Oomi
Aochi-san remained silent the entire time we walked down the hallway.
What if he suddenly said he was fed up with me and decided to move to the other ship?
“It’s a buffet. Pretty amazing, huh? You must be hungry too, Aochi-san.”
I spoke with forced cheer, then immediately regretted it. My voice echoed sadly through the wide, empty dining room. I’m not exactly the cheerful type to begin with.
“...Wow. Who made all this?”
Aochi-san peered at the food and replied softly, back to his usual tone.
“I did.”
The voice of the Harvester came from behind us.
“You’re incredible. You really can do anything.”
“Yeah. I didn’t know your preferences, so I just made whatever. Help yourselves.”
Laid out before us were about twenty dishes—far too refined to call “whatever.”
“My appetite suddenly came back.”
Aochi-san smiled and picked up a pure white plate rimmed with golden patterns.
He handed one to me as well. It should’ve felt cold, but its warmth made me want to cry.
—On the other ship, I bet even the plates are sterile silver, with bland, nutrition-focused food piled on top. A little smug, I glanced at the lights of the neighboring vessel through the window.
“Don’t get distracted. Just focus on what’s important.”
The Harvester placed a hand on my shoulder and whispered quickly.
He could probably read my thoughts as clearly as a picture book.
For my first plate, I went for my favorite: curry without carrots, paired with fluffy white rice.
What about Aochi-san? Curious, I peeked—and saw four hamburger steaks on his plate. Just how much does he love them?
If the plate were any bigger, he’d probably have taken more than four.
Still, those burgers looked perfectly seared and mouthwatering. I wanted to try one once I finished my curry. And those crispy-looking spring rolls? Definitely. Plus, I could smell pizza—my favorite kind, Quattro Formaggi. Everything was rich and heavy, and yet somehow, none of it felt overbearing. All the things I’ve loved since childhood, the kind of dishes I’d name without hesitation if someone asked what I’d want for a last meal.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Aochi-san placed his plate on the table with great satisfaction, already on his way to get a drink.
I had to follow. For some reason, my eyes began to blur with tears.
We didn’t talk about the other ship during the meal.
The Harvester, perhaps not hungry or already full from taste-testing while cooking, sat silently at a nearby table and watched us.
Normally, being stared at while eating would make me uncomfortable, but with the Harvester, I didn’t mind at all.
In fact, I felt almost like I was being protected by a mother. Every time we said “It’s delicious,” a gentle wrinkle would form beside his eyes as proof.
I was glad I chose to stay on this ship.
Aochi-san spoke in that bright voice I liked, casually mentioning things like “after the holidays” and “in the summer.”
It was too much. Before tears could fall, I got up from my seat.
Since I stood up so abruptly, I added, “I’m going to get dessert,” but even to my own ears, my voice sounded muffled and distant.
“Me too.”
Even though I didn’t want him to come, Aochi-san stood up as well. Great—now what? Did they even have dessert? I hadn’t paid attention to anything but the main dishes earlier.
“There’s some in the fridge in the kitchen,”
the Harvester said, sounding like a mom again.
When I opened the fridge, I was stunned once more.
My favorite—rare cheesecake. And even cheese tarts. How did the Harvester know I had a weakness for cheese?
“Hey, check this out.”
Aochi-san’s voice lit up as he looked into the freezer next to the fridge.
“They look like jewel-colored ice cream.”
He was like a child, struggling to choose, and that simple joy made me so happy.
“You should try every flavor. No matter what happens tomorrow, nothing you eat today is going to make you sick or fat.”
“You’re right about that.”
Aochi-san smiled, completely unclouded. If he wasn’t going to the new world, then that next world might as well be over before it begins.
We returned to the table with all the sweet things we could carry. The Harvester looked at us with eyes like a lighthouse. I wanted to drift forever in this kind of night.
“You two sure eat a lot,”
the Harvester said as he stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“What’s wrong? Feeling lonely already? I’m just going to get you something to drink after the meal.”
“It’s not that—no, it is. I am lonely. Got a problem with that? Please come back quickly.”
Aochi-san and the Harvester both laughed at my sudden honesty.
If they were here, I didn’t need anything else.
After a while, the Harvester returned with royal milk tea for me and hot cocoa for Aochi-san.
At this point, I wasn’t even surprised that he knew our favorite drinks.
I thanked him as I accepted the cup.
—Maybe it was time to finally talk about the other ship.
I took a sip of royal milk tea that melted in my mouth with nothing but fragrance, leaving no sweetness behind.
“I intend to fight the people on the other ship.”
They both looked at me. Each had a sad expression, probably for different reasons. The lights on the neighboring ship seemed to glow just a little brighter.
“There’s no need to be so angry. All Oze did was tell us he’s going to the new world and that I’ll be left behind. It’s not like he decided it himself. Don’t blame him.”
Aochi-san gazed out the window as he spoke. He knew full well he had no tomorrow, and yet he was smiling and talking about the future just moments ago?
“You don’t need to worry about me. Just go on to the new world.”
His tone and expression didn’t change at all, and it was driving me insane. I glanced toward the Harvester, silently begging for help.
The Harvester let out a deep sigh.
“You’re such a spoiled brat... Fine. I’ll explain it to you.”
He moved from the neighboring table, holding a silver glass in his hand. I wondered what he was drinking.
“It’s not about being good or bad. The ones who move on to the new world are those with a strong will to live. It’s not about right or wrong.”
There was a hint of frustration in his voice.
“Then are you saying Aochi-san has no will to live? That’s not fair. And Oze-san—he outright said he wanted to stay here!”
“If it were that simple, I wouldn’t have such a hard time. The truth is, all of you actually want to die. I get it—you want to deny that. So just be quiet and listen while I explain.”
We nodded, offering no argument.