As usual, Koshiro waited for Nanoka at the exit of the station to return.
Tomorrow was the birthday of the young woman, she would celebrate her seventeenth birthday.
It would be exactly five months that they were dating. Certainly not as a normal couple, but a different couple.
For her birthday, he had planned to give her a pretty little silver engagement ring. He had finally decided to ask for her hand in marriage, even though he knew his parents would object.
After all, he could understand their disagreement, given the bond that united them.
He had finally decided to tell his parents how he felt about Nanoka, even though he knew he would be rejected and excluded from his own family.
He was in his thoughts, when he felt that small fingers had just intertwined with his own.
- Hello! Nanoka was standing there in front of him, smiling, in her little schoolgirl outfit. Shall we go, Oni-chan?
She pulled him by the arm, making him move.
As usual, her big dumb boyfriend was always in his thoughts and always took three hours to react.
Koshiro let himself be dragged by the small brown woman.
She had always managed to get what she wanted from him. And even a smile, and he would give in.
He couldn't resist her!
But it had to be said that Nanoka was really too cute to say no!
He thought about this idea he had planned.
What would she say about his initiative? Would she take it badly? Would she be happy? Would she say yes to him?
- Koshiro...Are you listening to me? She had her face bent towards him, looking at him. Is something wrong?
He looked at her face.
Her big hazel eyes were looking at him with concern.
Why did he look so sad?
She didn't like to see him like that!
He was a very reserved person!
And for him to finally deign to give in to his feelings, he had a hard time, and had time.
Koshiro smiled at him, brought his small hand to his lips and kissed him.
Nanoka felt a chill run through her, and she blushed.
- Don't worry about it! I'm just a little tired!
The weather had darkened, a few drops were beginning to fall.
So much he had been plunged in his thoughts, he had completely forgotten to pay attention and to take an umbrella.
- Let's hurry up!
He took the hand of the young woman, and started to run.
Nanoka, as usual, started to laugh out loud, and her laughter joined his.
They looked like two teenagers.
He had to admit that he loved his moments, that they were dear to his heart, and that he would not want them to stop for anything!
The light was red for cars.
Koshiro still holding Nanoka's hand, ran on the crosswalk, risking to fall.
But as they ran, something from Koshiro's pocket fell to the ground.
The box opened, revealing the ring.
Koshiro heard the object fall to the ground. He turned around, let go of Nanoka's hand and rushed to retrieve the ring.
- Oni-chan...No!
Nanoka could not take his eyes off Koshiro.
The light had turned green for cars and it was dark, too dark, to risk passing at that moment.
With frightened eyes, she saw a car heading straight for her Koshiro.
- Oni-chan!
This was the second time Nanoka had shouted, and in that voice there was a sound of fear.
He turned around, but he had just enough time to see his little sister rushing towards him, putting her hands on his chest and pushing him with all her might.
He fell to the ground.
And under his helpless eyes, he saw the car hit Nanoka head on, and throw her on the ground violently.
He got up quickly, running towards the young woman.
He crouched down at her height, not daring to touch her for fear of making things worse.
With softness, he took her against him, turning delicately her face towards him.
Tears came to his eyes, his heart was hurting so much.
Nanoka put his hand on Koshiro's cheek, his eyes welling up with tears.
- Please, Koshiro...Nanoka gave him a shy smile, but it shrank with the pain. Don't cry!
She tried to smile at him, but he could see that she was in great pain.
The driver of the car had rushed to their side.
- I'll go get help and come back!
Koshiro took Nanoka's hand in his, opened her palm and placed the silver ring he had bought her on her ring finger.
Nanoka saw the shining object, and she smiled, tears welling up in her eyes.
- Is this a promise?
Heartbroken and on the verge of tears, Koshiro nodded.
- I wanted to confess everything to mom and dad! He put Nanoka's hand on his heart. I wanted to ask them for your hand in marriage, at the risk of being hated and rejected by my own parents!
She smiled, stroking his cheek.
The stretcher bearers had just arrived.
- Please sir, you have to let her go now!
Koshiro refused to let go of her for fear of losing her forever.
- Nanoka, show them that you can walk!
But nothing.
No reaction!
Nanoka didn't respond, her eyes were closed.
Koshiro was frightened and realized that this was too serious.
So he complied and let the stretcher bearers lift the young woman and put her in the ambulance, under his helpless eyes.
Koshiro got into the ambulance, came to sit next to Nanoka and took her hand.
It was all his fault!
And he would never forgive himself if she lost her life.