Kanoe - Prince of Kuyou - Sun End

Kanoe - Prince of Kuyou - Sun End

Chapter 6 - At Home...

After the members were disputing over the formation, Kanoe-san's team became scattered. 

During practice today, Kanoe-san was alone as I was silently cheering him on. 

Kanoe: ...Haa!

As Kanoe-san raised his voice without cutting any corners, I couldn't do anything, but watch as I was feeling anxious. 

-Flashback-

Kanoe: In each of those festivals, the clan of those years shows off their personality. But, performing and competitive spirit aside, the clans all want to liven up the festival. Even I want everyone to enjoy the festival. That's why, I'll make it a success for sure. 

-Flashback-

(He wants to... make it a success no matter what.) 

Kanoe: ...!

As I watched Kanoe-san bringing out even more beautiful movements than before, that feeling got stronger. 

(What should I do...)

I couldn't do anything, but watch Kanoe-san's dance with a heated gaze... 

Aside from the forest, Kanoe-san continued practicing as soon as he returned to his room as well. 

Kanoe: ...

Since it seemed like he was thinking about something seriously, I silently closed the door and left. 

(I shouldn't bother him right now...) 

Feeling a litter frustrated, I continued to send my support to him through my thoughts...

Chapter 7 - The Festival and Welcoming the New Year...

There were only a few days left until the festival starts...

(I'm sure that... Kanoe-san is practicing in the forest by himself like before.) 

I showed myself a little bit earlier than the usual practice time. As the sensation of morning was still remaining within the cool atmosphere of the forest that was a little foggy, Kanoe-san started practicing by himself as expected. 

(Kanoe-san...?) 

I could tell that his entire body was covered in sweat when he threw his kimono off to the side.

(He's already changing? Just how long has he's been practicing...) 

Without noticing that I was nearby, Kanoe-san put all his heart into dance practice. 

(I need to... tell everyone. About Kanoe-san's feelings.) 

When I strongly thought of that, I turned around...

......

Once I spoke to the other members, we gathered in the forest faster than usual. 

Man 1: He's already practicing?

Man 2: His Highness is always here first, but he comes here this early every day...? 

The people that have gathered here spoke in surprise one after another. 

Kanoe: You guys...! Even MC.

When Kanoe-san noticed us, he stopped moving. 

Everyone: ...

An awkward silence was drifting through the area... 

(What should I do... I probably did something unnecessary.) 

Just as I became uneasy and glanced towards Kanoe-san's expression at that moment... 

MC: Kanoe-san, this is?

He was holding a single sheet of paper in his hand. 

Kanoe: This is... 

Kanoe-san spreads out the paper that was soaked in sweat and showed it to everyone. 

Man 1: This is... 

Man 2: A new formation...? 

While looking at the paper, everyone became silent once they understood. 

(Kanoe-san... He was unable to tell them that he was adjusting the formation...?) 

The countless drawn steps and formation lines were soaked in his sweat. 

Kanoe: ...The stage this time is a new shape that is different from all the ones we've been on before. Aside from looking squared shape from above, the depth has become narrow. I realized that when I went to see it from below. At this rate, the entire audience won't be able to see a good performance. 

Man 2: ...Something like that.

Kanoe: That's why I wanted to rearrange the formation to make us shine more. 

Just as he said that, Kanoe-san made a strained look. 

Kanoe: I couldn't explain it properly... No, even if I did, it wouldn't make a difference and I'll end up burdening you guys. I got self-conceited. I'm very sorry...

Man 1: Your Highness... 

Kanoe: Some parts need to be changed. So, right now, won't you give me your support for the entire formation practice? 

With a sincere attitude, Kanoe-san bowed to everyone. 

Man 1: ...I'm sorry for saying something so selfish. 

Man 2: We're sorry, Your Highness...

Everyone lowered their heads to Kanoe-san apologetically. 

Kanoe: Everyone... 

Kanoe-san looked at everyone with a passionate gaze. 

(Kanoe-san...) 

Setting the moving conversation aside, everyone on the team sniffled. 

Man 1: Let's do it. 

Man 2: We can still make it if we do it now. 

Kanoe: Everyone... Yeah. We'll make it. 

Everyone: Yeaah!

(That's good... Kanoe-san's feelings got through to them.)

Just as I happily smiled, my eyes suddenly met with Kanoe-san's. 

Kanoe: You... You're the one who brought them over. 

Those eyes narrowed gently in a way I've never seen before. 

MC: I... 

When I became silent as my heart skipped a beat... 

Man 1: Your Highness! I want to ask about my position!

Soon after, the members were talking to Kanoe-san about the new formation that they're going to try out. 

Kanoe: Yeah. I'll be there soon!

When Kanoe-san turned his back on me, he walked towards the members. While I was by myself, I softly placed my hand on my chest as my heartbeat wouldn't settle down... 

......

Since then, they all started practicing together again. 

As they continued practicing every day until late into the night, they somehow got into shape on the day before the festival. When the forest became dark, Kanoe-san and I were heading back together by relying on the light of the hanging paper lanterns. 

Kanoe: ...MC. 

When I turned towards him after he said my name, Kanoe-san's face was so close by as the paper lanterns' light was shining on it. 

Kanoe: Thanks... for today. Having you watching over me this whole time... reassured me. 

MC: No, I didn't do anything... I was only watching you. 

Kanoe: No, you saved me. Because you being here... I...

Kanoe-san's mouth approached my ear. 

MC: ...

Kanoe: Tomorrow in the festival, I want you to watch from a good spot no matter what, so I've prepared a special seat for you. You'll come, right? 

As my cheeks became warm, I lightly nodded. Then, Kanoe-san happily... and softly smiled. 

(To think that he can make this kind of face too...) 

With my heart racing, warm feelings were overflowing within me... 

Last Chapter - Warm Heat

Then, the festival performance began tonight... 

The fierce rhythm that the taiko drums were playing was drifting in the air. As it looked like the blazing torch flames that were placed on both sides of the stage were burning the night sky, the people in the center were making lively movements repeatedly. 

Kanoe: Ha! There, there, there, there, there!

Kanoe-san's shouts were in sync with the team's movements. Everyone in the team that wasn't moving in sync before were now moving in sync perfectly. 

(Even though they were cutting it close, everyone's movements have become one, almost like a living creature...) 

I watched Kanoe-san's cool performance as he danced around with his sweat shining. I couldn't bring myself to look away, not even from the movements of the hem of his kimono fluttering that the finale of the performance has arrived before I knew it... 

Kanoe: Haa!!

Everyone stopped their movements in sync as if time has completely froze. 

(Alright! That was perfect.) 

When I stood up to applaud without thinking, the audience all got up at once to applaud soon after. That applaud didn't stop even after Kanoe-san and the others bowed ten times. 

Kanoe: ...

While exiting to the side of the stage, my gaze met with Kanoe-san's for a moment. 

MC: ...!

Even though he was just looking at me, I couldn't bring myself to move as if I've been sewed in place. 

(My heart is racing...) 

As I was feeling happy from Kaneo-san's gaze... I felt all kinds of feelings overflowing as my heart was going fast to the point that it was becoming painful. 

Man: This year's performance sure was spectacular. 

Woman: It really had quite a bloodcurdling intensity. 

(Looks like I wasn't the only one...) 

Before I knew it, all the kingdom's people and tourists too were emotionally moved altogether as they were clamoring about it. 

(It really was good.) 

As I was immersed in the lingering memory for a short while in my seat, I felt a pat on my shoulder. 

Kanoe: MC. 

MC: Kanoe-san...!

Suddenly, Kanoe-san was standing there as his cheeks were still flushed. 

Kanoe: Come with me. 

Kanoe-san pulled my hand. I felt a comforting warmth from his slightly sweaty hand...

......

When we left the performance stage and headed to a slightly high place, Kanoe-san finally stopped and turned towards me. 

Kanoe: How was it?

MC: It was truly amazing. You were really cool. 

After I told him that excitedly with flushed cheeks... 

Kanoe: I see. 

Suddenly, Kanoe-san extended his robust arm...

(Eh...?) 

The next moment, I was being held against his warm body that was still radiating heat. 

Kanoe: Sorry. I didn't want you to get cold... I couldn't think of anything else, but this.

When Kanoe-san looked down at me heartrendingly as I was surprised, my heart skipped a beat. 

Kanoe: ...Thank you. I wouldn't have been able to succeed without you around. 

MC: Y-You don't need to thank me... 

While I was in his warm arms, I lightly shook my head and... 

Kanoe: I realized it for the first time... Having those guys supporting me gives me amazing strength. 

(Him thinking that... makes me happy.) 

Kanoe: Also, you were the one that brought everyone together. I just don't know what to say...

His embrace that was filled with passion got stronger. When it became silent around us, it made all the noise in the festival from earlier feel unreal. Then, after some time has passed as I was in his arms... 

Kanoe: I love you.

MC: Eh? 

That sudden straightforward confession made me blink. 

Kanoe: I thought about telling you that after the performance ended. I'm not good with speaking, but... I wanted to tell you these feelings properly. 

Kanoe-san looked at me as his slightly passion filled eyes shook a little as they became teary. 

MC: ...

Kanoe: Let me say it again... I love you. 

Then, when he placed his hands on my shoulders, his face suddenly became close and he roughly snatched my lips away. As I was unable to turn away from his strong lips that were over me, my heart skipped a beat. 

(Eh... A kiss...?) 

The next moment, when I looked past Kanoe-san's back... Bright and wide large-flowered fireworks were in the night sky.

(Pretty...) 

MC: Kanoe-san... 

When I said his name while catching my breath, Kanoe-san softly smiled. 

Kanoe: May I hear your answer? ...No... I can tell without hearing it. 

After he said that, our lips met again. Ignoring the sound of the explosion coming in late, the kiss became deeper. The faint scent of sweat that was emitting from Kanoe-san made me remember how he looked in the forest. 

(Before I knew it... I have fallen for him too.) 

Accepting both the confession and the kiss, I slowly closed my eyes. Without noticing that the new year has suddenly arrived, we only felt each other's warmth... 

Main Story

Moon End