Going Home

After I dropped them off at the hotel, it was around 7:20 PM. We had spent a lot of time just walking around and talking—time flew by.

Since the phone call with Sierra, I've been thinking about my next moves. 

Even though I've successfully gotten Silas on my side, cutting off some of Daniel's power, the battle is far from over. His father's position still stands, as he's the only son—unless Sierra could somehow take that spot.

*Tap, tap, tap.*

I tapped my index finger against the steering wheel as I pondered. I'd already made it to Aunt Karin's house, but I was just sitting out front, lost in thought.

The only way Sierra could possibly take power is if she becomes stronger herself. If she awakens with a strong enough physique, Silas might be inclined to give her the position, especially since he's currently upset with his son.

'Hmm…' 

I had a few plans, but for now, I needed to head inside. 

Getting out of the car, I walked in to find Aunt Karin on the couch, watching TV.

"Oh, Akashic! Did you have fun today?" she greeted me with her usual smile, asking about my day.

"Yeah, it was nice. But I think I'll be heading home tomorrow—something's come up." I noticed the sadness in her eyes. Considering it had been years since she last saw me, I understood her reaction.

"Don't worry. It won't be like before—I'll stay in contact a lot more. Plus, when Naomi visits in a few weeks, I'll pick her up at the airport." I reassured her, and she seemed a little happier.

"I understand. I know how busy you must be, but I'm just happy to have seen you and to have you stay here. It felt like old times…" 

I thought about the last time I was here. Even though the circumstances were awful, I was glad to be around people who cared about me.

I gave her a hug and went off to bed. 

Though I wasn't tired, I still had some planning to do.

---

*Ring, ring, ring.*

*Ring, ring, ring.*

The next day, I got out of the shower and saw that someone was calling me. Grabbing my phone, I glanced at the caller ID.

[Naomi]

I accepted the call and pressed the phone to my ear.

{"It's too early! Don't bother him!"} I heard Lena's voice in the background.

{"There's no harm in asking! Akashic?"} Naomi responded, turning her attention to me.

"Yeah?"

{"Ah, good morning! Sorry to wake you up so early, but we really need some help."} 

Glancing at the time, I saw it was 7:17 AM. I started pulling on a shirt as I responded.

"What's wrong?"

{"So, Lena and Luna's flight leaves at 9:00, and the airport is 45 minutes away. The person who was supposed to give them a ride isn't responding, and rideshares cost $200! Can you please give them a ride? Please!"} 

She blurted everything out in one breath and then went quiet, waiting for my response.

'Well, I was going to go say goodbye to Naomi anyway, and the airport is on my way home.'

"Sure, I'll be there soon." 

I didn't leave her waiting long before responding.

{"Ahh! Thank you so much!"} Naomi shouted happily, and then I heard some ruffling before Lena's voice came through.

{"Really, thank you. I know it's inconvenient, but I appreciate it."} Lena sounded genuinely happy.

"No problem. I can't let you stay here and miss our date now, can I?" I joked, recalling her teasing from yesterday.

{"..."}

No response. Did I misread the situation?

{"…I-I mean...if you...want...we can..."} Her voice trailed off into a stuttering whisper.

{"She's blushing! It's the first time I've seen her this red!"}

{"sister, are you sick?"}

{"S-shut up! Get your bags and let's go!"} 

The phone abruptly hung up. I couldn't help but smile as I heard Naomi and even Luna teasing Lena. It seemed she hadn't expected me to fire back.

[+10 Satisfaction Points]

Since time was short, I hurriedly packed my bags and tucked my phone away. As I made my way through the house, I didn't see Aunt Karin—she was probably still asleep. We'd already said our goodbyes yesterday, so I left, packed the car, and drove over to the hotel.

---

I reached the hotel in seven minutes and saw the three of them waiting downstairs. Naomi was about to check out so she was staying a bit longer. Aunt Karin was going to pick her up later.

I pulled up and got out to help with their bags.

"Thank you!" 

"thank you."

They both thanked me and hugged Naomi before getting into the car.

"Hey, Naomi, something came up, and I need to head home." As soon as I said that, I noticed her expression change.

"W-what? So soon? You just got here!"

"Don't worry, it won't be like before. You're coming down soon, right? I'll pick you up from the airport, and you can stay with me. My house is big enough now." I placed a hand on her head, and she hugged me tightly.

"*Sniff* You promise? I won't forgive you if you lie to me again…" She looked up at me, and I smiled.

"Of course. Since we're on break from school, you'll have a two whole months with me. I'll make up for lost time." She finally smiled and nuzzled against my chest, muttering to herself.

"Hehe, alone time with Akashic...hehe." Though she spoke softly, I heard her clearly.

What ideas are running through her head?

"Okay! I'll see you then—it's getting late." She separated from me, and I realized I needed to leave soon to get Lena and Luna to the airport in time.

"Alright. See you later, Naomi." As I headed back to the car, I noticed a strange look in her eyes that she quickly hid, avoiding eye contact.

My complicated future might be getting more...complicated. Or maybe better?

---

I sped to the airport and arrived in about 30 minutes, avoiding most of the traffic. We reached the departure gate, and the girls hurriedly exited the car.

"We made it with time to spare! Thanks!" Lena smiled.

"thank you, Akashic. see you at school tomorrow?" Luna asked.

"I'm not sure, but probably. I still have your clothes, so if I don't make it to class, I'll meet you after." I answered as Lena fidgeted, seeming hesitant about something.

"You okay?" I asked, glancing at her.

She looked at me, then at the door. *Click.* She unlocked it and opened it but didn't get out.

"Akashic, what's that over there?" she pointed off into the distance.

'Am I five?' I thought, but played along, looking where she pointed when—

*Kiss.*

I felt a light pressure on my cheek as Lena kissed me.

*Shuffle.*

I heard her grab her things and jump out of the car, quickly running into the building.

'Didn't expect her to be so shy. I guess her personality doesn't reflect her experience.' I touched my cheek, smirking.

"umm..." Luna was blushing, looking a little shocked.

"You want me to look away too?" I joked, and her blush deepened before she hurriedly followed her sister out of the car.

Maybe I should be thanking Daniel. If he hadn't killed me, I wouldn't have come back and had these desires—or the ability to act on them.

[+30 Satisfaction Points]

I made sure they got inside before driving off, setting my GPS towards home.

---

After a few hours of driving, I was a little bored. I played my road trip playlist and sang along to pass the time, but it didn't help much.

*Ding.*

I got a message notification. Glancing at my phone, I saw the sender.

[Alexia]

•

[I want to see you.]

I guess she knows what happened. I told her I wasn't home yet but suggested we meet when I got back. 

It would be the first time I'd seen her in person since I died. There were a few things I wanted to do: First, I wanted to scan her to see if she had a physique. Second, it was time to tell her how I felt.

Hesitation only led to my death in my first life. I had no reason to hold back anymore.

I was pretty sure she felt the same way about me, so depending on how the conversation went, I'd decide what to do next.

(A/N: Very first *Special* chapter coming soon…)