[D1 ME] Deprived

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She nodded in agreement. "I suspect the latter. Perhaps this is not even the first life where we have met," she mused softly.

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Then I can hope it won't be the last."

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

"I hope so, too. If this is our only chance, Benten truly is cruel," she murmured softly. She brushed her lips against his one more time. "We should probably go. You never know if someone could come along."

[Bayushi Choudai]

"As you say, Hatsuki-chan."

He gave her hand another squeeze.

"I entered second. I should leave first. Maybe sing like I've had a few, and stagger clear of your path back to the Jinabori."

He paused.

"Seeing you again, however fleetingly, however careful we have to be... it gives me life."

He kissed her hand, then disengaged. If he waited until he was ready to take his leave, he would never go.

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

She squeezed his hand in return. When he let her hand go, her lingered in the air, outstretched toward him. "I feel the same. I... I feel like myself when I'm with you."

As he walked away, she murmured softly, "I love you."

She stood still, watching as he moved away into the darkening maze.

[Bayushi Choudai]

Soon enough, he could be heard warbling an off-key rendition of a song about nights in Ryoko Owari Toshi.

The sound faded rapidly as he did his best false tipsy stumble out of the maze.

[/exit Choudai, pursued by a grue]

[Shosuro Hatsuki]

Hatsuki waited a while longer in the gathering dark, looking up at the stars, feeling the wind in her hair.

The stars were brighter, knowing he would be here, even if they had to be apart.

Eventually, she rose and left the maze.

/scene