Chapter 315: Goodbye, Mei

Meanwhile, Mei, who had kissed Aoki on the lips, was now flushed. Her face felt like it was being doused with hot coals, and her eyes were tightly closed. Her body was trembling slightly, but she didn't back away.

Mei's cheeks were flushed uncontrollably, and her fingers gripped the hem of her own clothing tightly, trying to suppress the trembling that arose from the overwhelming nervousness that gripped her.

Aoki, seeing this, immediately pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. His hands circled her body gently but passionately, then he kissed her lips back. Their bodies drew closer, their breaths mingling in a slow but burning rhythm.

The kiss was deep, slowly becoming intense. To Mei's surprise, she didn't try to pull away.

Instead, her hands moved to the back of Aoki's neck, returning the touch gently, as if harboring all the longing and feelings she had never expressed.

At the end of the kiss, longing, fear, and hope mingled, erupting in a barely restrained explosion of emotions.

After a few moments of intense kissing, they separated. Their breaths were ragged, but their eyes locked on each other, conveying more than words could ever express.

The silence was heavy, yet meaningful. Within that gaze was an unspoken promise, stronger than any bond.

While Aoki looked calm, his eyes serene and his lips gently smiling, Mei looked utterly embarrassed. She quickly lowered her head, hiding her now completely red face, and then quickly ran onto the boat.

Mei's steps were quick, as if afraid that if she stayed there for a second longer, she would lose her courage. Her movements were hurried, but unwavering. Even her back was trembling, holding back the emotions that threatened to spill over.

"See you, Mei," Aoki murmured softly, watching the ropes on the boat being untied and the ship setting sail. His voice was almost a prayer, swallowed by the persistent sea breeze.

Aoki stood silently on the dock, simply watching the ship move away, as if hoping his gaze would guide her to its destination.

The ship slowly moved away, its sails spreading gently like the wings of a great bird taking to the skies. The seawater parted beneath him, leaving ripples that waved like a goodbye.

The ripples spread in all directions, like memories slowly fading away, but never completely leaving their hearts.

Tetsu and Ajisai then turned and stared at the sailing ship. Their faces solemn, their eyes following the ship until it nearly disappeared into the thickening sea fog.

After a few minutes of watching Mei's ship sail away, until it was just a tiny speck in the distance, Aoki turned and looked at Tetsu and Ajisai. The wind was now blowing colder, bringing with it a feeling of emptiness that slowly crept into his chest.

"Let's go too," Aoki said with a smile. This time his smile was firmer, calmer—the smile of someone who knows they've let someone go, but hasn't lost hope.

"Okay, boss!" Tetsu nodded. His voice was steady, though his eyes still occasionally glanced out to sea.

"Uhm... Will we ever see Sister Mei again?" Ajisai asked Aoki.  Ajisai's voice was innocent, but it held a piercing sincerity.

"Of course, but... That's in the distant future," Aoki said, ruffling Ajisai's hair. His large hand gently stroked the little girl's head, and his smile was filled with hope and confidence.

Aoki immediately stepped forward, taking the lead without another word, followed by Tetsu and Ajisai, who swiftly followed behind. Without looking back, the three of them left Pier Village, letting the last of the sea breeze brush against their backs.

________________________

[Note: 555+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead, 

Now you can access the chapters before NovelPhoenix And NovelPhoenix by following]