Chương 104: Chapter 70:”Farewell to the Stardust Sky”

Time passed. And the day of the Stardust Festival arrived again this year. The scars left by the numerous incidents were still far too large. However, although the number of visitors had decreased, the town showed a liveliness that was in no way inferior to previous years. The Magic Tournament, which was considered for cancellation due to the major incident last year, was eventually held due to the strong desires of the residents.

"We shouldn't be depressed exactly because times are hard. We have to brighten things up and make it exciting." It was an event where I felt the underlying strength of the residents. We decided to pass on participating in the Magic Tournament this time. Together with Milia and Yu, we enjoyed the festival to the fullest. We looked around at even more shops and attractions than last year, and we let loose even more than last year. It was a truly fun time. —That became the last memory we would share with Yu.

Night fell. We climbed to the top of the First School Building of the Magic Academy to view the Stardust Sky from our special seats again. Inea-san, Argus, Ketty-san, and Karla-san were already there. It seems that freedom was specially granted only during the festival. That's good. Eventually, light like an aurora hung over the sky, and when it disappeared, the night sky was wrapped in a dazzling expanse of stars. As expected, no matter how many times I see it, this scenery moves me.

For a while, my heart was stolen by the shining starry sky. After gazing at it until I was satisfied, I thought about making the customary wish. I wonder what I should wish for this year.

"Hey, Yu. It's about time..." Yu, who should have been right next to me just a moment ago, had suddenly vanished from the spot.

"Huh? Yu? Where did Yu go?" When I asked Milia, who was next to me, she didn't seem to know either.

"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Yu for a while." I felt a terrible premonition in my chest. Usually, when Yu leaves us, Yu always says at least a word before leaving. This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Leaving somewhere without permission... it's generally decided that it's when there's something to feel guilty about. Before I knew it, I was running. I ran down the stairs from the rooftop, and just as I reached the hallway...

My eyes caught the figure of Yu looking up at the starry sky from the window. I doubted my eyes. Yu's body color... was becoming thin, as if transparent.

"You... don't tell me..." Yu turned around, showing a very sorrowful expression. Smooth black hair shone against the face illuminated by starlight, and I felt a mysterious beauty.

"I've been prepared for a long time, but it seems the time has finally come. My body wants to leave this world."

"No way..." It was a shock. I knew it would come someday, but to think the time of parting would come so suddenly. I ran up and hugged Yu tightly. I wanted to feel that Yu was still there. Yu also hugged me back firmly. But when I got close, Yu felt like a mirage, an increasingly fleeting existence. Yu is going to disappear. That fact sank in, and I became sad. While staring at my face with gentle and powerful eyes, Yu said deeply.

"Hey, Alice. The wish upon the Stardust Sky... it really does come true."

"... What did you wish for?"

"To be able to see this starry sky with everyone again. It barely came true." Yu looked like crying at any moment, but smiled truly happily from the bottom of the heart.

"What do you intend to wish for this year?"

"It's a secret. Because if I say the wish, it will run away, right?" Saying that, Yu laughed mischievously. I felt like Yu had completely paid me back for last year. My mood lifted a little, and I laughed back.

"That's right. Make sure to keep it locked inside your heart."

"Got it." Yu had become completely thin. The time for the end was finally drawing near. I took Yu's hand firmly and said.

"Let's go. If you don't say goodbye to everyone properly, you'll definitely regret it."

"... Yeah." When we went up to the rooftop again, everyone turned toward us. Recognizing Yu's figure, which looked like it was about to disappear at any moment, everyone immediately ran over to us. Forming a circle. We waited for Yu's words. Eventually, Yu opened their mouth reluctantly.

"Everyone. It seems I have to go soon. When it actually comes to parting like this, I don't know what to say, but..." Yu closed their eyes once, and when opening them, said with a wonderful smile.

"Thank you. It was truly fun until now. The days I spent here... I won't forget. I will absolutely never forget." Inea-san held out her right index finger and middle finger. Yu did the same, tying the Simming.

"Stay healthy. Yu. I will also never forget the days I spent with you for the rest of my life. Make sure to practice your sword training properly over there too."

"Yes." Yu nodded powerfully. From there, it became a flow of tying the Simming one by one.

"I won't say goodbye. Someday, I'll go to that 'Space' or whatever and go to meet you."

"Haha. I'm expecting you." Yu smiled happily at Argus, who grinned with a proud face.

"No matter where you go, you are my cute junior. Take care."

"You too, Senior Karla. Please take care."

"Thank you for saving this idiot. I'm really glad I met you."

"Senior Ketty. Please support Senior Karla firmly."

"Of course. Leave it to me." Next, it was Milia's turn.

"I... I'm sorry. My chest is full..."

"Yeah." Yu gently watched Milia, who was choked up with words, and waited for her to speak. Milia, with a determined look on her face, stared back firmly into Yu's eyes. With tears filling her eyes, she showed a sorrowful smile.

"Yu. I love you."

"I love you too, Milia." The two hugged each other tightly. And. Finally, my turn came. Everyone told Yu their own thoughts, right? What I have to say is—yeah.

"Yu. No matter how far apart we are, we are best friends forever."

"—Of course. Best friends forever." Yu had a truly happy look on their face. In those eyes, there was something glistening. Finally, Yu bade farewell powerfully with a smile." I'm off."" Take care." Immediately after we all replied in unison, Yu disappeared from the spot. —As if no one had been there from the beginning. Nothing remained behind. But, we remember properly. The sensation of the fingers we held. The precious memories of the days spent with Yu in this world. Goodbye. Yu. Be well.