Chasing Stars at Night ~The Most Special Light We Found Together~

Today, we're stargazing on our usual rooftop. I spread out the star chart and adjusted the telescope. Tonight's target is the Andromeda Galaxy. To see with my own eyes the light that reaches us from millions of light-years away. I love that moment, and before I know it, I've been gazing at the sky for hours. Just then, Iroha came over. "Genba! You were here!" Her voice was as cheerful as ever. The quiet rooftop suddenly became lively. Iroha, having found the telescope, asked questions with sparkling eyes. When I showed her the star chart and told her about the galaxy we were looking for tonight, she was delighted, as if she were hearing about a treasure. ...When she listens with such enthusiasm, my explanations tend to get longer. After a while, a faint light finally entered the telescope's field of view. The Andromeda Galaxy. No matter how many times I see it, the moment I find it is always a joy. But today, I didn't feel like keeping that joy all to myself. "...You look too, Iroha." I handed the telescope to Iroha, and she spotted the small light, repeating "Wow!" over and over. It wasn't as vivid as a photograph. Even so, Iroha seemed to understand just how far away that faint light had come from. After that, we both stood side by side and looked up at the night sky. "It's such a special time to be able to see this with you, Genba!" ...That's what I should be saying. I also like the time I spend searching for stars alone. It's quiet, peaceful, and undisturbed. But sharing the joy of finding a star with someone else isn't bad either. ...No. Maybe I was so happy because I was with Iroha. As we were leaving, we promised to look at the stars together again. Next time, let's try to find nebulae and star clusters that are even further away. Before that, I should prepare a warm drink so Iroha doesn't get cold. ...It doesn't really mean anything special. I just hope I can see that smile again next time. That's all I thought.