Chapter 9: Dusk of Beginning

Creek! Creek!

"Mr. Nur, are you awake?"

Nur blinked, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the room.

"Kayle…?"

"Oh! You're finally awake!" Kayle beamed. "I wanted to wake you up earlier, but Grandma told me not to. You looked really tired yesterday."

"…Well, thank you for that. I'm feeling better now."

"I'm really glad you're okay!"

Kayle walked over to the window, standing there for a moment. Both of them fell into a comfortable silence.

"…"

"Hey, hey, Mr. Nur! Do you wanna see something?"

"What?"

"Come with me!"

Nur followed as Kayle hurried onto the small balcony on the upper floor. His room had a charming atmosphere, the sloping ceiling giving it a whimsical feel. A little window opened onto a lovely balcony, and beyond that—

Kayle started climbing onto the roof, scrambling over the low structure with ease.

Nur hesitated. He eyed the roof, then his own weight. "…What if it breaks?"

"Don't worry! It won't," Kayle grinned, offering his hand.

Nur let out a small smile, his eyes glinting mischievously.

He climbed on his own, ignoring Kayle's hand. I'm not a kid who needs a hand to climb.

"Hehe," Nur grinned, feeling the moment.

Kayle pouted slightly, but didn't push it.

As they both made their way across and settled on the roof, the view unfolded before them—

The golden hour before their eyes.

In the distance, the sun was about to dive into the horizon, its golden light setting the clouds ablaze. The sky above was a fading blue, deepening as evening approached.

Kayle plopped down, patting the spot beside him, signaling Nur to sit.

Nur carefully took a seat, trying not to make too much noise or risk falling.

Together, they watched the world bask in the final glow of the day.

Once again, they fell into a warm, peaceful silence, feeling nature around them—the gentle wind caressing their hair, soothing them in its embrace.

"Ney, ney, Mr. Nur, where are you from?"

"…I don't know, I can't remember it clearly."

Kayle fell silent for a moment before asking, "Do you think someone will be searching for you?"

"…"

"…I don't know. Maybe not."

"How can you be sure?"

"…I don't know."

"Right…" Kayle mumbled, sounding a little disappointed.

A quiet breeze passed between them.

"So… once you regain your memories, you'll probably leave, right?" Kayle's voice was softer now. He sat there with his legs folded, resting his chin on his knees, his expression downcast.

"…Do you want me to?"

"Wha—? No! I didn't mean that!" Kayle suddenly panicked, waving his hands frantically, his face heating up.

Nur chuckled. "Hah, calm down. It's not like I can stay here forever. I don't want to trouble you and your grandma."

"No, no!" Kayle riled up again, completely misunderstanding. "Mr. Nur, you're getting it wrong—I didn't mean that—"

Nur grinned. "I was just kidding."

Kayle pouted.

"…What?"

"Nothing." Kayle turned away with a huff. "You seem like a carefree person… I wonder if you were like that before too."

Nur glanced at him, thoughtful.

"…"

As Nur leaned back, propping himself up with his hands, Kayle was still sulking.

After a while, Kayle spoke again, voice quieter this time.

"Mr. Nur… you know, you can stay here however long you want."

"…Can I?"

"Yes! I'd be really happy if you did! And Grandma wouldn't mind either. I'm sure she'd be glad. If she doesn't allow it, I'll convince her!"

Nur let out a warm smile. Without thinking, he reached out and ruffled Kayle's hair roughly.

"Thank you."

Kayle smiling under the soft pressing pressure of Nur's Patting

"We'll see what happens."

It would be good if they let me stay. In my current state, I have nowhere to go anyway, so there was no reason to refuse. But still… i didn't want to seem desperate.

Nur leaned back slightly, his smile lingering.

The sun was halfway through its dive, and behind them, the sky darkened.

Night was taking over.

Nur got up, patting the dust off his pants.

"Let's go. Looks like your grandmother is working alone down there—and it seems she's already prepared the food."

"Aa ya let's go—wait, Mr. Nur, how did you know?"

"You don't have to call me 'Mr. Nur,' you know."

"Oh? Then Mr. Cool?"

"…No. Just call me… mmm… brother or something?"

"Meh! Aren't you too old for that?!"

"Do I look that old?"

"Who knows!"

As they descended, the night crept slowly, swallowing the golden clouds, and the sun setting faster—eager to rise yet again.

"Wait, you didn't answer me—"

"…?"

…

After dinner and cleaning up, both Kayle and Nur lay on the bed.

Tonight's dinner was better than yesterday's.

Kayle had managed to get freshly baked bread and some seasonings.

At this point, though, he started wondering—how did this place even function without anyone having proper jobs?

At the table, Kayle had said,

"Oo, aa! I sold the rabbit skins, so I was able to acquire some sill—"

Even if Kayle went out hunting, it wouldn't be enough to cover an average person's expenses.

"Hey, hey, Brother Nur."

"…What?"

"Have you heard the story of Hero Erun Tharos?"

"Hero?"

"I guess you don't remember."

Kayle went on and on about Hero and a black guy leading a black legion.

"I'll ask Grandmother to read The Divine's Journey to the Place Where Darkness Lies for us."

…Damn, that's a long name for a fairy tale book.

I listened half-heartedly.

After regaining some of my memories about the world—my past job, the organization I worked for—was there ever someone with that name who is this famous?

I set those thoughts aside.

Even after sleeping the whole day, my body still felt tired.

My sleep last night had been uncomfortable. Was it because of my memories returning?

Someone calling out… Heat and cold, making my whole body shiver…

I'll try to get some proper rest tonight.

Nur turned around.

Kayle was already asleep, knocked out after his endless rambling about some fairy tale.

Nur stared out the window. A sky full of stars.

Such a sight was impossible where he came from.

The night settled.

And soon, dawn broke.

Tap. Tap.

Kayle put on his shoes, tapping the tips against the ground.

"Brother Nur! Come quickly, or I'm gonna leave you behind!"