Silver Wish

Kiryu slumped on the couch and sighed deeply. He stole a glance at the girl fast asleep on the large bed. What does he do about her hand? It might heal on its own, but until then, she will suffer a lot. He needs to find somebody to heal it. But the only ones who could do that are people who know about Lila's condition.

There was the option of taking her to the hospital.

But the current makeshift hospitals will not be able to help her. Besides, Lila must be dealing with a lot of hate from other people right now because of Haruka.

His thoughts broke off when somebody sat down next to him. Lost in thought he did not realize when Kotori entered the room.

"Long day?"

"Yeah, is he.."

"He is wandering around again. Relax, I don't think he will be back for a while. It should be enough time until Lila-chan leaves."

"Sorry." Kiryu apologized. "I know you feel awkward about meeting her now. But I couldn't think of a place where she could go. The guys she was with headed to the government area and Hyou4. It's too dangerous for her there so.."

So he took her with him, but this is just as bad.

"You don't have to explain anything. You missed her a lot, right?"

"Yeah. But I wonder if this is right."

Is it okay for them to be together when he was the one who said such cold words to her? Lila often asks him that question, and he brushes it off as much as he could. But for how much longer?

Kiryu recalled what Rosalia said on the phone earlier, and a troubled look emerged on his face. Soon he will no longer be able to ignore it. But until that day comes, he will treasure every single moment he has with Terashima Lila.

It is too late for him to turn back now that he saw her. Kiryu knew he could not return to the days where he silently watched her.

"Whether or not its right is not for you to decide. Its—"

"Lila's choice." Kiryu finished for her.

Kotori nodded. "It is up to Lila-chan, so leave it to her. You have already caused her enough pain."

Kiryu sighs deeply. "You're being too blunt."

"You wouldn't answer my calls. I was worried."

"Sorry, Rosalia is persistent lately. I didn't want her to find you." Kiryu recalled the look in her eyes the last time they met.

Rosalia is far too dangerous. Until he figures out what Kotori's issue is, he needs to keep her here away from everybody.

"Are you scared?"

He was a bad liar, so he didn't bother to try.

"Yes," Kiryu mumbled. "I'm scared of Lila getting hurt, of not being able to protect her."

He no longer wants to watch the same thing happen ever again. He no longer wishes to see those dear to him get hurt all because of him.

Kotori did not reply, but he watched as she stood up and walked over to Lila. "I think you should tell her everything; maybe she could even help you."

"I can't drag her into this."

"You don't have to, she is already part of it, and you know that."

Indeed even if he continues to push her away, Lila is already a part of this. She is one of the two keys.

His thoughts broke off when he saw Lila stir awake.

"Kiryu...?" The name that escaped her lips was the last one he expected to hear.

Just now, Kiryu waited for her to call out to Haruka to call for her husband.

Kotori chuckled. "Not happy to see me?"

"Kotori-chan!!" Lila exclaimed, violet-colored orbs wide.

"I've missed you as well, Lila," Kotori confesses. Kiryu could see the gentleness in her eyes as she said those words. It seems like these two are better friends than he thought.

"e can catch up later before the person over there starts sulking."

Now that is his cue, besides he wouldn't sulk. It would make sense if the two wanted to catch up.

Kiryu awkwardly walked over. "Hey."

Lila laughs softly. "A hug?"

He extended his hand out and pulled her into his arms. "Sorry I'm sorry."

"It's fine; she would have found me eventually." Lila trailed off. "Uh, could I have some water? I'm a bit thirsty."

"You want water?"

Lila averted her gaze. "Okay, so I want some blood. But I can't just ask that."

Kiryu didn't know whether he wanted to laugh at that or not. Geez, she's so..what's the word? Cute? Indeed right now, he finds her actions cute.

"You can ask." Kiryu trailed off when he saw her fidgeting. "I'll give it to you like a drink, okay?"

Lila slowly nodded.

He tore his sleeve and took out a knife from the drawer. He slit his wrist, and fresh blood poured out. Kiryu grabbed a cup from the cabinet and held his wrist over it.

The entire time he felt Lila's gaze on him. "Kiryu, is my child here?"

"He went out."

"He went out?" Lila repeated.

"Your child isn't normal, Lila. It isn't a newborn anymore." Kiryu trailed off and sighed. "He looks like he is eight years old. Yes, the speed of his growth is abnormal."

"Shapeshifting?"

"In a sense, yes."

"I see."

Lila does not say anything for the next few minutes, but Kiryu notices her look at her hand. It was the hand that was badly hurt. From the looks of things, she can still move it.

It's rude to stare, but this is Lila. She did plenty of staring when it came to him too. So that does not excuse him for staring this intently at her. But not only did her injuries concern him, but he also wanted to stare at her.

Fourteen whole years, that is how long he knew Terashima Lila. He knew her for so long, and they were closer than siblings than friends or lovers. There was no name for their relationship. He preferred to keep it that way.

"I think that is full now."

Kiryu snapped out of his daze and indeed saw that the cup on the table was full.

He passed it over to her.

"Do you need a straw?"

Lila shook her head. "This is fine, thank you."

'I thought this earlier too. But Lila looks more mȧturė now. Her every movement seems graceful.'

Kiryu took a seat on the chair beside the bed. He extended his hand out and brushed his fingers across her forehead. "You act awkward around me."

"Do you understand why?"

"I can guess." Kiryu trailed off. "But you don't have to worry about it."

"You know every time you tell me not to worry. I end up worrying even more."

"Sorry."

"Every time you apologize, I end up feeling bad."

"I can't make you happy, Lila."

He already knew that from the very beginning. This was why when Haruka came along, and he gave her up so easily. That time on the island, he could have persuaded her to stay. Her feelings for Haruka might have faded away by now. But whenever he thought of Haruka, these thoughts would stop.

I can't do that to him. No matter how much I love Lila.

"You don't have to try."

Kiryu felt a sharp pain emerge in his ċhėst when he heard those words. This is it the moment he dreaded for so long. Lila must be sick and tired of this behaviour of his. She probably wants to stop ȧssociating with him right now.

Seconds turned into minutes quickly, and Kiryu felt beads of sweat trickle down his face.

"You already make me happy."