Miho the Killer-Chapter 99: Life Complete

The walk along the beach was as peaceful as ever. It was fine weather. Cozily warm but suitably chilled by the wind from the sea. Miho was incredibly shy about going out in a dress at first and kept on complaining about how weird it was to feel the breeze on her bare legs, but eventually she got used to it. She even learned to enjoy swirling around, laughing like a child.

With the cool water rhythmically touching and withdrawing from our bare feet, we walked on the edge of the land. Miho held our sandals and I held the picnic basket filled with ham and cheese sandwiches I made. Whether she was a tigress or kitten, she had to be fed.

There was this rock that we always stopped by whenever we took a walk along this path, and as per routine, we decided to take a break there. Miho climbed first, expertly, then pulled me up easily. She might have softened in the heart but her strength never faded.

The rock underneath felt cool and reassuringly solid. We sat in silence holding hands, marveling at the all shades of blue that glimmered from the sea to the sky. There wasn’t a single cloud, nor a trail of airplane. There was nothing in our view that was man-made.

"Sohee, I’m really happy here."

Miho broke the silence first. She was always welcomed to.

"Me too."

Another silence set in, and as always, it was never tense or brittle. The silence between us was our invisible bond, the sound of the sea our music. Then I sensed a little twitch in her hand, a movement so minor, but I knew her well enough to know that she wanted to say something.

"It’s OK, Miho."

"How did you know?" She was always surprised that I could tell, a surprised always followed by a laughter that said ’I really can’t hide, can I?’

"You want to go see Juho?"

She only nodded, biting her lips. I knew she was worried that bringing up Juho might ruin our moment, but for me it was a compliment. She missed her brother because she was happy, because she was having a beautiful moment.

"Let’s go tomorrow. I think it’s about time."

I brushed her hair behind her ear to get a better view of the happy smile that would inevitably follow. I wasn’t wrong.

"Really?!"

"Yeah, really."

"Thanks, Sohee... I always thought..."

"It’s OK."

I gave a gentle squeeze on her hand and that was all that needed to be said. We let ourselves float in the serenity of the nature. We found solace in our solitude, away from the wolves and towering beasts of the city. This silence was sacred - until Miho’s stomach growled.

It was time for snacks. I took out a sandwich and she gratefully accepted. She enjoyed every bite, every chew, and every little crumbs of it and her satisfaction never failed to show on her face.

This idle life we’ve earned ourselves, the peace we’ve killed for - it was all worth it in the end.

I no longer dreamed of the extraordinary. I lived the life of the ordinary and it was an absolute bliss with the lover by my side. Everyday spent meaninglessly became the most memorable moments I would never forget till my final breath. From the fire we came to the sea, from the ashes we rose to life. I felt a tingle at the back of my neck from the unbearable perfection of it all.

"Sohee."

"Mm hm."

"I have been thinking lately."

And something, something told me this was the moment. My heart started to thump as Miho turned her head to face me.

"We... we’ve been through a lot. And these days I’m so happy with you. But I’ve been such an idiot."

My heart bloomed with anticipation, a rush of passion and excitement. Unable to hold back, I blurted out. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"I lo-"

"Shh" Miho placed a finger on my lips and smiled.

"Please, let me."

I swallowed. My eyes were getting teary, but from joy.

"I’ve always been afraid to say it, but I think I can do it now. You give me more courage than I’d ever had before. More strength than I ever thought I had."

I held her both hands and looked into her eyes. We were one from the start, we are one now, and we will always be one.

"What I mean to say is..."

My heart was about to explode, my whole body pulsating. I never thought I could be any happier than I already was, but her each syllable was elevating me to a new height.

"I lo-"

I felt a burning hot streak on my cheek. Then a loud metallic bang.

Blood spurted from Miho’s neck, splashing all over my face. Her eyes widened, jaws slackened. Her whole body tensed up and her fingers interlocked with mine froze.

I couldn’t scream. I couldn’t process. All I could do was catch her as she fell into my arms.

The blood was unstoppable. It was gushing out from the gaping hole on the side of her neck. The white dress - our matching white dress - was getting soaked in thick red. I desperately tried to cover the wound but it did nothing.

Miho in my arms wasn’t moving. She was neither trembling in shock nor writhing in pain. She lay still, motionless, breathless, and lifeless.

There was no sign of love in her eyes. No suffering.

The only thing that remained was infinite nothingness. Its vacuum sucked in my soul, never to return it.

I was in love. We were in love.

And most unexpectedly, she fell in love.

Words that were never said shall never be said.

Life that ended shall never return.

We are nothing but flesh and bones.

Vulnerable, hurting, aching with longing and desire.

Two girls. Lost in this world.

Lost and found, but lost again.

Life has no meaning and love changes nothing.

Life-

Is a death.