#s2 was a hastily done disaster

[spiritgunpickle]

i know naruto had a disappointing ending, but speaking as someone who read the like 12 original novels, how is durarara winning

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Ch 37 - Gavin’s Farewell (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers related to the main storyline which have not been released in English servers! 🍒

I would highly recommend NOT reading this unless you’re interested in S2 content. The reason why I translated this is because I intend to translate everything related to S2 Gavin, which includes an S2 R&S which occurs right after this chapter :>

The second half of this is fully translated while the first half includes bullet-point summaries because I realised midway through that another translator already translated it (here) so I didn’t want to pour too much time into the less important parts HAHA

Routes done by other translators: Lucien l Victor

Ch 37 starts with MC at the northern outskirts, preparing for the final episode of Miracle Finder

According to the weather forecast, a tornado would be hitting Loveland City, and a team from STF has been dispatched to prevent this calamity

Minor: Bro, may I know where your Commander has gone?

STF Member: The Commander is very busy and doesn’t have time to see you.

Minor: Hey, we’re...

MC: Hello, we made an appointment for an interview. Could you let us go in?

The team member looks at the reporter identification card hanging around my neck skeptically.

STF Member: Wait here. I’ll do some verifications.

Eli: She doesn’t need an appointment.

STF Member: Captain Eli!

With his hands stuffed into his pockets, Eli walks over leisurely, shooting us a nod.

Eli: MC, long time no see.

Then, he casts a teasing look at the solemn-faced team member.

Eli: Do you know who she is?

The team member looks at me, then at Eli. After that, his expression makes it clear that realisation has dawned on him.

Team member: Oh, she’s Commander’s...

I chuckle awkwardly, stopping the team member before he can finish.

MC: If it isn’t convenient, we could leave now.

Eli: It’s not inconvenient. Oh yes, need me to call Gavin for you?

MC: No need! I don’t want to disturb your operations.

Eli: In that case, I won’t disrupt. You guys can go ahead. But according to estimations, there’s only five minutes left before the tornado will hit Loveland City. It’s best for you to film nearby, and not go near those windbreaks.

MC: Got it!

The filming crew hastily sets up the recording devices

As the tornado draws closer, the windbreaks start shifting, and the film crew notes that it’s difficult to film

Gavin appears, pushing the windbreaks back to their original positions using his Evol. This reduces the force of the wind, and the tornado shifts its course

After a few seconds, the tornado vanishes without a trace

Photographer: Incredible!!

MC: Gavin, you’re truly so dashing!

A few injured team members are carried off by the medics stationed around. I frantically look around for Gavin.

From afar, I see a familiar figure walking towards me.

My eyes brighten, and I run over without hesitation.

MC: Are you okay? Did you get hurt?

A look of resignation flits across Gavin’s face. He reaches out, tidying my hair.

MC: The way you looked earlier was so...

“Gavin, you’re truly so dashing!”

My hand slips, and I tap the recording from earlier. My exclamation has been recorded as well. 

MC: ...this will be deleted during the editing process.

A smile finally appears on his grave and stern face.

Gavin: Wait for me here. I’ll look for you later.

MC starts chatting with the members of STF who bring up how Gavin’s judgement calls and decisions are a large part of why they were able to handle the frequent disasters lately

However, they also point out that they haven’t received much warmth from him (aside from an increase in medical insurance LOL)

Gavin returns, and the two of them head off to a quieter place where they come across and tend to some injured pigeons

Angst:

MC: Actually, whether it’s them or the wind - they know their own direction. No matter how far they go, and no matter whether they lose their way, they won’t stop. Right?

Gavin doesn’t speak, but holds my hand gently.

He gets called off for a mission after this, and has to leave in two hours. MC sits down on a boulder

MC: In that case, you need to get proper rest for a while. I wonder if Mr Commander, who has worked for an entire day, is willing to agree to my request.

Gavin: I can rest in whichever way I want?

His question stumps me, and I'm left stunned for a few seconds. Unexpectedly, Gavin uses my knees as a pillow.

Gavin: Thanks for coming.

MC: ...you’re welcome.

I open my mouth again, wanting to salvage my inarticulate response. But Gavin has already closed his eyes.

After a long while, the sound of steady, long drawn breathing drifts over.

This patch of land is encased by the night scene and the cold. Yet, at this moment, my heart is incredible bright, and incredible warm.

I caress his face gently, which has finally revealed tiredness, and my heart feels tender.

MC: You’ve worked hard, Gavin.

I hope you can have a good dream.

-

In the vast and boundless universe, the comet speeds towards that blue coloured planet.

Cities, forests, mountains, rivers and oceans are swallowed up entirely by heat waves and tongues of fire. In the blink of an eye, they melt into thin air.

I seem to be the only one remaining in place in the entire world. That star gradually shrinks, akin to a burning bullet shooting straight to my heart--

I’m jolted awake from the nightmare, and take in large breaths of air.

Gavin: You’re awake?

MC: Sorry... how could I have fallen asleep too?

Lifting my head, I meet Gavin’s worried gaze.

Gavin: Had a nightmare?

MC: It wasn’t a nightmare. It was a beautiful dream. I dreamt that we became super universe warriors, saving the world from the brink of destruction.

Pulling myself together, I use a joke to feign light-heartedness.

Gavin: Looks like you should have stayed in this dream for a little longer. It’d be best if you didn’t wake up.

He releases a breath, then tightens the jacket draped over me.

Behind us, the sound of footsteps draw near.

Gavin stands up. The STF member walks over, saying something to Gavin softly.

Stunned, I react quickly: He’s about to leave for a sudden base command mission.

MC: Are you leaving now?

Gavin: I still have ten minutes.

MC: In that case, I have one final question to interview you about.

Turning around, I look at Gavin steadily.

MC: Before the end of the world, what’s your wish?

Gavin: ...my wish?

MC: This is a question from me to you, so you just have to answer me. Over the last couple of days, I interviewed many people, and heard many of their wishes. But I haven’t had the chance to ask about your wish. I want to know what Gavin’s wish is.

Gavin looks slightly surprised, and he doesn’t say anything for a long time. 

Perhaps this question is too illusory, and that he has never invested a wish in something unrealistic.

??: Look quickly - there are shooting stars!

Exclamations from the crowd drift over from afar. Gavin and I look up at the same time.

Shooting stars are streaking across the sky, leaving brilliant traces in their wake, gradually growing from sparse to majestic.

Beneath this resplendent and grand brightness, everything turns insignificant and tranquil.

MC: How beautiful...

The traces left by the shooting stars are long and narrow in the sky.

The ubiquitous light illuminates the mountains and valleys, illuminates the river at the end of the horizon, and illuminates the city.

It also illuminates every face which is lifted upwards.

Gavin suddenly grabs my hand, his voice incredibly soft.

Gavin: When I was seventeen, I did have a wish.

Large flocks of snow white pigeons suddenly fly across the sky.

In the dark night, the sound of the pigeons’ wings and the pure white feathers  drifting down drown out his voice.

I tilt my head, looking into his eyes which have been illuminated by starlight, and want to ask him what it is.

The gaze he gives me has a certain deep longing and sorrow. I sense that it contains a lot of emotions outside of my comprehension.

In my second of distraction, I almost ask if he knows that I’m about to leave.

But I don’t have the courage to verify my guess.

I grip his hand, trying to squeeze out a smile.

MC: Before, I only thought of making wishes whenever I saw shooting stars. I didn’t expect there’d be a day when shooting stars would be things that would destroy this world.

Gavin: Are you afraid?

I shake my head.

MC: Actually, as long as I’m by your side, I’m not afraid at all.

Gavin lowers his head, covering our laced hands with a kiss.

Gavin: I promise you.

Gavin: Till the very last moment, I won’t leave you.

I can hear the heartbeat from his chest. Closing my eyes, I make silent wishes to the shooting stars. 

I wish that the world will never have an end.

I wish that he will always be by my side.

-

Gavin’s very busy as the Commander, and the time they spend together becomes especially short

Gavin finishes an important meeting, and MC shares the good news with him that after the film was broadcasted, citizens contacted MC’s company to send the lunches, medical resources, etc. to STF

Gavin is happy about it, but tells her that the STF doesn’t need them, and they could be sent to places that need them more

Just as he’s about to say something else, he gets a notification and has to leave

MC can’t help but feel disappointed at having to part with Gavin :< But she pumps herself up by saying that this battle is one that she’s facing together with the entire human race

-

It’s the final day of the doomsday countdown.

The day which has left us on tenterhooks has finally arrived, but it doesn’t seem different from any other day.

MC: How’s the situation today?

STF Member A: No casualties. The damaged communications and transport lines are slowly getting restored.

STF Member B: That’s right. The Commender isn’t injured either. Sis-in-law, there’s no need to worry.

MC: ...all right.

While engaging in idle conversation, I look around for Gavin’s profile. 

Very soon, someone appears from behind the doors of the headquarters.

Gavin, who has changed out of his uniform, is walking towards me. The sleeves of his grey jacket are rolled up slightly, revealing his sturdy wrists.

When our eyes meet, Gavin has already walked over to me, and I’m in a daze for a second.

Lifting my head to look at him, my heart seems to make a guess, and it starts thumping.

Gavin: You’re here?

MC: Mm. Don’t you have tasks today?

Gavin: I took half a day off.

MC: Eh...?

Gavin: I’ll accompany you on a walk.

Whistles and hooting can be heard from behind. Gavin casts a sweeping glance at the group behind him, and they become silent immediately.

MC: Are you sure it’s okay? I think it’s better to stay here...

Taking my hand, Gavin walks out. A little hesitant, I turn back repeatedly, afraid that I’d be wasting too much of his time. 

I didn’t expect Eli to give me a wave, mouthing the words “don’t worry” at me.

Gavin: Don’t mind them.

MC: I don’t know why, but I keep feeling as though I’m taking up a lot of public resources.

The corners of Gavin’s lips twitch slightly. He looks at me with resignation, then sighs. 

Gavin: Can’t a Commander leave work and go on a date?

He stands before me, his amber eyes revealing seriousness.

Gavin: Right now, the person standing in front of you is the Gavin who belongs only to you.

-

The streets are completely empty. Shadows of trees are scattered, stretching to the end of the empty road. 

Without realising it, we walk to the vicinity of Loveland High, and have a final bowl of noodles in Lynn’s Kitchen, which has yet to close for business.

Currently, the television is broadcasting a live interview regarding how the STF pushed back the tornado. While watching it, the boss clicks his tongue in awe.

Boss: Did you guys really push the tornado back?

Gavin: Some news outlets like to exaggerate. Don't believe all of them.

MC: Gavin, I was the one who filmed it.

Gavin: ...mm, we pushed it back.

Boss: More beef for the two of you. Do you want any other side dishes?

MC: Yes!

Gavin: Are you sure you can finish them?

MC: Yes I can!

Gavin sets down his chopsticks. Looking at the table of dishes and the pile of beef in the bowl, he expresses doubt through his gaze.

MC: Is this a new flavour of noodles? It seems like I haven’t eaten it before.

Boss: Miss, you could tell? I tried a new recipe for the soup. How’s the taste?

MC: It’s incredibly, and incomparably delicious!

Boss: That’s good. Having missed so many opportunities in life, it isn’t worth beating myself up over this. But not having more people try this bowl of noodles - just thinking about it makes me feel very regretful. Thank you both for finishing it.

-

MC: So bloated...!

Gavin: [laughs] You finished all the side dishes the boss gave.

MC: Because I don’t want to become a hungry ghost...

Gavin: What nonsense are you saying.

Gavin taps on my forehead lightly. When his gaze lands on the school gate across the street, his expression suddenly turns tender.

Gavin: You once saved a cat here.

MC: You once beat up a few people here.

Gavin laughs in spite of himself.

Unsurprisingly, the school gates are shut tight. Reading the disappointment on my face, he pats my shoulder gently.

Gavin: Do you want to go anywhere else?

MC: What a pity... I really wanted to go back and take a look. Hold on, I’ve got it!

-

Gavin: Are you sure you want to do this?

MC: No one’s around, so what’s there to be afraid of!

With Gavin’s help, I climb up the wall at the back of the school.

MC: I’ve wanted to do this since a very long time ago.

Patting my hands, I turn my head. Gavin is still standing beneath the wall, looking at me speechlessly and humorously. 

MC: It’s all right. There’s nobody in the security room or the classroom buildings. Come up quickly.

Gavin purses his lips, his expression showing that he’s been defeated by me.

He very easily climbs over the wall, and sits down next to me.

Gavin: Are you ready?

As though seeing through my hesitance, he suppresses his laughter while looking at me. 

Gavin: I’ll do a countdown for you?

Since I’ve already reached this stage, there’s no room for regret. Taking a deep breath, I slowly release the hand which is holding me from behind.

Gavin: Three, two--

Before the word “one” leaves his mouth, I’ve already let go due to my panic. My falling self is very quickly encased with a gust of wind.

My frantic heartbeat throbs against my eardrums, and we land on the ground safely.

MC: I think I shouldn’t have eaten so much earlier.

Gavin: You can’t move anymore?

MC: ...I’m afraid you can’t carry me.

Gavin: I can carry you.

As though proving his words, his hands reach over my elbow, lifting me up as he walks towards the classroom buildings.

MC: But this...!!

The corners of Gavin’s lips arch upwards gently.

Gavin: No one’s around, so what’s there to be afraid of?

-

We arrive at Gavin’s classroom from back then.

The classroom isn’t locked. Switching the lights on, I see words written on the blackboard which have not been erased yet.

MC: Gavin, which one was your desk?

Gavin’s taken aback slightly. He looks around, then points at the seat next to the window at the back.

Gavin: There.

MC: Is it this one?

I walk to the back of the classroom, staring at the graffiti on that table curiously.

MC: There’s an upside-down “Good morning” etched onto it... I can tell that you were pretty fond of learning.

Gavin: ...it’s the one behind.

Following Gavin’s gaze, I turn back. A desk is in a corner, next to the wall.

MC: But so many years have passed. They’ve definitely changed the tables and chairs numerous times, and the table isn’t necessarily this one.

Seizing this opportunity, I sit down on the seat which was once Gavin’s. Narrowing my eyes, I look around.

MC: Ooh... can’t really have a good view of the blackboard. But the ventilation here isn’t bad. It should be really comfortable taking an afternoon nap here.

Perhaps due to hearing my serious comment, a fragment of a smile appears on his lips.

Gavin: Why are you suddenly bringing these things up?

MC: I mentioned it to you before. We had the normal civilians and Evolvers create a wishing wall together. 

MC: I thought I’d see lots of bold, imaginative and bizarre wishes. But after looking at it, I realised that wasn’t the case. 

MC: “Wanting to eat hot pot for the last time”, “gathering with family”, “wanting to reconcile with a past lover...”

MC: I realised that the most fervent wishes from the bottom of one’s heart were actually unfulfilled regrets.

MC: So...

I want to make up for these regrets.

We leave the classroom, walking down the stairs, the sound of our different footsteps resonating in the dim stairwell.

Gavin: Are you scared?

MC: Huh? 

Gavin: I remember that there used to be lots of horror stories in school.

As he speaks, he slows down his pace, always a step ahead of me.

After hesitating for a moment, I genuinely want to tell Gavin that I’m actually not afraid.

Or rather, instead of being afraid of these stories, I’m even more afraid that the path beneath our feet will soon come to an end.

I hope that the stairs beneath our feet can go on for a little longer. It’d be best if they don’t have an ending.

MC: ...Gavin.

Standing at the side of the steps, I turn my head, calling his name involuntarily.

A repressed impulse propels me to do something.

He stands one step below me, and has also stopped. He looks at me, slightly puzzled.

A few rays of light spill in from outside the window and in between us, cleaving the light and darkness.

This ray of light is akin to a crease. With me standing in front of him, it’s as though it’s witnessing the coming together of the years we spent separated.

Gavin: I know what you want to say.

His voice is suddenly very soft, and it brings with it a confident smile.

In the next second, he leans down. Gripping my chin, he kisses me.

-

The pale yellow streetlights on both sides of the street filter through the lush leaves, fragmented and scattered on the ground.

Since the library isn’t open, Gavin and I are walking around the empty school grounds.

A warm sensation seems to linger at the corner of my lips. Feigning composure, I avert my line of sight, too embarrassed to meet Gavin’s gaze.

The clock chimes from a distance, and ginkgo leaves rustle as they drift down.

For a moment, neither of us speak.

The shooting stars in the sky grow increasingly dense, and my heart rate speeds up.

An uneasy feeling in my gut tells me that the moment is about to arrive.

MC: Even though we get to see shooting stars every day, it seems there isn’t enough time for many wishes to be fulfilled.

I smile, pretending to be relaxed, and breaking the tense silence between us. Gavin seems to sense something, and his amber coloured eyes look at me. 

Gavin: MC, you haven't finished your words from earlier. You’ve been asking about my wish. What about yours?

MC: My wish...

My words pause. 

Ginkgo leaves fall from the tips of branches. Some are currently tapping against the windows of the classroom building behind us.

These leaves rustle on the tips of branches in summer. In autumn, they release crunching sounds when stepped on. Each leaf creates nice sounds, but I’ve never noticed before.

All of a sudden, I know what my wish is.

Before the school bell rings, I want to walk towards the school gate a little more slowly.

I want to lift my head at the library, and see a teenager sleeping opposite me.

I want to grasp the gust of wind who was seventeen years old, and give him a proper goodbye before the ginkgo leaves fall to the ground.

Lifting my head to look at Gavin, I suddenly feel like crying.

MC: What if my wish can never be fulfilled?

Gavin is startled for a moment. After a very long while, he rubs the top of my head.

Gavin: In that case, walk forward.

Gavin: Perhaps the wish you can’t obtain right now will be by your side one day, even before you realise it.

I take a deep breath, gripping his hand.

MC: Gavin, I have to do something very important right now. 

MC: I’ve been keeping myself busy over the past few days, thinking that I wouldn’t feel upset when the time comes if I just didn’t think about it.

MC: But I have to thank you. You gave me the courage to face this.

Even though I feel the urge to cry, I squeeze out a smile.

 MC: I’m leaving now.

Gavin is silent. He reaches out gently, caressing my face.

Gavin: I don’t seem to be good with farewells. Each time, I don’t get to say goodbye to you properly.

Gavin doesn’t ask why, nor does he ask where I’m going. It’s as though he has known about this since a long time ago.

The arm he’s hugging me with is strong and scorching. It’s as if he wants to keep something with him at this final moment.

MC: This time, it’s my turn to say goodbye to you. We’ve already been through so much, so this doesn’t count for much.

I can feel my body becoming lighter, and my limbs are gradually losing their senses.

Perhaps the time has come. It’s getting harder to focus my consciousness, and can only hazily see the deepening sorrow in Gavin’s eyes.

MC: You once told me...

MC: Whether it’s the wind or pigeons, they have their own direction. I guess it should be the same for me. 

MC: But I’m someone who lacks a sense of direction. I might take the wrong path, or take a long time before returning to your side...

My disobedient tears fall. While I speak haltingly, Gavin interrupts me firmly.

Gavin: It’s okay even if you take the wrong path. 

Gavin: It’s also okay if you're a little late.

Gavin: When I was seventeen, you enabled me to know the direction of the wind.

Gavin: So you must be the same. As long as you walk forward in your direction, no matter where it leads...

Gavin: My wish is to meet you.

The white light is akin to a trickling stream, seeping from the girl’s body slowly, illuminating the entire night. 

MC: When the time comes, you’ll have to calibrate my direction.

The fluttering feathers drift from the girl’s body slowly.

A glimmer seems to appear in the sky, shining on the pile of white feathers at the girl’s feet.

Gavin stands in place for a very long time, his gaze remaining at the spot where the girl disappeared.

He looks at the scattered feathers on the ground, and the ginkgo leaves which have been blown about. His lips twitch, and his hand slowly hangs down.

The clear, distant “ding ling” sound echoes in the empty school grounds--

The dismissal bell has rung.

-

S2 R&S [Border] which follows right after this: here

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