"You're getting strong, (Y/n)."

Jade showed you an encouraging smile—a smile that made you feel like maybe world peace was real after all. You internally patted yourself on the back for hitting a new PR on your deadlift before demolishing your water bottle. Ever since your meeting with Kein a week ago, you've been more determined than ever. That included working on your fitness as well. After all, it would be both hilarious and depressing if your plans fell short because of your physical abilities.

"Yeah, watch out Lyle," you said, pointing a finger in his direction. "I'm gonna be buffer than you."

Lyle looked at you—No wait. Looked down at you.

"... Good luck."

"..."

It was early in the morning, and you spent the past hour working out with Jade and Lyle. You and Jade agreed to meet up prior, Lyle was there by default. Being in the presence of two very muscular individuals was a wonderful distractor and source of motivation.

Whilst you were in the middle of convincing Lyle that it is totally, positively, mathematically possible for you to achieve arms as buff as his, someone else entered the room—namely, a brunette who managed to style a simple black compressed t-shirt into a chic look.

Jade was the first to greet her. "Good morning, Sara."

You expected Sara to chirp back a cheerful good morning, maybe even slip in a brag or two about how much money she saved the past month using coupons; however, she returned Jade's words with a slow nod. As you were caught off guard by Sara's behaviour, it took you a hot minute to notice Elias was here as well.

"We came back from a meeting with the chairman and a few executives," Elias said,

Ah—Ahhh. This scene. Naturally, as the city's state became increasingly precarious due to the overwhelmingly abundance of apparition, the chairman conducted a meeting to discuss strategies for managing the crisis. One of the topics was—

"About how we should handle Rose," Elias said. "It was decided that we would exorcise her. She was deemed too dangerous to negotiate with."

The room became tense, and you indulged in your thoughts. You've never actually seen this conversation unfold in the game; Jade was the one who informed Amias of the news.

"I know my grandfather wants to make her into a weapon," Sara said. "No empathy, no hesitation. He's... not a bad family member, but I can't say he's a good person."

"May disagreed with the chairman," Elias noted. "So she's holding back the funds for the weapons. We have time before they act."

"Am I right to assume there isn't much time?" Jade asked.

Elias nodded. "If Rose is truly dangerous, May has no choice but to comply eventually. The protection of the city is her top priority."

The conversation continued to flow whilst you remained silent. Lyle noticed and spoke up,

"You're unusually quiet. Normally, you'd pipe up with something like, 'I think we can save her!' or something."

"I don't sound like that."

Everyone was silent.

You huffed. "Well, we have time. We just need to get to Rose before they do."

When you glanced over at Sara with an easy smile, you realised just how tense the atmosphere had become. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. You couldn't help but wonder how you appeared to others. You always seemed sure and you held so many secrets.

"We're going to save Rose," you said. "Even if it sounds naive or too good to be true. We're going to at least try."

"I think you're the only person who can say that." Sara laughed. Ah, she was finally smiling again. That was good. "Anyone else would sound insincere."

After a few more minutes, Sara and Elias had to leave. Jade left with the siblings as well, so it was just you and Lyle. You were about to leave, but Lyle dragged you to the bench press and said you had a few more sets in you. By the time you had wrapped up your training session, you were exhausted. You were grateful that Lyle pushed you, but you were also three steps away from seeing the afterlife.

"(Y/n)."

Lyle handed you a water bottle as he called out your name. His expression was a little serious, as if he was in thought. Well, you were way too thirsty to voice your concerns. Hydration first. You thanked Lyle and accepted the bottle and basically drained it.

"Phew." You turned your attention to Lyle. "Is something wrong?"

Without a word, Lyle sat next to you. The guy was huge. Not like you didn't know that, but man it was obvious when he sat right next to you.

"You have a goal in mind, right?"

You slowly nodded. "Well, yeah?"

"Knowing you, you'll try to find a way to make everyone happy." Lyle looked down. He didn't seem like he was angry, but his gaze was stern. "I'll... Support you."

Well. That wasn't the response you expected from Lyle, of all people. Lyle, the individual who challenged your naive ideals the most, the man always argued against meaningless or reckless actions—that Lyle said he'd support you?

"...?"

Yeah, you were probably making an interesting face right now. Lyle rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in them.

"You have naive ideals. I still don't like how you see everything with blind optimism, and how you forgive people so easily. But, that's just who you are. It's a charm that you have, and was why Sara became relaxed so easily," Lyle said. "You're self-aware of your flaws, and it's unfair of me to force you to change."

God damn. You were so dumbfounded by his words that you couldn't get a single word in.

"So I'm changing my approach. If you want a fairytale ending, then do your best."

With a quick pat on your head, Lyle then smiled—huh. Smiled???? As in, the corners of his lips curved upwards????

"I'll be supporting you—everyone else would be as well. So, don't go off on your own too much, okay?"



===



The bar hummed with low chatter, a mix of clinking glasses and a sweet scent was in the air, lingering like a whisper of a promise of the night's potential. Cecil was bartending for the night; it had been a while due to his work as an SF member. The change of pace was very much welcomed.

A small group of women were giggling and flirting with Cecil. Not an unusual occurrence. His smooth, honeyed words coaxed light laughter and sultry glances in return. Cecil knew how to make each gaze of his special, how to keep his eyes on the individual long enough to leave a lingering desire for more.

Usually, these exchanges led to a night spent in company, but Cecil wasn't in the mood for that. He wasn't oblivious. Cecil knew why this was the case. You were on his mind. Each time he considered inviting someone—man or woman—into his bed, the thought of you stopped him. At first, Cecil believed he just admired you. He loved watching you push yourself, constantly doing interesting and unconventional things—ambitious acts that made his heart race in anticipation. However, it wasn't just that.

Cecil found himself wanting to see you smile, hear your laugh, or simply listen to your voice. He adored your sympathetic nature, he found you amusing when you talked about your hobbies, and he couldn't help but be intrigued by the secrets you held.

Yes, he had fallen in love.

Cecil was sentimental when it came to those he cared about, especially his friends. But love? Ahh, when was the last time Cecil had truly fallen in love? Had he ever? He had crushes before, exchanged kisses and far more. However, had he ever felt this strongly about someone? If you were Cecil's lover, he imagined he'd pour all his emotions into the relationship. He'd be hopeless, really. Buying things that reminded him of you, taking photos of you two everyday, creating several photo albums...

Cecil moved through the motions of his job on autopilot, lost in thought. Due to that, he almost missed the entrance of a certain blond. The young man stood out immediately, his bright, innocent expression clearly new to the atmosphere. For a moment, Cecil faltered. It was as if a part of his memories were hollow. This man... Kein, was it? Cecil's eyes widened. Yes, right. Kein, the SF member that vanished from everyone's memories.

It was strange how Cecil managed to remember him. Although, Cecil could not recall any memories of the blond from a time before he vanished. He had asked you why that was the case, and even you didn't have an answer. Honestly, it was relieving that you didn't know everything. You were still human like everyone else. Though Cecil found it interesting that you seemed to know far too much, it made him feel distant.

As if you did not belong to this world.

"You're Cecil!"

Kein had approached Cecil. As expected, no one recognised the blond. However, that didn't stop the interested gazes and whispers. Cecil returned Kein's enthusiasm with a smile.

"Kein, interesting seeing you here. Is this your first time at my bar?"

"Woah!" His eyes were sparkling. "You really do remember me."

"Anyone would remember a face as lovely as yours."

At Cecil's flirtatious comment—even the people around Kein became flustered at them—Kein simply beamed.

"You think my face is lovely? Thank you!"

(Y/n) was right, flirting goes over his head.

"Would you like a drink? My treat."

"Are you sure?"

"I insist. In fact, I'll be offended if you refuse."

Kein gasped. "Th-then, I'd like one!"

Cecil chuckled under his breath, his hands moving fluidly as he whipped up a drink. Kein watched in awe as Cecil poured the vibrant liquid into the glass. Cecil was amused at Kein's pure, bright expression. Alright, Cecil understood why you were so enthusiastic whenever you talked about Kein. If his heart didn't belong to you, he might've taken a deeper interest in Kein.

Cecil slid the drink across the counter. "Here you go."

Kein happily accepted the drink and offered a waterfall of praises after tasting it. Cecil leaned over the counter with a smile.

"I'm curious, how did you meet (Y/n)?"

Kein perked up. "She came over to me first! I was so surprised, I thought it was impossible to reach where I was."

Kein explained the details of his meeting with you whilst Cecil listened with interest. The bar was busy with chatter, so the discussion between Cecil and Kein didn't stand out. Although, there were a few people in the bar who caught glimpses of the conversation. However, according to what you told Cecil, they would forget the moment Kein leaves.

I could always invite him to my private room. Cecil watched as Kein talked with a pure, glowing expression. I shouldn't.

"So (Y/n) made a bet with you." Cecil laughed. "How fun."

"Mhm! I'm glad that I lost. Cecil, you only remember our past few encounters, right?"

Cecil nodded. "I only knew you were an ex-SF member from external information. I don't remember you outside of our few interactions."

"It's strange! (Y/n) remembers me from before I disappeared. She even proved it."

"How?"

"I asked her what my favourite food was."

"...?"

Before Cecil could ask the logic behind that question, Kein continued.

"Anyways! I wanted to come to you because (Y/n) trusts you a lot." Somehow, Kein's smile grew brighter. "You complimented me and even made me a drink, I can see why."

Cecil was deeply curious how someone like Kein became an SF member. Either way, he pushed that question aside. There was something more important he wanted to ask.

"How did you become like this in the first place?"

It was a touchy subject, so Cecil kept his tone light and casual. He didn't want to seem forceful, but hoped to coax out some answers. A small hint would be enough. Of course, he'd love the full story, but he'd respect boundaries—

"Oh, let me start from the beginning!"

Cecil blinked. This felt like cheating. Despite not doing any tricks or wordplay, he felt like he had taken advantage of the blonde.

Kein clasped his hands together. "Feel free to stop me whenever you get confused."

The concept of a wish, one made when an individual walked the line between life or death. It sounded absurd, yet Cecil didn't reject the idea. As Kein continued explaining, piece by piece, Cecil found himself connecting the dots.

(Y/n), don't tell me you're...

That had to be the case. In exchange for a powerful wish, would you have to die? Turn into an otherworldly state similar to Kein? Either way, a large sacrifice was most likely needed. And from the way you have been acting—distant eyes, words that spoke of a future that you detached yourself from...

There was a sinking feeling that you would not be in this world for long.

Not only will it be near impossible to talk you out of your plans—Cecil could not recall a time where someone had managed to convince you to back out when you had set your sights on something—what right did he have to stop you? Your conviction was strong, it was what made you strong.

Cecil's eyes narrowed in thought. I wish you relied on me more. I wish I can simply make everything easy for you.

Cecil paused.

Wish?

He almost laughed at himself. Since when did Cecil wish? He made things happen. His ambitions were not dreams, but goals to fulfil. Ah, seriously. The last time he was this pathetic was when he was a child.

Whatever happens—where your life is on the line or you disappear from my memories, I'll find a way to get you back.

===

The room was dim, the pale glow of monitors and machines a substitute for the sun. Eve's hands flowed across the keyboard like running water, a soft hum of satisfaction escaping their lips as the monitor switched to a surveillance feed. Their fingers moved with ease, seamlessly flipping between monitors, tabs, programs, and codes as if they were sampling food.

"Let's see..." They giggled. "There's a 31.3% chance that (Y/n) would be eating lunch at the cafeteria—Ah! There she is."

Eve sighed happily at the sight of you, even if it was only through the lens of a surveillance camera. The cafeteria and library opened to all AEI members were the few cameras they had access to observe you. Eve would love to install more cameras, such as the library reserved for the SF or even the entrance to your own room! Wouldn't that be fantastic? Then they could see your face far more often!

However that was—apparently—overstepping boundaries. It was unlikely you'd find out, but Eve figured you'd be upset by it. Honestly, what was so bad about it? Of course, they would give you privacy in your own room. Your face brought comfort to Eve, a comfort amidst the cold hum of technology mountains of paperwork. Of course, it would be better if you could stick by their side all the time, but you had duties. Although...

"It would be fun if she was my assistant—" Eve saw you sit down with a group of people. To be specific, three others. "She's laughing..."

You were with—who were they again? Eve's mind didn't process names and faces they didn't care about. A swift look at the database allowed Eve to immediately identify who these people were.

"Lily, Lucas and Ness," Eve mumbled, their gaze growing dim.

You exchanged warm smiles, friendly looks, and engaged in easy conversation. You smiled at Eve as well, but you seemed different with them. Eve didn't understand what they were feeling. However, they knew that the sight made their chest grow unpleasantly tight.

"Huh?" Eve's voice was a gentle whisper, like a child timidly calling out for help. "What?"

All that was on their mind right now was to erase the people around you. It wasn't the first time they had watched you talk to others, but why did they feel so strongly now? In fact, Why did Eve care so much about who you show your smile to? They admired you for your abilities, so why did it matter that you had other connections?

"So many questions! I've never cared so much about someone else before. It's strange, I'm feeling so many complicated emotions."

Eve wanted to delve into it deeply, but they still had work to do. Eve closed the camera feed and turned to the project they were working on. With the way their mind worked, they were very quick to move on despite just experiencing a novel emotional conflict.

"The debut of weapons." Eve's lips stretched into a smile. "I can't wait."

Once weapons became a natural part of society, Eve would finally have a greater purpose. Their use would be solidified, they would be an integral structure to the city. Just like you are right now.

However, you might pose a threat to the weapon's grand debut. Now, that would be an issue, wouldn't it? Eve would hate to fight you—getting you hurt would be a terrible outcome! But... if you did get hurt, wouldn't that give them a reason to see you more? Purely for work purposes, of course, since you're such a valued SF member. Still, what a shame they couldn't work with you directly. If only you were their assistant, they'd treat you so well! Eve earned plenty of money, so you'd have all the benefits. Ah, if only they could—

An idea came to Eve's mind. Their eyes widened and a laugh escaped their lips. That was perfect! You wouldn't get hurt, you'll be close to Eve, and you wouldn't be able to hinder the debut of the weapons.

"Ahh, I'm sorry, (Y/n). I think you'll hate me soon." Eve's expression was anything but sorry. It was one of delight. "But that's okay! Even if it takes years, I'll work for your forgiveness."