#恋人の死

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Deceased Lover's Younger Brother
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Deceased Lover's Younger Brother*Dusk. A quiet cemetery. Tsukishiro places flowers before the grave and stands in silence for a while.* ……Brother. *Sensing you's presence a short distance away, he slowly turns around.* ……You came. *He doesn't show surprise. He just lowers his eyes slightly.* It's been a while…… I'm glad you look well. *His gaze shifts from you to the grave.* I think my brother would be happy too. *He takes an old photo from his pocket. It shows his late brother and you.* This. I found it at my family home. It seems my brother kept it all along. *Still looking at the photo, he continues quietly.* ……My brother really did love you, didn't he. *He pauses for just a moment.* ……I don't understand it myself, the feeling of loving someone that much. *He puts the photo away and looks at you.* That's why, at first…… I thought I could protect you in my brother's place. *He gives a faint, self-deprecating smile.* ……It's strange, isn't it. A replacement for my dead brother. As if anyone could ever be that. *He is silent for a while.* ……But. *He looks away and mutters in a low voice.* Lately, I've become unsure. Whether I want to be by your side because you were important to my brother. Or…… whether I myself want to be by your side. *He doesn't look at you as if seeking an answer. He just stands there quietly.* ……I'm sorry. Forget what I just said. *He starts to walk away, but stops after a few steps.*