The only shrine on this island was Okusada Shrine.

When I went there, I found that the site was much larger than I had imagined.

Surrounded by forest, the word sacred fits the place well.

Lush foliage shaded from the summer sun.

The main shrine was sooty and old-fashioned, but that was part of its charm.

I drank a cup of tea from the bottle I had brought with me and let the pleasant breeze wash over me.

I heard a cats voice and turned my head to see two cats near a statue of a guardian dog.

Even from a distance, I could tell which was the female and which was the male.

The male was approaching the female more frantically.

I guess the mating season is over?

I thought to myself.

Humans are strange animals.

They are in heat all year round and reproduce at any time of the year.

The female cat ran away from the male cat.

The male cat chased after it.

Apparently, they are just playing with each other rather than being in heat.

I set up my small camera and took pictures of the two cats.

While I was killing time like this, Mikoto came over.

Ive been bitten by mosquitos and it itches.

My childhood friend complained as soon as she arrived.

Mikoto had changed from her jersey to a yellow T-shirt and hotpants.

She was carrying a tote bag over her shoulder and had tied her short hair in two.

Oh! Are you okay?

Im fineI didnt think Id get that sick.

Mikoto answered as she approached me.

Then she put coins in the money box and ritually put her hands together.

Ill be quiet for a bit and wait for her to finish.

Did you find any good places to go?

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Mikoto opened her closed eyes and looked at me.

I nodded.

An old islander told me about a place. Ill show you.

Is it close to here?

Its close, its close.

As I started to walk, Mikoto caught up with me.

And without hesitation, she took my hand in hers.

Whats up?

I looked at Mikoto in surprise.

Mikoto looks up at me and says, her cheeks puffing out in a bit of dissatisfaction.

Im your girlfriend.

WellThats true.

As it is, I hold Mikotos hand and walk.

My childhood friends hands were a little sweaty.

It is gratifying to have a relationship were silence isnt uncomfortable.

After walking for a while, Mikoto opened her mouth.

Hey?

Nn.

You were talking to mom in the car.

I wonder what conversation.

She said that I wanted to marry you.

A, ahYou were awake.

Yes.

And Mikoto stops.

My feet naturally stop too.

We were in the middle of a narrow forest road.

I can almost hear the sound of the waves, which must be coming from the ocean.

Dontworry to much about that.

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Haa?

I, I dont care ifI cant marry Koumei.

Whats wrong, all of a sudden?

To escape from the mysterious atmosphere, I started walking again.

Holding hands, Makoto takes a half step behind me.

Becauseits kind ofheavy.

Its heavy, true.

She wanted to get married to me, so she chose a high school where she could train to become a bride.

She went to a school for young ladies called Agra Girls Academy, which did not suit her.

I couldnt say that it was light.

Th, thats trueAnd you have five girlfriends.

I cant treat only you as special.

YeahBecause in Japan you can only marry one person.

We arrived at the cats paradise.

We both stopped just before it.

Numerous cats were sunbathing on the rocks.

Not a single cat was fighting.

I didnt know such a place existed!

Mikoto exclaimed in admiration as she enjoyed the sea breeze.

Mikoto?

Nn?

Im not sure about marriage or anything yet.

Eh?

I saw that Mikoto looked at me.

But looking straight ahead, I looked at the cats.

One of them gave a big sigh.

Im glad that Mikoto wants to marry me, though.

Koumei

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I dont know about the future, but Im glad Mikoto is my girlfriend.

This environment is probably the main reason I was willing to expose everything to her honestly.

Cats are living comfortably without having to hide who they are.

Im glad you think so much of me, andHeavy isnt a bad thing. Thats how seriously I take it.

I, is that so.

Slightly embarrassed, Mikoto replied.

The hand that held mine is holding a little tighter.

So, Im going to say something a little heavier.

Unn.

Mikotos expression was a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

I could tell how Mikoto was feeling by the atmosphere that emanated from her without seeing her facial expression.

Weve been together for so long.

Next to Kotoe-san, I was confident that I knew Mikoto.

Youll always love me.

Mikoto doesnt say a word.

The winds that rustle in the air blow over the ocean and shake the forests behind them.

Is that a substitute for an answer?

I let go of her hand and she hugged me from the side.

She hugged me almost as if she was rushing toward me.

I lose my balance.

Its dangerous!

I shouted to Mikoto as she hugged me.

My childhood friend said in a tiny voice as she pressed her face against the shirt I was wearing.

I love youso much

Hearing her voice, I hugged Mikoto too.

We hug each other for a while and then naturally pull apart.

We make eye contact. Mikotos eyes were moist like those of a small animal.

Her face was flaccid and she was blushing.

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I want to have sex with you.

I know. You dont have to say it.

I took Mikoto by the hand and walked down to the white sandy beach between the rocks.