I don't know how long we stood like that, maybe for a while, maybe more, but eventually, her tears stopped flowing. She and I simply remained in my arms, tightly squeezing my waist, as if if she let go, I would disappear. But I know for sure that I don't intend to disappear anywhere...
She squeezed my waist again, and finally let go, sighing heavily.
"Sorry..." I didn't let her finish, simply taking her hand.
"No need... I see how much you're suffering..." I said, to which she simply nodded.
Honestly, when I looked closely, she was practically a carbon copy of me, or I was hers... well, it doesn't matter...
I looked to the side and saw the sofa, to which I led her.
She didn't resist and let herself be led away...
Sitting down on the couch, I looked at March 7, sitting next to me. It was clear she wanted to continue her story, but I didn't rush her. She needed time to recover, and I gave her that time.
Finally, she sighed and raised her head.
"You know... If it weren't for you... I probably wouldn't have remembered them at all, who were like family to me." she said.
This surprised me a little.
"But I didn't do anything!" I countered.
"No, you did at least allow me to remember their names and the time we spent together." she said sadly.
I still stared at her in confusion...
"I can see from your face that you understand..." she said.
"You played that game... A strange game that kept me from forgetting their names and the time I spent with them." she said.
"But, you forgot their faces?" I asked.
"Yes, even though I saw their faces, I couldn't remember them. Apparently my corrosion had gone too far at that point." she said with a sigh.
"What, corrosion?" I asked.
"Yes, corrosion... Because of it, I'm gradually forgetting my life... until, I..." She trailed off, but I didn't like where she was going with this...
"Just don't tell me that you..." I couldn't finish, as a lump formed in my throat, preventing me from getting any words out.
March 7 nodded.
"Yes, until I disappear," she said, causing me to quickly stand up and look at her. "How could you disappear? That can't be. You're here with me."
"Evernight, being separated from my soul affected me, causing the corrosion of my soul and the gradual erasure of me." she said.
Yes, how could that even be?
Wait…
Fuli, she can help!
"March 7, Fuli…" I didn't finish, and she simply shook her head.
"She can't help with this either." March 7 replied.
"But there has to be a way…" I felt like I could cry, but I couldn't. I need to hold on.
I don't want it! I don't want her to disappear!
I don't want it to end like this!
"There is, but I'll never use it." she replied.
"What?! Why?! If there's an opportunity, we have to seize it!" I screamed, trying but unable to suppress my emotions.
March 7 only smiled bitterly.
"Then you'll be gone." she said.
"What?" I asked, sitting down on the couch.
"The only way for me not to disappear is to merge with you again, but then you'll disappear," she said.
Which made me involuntarily clench my fists.
"Come on!" I said firmly.
"What?" she asked.
"Let's do it!" I continued.
"Evernight, you don't know what you're talking about." said March.
"No, I understand perfectly well. Either you disappear, or I do." I replied.
"So why..."
"Because, this life was originally yours. I took it from you, and because of me, you're 'dying,' if death can even be called that. I want to give you back what's rightfully yours!" I said firmly.
It's only right... I'll leave, and Mart will remain...
Then I felt a hand on my cheek and looked up, noticing pink-blue eyes looking at me tenderly.
"No, that won't happen. It's my choice, and I'll decide." she said.
"But... Why..." I couldn't finish, as I could no longer hold back the tears that began to flow helplessly.
"Don't be sad, about me..." she said quietly, continuing to caress my cheek.
"I know parting is always sad, but won't meeting again be a joyful occasion?" she asked.
"..." I couldn't answer her, and only pressed myself closer to her soft, warm hand.
What she said was true, but... If she disappears, there will be no other meeting, I will never see her again...
And that makes the pain worse... It feels like an explosion has occurred inside my chest, making it hard to breathe.
"Come on, don't cry. I don't want my sweet little sister to cry." she said.
Yes, she's right... For her sake, I have to... But...
I can't...
I tried, but soon my crying turned into sobbing. I felt two arms envelop me, and I felt those hands stroking my back, trying to comfort me...
It seems our roles have reversed...
"I didn't know my little sister was such a crybaby," she said, continuing to hug me.
I'm all about you! I wish I could tell you, but I couldn't stop crying. I don't want to accept this! Am I not the usurper here? I took her life, so why...
"Evernight, listen... I've already lived a long life, filled with many adventures. I don't regret anything, and I don't regret your arrival either. It's only thanks to you that I haven't lost the memories of my family, and of... Stelle..." she said, emphasizing Stelle's name at the end.
"Also, I'll still have plenty of time to spend with you. I won't disappear overnight. According to Fuli, I still have several decades left." she said, trying to console me.
Yes, but you haven't finished what's really important...
From everything you've heard, I've concluded that you're gradually losing your memories, which means you'll eventually forget me too...
I cried for a while longer in her arms, but I knew this couldn't go on forever, just like...
I can't accept this! I won't let her disappear! I will find a way, whatever it may be...
It can't end like this!
And if I can't find such a way...
I will become a villain and force March 7 to consume me...
This is my promise to myself, and also my oath!