First I want to say thank you all for the support lately! It's been really helpful and heartwarming to see ^.^

Now to the next chapter! Hope everyone enjoys it!

In a large abandoned building, set in an unnamed forest at the east from Kuoh. Two large men are stationed at the entrance door, holding a humongous spiky hammer that could crush an average size man whole with a swing.

"Guh!" a sound of a painful grunt emits from inside the building. The sound of that grunt belongs to Genshirou, who is tied up on a chair by in thick chains. His face holds couple fo bruises that are inflicted by the two tall men in front of him. Their glowing red eyes looks down at him with a smirk of sinister worn on their faces, showing pleasure at torturing the boy.

The man behind dressed in an expensive white suit give a signal by cocking his head to the side and the larger man in front swings another right hook, smacking it right at Genshirou's face, forcing his head to lean to the side and another grunt release from his mouth.

"You were so close to assassinating me, low-class," the man in the suit says with a snarl at the end. Genshirou lets out a weak chuckle before moving his head up to look at the man in the eyes "If it weren't for your boyfriend here I would have succeeded," he replies, indicating to the hired bodyguard that's been smacking him around. Of course, saying such a line gets him another fist to the face that cocks his head to the side, a grunt of pain lets out.

"You still have such a mouth even with the situation you're in, low-class" the boss assert, crossing his arms "Is your head so thick that you can't comprehend that you're going to die here, in that chair, low-class?" "I am not going to die here until I complete my contract" Genshirou reply, spitting out a drop of blood to the ground and turn to look at the man "I am going to escape these chains and beat you into a bloody pulp!"

The statement brings amusement to the man in the suit face "That so, go ahead," he encourages, crossing his arms "Do try, I want to see it." "Ok," Genshirou takes a deep breath, gathering mana to summons his sacred gear "Right... Now!" he exclaims, and summons gauntlet in a shape of a lizard's head "You guys are going down!" he says and not a second later the gauntlet shatters away. Genshirou blinks while the man in the suit starts laughing "Ahahahaha! You stupid, low-class! That chain won't allow u to summon out anything. Forget about your sacred gear or even casting a spell! The chain will just disburse it away."

Genshirou silently cusses then release a sigh, "Well," he shrugs, looking up at the two enemies "Guess there's always plan L" "Plan... L?" the boss utters "I mean yeah the saying goes with Plan B, but L is more suiting for what's coming" "What are you talking about, low-class?!" the man demands, getting visibly angry.

"He means me, you white suit jackass," a new voice joins in and cause the three to turn toward the right, witnessing Lucy stepping out of the shadows. "So, you really needed help?" she asks, turning to Genshirou "I wouldn't have texted otherwise" "I was just shocked you'd admit in needing help" "I may be arrogant at times but I'm not dumb, Lucy" "Eh, I see it both ways" "Uhhh," Genshirou grunts in response.

The boss was not amused by the blonde's insult and turn to his bodyguard "Kill her," "Yes sir," the large man nod and stumps toward his next victim. Lucy remains calm and stuffs her hands in the skirt's pocket considering she is wearing the academy's uniform. "Little girl will be crushed!" the large man exclaims in a weird accent that resembles a bit of Mexican kind "Wow, just hearing that sentence makes it clear to me you only have half a brain in that skull of yours aye, amigo?" Lucy retorts.

Enrage by the insult, the large man howls and brings his right arm down at the smaller girl. Lucy counters by stepping to the side, carrying her right hand out of the pocket to catch the man's wrist and toss him away, sending him barreling pass her and smash into the wall.

Lucy then extends her right arm toward the man in the suit to discharge a blast of flames. "Guh!" the man grunt and quickly jumps over the edge, failing to the first floor. "Men! Intruders on the second floor!" he warns, landing on the ground and the dozens of hired guns stationed on the floor instantly speed toward the upper floor.

"Alright, time to raise some hell, Genshirou" Lucy stop in front of her friend "What you going to do exactly?" he asks, a bit nervous "Hmm," Lucy perks when hearing the footsteps from behind "Crap! They are already here!" Genshirou shouts, seeing men pouring from the dark stairs. "Let's play catch!" Lucy grabs one of the chair's leg and lifts it up with her friend still chained on it "Lucy! What are you doi-IIINNNNG!" Genshirou screams in midair by the blonde's throw before he comes crashing on a horde of men.

All comes crashing down and the chair splatter to pieces, freeing the Pawn, who quickly shakes the chains off from his hands and legs rapidly before jumping back, landing next to the blonde. "You!" Genshirou snaps his head at the Makasha, glaring "What the hell was that?!" "It's either that or I burn the chains off... Do you honestly want hot metal burning your skin?" "... Good point" he grunts in response before returning forward to see the enemies back at their feet, all have their weapons unsheathe.

More men start pouring from the left side of the stairway, virtually cornering the two blondes. "You take the right?" Genshirou suggests "Sure, you take the left" "Hehe, will do."

Genshirou summons his sacred gear and thrust it forward, firing two magic lines that wrap around the front men. "Come here!" he shouts, pulling back and sends the men flying to the air, heading toward him, but Genshirou raises his arm up to send the two even higher to the point their heads smash on the ceiling that knocks them out cold. The line disburses, and the men come crashing down in front of the Saji. The rest roars and charge towards him with killing intent "Bring it on!"

Lucy sees the enemies advancing towards her "So, Lads?" she speaks out "Should we this the hot way or the hard way?" the question didn't get any response, something the Makasha expected from hired-arms. "Alright, I'll pick then," Lucy draws her arms up in a fighting stance "The hard way sounds more fun."

"Grhhh!" the front man comes charging first with a dagger in his right hand. He launches it forward, but Lucy takes a step back to dodge it and counter with a quick two-hit combo. A right jab to the stomach before the left hand comes blasting forward and smash right at the center of the man's face, sending him blasting away, flying over the bar and goes falling to the first floor.

Two men come forward and swing their maces down. Lucy jumps over them and lands behind, then raise her left leg up and rotate it around, nailing it at the left man's side before sending him shooting to his comrade. Both barrels through the floor before crashing into a pile of barrels, causing all of it to fall on them, entirely burying them. Lucy cocks her head to the right to miss a fist. She grabs the wrist and pulls it down, having the enemy's elbow nastily smash on her shoulder, causing a sicking creak to erupt, follow by a scream of agony from the man who just has his elbow snap into twos. Lucy then pulls the man over and throws him over her, dropping him through a crate.

Genshirou catches a right hook from the man in front and counter with a vicious uppercut that sends the enemy blasting to the air. Seeing three more enemies advancing, Genshirou jumps back and discharge another magic line and swings it forward like a whip, hitting the three men right on their abdomen and sends him flying through the wooden bar and plummets to the ground floor.

Genshirou turns to his comrade and sees her just kicking all of the enemies' asses from her side 'Wouldn't want to be in their shoes,' he utters, seeing just how stiff the blonde's attacks are 'Just like her brother' he states, chuckling a bit before returning sight to the remaining men.

The two blondes clear house with their opponents, wrecking through them with ease. They didn't go for the kill and instead just knock them out, not finding needing for senseless deaths. Lucy finishes the last guy by the grabbing his face and jumps. "Hah!" she screams, coming down to the ground and smashes the man's head on the floor in a vicious manner, knocking him out cold.

"Huh," Lucy sighs, clapping her hand together before holding her hip "That's the last of them," she turns, seeing Genshirou coming over "Yeah, now for the boss" "Let's." Both smirk and looks at the rails then dash towards it and jumps, hovering over it and stick a landing on the ground floor.

Both stands up and sees the man in the suit standing there at the center, having a smoke and looking at them with those glowing red eyes. "Guess you low-classes hold skills," he states, exhaling smoke, then drops the cigarette. "That's right," Genshirou says, grinning arrogantly and points at himself "This guy here will be the one picking your ass! Should have finished me earlier" "Speak so mighty considering you were just tied up not a moment ago, Genshi" Lucy reminds "She speaks the truth," the boss reply "Whatever!"

"Anyway," Lucy takes a step forward "This should be easy with the two of us," "Hell yeah!" Genshirou shouts, feeling pumped. The two breaks off into a sprint, blasting toward the man in the suit.

"Gahhh!" Genshirou and Lucy explode from the warehouse and plummets to the front grounds. "Uhh," Genshirou groans, gripping his head "Oh, satan... What the hell was that?" "Guess this guy ain't no joke," Lucy utters, standing back up and dust herself.

The warehouse door shines in red before exploding into pieces and emerging from the smoke is the man with spiral red aura swirling around him. "Hmm?" the man stops when seeing a blue symbol glows on the ground. Lucy and Genshirou are surprised to see this, knowing that symbol immediately and out walks from the light is Sona, their King.

Sona glance back at her servants "Lucy, Genshirou... You are taking too long. School has already started" she states "Really?" the Pawn reply, blinking "Has it been that long" "Yes," "Oh... Sorry, Kaichou" he apologizes sheepishly. Lucy notices the stern violet orbs hit her "Hey, I came here to help so don't me that look, Sona" "Address her as Kaichou!" Genshirou inserts, glaring "Ah, Sona and I are good enough friends to start going by names" "It's disrespectful!" "Meh."

Sona shakes her head and sighs at her peerage. "What an embarrassing display," she perks and turns forward when hearing the man speaks, looking at her with disgust "The great Sona Sitri's peerage just hold a bunch of incompetents low-class" he spat.

"Ok," Lucy's right eye glows gold "You just pissed me off, bastard" "Don't" Sona interject, raising her right arm to halt the blonde "I'll handle this, Lucy." The Makasha calms down when hearing anger hiding behind the Sitri's usually cool and collective tone.

Sona strides toward the man, her eyes sharpen considerably. "I don't take well with people insulting my peerage," she states, stopping a few meters away from the man. "Oh?" he smirks in amuse "That so? Well, I am just telling the truth!" he exclaims and thrust his right hand forward to discharge a dense magic blast. "Water Shield," Sona utters and orbs of liquid form in existence around her before they come in front and form a large shield. The blast connects and ignites in a massive explosion that sends tremor.

The man smirks in menace, failing to notice a slither of water coming towards him from behind. The water suddenly jumps and circles around him. "W-what!" the man shouts swiping his arm but proves fruitless with it being a liquid matter. The water joins together in a sphere shape, essentially trapping the man in a prison of water.

The smoke clears to show Sona standing in the same position, unharmed. The water wall disburses from existence. "Whoa," Genshirou utters in awe, seeing the man drowning inside the sphere.

Sona close her eyes and turn around, walking back to her friends "Let's go," she speaks, surprising the two "That's it?" Lucy question, looking at the man "He's still alive. My contractor wanted him dead, Kaichou" Genshirou adds "He'll be dead in a minute," Sona flatly state, glancing back "He's not going to be able to escape there. Each second past by he is getting weaker."

Done with talking, Sona flicks her index and middle finger to summon the teleportation to Genshirou's client position. The three disappear in blue sparkles, leaving the already half-dead man to drown to death.

Time Skip: Kuoh

A sound of thunder roars from the dark clouds that utterly envelope Kuoh's sky. Ever since the start of the week, there's been nothing but rain hitting the city. It is either showering or a cloudy day with not a shred of sunlight. A far cry from a week back with the bright sun and clear, vibrant sky.

"What's going on with the weather lately?" Lucy asks, walking toward the school with Sona and Genshirou "Yeah," the Pawn scratch his cheek with the index finger "It's weird considering it was sunny for so long" "Perhaps it is an ominous sign" Sona state "Uh, don't say that, Kaichou" "Hmm."

The three reach the front gate and sees Tsubaki waiting there. The courtyard is empty considering class is still going on. "Kaichou, Lucy, Genshirou" the Queen greets the three, wearing that collective expression as always. "Hey, Tsubaki-senpai" Genshirou greets brightly "Has the second class start yet?" "It has, you should be able to make it to the third one before break comes" "Sweet."

"Tsubaki," Lucy steps up "Yes?" "It's your duty today to check all the students attending school, yes?" "Correct," "Did Misako attend today?" she asks. Sona and Genshirou perk up when hearing this while Tsubaki's eyes turn slightly solemn "Unfortunately she is still absent" "That's three straight days now," Genshirou state. Sona rests her right hand on her hip, looking at Tsubaki "Have you contacted the parent as I requested?" "I have, and they told me that she's fallen ill" "How bad?" "I can't say... They were quite vague."

Lucy listens to all of this closely, and Genshirou takes note of this. "Why are you asking, Lucy?" "My big bro has been concerned about Misako ever since she suddenly left Akeno's birthday party. Hearing that she's sick won't bring him to ease" "He should go visit her," Sona suggest "After hearing this he will," Lucy reply, slinging her school back over the shoulder "I'll tell him during the break."

Time Skip

The bell rings around the school to signal the first session of today is over, and the break has arrived. Many students in the third-year quickly stand up after their teacher left, clearing their things and exit the classroom to either hang out in elsewhere or heading to the cafeteria to fetch the morning snacks.

One person that has been stuck in his seat is Nawin, who's gazing through the windows with a stoic expression on his face. Looking at the dark clouds on the horizon, seeing the lighting strikes creaking occasionally, showing signs that rain will pour soon.

"Nawin-kun," a soft and soothing voice speaks, concern lace in their tone. A hand gently touches the Makasha's shoulder to gain his attention. Nawin blinks, his eyes show some light, and he turns to the right to see Akeno standing there, looking at with him a loving smile "It's break," "... Right."

Rias stood by the doors with Sonna, both looking at the scene and both hold concern for the Makasha. Ever since the hearing that Misako has been absent from school as of late, the Makasha hasn't been focused on class or anything in particular. He rarely chats with the others and would either spend free times alone or with Akeno, who is one of the few people aside from his sisters that can normally converse with him, but even she has a hard time.

Nawin stands up and heads towards the exit with Akeno by his side. "Nawin-san," Sona speaks, gaining the boy's attention "Lucy wants to talk with you... It's important" she states. Instead of telling him about Misako's situation herself, the Sitri thinks it's wiser to come from his sister. Nawin slowly nods and turn to Akeno, giving her a faint smile "I'll go see Lucy while you can hang with Rias, Akeno" "Are you sure?" she asks, concern "Yeah, I'll be fine."

The Makasha exits the classroom and towards the stairs. Descending to the next floor, he ignores all the gushes and compliments thrown by the students. When reaching the second floor, Nawin looks forward and sees Lucy waiting for him by the classroom doorway. She perks and turns, smiling when seeing him. Nawin returns the smile with his own faint one as he stops in front. "Hey, Big Bro!" "Hello, Lucy" he replies "How was class?" "Meh, it was fine. Nothing difficult for me" "Glad to hear. So," Nawin's returns stoic, "Sona told me you wanted to talk to me?" "Yeah, it's about Misako," Lucy says and sees her brother's eyes widen ever slightly when hearing the name of the Ichiru "Considering she has been absent for three days now. Us student council club took action and called her family to know the reason for that, and we learned that Misako has fallen ill" she state.

Nawin's heart skips a beat hearing this, learning that Misako's sickness has resurfaced again. "H-how bad is it?" he asks, grimacing "We don't know exactly... Tsubaki said that the parent was quite vague with the answer" Lucy replies, growing concern when seeing her brother's brown eyes glowing in troubled. "Is something wrong?" she asks, not fully grasping the knowledge of Misako's troubled past and how serious her sickness can become "... No," Nawin shakes his head, a weak smile form on his lip as he brings a hand down on the blonde's head, affectionately ruffling it. "Thanks for telling me this, Lucy" "No problem... Big bro, if you are worried why don't you visit her after school today?" she suggests "I will," Nawin strongly reply, returning his hand "After hearing this, I have to."

Time Skip: Ichiru Bakery

'For so long I've always seen the world in such grayness. I was born with a sickness that came close to killing me when I was a baby. My heart was weak compared to others. With that being the case... Most of my life was spent in a bed, being in the care of my parent, who would do their best to make my life as comfortable as possible given my circumstance. My father and mother were the best parents ever and always was there for me. They were the only two people for a long time I can just talk and laugh with.'

'I never had any friends because I was never healthy enough to attend school. Instead, I was homeschooled by my parents, so I never had an opportunity to make friends. Most of my life I spend looking out of a window, to look at the outside world and wishing I could be healthy enough just to go out there and be normal. Have friends to hang out with, go to school with, go to the movies with, go shopping with, and many more. I just wanted to get out of the bed and go out there to have fun.'

'I wanted so much to get out there that I would push myself out of bed, but I could never make it out of the house before collapsing and start feeling pain in my heart, feeling like I could have died at any moment. It always hurts when I looked out the window and saw many people my age, walking past our house, chatting with each other and laughing at the variety of subject they would talk about. I envied them so much, but I could never grow to hate any of them. They were normal and unfortunately, I wasn't born normal... I was born with an unknown sickness that could put me on death doors at any given moment.'

'No matter how many doctors my parent took me, no matter how many examinations they did on my heart. No one held a clear answer on what I had, but what they always said is that I should never push myself and I should always be kept a close eye on. I forever hated when they said that because it means they wanted me to stay in my room, resting on my bed for the entirety of my life.'

'But, one day that changed. When we moved to Kuoh, I started getting better once more, but at that time I was significantly healthier than I have ever been before. After much begging, my parent enrolled me in a school called Kuoh Academy. I was so overjoyed to finally attend a normal school, and even though the first day wasn't that great, I was happy to be there. It was hard making friends since I was so secluded for my entire life, I didn't exactly know how to make friends. I would stutter a lot or get my words mixed up to the point people just started laughing at me.'

'Even with that I was still happy, but my life was still missing something, something important. That was until I met him, Nawin Makasha, a mysterious boy that immediately caught my attention. I saw him before at school but never thought of approaching him since he was always surrounded by the upper-class students. He was treated like a celebrity, so I could never go near him, and even if I tried, the girls would always pushed me away and throw harsh insults at me, saying I wasn't worthy to talk to him.'

'But, the day I ran into him was the day I got to know more about him, to finally talked with him. Instead of being a snobby person like I was expecting in the back of my mind, Nawin-kun turned out to be such a kind and caring person, who would do anything to protect the people he loves. He became my first friend in my entire life and slowly, over time he became the person who gives color and vibrant in my gray world. He became the person who I have hopelessly fallen deeply in love with.'

'I loved everything about him. The way he shows affection, his kindness, his rare jests, his ability to draw people's attention, and most of all his rare smiles that I always found to be beautiful and would never fail to make my heart skip a beat.'

'He has saved my life multiple times, and when I got sick again, he was there to give support and help me successfully pushed through it. Because of his support and kindness, I was able to live a healthy life for months and able to make friends with his. I was living my dream of being an ordinary girl.'

'But, even with all the happiness, I had when meeting him. There was always something I could never get, and it was his heart. Because it belonged to another girl, Akeno Himejima. I was happy when he found a girl that was able to make him smile and bring happiness to his world, but even with that said. Whenever I see Nawin-kun and Akeno together, it always hurts my heart.'

'I never tried to interfere with their love because I wasn't that kind of person. Because in the end, if Akeno can make Nawin-kun happy, then she deserves him. Even if I am in pain when seeing them together, it was worth it to see him happy because he gave me happiness in return. He gave me the strength to overcome my sickness, he gave me friends that I always hung out with. And most importantly Nawin-kun is my friend even if he can't be more.'

'Even though I tried to suppress this feeling I had for him. I knew deep down it would explode one day. As much as I wanted to tell myself that I could never be with him. Even though I knew we both live in two different worlds. In the end, I still love him, and nothing was going to change that, nothing.'

'On Akeno's birthday, watching him and her being so in love and interact with each other so affectionately. It was torture for me, it was hurting my heart. Then when I saw him with Irina, who was another girl I knew harbors feelings for him, seeing how close they were, it was enough to break my heart.'

A noise of a clock's ticking rings inside the dim lit pink bedroom. A sound of the howling wind can be listened from outside from the powerful breeze blowing pass, signaling a heavy rain is incoming.

Laid on the large bed is Misako, with a wet towel placed on her forehead. Her sapphire-blue eyes gaze blankly at the ceiling. A single teardrop falls down her cheek and touches the pillow as the event of Akeno's birthday recollects in her mind. Remembering her running out, remembering seeing Nawin's concern face.

"W-why didn't I just said it?" she utters, breathing heavily "I-I am so timid and gutless... I should have told him... If I wasn't so weak and shy, I could have been with him." More tears start dropping down, Misako's breathing becomes more rapid to the point she takes notice and quickly calms her breather, not wanting to risk hurting her heart. "M-my heart," she chuckles dryly "Sunday, at that birthday party I felt like my heart i-is broken... This sickness is nothing compared to what I felt b-back then... It hurt s-so much."

"If I wasn't so shy in the beginning I could have been with him!" Misako shouts and slams her right hand on the bed. She weeps lightly, mustering the strength to glare at the ceiling. "I am so... pathetic."

Elsewhere

With the school ended ten minutes ago, Nawin now finds himself heading toward the Ichiru's bakery, intending to meet with the girl that's been on his mind for the past three days. 'Big bro, if you are worried why don't you visit her...' Lucy's words rings in his head. He knew he should have done this two days ago after finding out that Misako did not come to school on Monday.

In truth, Nawin was afraid to see Misako again after how fresh the memory of her running out of the birthday party, how fresh that image of her crying face haunts his mind. His heart aches when remembering those beautiful sapphire-blue eyes that usually beam in happiness and compassion turned to nothing but sadness and despair, like she was defeated, lost, hurt. The image of this haunted the Makasha for the past three days, and it is what kept him hesitate to see Misako, scared he would witness that look once again.

"Hm," Nawin perks when seeing the bakery in the distance, seeing the colorful sign hanging on top of the front door, swinging forward and backward by the strong and cold breeze that's become common since the start of the week. Gaining distance, Nawin notice Misako's mother standing in front of the store, watering the colorful plants by the doorway.

"Oh," Moka halts her task, sensing a magic signature coming towards her. She turns and smiles when seeing Nawin stopping beside her, returning with a faint smile of his own. "Hello, Miss Moka" "Hello, young man," she replies, giggling a bit which cause the Makasha to be reminded of Misako since the two share such resembles, and their personality is equally the same.

"It's been so long since you've visited," Moka assert "Yeah, I've been quite busy as of late" "I have heard." Nawin takes a deep breath and exhales before looking up at the mother's eyes "Miss Moka, is it true Misako has fallen ill again?" "She has," Moka answers in honest, her expression turn grimace, her grip on the watering can's handle tighten "She's been in bed for three days now" she states.

Nawin grit his teeth in anger, hearing how bad of a shape the Ichiru is. "Can... Can I see her?" "No," Moka swiftly inserts, shocking the Makasha "P-pardon?" he mutters, not sure if he heard the mother's words correct. Moka's soft and kind expression turn compose, her eyes hold just concern for her daughter and nothing towards the Makasha. "I'm sorry, Nawin, but you seeing Misako currently isn't the wisest of choice" "Can you elaborate," Nawin asks in stoic but sharp tone "You really don't know do you?" Moka asks, her expression soften "You really are like your mother when it comes to this stuff..." "Can we focus on the main topic here, Miss Moka" Nawin sharply reply, his mood already soured, and the current matter isn't helping.

Moka can see how hard the teenager is taking by her daughter's declining health, but she knows that Nawin is some part to blame on Misako's sickness resurfacing. She would never hold any grudge, but she does see the facts. Moka always knew that Misako has fostered a deep affection towards Yao's son, but never was confident enough to speak until it was too late and Nawin got together with Akeno. Even then, Moka always saw that her daughter never cut that affection, because Misako hoped that one day it would be her with Nawin.

When seeing her daughter suddenly barged home at night and seeing the tears flowing down her eyes and the look of heartbroken on her face, Moka knew that Misako has reached the breaking point and just couldn't stand by the sideline anymore to watch the person she loves be in a relationship with another.

Moka flinches when the memory of Misako suddenly collapses on the stairs and the look of horror on her and her husband's face when they saw the familiar symptoms returned. "I can't tell you because it should come from Misako's mouth, not mine" Moka state "Then let me see her," "I said you can't, Nawin. For you to see her currently will do more harm than good."

Nawin openly grits his teeth, his hands clench tightly until the knuckles turn white. Turning his head up, the Makasha look at the window on Misako's room. "Go home, Nawin" Moka advice "When she's better you two can speak again" "... The way you are speaking... It sounds almost like I am in part to blame for Misako's sickness" Nawin utters, his tone harden as his sight return to the mother.

Moka exhales, her gaze sharpens "Nawin, you fight to protect your friends and love one. I see you are that kind of person and from what I've heard, it is an accurate assumption. But what you failed to realize, Nawin is that by doing that you believe every single one of your friends will be happy and healthy. You think protecting them from evil will be enough, they will be safe and happy, but what you neglected to realize is that you turned a blind eye to specific points, such as their feelings. Because of that, my daughter is suffering and bedridden." Nawin is left stunned by Moka's words. He opens his mouth to try to respond, but all that comes out is silence. His heart rate increases while his brain goes to scramble through thoughts.

Nawin looks up once again, and his eyes widen when spotting Misako at the window, looking directly toward him. But, his eyes soften when seeing dried tears on her face. Those sapphire-blue eyes look immeasurably sad, and it was all directed towards him. Nawin felt his heartache by those eyes and was unable to keep staring at them, instead return to Moka. "Fine," he utters monotonously "I'll go."

Moka watch the boy leave, seeing the concern and sadness in his face. She wanted to say something but knows it isn't her place, it is something he and Misako need to solve when she gets better. Moka looks up towards the window and sees her daughter already left, probably returned to bed.

Walking silently to his home, Nawin didn't really pay attention to his direction and just let his legs guide the way. His mind is focused solely on Misako and Moka's words. Her statement replies in his mind for a dozen time now, and he tries to decipher what it really means. He wants to understand so badly because, in the back of his mind, Nawin knows that he is part in fault of this.

'You turned a blind eye to specific points, such as their feelings. Because of that, my daughter is suffering, and bedridden' Moka's word repeats once again. Nawin stops, something finally clicks in his mind "... Feelings" he whispers then feels a raindrop hitting his hand.

Thunder roars and out of nowhere, the shower of rain start heaving down Kuoh. Lightning strikes can be seen on the north, and a second later a thunderous roar is heard once again. Nawin looked stoically up at the dark skies, thoroughly soak in the rain now and didn't give any care. "Misako..." he whispers in a tone full of regret and sadness "You really feel that way?"

Time Skip

Hours proceeds on and the pouring rain continuous falling on Kuoh. Lighting strike could occasionally be seen in the distance, followed by the booming thunders sound. With such weather, the people of Kuoh stayed at home and stared out of their windows or arranges some indoor activities to entertain themselves.

By the time the rain has passed, night already has fallen in the city. At the Makasha's household, the family finished their dinner long ago, and presently, Nawin is tucking one of his little sisters to sleep.

"Comfortable?" Nawin utters, placing the blanket over Asia and takes a seat beside the bed. "Um-hmm," she replies with a nod, smiling "Very. Thanks for tucking me in, Onii-chan" "No problem... It's been a while since I did" Nawin replies, placing his right hand on the blonde's cheek "I have been so busy lately," "I understand, so you don't need to feel guilty."

"Onii-chan," Asia speaks out, facing her brother "Yes?" "Please stop being sad..." she says, surprising Nawin "When you are sad, it makes everyone feel down" "... I know, don't worry" he replies, leaning down to give the blonde a kiss on the forehead "I'll fix everything tomorrow, and we'll be back to normal" "You will help Misako?" "I'll work it out, yes" "Ok," Asia replies with a bright smile.

Nawin pulls back and releases Asia's cheek, leaving the bed to stand up. He heads toward the door and stops by the light switch. "Good night, Asia," he says, glancing at the blonde and sees her throw him one last smile "Good night, Onii-chan."

Nawin pushes down the switch to turn off the light before exiting the room and gently shuts the door close. Now in the hallway, Nawin turns left and see Lucy's room door is still open. Pushing the door forward, Nawin spots the young blonde sitting at the desk, doing some homework.

Lucy perks and looks up at the mirror to see her brother in the reflection. "Big bro," she says, placing the pen down and pushes her feet to the side, spinning the chair around to face him. "How are you doing?" Nawin asks, walking into the room and takes a seat on the bed "Tired," Lucy answers and lets out a yawn "Having homework isn't really helping" "You're smart, I'm sure you just finished it" "Hehehe, I actually did."

Lucy grins and jumps out of her chair to fly towards her brother. Nawin smirk, and with his quick reflex, catches the blonde in midair then teleports by the side of the bed to gently place her down at the center. "Aww, you got me," she pouts cutely, making Nawin chuckle and brings his right hand on her head, affectionately ruffling the loose and beautiful blonde lock "As I'll ever let you drop to the ground. You will never get hurt on my watch" "Hehe, I know."

"Bounce," Nawin says, and Lucy does as tell, pushing her hands on the bed to send her up the air for a few seconds, giving time for her brother to quickly pull the blanket down. Lucy lands back on the bed and have a blanket pull over her a second later. "There," Nawin smiles and leans in to give a kiss on the girl's forehead "Love you, Lucy" he whispers "Love you too, Big bro."

Nawin pulls back and is about to stand up "Big bro," Lucy calls, stopping him "Yeah?" "Is Misako ok? You didn't talk about her during dinner" "She's recovering," he answers, giving a reassuring smile "I'll talk to her tomorrow" "You didn't get to today?" "No... her mother says she's still isn't feeling well enough for visitors" "Oh, alright."

Nawin stands up "Don't worry, Lucy. I'll handle it" he states and turns, heading toward the door "I care for Misako, and figured the problem... I won't rest until she is better" "I know you won't" Lucy replies with a smile, watching her brother switch the lights off and hold the door handle, giving her one last smile. "Good night, Lucy" "Night, Big bro" she utters and closes her eyes, listening to the door gently shut.

Exhaling, the Makasha once again finds himself in the dark hallway. He looks at the end of the hall where his room is, sensing Akeno still in the bathroom taking a shower. "I need some air," he mutters and turns toward the stairs.

Ichiru Bakery

"Guh!" Misako's eyes snap open and swiftly sits up, sweat evidently showed on her face, her breathing is rapid. "Uh," she whimpers, gripping her head "S-stupid nightmares... T-the sickness always brings them out." The Ichiru looks at the time to see it is close to ten 'Mom and Dad should be asleep' she notes and looks to the window to see the rain has stopped 'I should go for a short walk. The pain is gone... For now.'

Putting on long white sweatpants and a simple pink sweater over her sleeveless yellow shirt, Misako leaves her room and quietly head down the stairs. Putting on a black flip-flop, she unlocks the front door and exits the bakery, quietly shuts the door and use the key to lock it for safety reason.

Misako takes a deep inhale, sucking in the cold night air to her lungs before exhaling it out. "Let's go right," she whispers to herself and start walking, crossing her arms together to keep them warm.

Being that it is late, the neighborhood is quiet with the occasional cars, bikes, or taxis driving through the streets. Misako wasn't much worried about getting robbed or such since the area here is a peaceful one that doesn't contain noticeable crimes, unlike at the center of the city.

Misako takes a sharp left, just letting her feet guide the way since her mind is occupied with many thoughts. A cold breeze suddenly blows pass the girl, causing her to halt and blinks a couple of time from the wind hitting her face. She looks up, and her eyes widen when spotting Nawin standing there, underneath a lamp post, looking equally shocked.

"Misako..." "Nawin-kun..." both whispers, looking at each other with many emotions running in their eyes. Not expecting to meet this suddenly, Nawin is unable to find the words to discuss the matter he wanted to with the Ichiru. So, instead, he puts on a smile and asks, "How are you feeling?" "... A bit better" Misako replies, but didn't return the smile and looks sadder than anything else.

Misako chokes out a chuckle and puts on a faint smile fill with misery "I-I always make you worry, don't I?" she asks, catching the Makasha off-guard "M-maybe that's why I could never say it... Because I am so weak in this f-frail body, that I would shackle you down. I never w-wanted to be born like t-this" she whispers, tears flowing down her eyes.

"M-Misako," Nawin utters taking steps forward only to see the Ichiru takes steps back from his advancement. "N-no," she shakes her head, smiling in despair "I-I can't... Please leave me alone for a while because I just can't. Looking into your e-eyes and seeing those concern directed towards me is p-painful to watch. A-all I ever wanted to see from those e-eyes are l-love and h-happiness."

Unable to stay any longer, feeling her heart beating rapidly, Misako swiftly turns around and runs back in the direction of her home. Nawin wanted to give chase but knows it isn't the right move because he doesn't have the words to respond and it'll only end up hurting Misako more.

Tears still dripping down her eyes, Misako's vision blurs slightly, but she doesn't stop to wipe them. She just wanted to get home and fall asleep to leave this miserable day behind. "Gah!" she cries in shock and collapse on the road, gripping her chest in pain, feeling the heart beating in an unnatural rate.

Misako starts breathing rapidly, trying to get air into her lungs to calm the heart. "Ahh-uhh," she whimpers in agony, her expression shows extreme pain, and new tears form on her eyes, tears of suffering. A sudden noise of a vehicle's horn blasts from the right followed by a screeching sound of tires breaking. "Watch out!" a scream from a man warns, and Misako turns to see nothing but blinding light.

A booming sound of a thud rings in the quiet night. "Kyyaaaahhhhhh!" a woman's shriek is heard from the couple in the car, both staring horrified at the limp body of Misako laid a few feet away. They gasp in absolute terror when seeing blood starts leaking onto the ground. "C-call the hospital immediately!" "R-right."

Next Chapter: Tragedy Befall, Words Of The Past