Dream Star

July 2035 (Kiryu's apartment)

The days he spent without Lila by his side were more painful than he thought it would be. When she first left on her journey, he knew it would be difficult. But he collapsed no sooner than one hour after he saw her off in the train station. He broke out into a ridiculously high fever and was bedridden for days. When he finally snapped out of it, there was something else wrong with him. He could no longer write music. Whenever he tried, he would remain frozen and yet he could still sing. Sing the songs she wrote for him. Kiryu was on leave for a while and attended school. But he couldn't bring himself to participate in lessons without her. Even when Selia became his assistant, this didn't change. Only when it concerned matters regarding Lila could he move his feet.

This time around breaking up with her, he lost control of his powers. Five minutes after he saw her off. Being bedridden with a fever would have been a lot better. He spent endless days in the underground chamber. It wasn't until a few days ago where they finally let him go. It's not as though his situation had gotten any better. But Kiryu came to terms with the reality of her not belonging to him and of one day being able to steal her back. How foolish, even that plan could fail.

What would he do then? Would he end up hurting someone because he can't control his powers? Would he return to how he used to be, going to bars, sleeping around with random women to fill the void in his heart? It's risky, Lila could genuinely end up falling for Karashima. He's taking a risk. However, something inside him remained hopeful.

Perhaps it was the girl's tears that day, or the fact that he noticed it. Their connection, she's forcibly pushing it away, but that meant Lila still thought of him. She shouldn't think in that manner that's dangerous for her. But he felt happy even if it's only a little. Lila still cares for him.

A deep sigh escaped Kiryu's lips. His thoughts broke off as his gaze flickered towards the woman fast asleep on his bed. Damn, how troublesome? Lila definitely wouldn't like this situation. She would surely scold him.

-------------

Earlier, at bar X.

"No! It's not like I have anywhere to go." Selia exclaimed.

Kiryu sighed, "Don't be so difficult." Rather after he heard her past and then found out, she went to this place alone. He rushed right over. Is this girl crazy? She already has so many mental scars.

"But I'm alone."

"Fujisaki."

Selia shot him a glare, "Right, I'm suddenly 'Fujisaki' to you. Since we're not close anyway, leave me be."

How annoying?

"Either way, you're coming back with me.." Kiryu trailed off and glanced at the men she was with, "Any problems?"

"N--no sir."

-----------

From Ichinose? Seeing this, Kiryu picked up immediately.

"Hello?"

".. "

No response. But Kiryu heard singing, not just any singing though, Kiryu clenched his fist.

"..Stop."

Oujiro heard and spoke up, "I'm simply stating facts."

"I know already. But don't make this difficult for Lila."

"Her hearts in pain."

"It's fine if she doesn't realize," Kiryu answered.

"And if she does?"

Kiryu pauses, "Then, I'll take her back. But for now, leave them alone Ichinose."

"You are a fool Kiryu-san. An idiot." Oujiro retorted. Before he could say a word, Oujiro cut the line.

An idiot huh? He supposes that's an accurate word to describe his present situation.

...

"You're awake," Kiryu commented.

"Oh uh...." Selia trailed off and thought for a minute. Selia suddenly bowed, and apologized. "I'm so sorry!!! I..I didn't mean too.."

He interrupted her apology. Kiryu leaned forward ever so slightly, Selia's cheeks burned red.

Kiryu pulled away, so she does. He sighed, "I'm sorry. But I don't like you in that manner. We can still be friends, but a relationship won't work when I'm in love with only one girl."

"Kiryu-kun, but you two already.."

"That doesn't matter." Even if he has broken up with Lila, his feelings for her haven't disappeared yet. His thoughts broke off when he felt Selia's lips on his. What is she doing? It surprised him how despite her claims to fear men, she was able to kiss him so easily. When they first met, just getting close to her made her flinch. He couldn't process what was going on. Until he felt it when their tongues inter winded with each other. She slipped something inside his tongue. For the next few minutes, his body froze, but he finally fought the effects. Kiryu yanked her away.

His body felt paralyzed for a moment. Kiryu is glad that he managed to pull away.

Kiryu glared at her, "Don't make me angry at you. I'm warning you. Try that stunt again..." He trailed off seeing the girls tears.

"Geez... Don't cry."

Instead of crying like this now, shouldn't she reply to what he said? But a woman's tears it's like receiving a punch to one's stomach.

"Kiryu-kun, I'm sorry. I just thought... no well, I heard from someone that if I did something careless, you'd come for me. They also told me that you liked aggressive girls."

Kiryu recognized those words immediately, his gaze darkened.

"You can stay over for today. I'll send you back tomorrow." Kiryu said and with those words said, he swiftly left the room. Once he was out in the hallway, he pulled out his phone, "What did you tell Selia?"

A giggle filled the other line, "It's back to Selia now? Your so fickle Kiryu-kun."

"Rosalia seriously quit messing around."

"I'll be in the usual place Kiryu-kun. We can talk there."

"...Alright."

He didn't wait for a response and closed his phone. Kiryu closed his eyes and recalled Lila's singing on the phone. He doesn't want to see her in pain. Lila, it's better if she erases him from her mind. At least for the moment. He wasn't kidding when he told Ichinose, that he would take her back. But, not now. Not now.

____________________________________________________________

July 2035 (Following day)

How come. Why did this have to happen? Lila looked down at her dress stained in the color red. The blood didn't belong to her but from the people who she was fighting with. Why is she so surprised? Mamoru-san told her to be extra careful. He warned her. Even more so after she took the risk and did precisely what Soichiro said. About forcibly blocking her connection with Kiryu. Mamoru-san informed her about her powers turning weak, because of this force cut. Yet even in this state, she looked at the damage she had done to the surroundings. The trees seemed to wither at her very touch, the ground beneath them stained red.

"Monster, she really is a monster."