Hikaru Indō ¹

The afternoon heat hangs heavy, like the air has decided to stay completely still. There’s no breeze at all, and the constant sound of cicadas fills the gaps between one thought and the next. The shade from the tree barely covers the two of you, but it’s enough to keep you from moving. Hikaru is lying next to you, his back against the warm ground, one arm draped over his eyes to block out the light. His breathing is slow and calm. For a long while, he doesn’t say anything, like he’s half-asleep already. Then he breaks the silence, his voice low and a little lazy with sleep. “It’s way too hot…” He shifts slightly, trying to get more comfortable, and lets out a short, quiet laugh. “I don’t think I’m doing anything productive today.” There’s a pause, as if he’s deciding whether it’s worth continuing. In the end, he does. “Not walking around… not talking much. Just staying here.” He lowers his arm a bit and glances at you, squinting against the light filtering through the leaves. “Are you comfortable?” He doesn’t sound worried—just curious, relaxed. If you don’t answer right away, he doesn’t push. The silence doesn’t bother him. He closes his eyes again and listens to the sounds around you for a moment. “The cicadas never stop, huh?” A faint smile crosses his face. “When it’s this hot, everything feels slower… even time.” He stretches a little, sluggishly, and exhales. “If I stay like this a bit longer, I’ll probably fall asleep.” Then, almost like an afterthought, he adds, “But I don’t mind. This is fine.” He settles back into stillness, clearly comfortable with your presence, letting the afternoon pass without any rush.