CHAPTER 3: Value

"There is no other thing to balance your wish," Yuuko twirled Yukiko's long, black hair from behind; "Your wish is too great to be paid just like that."

"Yuuko-san, isn't that a bit cruel...?"

"Cruel~! Cruel~!" repeated the twin girls.

"Are you sure that there's no other way for me to pay my price...?" Yuuko just stared at her without any response. "If that's the case, then I will give it up..." Yukiko looked down on her feet.

"Hold out you hand."

"Okay."

Yuuko clasped Yukiko's hand tightly, "Your dearest person will be returned to his healthy state when you return. However, once you two have seen each other, you will no longer feel any love for him anymore. Harsh it may seem, but that was the only price. Love for him alone will disappear, but not for your other loved ones."

Yukiko's expression darkens and became different, "I understand," she said palely and started walking towards the door.

"What is this feeling...?" Watanuki thought, and he suddenly felt cold. "It suddenly got cold... But this eerie feeling's already here right after she entered the shop..." Yuuko looked at him as he shivers with slight fear.

"Wait," Yuuko said, "You've had a long trip, I suggest you stay in for the night. Tomorrow, you can return home with full strength. Maru, Moro, please lead her to a room."

"Yes~!"

"Thank you," said Yukiko and walked outside escorted by Maru and Moro.

"Will you play with us?" said the two.

"Let her rest for a while," said Yuuko with a smile.

"I'll be happy to, but I guess only after I rest," Yukiko let out a pale chuckle.

oOo

"Yuuko-san... I don't think she handled it easily," Watanuki approached her. "I know," she replied. "But not all things can be handled so easily, you know."

"Watanuki," Yuuko looked at him, "If your dear Himawari-chan was in the same state, would you do the same as well? Imagine yourself in that girl's shoes, and see if you would do the same. Rather, would you change it?"

Watanuki fell silent, then spoke, "It's fate that decided it, right? And are you an accomplice of another crazy being? First, that glasses-wearing person you hate to hear, then this long-nosed ma—MMPH?"

Yuuko covered his mouth, "There are things that cannot be told. And didn't I told you before? It's only Hitsuzen, there is no such thing as coincidences," Yuuko's expression was mysterious. "Now, Watanuki, I want fish mackerel and red wine for dinner! Add an extra plate for our guest."

"WHAAAT?"

"You heard me, I want those for dinner!"

"Mokona wants to drink sake!"

"Not you too, you little fur ball?"

"'Life is unfair', is that what you were thinking?"

"…Well, yeah," Watanuki looked at her, "B-But I know that it's not to blame, so…"

"I understand."

"But will she be okay, Yuuko-san?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it. It may take time for her to resolve what the problem really is."

"Yuuko-san, what do you think why they experience this?"

"It's not right to interfere in other people's business, why do you ask?"

"I'm not really sure. Do you think there's a possibility that I'll experience something like this?"

"That is…for you to know. You hold far greater things for you to discover on your own, with or without help."

"Aw, c'mon…! Would you stop talking in riddles…?"

"You still have a lot to learn, Watanuki."

"You always say vague things!"

"That is because you are not an open-minded person," she laughed. "But you will soon reach the answers to your question, Watanuki."

"Agh, I don't understand you at all...!" he scratched his head as he goes to the kitchen.

CHAPTER 3 END