43 Like Orihime and Hikoboshi (4)

Light Academy Dorms.

Yumeko halted what she was doing; having felt a familiar sensation from before. Connection. It should have broke. Ever since that day, the connection they all shared broke. No, he's the one who left. Even with the death of your leader, you regain your powers. But you're able to destroy your connection. However, from time to time, when things get especially bad.

Did...Did he get hurt?

It wouldn't activate unless he got hurt...

___________________________________________________

When he sees the color of the flash of light, his eyes go wide but dimmed almost immediately and used that opportunity to get away. The slash on his arm was deep, but he still got outside.

. .

He's never thanked his good reflexes so much before in his whole life. Thankfully, he escaped. Haruka slumps in a wall, in a nearby alleyway. His gaze landed on the direction he fled from, smoke and the color of flames. The fire was spreading quickly, and he could hear the sounds of police cars, ambulances, and fire engines.

The floating pink of light had followed him.

Haruka exhaled deeply, muttering to himself.

Honestly, the last thing he wants to do is accept her help.

But, if he goes seeing Lila like this. Even she'll get mad at him.

Just this once.

______________________________________________

Light Academy Dorms

Oh, he accepted. Are things that bad? Or maybe, it's probably for Ari-chan. Yumeko brought up celebrating the girls' birthday to the others only to receive a reply from her brother explaining Ari-chan already has plans and to save it for another day. It didn't take her long to realize who the other person is. It would be bad for him to meet her injured. Yumeko continues closing her eyes, her hands in a prayer position, as she's enveloped in a warm pink light.

After concentrating for a good quarter of an hour, all traces of malice and blood seemed to fade. So Yumeko stopped, someone wrapped a blanket around her, and she turned to see her brother standing in the doorway.

"Brother.."

Kouta wore his usual expression as he asked, "He's okay now?"

"Yes.."

"I see."

Part of the reason her brother is always hostile towards that person is most likely because of what happened before. The reason brother isn't wholly against him is that she was at fault. That persons special friend died because of her. She wouldn't be the same if she lost a valuable friend. It's only natural.

"Yumeko. Since she came here, have you been getting to know her?"

Brother mentioned no specifics but was glancing at Ai-chan's desk.

Yumeko nodded. "I have when she's at the dorm; it's easy."

During school hours, however, it's a lot more difficult. After all, Yumeko recalled what happened earlier.

...

-----

Light Academy Main Building -Hallway-

"Senpai!"

"Come here."

Ari-chan sent her apologetic look and walked over. No sooner had her friend got there. Haruka pulled her into his arms.

"S—senpai. Ann—anno--" Ari stammered.

"Staying with me?"

"Yes…"

"Mm."

-----

That happened so frequently; she's given up inviting the girl to have lunch with her.

"Be good to her."

She's been thinking this for a while now. But how does her brother and even Mikami-kun, know Ari-chan? Also, they seem to treat her especially. Yes, there's something special about Ari-chan that's different from everyone else. But that's not enough. This is the first time she's ever seen her brother like this. They usually bicker back and forth. But, occasionally they can talk to each other like this.

After a while, Yumeko spoke up, "Say, Brother?"

"What is it?"

"Do you think, I'll be okay?"

A question she's asked frequently because she's uncertain, instead of not replying or reprimanding her. Her brother nodded slowly, silent for a few minutes, carefully choosing his words before he responded to her.

This moment didn't last long though when her brother's phone rang. He answered it and after a few seconds turned to her.

"Yumeko, grab your coat and come with me."

.......

Moonlight Entertainment.

This place?

"God damn, it. You haven't found her yet?"

A guy with white hair was angrily barking orders at people.

"No, we have looked everywhere boss."

"Look harder; she can't have gone far."

Yumeko flinched when the scary guys gaze met hers. There was something almost deadly about it.

Her brother broke the deadly silence, "She's gone?"

"Kanehara. Do you know where she is?."

"Yes."

At that comment, the guy slams the table once again, and in a flash had grabbed hold of her brother's collar. Yumeko's eyes widened What's happening?

"You, do you not know what you're doing? She isn't supposed to contact him. By doing this, she won't complete her journey properly.."

"If you'll let me speak, I've done my fair share of research. A single meeting won't do anything."

". ..Tsk."

The guy turned towards her, "Who is this? Outsiders are not allowed--"he scans her up and down, "Your in luck. Girl, use your powers."

"Brother?"

He gives her a reassuring nod.

Yumeko followed the man down several hallways before arriving at some cold looking staircase. He lit a candle and extended it towards her, Yumeko blinks surprised but takes it, after a few minutes they finally arrive at an isolated, looking room. Yumeko immediately recognized it. Even though she's never stayed here before, it must be Ari-chan's room. She placed the candle down and squinted to the ground as she closed her eyes.

...........

A long time has passed since she last used her powers this much. Ever since that incidence, she has refrained from doing so. Perhaps it is because she used them to help Haruka just a few moments ago. But she felt herself getting exhausted real quick. Yumeko shakes her head; she has to help find her. She concentrates even more of her power on the circle, Ari-chan, where did you go? Before she could go any further though.

A warm hand pulled her back.

"Mikami-kun."

He looked dangerously at the man named Soichiro, "This one, leave with me."

"Her powers are useful, despite her personality."

"There's another who has the same. I'll find her for you, isn't that what we agreed on?"

"Well, girl. What did you see?" he asked her, suddenly more calmly.

What did she see?

How is she supposed to explain those events to anyone? Also, why were Ari-chan and this person in such a dangerous place like that and this guy—isn't he supposed to be the CEO of her company? Why is he doing something like this? Noticing his stare and everyone else looking, Yumeko takes a deep breath and conveys the events she had just seen.

"Someone loosened it beforehand?"

"More like, someone loosened it in the last few seconds of her fight."

"Did you see?."

Yumeko provided the details of the vague recollections she saw but noticed his impatience, before adding, "It was a girl. There was a dark circle, with an X engraving."

"...Miyazawa."He murmured, "So that chick is.. hahaha. Aahaa."

She flinched hearing the guys sudden manic laughter. What's with this person.

"Does that woman think she can get away with this? I'll kill her."

Kil--? It's true that someone hurt Ari-chan deliberately, but does he have to go so far?

"Mikami, take Yumeko back." Her brother suddenly said.

Yumeko concerned didn't want to leave her brother here. Even she could tell how dangerous this place was, "Brother, you're coming too."

"You will look uglier if you don't sleep."

"How rude!!!"

... .. ....

No sooner had they gotten outside, Mikami flicked her forehead, "That hurts."

Yumeko exclaimed.

He pinched her cheeks and pulled on them, "Punishment. I told you, even if your brother says so, don't go out tonight."

"I wanted to! But brother said it was important. That something happened to Ari-chan. I can't abandon a friend."

Mikami exhaled deeply, "Your friend doesn't need help."

"...She's a hanyou?"

Yumeko guessed.

"A strong one too, you don't have to worry."

Contrary to Mikami-kun's words, his expression said so otherwise. Before she could ask anymore though, he was already walking off. Yumeko quickly hurried after him.