner of her eye. ] Th-Thank you for the food.

Wha—

[ Granted that she didn’t realise the other’s trickery, it didn’t take too long for her to connect the dots together in what it was what he was attempting to try. Deciding to humour him, she turns her attention to her left side as though she actually believed him over someone looking at them but once she didn’t see another couple nearby, she turns her gaze back to its original place to find that a large chunk of her treat had been stolen. Feigning a surprised look, she keeps her eyes locked on Miketsukami who was currently sparkling in her presence. As usual that guy was as crafy as he was when he first met her, if not moreso now that they were dating. Even so, one question remained as she took in his innocent expression — how did she go about teaching him a lesson? She wasn’t particularly mad so much as she was surprised that he would do such a bold move so soon. What brought on his sudden playful side? One more mystery in need of solving, but she wasn’t going to pry too much into that just yet.

Deciding to play along with his game, she decides to fill her own role as she stares at him with a deadpan expression before huffing and turning her back on him only to turn herself around so that she was staring directly at him with her arms folded over her chest. Now that her bag of treats was hidden elsewhere she speaks, tone almost like that of a scolding mother or parental figure of some calibre. It was tempting to ask the other if he was ever taught not to steal another person’s food but, given how the life of an Atavist was, she held back so she could prevent another awkward atmosphere coming over the mood they had already made for their date thus far. ]

You seemed rather gung-ho about telling me about that made up guest watching us just so you could filch a large portion of my food. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you purchase the very same treat as I did? [ Pausing for effect, she sighs in her exasperation. ] Point being, taking some of my own was nothing but greedy - they taste exactly the same, so I can’t see your reasoning behind taking a large bite out of my own. Furthermore, didn’t you just say that acting in a lewd manner was too much given our location? Even though you said that, you went ahead and did something like stealing lewdly.

[ Pretending to be annoyed or fed up, she decides to let some of her own mischief kick in as she stands up—height not much changed—, her back now facing the other as she stares out at the scenery once more as she allows for herself to feel free. When she turns around, her true smile was plastered on her face as she seemed to shine more radiantly than ever before as the light breeze allows for her long hair to flutter about delicately, almost hypnotising. When she speaks once more, her tone has switched to a softer one that resembled that of her childhood days. ]

Today has only just begun, and already I feel happier than I have ever felt. Whenever I’m with you, I feel the most at peace and when you aren’t with me, I feel extremely lonely. Just spending days like this with you... it’s almost like I’ve always dreamed. Miketsukami-kun... for you who was born into this world, I’m truly grateful.