A sad love

- What's your first love?
 
   Tsuki stares at the dice that lie on the floor, with the number 3 showing on the surface. Under 4, it's "truth." Usually, people in the "Truth or Dare" game will prefer the "truth" part, but since she heard the question coming out of Tsumugi's mouth, Tsuki would swear to complete any daring challenge to not answer this. She looked at the number on that dice again, glazing through the room to see if someone wanted to ask anything else. Her eyes were quickly filled with helplessness and dejection, but she tried not to show any sign of discomfort on her face. It has passed for too long, buried deep in oblivion, and it should not affect her mood or the atmosphere of this room. Tsuki took a deep breath, but then hesisted a little before starting to speak.
 
   The girls decide to realm hop once more and gather together to celebrate Valentine's Day. But unfortunately, none of them come with a lover holding hands. They were all single, spending all their time worrying about life and their "Utopia" mission. This time, some of the familiar girls cannot afford the free time to come over. Those were Tokuko, Sasaki, Kirifuren, and Kiriko. But gladly, there are new Utopia-supporting members who just recently joined this world. They were Sachiko, Ayuki, Nagoya, Erimu, and Sayuri. Tsumugi invited them all over to Ihrutia for a game just among forever-alone girls, and that was enough reason to pay a visit to Tsuki. Recently, she felt a little guilty for how her squad was frequently caring about and coming to visit her. Tsumugi invited a little too many people for a comfort game and discussion, but they should receive a warm welcome anyway. Tsuki thought about that when putting on a bright smile to greet them as they walked to the front door. After the full and delicious lunch, they gathered into a large circle, and Tsumugi pulled out a box from her inner shirt pocket.
 
 - Who wants to try the truth or dare? You'll roll the dice, and taking the truth or a must-do challenge is based on which number you've got! And oh, Nagoya, don't show that long face! We are here to have fun, aren't we?
 
   Sachiko and Ayuki nodded right away. They were always the first to agree and join if a game was about to be held. They quickly got close to each other, whispering and giggling. Erimu stays unbothered. She took a glance at Nagoya's face before answering.
 
- Whatever, I'll agree with the crowd.
 
   Sayuri was busy admiring her nails. Realizing people's eyes were on her, she looked up and smiled.
 
- Sounds good; count me in.
 
   But right after that, from the corner of this room, an indifferent voice rises.
 
- What a waste of time. Commander, if you don't have anything to say, can I get home now?
 
   Nagoya continued immediately in a short moment of silence. That was kind of ruining the mood, and as an answer, Tsuki gave her some gentle taps on the shoulder.
 
- Well, Nagoya, we don't play games together much. Let's get along with them, or if you don't like it, please be patient for me, okay? Anyway, don't call me commander; I'm no longer in that role.
 
   Ayuki and Sachiko gave the blue-haired girl a weird stare. She acknowledged she was being rude, but Nagoya doesn't want to apologize or back off. She just crossed her arms, telling people to keep going with the game; she wouldn't participate. Tsumugi has an awkward laugh before taking a die out of that little box she pulled out earlier. To not spread the awkwardness, she quickly asked Sayuri.
 
- Please roll the dice! Here, just put the dice between your hands and close them, but leave a little space and shake it before releasing it! If you have a number from 1 to 3, it's "truth," and 4 to 6 will be "dare."
 
   The game goes on until it's Tsuki's turn. Now, she doesn't know where to start. If there is someone who absolutely hates Valentine's Day, that might be her. Tsumugi seems to realize something is off, but there is no going back for "truth."
 
- Alright, about my first love, it's a bittersweet story.
 
   After a short sigh, Tsuki started.
 
- When I was just 8, I ran away from my house, being chased down by villagers. I've done a terrible sin—no, the worst of all. I killed a man using the heirloom katana of my family.
 
   She taps on the sword hanging from her belt before continuing.
 
- They chase me into the woods. I run without a second to rest or any sense of direction. When I realize I'm lost, I've already fainted because of exhaustion. I don't know how much time has passed, but a bear's growl woke me up. I was too weak, too tired, and too helpless at that moment, but then a young man appeared. He also uses a katana sword, but it is much more skilled and quicker than mine. He cut a wound in the bear, and it ran away. I was saved just in the nick of time. With no food, no drink, no directions, and nowhere to return, I've followed him, begging him to bring me to his place. I only want to live; it's inevitable, right?
 
   Her eyes stare into nothing, but she sounds surprisingly calm and indifferent, just like telling another person's story. And her empty glare looks like she isn't diving into memories but can't find another way or place to stare at while telling. The room is completely quiet.
 
- He wiped my tears, asking about me and wanting to escort me back home. But I cried and begged him to take me away. He finally accepted it after 10 minutes. I followed him out of the forest and into another village. Well, I don't care if he's a kidnapper or not, or if he's going to sell me or torture me. I have no other way. But luckily, he's just wanting to help. I am so fortunate, am I? I got adopted into their family as a kid who helps with chores. By staying with him, I learned that he's not as old as he looks—just 4 years older than I. It was just platonic love until I was 11. Not like the girls at that period of time, the 1800s, I love kendo and would like to become a warrior. At the moment, I told him that he didn't judge me. Instead, he agreed to teach me how to use the swords, which he had been taught since childhood. That unique way of thinking got me to fall in love with him.
 
   She stopped for a little break and had a sip of the cup of water nearby. The flavorlessness is somehow different.
 
- We've been good friends under a roof. When I was 16, I confessed my love to him. We started dating since then, and his family also supports us. At 19, I was ready to marry him, but all of a sudden, he got recruited into the imperial military before we could even have a night together as husband and wife. He packed up his stuff and left in a hurry. Before leaving, he told me to stay at home and wait for him. But I didn't follow his words. After 4 years of waiting and no news or mail about him, I decided to go find him by myself. A foolish, unexperienced, clueless girl in the big city of Tokyo—you can already guess it. Yes, I'm astray.
 
  Even to this point, Tsukino's voice didn't change even a little bit.
 
- I've strayed too far from the path I decided to take. I was tainted, became bloodthirsty, and lost my mind. When I see him again before a new invasion, he's no longer my priority. He recognizes me and approaches to try pulling me out of this crazy, inhumane mess. But I can no longer realize that I've been drowning in insanity. I scolded him, insulted him badly, and cursed him using the most terrible words I know. Just because he is conscious while I'm not, we've become enemies.
 
   Tsuki doesn't directly mention what happened to her, how she strayed off the path, or what invasions occurred. Everyone in the room understands it without any explanation; the atmosphere slowly becomes sad and heavy. That's when Tsuki suddenly smiled brightly.
 
- We can no longer meet. And that's it! My first love ever! Who is taking the turn now?