Dream Star 175 See You Again 8

July 2035, (O Hotel)

When he was sure the girl was fast asleep. Haruka gently kissed her blue locks before he hesitated and kissed her lips. Believe in her feelings for him, huh? Haruka still found it hard to believe that they were even dating. But he's getting used to it. For the first time in Harukas life, it seems like he will fight for somebody else. For her, the girl he loves.
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4; 00PM

"Wheres Haruka?"

That's the first words that escaped her mouth when she realized that Haruka had gone. She pa.s.sed out, but she recalled him murmur, 'I'll deal with this.' When she next woke up and saw Mikami-kun, Lila understood.

Mikami sighed deeply, "Lilchan, stay put okay? Otherwise, senpai would get mad at me.."

Did he go after them?

But, those people were strange. They had a device that could affect people with dark powers. Haruka could get hurt!

However, Mikami-kun blocked her way.

"No." A single firm no escaped his lips and Lila knew she couldn't get out by talking.

"Why?!! Mikami-kun, you know.." Lila said.

Mikami shook his head, "Senpai isn't that weak Lilchan, I know you're worried about the device. But he already figured it out."

Her shoulders relaxed a little.

"But.." Lila looked down, even strong people get hurt. As she recalled what happened to Kiryu before, she shuddered. Maybe it was because he was protecting her sister. But even then, somebody as strong as Kiryu got hurt. She can't guarantee it won't be the same for Haruka.

....
Lila apologized and bowed several times as she glanced at the midnight blue hair boy who she knocked out. Before she quickly exits the hotel. She's sorry Mikami-kun, but she has to go. No matter what. Her eyes glowed red, and this is the best method to find him. The trail of his blood, his scent she's gradually gotten accustomed too.

.
.
It didn't take long before she found the barrier and entered the s.p.a.ce. Haruka and senpai were fighting a group of demon familiars. Lila summoned her blade and joined the fight.

Lila didn't miss the frown on Haruka face when he realized she was there.

"Idiot, what are you doing here?" Haruka exclaimed.

"That's my line! Did I say I wanted you to protect me? Who do you think you are? Being so vain like that." Lila retorted.

"Hah? Do I have to ask for your permission to protect you now?"

"Can you two stop bickering like a married couple? Does it matter who is protecting who right now?" Oujiro exclaimed.

Lila recalled senpai's presence. She immediately leaped into the air and sliced the beasts in half.

"Senpai isn't your timing.."

Oujiro nodded, "Yeah, it was deliberate. I tailed him."

"Kiryu?" she whispered.

Oujiro nodded.

Kiryu, he insists on helping Haruka. While she doesn't understand it very well, she's grateful. Or is she? Kiryu's insistence on a.s.sisting Haruka, even letting go of her hand. Lila shook her head, now isn't the time to think about this.

Would it be easier to use her guns on these? Or just her mists and sword like she has been? Honestly, having multiple powers can occasionally be a bother. The darkness is gradually getting stronger and stronger. It would be bad even for her if this were to continue. She has to end it. She drew up her mists and closed her eyes. The mists slowly dissolved until black droplets surrounded her — black blood.

She doesn't want to use this since she isn't familiar with it and it's risky. A power that uses one's blood and combines it with darkness. Well, if ordinary people saw it. They'd merely see it as bad blood. As she was thinking this through, she caught a glimpse of senpai who was fighting. She immediately noted that there was a change in his movements. He's slowed down, how come?

"Senpai?"

"It's nothing."

Nothing? But.

"Leave," Lila said, upon realizing.

"Heh, like I'd let you two be alone. And forge a bond while your fighting." he refused and continued fighting.

Lila shook her head seeing how his face color was gradually turning paler. Lila felt the tears well up in her eyes. "Stupid!"

"Lecturing me now? Don't feel flattered after seeing that lovey-dovey fight."

Why is he like this even now? He came all this way for her sake. Senpai sacrificed his University choice. Senpai went to a lower level university, despite the offers he received. When she first found that out, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Why do the people she cares about keep getting hurt because of her? How many sacrifices must people make because of her? She can't take this anymore. Whether it's Haruka or senpai, right now they are in this mess because of her. Kiryu, she's scared. She's even more afraid than she was before. Despite that there's something inside her that tells her that she has to keep fighting.

Lila placed the sword in the center of the ground. It exploded into a mixture of black blood particles and mist as a pair of familiar guns appeared in her hands. Is Kiryu the one giving her this courage even now? She isn't sure anymore. She's dating Haruka; she can say she's happy with him. However, it's not as though her feelings for Kiryu have entirely disappeared. How selfish. But he knew, didn't he? He let her go despite all this.

Did Kiryu also cry when he let go of her hand? He tried to show her a smile to the very end, but what happened once she left. When she left, did he cry? Exactly what was he feeling? It must be painful, so painful for him. The truth is, even now she still isn't okay. She's happy with Haruka, but it felt like something is missing. Kiryu, please answer her. Right now she's.

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K Street, (Town S)

"Geez, idiot.," Kiryu muttered.

Let's hope Karas.h.i.+ma is slow and doesn't realize. Honestly, that girl, pouring all her thoughts like that. Does she not understand that they remain connected? That he can still hear her voice? He supposes he has to show her then. He never wanted to let her go. He cried like an idiot once she left and didn't want to speak with anybody for a while. But in contrast to the void of pain, he tried to fill before he figured out the girl's feelings for him. It was bearable because he knew.

Kiryu pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket.
A letter. When Kiryu was rummaging through his belongings from during his stay in the hospital, he found it.

----

Kiryu
I'm not sure whether you'll ever get this.
By the time you do, I'm sure by then we would have broken up with each other.
It's something I never wanted to happen. But it will want it?
I care for Harukkun, yes and I also think it's best to stay by his side now.
So that will lead to us breaking up, in all likelihood, I cried a lot and told you no.
But knowing you, knowing you so well.
You most likely understood already.
Kiryu, you've always understood me better
Then I do myself.
Since we first met, maybe even long before then. There's always been a connection.
I want to tell you when we first dated. There was something I never said. I knew everything from the beginning, your feelings and even my own.

How selfish right? Even though I knew, I didn't stop you from falling down that dark path.
You see Kiryu; maybe I am like mother slightly.
I always felt like you were too good for me. We were similar to each other yes, but at the same time, we were very different.
I wanted to be worthy of you.
But someone like me who has long been tainted does not deserve your love.

However, I saw how much pain you were in.
I couldn't let it be any longer. Before you fell deeply into that darkness and couldn't escape, I accepted your hand. Kiryu, was that selfish? Yes, it was. But I want you to understand this, no matter how much time pa.s.ses by. No matter how much we are apart from each other.

I'm sure we will always love each other.

I love you.

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