Celestaris: Chronicles of Manga, Moon & Kizuna.

Part 3

The next morning, I woke up slowly, still feeling the lingering effects of last night's bath. But something wasn't right. There was a weight on me, as if something… or worse, someone was on top.

I cautiously opened my eyes, and the sight before me nearly stopped my heart.

A warm and serene face rested just inches from mine. A cascade of green hair spread across the pillow left no room for doubt.

Yuna was sleeping on top of me!

My mind took a few seconds to process what was happening. Internally, it was utter chaos, as if my brain had gone into overdrive. I felt my face burning, and my heart was on the verge of giving out. What was she doing here? How did she get here? None of it made any sense!

—What…? How…? —I whispered, unable to form a coherent thought.

As if the situation weren't already awkward enough, Yuna murmured something in her sleep, shifting slightly. She seemed completely oblivious to the storm of emotions raging within me.

Suddenly, from the edge of the futon, a familiar voice broke the silence.

—Well, well… —said Kizuna in a mischievous whisper, waving her tiny hands in the air—. What a thrilling situation, Kizu! Don't you think this deserves a special spot on the list of awkward moments of the year?

—Kizuna! You're not helping! —I retorted, my face blazing with embarrassment.

I tried to move carefully, but even the slightest pressure from my arm made Yuna murmur something else. I couldn't make noise. I couldn't move. It felt like I was trapped in the worst episode of a romantic comedy manga.

—Come on, Haruto, think of something fast! —I screamed internally. But just as I was about to attempt something desperate, I heard a sound that froze me completely.

The sliding door to my room opened slowly, and there stood Yuna's father, framed in the doorway.

—Good morning, young Kibou… —he said in his characteristically calm tone, without looking directly at me—. Do you happen to know if Yuna has already left her room… or perhaps gone to town?

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. I tried to stammer something, anything that might serve as an excuse, but my brain was completely blank. My face must have been quite the sight—a mix of terror and utter desperation.

Mr. Kazeharu, still looking unconcerned, opened his eyes… and froze. The silence became deafening.

His gaze slowly drifted down to the scene before him: his daughter sleeping peacefully on top of me, while I remained paralyzed, like a deer caught in a predator's sights.

Kizuna, in an act of supreme betrayal, vanished instantly. If she had been a kunoichi, I'd have been impressed by her speed.

As for me, I was trapped. I couldn't even stammer out a coherent excuse. My mind was flooded with one single thought: "This isn't what it looks like, but… how on earth do I explain it?"

Mr. Kazeharu's face hardened as a vein began to throb on his forehead. The situation had escalated to an epic level of awkwardness.

—I swear this isn't what it looks like —I said in a trembling voice that barely made it past my throat.

Yuna, snuggled up beside me, held onto my arm, completely oblivious to the chaos unfolding around her.

Her breathing was steady, as if she were enjoying the most pleasant sleep in the world, while I felt death looming just inches away.

I desperately tried not to move, staying perfectly still under the icy gaze of her father. But then, as if fate wanted to add fuel to the fire, Yuna murmured in her sleep, a sweet smile spreading across her face…

—You were amazing, Haruto…

The world seemed to stop for an eternal second. A shiver ran down my spine, and I could feel the air pressure around me change.

Mr. Kazeharu's face hardened even further, as if he had just received divine confirmation of my guilt. If looks could kill, I'd already be drafting my will.

It was like standing in front of a volcano about to erupt, and I was the unfortunate village that hadn't evacuated in time.

—You know, Haruto… —he said with terrifying calmness, each word laced with venom that made my cold sweat intensify—. My people don't believe in executions, but… today I might make an exception.

Desperation flooded me as I searched for any way out of this. There were no excuses, no salvation—just an advancing wall of paternal fury headed straight for me.

And, as if the universe took joy in tormenting me, Yuna murmured once more, still dreaming.

—Ah, Dad… Haruto was just being kind…

Kind?! What kind of nightmare script was this?! I tried to move and free myself from her grip, but Yuna, as if under some divine spell, clung to my arm like an anchor.

—I swear it was nothing! —I shouted desperately, trying to get out of bed in one swift motion, only to end up crashing onto the floor with a loud thud.

Kazeharu looked down at me, arms crossed, watching me pathetically sprawled out on the ground. The trial had begun, and I was the sole defendant.

—I'll give you one chance to explain yourself… before the entire village learns there's a perverted human among us —he said, his tone sharp as a blade.

As I slowly got to my feet, I realized this was undoubtedly shaping up to be the worst day of my life.

The "final boss battle" was behind me, but my heart was still racing a mile a minute. That scene, which could very well have marked the end of my days, had left its mark.

The tension with Yuna's father felt like facing an unprepared boss fight, but luckily, I made it out alive—albeit not without a healthy dose of humiliation.

After the chaotic morning, I took a few moments to calm myself in the solitude of my room. I sat on the futon, staring at the wooden ceiling, taking deep breaths.

This is ridiculous… How do I always end up in situations like this? I thought, letting out a sigh.

Despite the chaos, I couldn't deny there was something comforting about being surrounded by people who, in their own way, made everything worthwhile—even if their methods of showing it left me on the verge of a heart attack.

Eventually, I decided to leave the anxiety behind. I stood up, preparing to face the rest of the day with whatever dignity I had left.

As I stepped out, I found Yuna waiting for me in the hallway, her usual smile effortlessly dispelling any lingering awkwardness.

—Ready for a walk? —she asked, tilting her head slightly.

—Sure —I replied, trying not to dwell too much on what had just happened.

As Yuna and I walked through the quiet streets of the village, the atmosphere felt different, as if the weight of the morning's events still lingered in the air.

The sounds of the forest and the magical lights decorating the branches weren't enough to completely dispel the faint awkwardness that hung between us.

Yuna walked a step ahead, her shoulders slightly hunched, reflecting a mix of guilt and worry.

Finally, she broke the silence with a soft, almost hesitant voice.

—I'm really sorry, Haruto… —she said, staring at the ground—. I had no idea I'd wandered into your room to sleep. Sometimes… I sleepwalk. I never meant to put you in that situation.

Her embarrassment was evident, and seeing her like that made me feel guilty about the discomfort we were both experiencing. I tried to downplay it, though the memory of Yuna's father's face still sent chills down my spine.

—Don't worry about it —I replied, letting out a small nervous laugh—. It was… well, it was a bit tense, but nothing I can't recover from… I think. Besides, it's not your fault if you were asleep.

She let out a sigh of relief and glanced at me, still a bit embarrassed but with a spark of gratitude in her eyes.

—Honestly, Haruto… I'll make it up to you. —She paused, running her fingers through her hair, visibly uncomfortable—. You must think I'm so clumsy…

The way she said it, with that mix of honesty and vulnerability, caught me off guard and made me laugh unexpectedly. Yuna looked at me, surprised, her face slightly flushed.

—Not at all, Yuna. —I smiled, searching for the right words—. I think you're someone… special.

Her expression shifted. She lowered her gaze, but she couldn't hide the small smile forming on her lips. For a moment, the atmosphere changed completely, and the warmth of Mythara seemed to embrace us once again.

We continued our walk among the trees, leaving behind the awkwardness of the morning.

A gentle breeze rustled the foliage, and the light-hearted air made everything feel like the beginning of a brand-new day.

That's when I stopped dead in my tracks, stunned by what lay ahead.

A dazzling figure appeared before us, radiating a beauty and elegance that seemed straight out of a dream.

Her fair, luminous skin seemed to radiate an ethereal glow, and her golden hair cascaded in soft waves, framing a face with delicate features.

But what truly captivated me were her eyes—a deep, oceanic blue that seemed to hold the tranquility of an infinite sea.

She wore an immaculate white dress adorned with golden embroidery that delicately traced the lines of her waist and chest, accentuating her slender, majestic figure. Every detail of her attire seemed crafted to highlight her air of grandeur, as if she were someone accustomed to commanding attention.

—Humph! If you keep staring at me like that, you'll fall over —said the blonde elf, crossing her arms with a hint of annoyance.

It was then I realized I'd been staring at her for quite some time, like an idiot. I felt trapped, as though I'd just made a terrible mistake.

But honestly, her presence was stunning. Her poise and pride reminded me of the wealthy girls from anime, exuding an air of confidence that bordered on defiance.

—Melodía! —shouted Yuna, running toward her with enthusiasm.

To my surprise, the young elf's reaction was far from warm. With a slightly annoyed expression, she made a subtle movement to step away from Yuna.

—I already told you not to cling to me —she said in a tone that was clearly meant to sound distant, though it retained a touch of elegance. For some reason, her attitude reminded me of a tsundere.

Yuna, undeterred and still smiling brightly, turned toward me with eyes sparkling with excitement.

—This is Melodía Luminis, the daughter of the leader of the light elves and my best friend —she said, as if that was the most natural introduction in the world.

—Who said we're friends? We're merely acquaintances —Melodía replied with an air of grandeur. Her tone wasn't necessarily offensive, but it made it clear she wasn't interested in appearing approachable.

—I came earlier to see you, Yuna, and to meet your friend here —Melodía added, casting me a scrutinizing glance that felt like a meticulous evaluation.

While Yuna and Melodía exchanged laughter and lighthearted remarks, I remained silent, observing them.

There was something fascinating about their dynamic. Yuna's warmth contrasted with Melodía's reserved and slightly haughty demeanor, yet somehow, they fit together perfectly.

It was as if every word and gesture between them reinforced a deeper bond.

There was something familiar and comforting about their interaction, a reminder that this world wasn't just about challenges and monsters but also about connections—human or, in this case, elven.

Melodía glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, her expression filled with curiosity and something I couldn't quite discern—whether it was disdain or simple appraisal. Her deep blue eyes seemed to scrutinize my every move, as if searching for flaws or weaknesses.

—I suppose a human wouldn't be the worst company for Yuna… as long as he stays out of trouble —she finally murmured, crossing her arms. Her tone was neutral, but the faint smile playing on her lips hinted at an unspoken challenge I wasn't entirely sure how to interpret.

Yuna, as if oblivious to the subtle jab, let out a soft laugh and shot me a supportive look, her warmth lighting up the atmosphere.

—It'll be fun, Haruto! There's so much I want to show you… and with Melodía here, it'll be even better —she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement, making it impossible not to smile back at her.

Melodía let out a soft huff but said nothing, allowing Yuna's energy to take over the moment.

As the two of them smiled, something inside me eased. I realized that, even though the path ahead was uncertain, having people like them by my side made everything feel a little less daunting.

Without even noticing, a smile formed on my lips. And for the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.