"Kael."
He didn't answer — just looked at her, expression unreadable, as if his eyes alone replied:
Yeah?
"Why… why did you shoot him?" Aira's voice cracked.
She hesitated, but forced the words out anyway.
Kael didn't move.
Didn't blink.
He looked hollow, as if the question barely reached him.
When he finally spoke, his tone was almost casual — like she'd asked his favourite colour, not his morality.
"To save you."
Aira swallowed.
"…Do you regret it?"
"Not a single bit."
From the corner of the room, Noir watched them.
Smiling.
A soft, serpentine grin — the kind someone wears when a tragedy is unfolding exactly as they hoped.
A psychological dread wearing a girl's shape.
Aira stepped toward Kael.
Slow.
Unsteady.
Her hand rose.
SLAP.
Kael didn't flinch.
He knew it was coming.
And it didn't bother him anymore.
"I hate you… I hate you… I HATE YOU!
Aira screamed, tearing a revolver from her holster.
Her hands shook violently.
She pressed the barrel against her own head.
She didn't truly want to die — but the guilt was clawing through her, tearing her apart from the inside.
"You don't want that, Aira," Kael said softly. "Neither do I."
He stepped toward her.
He raised his hands — bruised, trembling — but his voice stayed calm.
"We can fix this. You and me."
Her breathing slowed.
Her fingers loosened.
The gun lowered… hesitated… then slipped into his hands.
CLICK.
Empty.
I knew what you were going to do.
"It's alright,"
he whispered.
"We're all going to be fine."
He moved closer, steady, gentle.
"You… promise?" Her voice was barely air.
"I do."
His smile was soft — but his eyes were bone-deep tired.
He glanced at Noir.
"Good," she purred, her grin widening. "But you can be better."
---
Earlier that day—
Kael sat in his room.
Staring at the mirror.
"Where… are you?" he thought bitterly.
"Hey," Noir whispered into his ear from behind.
Kael didn't jump.
He just exhaled.
"Finally… so this is what it feels like to wait for somebody, huh…" he groaned.
"You waited for me?" Noir tilted her head.
"Aww, I'm flattered."
"Noir… I—I thought of a plan."
Her eyes gleamed.
"What is it?"
"Don't mess with me," he warned.
"You already know it."
A slow, pleased smile spread across her face.
"Getting smarter, huh?"
Kael stayed silent.
Noir leaned forward.
"Oh, and… Aira has a gun on her,"
she whispered, almost sing-song.
Kael froze.
"…That's… not good."
"Totally. I suppose you remove the bullets."
…
"I will."