Chapter 350 - Like Rain

Ever since Lyn left, Kazuya felt like a dead man walking. It felt like his soul was no longer in this world.

The dream would start the same way.

He would find himself in a strange place on a rooftop. The rain falling rapidly as he overlooked the town from above.

He would have a hard time identifying the buildings did to the heavy rainfall. Even when it slowed down, he could not identify the place.

For a moment, he closed his eyes, hiding away his mask of pain, regret, and longing. He missed her so much, even a dream he could not get rid of the pain. Inside the dream, the pain seemed to grow worse by the minute. The raindrops falling down on his face seemed to mix with the tears running down his race. Inside this place, wherever it is. Isn't he allowed to cry? What is wrong with him shedding tears? Is it a crime to cry?

Surely it isn't. But, Kazuya knew better than to cry in front of those people. If they found out he was weak like this, then...Then they would try to take advantage of him. They would manipulate him. So he hid his tears behind a mask of anger, this way they won't misunderstand anything. Of course, he is worried about Lyn; he wants to bring her back.

The more he thought of Lyn, the more his tears would fall. It made his soul tremble, and his heart aches grow worse. Whenever things are like this, he can't control himself.

His cries increased, and he raised his head and looked up at the grey skies. The tears fell from his eyes like invisible raindrops. At this point, it was hard to tell which was faster. The raindrops, or his tears. Or could it be there was no rain at all, and this entire time it was only his tears?

Kazuya is not the type of person who cries a lot. Even after experiencing grievances in his childhood. He didn't think much of it. Even when he was in pain and suffered so much injustice, he didn't cry. But, the thought of Lyn suffering made his heart clench up in pain. Why? Why? Why?

….

The dreams would end just like that.

Just when it feels like he would reach an answer, things would come crashing down.

"Sir Kazuya, should I…"

Kazuya nodded towards the soldier, who went towards the direction of the crowd. He didn't want to attend this damned gathering at all. But when Prince Andrew said there was a chance of finding Lyn here, then he took it.

She truly is different then what he pictured. He thought she was an emotionless girl - someone who didn't have any emotions. It was only natural for him to think that because their past aside. She never reacted to any of the cruel things he said to her. No matter how harsh his words were, she didn't respond to them. No, that's not why he was so severe.

But frustrated Kazuya whenever he saw her like that. It was frustrating watching her act exactly like a doll with no emotions. There's no way because the girl who helped him escape that day looked so frantic and desperate. That's precisely why, despite the feelings of anger, he felt that day he didn't hit her.

Kazuya had a feeling it was her again when they came here, and he saw her loitering around. She always wore a mask then and would only show her face around certain people. He didn't know what it was, but he had a feeling it was her, the silhouette - her hairstyle it's completely different than before. But he knew he would never be able to mistake that beautiful color.

He had to confirm it, no matter what he had to know and when he did find out. He was bewildered, although he did want it to be her. He was shocked to find out, and - the fact that she hides her face again slowly afterward ticked him off.

' She doesn't want to see him,' that's obvious. Her reaction was normal - and yet, when he caught a glimpse of the girl's eyes, there was nothing but sadness. But why? Why would she be so sad upon seeing him? He didn't get it. Kazuya debated about it constantly in his head and when he finally worked up the courage to speak to her about it.

The next time they meet, he will ask her, and they will speak about before. That's how it was supposed to be. But upon his return, he noted that she was no longer wearing the mask, and the expression behind the mask was …a broken doll.

It irked him seeing her like that, especially since he knew.. Knew that she wasn't like that. It was only for a short while before, but even now, he could still remember the girl's smile from years ago. The reason why he was so cruel was to bring out her emotions again. Though that tactic failed, what brought out her emotions again was…

' When you're too kind to me, I become afraid.'

When Lyn first admitted that to him, he could only stare at her in wonder. She's showing a different expression now..and yet it was completely different then what he suspected. At the start, he thought it was different, but thinking about it carefully, it made sense. Back then, she was not able to say anything to her mother or siblings, and yet she smiles whenever she eats, drinks, or goes shopping.

Lyn would smile for other things, too, the most simple things.

She's weak and fragile when he's kind to her; she gets all confused and yet to him that is cute. Ever since they started dating each other, things have been different between them. Kazuya suspected that things would change but who would have thought that it would become like this now.

He didn't think that he would end up caring for her to such an extent. Damm, that girl is sneaky. But these sorts of feelings are not wrong. He has to think about it carefully, doesn't he Lyn?

His thoughts broke off when he hears familiar voices.

"Don't even think about going near me."

"Why are you so angry? I said I'd bring you to see him."

"I figured out it was your plan. But don't actually admit it, and so casually too. You claim you love me, but then you throw me away the moment it becomes inconvenient for you!"

"Listen, it isn't like that at all."

Thump, thump. Thump.

These voices - he recognized them both. One of them belonged to his friend Rhys, and the other one...

Huh? How is that possible? But other than her, who would speak like that to Rhys? Quickly, he has to get there quickly. Before it disappears again, just like the rain. Before it vanishes and turns into nothing, Kazuya increased his speed and turned left. Right at that moment, he collided into someone.

"I'm sorry, I…"

He doesn't have time to apologize. He needs to confirm the source of that voice quick. "Kazuya?"