A Promise with a Goddess
Subaru sat on a park bench, staring blankly at the sky without saying a word. The sky above was clear, yet a heavy cloud seemed to swirl in Subaru’s heart. Images of Kanon and Reo wouldn’t leave his mind. Everything in his world felt like it was falling apart.
“…I never thought it would come to this.”
Subaru noticed that his voice sounded hollow, even to himself. Everything felt futile. The memories with Kanon, her smile, and all the time they had spent together—they all seemed like mere illusions. A sudden, cold detachment welled up within him.
Just then, a voice called out beside him.
“Sorano-kun.”
Startled, Subaru turned to see Maria sitting next to him. Her long blonde hair swayed gently in the breeze, making her appear almost angelic. Maria gazed at Subaru with her usual serene expression.
Amane Maria.
She was known as one of the most beautiful girls in the school. The boys secretly called her Takane no hana (unattainable flower). The reason was obvious. She had a perfect face, long, lustrous blonde hair that reached her waist, translucent white skin, and cool, clear eyes. She was flawless from every angle, almost like someone from another world.
Yet what truly made her stand out beyond her beauty was her demeanor. Maria was always composed and rarely spoke to boys. Her occasional words or expressions were cool and distant, exuding an unapproachable aura. Few dared to speak directly to her.
Moreover, Maria’s family was one of the wealthiest in town, and she carried an air of elegance. Because of this, she wasn’t just Takane no hana to the boys her age—she was seen as someone from a Bessekai no sonzai (someone from a different world) altogether.
“Amane-san…?”
Subaru was utterly flustered that she was speaking to him.
He looked away from Maria for a moment. Did she know about his relationship with Kanon? Yet here she was, sitting beside him. Subaru felt his chest tighten but turned back to face her. Right now, he just wanted someone to share his pain.
“I… I just need to organize my thoughts a little.”
Subaru took a deep breath and began to talk. He confessed everything—their childhood friendship, how he and Kanon started dating in high school, how their relationship had started to falter, and how he had caught her cheating today. Maria listened quietly, her calm presence allowing him to pour everything out. They sat in silence for a while, but that stillness somehow soothed Subaru.
“…Amane-san, why are you being so kind to me?”
Subaru asked softly. Maria smiled and gently narrowed her eyes.
“Because, Sorano-kun, I care about you.”
Her words brought a faint warmth to Subaru’s chest. Yet, even so, his heart still ached. Kanon’s betrayal wasn’t something he could easily forget.
“But why do I have to be the one suffering like this? Kanon said she likes Reo. No matter what I do, I can’t compete with that feeling.”
Subaru’s voice trembled as he spoke. Maria continued to listen quietly. Subaru felt a little lighter just from her gentle expression.
“Sorano-kun, you’re really honest,” Maria said with a small laugh. Subaru looked at her curiously.
“But, you see, I have something I want to tell you, Sorano-kun.”
“Tell me…?”
“Yes. I have a proposal for you. If you’re willing, I’d like you to hear me out.”
Maria gazed steadily at Subaru as she spoke. He looked at her with a hint of surprise.
“A proposal…?”
Maria stared into Subaru’s eyes and slowly opened her mouth.
“Sorano-kun, don’t you want to get back at them?”
Subaru was taken aback by her words. He didn’t know how to react to that question.
“Get back at them…?”
“Yes. Get back at Jinguji-san and Tendou-kun.”
There was a strong will in Maria’s voice.
“You should live with more confidence in yourself.”
“But why?”
Subaru tilted his head and asked. Maria smiled gently and said,
“Because I believe you have the strength to do it.”
Subaru was confused by her words but felt something inside him beginning to change.
“Get back at them… But how?”
Subaru asked hesitantly. Maria listened intently before answering slowly.
“Let’s start by changing yourself. Start by believing in yourself.”
Her words made Subaru ponder for a moment before he nodded. Maria smiled gently, watching over him.
“I want to see you change, Sorano-kun. And I want you to show everyone the new you.”
At that moment, something sprouted within Subaru—not mere curiosity or expectation, but a sense of direction that Maria’s words had given him.
“Thank you, Amane-san. I’ll give it a try.”
There was a slight strength in Subaru’s voice. Maria smiled brightly.
“You’re welcome, Sorano-kun. When you truly want to change, I’ll always be here to support you.”
Subaru smiled awkwardly, feeling like he could face forward just a bit.
“But, Sorano-kun, I’d like you to make me a promise today.”
“A promise?”
“Yes. From now on, let’s work together to change yourself. I’m looking forward to seeing you shine.”
At those words, Subaru made a small resolution in his heart. He felt he needed to take the first step to change himself. Maybe if he changed, he could prove something to Kanon and Reo.
“I promise, Amane-san.”
Subaru replied with a small smile. Maria nodded gently, smiling back.
Subaru was determined to take a new step forward with Maria.
After a long silence, Maria said, looking a little embarrassed,
“So, Sorano-kun, um… is there anything you’d like me to do for you?”
Subaru looked startled again, his expression one of surprise.
“Huh? Something I’d like you to do…?”
Maria nodded, her usual gentle smile on her face.
“If you’re going to make an effort to change, you deserve a reward for your hard work. Having a goal can be motivating, right? If there’s anything you want, let me know. I’ll do my best to fulfill it.”
Subaru mulled over her words, asking himself over and over what he should say. Faced with Maria’s sincerity, he found himself unsure of what to do, eventually averting his gaze in embarrassment.
“But… since you said that…”
Subaru muttered, looking flustered. Maria’s kind smile didn’t waver as she encouraged him further.
“So, Sorano-kun, just go ahead and ask for something. Anything.”
Subaru hesitated, feeling a rush of emotions. He was both thrilled and overwhelmed by the opportunity. What could he possibly request from her?
“Uh, um… well…”
Silence stretched between them as Subaru wrestled with his thoughts. Inside, a voice echoed, asking, What should I do? Finally, an idea popped into his mind. It was a fleeting thought, a small desire he’d never considered voicing aloud before.
“…Cosplay… I’d like to see you cosplay.”
The words slipped out before he could stop them. In the next instant, he felt his face flush hot with embarrassment. He could barely meet Maria’s eyes as he turned away in a panic.
Maria blinked, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.
“Cosplay? What’s that?”
Subaru looked up hesitantly, realizing he’d have to explain. Though he felt embarrassed, he managed to find his voice.
“W-well… cosplay is when you dress up as a character from anime or games.”
“A character from anime or games?”
Maria tilted her head, clearly unfamiliar with the concept. Subaru, awkward but determined, continued his explanation.
“Y-yeah… like, a magical girl, or a ninja, or a warrior. People dress up as all sorts of characters.”
The more he spoke, the more self-conscious Subaru became. He felt a surge of embarrassment, but there was no turning back now.
“I see… but why do you want me to do that?”
Maria’s tone was serious as she asked the question. Subaru shifted uncomfortably but forced himself to answer.
“W-well… it’s just that… since you brought it up, I thought it might be okay to say something like that…”
“Hmm.”
Maria nodded thoughtfully, then followed up with another question.
“So, if I were to cosplay, what kind of character would you want me to dress as?”
Subaru’s heart skipped a beat. He’d never considered expressing his preferences aloud before. Struggling for words, he finally blurted out.
“Uh… maybe a maid outfit, or a waitress uniform… something like that?”
His face grew even redder, and he felt like sinking into the ground. He couldn’t believe how honest he’d been.
Maria fell silent for a moment, seeming to consider his request. Then, she smiled warmly.
“I see… you’re pretty easy to read, Sorano-kun.”
Her teasing tone made Subaru’s face burn even hotter. Inside, he lamented, How did it come to this?!
“But, if you can really change yourself, I’ll give it a try.”
Maria’s smile was genuine, and she seemed to be enjoying herself.
Looking at her, Subaru felt a small sense of relief. Despite the awkwardness, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of excitement at the thought of his wish coming true.
“Really? Then… can I ask you to cosplay?”
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
Hearing her reply, Subaru felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Her smile gave him courage, and he began to see her suggestion as a genuine act of support.
With Maria’s kindness warming his heart, Subaru felt a budding hope for the future. He resolved to start changing himself, determined to prove something—to himself and to others.