"I know you." Kaia's voice was steady, but it stopped Yona cold.
She whipped around, eyes narrowing at Kaia's serious expression. "What's this about now?"
Kaia leaned forward, eyes fixed on her. "I've heard your voice before."
Yona's brow furrowed. "And where exactly?"
"In a dream," Kaia said, watching her intently. A flicker of something darker passed over her face, but she quickly masked it. That voice... it was the same one from the feather, wasn't it? She swallowed the question before it slipped out.
Yona waved a hand dismissively. "You remember your dreams too well," she muttered, clearly uninterested. "We have bigger things to focus on. Let's head back to Mishi's Inn. We're not done there yet." She turned toward the door.
Kaia hesitated, lost in thought for a moment longer. "Coming?" Yona called over her shoulder.
"Yeah." Kaia blinked, forcing herself to snap back to the present.
***
[Zenith; J-City]
"Did you two have plans before?" Thalia asked, stirring her smoothie with a nonchalant grin.
Zero flashed a playful smile, his voice light. "Nope. He's the one who wrecked my plans." He leaned forward, his expression apologetic but mischievous. "Sorry for the change of plans."
Thalia waved it off with her trademark smile—bright and easy, the kind that could melt anyone's resolve. "No worries. I'm good with anything."
Zero's chest tightened, heart hammering against his ribs as he tried not to stare. Why does she have to look at me like that?
Across the table, Kiaan was lost in thought, staring blankly at nothing. How am I supposed to awaken those memories? Every time, it's with Kai... and the memories never help.
"Yo, what happened?" Zero snapped his fingers in front of Kiaan's face, pulling him out of his fog.
"It's nothing," Kiaan smiled, brushing it off. Why isn't he trying? Am I the only one supposed to unlock all these memories?
The day blurred by in a haze of half-forgotten moments. At the movie theater, Kiaan sat between Zero and Thalia, the seat next to Zero strangely empty. Then, the amusement park. Kiaan bought Thalia cotton candy, and Zero's eyes narrowed in envy, watching the way Thalia smiled as pink fluff stuck to her lips.
Later, on the roller coaster, Thalia and Kiaan ended up side by side, hands gripping the safety bar while Zero was stuck alone, trying to ignore the sting in his chest.
By evening, the shooting game was in full swing. Kiaan hit every target with effortless precision, winning Thalia a stuffed bear with a triumphant grin. Zero had tried to compete, but missed every shot. He stared at the floor, sulking as Kiaan handed Thalia the prize.
The shopkeeper, sensing the awkwardness, handed Zero a keychain, trying to lighten the mood. Zero barely registered it. This day can't end fast enough.
Zero seethed, frustration boiling over. Kiaan, once again, was the third wheel. He was everywhere—and didn't seem to take a hint. They sat on a bench, Kiaan between him and Thalia, and it was too much.
Zero gritted his teeth, making sure Kiaan could hear it.
Kiaan, oblivious, turned toward him. "What happened?"
Zero forced a smile, masking the irritation that was bubbling beneath. "Did I offend you or something?"
Kiaan blinked, confused. "Well, you did... but why're you asking now?"
Thalia's eyes fluttered shut, her head leaning against Kiaan's shoulder as she fell into a deep sleep.
Zero's hands clenched into fists. His patience snapped. "You're pretty smart, aren't you?" His voice dripped with mockery as he leaned in just a few inches from Kiaan's face.
Kiaan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
Zero stood, suddenly on edge, his voice rising. "You've been planning this from the start, haven't you? Ruining my date, stealing her from me?" His laugh was hollow, forced.
Kiaan jumped to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief. "What are you talking about? I didn't know you were on a date..." His voice faltered with guilt.
"Oh, now you're playing innocent?" Zero sneered, clapping his hands with exaggerated drama. "You just love ruining my life, don't you?" He grabbed Kiaan by the collar, shaking him slightly.
"I—I didn't know..." Kiaan stammered, guilt washing over him. "You should've told me."
"Then why the hell were you sticking to her like glue?" Zero's voice cracked with frustration.
Kiaan swallowed hard. "That's just how I treat women... I didn't... If I knew you were trying to make a move, I wouldn't have... I'm sorry." He winced, eyes tight with regret.
Without warning, Zero shoved him to the ground. He scooped Thalia into his arms and started walking away, but paused, turning his head just enough to speak over his shoulder. "You're always like this."
Always? Kiaan's confusion deepened as Zero's words echoed in his head.
Suddenly, a vision hit Zero like a tidal wave.
A man was pummeling another, holding his collar, landing brutal blows while the other stood there—silent, unmoving. No attempt to defend himself.
The words echoed in Zero's mind: "Always. Always." Over and over again. A voice full of anger, but the man didn't even try to speak back, didn't fight back.
"Zero?" Kiaan's hand touched his shoulder, pulling him back to reality.
Zero blinked, shaking off the vision. "I'm sorry, Kiaan." His voice was quieter now, almost apologetic. "You... you're not hurt, are you?"
Kiaan was still processing the change in Zero's demeanor. "No, I'm fine. But I... I'm sorry."
Zero didn't answer, his voice flat as he walked away. Kiaan followed in silence.
Outside, a cab waited. Zero gently placed Thalia inside, her peaceful face unaware of the tension swirling around them.
"Go inside." Zero ordered Kiaan. But Kiaan stayed rooted to the spot.
"Oi," Zero started, voice sharp, but then his gaze followed Kiaan's, eyes widening.
Kiaan's face had gone pale, his head turning slowly to the left. Zero's heart dropped as he looked in that direction.
A tall man, draped in luxury clothes, long white hair cascading down his back, an eyepatch covering one eye, walked toward them—surrounded by guards. The sheer presence of him made the air around them thick.
Zero's breath caught in his throat. "Father?" His voice was a whisper of horror.