Nakara Shichiro

Her thoughts broke off when she felt somebody hit her head with a book, and her eyes widened when she saw the other person. It was the very same person she was just talking about.

"Shichiro!"

Kiryu seemed equally as surprised as her.

Shichiro sighed. "You two are so hard to find."

"Why?"

"I am worried about Lila, and also, I want to see if I can find any clues regarding Kasumi's disappearance."

"In New york?" Lila said, puzzled.

"You probably don't remember this yet. But when you went on your journey, shortly afterward, Kasumi went to France. There she did her investigation and discovered the remains of an old structure. This remains she found connects with fragments found in a particular cavern in New York."

Her eyes widened when she heard that piece of information. So Kasumi was investigating something that dangerous? Does that mean somebody got rid of the dome deliberately, and thus, she felt her face turn pale. Sweat clung to her skin as she clenched her fist.

Why does Kasumi have to go through that?

Her thoughts broke off when Shichiro ran her hands through her hair. "Ah?"

"I will find her and protect you too."

…..

From the very moment he could speak and walk, Nakara Shichiro already understood that he was a genius.

He is a genius, and he doesn't need to be attending school and all that. Then again, neither do Lila and Kiryu. It isn't like he's in denial or something stupid like that; he had a good reason to continue attending school.

For one, he finally found his passion -- or, at least, a fragment of a larger goal and dream. Something he only had a vague idea of before. But after he spent time with Terashima Lila, he naturally found his dream. That girl always talked about her dreams, and she ran straight ahead even though many obstacles were on that path.

The second reason is that -- well, he's having fun. He's had friendships before, sure, but none that weren't born out of necessity or trauma or just plain boredom. He genuinely enjoyed spending time with the others.

He even enjoyed the little habits he noticed from his friends, Maaya's confidence leading to her comedic actions. Shougo being the mood maker. Even the wrinkle of Kasumi's mouth when something's bothering her, but she refuses to admit it.

Then there was Wataru's intelligence and his calm demeanor, Rinna's random moments where she challenges everyone to traditional Japanese games. Eijiro is always sulking but gets more passionate when rock is involved. Kiryu does everything at his own pace but produces the best results.

Then there is Terashima Lila. The girl who has a genius IQ like himself but pretends so otherwise. She's far more intelligent than him and Kiryu, and she honestly ought to have skipped a few grades.

The Terashima Lila and Iwa Kasumi duo both work hard to improve themselves and shine the brightest in their little group. They worked hard and yet frequently took reckless actions. However, Kasumi is more level-headed and less reckless. Shichiro is amazed each time they get into trouble.

It is like trouble always finds them no matter where they go.

Of course, this was all before the world decided to go crazy. He misses those peaceful days where Kiryu and Lila were still a couple. While the two had a bad habit of ignoring the world around them, it did not matter. Those days were peaceful and happy.

Kiryu left to go and check out another area which left him alone with Lila.

When Kiryu first showed up before them again, it did not surprise him. He knew that one day Lila would find Kiryu after all those two share a connection. That was why when Kiryu left the first time, he was not as devastated. It still upset him, of course. Why couldn't his friend trust him?

Shichiro shook his head. What use is there having such thoughts now?

He looked over at the girl on the bench, who wore a dazed expression on her face. What is she thinking right now?

Is it to do with Karashima Haruka?

When he first learned what happened, Shichiro wanted to go to her side right away. He wanted to be there for her, and yet he knew acting on his emotions would do no good. Also, he did not want to see a broken Terashima Lila ever again.

Shichiro decided to break the silence as he extended his hand out.

"Shichiro?"

"You look sick," he stated flatly. "What is with those huge panda circles? Do you think you can conceal everything with makeup?"

"Wha-- what's with that? I haven't seen you in a while, and this is how you treat me? I-- n the first place what's with you? I never said I didn't want to see you."

Despite her vague memories, it seems like she remembered this much. The two of them have fought a lot since Kiryu left and took Lila's child with him. She often did reckless things, and those careless actions led to impacting her health.

He was the only one left who could take care of her. Terashima Lila is a grown-up and no longer a child. But if he were to leave her alone, then he knew she would fall into despair.

It was clear that Lila regretted leaving her husband behind in New York. Shichiro recalled how they struggled to keep her powers at bay then. Without Karashima Haruka by her side, Lila was a reck.

Back then, he almost said to her, this is why she shouldn't have left. It was the first time for him, even though he thought he understood the situation already. It seemed like he underestimated the love Lila had for Karashima Haruka.

"Didn't we fight?"

Lila averts her gaze. "That wasn't a fight or anything. I just got slightly worked up." She trails off, "I know you were only worried about me... Thank you. Shichiro."

His eyes went wide, but they softened at her words. Geez. It's because she's like this that the feelings he had for her even now are still somewhere in his heart. But he isn't a fool, and it would be foolish of him to pursue her when she is already struggling and suffocating because of love. The relationship he has with her is enough; he won't ask for anything more than this.

"How bad is your memory loss?"

He didn't know what he could talk about her.

"I think I understand the situation. Individuals with evolved powers, people like Kiryu and me, are appearing everywhere. But the means used to awaken their abilities was some drug; it was by force. The world has turned upside down because of this."

Shichiro nodded. "Yes. There are also those normal individuals who have no powers at all but," he clenched his fist as he recalled the memory of the lab he saw. "-are forced to become ability users."

"Did you see it?"

"Yes."

He wishes he didn't see it, but he can't deny the current situation's reality.

"If we do not fix this soon, civilization as a whole will collapse."

Shichiros eyes widened when he heard those words. Wait a moment, what does she mean by that? Civilization as a whole?