Chapter 4 ~ The Secret Revealed ~
" Riyu!" Morning has arrived the very next day, Hikari stepped into Riyu's room to greet him but he was not there.
" Did he came home last night... " Hikari came into Riyu's room and plopped herself on his bed staring at the ceiling.
" Hikari-chan? What're you doing in Riyu-kun's room? " Seiichiro looked at Hikari causing her to turn red.
" AH! It's nothing...Ha...ha... Don't tell him! " Hikari tried to smile off, she arranged the bed nicely and followed Seiichiro downstairs.
" Sensei.. Do you know where's Riyu? "
" Oh! He left very early this morning.. "
" I see... " Hikari's tone became serious as they walked down the stairs and finally reached the hall.
" Hikari-chan! I have made your breakfast! Oto-san has put in all his love into this breakfast! " Seiichiro gleamed.
Hikari could only just smile at Seiichiro, as she came to the dining table, she had a uneasy feeling.
" Sensei... What time is it now? "
" Oh! Just another 15 minutes before school starts! Come tuck in! " Seiichiro smiled widely.
" OH NO! I'm going to be late!! " Hikari got up from her seat and rushed out of the house.
" What about breakfast... " Seiichiro muttered but Hikari was no where in sight.
" What a day to start with! " Hikari quicked her pace to beat the school bell's ring.
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" Ahh...Made it..." Hikari sighed as she was still early after entering the academy's gate.
As usual, the morning was filled with girls shouting and gathering around the Special Class's building.
" Get back to class right now! " Riyu came with an "evil aura" which caused all the girls to run back to class.
" The same old thing.. " Shin commented as he walked pass Riyu.
" Good work guardian! " Aries smiled.
" Eh? Where's Hikari? " Subaru asked.
Riyu sighed at the vampires in front of him and turned back, just as he looked up, Hikari was walking towards them.
" Taking a break Hikari-chan? " Shin clinged on to Hikari.
" No... " Hikari tried to push Shin away from him, and was helped by Raien.
" Class is starting.. " Rikku came out annoyed together with Ray.
" Alright let's go.. " Takumi smiled and got the rest going.
Hikari and Riyu stood there watching the special class students leaved.
" Ahh.. I wonder what's for lunch later.. " From afar, Shin's voice was heard.
" Riyu? What's wrong? " Riyu started panting and crouching down, Hikari bent down to help him.
" Riyu.. Do take care of yourself... " Ray left the both of them.
" Ray senpai... " Hikari looked at Ray's back going further and further away from her.
Hikari was engrossed in her thoughts until she felt a sudden movement.
" Riyu? Ah! Wait up! " Hikari got up and ran to Riyu's side.
" Are you alright? Feeling any better? " Hikari stopped and held on to Riyu's arm.
" Yes.. Don't worry.. " Riyu answered emotionessly and tried to move forward but was stopped.
" Y..Yes! Are you angry with me about yesterday? "
" What makes you think so... " Riyu gave a weak smile and covered Hikari's eyes.
" You're acting strange Riyu... " Hikari murmured.
" Am I? " After finishing their talk, Riyu walked off.
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" Alright! Open your book to page 189 everyone! " Seiichiro said.
Just at that moment, one female student came into the class.
" Ahem! Watanabe-san! Late again? " Seiichiro looked at the girl.
" Sensei.. Can't you see she's hurt? " Reiya commented.
" Oh my! Well...Let's carry on with the lesson shall we? Mai-chan you can returned to your seat. " Seiichiro smiled while the other students were sighing.
" Mai are you alright? " Hikari heard some of her fellow students whispering from her opposite tables.
" Yes..."
" But your blood is still coming out you know... "
Just when someone said blood, Hikari felt a push from behind and saw Riyu standing up.
" Riyu? " Everyone looked at Riyu, inlcuding Hikari and were all puzzled by his sudden movement.
Seiichiro sensed something and quickly went over to Riyu.
" Everyone continue reading your book... Ri..." Just as Seiichiro was about to finish his sentence, Riyu ran out of the class.
" Everyone quiet down! Riyu-kun just didn't get enough sleep. that's all... " Seiichiro smiled.
" Liar.." Everyone thought of the same thing and class resumed.
The bell rang and everyone started to talk about what happened just now. Hikari saw Seiichiro walking out of the room and quickly ran over to him.
" Sensei! Why didn't you run after Riyu just now? " Hikari asked.
" It's alright Hikari-chan! He just need some fresh air. Nothing will happen! "
" Nothing will happen? "
" Hikari.. Hikari! " Hikari was snapped out of her deep thought by her friends.
" I'm sorry.. What is it? "
" There's something wrong with Riyu am I right? " Izumi asked.
" Hikari please tell me anything you know! " Reiya held Hikari's hands.
" I want to know as well... I.. I just don't know anything!! " Hikari ran off.
" Hikari! " Izumi and Reiya both shouted.
" Don't worry.. Hikari-chan will know what to do.. " Misaki popped up beside the two.
" You mean.. Hikari is going to Riyu's side alone? " Reiya asked.
" Do you want to go as well? " Misaki giggled.
" Let's go then! " Reiya pulled the two with her.
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" What an odd place to find you... "
" Kanagi!? " Riyu was surprised to see Ray who was not looking at him but knew he was there.
" Running away is not the solution Riyu.. " Ray closed his book and turned to look at Riyu.
" One day you will still turn into something that you detest so much of. " Ray walked towards Riyu's side.
Riyu kept quiet and clenched his fists as he knew there's no way to retaliate something that's going to happen for sure.
" Do you still hate us? Just like you hate her? " Ray questioned.
" What're you saying?! " Riyu frowned.
" Perhaps one day, the master and her servant will meet again. "
" Ray Kanagi! You! "
" Riyu! " Hikari appeared just as Riyu was about to point his gun at Ray.
" Ray-senpai? " Hikari rushed over to Riyu's side and was surprised to see Ray there as well.
" Riyu, just one more thing to add, I will not want to see the one I love get hurt.. Remember that. " Ray and Riyu looked at each other, leaving Hikari in confusion.
" Hikari.. Riyu is fine.. Don't worry.. " Ray stroke Hikari's hair and smiled.
" Thank you very much! " Hikari bowed, trying to hide away her feelings.
Ray then left the two, giving Riyu one last look.
" Riyu! Do you know how worried everyone is! "
Riyu slowly sat down on the grass, laying back on the tree trunk and shut his eyes.
" I'm sorry... I will not disturb you.. " Hikari smiled and was about to leave when she felt someone holding her hand.
" Stay with me for awhile... Just awhile.. " Riyu said.
" Alright.. " Hikari smiled and sat down and watched Riyu.
" He looks so calm right now... I'm glad he's alright... "
" Just awhile... And I will return you back to him.. "
" Ray-sama are you alright with that? " Aries asked.
Ray did not reply Aries, the others quickly signal to her. Ray reopened his book only to continue reading.
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" TA DA! My dinner special for tonight!! " Seiichiro opened his arms widely.
" Wow! " Hikari was delighted at the spread they were going to have.
" I made many Hikari's favoutite dished tonight! Do eat up! "
" I will! " Hikari smiled.
" Riyu-kun hasn't come down yet.. Why don't.." Seiichiro was about to finish when Riyu came down.
" Riyu! Let's eat! Tonight dishes are great! " Hikari looked eagerly at Riyu.
" I know.. I know.. Itadakimasu. " Riyu replied.
" Hey.. Why are you showing me a ' she's really a glutton face ' ? " Hikari narrowed her eyes and looked at Riyu.
" Really? " Riyu just questioned back at her, Hikari then gave a slight giggle.
" So the two of you have made up! " Seiichiro appeared at the kitchen's window and smiled widely.
" Yes! " Hikari answered loudly, Riyu remained quiet and continued his dinner. The atmosthere was fun and relax, at least everyone was enjoying it.
" I will clean up! Why don't your rest early? " Seiichiro said.
" Is that alright? " Hikari asked.
" Of course, this is what oto-san has always wanted to do... And I.."
" Let's leave before the story never ends.. " Riyu said and went upstairs, followed up by Hikari. Seiichiro returned back to his normal self after the two had gone up, he closed his eyes for a short moment and smiled.
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" It's so late already.. Finally done finishing all these homework! " Hikari stretched her arms as she talked.
The evening wind blew softly into the room, Hikari started tidying up her desk before going to bed.
" Right! I almost forgot to return this notebook! Silly me.. " Hikari knocked herself on the head and walked out of her room towards Riyu's room.
The second storey corridor was dark and quiet, the sound of the wind could be heard. Hikari stood outside Riyu's room and moved her hand to knock on the door, however she could felt her own instinct not wanting to.
" What am I going to say to him... "
Just when Hikari was going to knock on the door, she could hear some noises inside Riyu's room. The sound of furnitures being pushed and someone panting.
" Riyu! " Without further thought, Hikari opened the door and rushed in, only to see Riyu sitting on the floor panting.
" Riyu.. Are you okay? I will call Sensei here! " Hikari was about to leave again when Riyu pulled her.
" Don't need to bother... I'm fine... " Riyu stood up and left his room.
" What's with that attitude? " Hikari got alittle angry, she was about to leave the room when she spot some pills on Riyu's bed.
" Is he sick? " Hikari examined one of the pill.
" This doesn't look like an ordinary medicine... Riyu... What's going on? "
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That very night had not end yet, at the abandoned mansion, new level E vampires were being created again and again.
" When are we going to trash them?! " Kioshi demanded loudly.
" Patience Kioshi... " Ayame replied calmly while playing with her small glass bottle.
" Ayame-san.. Why don't I go... " A very young boy stood out in fron of Ayame and asked.
" No way! I will be the one! " Eirika quickly stepped out and pulled away the young boy.
" Eirika I trust you will do a good job this time.. " Ayame gave Eirika a sarcastic look.
" Yes.." Eirika replied firmly and left the hall into a room.
" Ichiro-sama, I will do what I must tonight... The lock and the key... For you.. " Eirika kneeled down in front of a coffin, after that she disappeared from the mansion.
" Even if she can't get the lock and the key, there's someone she can get for us... " Ayame held out a picture of Riyu in front of the members.
" A hunter? " Yamato asked.
" Not just an ordinary hunter.. " Ayame added on.
While some of the members were discussing, Seiji went over to a female vampire.
" Aren't you interested? " Seiji asked.
" No... " The female vampire answered calmly.
" I see... " Seiji understood what she meant and left.
" Are you worried? " The female vampire looked up to a young man wearing a mask beside her.
" That can't be it.. " The masked young man replied.
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" Hikari! "
" Ah! yes! " Hikari replied.
" What're you daydreaming about? Get back to work.. " Riyu knocked on Hikari's head.
" Yes... " Hikari answered as she looked at Riyu's back.
" He's pretending that nothing has happen..."
That morning was slow and painful for some reason, lessons started and soon it was breaktime for the students.
" Hikari-chan! Let's go buy something! " Misaki clinged on to Hikari's arms.
" I'm sorry but I have something to do.. " Hikari tried to move away, she took a glance at Riyu who was leaving the classroom.
" Riyu wait! " Hikari ran over to Riyu who stopped.
" I need to talk to you.. " Hikari said seriously.
" I'm sorry but I have plans with Reiya.." Riyu replied coldy to Hikari. Reiya then came over and the two left.
" That's the first time I ever see him acted in that way.. " Izumi said.
" Stupid Riyu... Why did you... " Hikari then ran out of the class, tears were already coming out.
As she ran along the corridor, at a distance, she saw many students gathering around.
" Riyu stop! "
Hikari could hear Reiya shouting and sure enough she saw Riyu grabbing onto a male student's collar.
" Stop it! You're a guardian right?! " The other students exclaimed.
" Hikari! Riyu-kun he... " Reiya anxiously said.
" Riyu! " Hikari lengthened her artemis rod towards Riyu and deflected him back.
" Stop it! " Hikari stood in front of the male student, holding onto the rod tightly.
" Hikari?.. " Riyu slowly walked towards Hikari, just as he was about to touch her, Riyu fell to the ground unconcious.
While the commotion was on at that moment, Eirika had observed everything.
" Riyu-kun... You should stop hiding your other self... It will be less painful that way... "
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" What's wrong with Riyu?! "
" Hikari-chan calm down.. " Seiichiro said.
" I don't know why.. But I can feel that he's in pain.. " Hikari was crying as she spoke.
" Seiichiro-san.. " Chairman Cross looked at Seiichiro who was comforting Hikari.
" Hikari-chan.. Why don't you go to Riyu now.. I promise to tell you everything back home.. "
" Sensei... " Hikari dried her tears as she looked into those calm eyes of Seiichiro's.
Just as she was told, Hikari left the chairman office and was on her way to the sick bay, she was on her way there when she saw Ray who was coming towards her.
" Ray-senpai... " Hikari called out Ray's name as he came closer towards her and touched her face.
" Why did you cry.. "
" Cry? No I did not.. " Hikari tried to hide away from Ray's eyes.
" Hikari..." Ray pulled Hikari into his arms and hugged her.
" I have to go..." Hikari moved away from Ray and walked off without facing him.
" I'm sorry..."
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" Riyu you're awake.. "
" ...Satomi-san..." Riyu opened his eyes slowly and saw Satomi beside him.
" I..."
" Don't you dare get off the bed, you're still weak.. " Satomi pushed Riyu back on to the bed.
" Did I kill anyone? " Riyu asked staring blankly on the ceiling as he placed his hands over his forehead.
" Well.. You did nearly hurt one guy from another class.. But everything is alright in the end.. "
" I see.. " Riyu covered his eyes and went to rest.
" Satomi-san.. Are you ready? " A student called out from the door.
" Ah.. Yes..Sorry to keep you waiting.. "
" Tutoring? " Riyu asked.
" Yes... Now that you know, I want you to stay here until I'm back. "
" I won't leave... "
The room became silent after Satomi left, Riyu opened his eyes and tried to recalled what had happened just now, however his head started to feel pain when he tried to think hard.
" I thought I killed you... " Riyu closed his eyes and Hikari came into his mind.
The Serenity was broken when Riyu sensed a familiar presence of someone nearby.
" Why is she back again?! " Riyu got off the bed and later rushed out of the room, following his sense.
" That's right Riyu... Come... "
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After Riyu left the room, Hikari came. She stood outside of the room for a moment and finally got the courage to open the door.
" Riyu.. " As she spoke his name out, her mind became blank while staring at the empty room.
Without further ado, Hikari went looking for Riyu.
" I hope nothing bad happens.. "
At that time, Riyu was running out of the school into the woods, and finally he came to a stop when he saw Eirika.
" I knew it... Why are you here again?! " Riyu pulled out his gun pointing at Eirika.
" I must congratulate you for finding me first... A great effort I must say.. " Eirika jumped off a tree and looked towards Riyu.
" Shut up! "
" Riyu... Why are you still restraining youself? Why don't I help you? " Eirika moved closer and closer to Riyu each time.
" Don't come near me!! Don't!! " Riyu released his trigger and shot Eirika.
" I really hate these anti-vampire weapons.. " A voice from behind was heard.
Riyu turned back only to see Eirika standing there, the one who was shot was just another illusion.
" Riyu.. Let me show you the correct path.. " Eirika held her hand up and transported both of them into her illusionary space.
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" What's that sound just now? A gunshot?.. Riyu! " Hikari immediately ran into the woods.
" Where's is this place? " Riyu looked around but what was surrounding him were only dark shadows.
" Right.. I'm in the illusion she created.. " Riyu regained his composure and held his gun tightly.
" Riyu! Come down for dinner! "
" What was that? " Riyu was shocked to hear this voice, immediately he turned over to see a mirror showing him his past.
" Riyu.. I'm going to show you your greatest fear, your hatred, your unwanted life... " Eirika's voice echoed into Riyu's ears.
" Oka-san... " Riyu stared into the mirror as it reflected his past.
" Big brother... I love you very much... "
" Riyu! Quickly! "
" I'm going to be a better hunter than you! "
" Mother!! Father!! "
" I will let you remember me always... This is the gift I'm going to give to you... "
" No!!" Riyu shouted as his head was becoming even more painful then usual, Eirika chuckled as she watched, Riyu began to grab his neck and kneeled down onto the ground.
" Riyu.. Finally..." Eirika murmured.
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" Riyu!! " Hikari shouted.
" I know he's here.. I can feel it.. " As she was shouting, a dark figure was slowly coming out in the deeper area of the forest.
" Riyu.. look.. That's you... " Eirika stood beside Riyu and pointed out.
" Me? " Riyu looked out and saw himself walking towards Hikari.
" The human self of you is now trap here... The beast side of you is now there... "
" No.. Hikari! " Riyu shouted but to no avail.
At the same time, Ray was discussing about Riyu's matters with the Chairman and Seiichiro.
" Chairman.. Senseii.. Are you still sure of letting Riyu stay in the day class? " Ray asked.
" Things have gotten worse haven't they.. " Hiroshi said.
" But with the sudden change, Riyu-kun may not like it.. " Seiichiro added.
" It has nothing to do with his interests or not.. " Ray replied seriously, Seiichiro and Hiroshi were both taken by surprise.
" Ray-kun.. Are you mad?.. Did Hikari got mad at you? Or did she become cold to you? " Seiichiro questioned, eager to know the reason. Ray did not answer and looked away.
" Did I hit the jackpot? "
" Seiichiro-san... " Hiroshi shook his head to give Seiichiro a sign.
The three continued their talk, while Hikari was facing Riyu, someone she didn't know. The dark figure finally came out of the inner forest area, under the soft light, Hikari saw him and rushed over to him.
" Riyu! I'm glad! I'm really glad you're alright! " Hikari hugged him and tears rolled down.
" Hikari! " Still unaware of the present situation, Hikari could not hear Riyu's voice.
" It's no use Riyu... You must be very hungry.. All these while trying to suppress your hunger... " Eirika continued to watch what was happening outside.
" Riyu... " Hikari looked upwards into Riyu's eyes and held his face in her palms.
" Hikari... " Riyu held on to Hikari hands that were touching him and slowly moved one of them to his mouth.
The other Riyu who was still trapped inside the illusion could only watched from afar.
" Do you agree that you're weak now... " Eirika chuckled.
" Weak... "
" I wanted to become stronger... That's what I have promised to myself a long time ago... I will never give up... Never..."
" I don't think so. " Riyu's tone changed, he released his trigger and shot the Eirika beside him.
" Too bad... I guess you have not learnt your lesson well.. Riyu... " Eirika said.
" No.. I have learnt it well.. " Riyu gave a smile and pointed his gun below. BANG!
" Ho...How?.." Eirika was shocked, blood started dripping from her mouth.
" B..Bu..But.. Don't..You think..It's too..Late..." Eirika mumbled. The illusion was released due to her injury and the trapped Riyu was freed, however everything was not over.
Riyu held Hikari's arms tightly and slowly moved his mouth towards her neck.
" Riyu?..."
Hikari started to feel scared as she felt Riyu's tongue on her neck, and the sharp fangs touching her outer skin and later sinking into her blood veins.
" Vampire! "
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" Blood? " The scent of blood came drifting into the noses of the vampires in the special class.
" That smell..." Shin noticed the familiar smell.
" Hikari! " Ray had also noticed it and left the office in a rush, Seiichiro noticed something was wrong and followed.
" Let me go! Stop! " At last Hikari managed to pull herself away from Riyu. But right at that moment the Riyu who was standing there was not the one she knew. His eyes were blood red, the sharp fangs that he had and her blood.
" Riyu... " Hikari's mind went blank as she touched her neck where Riyu's fangs had sunk into.
As she held her hand higher, her vision had became blurred and the very next second Hikari fell backwards due to the loss of too much blood. Before she could dropped down onto the ground, someone quickly grabbed onto her arms.
" Is her blood that tasty? " Ray looked sternly at Riyu.
" Hikari-chan! " Seiichiro caught up and saw Hikari asleep. When Riyu heard Seiichiro called out her name, his vampire instinct was gone and the usual Riyu was back, but in deep shock when he saw what he did.
" Hi..... " Riyu could only stammered out her name.
The four returned to back to the academy, Eirika although wounded by Riyu before, was already recuperating slowly.
" Just like they say.. He's not just and ordinary hunter... Riyu... " Eirika smiled as she walked back into the woods.
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" AH! Hikari-chan! Don't move too much... " Seiichiro shouted.
" Keep your volume down Seiichiro.." Satomi hit him with her file as she walked towards Hikari.
" Sensei... Satomi-san.. " Hikari slowly got up from the bed.
" Riyu! Where's Riyu!? " The first thing that came to her mind was Riyu and Hikari immediately called out for him.
" Riyu-kun is alright.. He's in another room... " Satomi assured Hikari.
Just then the door opened and Ray came in.
" Alright I will now go check up on Riyu-kun.. Hikari do rest for awhile.. " Satomi said and left the room.
" So is everything alright with the special class Ray-kun? "
" Yes sensei... " Ray replied.
" Well then, I will go check up on Riyu-kun as well.. " Seiichiro slowly strolled out of the room leaving the both behind.
" Are you alright now? " Ray bent down in front of Hikari as he talked.
" Ah..Yes... It's not painful or anything.. " Hikari tried to laugh as she touched the bandage over the wounded part of her neck.
" Aren't you afraid? " Ray asked, his expression was quite sorrowful as he looked into Hikari's eyes.
" He must be very worried about me... "
" I'm sorry to worry you.. But I'm not afraid.. " Hikari bent forward and touched Ray's face, trying to assure him.
" Is it because of Riyu.. "
" It's my fault for not knowing anything... How can I be afraid of Riyu.. He's..."
" Your important person... " Ray added. Hikari was surprised by Ray's reaction and could see that he was not really happy about it.
" Everyone is important to me... Sensei.. Aunt Kaoru.. Riyu.. Even Ray-senpai.. "
" I know... " Ray stood up and hugged Hikari, the atmosphere created by the two was calm and warm.
" I'm sorry about before.. " Hikari said.
" Don't worry about that... I promise to protect Hikari no matter what... "
" It's so warm... Maybe it's because of Ray.. " Hikari shut her eyes as she thought.
" Hikari... I'm sorry to let you experience something bad... "
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" We have decided to let you stay in the day class Riyu-kun.. " Seiichiro explained to Riyu.
" Why.. I'm now a danger to everyone... I should be in the.. "
" Ray-kun has allowed it as well... " Seiichiro cut in.
" Him?.."
" Hikari was very worried about you.. " Satomi added.
" Hikari? Is she fine?! " Upon hearing her name, Riyu became very anxious.
" Yes, yes.. Hikari-chan is alright.. The both of you are so alike... " Seiichiro smiled.
" Right.. Both of their reactions.. " Seiichiro and Satomi started to joke about it, leaving Riyu in his deep thoughts.
" I'm glad she's alive.. Hikari... I'm so sorry... "
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" Riyu-kun, I will meet you at the gate! " Seiichiro said and left in a hurry.
Riyu came out of the room, at the same time, both Ray and Hikari came out as well from the other room.
" Riyu! " Hikari called out his name in joy.
" I'm see that you're okay... " Riyu said softly and turned to leave.
" So you're not apologetic for what you've done? " Ray's tone became angry as he looked straight into Riyu's eyes and the two were staring there for a moment.
" It's alright.. I'm fine already.. " Hikari pulled onto Ray's sleeves, trying to assure him and to stop this cold fight.
" I have nothing to say about before... " Riyu's eyes softened as he spoke.
" Hikari.. It's best that you stay away from me... From now on.. " Riyu shut his eyes, hiding his overflowing emotions, he turned back and walked away.
" Hikari.. Let's go.. " Ray held Hikari on her shoulder.
" Ye..Yes... Of course.. " The two then walked away in the opposite direction. Hikari interlocked her fingers together and held her arms down. She had a feeling that each step further she's away from Riyu, she might never see him again.
" Riyu... "
END OF Chapter 4