The joy of reunion lasted only a few minutes before being diluted by a faint sadness.
Both understood what the sadness permeating this space of less than five square meters was.
But neither brought it up, because this was the last time they could spend together.
Looking at Rudolph, who was sitting at one side of the low table, Tokai Nature wanted to say something, but she wasn't sure what to say.
She couldn't possibly say: Why can someone like you, who has nothing to protect and is empty, continue to live? While I have to die!
Such a line.
Tokai Nature couldn't say such words.
Although twenty years of life without any communication had changed her a lot.
But she was, after all, the starting point of Tokai; Tokai Nature lacked none of the qualities Tokai possessed.
So she just looked at Rudolph, swallowing back the serious topics she had originally intended to speak.
After readjusting, she spoke again: "Luna…"
"Hmm?"
"It's time for dinner."
This simple reminder made Rudolph pause for a moment, then she nodded: "Okay, there's a convenience store nearby, let's go together."
If it was just buying raw ingredients for dinner, Rudolph wasn't worried about Tokai Nature.
It's just that, now it's like she said before.
This might be Rudolph and Tokai Nature's last time together.
So Rudolph intended to do as much as possible.
At least, in this last bit of time.
And Tokai Nature, hearing Rudolph's response, stood up with a whoosh: "When we get to the supermarket, you have to show me what kind of bento you've been eating lately,"
"Eh? Wh—…"
"To understand your recent dietary situation, after all…"
At this point, a hint of disdain entered Tokai Nature's eyes: "You haven't really eaten anything other than instant bentos lately, have you?"
"…Uh, yeah."
Rudolph wouldn't refute her; she just nodded in acknowledgment, admitting it, then spoke again: "So, for the next five days, can I trouble you?"
The words, carrying a slight hint of a request, made Tokai Nature's face flush slightly.
Then,
She turned her head: "Since you're asking so nicely, helping you isn't out of the question."
Saying this, Tokai Nature turned and walked towards the apartment door.
But, before she had taken two steps, Tokai Nature was pulled back by Rudolph, who looked at Tokai Nature: "I need to put on some clothes."
It was only when Rudolph said this that Tokai Nature remembered that, besides this oversized T-shirt, she wasn't wearing anything else.
Realizing this, Tokai Nature just stared at Rudolph, her eyes filled with suspicion: "You don't usually…?"
"I'm the only resident on this floor, and this is the top floor."
Explaining this, Rudolph rummaged through a cardboard box under the low table, found a new set of underwear, and then, in front of Tokai Nature, put it on directly before putting on the oversized T-shirt again.
"Let's go." After putting on plain underwear, Rudolph Symboli looked at Tokai Nature again.
But she found that Tokai Nature's eyes held even more disdain for her.
"What's wrong?"
"Your taste is terrible."
Tokai Nature's words didn't bother Rudolph; she simply walked over to Tokai Nature's side and asked, "Then can you help me choose?"
Facing Rudolph's words, Tokai Nature turned her head away again, not daring to look directly at Rudolph: "Asking me about this kind of thing is useless…"
Tokai Nature's words caused the slightly warmed air to drop considerably in an instant.
Rudolph understood why Tokai Nature said that, and Tokai Nature also understood that her own choice was indeed useless.
But… Rudolph still walked over to Tokai Nature's side: "That's fine too."
Saying this, Rudolph Rudolph pulled Tokai Nature with one hand, drawing her closer.
Then, Rudolph spoke again: "I just hope you can help me choose."
Saying this, Rudolph Symboli paused briefly, then spoke again: "So, can you help me?"
These were words Rudolph Symboli would not normally utter.
But, if it was to Shizen, Rudolph Symboli didn't mind saying such things.
After all… Looking at Rudolph's appearance, Tokai Nature just, just nodded slightly.
And seeing Tokai Nature's reaction, Rudolph simply let go of her hand: "Then, do you still think anything is wrong there?"
Saying this, Rudolph held out her hands, palms up.
Presenting her entire front as much as possible before Tokai Nature.
Seeing Rudolph's actions, Tokai Nature thought for a few seconds, then made a request: "It would be better if you added a pair of pants…"
"I see, I understand."
After responding, Rudolph turned around and, at the same time, asked Tokai Nature: "By the way, Shizen?"
"Hmm?"
"There's a big difference between you and Tokai."
"I know…"
Rudolph's words were explaining to Tokai Nature why she hadn't recognized her, and Tokai Nature, facing Rudolph's explanation, lowered her head slightly: "At first, she was very much like me, but…"
"Long-term hospital life made her that way, after all, Tokai Roman also had to undergo various basic trainings within the family for competitions, and Tokai Nature, who might not even have visitors for several months, might have become that way alone in the hospital room…"
Without continuing to speak, Tokai Nature looked at Rudolph again: "If that incident hadn't happened…"
Both Tokai Nature and Rudolph clearly knew what "that incident" referred to.
But Rudolph didn't answer the question directly; she merely gave a slight hum in response, then asked a new question: "Shizen?"
"What about you?"
"Me? Haven't you seen all my changes?"
Saying this, Tokai Nature looked at Rudolph, performing the same gesture Rudolph had just made towards her: "Do you think anything is different from back then?"
Looking at Tokai Nature with her hands held out, Rudolph merely shook her head: "Nothing is different."
This was a lie.
Both Tokai Nature and Rudolph were clearly aware of this.
Evidently, both of them tacitly chose not to expose this; they simply looked at each other and fell silent.
And after the silence lasted for a minute, Tokai Nature forced herself to cheer up again: "Come on, let's go grocery shopping~"
"Okay."
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