Chapter 366 - (2019: Case 02) Part 17

*UNEDITED*

Since a long time ago he watched those two interact - and interestingly enough. They actually don't speak as much as people say they do. At least in the middle of the fight and before the fight. It's almost as though there's already a silent agreement between them. Those two do not need words to communicate nor do they even need any signals. It's almost as though they instinctively know already what's going on in each other's mind. They are connected that deeply.

Had he been envious of Sakano instead of her? Perhaps that's how it ended up being like. At the time he didn't realise it though, that his ' interest' and ' fascination' towards her was growing towards the feelings of love. He didn't realise then, that the irritation he felt was towards the guard instead of her.

Yang didn't realise then, that ever since then he wanted to become one of the swords & shields that protected her. She's strong, she's always been far stronger then he has been. He knew that all too well and even in the events of the battle last year, he allowed events to take it's course. He didn't intervene or do anything flashy. 

At the end of the day Sakano despite being out of the girls life for awhile now was the one who rushed straight for her and stayed by her side. He was the one who was with her the second she entered the tower and when the fight ended.  That strong will and conviction, it wasn't something he had at all. At some point a selfish monster was born inside of him. He wants to protect her also, he wants to be able to fight for her - but in the end that's merely a futile wish. ' Can you sacrifice your life for her?', it's a question that struck to the very core of his mind - the core of his resolve.

Even now he doesn't understand it. 

Yet, when he closed his eyes Yang could see it very closely. That bright smile; and her many different expressions, he wants to know more. Yang swallowed his words, 'What foolish things is he thinking now?'

He wants to know more and more about her, about Cynthia. Even more than he wants to know the state of Setsura's feelings.

To that he has to put aside his jealousy; because feelings like those truly are like a monster. As Yang took a step forward, and another. He found the weight on his shoulders gradually getting lighter. Each step is filled with even more conviction and determination than before.

Eventually he closed whatever distance was between them. "Do you have a moment to talk?"

Cynthia looked at him with wide eyes, and for a split second he saw something he didn't see in her eyes before. 

Sakano was the one who broke the silence, "She does actually, return her in a few hours though. I'll go check on your brother's subject," with those words said Sakano quickly left.

Yang waited until they could no longer see the man before he spoke up. "I have something I need to tell you," he muttered.

If today were to be,

Not tomorrow, but yesterday,

Tomorrow would be today, and yesterday, the day before.

Come on over, day before.

Once you've hurt each other, there is no way to completely resolve it. Even if you exchange apologetic words, the damage has already been done emotionally and in this case physically too.  There will always be wounds left over somewhere, that's something she knows about all too well. But in the end you still have to do your best to take that step forward, no matter how scary it is.

"Well what are you going to do?" Yang questioned.

That's right, no matter what happens you have to take a step forward. Even though the two of them have gone through a lot ever since he came here and re-entered her life again. Whenever they face hardsh.i.p.s, their supporting each other and whenever the other party is down - there's comfort provided whether it's in jokes.

Regardless of everything Cynthia was there for him after all that happened with Setsura. While she initially tricked and deceived him. Yang felt greatful towards her.

One of the main reasons why he started to stay away from Cynthia was because he noticed it. Yang noticed the girl's feelings towards him.

Despite the fact that she's bringing up that guy again, Yang didn't mind. Well he did but right now what was bothering him, was the amount of stares that they generated. That's right, if idols aren't in disguise they'd attract this much attention. That would be fine and all but why is it that the majority of the people that have been looking over are members of the male population?

His gaze fell on Cynthia, they are looking at her and not him it seems.

He let's out a dark aura causing them to back away. "But …I suppose that we really can't just act like normal anymore either.. It would be better if things were like how they used to be. However…it would also be okay if things were different then before too," Cynthia muttered.

His gaze lands on the pink haired girl who had placed her hand on her head, "Ooh. I'm so embarrassed, I can't say it right," Cynthia said with flushed cheeks.

Yang wanted to reply, yet he sensed another pair looking their way and sent them a huge glare, causing them to turn away. That's better. 

Cynthia must have noticed since she turned to him, "…Did you hear it?"

"Yeah."

Her sweat dropped, "Do you really understand?"

"Yes," Yang nodded, as he traced his thoughts back to the words she just said and decided to sum it up. " We'll hang out together pretty much like how we used to. But occasionally you will try to seduce me."

At that comment Cynthia's already red cheeks reddened. 'It's interesting to see her this way.' He honestly didn't know how to feel about Cynthia liking him, all he could think about was Setsura.

'That girl from the very start has always been yours'

Ah…the truth is, it really was something he already knew. That the affections the brunette harboured towards him had nothing to do with pity or obligation. But because he misunderstood the relationship between her and Sakano. No even that was a excuse. He was afraid, afraid to fall in love again after what happened with that girl. 

Yang felt as though that if he did, if he truly did fall in love and began to desire then the words she said to him then would come true.  He was frightened. Though he was well aware of the crime he committed by hurting her. He did not think that she would end up saying those words, 'However, I truly wish you a different fate: Yang, I hope one day when you meet the one that you truly want, she would break your heart into pieces and will continue to haunt you for the rest of your life!'

Those words to him were similar to a curse. And it's when he realised that, that he understand that perhaps Altheia meant much more to him then he ever realised. If that were the case then he would deserve any punishment he were to receive. And yet he still attempted to escape.

If he fell in love. His heart would be broken to pieces and if that were to happen, would he able to pretend that nothing happened? Pretend that everything was alright and go about his duties like normal? No, not even someone as emotionless as him would be able to. Which is why rather then have that occur then he would ensure he wouldn't fall in love. That is how it was supposed to be. But when he met that girl, everything changed for him.