WTMWO Chapter 3: Reunion at the Place of Memories

After the party, I returned to my reclusive life. So, I had no idea what had happened after I ran away that night.

“Daniel-sama, are you not going out again?”

When Clara, the maid, asked me this, I hesitated. It wasn’t that I disliked going outside. It was just that finding people who understood my interests was difficult, and socializing had become exhausting.

“…There’s somewhere I want to go.”

But I wanted to change. I had decided that after the party, I would put an end to my feelings for Leon-sama. So, I wanted to visit the shop where we first met one last time.

“Let’s get you ready.”

“Yeah, thank you.”

Once I was prepared, I headed into town. This time, I wasn’t cross-dressing. I wanted to face the past as my true self.

When I arrived in town, I walked down the street lined with shops and caught a glimpse of my reflection in a window. A boy with black hair and golden eyes stared back at me. Aside from my androgynous features and slender frame, I looked like an ordinary guy. I didn’t want to become a girl, but I wanted to be someone who could confidently say that I loved makeup and cute things.

When I reached the shop, I took a deep breath and opened the door. The bell chimed, and the shopkeeper greeted me.

The shelves filled with women’s accessories and plushies were soothing to look at. As I wandered around the cozy store, I noticed a familiar plushie in the corner—a small rabbit, just like the one Leon-sama had given me, but a bit smaller.

A smile naturally formed on my face, and I couldn’t help but pick it up.

I decided to buy it as a final memento and turned to head to the counter. Just then, the bell chimed again, and I glanced toward the entrance.

A beautiful platinum-blonde figure stood there.

“…Leon-sama…”

I accidentally muttered his name and quickly covered my mouth. He walked over to me.

“Did you call me?”

“Ah, um… I was just surprised… Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Do you like that plushie?”

Leon-sama’s gaze fell on the rabbit in my hands. I nodded, and he smiled softly.

“I like it too. A long time ago, I met a cute kid who loved this plushie. When I gave it to them, they were so happy.”

My heart raced. Could he be talking about… me?

“…Is that so? What brings you here today?”

“I’m looking for a gift for a certain lady.”

My heart skipped a beat.

The way he looked as he spoke about her was so gentle and filled with affection. I clenched my fist to hide my emotions.

I shouldn’t let this hurt me. I decided to give up and move on, remember?

I tried to convince myself.

“I’m sure she’ll love it.”

“You think so? To be honest, I don’t even know who she is or where she’s from. I’ve been looking for her, but I can’t find her.”

“…If I may ask, where did you meet her?”

“At my birthday party the other day. I helped her when she was being harassed. We even shared the first dance, but she left without telling me her name…”

My heartbeat quickened again.

I was the one who danced with him that night. So… he’s been looking for me?

“I’m sorry for keeping you. Enjoy your shopping.”

“N-no, it’s fine! Um, can I help you pick out a gift?”

A voice in my head warned me not to get my hopes up. But I couldn’t stop my racing heart, just like I couldn’t stop these feelings now.

“I’d appreciate that.”

Leon-sama smiled at me, and I smiled back. Just being able to talk to him like this made me feel happy.

Leon-sama blinked a few times as he looked at my smile, then leaned in closer.

“Wh-what is it?”

I could feel my face turning red.

He stared at me intently, and I furrowed my brows in embarrassment.

“Do you have an older or younger sister?”

“Huh? No… I don’t.”

I tilted my head, confused by the question. I was an only child. After hearing my answer, Leon-sama seemed to think for a moment before smiling again.

“Sorry for asking something strange,” he said, picking up a nearby plushie.

From then on, we chatted about trivial things as we picked out a gift together. For some reason, Leon-sama kept asking me, “Do you like this?” I answered politely each time, but inside, I was puzzled.

(Does he realize I’m the lady from that night?)

While that impossible worry floated in my mind, we continued browsing until Leon-sama was satisfied. I also brought the plushie I’d been holding to the counter.

“I’ll take this one too.”

“Huh?! I’ll pay for it myself!”

“It’s fine. Consider it a thank-you for helping me pick out a gift.”

I couldn’t refuse after that and waited as the cashier rang us up.

When the beautifully wrapped plushie was handed to me, I had to hold back a smile. It felt like I had returned to that day from my childhood.

“Thank you. I’m really happy.”

A wide smile naturally spread across my face.

“…I knew it… You’re…”

“What is it?”

I asked as he muttered something while looking at me.

“It’s nothing.”

“I see…”

We left the shop together, and I said goodbye in front of the waiting carriage. But Leon-sama didn’t move, which puzzled me.

“Come to think of it, I never asked your name.”

“It’s Daniel. Daniel Bergamot.”

“…I see. Daniel, huh?”

Leon-sama chuckled softly, as if amused by something.

“Today was really fun. See you again, Daniel.”

“Y-yes! I had a great time too!… See you.”

There might not be a next time. But that was okay. I had spent a wonderful time with Leon-sama at the place where we first met. I was satisfied.

I thanked him one last time and got into the carriage.

Looking out the window, I saw Leon-sama still standing in front of the shop, watching as my carriage drove away.