Silver Wish

Seeing her confusion, he took the phone from her and typed it. Her eyes widened, but then she quickly took the phone back. But it was far too late; he already saw it.

"You took secret pictures of him?"

"I--I don't remember!" Lila insisted.

Then again, it is like Lila to do something like this. Back when they were dating, she often did weird things like this. "Why don't we eat out?"

Lila hesitated, and he gripped her hand. "Didn't you make my food? I want to eat it."

...

The moment they stepped onto the rooftop, Lila wrapped her arms around herself.

"It is cold."

So much for his little getaway with her, but then again, this is fine too.

"Should we go to the gardens? I'm sure the others will be there too. But it will be warmer."

"No, let's stay up here."

"But it's cold here."

He doesn't mind it, but it's probably too much for her.

"Then I have an excellent plan to counter that."

Lila's idea was simple, they'd sit side by side and snuggle up together. A thick blanket wrapped around both of them. The sound of beautiful laughter filled the space between them.

"Now we're both warm!"

She's too cute. Was going out with her now the right choice? She's showing him many different expressions that she didn't before. It's breaking whatever self-control he had around her.

"Ne Kiryu?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you like the song I was writing?"

"Ah, you mean the one from just now?"

"Un, I thought this would be a good time."

"Let's see….from what I heard." Kiryu expressed his opinion on the melody he just heard, only to have Lila look at him with sparkling eyes.

"What?"

"I thought so before, but Kiryu, you're passionate about music."

"That's only because of you."

That's right, if it wasn't for her --- then he would never have considered taking music seriously. It was only because she was there for him.

"No that's not it. If it was just that, your songs wouldn't move so many people."

"Let's eat now."

"Okay!"

Lila took out the two lunch boxes from her bag and handed him the blue one. He frowns, feeling the weight of the box in his hands. She had to carry two of these the whole morning?

He intended to go there and grab his remaining belongings. After all, even if Lila didn't ask him. He would have quit his present club. Since Lila was with him, he didn't want to stay in that place too long, just if something happened.

Those guys seemed to be really into it today, and it was almost like they were on drugs. Kiryu paused. It can't be. The president might be a strange guy. But he won't bring something like that in, he's always talking about being a gentleman despite running a shady club and business—however, the expression on their faces when he went past.

He can't act on that hunch alone. Think Kiryu. If something's happened, maybe he ought to have waited for a bit before he left. He technically still hasn't left since he didn't fill out the papers, so maybe he could remain and investigate.

Kiryu opens the box and blinks. Huh? There's a lot more than usual, or rather what's with this extravagant bento?

Laughter escapes Lila's lips. "Saying extravagant is over the top, Kiryu."

"No, I'm serious here. The shrimp and fried potatoes are practically glowing."

"Ah then, it may be because I put more effort into it. After all, I want things to be different than before. Sure, I don't mind how things were before, we were still close to each other, and I would always make your food. But this is different. I want to please the one I love with my cooking."

His eyes widened at her words.

How on earth does she do it? How does she find ways to dispelled any dark thoughts from his mind? From the very beginning, she's always been his ray of light, his only form of hope. Why is it this girl? Even now, he doesn't understand. Why this girl out of all the millions out there.

Then again, does he have to find a reason?

"What's wrong, Kiryu? Ah! Are you in pain? If you are, take some blood!"

"No, it's not that. I was just thinking how amazing you are."

Lila looked at him, puzzled.

"Your amazing Lila." He repeats without explaining.

"Etto, I don't get it !! But, thank you for complimenting me, Kiryu!"

Pfft, why does she seem so happy even though she doesn't understand? Gee, this girl. Then again, this was how she was before. Despite all the things happening in her surroundings, she always smiled.

"Is this all seafood on this side?"

"Yup, Kiryu, you like seafood, right?"

"Yeah, but did I tell you that?"

"I noticed."

How sharp. But as he recalls correctly, the last time she made any seafood, it ended up badly. She must have worked hard to perfect her skills. In between her lessons and her work. For his sake.

It's not uncommon to hear that Terashima Lila does drastic things for his sake, and yet she never fails to surprise him. Honestly, though, when did she have time to improve her cooking skills?

His gaze landed on Lila, who was staring at him intently. He picks up some shrimp and puts it in his mouth.

"Delicious."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's good."

"I'm glad! It makes me happy to see you so joyful eating my cooking."

'What a contrast to how serious she was last night.' When he finally gets hold of Atsuro-san, he needs to have a long discussion about why he agreed to do something like this.

"Hey Lila, last night--"

"That's the thing Kiryu, how did I get back the other day?"

'Right, she won't remember a thing.' Kiryu deeply sighed. Kiryu brushed his lips against her forehead. "Lila, things will get very bad soon. Will you be fine?"

He can predict what Rosalia will do next. Since it is her, she will bring the news to Zane.

"I will fight Kiryu beside you."

"Remember, you are still unwell."

"Then Kiryu, you have to protect me."

Even though she is the stronger one, his thoughts broke off when he saw her fiddle with her phone again.

"Do you want to see him?" Kiryu noticed she was looking at a picture of Haruka as she ate.

"I do." Lila trailed off. "Say, what kind of person is he? There are all types of rumors on the net, and I don't know what to believe."

Rumors on the net? His sweat fell when he saw her odd expression.

"They say he is a womanizer and has many women. He even dated a participant-"

"That participant was you."

"Oh." Lila laughed. "I guess I should be careful with what I read. There isn't much data to go through."

'Since I made sure to censor stuff.'

These moments with Lila truly are peaceful.. But he can't help but wonder. Exactly how much longer does, he have with her? How much longer until the darkness seeks through this land and destroys the peace?