Three hours later
Seeing Lila so engrossed in training, his gaze softened. She's really focused, huh? She's always been that way, once she set her mind to something. She always ends up like this. Kiryu found himself slumped against the tree as he continued to watch Lila. His thoughts broke off when Mamoru-san came over.
"Worn out?" Mamoru asked.
"Slightly."
"Yeah, I figured. She's lasting slightly longer than you though." Mamoru commented.
Kiryu didn't bother to argue, as he replied, "She's stronger than me."
"The difference isn't a lot. Actually, I'm surprised, how similar your strengths are. Sumire and Yuhi, despite their powers being similar, it was clear who was the strongest." Mamoru paused, his gaze landed on Sumire-san for a moment, "But well, even the strongest person, have their weaknesses."
"Sumire-San has a weakness?" Kiryu said, somewhat surprised. He knows that even the strongest person has a weakness. But, it's the first time he's heard about that person having one.
"Now, do you want to know young man?"
"Like I'd ever need to use it."
Mamoru chuckled, "That's true. But, you ought to know Lila-chan's."
"Lila's?"
"The two of you are very similar in every aspect, the nature of your powers, the speed, the rhythm, and movements... Honestly, I'm taken back by this case. I've never seen two people so similar before…"
"We've been together for a long time, does that make a difference?"
Mamoru paused for a moment before nodding, "That might be it. I know little about that though, could you explain it?"
...
"So that's it, Kiryu-kun. During Lila-chan's isolation period, you came to visit her?"
"Every day...does that…"
"Well, normally other than the donor. One shouldn't be visiting... But well, considering the timing. Nobody would have visited her during those times." Mamoru sighed as he realized something, "Kiryu-kun, do you know what materials the walls in that place have?"
"Materials?"
"Yeah, we don't just toss you guys into random underground chambers. Each chamber is unique depending on the nature of one's powers. While you're in there and develop your urges for blood. The walls of the chamber help absorb the negative aspects of your powers and help you overcome your urge. At the same time, it helps you develop a unique trait in your abilities."
"A unique trait, is that why people other than the ones with the urge seldom go there?" Kiryu asked, slowly understanding.
"Yeah. This is just a theory and the main cause may be fundamentally different. But, yours and Lila-chan's powers are the same. Alongside the weakness too."
His weakness is...
Mamoru patted his shoulder, "You're going to let her go?"
Kiryu nodded, "For a while."
"I suppose that's sensible, even more after we found this out. It may be more dangerous to remain together, considering how similar your powers are."
Either way, "I have to give her up huh?"
"Hesitating after you said it?"
"As an adult, should you really have been eavesdropping?"
"I can't help it if my hearing is good."
Kiryu rolled his eyes at that comment and sighed deeply. "Exactly what's the purpose of you returning here, and training me and Lila? What was with the strange timing of her camp being here too?"
"Isn't it clear? I set it up."
"How come? Why this place.."
"Stay here for a few more days, and you'll learn in no time."
.
.
1:00 PM
"What's this?" Kiryu asked.
Lila shyly plays with her hair, "I made you lunch…"
Can he really let her go? She's so cute.
"Thank you my Lila."
Even if he didn't have that talk with her and they remained the way they have been. It won't change the fact that they have to be apart from each other. As he recalled Mamoru-san's words, he exhaled deeply. Is it that dangerous that their powers are the same?
"My Kiryu, um, do you like it?"
"Hm? Yeah, you've gotten better."
"Yay, praise."
Kiryu puts the box down and pulled Lila into his arms, "So, people say I'm crazy…"
Lila laughed softly, "Ah-huh,"
"I really must be." Why is he going to let her go? He still has time to persuade her. If he honestly tells her what he's thinking. Don't go, don't leave him. Lila will surely remain with him. He understands that better than anyone.
"Did you invite me here, so you could show off?" a familiar voice interrupted them. Kiryu looked up and spotted Karashima. This location is a secret unless his gaze fell on Lila. She must have invited him over.
Lila pulled away then and quickly got up, "That's not it, Haruka.."
"Are you finished?" Haruka asked.
"No, um, we're just taking a break."
"I see."
"Haruka, did you eat?"
"Not yet."
"Then, um, let's eat together.."
Kiryu sighed deeply watching the two. Lila, she makes it way too obvious when she likes someone.
So in the end, Karashima awkwardly joined them for lunch. But what was awkward for him was what happened after lunch. Karashima had positioned himself on the girl's lap and fallen asleep.
"M--my Kiryu, I'm sorry about this..um.."
"Don't explain. He seems pretty worn out, you should let him rest."
Lila nodded.
"Your singing has gotten better."
"Eh?"
Kiryu chuckled, "Why are you so surprised? You've always been good."
"You're praising me so much in one go Kiryu, I'm a bit embarrassed."
His gaze softened, as he extended his hand out and brushed a strand of loose hair from the girls face. "Um…? My Kiryu?"
He shifted closer until he was next to her and whispered in her ears, "I love you, Lila."