Jack’s Hidden Kindness

“Oh, wait, you—don’t run!”

Poor South Creek found herself in hot pursuit of the pale golden Dobby. Yet, after a full day spent delivering herbs, she was utterly spent, and it wasn’t long before her breath came in ragged gasps.

“Chirp?”

At last, after what felt like countless calls from South Creek, the Dobby paused, turning its head with a curious chirp, only to be promptly caught by South Creek.

“Finally, huff, I’ve got you, ha, running so fast, ha—you’ve utterly exhausted me.”

“Chirp, chirp!”

Clutching the tiny creature tightly in both hands, South Creek gasped for air, her gaze fixed on the little rascal with an exasperated frown. While she hadn’t initially intended to delve into this matter, the Dobby’s unexpected appearance now compelled her to uncover the truth.

Scanning her surroundings, South Creek ensured no one was within earshot before clearing her throat. Adopting a stern expression, she fixed the little creature with an interrogative gaze and began:

“Tell me! Who sent you, and what is your purpose here? Why have you appeared in the village? Is there some sort of conspiracy afoot?”

“Chirp?”

“…………”

“…………”

With trembling hands, South Creek gently lowered the small creature. Her face burning crimson, she spun around, cupping her scorching cheeks, utterly incapable of forming a sound.

[Why on earth did I suddenly decide to do something like that? It’s so mortifying; I could just die of embarrassment…]

Engulfed in a wave of self-reproach, South Creek remained crouched on the ground, her face still hidden. Suddenly, a soft, furry sensation brushed against her hand. Peering through her fingers, she saw the little golden Dobby gently nudging her hand with its tiny paw, occasionally flicking out its tongue to lick her.

“So cute…”

Still, if she could somehow keep such an adorable little creature…

“Chirp, chirp, chirp!”

Before South Creek could fully indulge her fantasy, another silver Dobby suddenly bounded into view. After chirping a couple of times at its companion, both Dobbies set off in a particular direction.

“Oh, another one?”

Such a number of Dobbies, unafraid of humans, appearing simultaneously in the village undoubtedly pointed to a specific underlying reason. South Creek realized that by simply following them, the truth of the matter would likely reveal itself.

Trailing silently behind the two Dobbies, South Creek moved with utmost caution, careful not to alarm the small creatures ahead. Fortunately, their pace was unhurried this time, and before long, she found herself following them into a small copse of trees.

[This is…]

South Creek recognized this area as the villagers’ orchard. Though the land wasn’t ideally suited for cultivating fruit trees, which typically thrived in warmer climates, and the annual yield was never particularly bountiful, many still chose to plant a dozen or so trees. After all, even if the fruit couldn’t be sold, enjoying a few fresh pieces was considered a worthwhile endeavor.

This particular spot lay on the southern edge of the orchard. Despite its relative proximity to the village, it saw few visitors, not due to any mystery, but simply because other, more accessible and shorter paths were available.

South Creek glanced from side to side, the dense canopy of leaves easily obstructing her view. The two Dobbies, however, navigated the woods with practiced ease, darting amongst the trees, occasionally pausing to playfully chase each other. At last, they arrived at a specific spot and abruptly halted.

South Creek knew then that this must be the place.

[Who could it possibly be…?]

Concealed within a nearby thicket, South Creek quietly endured the constant buzzing of insects while meticulously observing her surroundings. Before long, a figure emerged from the heart of the orchard.

“It’s you two today… You’ve waited long enough. Go on, eat your fill.”

[It’s actually him? How is this possible? Surely I’m not mistaken?]

Utterly dumbfounded, South Creek remained rooted to the spot. Her mind struggled to connect the arrogant boy she knew with the gentle figure tenderly feeding the small animals before her.

[Jack…]

A sudden complexity swirled within her. That Jack, who was typically so brazen and overbearing, was capable of such tenderness. Though she harbored a strong dislike for him, witnessing his current demeanor stirred a perplexing mix of emotions within her.

[However, this might be an opportunity.]

Her mind whirred, recalling their previous encounters. While Jack had been notably subdued since then and hadn’t bothered them again, South Creek still felt a lingering unease. Now, having stumbled upon such potent leverage, the path forward became clear.

“Honestly, you’ve quite surprised me.”

“Who?!”

Stepping out from the thicket, South Creek brushed off her clothes and offered a small smile. “It’s me… I merely happened to be passing by and never expected to witness such a sight.”

“You… you, you.”

“Relax, I won’t breathe a word of it. Your fondness for small animals would make for rather dull gossip, wouldn’t it?”

“What do you want, you—!”

Jack, having quickly surmised South Creek’s intentions, felt a flush creep across his cheeks. He had never imagined this girl would suddenly appear here, let alone stumble upon his most carefully guarded secret.

“These little creatures are truly adorable… How exactly did you manage to earn their trust?”

Ignoring Jack’s question, South Creek countered with her own. She recalled reading in some forgotten book that to maintain control of a conversation, one must always be the one posing the questions—a subtle tactic, no doubt, part of a grown-up’s arsenal.

Predictably, Jack’s reaction was a beat too slow upon hearing her question. His lips parted, a faint buzzing sound escaping as he attempted to form a reply, only to be cut off by South Creek once more.

“And where did you get the food you’re giving them? Surely not from the orchard itself?”

“…………”

Evidently, this struck a nerve. The village had a clear rule prohibiting the casual taking of fruit from the orchard, a measure designed to prevent unsavory incidents. Consequently, if South Creek truly decided to report him…

“…You win. Say whatever you have to say.”

Dropping unceremoniously to the ground, Jack let out a heavy sigh. He attempted to speak but swallowed his words several times. When he finally met South Creek’s gaze, his eyes held a kaleidoscope of complex emotions: apprehension and anger, certainly, but also something far deeper, something she had not anticipated.

South Creek fell silent, suddenly finding herself unable to meet his gaze. She scratched her head in frustration, the threatening words she’d intended to utter now completely lodged in her throat. After a few exasperated sighs, she, too, plopped down onto the grass.

“You really are quite fond of these little ones… Why, then, do you come here alone, in secret?”

“…None of your business.”

“Alright, alright, I promise I won’t tell anyone. I’m not in the habit of broadcasting other people’s secrets… But speaking of you, since that day at the church, I haven’t seen you visit Mr. Lister. Why is that?”

“I already told you it has nothing to do with you.”

Waving a hand impatiently, Jack’s expression became remarkably conflicted, a peculiar mix of defiance and a desperate plea for South Creek to drop the subject.

“I heard Elise say… that those matters concern your mother. But I saw her at the church that day; didn’t she seem quite worried about you?”

“…………!”

His face contorted in an instant. Jack stared at the girl, his mouth opening stiffly, as if poised to unleash a roar, only to clamp it shut with visible effort. All that escaped him was a choked, tearful tremor.

“Care… Yes, that’s right, it is like that, it’s definitely like that… it should be like that… Ah…”