Die for Me!

by ChiioUnicorn

The first time they met was an accidental crash outside the clinic she frequented. The second time they met was at a corner convenience store where he gave her the chills, and she doesn't mean the ice cream she was craving. Their third meeting was the worst. There was one thing made clear to Kanna. Sou Hiyori has the worst personality ever - and is an even worse master, to boot.

2. Chapter 2

A/N: I own nothing. Except my depression and lack of funds.

You know when I said that no one would be related? Well, I lied/ shot. Well it's blurred between the lines so if ya'll get cringey from pseudo incest spam the back button now because THIS IS THE WORK OF A SHAMELESS SINNER. Anyway, here's chapter two. You'll see some old faces. This chapter is named in homage to Yuyoyuppe's Leia sung by Megurine Luka. According to the producer, leia is a pun to the word lie. Which is fitting. Considering Sou's character. I find that the lyrics describe the shit that's about to blow up. More characters arrive! I think you'll appreciate a certain sacrificial boy getting more love and importance here. I know I do.

Italics: Stand for flashbacks, Kanna's monologue.

Bold- Stands for the titular chapter's lyrics sung by Reko (but originally by Megurine Luka) I'd like to suggest listening to Lollia's cover of Leia as she wrote her own english translation to this song.

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Ever since that night, all Kanna knew of her life crumbled away. She tried to contact her family several times but never received so much as a reply. She couldn't eat, and she couldn't sleep since then. She clung to the hope that this was all just a big misunderstanding - that Sou made everything up. That was her biggest mistake. In a botched attempt to refute her new master's claims about her being a doll, she fled back to her hometown and visited the house she remembered growing up in.

Only… the address was that of an abandoned lot. The schools she went to hadn't been in service for decades. The names of her childhood friends didn't ring a bell to anyone - like they never existed. That entire weekend she searched frantically for her family. She asked neighbors about their whereabouts or if anyone at least knew her parents. They gave her the worst reactions imaginable.

"The Kizuchis? I've been here all my life, miss. Never heard of 'em."

"You grew up here? Haha, that's a good one! This is a small town, you know! I would've noticed if a cute lady like you were from around here. Surely you must be mistaken."

"W-Who are you? Let go of me! Like I said, I don't know who you're talking about! There's no one here named Kugie!"

"Hello, ma'am. I'm a police officer. I received a call about a young woman who's been pacing around this area for hours. I'm guessing that must be you. It seems the neighbors are concerned. If you come with me to the station, perhaps I can assist you better."

After being cleared of suspicion, Kanna was allowed to leave. She felt numb the entire ride back to the city. By the time she returned to her apartment, she flipped through photo albums for hours until dawn. Names and faces she thought she knew were no longer palpable - and mementos she received were relics of a fabricated history. Her eyes fell on the smiling faces of her parents, sister, and herself.

It was all a lie.

Just like that man said.

That was the straw that broke the camel's back. She finally snapped.

It was those few times in her life Kanna was glad she didn't have a voice. Her neighbors surely would've believed someone was being murdered otherwise. All the soundless screams that left her throat couldn't quell her anguish at the terrifying, horrible realization that the friends and family she cherished her whole life never existed in the first place.

Everyone in her life was gone. No… it was more accurate to say that she'd never had anyone in the first place. Nothing could compare to this loss she felt. This emptiness. It was like someone plunged a hand inside her chest and ripped her heart out.

Kanna burned everything. Flowers from graduation, pictures of her in the gardening club with friends, even her childhood plushies - even Giraffey wasn't spared from the fiery flames of her despair. She broke plates received from relatives with no sender's address and overturned furniture as she destroyed the mockery of what her life was - what it was supposed to have been. When she made it to the bathroom, she saw the face of her original self that died at fourteen - pale and preserved within the cold mirror. The girl stared at her accusingly with empty eyes. Blood dried petals fell like tears, and the gaping hole where her throat should've been wheezed with every breath she took.

The collar on her neck was beeping, and it just. Wouldn't. Stop.

Covering her ears didn't muffle the cacophony. She could still hear that orange clad boy laughing at her demise as he pilfered her belongings. He had defiled her corpse, along with the rest of those who put her in this body - as if it weren't enough she'd been disgraced by a murderer .

No more… Helpless fury washed over Kanna as she drew her trembling fists back. NO MORE! Kanna's sick of this! ASUNARO, Dolls, Masters, the one who killed me - everything! I hate them all! With an anguished scream, she punctured the mirror over and over. Each time glass shards dug into her skin, she was incited to punish herself even more - if only to quell this crushing devastation she was forced to relive over and over and over .

By the time she finally ceased her rampage, all she felt was apathy. A cold draft whistled inside from the broken kitchen window - mingling the scent of her tears with rain. It was then she sank to her knees, curled up in a ball on the hardwood floor. She cried herself to sleep, clutching a charred picture of her family to her chest.

Clinking of glasses, the steady smell of smoke, and idle chatter returned Kanna to the present. She clenched and unclenched her hands as she rubbed her temple. She exhaled, staring at her somber reflection from the glass as she twirled the ice in her cherry martini. An indie ensemble set a high spirited mood in the bar, but Kanna was unaffected. There were three of them, two women and one man. Front and center was her colleague, Reko, a gothic young lady vocalizing in her microphone with that strong, sultry voice of hers. Dyed hair, facial piercings, heavy eyeliner… Reko was a rock goddess whose music made the room tremble with every beat. She played her guitar as her bandmates accompanied her.

" Please call out my name and end my sadness

Heal this broken heart, a haunting madness

Painted on a canvas that deceives me

I will bleed all of my feelings

Again…"

Tonight was the first time Kanna finally left her sorry state of an apartment. She couldn't take another night all alone in that cold and dismal place she once called home. She wallowed in misery the past week, holed up in her room and refusing to pick up calls from her "master" and professors from school. The only time she talked to anyone was to notify Maple that she was taking sick leave. In a way, it was true. She couldn't imagine working under the company that betrayed her, sold her - the same one she always looked to for purpose. Even her pipe dream of becoming the top requested maid made her want to hurl.

Because what's the point? Kanne thought bitterly. At least Kanna doesn't have to worry about pleasing anybody anymore… just one man. She thought of Sou and immediately bit the inside of her cheek. She knew she couldn't avoid him forever. But between his timid act and his lazy arrogance and indifference towards her feelings, she couldn't stand being around him. He was a living reminder of her being non-human. Kanna can't understand what goes through his mind. It seems he wants revenge on ASUNARO for some reason… but what does he intend to do? More importantly… what will he make me do?

"Drowning in my own fantasy

This illusions' beyond my reach

"What do you think this warmth could be?"

Melting me, my chest bears this heat.."

"Whew! Sorry I'm late! It's thundering out there, so I thought I wasn't going to make it!" A cheery, melodic voice made Kanna's ears perk up. Hair bright as fire blazed in her peripheral as a busty young woman dropped their weight onto the barstool next to hers. She was Nao Egokoro - another friend from Kanna's university. She was a nursing student who also pursued art on the side. According to Nao, nursing was a good campaign to come up with funds and connect with patients in order to find prospective buyers. After all, the journey to becoming a famous artist wasn't an easy one. But Nao, in Kanna's opinion, was in it for more than just the money. She was caring, compassionate, and understanding. She worked so hard to take care of everyone around her that sometimes she neglected herself in the process - which Reko often chided her for.

An angel of mercy , Kanna heard their colleagues refer to Nao by this nickname. The countless gifts she received from her patients on a weekly basis were living proof of her heroics at the hospital she worked at.

Not wanting to worry her sweet friend, she immediately straightened up and put on her best smile.

"Laughter, smiles they eat away

Everything of me every day

Yes, I've come to accept my fate

For my life will always be painted in gray

Is this what I desire - surrendering to lies?

If this is what you wanted... then tell me why!"

"It's been so long, Kanna! Thanks for coming tonight! I know you must be busy with your maid job and all," Nao regarded the younger girl with affection and gratitude. Her wet hair resembled a fox's bushy tail. "Ahh, I should've taken my umbrella. But the weather forecast said it was supposed to be nice today. Oh, well." Heaving a troubled sigh, she wrung water from her orange cardigan before smiling at Kanna. "I would hug you, but I'm afraid I'm drenched. You'll have to settle for this instead." She blew her a kiss, which Kanna pretended to catch. Nao giggled.

Nao is so cute and friendly that it's unsurprising she has so many admirers at school. If she were a maid, it's no question that she would've taken one of the flower spots. But it's best that she isn't.

"Kanna is happy you made it safe," she expressed with her hands - as Nao was one of the few people who understood sign language. "Thank you for inviting Kanna out to watch Reko's performance. She sounds amazing."

"Right? She thought nobody would show up, considering this is their first serious gig - but look at all these people! They adore her!" Nao bragged. Cheeks flushed and eyes aglow with pride for her girlfriend, she began cheering Reko on from her seat. She was loud enough to overpower the music at some points that several people turned to look at them. Apparently, the lead singer heard her because she looked their way. Seeing Nao jumping and waving her arms like an excited cheerleader, Kanna thought she saw the singer become flustered - but then again, it was probably from the lighting because Reko was composed once more.

"Yearning to embed this love within me

Overflowing pain spills from my heartbeat

Forever away, your voice grows distant,

Fear and doubt, of your existence.

If your lovely shape, vibrant and touching

Shatters from its form and fades to nothing.

Then I'd rather live on without seeing

I'll live on this lie I need.

Leia!"

They're so supportive of each other, Kanna couldn't help but smile a little. They get along so well that Kanna can't help being a little jealous. The passion in Reko's voice was so moving that Kanna felt her heart shift. If only a little.

"Joe!" Nao called out to the bartender with gravity defying chestnut hair. Dressed in a navy button up and casual jeans, he looked handsome enough to pull off the apron he was wearing. He looked up from his current task of drying shot glasses. "One red eye cocktail for me, please! Make it on the rocks!"

"You got it, Nao!" Joe affirmed, throwing the wash rag over his shoulder. "Coming right up!"

"Thank you!" Then she winked at Kanna. "Watch my stuff, okay? I'm going to take a closer look!" She hurried off like a giddy schoolgirl with a crush.

While Joe was mixing Nao's drink, he glanced over at Kanna with a friendly grin. "Your drink's getting warm, Kanna. Doesn't look like you touched it. Does it taste bad?" Flustered, Kanna shook her head as she frantically downed it in one gulp - coughing as the alcohol burned her throat.

"Whoa now, slow down!" Joe cried in concern, putting Nao's drink in the cooler. He rushed to the sink to fill her a glass of water before sliding it down the bar. "Here." Kanna bowed her thanks as she took slow, purposeful sips. When she finished, she could feel the heat of Joe's inquisitive gaze on her. She tried not to look at him until he spoke up.

"So, Baby Girl… how have you been?" He started in a casual tone, but Kanna knew him long enough that this was his way of broaching a serious topic. Normally Kanna would've taken his invitation to enact a cheerful banter, but she wasn't in the mood tonight. Instead she simply shrugged to let him know that there wasn't anything going on. Right away, he noticed something amiss.

"I wasn't going to ask because nobody likes a nosy busybody, but I can see you're not your usual cheerful self. I requested you a couple times from Maple, but she said your service was no longer open for the public - whatever that means." He snorted before noticing her shrink into her chair. "Hey… could it be that some jerk made you cry?" His eyes narrowed when she thinned her lips. "Alright, time to get the shovel. Because, by God, whatever he did I'm about to raise Hell right this second-!"

"It's not that. I'm alright. I'm sorry for worrying you." Kanna wrote to him on her whiteboard. She gave him a soft smile as he frowned at her.

"Lost illusions, they're mocking me

Testing everything I believe

'What kind of world do your eyes see?"

Echoing, the answers I see are in gray

For a moment it's stopping

Time in eternity

As reality stripped me of all my sanity."

"Kanna…" He hesitated, not buying her lie for a second. For a moment, she wished she were as good a liar as her two-faced master was. "Your face is thinner than I remember… and you got bags under your eyes. If there's any way I can help, all you gotta do is say the word." He tried to be gentle in his probing, but she didn't budge. He couldn't help her - not this time.

She'd known Joe since she first started her job as a maid. He was one of her most favorite clients - not just because he left her generous tips, but also because he had a strange gift of making her feel like she was at home. He treated her like a little sister. Maybe it was because of his charisma, or maybe because he was a good listener - either way, he truly was one in a million. Despite her many previous blunders he always treated her with kindness and encouragement. She couldn't count how many times she broke his plates or burned his food, but he always requested her. He was as happy as a chocolate labrador with two tails. He was that kind of man who stopped to help people across the street and volunteered at shelters on his off days. Those soulful brown eyes made her feel like she could spill her darkest secrets, and he'd take them to the grave - never judging her for it.

Kanna wanted to cry at his compassion. She gripped the hem of her sweater dress, wrinkling the sewn peonies. She was starting to feel the alcohol's effects, tempting her to loosen her tongue and spill her heart out. But she couldn't tell him - he wouldn't understand. She, a non-human, was living a life that wasn't meant to be hers. After all, the real Kanna died when she was a child - no older than fourteen.

Kanna… isn't a human. She… I am a doll created by ASUNARO. I look like Kanna, sound like Kanna… but am I really her? She was afraid to know the answer. Even if she did, would it even matter? Surely it wouldn't change her situation. Green bangs fell into her eyes as she inhaled, casting a shadow over her face. Do I even deserve to be here?

"If all time itself loses its meaning

If this world erases every feeling

Then every piece of hope that I've been painting

would have all been made for nothing

Just a little more, stay in denial

Just a little more, to see you smile

If my aching voice still isn't reaching

Then for god's sake, please just kill me!"

Sweat dotted her forehead as she started breathing heavily. The music was making her head pound, her vision was getting hazy, and she felt her world spinning around her. She didn't want to think about this anymore. She just wanted it all to stop.

"Please call out my name and end my sadness

Heal this broken heart, a haunting madness

With this painted canvas that deceives me

I will bury all my feelings

Memories of love that slowly kill me - b urn it with my wounded heartbeat

Let the flames consume my soul and body i n your loving sweet embrace

Leia!"

Reko all but screamed her soul into the microphone, on the brink of crying from exerting her passion for singing. The crowd went wild, even chanting along with her. Instead of hearing "Leia", Kanna swore it was "lies" instead - which would've been better fit, considering the irony of her identity crisis.

"One more drink, please." She requested, masking her misery with a smile.

"...Alright. But no more after this. You've reached your limit." Sensing that she wasn't ready to tell him anything, Joe conceded with sigh. Turning his broad back to her, he fixed her another martini with expert hands. He served it to her with a flourish, and she noted that he added an extra cherry just for her. Before she could reach for her purse, he poked her forehead. "This one's on the house. Just don't tell my boss." He added in a conspiratorial whisper, and this time, she couldn't help but giggle halfheartedly. Appearing satisfied, he whistled as he went back to drying glasses and leaving Kanna alone with her self-loathing thoughts once more.

Looking around the room, she felt horribly jealous of every single person present. They didn't need to give a second thought to what they were - living, breathing humans with lives, families, and purpose. Were they even thankful for such things?

Worthless, Her self-resentment reared its ugly head as her own ghost hissed hateful words. Black brambles curled around her throat as her younger self wrapped rotting arms around her. You don't deserve to judge anyone. Feeling sorry for yourself doesn't mean you can be terrible ." The throatless child breathed down her neck, causing dead petals falling into her lap. "You lost that right the moment you signed yourself over to that man - sold like cattle. You really have no self-respect, you worthless, useless piece of garbage. At least while you thought you were human you had an excuse before to feel bad for yourself, but now you're nothing. Less than nothing. Why don't you do everyone a favor and throw yourself into oncoming traffic, you pretender - you thief ."

"Stop it… please go away," Tearing up, she whispered into her glass - drowning out the voice as she poured sweet liquid poison down her throat. Its fruity tartness stimulated her senses. Soon her mind began to empty, and the child went away. Her head felt heavy, so she sprawled atop the marble counter - cooling her flushed cheeks. The sway of the music and Joe humming to himself comforted her somewhat, and she closed her eyes.

Kanna wasn't sure how long she dozed off for. She came to when thin, cold fingers covered her vision.

"Guess who~?" Someone crooned behind her in a playful voice. Grabbing onto those hands, she spun around and found the last person she was expecting to come across. Green beanie, a pink-orange muffler, and that unmistakable teal hair… not to mention that unimpressed look directed at her. Rainwater dripped from his hoodie and shoes, indicating he'd been outside for some time.

No way… was she dreaming?

"Hey there, hot stuff. You come here much?" Sarcasm bled through those otherwise flirtatious words, ruining whatever romantic effect it had. The sneer he sent her way stung like a hornet. He speared her with a look so judgmental he could've put Hinako's resting bitch face to shame. "I drag my ass halfway across the city and I find you sloshed. Not to mention you didn't even bother to invite me." His irritation subsided as he chuckled, pulling up a stool beside her. "Now that just hurts."

How did he find Kanna? Is he a ghost? A stalker?

He seemed to guess what she was thinking because he looked offended as he took out his phone and pulled up the map app.

"Moroon~ don't give me that look. All I did was track your phone's location, and lo and behold." He snorted, taking off his glasses so he could wipe the wet lenses with a napkin. He removed his beanie as well, as it was soaked. He ran his fingers through his damp hair which darkened a shade from the rain, reminding Kanna of an ocean on a rainy day.

'All he did was track and stalk Kanna', he says like that's totally okay, Kanna glowered at him. That definitely isn't okay!

"You weren't answering, so how else was I supposed to contact you?" Sou protested. "Makes me wonder who the master really is." When she didn't reply, he put his glasses back on so he could gauge her. "Jeez, how much did you drink? You look like a boiled crab. I'm guessing you don't hold your liquor very well."

It's hot. So… tiring, Kanna's eyelids were getting heavy. Her body felt like it was on fire. It was getting hard to focus…

"What's wrong with you…" Sou trailed off before blinking. Studying her up close, there was a change in his expression as he placed a hand on her forehead. It was cold and comforting like an ice pack, and she subconsciously leaned into his touch. "You're burning up!" Surprise then suspicion, and finally realization dawned on him. He grimaced, knitting his brows together. "Don't tell me you have a virus-"

"What can I get you this fine evening, sir?" Joe cut in between them with an easygoing grin. "Sake? Gin and tonic? Or maybe a beer? I also take special requests."

"Thanks, but not tonight. I'm here for this troublemaker," Pulling his scarf over his mouth, Sou nodded to Kanna. "Looks like the night's getting too long for her. I was just about to escort her home."

"That's awfully nice of you," Joe mused. "You two must be on familiar terms if you're going on a first name basis. Funny I've never seen you around here." Leaning over the counter, Joe tilted his head with a crooked grin. "So, what's your name?"

"You can call me Sou," he answered coolly with a polite flash of his teeth. "Thanks for looking after Kanna all this time. She can't hold her liquor well. Knowing her, she would've gotten into trouble if you hadn't kept an eye on her."

"True, that!" Joe laughed, but Kanna saw there was still some suspicion in those chocolate eyes. "Well, her friends are still here. They'll be worried if she suddenly takes off. How about you stick around for a while? At least until the storm blows over." Turning to Kanna, he went on to ask. "You never mentioned ever having male friends before, Kanna." Which actually translated to: do I need to get the shovel?

"Don't worry, Joe…" She wrote, her hand trembling slightly from her growing fatigue. "He's my main client." She tried to put her friend at ease. "He requests me so frequently that all of Kanna's time slots are filled up. Sorry for not being able to see you lately."

"Huh…Wha!" Joe was surprised as he considered her words. A revelation hit him as he shot up, surprising both of them.

"I get it now!" The barkeep shouted, clapping a fist into his palm. "In a situation like this, why didn't I realize it sooner?!" There was a teasing glint to his eye as he faced Kanna. "Your wistful sighing, your baggy eyes, your weight loss, and your unhappy reaction when this guy showed up… it's obvious you've been having a lover's quarrel!" He exclaimed, making her eyes widen in shock. He then pointed at a stunned Sou.

"This guy fell in love with you at first sight when he first requested you! He was so taken by your cuteness that he eventually asked you out! But the line between love and obsession is blurred for a man!"

Wait wait wait-! The story was snowballing downhill at a speed that Kanna couldn't intercede. She reached for her marker, but Sou snagged her by the wrist. Dumbfounded, she gawked at him. But Sou only smirked - further fueling the misunderstanding.

"Ah! You're holding hands! So I must be right!" Joe gasped. "Wait, don't tell me! He's been sulky that his girl has been taking care of other men and neglecting to give him attention, so he's taken to becoming a regular so you two can spend more time together. But! You were so fed up with his jealousy issues that you escaped to come here!" Joe nodded sagely as though he understood the situation. "Hm, but you don't need to worry, Sou. I understand that Kanna is so adorable you'd want her all to yourself, but if you're a man - you gotta respect her feelings!" He admonished the older man. "Besides, she isn't a girl who toys with men's hearts. I know it's hard for you, considering you're her boyfriend - but you should have more faith in her, you know?"

Boyfriend? Him? Kanna's mouth went dry as she fumbled for a reply, but her head was spinning out of control. It was such an outlandish idea that she would've toppled over and snapped her neck if Sou hadn't caught her by the shoulders.

"Ahaha… you got me." Sou surrendered. "Looks like the truth's out, Kanna. It's embarrassing to say it out loud, but I'm glad we don't need to keep it a secret anymore." Feigning relief, he gave Joe a self-deprecating grin as he took her into his arms as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Despite being lanky, there was a masculine solidness to his body she couldn't deny. Her first instinct was to push him off her, but he wouldn't let go. Instead he reached around her waist to support her better.

What. What is this. Even despite being tipsy, she knew this was all wrong. She couldn't believe what was happening. She was further bewildered when Sou swiveled her barstool around so she was facing him. He then kneeled before her like a king begging forgiveness from his queen.

"Kanna, I was wrong! Please come back to me!" Sou implored, maudlin tears sprang to his eyes. He was acting so timid - just like when they first met. "Ever since our last argument, the nights without you have been too long. Too cold… I was so lonely…" He uttered, holding onto her hands. "Your smile… your laugh… your cooking… I missed you so much I thought I would die. Every night since then, I've been looking at our pictures - all the time we spent together… I don't want to let that go." Even though she knew he was lying, she couldn't help being flustered by these passionate words. If the situation were different, she would've been flattered. His voice was full of contrite, and Kanna would've been fooled if it weren't for the mischievous spark in his aqua eyes. "I'm sorry. I regret everything I said. The thought of you being with another man filled me with such rage that I acted selfishly. Please… please forgive me!"

Please stop already! She tried to shush him by covering his mouth, her cheeks burning a fiery red. He dodged her attempts with ease. He was so frustrating! He was giving Joe the wrong idea! Annoyed with him, she puffed her cheeks and wrote out on her whiteboard.

"Kanna knows you're just teasing! If you don't stop, Kanna is going to get really mad…!"

"Kanna, please," Sou ignored her by putting aside her whiteboard and clasping her hands in his once more. "Be mad at me as much as you want - just come home with me already. We'll eat all the ice cream you want and watch reruns of My Sweet Prince . I won't even complain!"

How did he know about Kanna's favorite series?! What else does he know about Kanna that he's not saying? Kanna stared at him incredulously. Is he obsessed with me?

"Uwah. Kanna, you got this guy wrapped around your pinky." Joe chortled, wiping his hands on his apron. "I know it's none of my business, but how about you forgive him already? I mean, look at him."

With Sou still kneeling on the floor, Kanna was on the receiving end of a devastating puppy-dog stare. Because he was still wet from the rain, he looked like a helpless animal who'd been left out in the rain. Kanna's heart was pierced with guilt despite knowing he was clearly enjoying messing with her.

A sneak attack! Unfair! He's not going to leave Kanna alone, is he, Kanna gave up. She nodded reluctantly to appease both men, to which Joe patted her on the back for maturity. Sou grinned - appearing exceptionally proud of himself that he got her to cave. How smug, she sniffed and turned away from him. As if Kanna would ever like someone as mean as him.

"Still mad at me? Here then…" Reaching past her, he took the uneaten cherry from her drink to trace the shape of her mouth. Too shocked to react, she froze on the spot. She loathed to admit his flirting brought a very unwanted tingle dance down her spine. Very unwanted, mind you. Even so, she couldn't help but shiver because as much as she disliked him, he was still very much a man and combined with her being inexperienced, she couldn't suppress her body reacting the way it did. In response, his mouth parted with surprise as he hadn't expected this kind of reaction from her that was anything other than violent. She couldn't blame him because honestly, she never foresaw herself in a situation like this where she was held by another man with her senses swimming and her mind buzzing. True, customers with no personal boundaries did attempt to grab her before, but she was a master evader and so she was never troubled like this before. Still, she found herself holding his gaze with trepid anticipation.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Reko and Nao approaching. She hadn't even realized the performance had ended. Both girls looked like they were in their own little world. Nao was clinging to Reko's arm while the latter held a rose bouquet - presumably given to her by her girlfriend. Looking at it made her queasy as it reminded Kanna of her death. They stopped once they noticed her and their jaws dropped. Their reactions couldn't have been more different as they drew the same conclusion as Joe - that Sou was her lover - a secret boyfriend she neglected to tell them about.

This is getting out of hand, Kanna thought with mortification. She gave her friends a pleading look, but unfortunately only one of them took it the right way.

A livid Reko looked about ready to throw hands while Nao looked positively thrilled for Kanna. The latter held her overprotective girlfriend under the arms as she dragged her towards the exit, all the while mouthing encouraging words to Kanna.

Well, there goes her saviors.

Kanna won't look away. Kanna won't look away, she chanted to herself in order to keep herself from breaking eye contact with Sou. She felt like if she did, she would lose to him somehow. After studying her for a while, he appeared to take her challenge into stride as he forced himself to relax - trying to figure out if she was as tipsy as she seemed or if she was leading him into a trap.

Kanna can see the steam coming out of your head, she mused, wishing she could tell him this out loud. Kanna could cook hotpot on your head with all the amount of overthinking you do.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Joe darting his eyes back and forth at them, his posture uncomfortable and unsure if he should interrupt their staring contest.

Kanna wondered if this man expected her to slap him or push him away like last time - so she felt pleased for being able to throw him off guard for once. Feeling bold, she walked her fingers up his chest and to his jawline, making him tense up. Reaching up, she tucked several strands behind his ear. He didn't show it, but she felt his heart accelerate double time. His eyes darkened a shade of something deep blue and desirous directed at her - burning with an intensity hot enough to scorch her alive. Then he pulled her closer - filling in the gap between their faces with only the cherry serving as a barrier between them. She felt as though she were burning up. Her heart pounded and her stomach did flip flops, and she hoped with all her might that he couldn't hear blood rushing to her brain. She would never hear the end of it if he knew how he was affecting her.

He'd never direct this level of intent at her before - it was both unnerving and thrilling. And why was he coming closer? She thought to scream, but he silenced her as he replaced the cherry with a wandering finger that sealed her parted lips. Her breath hitched as she found her eyelids fluttering in natural response to his approach. Her knees turned to jelly and she felt weightless in his embrace right then and there. She felt her mind empty of rational thoughts as she closed her eyes.

No words were needed to describe the growing tension between them as jazz music continued to fill the bar. She felt relieved she had the alcohol to blame as waves of magma rushed into her head. She wouldn't be allowing this if it weren't for the drink.

Because for a moment, she believed he wasn't lying at all.

Then he did the unthinkable and popped the fruit into his mouth with a devilish smirk. Right in front of Joe. His tongue darted out to lick the juice from his fingers. She gaped at him. Since his back was facing Joe, the latter couldn't see him gloating.

"Tasty." He appraised in a voice low enough that only she could hear him. "Thanks for the treat."

Her mind was screaming as she wished someone would put her out of her mercy then and there. He might as well have made out with her on the spot because the flabbergasted look on Joe's face made her want to jump into the nearest ditch and bury herself alive until she was pushing up daisies.

In contrast to Kanna's mortification, her evil master looked insufferably pleased with himself as he closed her still gaping jaw. In fact, he looked very much like a naughty child who was proud of his latest havoc. She could feel him trembling with suppressed laughter. At that, she went from embarrassed to outraged within seconds. His innocent yet knowing tilt of his head left Kanna seething. She was more mad at herself than at him for allowing herself to be strung along in the first place.

"You were a bad girl, Kanna. Consider this your punishment." Marine eyes regarded her with a mixture of amusement and contempt. "Don't forget that you belong to me now, Kanna. You signed the contract," He reminded her in a low, threatening voice that made her shiver. "You're supposed to obey me at all times. That means answering your phone when I call. Don't ever ignore me again." By the time he finally pulled away from her, his face was fixed with feigned bashfulness - acting as though he suddenly remembered that Joe was there.

"I am so sorry! That was rude of me!" Bowing before Joe, he clasped his hands above his head. "Sometimes, I get so carried away when it comes to Kanna-chan that I end up forgetting my surroundings! I just couldn't take another minute without having her in my arms after so long…"

"Nah, man! It's all good. To be honest, I thought you were a creepy fan. It's good to know I was wrong!"

Oh, Joe. You have no idea… Kanna sighed.

"I'm just as guilty as you - I've done my share of teasing girls, but be careful. Kanna might not look like it, but she's a handful when she's mad. So don't overdo it." Joe warned before offering Sou his hand. "Anyway, my name is Jou Tazuna! Call me Joe. All my friends do."

"Nice to meet you," Sou accepted his friendly gesture, and they shook hands.

"For what it's worth, you two make a good looking couple. This is great!" Joe gave Kanna a thumbs up. "Never thought you went for guys like Sou here, but that's not a bad thing! Well done! You have my full support." Kanna's face exploded into scarlet as she made one last attempt to correct him, only to have her marker confiscated by Sou once again.

"Thank you very much!" Sou answered in a cheerful voice.

"Well, you two have a good night. Stay safe." Joe saluted them and went back to work. Kanna made certain that he wasn't paying attention so she could direct her anger at Sou full force.

You cad! How dare you toy with Kanna's heart…! Trembling with anger, the alcohol in her system encouraged her to lash out in a way she never would've done if she were sober. She yanked him forward by the muffler, and his suaveness was gone in an instant. For a moment, he looked like he feared for his life (and manhood). Before she could enact retribution, a sharp pain shot through her head. In her distraction, a killer headache snuck up and struck a devastating blow that left her whimpering pitifully as she clutched her throbbing head.

"Look at you, you're a mess. Honestly, what a handful," Sou rolled his eyes. "Come here , you fussy, feisty, high-maintenance little princess. Let's go home." He wasn't strong enough to carry her, so he supported her by having her lean on his shoulder as he helped her walk outside. "I swear you're going to break my back one of these days if I have to keep chasing you around like this. Give me a break already."

He's freezing, Kanna absently noted. His body temperature lacked warmth - just like his personality. She couldn't grasp him at all. His existence was a plume of smoke that came and went whenever he desired. He acted as he pleased without regard to anyone's feelings. The smell of rain refreshed her feverish head as thunder rumbled in the distance. She was starting to sober up. As it was already past midnight, there wasn't any foot traffic except for the occasional stray cat that walked by.

"Quite a show we put on back there." Sou commented as they waited for the night bus to arrive. Raindrops pelted the covering as water wept against the glass. Sou was leaning against the wall while she sat on the bench. Kanna pouted at him as she scooted away from him. He scoffed.

"Oh, don't give me that look. Would you rather me have told him the truth about us being master and doll? About our contract?"

Refusing to answer him, she puffed her cheeks and turned her body away with crossed arms.

"Man… you really are a pain." She heard him sigh and shuffle his weight. She waited for a few minutes until wondering why he was being so quiet. She snuck a glance over her shoulder, but he wasn't there. Apprehensive, she wobbled to her feet and searched the dimly lit streets.

Where did he go? He didn't just go off and leave Kanna alone, did he? Her senses prickled as a cold wind began to bluster. The longer she waited, the more nervous she became. It was dark and wet out there - what if he had gotten kidnapped or lost? What if she were to get mugged? Kanna was starting to become scared.

Just as she was about to leave the bus stop to go find him, someone from behind her pressed something warm and metallic against her cheek.

"Hyeeek!" Kanna jumped nearly a foot in the air. Squeezing her eyes shut, she turned around and swung her bag at the person's face as hard as she could. She heard a shrill yelp, followed by cursing. She covered her mouth in shock and relief when she realized it was just Sou. He hunched over the pavement, writhing in agony.

"The fuck! What the hell are you assaulting me for?" The man complained, staring at her incredulously and holding his swollen cheek. "All I did was go visit the vending machine around the corner. If I'd known you were going to get violent on me, I wouldn't have bothered getting you anything. Ow ..." He was holding two canned beverages. Coffee and green tea - the latter which she assumed was for her. She immediately felt terrible and went over to see if he was alright. There was a bruise forming on his cheekbone, and he hissed when she gently pressed the cold coffee against his skin.

"Are you alright?" Kanna asked him with deep green eyes full of remorse and concern. He winced as she helped him to the bench. She sat next to him, rubbing his back in comforting circles. After a while, he calmed down and sent her a withering look.

"First you ignore me, and now you're bludgeoning me?" He chuckled mirthlessly as he leaned back against the bench. "I'm starting to think becoming your master was a bad idea."

As a result of enduring weeks of stress, Kanna finally snapped. She wrenched away from him as though he were on fire. Startled, he looked over and found her shaking with a tremulous rage so powerful it rolled off her in waves. At last she proceeded to give him a piece of her mind.

"Kanna never wanted you to be her master in the first place! Now you're blaming her for everything? You left Kanna all alone and then snuck up on her! You just left without saying anything… Kanna was worried you disappeared - but now she wishes you had!" Writing and erasing and rewriting furiously in red marker, she couldn't see his face through the haze of hot tears. "K-Kanna is sorry for hurting you, but she can't take much more of this! " Like a dam that broke, all her emotions she'd suppressed for so long came bursting forth with the force of a flood. "Kanna hasn't or slept since you told her about ASUNARO. Her family doesn't exist, or home doesn't exist, and she doesn't even know who she really is anymore! It's been a horrible month, and you're not helping!" She wanted to wail.

"Urk…" Finally aware of what Joe's warning meant earlier, Sou balked as the younger girl broke down in hysterical tears. "Hey. I-I wasn't, I mean… hey, no no no. Stop that, please…! Okay, y-you're right! What I did was- Kanna!" He looked around, afraid someone would see them and point him out to be the monster that pushed her past her breaking point.

"What did Kanna do to you to make you hate her?" She looked at him with her face wrenched with hurt and sadness as she quaked with every noiseless sob. "Why are you so cruel?" Sou froze. At his lack of an answer, she decided she had enough. Her whiteboard clattered at his feet. She turned on her heel and fled into the storm before he could stop her.

"Wait, Kanna!" She could hear him shouting after her. She ignored him and kept running. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to get far away. Far enough so that nobody would find her.

No more. Kanna is sick of this, She wept bitterly. I'm so sick of this! I don't care anymore! He can do whatever he wants without Kanna!

Wind howled and thunder roared. Freezing rain pelted her face and body, blinding her as she ran towards the underpass. It was painful, but not as much as what she endured up to this point. Her boots were getting muddy, and her clothes were sopping wet. A train rumbled above as her shadow was swallowed up in the darkness of the tunnel, her footsteps echoing. Energy spent and sick of crying, Kanna slowed to a stop. That was when someone grabbed her arm for dear life. It was Sou, who looked about ready to collapse from exhaustion.

"Running off like that… is dangerous," He wheezed, his chest heaving with effort. "Dummy." Even when he was out of breath, he still wanted to insult her. Kanna clenched her teeth as she moved to shake him off, but he was stubborn. "Quit running… hear me out…" Panting, he scowled at her through rain soaked hair. Water dripped from those long lashes which she thought were wasted on a man like him. His legs looked ready to give out. "Actually, wait. I… need a moment." He kneeled over to recuperate, still holding onto her so she wouldn't take off again.

Kanna wavered. If she really wanted to, she could've easily ripped herself free, but there was something different about him that stopped her. Not to mention she didn't expect him to run after her in the middle of the storm. Kanna didn't want to fool herself into thinking that actually meant something. Even so, she waited until he was ready to speak.

"A-Alright already. Look, I-" He began, hesitating as his hand hovered over her. Then he drew back, removing his wet beanie and running a frustrated hand through his locks. He seemed to be struggling - as though he were at war with himself. "I know. I know I've been shitty to you. " He admitted in a soft tenor. "I know all this has been fucking you up. I know it sucks waking up and suddenly realizing you're not human, and…" Closing his eyes, he forced a harsh exhale. "I'm the last person who should be ridiculing you. I'm a hypocrite."

This caused Kanna to stare at him with red-ridden eyes. He wasn't mocking her or toying her for once. His usual selfish, devil-may-care attitude was nowhere in sight. This was the first time she'd ever seen him this… honest. So genuinely distressed.

Was this the real him?

"I don't… hate you, alright?" he gritted out. "As you probably know by now, I'm not exactly a good guy." He paused to gauge her reaction. Noticing that she was listening and not freaking out compelled him to continue. "If I'm shitty, that's because I'm shitty. It's not because of you." His eyes flitted to hers then and he sounded almost timid, as though she would start crying again at any moment.

It almost sounds like he's trying to apologize, Kanna thought.

"...I don't know how, but I'll try being 'nicer' to you from now on. Or at least stop hurting you on purpose." Tension wrought his face. She imagined pulling teeth from a lion was easier for him. "Since you're my doll and I'm making you help me, the least thing I can do is not be a grade A asshole." Appearing as though he were forcing himself, he awkwardly patted her shoulder with a feather light touch. "So… yeah. There, there."

He is so bad at this! Kanna wanted to laugh despite herself. But at least he was trying. Because of this, she was able to calm down. Seeing this, he relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief, though he seemed embarrassed by the fact that he'd been caught not being a jerk. Making a point to not meet her amused gaze, he sheepishly offered her the green tea he'd been saving in his jacket as well as the whiteboard she dropped earlier. She accepted them, pretending there weren't butterflies in her stomach when their fingers brushed.

Silence permeated the air. A long moment passed between them as they sat in the tunnel, listening to the rain and drinking their respective beverages. The honey in Kanna's tea soothed her throat, and she drew strength from it.

It felt like an eternity had passed until Sou spoke up in a voice so quiet she had to strain her ears in order to hear him.

"... You can't run from reality. No matter how far you run, no matter what you tell yourself - it'll catch up to you." His eyes were hooded as he said this. "Something like feeling happy or good is nothing but self-satisfaction. It's the same as tormenting yourself." There was something morose in the way he said this, piquing her curiosity. His breath left him in a long, shaky exhale.

"Since you already died once, you might as well stop trying to measure your own value with pointless sentiments and think of this as your second chance. Become the person you want to be." There was a wistfulness in his face that made him seem so far away. It made Kanna want to reach out and touch him to see if he was a ghost. She wasn't sure if he was talking to her or himself, but she had a feeling it had something to do with her feeling sorry for herself this whole time. Her initial reaction was to be defensive, but he wasn't accusing her of anything or forcing her to own up to her wrongdoings. He was simply putting his thoughts out there for her to interpret. To give her a choice out of her own free will instead of feeling pressured to do or say something she didn't want to.

As far as she knew, this was the first time someone did this for her. Kanna felt ashamed of herself as he was made aware of her cowardly nature. She agreed to help him find out the truth, to uncover her murderer - but she closed herself off in denial and lack of conviction.

How pathetic of me, She nibbled her lower lip as she began to sober up - curling a wet, green strand around her finger.

"If the pressure of accepting your death is going to crush you… then you ought to think of this as being reborn," He kneeled beside her. Their eyes met. He wasn't smiling this time, but there was a strange attentiveness to his gaze as he watched her - his face almost tender. "Must be rough… but well. For better or worse, you're stuck with me." He paused before adding as an afterthought. "Be grateful you have such a benevolent master like me."

Kanna wouldn't say benevolent , she huffed before softening somewhat. His methods of unearthing her personal information were unacceptable, and he led her around by the nose when it came to his selfish whims. Still, he went out of her way to find her and talk some sense into her. She still didn't trust him, but maybe he wasn't as terrible as she thought. So far he hadn't done anything to truly harm her.

Kanna pursed her lips, turning to face him fully so she could listen to the sound of his breathing instead of the rain. It was strange. He was rude and had no sense of personal boundaries. Yet his clumsy attempts at being "nice" reminded her of a puppy learning to walk for the first time. As she settled in his company, she felt a strange calm settle over her turbulent heart for the first time in weeks.

"...Spit it out already. You've been staring at me for a long time now." Sou sighed with exasperation, and for a moment - Kanna thought she saw him redden. "It's giving me the creeps." She shook her head with a small smile. When she started writing on her whiteboard, she sensed him hovering over her shoulder like a curious child. It was endearing.

"Thank you." Looking up at him through the thick fringe of her lashes, she smiled - fragile and thin - but genuine for him. It was the first time in weeks she gave anyone a real smile. Not expecting a sincere response from her, Sou blinked. He fixed his muffler as though it were too tight on him, and she could see that he was getting red. Then he coughed and stood up facing away from her.

"You were so mad earlier. W-What's with you acting so sweet all of a sudden… tsk. Quit it. It messes with my perception." His voice wasn't as harsh as before, invoking a silent laugh from her. He glanced at her over his shoulder, appearing indignant. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up."

Kanna's grin let him know that she intended to. Maybe it was too early to say, but Kanna felt like the gap between them had closed. If only a little.

They were interrupted when the lights in the tunnel suddenly turned on. Standing up, the bewildered pair exchanged a look. Kanna's senses sharpened into wariness as two young men wearing dark suits approached. There was a company car parked just outside the tunnel, indicating that they had driven here.

"We received readings of trauma coming from that doll over there. Model name: Kanna Kizuchi." The first man said in a soft baritone. Dark hair curtained his pale face as he fixed his obsidian eyes on said girl. "It seems you've been made aware of the fact that you are a product of ASUNARO, no thanks to this man here." He glanced at Sou, who frowned. "But therein lies another problem."

"What we care about is the fact that your memories are returning, right, Bastard?" The second man sneered at her. He was younger than his companion. Lanky, condescending, and vaguely familiar. Orange hair and matching eyes looked her over with lazy interest, and it was then that Kanna froze.

"Ahh. What a waste." She remembered! It was the young boy who pilfered her corpse from that time. He looked older and his hair was longer, but there was no mistaking his voice. It was definitely him.

"Ah~ what a scary look you're giving me. Recognize me from the Death Game, do you?" The pilferer snickered. He then revealed a pair of chained sickles from behind his back, returning her dark look with a rictus grin. "Not that it matters. You'll forget again soon enough. We're taking you back to be recalibrated."

"Rio, don't be so aggressive." The older man addressed his colleague with an unearthly calm. "We are here to negotiate, not threaten. We needn't resort to force if they cooperate."

"Put a cork in it, Kai." Rio growled. "The only reason why you're here is because that woman ordered you to make sure I don't rough 'em up too much if they get fresh. Don't act like you care about these two." He then looked at Sou. "Especially that pretender over there."

Kanna swallowed in fear, retreating backwards just as Sou stepped forward, moving in front of her so that his body blocked hers from the others. To his credit, he stood tall and undeterred.

"Judging by your attire and marked car, you must be the enforcers. Did ASUNARO send you to do their dirty work?"

"That's right, but then what's it to you, punk? After all, you're the one who-" Rio was interrupted midway when Kai clapped a hand over his mouth and bowed to the duo. Irritated, Rio broke free and glared daggers at him. Kai was unfettered and addressed Sou.

"I apologize for my colleague's lack of tact. Allow me to clear up this misunderstanding." Kai opened up a suitcase of money as well as a new contract form. "ASUNARO thanks you for always using our Otome Housekeeping service. You are a valuable customer to us, so we'd like to make a deal with you."

"A deal? Don't you mean bribe?" Sou's lips curled into a derisive smile. He took several bills and watched them rain back into the suitcase. "So you want me to give Kanna back to you guys in exchange for hush money and a different Doll." His eyes flitted to Kai's. "And what if I don't want to?"

"Don't get cute, you bastard. You're not exactly in a position to refuse." Rio retorted. "This is a complimentary gesture from the Head herself. She didn't have to give you shit . But since she did, you might as well take it and get lost. We checked your records. Your contract is invalid since you're not the true master of this Doll. Changing your name doesn't validate it. You're just a thief - nothing more."

What? Kanna knitted her brows in confusion. Sou isn't my master…?

Noticing her confusion, Rio guffawed.

"She's totally clueless! You only told her what would benefit you, huh. Afraid she would take off and leave you alone with your twisted sense of guilt?" A shadow fell over Sou's face as he glared at Rio, who continued to mock him. "So that's how it is. You're so torn up about what happened in the past that you decided to make her your pet. Pft. You just couldn't let it go." Then he stopped laughing. His face contorted into one of cold disdain. "Quit it with the act already, you fake."

Fake?

"What is he talking about, Sou?" Tugging at Sou's sleeve, she tried to get an answer from him. He didn't look at her but she noticed his fists were trembling.

"Not going to come clean? Fine then - I'll tell her." Turning to Kanna, he flashed her a predatory grin. "Hey, you. Haven't you wondered why this man knows so much about you, but you don't know anything about him?" Seeing her wince, his grin broadened. "See, he's not who you think he is. He knows who you are, or used to be - but he's not going to tell you because he's selfish. He hates himself so much that he chose to become someone he looks up to - someone he could never be." Sou's jaw clenched, a quiet fury darkening his expression. "Live a lie long enough and you'll start to believe it."

"Shut up…!" He hissed, but his eyes were afraid. That scared Kanna more than these men scared her.

"That would be the real Sou Hiyori." Rio finished with a waspish smugness. "Your most important person, Kanna. Your true master. He's the entire reason you were given a second chance at life."

Kanna's most important person…?

"Ahh…" Kanna clutched her head as painful images flashed through her mind. When she glanced over at Sou, she saw his scarf and felt her headache intensify. "AHH!"

"Kanna…" In her mind's eye, a young boy with the same colored scarf extended his hand towards her. His smile, kind and gentle. In an instant, he changed into a monster. His body became mutilated from open wounds. His face twisted into a dark, terrifying grin as blood bled from his eyes and mouth. Around his neck was the same collar that kept haunted her dreams - the same one she wore when she died. Over the beeping screech, he whispered.

"Die for me."

Screaming, Kanna fell to her knees. Figments of her true past began to show itself. One by one, memories flowed back to her like water drifting downstream.

"It's such a blessing to have Kanna-chan here with us," Auntie would always say with an uneasy smile to her husband and son during dinner. "She's a wonderful addition to our family. Don't you think, Dear?" Kanna remembered her as a kind, submissive woman who suffered heart problems her whole life. But she was never comfortable around Kanna for some reason… and that always troubled her. Because of this, Kanna was never close with her.

"Hrm. Indeed." Her uncle would grumble, lips drawn tight like a bowstring. He was a man of few words and even fewer expressions. He would hardly acknowledge her. Growing up, this gave Kanna the impression he was never fond of her - merely tolerating her existence.

"Eat this one, Kanna. It's the best part. Oh, this one, too. And this, too." Piling food onto her plate with clean chopsticks, that cheerful boy always would find a way to break the tense atmosphere - much to his parents' surprise. "Ahaha, you eat so much." He always looked pleased when she accepted his offerings. "Here, you can have my dessert. It's daifuku. Do you like it? Oh… wow, it's gone already. You must really like sweets. I don't get it, but I guess it's a girl thing."

"S-Sou-chan, not again. She's too little. You know she can't eat that much…" His mother would speak up in a meek, wavering voice. She would be timid, as she couldn't manage looking her son in the eye. His father would appear disconcerted by his open display of affection and interest. Their behavior towards Sou was easy to miss, but now that she thought about it. They seemed to be afraid of him - their own child. He would ignore them and watch her eat until she left a clean plate. When she finished, he would reach over and pat her head with eyes bright like stars and a grin that shone like pearls scattered across the sea.

It was at that moment Kanna finally matched his name and face. Curly jade hair, intelligent eyes, and an impish smile that accentuated his wicked spirit. He had his mother's delicate beauty and his father's cunning. Green hair and green eyes just like hers - matching her likeness to a T.

"There's a good girl."

That missing memory reappeared in the puzzle that represented Kanna's fractured memories. She found those pieces in the form of her adoptive parents, and her first love and protector - Sou Hiyori. Not the man who tricked her, but the real one. Her Onii-chan. He spoiled Kanna rotten back then. How could she have forgotten about him after all this time?

"I learned something cool today, Kanna. Wanna hear it?" Sou's excitement was infectious as he sat next to four-year-old Kanna on a bridge overlooking a lake. Their legs swung against the stonework as they ate dango. A cool autumn breeze passed, causing them to pull up their matching bear hoodies. Side by side they looked like fuzzy twin bear cubs. They were the darlings of Gujo Hachiman, coddled and admired by neighbors as they crossed red bridges hand-in-hand across ageless waterways.

Ever since Kanna was adopted into his family, his mum took to dressing them in matching clothes - like twins.

She and Sou were actually cousins by marriage, and he was five years her senior. A serene, talented boy who charmed their relatives during family gatherings. He would play the piano for them, and he would recite beautiful haikus with confident ease. There weren't many children there, so naturally Kanna was curious about him. They would sit across each other during meal times as grown ups talked. As much as she wanted to get to know him, Kanna was too shy to approach him - believing she couldn't measure up to his company. Family members often chastised her for her timid personality and lack of talent, so she was often compared to the golden child. Despite that, Kanna wanted to meet him.

It was on his ninth birthday they finally spoke. What should have been a happy occasion coincided with her parents' funeral. She was rooted before their pictures at the altar, crying her eyes out when he guided her out of the room and picked her a flower. It was a pink bloom that emerged with sweet smelling petals - a peony. He was giving her a strange, dark look as she kept pouring out her tears. It looked like he was struggling with something but ultimately gave up and let his hands fall to his sides. When she dropped into his lap to hide her swollen face from disapproving elders, he glared at them until they turned away. He just sat there and allowed her to weep a pool of tears into his black kimono. As she clutched that flower to her chest, he stroked her hair until she finally tired herself out.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of you from now on." So he said.

Apparently, Sou had to carry her back home piggyback since she wouldn't let go of him lest she went into a fitful tantrum in her sleep.

Since then, Kanna was joined to his hip. She followed him everywhere and cried when he left the house to attend school or visit his friends. It was embarrassing to admit she had quite a crush on him back then. She would get jealous whenever she saw him with other girls or spend all his time away from her to be with his friends. She was a painfully shy child who had a hard time making friends, so she relied on his presence and security.

Most boys would have been put off by attention, but the older boy didn't seem to mind. In fact he seemed to welcome her company. It wasn't long until they became each other's favorite playmates. He made good on his promise to look after her. Once he was deemed responsible enough by their parents to take off into town to play, she never left his side.

"What's that, Onii-chan?" Kanna was curious seeing the manic gleam in her new brother's green eyes. He skipped a pebble across the murky water. It reminded Kanna of bunnies hopping.

"People can only die three times." There was that strange look again. It happened when he became weirdly excited about the scariest things. His eyes were spinning and he was wearing a grin wide enough to split his face in two. He was even breathing a little hard but Kanna summed it up to him being hot under the thick material of his bear hoodie. She was too young to question this at the time.

"Die?" Kanna repeated in confusion. "You mean, like going to heaven like Kanna's mama and papa did?"

"Sure, let's call it a round trip." Her adoptive brother answered with a roll of his eyes. Seeing Kanna's blank expression, he shook his head knowing she wouldn't understand sarcasm. "Never mind. Like I was saying… humans die three times in a lifetime." He held up three fingers to count down. "The first time is when we stop breathing."

"Like holding your breath?" Kanna asked innocently. Her eyes brightened. "Oh! Kanna is good at that game! In swim class, she beat all the boys! Remember that, Onii-chan?" She glowed with pride, beaming from ear to ear. "Teacher told Kanna she's amazing since she can stay underwater for five minutes! Everyone called Kanna a mermaid! Kanna did good that day, right?"

"Yes, Kanna," Pinching the bridge of his nose, Sou closed his eyes and let out an annoyed sigh reminiscent of a deflating balloon. "Like I've told you for the tenth time since that time… you did good. Now can you please stop interrupting me so I can finish? This is important stuff, you know. I'm trying to teach you something useful so nobody teases you for not knowing anything."

"Oh, right!" Kanna giggled, shuffling her body to face him with her legs tucked under her lap. "Go ahead, Onii-chan. Sorry."

"As I was saying, the second time we die is when our spirits are released from our bodies. As if they fly away to heaven." He clarified in a way to make her young mind comprehend. When she nodded in understanding, he counted down to a single finger. "Then. The third time we die is when the last person who remembers you disappears." He hummed as he sat atop the handrail, swinging his feet. "Well? What do you think?"

"Uff…" A sick dread weighed down her shoulders as she swallowed. "Um, Onii-chan." She intoned in a timid voice, twiddling her fingers. "Sorry, but Kanna doesn't like this. It's too scary. Talking about dying…"

"Scary…?" Sou repeated, disappointed and confused. Sucking in air, he gripped his chest with a wince. "So that's how I should feel? Guess I'm weird, huh." He glanced at her then before crouching down to her level. "Are you scared, Kanna?"

"Of course! Ah!" Sou blinked when she raised her voice at him. Realizing this, she immediately bowed her head. "Sorry! Kanna didn't mean to shout. It's just that… my mama and papa already died. Kanna can't talk to them anymore, and she'll never see them again. They left Kanna all alone…" Her voice cracked as tears burned behind her eyes. She closed them, willing herself not to cry. "S-So, I don't want anyone else to die. Especially not you!" She looked at him then with teary eyes, biting her bottom lip. "If Onii-chan died, Kanna would be so sad. She would miss you so much it would be too painful!"

"Kanna… you're crying because of that?" Sou stared at her in open bewilderment. It was as though no one had ever told him these things before. It couldn't have been she was the first. After all, everyone loved him. Even so, he made a funny expression as though he were being squeezed. The beginnings of a blush colored his ears.

"Sometimes…" Kanna blubbered, "Sometimes Kanna wishes everyone could just live forever. Then no one would ever leave again. Nobody would cry, and we could always be together and play and eat lots of ice cream." She sniffed as large tears rolled down her cheeks. "K-Kanna knows it's silly. Teacher told me that death may be painful, but it's part of a beautiful, natural order." She shook her head, overcome with frustration and grief. "But Kanna doesn't think so at all! Kanna… Kanna hates death! It would be better if it never existed!"

Kanna hadn't realized it then, but that naive wish of hers sparked a strange expression from her brother. Thinking about it now, Sou looked like he'd been struck by lightning. A shaky exhale left his lips as his jade eyes burned ablaze with exhilaration. He was shaking like a leaf, and he dropped the dango he was holding.

"What's wrong, Onii-chan?" Wiping her eyes, she frowned at him in worry. "Does your dango not taste good anymore?" Offering hers without a second thought, she went on to say. "You can have Kanna's."

"It's not silly at all, Kanna. Now that I think about it, you're right. Death is no good at all. That's why all the things I've been doing… aren't enough. That's why I never feel satisfied." He said as he knelt to her level. "Thank you, Kanna. You really helped me when no one else could."

"Kanna did?" Blushing at his praise, she stopped crying when he gave her a gentle nod. She wasn't sure why he looked so relieved or how she even helped him, but she was glad all the same. A sharp breeze moved past them, causing Kanna to squeal and cling to the handrail so she wouldn't fall.

Wind fluttered around their clothes and hair as Sou released a long exhale - as though allowing his soul to breathe and fly away to freedom. When he opened his eyes, he gave her the sincerest, warmest look she'd ever seen from him - like she brought the sun to their land and made the flowers grow. It gave her stomach butterflies as his smile warmed her inside out.

For the first time ever, Kanna felt special.

"Thanks to you, I have a dream now. So don't worry about dying ever again - I'll make sure that never happens to you." He told her, reaching over to smooth out her wayward flyaways. Kanna touched his hand - it was hot like the summer sun.

"But what about you?" She asked. "Kanna doesn't want you to go away and disappear. What will she do?"

"Well…" Sou let his eyes wander over to the horizon. His smile faded slightly but he remained content as they basked in the warmth of the evening. The sun was setting, and it cast him in a warm, orange glow. The glare of the light made it appear as though he wore a halo.

"As long as you remember me, I'll never really be gone."

"Kanna won't!" The little girl immediately interjected, giving him a start. She beamed at him then, switching her dango to another hand so she could extend him a pinky. "If it means Onii-chan will always be with Kanna… she'll never forget him!"

"Kanna…" He trembled then, which made Kanna blink. She guessed it must have been because of the wind. She was going to ask if he was cold when he finally looked up. He stared at her for what seemed like an eternity until he chuckled. "Okay. Then I promise not to forget about you, either." He hooked his left pinky with her right and sang an oath lest they suffered a horrible punishment.

"Pinky swear, if I lie, I will swallow a thousand needles and cut my pinky!" Kanna sang in a decidedly cheerful voice while Sou sounded more subdued. "Promise made!"

"Now that's done…" He trailed off as he helped her onto the bridge. He ducked beneath her and wrapped her legs around his torso. She yelped and held onto his neck for dear life in fear of him dropping her. "Let's piggyback all the way home!" He shouted with an ambitious gleam in his eye. Feeling particularly rebellious, Kanna cheered him on. Though they knew it would be frowned upon, they shrieked with laughter all the way home.

Silent tears poured down Kanna's face as she cried for the second time that night. She dimly heard someone calling her name and shaking her, but it sounded like cotton in her ears.

In Kanna's mind, nobody compared to her big brother back then. He was everything she could ever want in a sibling. He was cool, kind and smart. He always let her pick the first toy at the store and held her hand so she wouldn't trip or get lost. He would walk from his school to her daycare to pick her up so they could walk home together, and he always made sure she walked on the inside of the sidewalk so she wouldn't get hit by cars. He read her stories and tolerated her habit of crawling into his bed whenever she was lonely or afraid. He even let her borrow his toys from time to time. Not once did he yell or hit her - unlike the other children in the nursery she used to live with.

He was always so gentle with her, so caring. There were times he was stern, but ultimately he was a fine young man. He was Sou. Her prince of light. He was perfect. Unlike Kanna, but she never resented him for it. How could she when he'd devoted nothing but care and attention to her?

And yet… because of Kanna, he's…! A sickening guilt and shame crushed her lungs as she envisioned the last memory of them together. It happened when she was still in middle school, and he just started college. They had been walking home from school one evening when mysterious men in a black van arrived. One of them made a grab for her, but Sou tackled him to the ground. The others were on him immediately. Head bleeding and clinging onto one of the men's legs to prevent them from chasing her, she could still hear him screaming at her.

"Get out of here, Kanna!"

"Onii-chan…" Guilt shot through her like an arrow. Her nails dug into her skin so hard it left red crescent marks, but the pain was nothing compared to reliving the memory. He's gone now, and it's all my fault.

"...na! Kanna!" She floated back to reality as she stared blankly at the stranger she'd been with the whole night. He was bracing her by the shoulders with worry and panic stricken all over his face, but she didn't understand why. After all, he made it very clear he only was using her to get back at his adversaries. So why was he looking at her like that? She really didn't understand him at all.

Who was he, really? He had the same name as her brother, but he wasn't her Sou. He acted nothing like him. This person was a ghost - coming and going as he pleased, but he moved through her like an apparition. She didn't know him, but at the same time - yes, she did. So why couldn't she remember him?

Once again, her eyes fell on his scarf - triggering one final memory.

It was a cold winter evening when she visited his new apartment for the first time. The tall, green-haired man blinked down at her with mild surprise. He was dressed in his pajamas, ready to retire.

"What are you doing here, Kanna? And what are you hiding behind your back?"

"Um… w-well," Kanna felt bashful as she stared at her toes, shifting her weight back and forth. Finally, she gathered her courage and presented him with her gift. "Happy Valentine's Day, Onii-chan!"

"Ehh, for me? Shouldn't you do this for the boy you like?"

"D-Don't tease me! Hurry and open it!"

"Alright, alright." He unwrapped the box and opened it, smiling when he saw it was homemade chocolate. "Wow… it looks good. You're getting better every year. Good job, Kanna. I"ll be sure to eat it." He reached over and patted her head like he always did, causing her to revel in his praise with a swoony expression. Then she came to her senses.

"Check under the chocolate! There's a surprise!"

"There's more?" Sou trailed off, doing as she said as he removed the tissue paper. His eyes widened. "This is…"

"Ta-da! You're always complaining about how cold it is in the city, so Kanna made this for you in her home economics class!" Her excitement faded as she saw him staring at the surprise without saying anything. This made her nervous as she twiddled her thumbs. "Um… is it too flashy? Kanna can make another one if you don't like it."

"...No," His voice was soft as he took the pink and orange dotted muffler out and wrapped it around his neck. He touched it again, seeming to enjoy its warmth. "It's perfect." He murmured. Regarding her with affection, his eyes glowed a warm summer green. "Thank you, Kanna. I'll treasure it." There was some noise going on inside his apartment, and they both looked behind him to see a figure loitering in the shadows. "Hey! Look what I got from my little sister! You haven't met, right? Come over here!"

"N-No, I..." The shadow hesitated, piquing Kanna's curiosity. "Don't worry about me. I'll go back and finish the program." Then he walked off.

"Onii-chan's scarf… that's right. I made this for him." Kanna touched the stranger's muffler then, nostalgia washing over her as her hand made contact with his chest. She looked at the aqua-haired man before her, who went pale at the words she mouthed.

"Where did you get this?" She saw him flinch and grit his teeth, seeming ashamed for the first time since she met him. "Did Onii-chan give this to you?" She continued probing for answers. "Who are you, really? Please tell me the truth. What is your real name?"

"I…" 'Sou' faltered, pinching his brows together. He was glaring at the ground and digging his teeth into his lip. Sick with unease, the veins in his neck pulsed as he swallowed - his Adam's apple bobbing. He looked her in the eye, took a deep breath, and opened his mouth. "Kanna, I'm-"

"Hey! What are you guys doing to my friends?" Shouting at the top of his lungs, Joe came charging down the tunnel while brandishing his phone. "I'm recording this and sending it to the police! You better not be doing black market stuff!"

"Joe?" 'Sou' muttered in surprise before narrowing his eyes. "That busybody. What does he think he's doing?"

"Ugh, what timing." Rio scoffed, looking over at Kai. "Now what? It's not like we can conduct our business without doing something about him," Before the man could reply, his phone suddenly rang. He pardoned himself to the others as he answered the call.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Sou! Kanna! Are you guys okay?" Joe asked as soon as he caught up. "I was just about to go home when I saw a suspicious car following you guys after Kanna ran off."

So, he must've seen our argument, Kanna mused. Joe helped them up with a strong arm before moving in front of them protectively with his phone on record. He locked eyes with an annoyed Rio.

"I got you on video, kid! This is clearly harassment! Try anything with those weapons, and I'll upload this to every social media platform you're on!"

"Ah? You dare threaten me, you bastard?" Rio fired back. "Tsk. I always despised you and your chivalrous heroics. She's got bad taste in having you as her favorite." Joe looked at him in confusion. "Guess that's the privilege of being someone's first love. Women always have a soft spot for those stupid sentiments."

"First love? Who is this 'she' you're talking about?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," he spat. Resentment burned in his gaze as he glanced over at Kai, who got off the phone. "Well?"

"Our orders are to withdraw." He said in an even tone, appearing neither disappointed nor pleased. He packed up his suitcase and bowed to them. "It seems the contract is now valid. The legal papers acknowledge this man's identity as Sou Hiyori. According to our CEO, you are indeed the master of Kanna Kizuchi. We apologize for our mistake." Despite his formality, his black gaze remained apathetic. "Well, then. If you'll excuse us, we won't trouble you any further." He then turned on his heel and went back to the car.

"What the hell? We came all this way here for nothing?!" Rio raged, chasing after the man's heels. "Not fair! I didn't even get to knock a couple heads around! Hey, are you listening? Kaaai!"

"Sou", Kanna, and Joe stood there and watched the car pull out of the tunnel - not daring to breathe until the vehicle was finally out of sight. A collective sigh of relief left them.

"So," Joe, frowning, turned to the pair with crossed arms. "Mind telling me what's going on? What did you two get yourselves into? And what was this 'master' stuff that guy was talking about just now?"

Kanna opened her mouth once, closed it, then looked at Joe guiltily. She didn't want to involve him more than they already had. The last thing she wanted for him was to end up in danger because of them.

"You want the truth?" "Sou" let out a harsh, bitter laugh - surprising them. "Chase it, and see where that gets you. You'll only regret it." He threw his muffler behind him in a trail of red as he started to walk away.

Kanna wanted to call out to him, her hand reaching out. But even if she did, what then? What was there to be said at this point?

"Hey, Sou!" Joe caught up to him easily, grabbing his shoulder. "I don't know what you're talking about, but it's obvious there's some crazy stuff you guys are mixed up in. If Kanna won't tell me, then I'm getting my answers from you. No matter how well you two get along, I can't turn the other cheek if you got her involved him in some kind trouble," He didn't flinch when Sou batted his hand away. "Well? You seem to know what's going on. Come on, I'm not gonna leave you alone until you tell the truth. Maybe you think I can't help, but we won't know until you say something."

"Must be nice… being so blissfully ignorant." Kanna heard him grumble. Apparently, so did Joe.

"I'm ignorant because no one's telling me what the hell's going on. Maybe you can help with that."

"...Jou Tazuna. If I were to tell you that everything you thought you knew about yourself turned out to be lies… that the memories you have are fake…"There was that smirk again as he regarded the younger man with contempt. "Would you even believe me?" This stranger was putting up walls to mask his intentions. Nothing in his eyes gave away what he was truly thinking.

And yet, Kanna thought as she stared at him with sadness and wonder. He looks terribly lonely.

That night was the longest one in the trio's lives. The storm passed eventually, but not the one brewing in their hearts.

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A/N: Just when you thought Kanna and Sou finally reached an understanding - kaboom. Smoke, mirrors, and all the works. This was a chaotic chapter and I'm glad it's finally over.