Two days later, June 2035, Hospital.
Even if Kiryu said all that, it does not change that she still has feelings for him. So will she be able to break up with him properly? A deep sigh escaped her lips. Mother finally gave her the okay to leave. All morning however she was doing check-ups. Her body still felt strange, but Lila stretched her arms. She's able to move it now. When she recalled what happened two days ago, she can't help but shudder. She's never felt so helpless before in her whole life.
Her thoughts broke off when she felt a familiar warmth brush against her forehead. It belonged to Haruka, "Your okay?"
"Ah—y—yes?" she stammered.
He's too close. Thump. Thump.
After admitting all that to Kiryu, she's somewhat embarrassed too.
"What are your plans for today? I already told the training camp your circumstances."
"Mamoru-San wanted to teach me and Kiryu about our powers more. So we're practicing in the open space not too far from here…"
"I see."
Lila averted her gaze, "Haruka, do you..want to watch?"
"Your fine with that?"
"Yes.."
Haruka nodded, "All right, I'll be a little late. But, I'll drop by.."
Lila felt Haruka edge closer, and her heart beat increased a great deal. His lips brushed against her ear, "Can I kiss you?" He murmured.
Ah… Lila shook her head, she's meeting Kiryu after this. She can't let him.
Despite her rejection though, Haruka pulled her into his arms, "I know you'd rather be with him right now. But let me at least hold you like this for a while. You worried me sick. Lila…"
Her gaze softened at his words. Haruka...
"You worried me..."
"Ah-huh, sorry."
________________________________________________
Hill.
She's late.
Kiryu stopped playing his guitar when he noticed someone approach him. It wasn't the one he was expecting though, "Selia." Since he discovered the girl's feelings for him, he actually felt awkward using her first name.
There was no particular meaning to why he used it before. But to others, it may be misleading.
"Kiryu-kun, um, so I spoke with Haruka…"
He raised his eyebrows, "And?"
"He told me to stay away, otherwise Mikado would find me.."
Kiryu sighed, so much for getting Selia of his back. If Karashima said there was no more danger, then he would have an excuse to dismiss her as his assistant. But now he doesn't have one. He can't complain about her work efficiency either since she really does a good job assisting him.
"So I was thinking, could we leave a few days early?."
Kiryu's thoughts broke off at her words, "Sorry, we can't."
"Huh? But--"
"We can't. You'll be okay, Mamoru-san and Sumire-san are both here. Even if he came, he won't be able to get close.."
Besides, he only has this short amount of time left with Lila. Why would he cut it short?
________________________________________________
2 hours later, Hill.
Lila didn't mean to leave Kiryu waiting for two hours, however, Haruka wouldn't let her go… She really has no resistance against him. The moment she arrived on the hill, Kiryu buried his face on her neck and sniffed her.
"You smell of Karashima.."
"Wah. Don't sniffle me like this in public…"Lila exclaimed.
"Heh, your fun to tease as usual," Kiryu said as he pulled away.
Why is this idiot still able to smile so brightly after all that's happened? But perhaps he's desperately holding it in. It wouldn't surprise her if that's the case. He's silly. She really loves Kiryu that hasn't changed at all. However, she recalled Haruka's hand when he let go earlier… The warmth still lingered in her hands.
Lila buried her face in his chest. "What's wrong?"
"I just wanted to cuddle."
"Yeah, me too."
Kiryu, he's such an idiot. Still loving her. This person's kindness, she knows all too well. Kiryu's warmth, she wants to bask in this warmth; just a little bit longer... Just for a while longer, her precious Kiryu.
Before Lila could speak up, however…
"See, I knew they'd be flirting Ru. Let's leave them be. "
Lila looked up and found her mother and Mamoru-san.
"Wah," she exclaimed embarrassed.
"I realize you two want to flirt since it's been a while, but you probably ought to let go.."
"Geh, Yuhi-sensei.," Kiryu said.
"Geez. What did I tell you about the limitations on what you can and can't do with my daughter?"
Lila's eyes lit up seeing her father and rushed over. "After hugging that guy, you need to be disinfected before hugging me."
Lila laughed, "Father you're so silly."
His gaze softened, as he reached over and she felt him pat her hair, "It's good to see you again."
...…
"So, the best thing to do first is for you two to show me, a projection of how far your powers can reach. How wide can you extend your attacks? What's the time frame between the next one and the one after."
The time frame between her attacks. Lila lifted her hands up and formed a small ball of energy in her hands, and shot it towards the direction of the nearest tree.
Mamoru-san whistled, "Well, you're definitely fast."
Another blast followed the one she did that came from Kiryu.
"Not much difference...hmm.."
"Ru?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking. It's natural that Lila-chan is fast because of yours and Yuhi's powers. But Kiryu… Uka-chan took time before she sent her attacks and relied on using the shield as a barrier until she conjured up her next move…" Mamoru trailed off.
Ah, could it be because Kiryu's father is... Though she figured it out since that time. Lila hasn't mentioned a word, she doesn't feel like it's right for her to intrude. Besides, the more Kiryu's powers go, the more Kiryu will realize; he should have already.
"I got it, must be from him then…"
"Is the nature of our powers really inherited?"
"To a certain degree yes. Yuhi.."
"Ah.," Lila said recognizing the familiar flame, her father had conjured up.
"Lila-chan's dark flames resemble Yuhi's black flames. The only difference is, there are patterns of mist around Lila-chan's. I suppose that's because the nature of her attacks is dark mist/ash."
It's the first time she's hearing so much about her powers. In the past, she would have avoided such talk, but it's different now. She wants to overcome her fear. She doesn't want to be left in such a helpless state ever again.