Searching for a solution

"In the first place, I think we will get a better idea of how to break it properly if I hear how you managed to conduct the ceremony Kiryu. Even if my mark was fading, it was still there."

At those words, Kiryu looked troubled. "Even if you ask me why I just did it. I figured it would do no harm trying. It was an experiment."

Lila's sweat fell when she heard his nonchalant tone. How could he experiment with the sacred hanyou ceremony like that?

"I think that's useful information. You basically thought, why the hell not and went for it."

"Right? Who says because she had a partner, I can't steal her away."

Haruka's eyes twitched, annoyed. "You're really brave, aren't you?"

She never thought of these two before, but aren't they quite similar?

"Kiryu, your condition will deteriorate if we don't find the solution soon. You must have heard about my destiny from my mother already. To meet those conditions, I have to discard everything that I am attached to."

Lila paused in the middle of her explanation. Huh? If that is the case, it shouldn't just impact Kiryu. She looked over at Haruka and tugged on his shirt.

"Haruka, what about you? Are you okay?"

Despite how casually she asked, deep down, she felt frightened. This entire time she has focused on Kiryu's condition. Kiryu is hurt; he is suffering not just emotionally but also psychically. She returned to Star town and left Haruka in New York because of Kiryu; she was worried about Kiryu.

But could it be, perhaps Haruka also- Lila thought he would lie again. No, it would be better for him to lie. However, when she looked at Haruka's eyes.

"I don't have much time to live."

At those words, her gaze turned cold, and her body trembled.

"I thought so," Kiryu mumbled. "Even though I have been experiencing such negative side impacts due to my connection with Lila. I noticed that it hadn't impacted my life force too much-" He trailed off. "Lila, weren't you trying to transfer your life force to Haruka? I thought you knew?"

Huh? That's right; she asked Soichiro to help her find a method. But ever since she reunited with Haruka, it has slipped her mind. Lila recalled the extra medication Zane had made her take. She looked at Haruka angrily.

"I can't believe you! Why are you messing with my memories? You know I am struggling to remember the past accident. Why would you tamper with my memories further?"

"Lila, it's because I knew what you were planning with Soichiro. But I knew I had no right to lecture you, so I decided this would be the only way."

"I- I can't live in a world without you!" Lila exclaimed. "You already know that very well."

"Then you know it's the same for me." Haruka ran his hands across her cheek. "Hey, it's fine. Once we break the connection between Kiryu and you, perhaps we can solve my problem too. The reason my life force is affected this much isn't due to the drugs alone. It probably has more to do with the fact that my partner has a connection with somebody else."

"Ah, is that the solution you found?"

"Right, but Zane said it is risky. Now that Cecilia has appeared, this situation has become more complicated. Even though I now have a partner, the issue with my life force hasn't changed. So that means Cecilia is only my temporary partner."

Then that means it's up to her if she recalls her memories of the accident. Then there is a chance to save both Haruka and Kiryu. But, she remembers how she met Haruka and how they spent time together. She still doesn't remember the accident.

Haruka patted her hair. "Don't worry about it. For now, let's continue with our current plan. To turn the infected people back to normal."

She understands that, but how could she possibly stay still knowing that Haruka's death could happen at any moment? Her thoughts broke off when the doors slid open, revealing Soichiro.

"My dear, it's obviously time for us to go on our date."

"What date?" Lila said angrily.

Why is this person always so annoying? But, if he showed up, perhaps, he found a clue on Mikami's whereabouts?

Haruka kissed her forehead softly. "Call me?"

"Mmm! I'll be back right away!"

"Good, I'll watch Kiryu for you."

For a moment, Lila hesitates. Although they had a pleasant meal together, they might just be pretending in front of he- her thoughts broke off when Haruka squeezed her hands.

"Trust me."

Of course, she does; if she doesn't trust him, then she won't be able to trust anybody. "Then I will get going."

…

Lila was having a hard time focusing on the job. During the entire car journey, Soichiro made her sleep, so she couldn't think of this stuff till she woke up.

After Kiryu mentioned it, she gradually started to recall things. Right, it was when she briefly regained her memories at night after she lost them. Kiryu found out about her plans to transfer her life force to Haruka.

As for when she learned about Haruka's condition, wasn't it during the time he accidentally mistook Rikka-san for her and slept with her? Lila exhaled deeply. What was with that weird timing?

"Gag."

Lila glared at Soichiro. "What?"

"You two are worse than before."

At those words, she sighed. "You don't even know what love is."

"Then teach me, my dear, while we are on our date."

'I have no energy left to deal with this psycho.'

She turned to walk away from him. Soichiro, however, grabbed her wrist."You better stay close to me, my dear."

Lila tugged on her hood. "It should be okay."

Soichiro frowned. "Stay close." He repeated.

She doesn't bother arguing. Her gaze fell on the broken buildings around her. This area is worse than the last time she came here. The miasma in the air has gotten worse.

Moreover, the infected- there is a lot here. The infected tend to be slow to notice a 'normal' person. So unless you approach them or get near them, they shouldn't go near you. Of course, there are some hostile ones, the ones under Sophia's brainwashing.

Her thoughts broke off as Soichiro pulled out a cigarette from his pocket.

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Lila admitted. "I thought I could solve Haruka's issue with me transferring my life force over. However, if I do that, Haruka will be alone."

Just the mere thought of it pained her. Rikka-chan looks like she is moving on too. Who would she entrust Haruka to? There will be nobody by his side. Just like how she can't live without Haruka by her side, it will be the same for him.

"Also, Kiryu." Lila trailed off. "Kiryu has sacrificed so much for me. If I don't survive and be happy, it would dismiss all his efforts."

She cannot allow either of them to get hurt.