It’s Not Night - Chapter 206.2

Reluctantly pushed by Yen’s forceful encouragement, I ended up leaving the north for a while.

I moved aimlessly. Even I didn’t know where I was headed. But at some point, I found myself in the east, where Andra was.

In that moment, a voice flashed through my mind.

“When you ride across the vast wheat fields, you’ll eventually see a hill. At the top of that hill, there’s an old tree, so big that you can’t even wrap your arms around it. I liked lying under it, taking naps or watching the wind stir the wheat fields.”

And the words I had said to her.

“Andra, when we come back, let’s go there together. To the place you love, and I’ll confess to you properly.”

It was then that I realized where this aimless journey was headed. I had come here to meet Andra. Everything about my return to life had been to meet her again.

I made up my mind that I wouldn’t run away anymore. I repeated to myself that this was probably another trial sent by the gods.

For now, I focused on recovering from my wounds. I couldn’t meet Andra in such a state. As I had mentioned before, I wanted to appear as normal as possible to her. I feared that if Andra saw my wounds, she would be disgusted.

After staying near the Avelin territory, I recovered enough to ask the locals about the old tree Andra had mentioned.

There was something familiar about the tree that I couldn’t shake off. It felt as though I had seen it before, and I found myself staring up at it for a long while, lost in thought.

A warm breeze blew, and I stood there for a while, beneath the tree.

A day passed. Then two, three… Time continued to flow. My daily routine became nothing more than spending time under the tree, waiting for Andra to perhaps visit one day, watching the wheat fields sway in the wind.

Suddenly, I looked down and picked up a falling leaf. The fresh smell of the grass filled the air. As I gazed at it, I impulsively sent Andra another letter with no return address, just like I had back in the academy days.

The letter would most likely never reach Andra. It was without a sender. There was no way she’d read a suspicious letter like that, and even if she did, she wouldn’t understand. So, sending the letter was nothing more than an act for my own sake. At least by sending it, the endless wait felt a little more bearable.

Sitting under the tree, I looked up at the sky. The sun, which had once shone so brightly, was now being swallowed by dark clouds. It looked like rain was coming.

Soon, the rain began to pour. The sound of the insects stopped, replaced only by the sound of raindrops filling the air.

I closed my eyes and listened to the rain.

Back during the Aslan dungeon raid, Andra had refused to take the umbrella I had stored in her locker. I had somewhat expected it. Not many people would suddenly pick up a suspicious umbrella. I knew she wasn’t that type of person, and just as I had guessed, she didn’t use my umbrella.

Even so, it stung. The abandoned umbrella seemed to reflect my situation and my future. I had shown her my tears for the first time, and when she said it was nothing, I felt hurt… Everything had become a mess. I left the umbrella and closed the locker.

It was hard to accept my feelings.

What was it that I truly wanted?

I think, back then, I chose to run away.

“I’m so annoyed. I don’t want to think about it.”

But Andra, you were different. After some time, when I finally confessed my feelings, you came to find me, holding the umbrella. While I was desperate to run, you seemed determined to face me.

It was then that I felt I finally understood why I had fallen in love with you.

You came to me and handed me the umbrella.

I secretly left the umbrella behind.

I felt like I might cry.

Now, I’m certain.

The rain continued to fall. I walked into it.

Andra, I hope you remember me.