Silver Wish

It didn't surprise her that Haruka fainted shortly after that. But what surprised her was the knowledge of Lila losing her memories. So that is why the girl cried like that when she saw Haruka. It seems the two of them have a natural reaction towards each other, even though they no longer have any memories.

Rikka glanced over and saw Lila pacing back and forth in front of the door, worried. "You can go inside."

"Oh uh, Shinozaki-san." Lila greeted. "Um, please don't misunderstand. I'm just worried about that person."

"It's okay; it's normal for you to worry. You're his wife."

Lila blinked and then exclaimed loudly. "Wi--wife?"

"I hear you lost your memories."

The girl slowly nodded.

"I know this is difficult since you don't remember. But please help him; you're the only one who can heal his heart." Rikka intended to say this calmly, but the tears just naturally fell from her eyes at some point.

Ah, this is no good, since when did she become so weak? How many times has she cried in the last few hours since she came here? This is pathetic. She thought she already lost all her tears after being put under intense torture for so long.

'It seems that isn't the case; I am still as weak as before.'

"Ah, don't cry um." Lila wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "I understand. I will try. Please don't be upset."

Rikka watched Lila go inside, and she stood in the doorway for a few minutes. It seemed Sumire-san was asking Haruka questions as she healed him, but the moment Lila came, Haruka walked over to her. The two stood staring at each other for a few minutes before Haruka hugged her.

"Ah-um." Lila appeared very flustered before she coughed. "You're my husband, right?"

At that comment, Rikka watched something flash across Harukas eyes. It was something gentle and warm like spring. This is the first time in so long that she saw something other than darkness and a hollow look in his eyes.

Thank goodness, it seems Haruka will be okay from now on.

But where does that leave her? What is she supposed to do from now on? She managed to escape, but what is she able to do? Sophia has most likely already killed off her family or imprisoned them somewhere. Whatever friends she had are most likely under the influence of that drug.

'I don't have anyone anymore.'

Rikka recalled what her former fiance said to her before she boarded the plane to follow Haruka to New York. The situation was already worsening in Star Town then. But despite the dangers, he still followed her and saw her off.

She wonders where he is now.

Is that person among the zombie-like population? Did he also get infected?

It's not that she doesn't have anyone anymore. She is the one who pushed them away to chase after a man who already has a wife, someone who he gave his heart to.

What a fool she was. But no matter how much she regretted it, it is already too late to turn back the clock. This is the reality now.

This is the reality she chose for herself, but why is it so painful?

….

For the next few days, Rikka watches them. Gradually it seemed like Haruka was starting to show signs of life. His eyes still seem devoid of any emotion. But he will take action and move without anybody telling him what to do now. Only a few days have passed, but there is progress already.

To think she tried so hard to make sure Haruka regained his senses whenever Sophia wasn't around. Rikka sighed deeply; of course, it was a futile attempt. The moment they tortured him again, the moment the nightmare began.

It wasn't very smart of her to think she could fix the situation like that.

Haruka hugged the girl tightly. Lila turned red and laughed. "I got it. I got it. I won't go anywhere."

"..."

Haruka didn't say anything, but it seemed Lila understood.

'This might be good for her too.' Rikka heard from the others that Lila has many violent breakdowns whenever she suddenly remembers something. But the last few days since they came here, Rikka didn't see that once; this is most likely due to Haruka's presence by Lila.

The others decided from the very first day to leave Haruka in Lila's hands. Though it was more like Haruka didn't want to separate from her.

Strange enough, she would have been jealous in the past, but now she no longer has such feelings. Then again, she knew she no longer deserved Haruka. After what they experienced, it is a wonder that she could still stand in his presence.

Rikka was about to walk past the living room when she heard the sound of Lila talking.

Haruka had the girl back against the wall, and it looked like he was about to kiss her.

"W-ait idiot."

"Nobody is around."

Lila blushed. "That's not the point.."

"I can't?"

"Well--well, you can but

He is talking? Rikka's eyes widened when she saw this sight in front of her. She immediately burst into the room. After the first day, Haruka still didn't talk, so his condition still worried her. What if he has a violent relapse?

Not that she doubted Terashima Sumires abilities, however ever since Sophia kidnapped her, she has lost faith in people.

Lila seemed startled to see her. "Oh Shinozaki-san, uhh...uhh this--"

"He can speak now?" Rikka asked.

"Um, a little." Lila nodded. "But not when other people are around."

Haruka buried his face in Lila's ċhėst, and the girl became more flustered. "Uh don't be rude! You have to say hello."

Haruka, however, didn't budge an inch.

'It's normal for him to feel repulsed when seeing her.' After everything that has happened in that place. Rikka didn't expect Haruka to treat her the same way anymore. Whatever was lingering in his heart for her has vanished now that Sumire-san has erased it.

Rikka quickly walked away and returned to her room. She immediately slumped on the ground and didn't realize that somebody else was there already.

She hears approaching footsteps and looks up to see Terashima Sumire look at her with a concerned gaze.

"I was thinking, Rikka-chan, do you want to come with me?"

"With...with you?"

Sumire nodded. "It must be difficult for you here."

"He looks disgusted whenever he sees me," Rikka muttered. "I thought I could take it, but it is harder than I thought."

It is even more painful because he isn't supposed to have any memories of her, yet there is such a violent reaction.

The older woman patted her back. "I understand you want to be near him. But it must be painful."

"I can't do anything. Back then, too, I could only watch as they tortured him. I could only watch as he slowly lost his sanity."

Now she can't even help heal his wounded heart. She can't help him return to normal.

"Ssh. You poor child. It's okay; you've already done enough. If you're tired, I will help you."

"How come?"

Sumire's gaze softened. "It's not like I don't understand. For me, there was also somebody I wanted to help, but even though I had the power to do so, I couldn't help."

".."

"Say Rikka-chan, come with me, okay? The place we will go to, you can heal your heart and your injuries."