CHAPTER 4

　　An electric shock runs through my entire body, but I don't want to disturb how I feel.

　　"Thanks."

　　Her lips curved into a sympathetic smile once more. I feel like I have to keep my heart in place because it appears to be circling. This is what I discovered during our hour together in the canteen. Harris was pleasant to speak with. I found it amusing. I forgot I'd only just met him and shouldn't put my trust in him.

　　But, whether I was in a helpless situation or needed to be trusted and asked for assistance, Harris made me feel better.

　　"You mean you don't know how to contact your friend?" Harris asked.

　　We're at the far end of the deck, watching the fish follow the ship. There were even flying fish that seemed to flaunt their grace as they leaped into the sea.

　　"Yes, I don't remember her phone number, and they don't have a house there," Harris was taken aback.

　　"That's a problem; why did you abandon your mother simply because she's married to someone else?"

　　This is what I told him, and I ran away.

　　"Because my stepdad appears to be mischievous," I simply stated.

　　"Even though you and your mother should have just discussed it, you're still in trouble."

　　"Even though you and your mother should have just discussed it, you're still in trouble."

　　"Let it go, and thank you for all your help." I change the subject because I'm thinking about lying to him.

　　"It's okay, you know; you keep thanking me over and over; anyway, what are your plans when you arrive in Paris?" I sighed and gazed into the distance.

　　"I'm not sure,"

　　Harris sighed and looked at me for a moment.

　　"Ah, after all, I helped you; you'll still trust me; if I can help you when we get there,"

　　"I have acquaintances there for whom I can hire you if you're just willing to work."

　　I look at him.

　　"Of course," my voice brightened, and I was caught in his arm with joy.

　　"What kind of job can I get? I'm only in my third year and have no work experience."

　　I suddenly remembered how much my father had spoilt me. I got what I wanted. My father cared deeply for me. And if he hadn't made a mistake in arranging for my marriage, he would have been an excellent father.

　　"Don't worry, I'll just give you a light job, and I also have a friend with a rented house who I'll introduce you to."

　　"Seriously?" "It's just that I need a fee there as well, right??Of course, I don't have—"

　　"I'll look after that."

　　"It's humiliating for you."

　　"Don't you understand? What are friends for if I don't help you in your time of need?" Harris said, smiling.

　　Are we close? as if we'd known each other for a long time

　　"Thank you so much; after all, we're just—"

　　"Sssh! Forget we met earlier, okay? What matters is that I'll make sure you're safe when you arrive in Paris."

　　Harris laughed and took a finger away from my lips. The cold hand caressed my heart even more. I'd never met a man like him before. That seemed so generous, and no one asked for anything in return. Isn't that right? What if he was just making me feel? What if I am ignored, he will be exploitative as well, and I will be even more ruined. To clear my mind, I shook my head. I abruptly chastised myself for Harris's poor decision-making. He is not the type to tell lies. He's so attractive, so open-minded, and he doesn't have to cheat on a woman just to satisfy my curiosity.

　　"Oh, come on over to the canteen and we'll get something to eat," he said to me.

　　"Whatever, we'll just eat."

　　"Let's drink some juice; the sun is already hot on our skin; we'll be back here on the deck later when the sun goes down," he said, extending his hand to me.

　　I stared at his palm over and over until I finally accepted it. Harris and I are still together at four o'clock in the afternoon. We're back on the deck, anticipating the sunset. We're just talking about whatever. When we try to talk about the odd behavior of the passengers around us.

　　"Look at the man; he's the same as you were earlier; I thought you were going to jump; it's just that you're going to stare at the water like crazy."

　　"Do you mean I'm insane?" I slapped his arm.

　　"No!" Harris exclaimed, laughing despite his smile.

　　"Because you're such a moron, that man appears even soberer to you."

　　"Is that correct?" I asked, pinching his little side.

　　Harris laughed as he took my hand in his.

　　"Wait! wait! You're being too picky!"

　　"Because you're so naughty!" I yelled, catching his gaze.

　　Our gazes locked intensely. Harris, my heart begs.

　　"Eli..."

　　I blinked a little. Harris' mention of my name was charming. Our gazes locked for a few more seconds. One of his palms eventually moved to caress my cheek.

　　"Harris..."

　　I had no idea what to do. I wish I had been able to avoid her cheek. I'm not used to someone caressing my cheek in this way, even with the warmth of Harris's palm. But this caress is pleasant. It felt like creeps were being splattered all over my body. His palm, as if signaling something,

　　"Eli..."

　　Slowly, his face approached mine. I'm not guilty in this matter, the impulse said, and Harris would kiss me. I can already smell his fragrant breath, as well as feel the heat it brings to my face. I also want to close my eyes. exactly like the ones I see in movies.

　　"The sun is setting."

　　I abruptly turned to the west, only a few feet between our faces. I turned my gaze to the habit of what I was looking at as I heard a rusty sigh in Harris' throat.

　　"It's almost as if I want to regret something; it's sad to think that it's already afternoon; it's only a few hours late at night, and this ship is on its way to the pier in Paris."

　　"How are you?"

　　I caught another glimpse of him. Harris's face was sad even when he was turned sideways.

　　"And, of course, we'll arrive in Paris in a few hours; you know, it's like how long we've known each other; although we've only known each other for about twelve hours and been together, I feel like I've known you for twelve years," Harris added later.

　　"Because we've talked about it so much," my tongue groans.

　　"Yeah, we won't be together like this again when we're in Paris."

　　"W-what—"

　　"It's like we're together all the time, talking every minute; well, I have my own life to live, and of course, you'll be like that when you live in my friend's apartment and work."

　　"But can't we still get together?"

　　And I'm hoping for a positive response from him. I want to be able to see and be with Harris at all times. Harris sighed again and returned his gaze to the setting sun before responding.

　　"Yeah, maybe. But nothing will be the same. This time we're together, Eli. I'll always look forward to this moment. Is that when we're together here on the deck? Looking at the waves and talking Then we'll be together. We'll eat, then come back here and talk and joke. It's difficult to imagine, but my experience is different."

　　I was swallowed whole. Do we share the same sentiments? Suddenly, I realized that this was a very strange experience.