A collection of short stories written for the MLQC Fandom. Grouped according to character. Posts aren't frequent and will come as and when inspiration strikes!
📖 Essays
A series of personal posts and analysis written by me to provide a better understanding on my favorite character in game. These posts are going to be more frequent once S2 starts!
📖 Translations
A list for the occasional translation I do. Focus is on Kiro/Helios only. Do note that these translations were done with the help of Google Translate!
📖 Miscellaneous Content
A collection of all the miscellaneous content that one would find on my blog. These include asks, reblogs and other fun stuff!
🌸 Note: This post contains details for the “DROP THE BEAT” event releasing on 3 July 2026! 🌸
“Measure me—measure every inch of me.”
“Your brilliance deserves the admiration of the entire world.”
🌟 Fashion Date Blurb:
As a genius, he'll never be content staying within his comfort zone.
Whether on the concert stage or the fashion runway, he is a natural-born headliner.
Since there's no escaping the gaze of the ordinary, he chooses to meet it head-on.
Every part of himself that refuses to compromise—every difference that sets him apart—is a treasure unlike any other.
🌟 Date Preview:
A fashion gala curated by a world-renowned fashion designer comes under intense criticism and public scrutiny. And, as the only media outlet to praise his designs, we find ourselves swept into a storm of public opinion.
“I didn't, actually.”
Seeing the surprise on my face, he quickly starts explaining from the beginning.
“Back then, I was still new to the industry. Then all of a sudden, one of the world's top luxury brands wanted to discuss a collaboration with me. I was terrified.”
“...So I told my agency that maybe we should wait at least two years before I endorsed such luxury brands like this. I didn't want people criticizing it and affecting the brand's image or reputation.”
“But the representative who came to meet me dialed Mr. Wilmore's number right in front of me and had us speak directly.”
“Mr. Wilmore laid it out to me straight and said—”
“‘If you turn down this collaboration, perhaps many people will praise you for being a humble and cautious artist.’”
“‘But at the same time, they'll also know this—this young man doesn't have any ambition or confidence.’”
Watching Kiro imitate Mr. Wilmore's calm, assured tone so perfectly, I can't help but smile.
“Don't tell me you simply accepted your fate after that?”
“Of course not. After that, he asked me another question: ‘Kiro... what do you think fashion is?’”
He deliberately trails off, making no move to answer right away.
🌸 Note: This post contains details for the “DROP THE BEAT” event releasing on 3 July 2026! 🌸
“I'll become the sun of this world.”
“You're the one I want to see most after I've stripped away every last disguise.”
Translator: @cheesy09
🌟 Mind's Quest: Brilliance Upon the World
Hide your imperfect side. Stay gentle, stay polished, never make a mistake...
These tired old "rules" are something that Kiro has long since abandoned!
That dazzling silver radiance is a brilliance born from love.
It is meant to draw the eyes of the whole world, and, more than anything, make you fall head-over-heels in love with every side of him.
🌟 Mind's Quest Preview:
Recently, a world-renowned record label launched a major new project—bringing together legendary bands from music scenes around the globe to remaster their greatest hits and release brand-new singles.
As the representative band for France, Kiro's former group, Solstice, reunites for a limited time to take part in the project…
The sunlight spills freely around us, gently urging me to reach out my hand towards him.
The moment the bouquet settles into my palms, Helios suddenly slips an arm around my waist and draws me lightly into his embrace.
In the next instant, a kiss carrying the warmth of midsummer lands at the corner of my lips.
It is as effortlessly charming as he is debonair, yet it arrives without the slightest warning.
"...?!"
My eyes widen in stunned surprise.
Behind him, the sun blazes into a dazzling white. Brilliant rays stream through his hair, so bright they almost make me dizzy.
Gold and silver seem to shimmer and overlap, flickering back and forth, like countless fireworks igniting before my eyes.
The cheers and whistles around us feel as though they're muffled beneath a layer of seawater, drifting from somewhere far away.
By the time he lets me go, I'm still completely dazed, and even my breathing falls a bit short.
Helios lets out a soft chuckle and leans close, his lips brushing against the edge of my ear.
"Hold on to the flowers. I'll see you later."
With that, he turns and disappears back into the crowd just as effortlessly as he arrived.
I clutch the bouquet, my mind still reeling, and turn around, almost instinctively—
Penn and the others are standing not far away, staring at me in perfect unison, utterly dumbfounded.
🌸 Note: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date “燃沙之约” releasing on 3 June 2026 on the CN server! 🌸
“I want to show you every wonder you've heard of but never seen.”
“Hold me. Claim me.”
Translator: @cheesy09
🌟 Burning Sands Date Blurb:
In the heart of this barren wasteland, we revel without end, pouring spheres of melody into the sea of sand and watching beautiful ripples spread across its surface.
The coarse sting of the desert lashes against his skin, yet only makes his eyes shine brighter—like stars at the edge of the desert, sending you a passionate invite.
—“Hold me. Claim me.”
🌟 Date Preview:
At Kiro's invitation, I set off with him on an impromptu trip deep into the desert to take part in the mysterious "Burning Festival", only to end up organizing with him a DJ performance that belonged to us alone.
The bonfire burns fiercely, orange-gold flames dancing against the night.
Nearby, someone idly strums a guitar. The notes are off-key, scattering into the wind, yet somehow moving all the same.
In the distance, pillars of light sway through the darkness. The unfinished construction continues; metal and plaster, wood and machinery, paint and glass—all of it is gradually being assembled into this barren land.
Suddenly, a streak of light flashes past. A bicycle wrapped in LED strips glides by like a fish swimming through water.
This place feels less like a campsite and more like a construction site built from the dreams of countless people.
The two of us are wrapped in the same blanket, shoulder to shoulder.
A pale golden glow rests upon his ever-smiling eyes. Together, we quietly watch everything around us. Then, we each pick up the small cups before us and gently clink them together.
"Some of these artworks look so fragile. How are they supposed to take them away?"
"They won't. Everything here—just like that Burning Festival icon and those sunflowers—will be burned."
He raises a hand and points toward a massive, indistinct structure at the center of the grounds, his voice as light as the music drifting through the air.
"Perhaps some things can become whatever they want to be precisely because they're destined to disappear."
I don't answer. Instead, I gently squeeze his fingertips and bring my ear as close to his heart as possible.
Closing my eyes, I listen, and immerse myself in the most beautiful work of art I possess in this moment.
⚠️ TW: This chapter contains depictions of child abuse and dark psychological themes such as manipulation, PTSD, panic attacks, depression, etc. Kindly proceed at your own discretion! ⚠️
“Let me possess your flawless soul. Let me see your sinful eyes.”
—S3 Chapter 8 “To Chase a Deer” Tagline
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-1: Above Ashes]
Kiro: [humming] ........
A dimly lit corridor reeks of the smell of blood. Most of the ceiling lights have been smashed, leaving only a few flickering weakly.
Kiro steps over several bodies sprawled across the floor, the soles of his shoes squishing through blood, each step making a faint, sticky sound.
At that moment, a Black Swan member respectfully walks up behind him, lowers his head and speaks in a hushed voice.
BS Member: Boss, both the outer perimeter and the interior of the lab have been secured, and most of the personnel have been cleared out.
Kiro: Most?
Kiro doesn't even turn his head, his tone icy. The man nervously wets his lips and bows his head further.
BS Member: The target escaped through an underground passage with two core members. By the time we arrived, the passage had already been blown up.
BS Member: Their database also initiated a self-destruct program before we breached. While we did manage to intercept it…
He pauses there, glancing up cautiously to gauge the reaction of the person before him.
BS Member: It will still take some time to fully recover the data.
Kiro: Seems quite a bit of information has leaked.
BS Member: I’ll investigate it right away.
Kiro says nothing more and continues forward, as if taking a leisurely stroll. The rhythm that had paused moments ago resumes, echoing in steady beats.
His gaze sweeps over the surroundings little by little. He's surprised to find that in such a short time, this place has already taken shape. Indeed, people are always at their most efficient when it comes to plotting evil.
He hums a couple of notes under his breath, then frowns again, as if something is still missing.
He shrugs, hands in his pockets, and walks past the corner. At that moment, a huge transparent observation window comes into view.
Behind the glass is a cramped white room, with more than a dozen or so children huddled in the corner.
They look no older than ten—emaciated, their arms covered in needle marks and bruises, and some of them even bore obvious surgical stitches on their bodies.
They clearly notice the footsteps outside the glass, yet not a single one dares to lift their head.
Kiro’s steps come to a halt. The relaxed curve of his lips tightens little by little, pressing into a flat, emotionless line.
Something seems to yank sharply at his nerves, and a surge of nausea and disgust rises in his stomach. He immediately turns his face away and quickens his pace.
BS Member: Boss, how should we deal with those children?
Kiro has already walked several steps ahead, not looking back.
Kiro: Take them back for examination.
Kiro: Keep the ones with issues. The rest you send to an orphanage.
The long corridor is left behind as he walks out of the laboratory. The night loomed thick and heavy, the surroundings desolate and silent.
Once the Black Swan members are done with the gradual transfer all valuable “assets,” a burst of flame suddenly ignites.
The sound of shattering glass rises one after another, and firelight flickers across Kiro’s face, casting shifting shadows.
He watches quietly for a moment, and at last, a slight smile appears on his lips.
Although Poseidon has escaped, watching this filthy place burn to ashes does make him feel a little better.
He begins humming that melody again, the flames dancing before his eyes like a perfect rhythm. He weaves that searing heat into the tune on impulse, like a dance of life itself.
The music sounds closer to right, yet something still feels missing... After all, he aims to dominate the charts, so this kind of half-finished piece isn’t going to cut it.
Thinking this, he lets out a somewhat dissatisfied yet arrogant snort.
Turns out that staying shut away to compose really was a waste of time. He should’ve just kept his muse by his side from the start.
But no matter—most of the pressing matters at hand have now been dealt with. It’s about time he lets himself do as he pleases for a while.
In the distance, the flames climb higher, staining half the night sky a dark red.
BS Member: Boss, it’s almost time.
Kiro gives a brief acknowledgment. After one last glance at the sea of fire, he turns and walks toward the car waiting in the shadows.
The flames are not yet extinguished; they crackle behind his tall figure—but can no longer draw even the slightest glance back from him.
Kiro: Time to invite my muse.
—
Late at night, the corridors of B.S. are steeped in a dim, deathly silence. I press myself close to the wall, lightening my footsteps as I make my way towards my destination.
Since returning, I have gradually confirmed the changes within this world, as well as the changes within myself.
Even though the little boy claims to be powerless to alter the current situation, I have no intention of being a sitting duck, just waiting to be swallowed up by the mire.
It’s time to go to the Black Cabin—the place where the gears of this world lie—and see what’s really going on.
In the past, I rewrote fate there, so maybe I can still find some way forward again. Some fragment of hope.
I take a deep breath and continue feeling my way ahead, activating my Precognition Evol before every corner. Like a form of training, I try to anticipate in advance and avoid the patrolling guards.
As that light, ethereal power begins to surface, flickers of light and shadow flash before my eyes in the corridor. No matter how hard I concentrate, the images always feel like they’re behind a layer of frosted glass—blurred and indistinct.
It seems that using my Precognition Evol with precision is far from simple.
Still, even though I don’t actually see the future, the path remains clear. I don’t run into a single Black Swan member along the way.
A trace of doubt lingers in my mind, but there’s no time to dwell on it. Just a few more turns, and I’ll reach the Black Cabin hall. I can’t help but quicken my pace—
And at that very moment, a voice suddenly comes from behind me.
??: Out exploring? Count me in!
The voice is light and cheerful, carrying an oddly out-of-place delight as it echoes through the silent corridor.
My steps halt abruptly, and my heart skips a beat, as though someone's seized it in a tight grip.
MC: …?!
I turn my head stiffly. A figure stands quietly in the shadows at the far end of the corridor.
In the next second, he steps forward—dim light spilling along his silhouette, revealing that brilliant golden hair and those deep azure eyes.
It’s Kiro.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Excerpt: Marginalization]
A reflection repeated across countless workplaces, and countless corners of society.
BS Member A: Where did you all go tonight? Did something big happen?
BS Member B: Nothing much. Just carried out a mission.
BS Member A: Is it something you can’t talk about?
BS Member A: Just give me a hint—I promise I won’t tell anyone.
BS Member B: Fine. For the sake of all the years we’ve worked together, I’ll give you a little pointer.
BS Member B: Watch what you say and do lately, and especially don’t end up on the wrong side.
BS Member B: As for which Deity you should curry favor with, and which one you should keep your distance from… you should have a sense of that yourself.
BS Member A: …....
BS Member A: What’s the Boss’s stance on this?
BS Member B: The Boss’s stance has never changed—to lead all of humanity towards evolution.
BS Member A: You look pretty stressed, man. Let’s hit a bar later—my treat today.
BS Member B: I still have some cleanup work to finish. Another time. I’m heading out.
BS Member A: ……
BS Member A: What the hell was that all about…
BS Member A: No, I need to ask around. If this keeps up, I’m going to get pushed to the sidelines.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Excerpt: Hidden Rules]
The fastest runner doesn’t always get to stand at the starting line.
Athlete A: Did you hear? Shen Hao got disqualified in the end.
Athlete B: Serves him right. Who told him not to know his place, insisting on competing with Sun Ming for that spot?
Athlete A: But… there’s nothing wrong with what he did, is there?
Athlete B: Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what kind of background Shen Hao comes from.
Athlete B: Sure, he’s talented—but Sun Ming isn’t any worse, and his family’s well-connected.
Athlete B: No matter how you look at it, it's why the coach preferred giving Sun Ming the opportunity.
Athlete A: Tsk… what a pity.
Athlete B: A pity? He’s just stupid.
Athlete B: You think I’ve never been pushed around? Last year during training, my knee injury report got suppressed for three whole months!
Athlete B: But did I say anything? I just gritted my teeth and finished the whole run.
Athlete B: But what’s with you today? Don’t tell me you actually feel sorry for Shen Hao.
Athlete A: Not really. I was just hoping to watch a good show—an underdog rising from the bottom and all that.
Athlete A: But if we add a little fuel to the fire… wouldn’t it get interesting again?
Athlete B: Oh? Got a clever idea?
Athlete A: Let’s start by buying Shen Hao some rat poison.
Athlete A: Then find a chance to egg him on—people like him are the easiest to push over the edge.
Athlete B: Not bad. Let’s go.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-3: Fake Candy]
I stand there, stunned, my mind going completely blank.
Wasn't he supposed to be in seclusion, working on his music this whole time? Why is he here…?
Only a few scattered lights are on in the corridor, their glow dim as they fall over him, yet they make his smile shine so brightly—like an unfading star in the night sky.
And yet, for some reason, looking at that almost perfect smile, I feel a pang of unspeakable bitterness in my chest.
The subtle sense of dissonance from before, now finally has its answer.
He’s like a doll carefully crafted in the image of the past—beautiful and dazzling—but missing the most important piece of his soul.
Looking at Kiro like this, my throat tightens even more.
Seeing that I haven't responded for a while, he reaches out and lightly taps the tip of my nose, then casually pinches my cheek.
Kiro: Huh? Why has Miss Chips suddenly turned into a wooden doll?
His fingertips are soft and warm, yet somehow they can’t seem to soothe my heart at all.
He’s so into this role he's been playing... that I honestly have no idea how to make him stop without hurting him in the process.
In the end, all I can do is part my lips and forcefully suppress all those turbulent emotions back down.
MC: Didn’t you say you were in seclusion? What are you doing here?
Kiro: Mm… I am in seclusion—but I do go out for walks every once in a while.
He blinks and glosses over the question. Before I can press any further, he smoothly changes the subject.
Kiro: So, what are we exploring this time? I’ll be your lookout!
As he speaks, he lifts a hand to his forehead, scanning the surroundings with exaggerated seriousness.
If it were the old me, I probably wouldn’t find anything strange about this; I might have even burst out laughing.
But now, every single one of his reactions feels like a play that has been rehearsed far too many times—so perfect that there isn’t a single flaw to pick apart.
MC: Kiro…
He immediately turns to look at me. The moment our eyes meet, those eyes soften into an even gentler smile.
Like a loyal, endearingly clumsy little bear—his entire heart and eyes are filled with only me.
I swallow back the words resting on the tip of my tongue. Looking at the person before me, I ultimately can't bring myself to shatter the illusion.
So I smile as well, trying my best to make it look the same as before.
MC: Haha, stop teasing me.
MC: Now that the Boss has caught me red-handed, how can I possibly keep exploring?
Kiro: …!
Hearing that, he glances around, then tilts his head, looking utterly confused.
Kiro: The Boss? Where is he?
Kiro: All I see is the Queen playing a little late-night game all by herself~
The instant I hear that word, my heart violently skips a beat.
I think… this is the first time I’ve ever heard Kiro call me that in private.
An indescribable ache rises in my chest. I struggle to keep the smile on my face, unwilling to let any crack show.
But Kiro’s gaze still pauses for a moment. His tone remains lighthearted, yet his eyes are so sharp that no one can possibly hope to hide from him.
Kiro: Hm? Looks like I guessed wrong?
Without waiting for my answer, he props his chin on one hand and paces around me like some great detective.
Kiro: Have you come here looking for me? No… if that were the case, you would’ve texted me first, or just gone straight to my place.
Kiro: Then are you here for a walk? But there’s not exactly much scenery to admire here at B.S.
MC: I…
Kiro: …Oh! Don’t tell me that you heard some important intel and came all the way here to report it to the Boss?
He puffs his cheeks in mock offense, every word wrapped in casual amusement.
And yet, I can vaguely sense that beneath the teasing and playfulness, there's an unseen thread that is slowly tightening.
He’s probing me, trying to figure out what exactly I came here to do.
…And I don’t want to lie to him.
Even if love has disappeared; even if I can no longer tell how much of this moment is real and how much of it is false, I still want to trust the person standing before me.
My instincts tell me that no matter how much things change, Kiro will never hurt me.
So I gently take his hand, wanting to soothe the rippling unrest hidden in his heart.
MC: Actually, I came here tonight in order to get inside the Black Cabin.
MC: I think something may have gone wrong with this world and I need to go inside to verify it.
His expression freezes for a brief moment, and even his smile appears veiled by a layer of mist.
Kiro: But how are you going to get there by yourself?
MC: …I have the black box that will let me enter there.
I vaguely catch onto what’s bothering him and quickly add another explanation.
MC: Weren’t you in seclusion? I just thought that I shouldn’t disturb you.
His lashes tremble faintly. The smile that had frozen within his eyes returns once again, as if nothing happened at all.
Kiro: Hmph. Even if I were to hole myself up deep under ground, the moment you called, I’d crawl straight out to see you.
He takes my hand in his own and our fingers intertwine almost perfectly.
Kiro: I’m coming with you.
Kiro: After all, I’ve been there with you before. It’s not like this is the first time.
He says it lightly, but there isn’t the slightest room for negotiation in his voice.
Kiro: Besides, you said it yourself—something may be wrong with this world. Then there’s even less of a chance that I’m letting you face it alone.
Kiro: What if… you disappear again for another six months or so?
He says it casually, like an offhand joke. But beneath that nonchalant tone, there seems to be a weight to his words that cannot be touched.
Like he's tightly gripping onto a key capable of opening a hidden treasure, unwilling to let go of it so easily.
That familiar sweetness seems to drift through the air again, enticing me to accept his candy.
And before I realize it, a smile forms on my lips, and I nod gently at him.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-4: Just One Step Away]
Kiro pulls me against the wall, lowers himself, and carefully watches the surroundings with a serious expression.
Every now and then, he would turn back to gesture for me to stay quiet, or pull me behind him before we reach a corner.
Our fingers remain tightly intertwined, our clothes brush together, and our footsteps stay perfectly synchronised, moving together in the same rhythm.
Everything is exactly as it used to be.
And yet, everything is completely different now.
Even though everyone here obeys him, he insists on sneaking around with me, playing this so-called adventure game.
What kind of feelings is he carrying… while doing all this with me?
I lower my gaze to our intertwined fingers, and within that intimate warmth, I sink into a kind of silent unease.
Suddenly, he comes to an abrupt stop. Then he turns and pulls me toward a half-open door beside the corridor.
Kiro: Shh, someone’s coming—
He pulls me into a small meeting room, and the door closes softly behind us, instantly plunging the surroundings into complete darkness.
The room feels small—so small that I can clearly feel his breath falling against the top of my head, along with his clean scent surrounding me.
Soon, faint footsteps echo outside the door, drawing near from afar, before gradually fading again.
In the darkness, I can barely see anything. However, through the thin layer of fabric between us, his body seems strangely stiff.
Instinctively, I lift my head, wanting to see his expression.
But in the very next second, Kiro also turns his face away, hiding himself deeper within the shadows. I am left stunned for a moment, then can’t help speaking up.
MC: …What’s wrong?
He seems to press his lips together briefly, his tone deliberately light.
Kiro: Nothing. It just occurred to me that… if we weren’t still hiding from the “enemy,” I’d definitely be hugging you properly right about now.
However the excuse is far too flimsy, as if even he himself can’t believe it.
Looking at the arm he keeps pressed close against my side, my heart aches little by little.
Even though we're so close to each other right now, even though every breath I take is filled with him, it still feels as though we're always one step away from each other.
Even more distant than that ray of silver light once was.
Bitterness wells in my heart, but I still slowly and hesitantly lift my arms and gently wrap them around him, mimicking the relaxed tone of his voice.
MC: It’s okay, a hug won't hurt. No one will notice.
The person in my arms freezes in place, his entire body visibly stiffening. Even the breath brushing over my hair seems to stop for a moment.
The muffled sound of his heartbeat echoes faintly against my ear.
Those few seconds stretch so long they feel almost unreal, until little by little, something pulls him back from a place I cannot see.
His hand lifts and slowly settles against my back.
At first, the touch is light, like he's testing the waters. Then, unconsciously, it tightens.
Kiro: You’re so warm.
But why is it still not enough?
Silence quietly spreads between us. After an unknown amount of time, he releases me without hesitation and opens the door to glance outside.
Kiro: Let’s go. The coast is clear.
Those smiling crescent-shaped eyes make it seem as though whatever just transpired, never happened in the first place.
—
Along the rest of the way, he continues scouting the “enemy situation” with exaggerated seriousness, and would deliberately startle me every now and then just to mess with me.
Compared to when I first saw him, he feels more like the “Kiro” who used to act this way in front of me.
So, trying to set aside the heavy feelings weighing my heart for the time being, I play along with this adventure game beside him.
After a few more turns, we finally arrive at the hall leading to the Black Cabin.
But in the next second, the phone in Kiro’s pocket suddenly vibrates.
He pulls it out and glances at the screen, a slight frown appearing between his brows. Yet when he turns back to me, he’s smiling again.
Kiro: Wait here for me a moment. I’ll be right back.
MC: ……
He turns away, lifting the phone to his ear, his figure gradually being swallowed by the dim light until he disappears around the corner.
At the same time, the stiff smile on my face gradually fades away as well.
I know Kiro has been pretending this entire time—to be his past self; the version of who he used to be with me.
But it seems that he too lacks confidence in that version of himself, which is why he's still subtly been using his power on me.
If, in there, he were to hear the questions I truly want answered, he'll realize that I may have already seen through his lies.
And then—how would he react?
MC: …I’m sorry… Kiro.
I glance back once more in the direction where he disappeared. Then, I take out the black box and awaken the power within my body.
When I open my eyes again, countless points of starlight drift around me, like fragments of a shattered kaleidoscope suspended in endless darkness.
As the sound of turning gears comes to a stop, a calm, familiar voice slowly echoes out.
??: You still came after all.
MC: ……
Specks of light leap and stretch into a glowing white staircase. Following its guidance, I look toward the radiant door at the end of the void.
MC: Did you already foresee this moment?
MC: Is that why you said last time that I would return here again?
??: You’re mistaken. I never foresee inevitabilities.
There’s little emotion in his voice, yet it carries an inexplicable hint of arrogance.
??: You people always believe you are making your own choices. But have you ever considered that your choices themselves may also be inevitable?
MC: …You still enjoy speaking in riddles, don't you?
MC: But let me correct you—the fact that I've been able to get here time and time again already proves that not everything is predetermined.
MC: Even if my choices… are always accompanied by loss.
??: That sounds rather sad.
??: Still, congratulations. Once again, you’ve successfully reached the future.
The words sound like a heartfelt affirmation.
And yet, for some reason, beneath his tone I can hear the faint trace of self-mockery… and helplessness.
MC: Then was the change in this future also within your expectations?
For a moment, the air itself seems to freeze. Even the drifting dust appears suspended in place.
??: It's you that has led the world to this future.
??: That question shouldn’t be directed at me.
Rather than answer me directly, he instead throws the question back at me once again.
In all the times I’ve come here before, I’ve never once felt at ease. I still don’t know who this mysterious voice truly is, or what his purpose might be.
And yet, it is through his guidance, more or less, that I am able to keep making choices and keep moving forward with resolve.
Even if his words are always ambiguous, he has at least been honest. A sudden hunch tells me that, perhaps, unlike that little boy, he doesn’t actually know what changes have happened to the world.
Perhaps… he is also one of the things undergoing change.
MC: Looks like this place has trapped you here.
MC: I hope that you’ll show yourself the next time we meet.
Rather than continuing to waste time probing each other, there are more important things waiting for me right now.
I close my eyes again.
In the past, every time I reached the place where the gears’ laws reside, it felt as though some invisible force was pulling me downward into it.
But this time, I aim to reach it through my own will.
Very quickly, a warm yet scorching power wraps itself through my bloodstream. The light cast against my retinas suddenly trembles, and the brief unrest surrounding me falls silent.
When I open my eyes, I find myself standing within chaos.
Countless specks of dust dissolve into drifting particles. The shattered gear fragments that once crumbled away like ashes have completely vanished, leaving behind only an almost absolute darkness.
From deep within comes the faint sound of something rejoining and meshing together once more.
Until, at last, it coalesced into a tremendous roar, like the beating of a heart.
It's the sound of gears turning.
—
After the girl’s figure disappears from the Black Cabin, a ghostly figure quietly emerges within it.
At the same time, that mysterious, low voice echoes once more.
??: You’ve come.
The silhouette stands there silently for a moment before finally speaking in a calm voice.
[?]: We’ve all returned.
Silence flows between them, as though swallowing everything into shadow.
After a long while, a sigh drifts through the void.
??: This door is finally going to close.
—
When I come back to my senses, I realize I’ve somehow already left the Black Cabin and returned to the B.S. hall.
Before my awareness can fully emerge from that chaos, my eyes catch something and suddenly sharpen.
Not far away, Kiro stands with one hand gripping his elbow, the other resting against his chin.
He appears calm, yet the slight tension in his fingertips feels as though he’s suppressing emotions he doesn’t want others to notice.
The moment he sees me suddenly appear in the hall, the agitation in his eyes vanishes instantly. Then he strides quickly toward me.
Kiro: I just stepped away to take a phone call, and when I came back, you were gone…
He unconsciously grips my wrist tightly, as if afraid I might disappear again.
Seeing the worry and lingering fear filling his eyes, a guilty ache rises quietly in my chest as well.
Just as I'm about to explain, he hurriedly speaks up again.
Kiro: Did that place suddenly drag you in?
Kiro: Otherwise, you definitely would’ve waited for me. There's no way you would've left me behind to go into the Black Cabin by yourself.
MC: ……
In that moment, I suddenly realize that more than worrying about me, he seems more unwilling to accept the possibility that… I chose not to wait for him.
So… I lie as well.
MC: …Yeah. I was going to wait for you. But then some force suddenly dragged me inside…
Kiro: ……
Kiro's lashes tremble faintly, the deep blue in his eyes falling still.
At last, he gazes at me for a long moment. The grip around my wrist finally loosens, and instead, he takes my hand in his.
Kiro: It’s okay. As long as you're back.
Kiro: So? Did you find what you were looking for?
And just like that, we become two liars at the same time, carefully using those lies to patch over everything.
As if, so long as neither of us tears the illusion apart, we can pretend it’s still intact.
MC: Actually, I didn’t really get any useful information either…
When I say that, a comforting smile slowly blooms across Kiro’s face. He lifts a hand and gently brushes the loose strands of hair from my forehead.
Kiro: It’s okay. Don’t worry. Everything will get better.
His voice is soft and gentle, like the song of a siren.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-6: Cheat Code]
After leaving the hall of the Black Cabin, Kiro naturally takes my hand and leads me back down the corridor we came from.
As we turn a corner, someone in a researcher’s uniform walks toward us and gives a slight nod, seemingly about to report something to Kiro.
Researcher: Boss, regarding—
Kiro: Later.
He waves a hand dismissively, his tone casual yet unquestionable. The man immediately steps aside obediently, watching us pass.
As we walk past him, I think I catch a faint golden light in his eyes, like an impossibly thin veil of gold draped across his irises, flickering softly.
Just as I instinctively begin to turn back for another look, my hand is suddenly tugged gently.
I snap back to attention and realize I almost walked straight into the corner wall. Kiro smoothly pulls me to the other side to avoid it.
By the time I steady myself and look back again, the corridor behind us is already completely empty.
Strange… maybe I'm seeing things.
I temporarily push down the doubts in my heart and follow Kiro into his office. Wondering why he brought me here, I can't help but glance at the person beside me.
In the next second, he walks to the window and pulls open the blinds a bit, letting in a faint trace of starlight. Then, he leads me to take a seat on the sofa in the reception area, gazing at me with a smile.
Kiro: Rest here for a bit.
MC: Won't I be bothering you? That person just now seemed like he had something he wanted to report to you.
Kiro: Don't worry, it's nothing especially urgent.
I press my lips together slightly and the image of that man's deeply respectful attitude surfaces in my mind again.
Back at the desert shop, Kiro had said that he'd been busy stabilizing Black Swan.
But now, it seems that what he wants isn't order, but absolute obedience.
MC: ...Still, judging from that person's attitude just now, seems like your authority as Boss has really sunk deep into people's minds.
He tilts his head thoughtfully and continues along with my words.
Kiro: I guess so. Most of the troublesome matters from before have already been dealt with.
He pauses for a moment, and then his tone grows a little more serious.
Kiro: So instead of going to the Black Cabin to search for answers, you can rely on me more from now on.
Kiro: Whether as Kiro or as the Boss of BS, I can help you and work alongside you.
He leans slightly closer, his fingertips gently brushing the center of my brow.
Kiro: I don't want these trivial matters keeping your mind occupied all the time—disturbing you, making you uneasy, causing you to constantly frown...
His voice is soft and gentle, every word trying to ease my burdens, to lift those heavy things off of my shoulders little by little.
It’s as though he’s turned himself into air sweet enough for me to breathe in completely.
And yet, once that sweetness disperses, everything he has feels as though it will vanish along with it.
And I want to give to him everything that he's longed for without holding anything back.
MC: I understand. You shouldn’t worry so much either.
A brief silence spreads between us, the only sound in the office being the low hum of the central air conditioning.
We rarely used to fall into silences such as this. Looking at his lowered eyes, I want to carefully probe a little further, to say something more.
But in the next second, he speaks first, as though following his own train of thought.
Kiro: Oh, right. Remember when we talked before about the changes in this world?
After getting his answer, he doesn’t linger much on my emotions, and instead, casually twists the ring on his finger.
Kiro: I thought about it for a while afterward and also looked into things here and there.
Thoughtfully, he rubs his thumb against my fingers, tilting his head back slightly as if recalling something.
Kiro: I’m thinking… that maybe we’re overthinking it.
MC: …Overthinking it?
He nods, his expression growing more serious. Turning toward me slightly, he looks straight into my eyes as he speaks.
Kiro: I mean, hasn’t the world always been like this, really?
Kiro: People will stop at nothing for profit. Some will wage wars to plunder others; others will experiment on children; while some are obsessed with deadly hunter games…
Kiro: Ulterior motives, deception… none of these things have ever disappeared throughout history, nor are they some new kind of development.
As he speaks, his voice softens again, his expression turning gentle once more.
Kiro: So, it's possible that the people around you were simply too good to you before. And now, after disappearing for half a year so suddenly…
Kiro: It's expected that the contrast would feel overwhelming for you.
He spreads his hands, as if stating the simplest truth in the world.
His lips move as he speaks, but his voice feels strangely distant, as though it’s coming from far away, drowning out my own thoughts.
And he seems to interpret my brief silence as something else—fatigue, perhaps, or hesitation.
So his voice lowers again, like he’s sharing a secret meant only for me, a private thought hidden deep inside him.
Kiro: Maybe one day, you’ll also start thinking… it would be better if all the bad people simply disappeared. They just aren’t worth saving.
He looks steadily at me. There’s no cruelty in his tone, no malice at all—if anything, there’s even a trace of tenderness.
I look back at him, a faint bitter smile rising to my lips.
Because honestly, I can’t say I’ve never had thoughts like that myself; in those utterly exhausting moments, in those times when I gave everything I had and still remained powerless.
No matter how hard I try, this world always seems to fall short of my expectations, handing me setback after setback every time I'm on the verge of success.
I really have wondered before… Why? What gives? Is any of this truly worth it?
Within Kiro’s impossibly clear eyes—eyes carrying a subtle, tempting pull—a distant figure suddenly rises in my mind—
The collective “me” who failed across every timeline.
T/n: In case it isn't clear, MC's talking about the Black Queen from S1 here! (So loving the many S1 references in this season) :>
She once said similar things too. About worlds and people that were no longer worth saving.
Maybe that “me,” just as Kiro said, endured countless moments of being shattered and hurt, and in the end, chose to give up.
—Perhaps I have already seen the endpoint of a future where I surrender, and one day, I too will become another “me.”
MC: But I… I still don’t want to give up. I don’t think this world is supposed to be like this.
MC: You once said that we would stand in darkness to protect the light. Because of those words—because of you… I found so much courage and strength.
Gently, I take hold of his cold hand in mine.
MC: You remember, don’t you? That “me” who gave up everything… I don’t want to become her.
Perhaps the distance between that “me” and myself isn't nearly as far as I once believed.
Maybe that “me” never truly disappeared at all, and has always been quietly watching from within the shadows.
But the moment my words fall, Kiro’s eyes brighten instead.
It’s as though he has suddenly discovered a cheat code and lightly claps his hands together once.
Kiro: Miss Chips, haven’t you noticed a key point here?
Kiro: Since she’s the other side of you, then if you and her join together… wouldn’t that make you the most complete version of yourself?
MC: …?
I freeze.
Kiro: One resolute heart, and one brave and resilient one.
Kiro: Put the two together, and wouldn’t that be the Queen in her most perfect form? Wouldn’t that finally allow you to truly save this world?
He looks at me, and within those deep blue eyes is the reflection of a complete version of myself, as though it is something flawless.
Kiro: What should I do? I can hardly wait to make that moment a reality with you—for us to save the world perfectly together.
A kind of fervor I have never heard before slips into his voice, like someone who has waited far, far too long and is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
But is that light really warm?
Why is it that deep within his eyes, within the narrow gap between that passion and tenderness... I see something that absolutely terrifies me?
⚠️ TW: This chapter contains depictions of child abuse and dark psychological themes such as manipulation, PTSD, panic attacks, depression, etc. Kindly proceed at your own discretion! ⚠️
“Let me possess your flawless soul. Let me see your sinful eyes.”
—S3 Chapter 8 “To Chase a Deer” Tagline
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-1: Above Ashes]
Kiro: [humming] ........
A dimly lit corridor reeks of the smell of blood. Most of the ceiling lights have been smashed, leaving only a few flickering weakly.
Kiro steps over several bodies sprawled across the floor, the soles of his shoes squishing through blood, each step making a faint, sticky sound.
At that moment, a Black Swan member respectfully walks up behind him, lowers his head and speaks in a hushed voice.
BS Member: Boss, both the outer perimeter and the interior of the lab have been secured, and most of the personnel have been cleared out.
Kiro: Most?
Kiro doesn't even turn his head, his tone icy. The man nervously wets his lips and bows his head further.
BS Member: The target escaped through an underground passage with two core members. By the time we arrived, the passage had already been blown up.
BS Member: Their database also initiated a self-destruct program before we breached. While we did manage to intercept it…
He pauses there, glancing up cautiously to gauge the reaction of the person before him.
BS Member: It will still take some time to fully recover the data.
Kiro: Seems quite a bit of information has leaked.
BS Member: I’ll investigate it right away.
Kiro says nothing more and continues forward, as if taking a leisurely stroll. The rhythm that had paused moments ago resumes, echoing in steady beats.
His gaze sweeps over the surroundings little by little. He's surprised to find that in such a short time, this place has already taken shape. Indeed, people are always at their most efficient when it comes to plotting evil.
He hums a couple of notes under his breath, then frowns again, as if something is still missing.
He shrugs, hands in his pockets, and walks past the corner. At that moment, a huge transparent observation window comes into view.
Behind the glass is a cramped white room, with more than a dozen or so children huddled in the corner.
They look no older than ten—emaciated, their arms covered in needle marks and bruises, and some of them even bore obvious surgical stitches on their bodies.
They clearly notice the footsteps outside the glass, yet not a single one dares to lift their head.
Kiro’s steps come to a halt. The relaxed curve of his lips tightens little by little, pressing into a flat, emotionless line.
Something seems to yank sharply at his nerves, and a surge of nausea and disgust rises in his stomach. He immediately turns his face away and quickens his pace.
BS Member: Boss, how should we deal with those children?
Kiro has already walked several steps ahead, not looking back.
Kiro: Take them back for examination.
Kiro: Keep the ones with issues. The rest you send to an orphanage.
The long corridor is left behind as he walks out of the laboratory. The night loomed thick and heavy, the surroundings desolate and silent.
Once the Black Swan members are done with the gradual transfer all valuable “assets,” a burst of flame suddenly ignites.
The sound of shattering glass rises one after another, and firelight flickers across Kiro’s face, casting shifting shadows.
He watches quietly for a moment, and at last, a slight smile appears on his lips.
Although Poseidon has escaped, watching this filthy place burn to ashes does make him feel a little better.
He begins humming that melody again, the flames dancing before his eyes like a perfect rhythm. He weaves that searing heat into the tune on impulse, like a dance of life itself.
The music sounds closer to right, yet something still feels missing... After all, he aims to dominate the charts, so this kind of half-finished piece isn’t going to cut it.
Thinking this, he lets out a somewhat dissatisfied yet arrogant snort.
Turns out that staying shut away to compose really was a waste of time. He should’ve just kept his muse by his side from the start.
But no matter—most of the pressing matters at hand have now been dealt with. It’s about time he lets himself do as he pleases for a while.
In the distance, the flames climb higher, staining half the night sky a dark red.
BS Member: Boss, it’s almost time.
Kiro gives a brief acknowledgment. After one last glance at the sea of fire, he turns and walks toward the car waiting in the shadows.
The flames are not yet extinguished; they crackle behind his tall figure—but can no longer draw even the slightest glance back from him.
Kiro: Time to invite my muse.
—
Late at night, the corridors of B.S. are steeped in a dim, deathly silence. I press myself close to the wall, lightening my footsteps as I make my way towards my destination.
Since returning, I have gradually confirmed the changes within this world, as well as the changes within myself.
Even though the little boy claims to be powerless to alter the current situation, I have no intention of being a sitting duck, just waiting to be swallowed up by the mire.
It’s time to go to the Black Cabin—the place where the gears of this world lie—and see what’s really going on.
In the past, I rewrote fate there, so maybe I can still find some way forward again. Some fragment of hope.
I take a deep breath and continue feeling my way ahead, activating my Precognition Evol before every corner. Like a form of training, I try to anticipate in advance and avoid the patrolling guards.
As that light, ethereal power begins to surface, flickers of light and shadow flash before my eyes in the corridor. No matter how hard I concentrate, the images always feel like they’re behind a layer of frosted glass—blurred and indistinct.
It seems that using my Precognition Evol with precision is far from simple.
Still, even though I don’t actually see the future, the path remains clear. I don’t run into a single Black Swan member along the way.
A trace of doubt lingers in my mind, but there’s no time to dwell on it. Just a few more turns, and I’ll reach the Black Cabin hall. I can’t help but quicken my pace—
And at that very moment, a voice suddenly comes from behind me.
??: Out exploring? Count me in!
The voice is light and cheerful, carrying an oddly out-of-place delight as it echoes through the silent corridor.
My steps halt abruptly, and my heart skips a beat, as though someone's seized it in a tight grip.
MC: …?!
I turn my head stiffly. A figure stands quietly in the shadows at the far end of the corridor.
In the next second, he steps forward—dim light spilling along his silhouette, revealing that brilliant golden hair and those deep azure eyes.
It’s Kiro.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Excerpt: Marginalization]
A reflection repeated across countless workplaces, and countless corners of society.
BS Member A: Where did you all go tonight? Did something big happen?
BS Member B: Nothing much. Just carried out a mission.
BS Member A: Is it something you can’t talk about?
BS Member A: Just give me a hint—I promise I won’t tell anyone.
BS Member B: Fine. For the sake of all the years we’ve worked together, I’ll give you a little pointer.
BS Member B: Watch what you say and do lately, and especially don’t end up on the wrong side.
BS Member B: As for which Deity you should curry favor with, and which one you should keep your distance from… you should have a sense of that yourself.
BS Member A: …....
BS Member A: What’s the Boss’s stance on this?
BS Member B: The Boss’s stance has never changed—to lead all of humanity towards evolution.
BS Member A: You look pretty stressed, man. Let’s hit a bar later—my treat today.
BS Member B: I still have some cleanup work to finish. Another time. I’m heading out.
BS Member A: ……
BS Member A: What the hell was that all about…
BS Member A: No, I need to ask around. If this keeps up, I’m going to get pushed to the sidelines.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Excerpt: Hidden Rules]
The fastest runner doesn’t always get to stand at the starting line.
Athlete A: Did you hear? Shen Hao got disqualified in the end.
Athlete B: Serves him right. Who told him not to know his place, insisting on competing with Sun Ming for that spot?
Athlete A: But… there’s nothing wrong with what he did, is there?
Athlete B: Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what kind of background Shen Hao comes from.
Athlete B: Sure, he’s talented—but Sun Ming isn’t any worse, and his family’s well-connected.
Athlete B: No matter how you look at it, it's why the coach preferred giving Sun Ming the opportunity.
Athlete A: Tsk… what a pity.
Athlete B: A pity? He’s just stupid.
Athlete B: You think I’ve never been pushed around? Last year during training, my knee injury report got suppressed for three whole months!
Athlete B: But did I say anything? I just gritted my teeth and finished the whole run.
Athlete B: But what’s with you today? Don’t tell me you actually feel sorry for Shen Hao.
Athlete A: Not really. I was just hoping to watch a good show—an underdog rising from the bottom and all that.
Athlete A: But if we add a little fuel to the fire… wouldn’t it get interesting again?
Athlete B: Oh? Got a clever idea?
Athlete A: Let’s start by buying Shen Hao some rat poison.
Athlete A: Then find a chance to egg him on—people like him are the easiest to push over the edge.
Athlete B: Not bad. Let’s go.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-3: Fake Candy]
I stand there, stunned, my mind going completely blank.
Wasn't he supposed to be in seclusion, working on his music this whole time? Why is he here…?
Only a few scattered lights are on in the corridor, their glow dim as they fall over him, yet they make his smile shine so brightly—like an unfading star in the night sky.
And yet, for some reason, looking at that almost perfect smile, I feel a pang of unspeakable bitterness in my chest.
The subtle sense of dissonance from before, now finally has its answer.
He’s like a doll carefully crafted in the image of the past—beautiful and dazzling—but missing the most important piece of his soul.
Looking at Kiro like this, my throat tightens even more.
Seeing that I haven't responded for a while, he reaches out and lightly taps the tip of my nose, then casually pinches my cheek.
Kiro: Huh? Why has Miss Chips suddenly turned into a wooden doll?
His fingertips are soft and warm, yet somehow they can’t seem to soothe my heart at all.
He’s so into this role he's been playing... that I honestly have no idea how to make him stop without hurting him in the process.
In the end, all I can do is part my lips and forcefully suppress all those turbulent emotions back down.
MC: Didn’t you say you were in seclusion? What are you doing here?
Kiro: Mm… I am in seclusion—but I do go out for walks every once in a while.
He blinks and glosses over the question. Before I can press any further, he smoothly changes the subject.
Kiro: So, what are we exploring this time? I’ll be your lookout!
As he speaks, he lifts a hand to his forehead, scanning the surroundings with exaggerated seriousness.
If it were the old me, I probably wouldn’t find anything strange about this; I might have even burst out laughing.
But now, every single one of his reactions feels like a play that has been rehearsed far too many times—so perfect that there isn’t a single flaw to pick apart.
MC: Kiro…
He immediately turns to look at me. The moment our eyes meet, those eyes soften into an even gentler smile.
Like a loyal, endearingly clumsy little bear—his entire heart and eyes are filled with only me.
I swallow back the words resting on the tip of my tongue. Looking at the person before me, I ultimately can't bring myself to shatter the illusion.
So I smile as well, trying my best to make it look the same as before.
MC: Haha, stop teasing me.
MC: Now that the Boss has caught me red-handed, how can I possibly keep exploring?
Kiro: …!
Hearing that, he glances around, then tilts his head, looking utterly confused.
Kiro: The Boss? Where is he?
Kiro: All I see is the Queen playing a little late-night game all by herself~
The instant I hear that word, my heart violently skips a beat.
I think… this is the first time I’ve ever heard Kiro call me that in private.
An indescribable ache rises in my chest. I struggle to keep the smile on my face, unwilling to let any crack show.
But Kiro’s gaze still pauses for a moment. His tone remains lighthearted, yet his eyes are so sharp that no one can possibly hope to hide from him.
Kiro: Hm? Looks like I guessed wrong?
Without waiting for my answer, he props his chin on one hand and paces around me like some great detective.
Kiro: Have you come here looking for me? No… if that were the case, you would’ve texted me first, or just gone straight to my place.
Kiro: Then are you here for a walk? But there’s not exactly much scenery to admire here at B.S.
MC: I…
Kiro: …Oh! Don’t tell me that you heard some important intel and came all the way here to report it to the Boss?
He puffs his cheeks in mock offense, every word wrapped in casual amusement.
And yet, I can vaguely sense that beneath the teasing and playfulness, there's an unseen thread that is slowly tightening.
He’s probing me, trying to figure out what exactly I came here to do.
…And I don’t want to lie to him.
Even if love has disappeared; even if I can no longer tell how much of this moment is real and how much of it is false, I still want to trust the person standing before me.
My instincts tell me that no matter how much things change, Kiro will never hurt me.
So I gently take his hand, wanting to soothe the rippling unrest hidden in his heart.
MC: Actually, I came here tonight in order to get inside the Black Cabin.
MC: I think something may have gone wrong with this world and I need to go inside to verify it.
His expression freezes for a brief moment, and even his smile appears veiled by a layer of mist.
Kiro: But how are you going to get there by yourself?
MC: …I have the black box that will let me enter there.
I vaguely catch onto what’s bothering him and quickly add another explanation.
MC: Weren’t you in seclusion? I just thought that I shouldn’t disturb you.
His lashes tremble faintly. The smile that had frozen within his eyes returns once again, as if nothing happened at all.
Kiro: Hmph. Even if I were to hole myself up deep under ground, the moment you called, I’d crawl straight out to see you.
He takes my hand in his own and our fingers intertwine almost perfectly.
Kiro: I’m coming with you.
Kiro: After all, I’ve been there with you before. It’s not like this is the first time.
He says it lightly, but there isn’t the slightest room for negotiation in his voice.
Kiro: Besides, you said it yourself—something may be wrong with this world. Then there’s even less of a chance that I’m letting you face it alone.
Kiro: What if… you disappear again for another six months or so?
He says it casually, like an offhand joke. But beneath that nonchalant tone, there seems to be a weight to his words that cannot be touched.
Like he's tightly gripping onto a key capable of opening a hidden treasure, unwilling to let go of it so easily.
That familiar sweetness seems to drift through the air again, enticing me to accept his candy.
And before I realize it, a smile forms on my lips, and I nod gently at him.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-4: Just One Step Away]
Kiro pulls me against the wall, lowers himself, and carefully watches the surroundings with a serious expression.
Every now and then, he would turn back to gesture for me to stay quiet, or pull me behind him before we reach a corner.
Our fingers remain tightly intertwined, our clothes brush together, and our footsteps stay perfectly synchronised, moving together in the same rhythm.
Everything is exactly as it used to be.
And yet, everything is completely different now.
Even though everyone here obeys him, he insists on sneaking around with me, playing this so-called adventure game.
What kind of feelings is he carrying… while doing all this with me?
I lower my gaze to our intertwined fingers, and within that intimate warmth, I sink into a kind of silent unease.
Suddenly, he comes to an abrupt stop. Then he turns and pulls me toward a half-open door beside the corridor.
Kiro: Shh, someone’s coming—
He pulls me into a small meeting room, and the door closes softly behind us, instantly plunging the surroundings into complete darkness.
The room feels small—so small that I can clearly feel his breath falling against the top of my head, along with his clean scent surrounding me.
Soon, faint footsteps echo outside the door, drawing near from afar, before gradually fading again.
In the darkness, I can barely see anything. However, through the thin layer of fabric between us, his body seems strangely stiff.
Instinctively, I lift my head, wanting to see his expression.
But in the very next second, Kiro also turns his face away, hiding himself deeper within the shadows. I am left stunned for a moment, then can’t help speaking up.
MC: …What’s wrong?
He seems to press his lips together briefly, his tone deliberately light.
Kiro: Nothing. It just occurred to me that… if we weren’t still hiding from the “enemy,” I’d definitely be hugging you properly right about now.
However the excuse is far too flimsy, as if even he himself can’t believe it.
Looking at the arm he keeps pressed close against my side, my heart aches little by little.
Even though we're so close to each other right now, even though every breath I take is filled with him, it still feels as though we're always one step away from each other.
Even more distant than that ray of silver light once was.
Bitterness wells in my heart, but I still slowly and hesitantly lift my arms and gently wrap them around him, mimicking the relaxed tone of his voice.
MC: It’s okay, a hug won't hurt. No one will notice.
The person in my arms freezes in place, his entire body visibly stiffening. Even the breath brushing over my hair seems to stop for a moment.
The muffled sound of his heartbeat echoes faintly against my ear.
Those few seconds stretch so long they feel almost unreal, until little by little, something pulls him back from a place I cannot see.
His hand lifts and slowly settles against my back.
At first, the touch is light, like he's testing the waters. Then, unconsciously, it tightens.
Kiro: You’re so warm.
But why is it still not enough?
Silence quietly spreads between us. After an unknown amount of time, he releases me without hesitation and opens the door to glance outside.
Kiro: Let’s go. The coast is clear.
Those smiling crescent-shaped eyes make it seem as though whatever just transpired, never happened in the first place.
—
Along the rest of the way, he continues scouting the “enemy situation” with exaggerated seriousness, and would deliberately startle me every now and then just to mess with me.
Compared to when I first saw him, he feels more like the “Kiro” who used to act this way in front of me.
So, trying to set aside the heavy feelings weighing my heart for the time being, I play along with this adventure game beside him.
After a few more turns, we finally arrive at the hall leading to the Black Cabin.
But in the next second, the phone in Kiro’s pocket suddenly vibrates.
He pulls it out and glances at the screen, a slight frown appearing between his brows. Yet when he turns back to me, he’s smiling again.
Kiro: Wait here for me a moment. I’ll be right back.
MC: ……
He turns away, lifting the phone to his ear, his figure gradually being swallowed by the dim light until he disappears around the corner.
At the same time, the stiff smile on my face gradually fades away as well.
I know Kiro has been pretending this entire time—to be his past self; the version of who he used to be with me.
But it seems that he too lacks confidence in that version of himself, which is why he's still subtly been using his power on me.
If, in there, he were to hear the questions I truly want answered, he'll realize that I may have already seen through his lies.
And then—how would he react?
MC: …I’m sorry… Kiro.
I glance back once more in the direction where he disappeared. Then, I take out the black box and awaken the power within my body.
When I open my eyes again, countless points of starlight drift around me, like fragments of a shattered kaleidoscope suspended in endless darkness.
As the sound of turning gears comes to a stop, a calm, familiar voice slowly echoes out.
??: You still came after all.
MC: ……
Specks of light leap and stretch into a glowing white staircase. Following its guidance, I look toward the radiant door at the end of the void.
MC: Did you already foresee this moment?
MC: Is that why you said last time that I would return here again?
??: You’re mistaken. I never foresee inevitabilities.
There’s little emotion in his voice, yet it carries an inexplicable hint of arrogance.
??: You people always believe you are making your own choices. But have you ever considered that your choices themselves may also be inevitable?
MC: …You still enjoy speaking in riddles, don't you?
MC: But let me correct you—the fact that I've been able to get here time and time again already proves that not everything is predetermined.
MC: Even if my choices… are always accompanied by loss.
??: That sounds rather sad.
??: Still, congratulations. Once again, you’ve successfully reached the future.
The words sound like a heartfelt affirmation.
And yet, for some reason, beneath his tone I can hear the faint trace of self-mockery… and helplessness.
MC: Then was the change in this future also within your expectations?
For a moment, the air itself seems to freeze. Even the drifting dust appears suspended in place.
??: It's you that has led the world to this future.
??: That question shouldn’t be directed at me.
Rather than answer me directly, he instead throws the question back at me once again.
In all the times I’ve come here before, I’ve never once felt at ease. I still don’t know who this mysterious voice truly is, or what his purpose might be.
And yet, it is through his guidance, more or less, that I am able to keep making choices and keep moving forward with resolve.
Even if his words are always ambiguous, he has at least been honest. A sudden hunch tells me that, perhaps, unlike that little boy, he doesn’t actually know what changes have happened to the world.
Perhaps… he is also one of the things undergoing change.
MC: Looks like this place has trapped you here.
MC: I hope that you’ll show yourself the next time we meet.
Rather than continuing to waste time probing each other, there are more important things waiting for me right now.
I close my eyes again.
In the past, every time I reached the place where the gears’ laws reside, it felt as though some invisible force was pulling me downward into it.
But this time, I aim to reach it through my own will.
Very quickly, a warm yet scorching power wraps itself through my bloodstream. The light cast against my retinas suddenly trembles, and the brief unrest surrounding me falls silent.
When I open my eyes, I find myself standing within chaos.
Countless specks of dust dissolve into drifting particles. The shattered gear fragments that once crumbled away like ashes have completely vanished, leaving behind only an almost absolute darkness.
From deep within comes the faint sound of something rejoining and meshing together once more.
Until, at last, it coalesced into a tremendous roar, like the beating of a heart.
It's the sound of gears turning.
—
After the girl’s figure disappears from the Black Cabin, a ghostly figure quietly emerges within it.
At the same time, that mysterious, low voice echoes once more.
??: You’ve come.
The silhouette stands there silently for a moment before finally speaking in a calm voice.
[?]: We’ve all returned.
Silence flows between them, as though swallowing everything into shadow.
After a long while, a sigh drifts through the void.
??: This door is finally going to close.
—
When I come back to my senses, I realize I’ve somehow already left the Black Cabin and returned to the B.S. hall.
Before my awareness can fully emerge from that chaos, my eyes catch something and suddenly sharpen.
Not far away, Kiro stands with one hand gripping his elbow, the other resting against his chin.
He appears calm, yet the slight tension in his fingertips feels as though he’s suppressing emotions he doesn’t want others to notice.
The moment he sees me suddenly appear in the hall, the agitation in his eyes vanishes instantly. Then he strides quickly toward me.
Kiro: I just stepped away to take a phone call, and when I came back, you were gone…
He unconsciously grips my wrist tightly, as if afraid I might disappear again.
Seeing the worry and lingering fear filling his eyes, a guilty ache rises quietly in my chest as well.
Just as I'm about to explain, he hurriedly speaks up again.
Kiro: Did that place suddenly drag you in?
Kiro: Otherwise, you definitely would’ve waited for me. There's no way you would've left me behind to go into the Black Cabin by yourself.
MC: ……
In that moment, I suddenly realize that more than worrying about me, he seems more unwilling to accept the possibility that… I chose not to wait for him.
So… I lie as well.
MC: …Yeah. I was going to wait for you. But then some force suddenly dragged me inside…
Kiro: ……
Kiro's lashes tremble faintly, the deep blue in his eyes falling still.
At last, he gazes at me for a long moment. The grip around my wrist finally loosens, and instead, he takes my hand in his.
Kiro: It’s okay. As long as you're back.
Kiro: So? Did you find what you were looking for?
And just like that, we become two liars at the same time, carefully using those lies to patch over everything.
As if, so long as neither of us tears the illusion apart, we can pretend it’s still intact.
MC: Actually, I didn’t really get any useful information either…
When I say that, a comforting smile slowly blooms across Kiro’s face. He lifts a hand and gently brushes the loose strands of hair from my forehead.
Kiro: It’s okay. Don’t worry. Everything will get better.
His voice is soft and gentle, like the song of a siren.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[8-6: Cheat Code]
After leaving the hall of the Black Cabin, Kiro naturally takes my hand and leads me back down the corridor we came from.
As we turn a corner, someone in a researcher’s uniform walks toward us and gives a slight nod, seemingly about to report something to Kiro.
Researcher: Boss, regarding—
Kiro: Later.
He waves a hand dismissively, his tone casual yet unquestionable. The man immediately steps aside obediently, watching us pass.
As we walk past him, I think I catch a faint golden light in his eyes, like an impossibly thin veil of gold draped across his irises, flickering softly.
Just as I instinctively begin to turn back for another look, my hand is suddenly tugged gently.
I snap back to attention and realize I almost walked straight into the corner wall. Kiro smoothly pulls me to the other side to avoid it.
By the time I steady myself and look back again, the corridor behind us is already completely empty.
Strange… maybe I'm seeing things.
I temporarily push down the doubts in my heart and follow Kiro into his office. Wondering why he brought me here, I can't help but glance at the person beside me.
In the next second, he walks to the window and pulls open the blinds a bit, letting in a faint trace of starlight. Then, he leads me to take a seat on the sofa in the reception area, gazing at me with a smile.
Kiro: Rest here for a bit.
MC: Won't I be bothering you? That person just now seemed like he had something he wanted to report to you.
Kiro: Don't worry, it's nothing especially urgent.
I press my lips together slightly and the image of that man's deeply respectful attitude surfaces in my mind again.
Back at the desert shop, Kiro had said that he'd been busy stabilizing Black Swan.
But now, it seems that what he wants isn't order, but absolute obedience.
MC: ...Still, judging from that person's attitude just now, seems like your authority as Boss has really sunk deep into people's minds.
He tilts his head thoughtfully and continues along with my words.
Kiro: I guess so. Most of the troublesome matters from before have already been dealt with.
He pauses for a moment, and then his tone grows a little more serious.
Kiro: So instead of going to the Black Cabin to search for answers, you can rely on me more from now on.
Kiro: Whether as Kiro or as the Boss of BS, I can help you and work alongside you.
He leans slightly closer, his fingertips gently brushing the center of my brow.
Kiro: I don't want these trivial matters keeping your mind occupied all the time—disturbing you, making you uneasy, causing you to constantly frown...
His voice is soft and gentle, every word trying to ease my burdens, to lift those heavy things off of my shoulders little by little.
It’s as though he’s turned himself into air sweet enough for me to breathe in completely.
And yet, once that sweetness disperses, everything he has feels as though it will vanish along with it.
And I want to give to him everything that he's longed for without holding anything back.
MC: I understand. You shouldn’t worry so much either.
A brief silence spreads between us, the only sound in the office being the low hum of the central air conditioning.
We rarely used to fall into silences such as this. Looking at his lowered eyes, I want to carefully probe a little further, to say something more.
But in the next second, he speaks first, as though following his own train of thought.
Kiro: Oh, right. Remember when we talked before about the changes in this world?
After getting his answer, he doesn’t linger much on my emotions, and instead, casually twists the ring on his finger.
Kiro: I thought about it for a while afterward and also looked into things here and there.
Thoughtfully, he rubs his thumb against my fingers, tilting his head back slightly as if recalling something.
Kiro: I’m thinking… that maybe we’re overthinking it.
MC: …Overthinking it?
He nods, his expression growing more serious. Turning toward me slightly, he looks straight into my eyes as he speaks.
Kiro: I mean, hasn’t the world always been like this, really?
Kiro: People will stop at nothing for profit. Some will wage wars to plunder others; others will experiment on children; while some are obsessed with deadly hunter games…
Kiro: Ulterior motives, deception… none of these things have ever disappeared throughout history, nor are they some new kind of development.
As he speaks, his voice softens again, his expression turning gentle once more.
Kiro: So, it's possible that the people around you were simply too good to you before. And now, after disappearing for half a year so suddenly…
Kiro: It's expected that the contrast would feel overwhelming for you.
He spreads his hands, as if stating the simplest truth in the world.
His lips move as he speaks, but his voice feels strangely distant, as though it’s coming from far away, drowning out my own thoughts.
And he seems to interpret my brief silence as something else—fatigue, perhaps, or hesitation.
So his voice lowers again, like he’s sharing a secret meant only for me, a private thought hidden deep inside him.
Kiro: Maybe one day, you’ll also start thinking… it would be better if all the bad people simply disappeared. They just aren’t worth saving.
He looks steadily at me. There’s no cruelty in his tone, no malice at all—if anything, there’s even a trace of tenderness.
I look back at him, a faint bitter smile rising to my lips.
Because honestly, I can’t say I’ve never had thoughts like that myself; in those utterly exhausting moments, in those times when I gave everything I had and still remained powerless.
No matter how hard I try, this world always seems to fall short of my expectations, handing me setback after setback every time I'm on the verge of success.
I really have wondered before… Why? What gives? Is any of this truly worth it?
Within Kiro’s impossibly clear eyes—eyes carrying a subtle, tempting pull—a distant figure suddenly rises in my mind—
The collective “me” who failed across every timeline.
T/n: In case it isn't clear, MC's talking about the Black Queen from S1 here! (So loving the many S1 references in this season) :>
She once said similar things too. About worlds and people that were no longer worth saving.
Maybe that “me,” just as Kiro said, endured countless moments of being shattered and hurt, and in the end, chose to give up.
—Perhaps I have already seen the endpoint of a future where I surrender, and one day, I too will become another “me.”
MC: But I… I still don’t want to give up. I don’t think this world is supposed to be like this.
MC: You once said that we would stand in darkness to protect the light. Because of those words—because of you… I found so much courage and strength.
Gently, I take hold of his cold hand in mine.
MC: You remember, don’t you? That “me” who gave up everything… I don’t want to become her.
Perhaps the distance between that “me” and myself isn't nearly as far as I once believed.
Maybe that “me” never truly disappeared at all, and has always been quietly watching from within the shadows.
But the moment my words fall, Kiro’s eyes brighten instead.
It’s as though he has suddenly discovered a cheat code and lightly claps his hands together once.
Kiro: Miss Chips, haven’t you noticed a key point here?
Kiro: Since she’s the other side of you, then if you and her join together… wouldn’t that make you the most complete version of yourself?
MC: …?
I freeze.
Kiro: One resolute heart, and one brave and resilient one.
Kiro: Put the two together, and wouldn’t that be the Queen in her most perfect form? Wouldn’t that finally allow you to truly save this world?
He looks at me, and within those deep blue eyes is the reflection of a complete version of myself, as though it is something flawless.
Kiro: What should I do? I can hardly wait to make that moment a reality with you—for us to save the world perfectly together.
A kind of fervor I have never heard before slips into his voice, like someone who has waited far, far too long and is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
But is that light really warm?
Why is it that deep within his eyes, within the narrow gap between that passion and tenderness... I see something that absolutely terrifies me?
🌸 Note: This date “命运之约” was translated from Chinese with help of Google Translate! 🌸
[This date was released in CN on 22 March 2026 :>]
A few things to keep in mind before reading the date:
This date has two different endings, which depends on the choices you make. As such, I have assigned two different colours depending on what choices lead to which ending: red and orange. How the story unfolds is up to you to decide! :>
Some of the dialogue within the date have links that lead to video clippings from the date that will let you hear the way Kiro delivers his Hamlet lines in Chinese!
There is an event story that comes with this set of cards that works as a prologue to the date, however it isn't necessary to read for the date itself. Basically, in the prologue, Kiro and MC join a theatre troupe for a live action roleplaying event where they'll be allotted random characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet. And so, Kiro is given the role of Hamlet while (to their mutual surprise) MC gets Gertrude.
The whole event covers them acting out various scenes from the play while also discussing the scenes and their characters as well. Once the event comes to an end, they both head to check out the British Library where they come across a book that sucks them into it's magical pages, which then leads to the events of the date:
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Introduction]
Hamlet
After the King of Denmark dies, his brother ascends the throne and marries Queen Gertrude. Prince Hamlet is at once filled with grief and turmoil over his father’s death and his mother’s remarriage.
One day, the ghost of the late king appears and reveals the truth of his death—that he was murdered by his brother, who poisoned him to seize the throne.
Having learned the truth, Hamlet vows to avenge his father.
—
*All artifacts, exhibitions, and related content mentioned in this text are fictional settings within the game and are used solely for narrative purposes. They do not reflect real-world situations.*
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 1]
The night is dense, and a thin mist shrouds the ancient castle in the distance. Tall spires pierce the night sky, and towers of dark stone rise in uneven layers, steeped in the weight of time. Their ink-dark outlines seem to grow out of the night itself, exuding a sense of composed solemnity.
I move my stiff fingers and touch the rough, cold stone beneath me. The chill gradually dispels my dizziness, and only then am I surprised to find myself sitting on a terrace.
…What is this place?
I look around in confusion. Through the misty rain, rows of low buildings stretch along the coastline. Several old, solid watchtowers stand in the corners, and I can just make out the faint outline of a harbor.
The sea breeze lifts strands of my hair, the sensation so real that my heart jolts.
…Wasn’t I just with Kiro, looking at the Shakespeare exhibition? How did I suddenly end up here?
Wait—where is Kiro?!
With no one beside me, confusion and unease wrap around me like the night fog. Then, in the next instant, a faint rustling sound comes from behind.
A figure suddenly rises from behind a nearby stone wall. He looks ashen and disheveled under the moonlight, his eyes scanning the surroundings in confusion.
The moment he sees me clearly, he strides over in a rush.
Kiro: Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?
He checks me inch by inch—my arms, my shoulders—his eyes filled with undisguised lingering fear, making my heart soften all at once.
MC: I’m fine. I’m not hurt. What about you?
He pauses for a moment, as if only just remembering himself. Then he lifts his arms, gives them a shake, and moves his legs as well.
Kiro: I… I think I’m fine too.
But I’m still not reassured. Only after carefully checking him over and confirming that he’s truly unharmed do I finally begin to calm down.
MC: Where are we, exactly? Could this be part of the exhibition…?
Perhaps now that he has the space to think, he cautiously—and curiously—looks around the empty terrace.
Kiro: We’ll know if we check.
Kiro: If it’s part of the exhibition, there should be other visitors here too.
He blinks, then cups his hands around his mouth like a megaphone.
Kiro: Is anyone there—!!
But the endless night offers no reply. We exchange a glance, seeing the same doubts reflected in each other’s eyes.
Just as we’re about to make our way toward the castle, a sluggish, eerie sound suddenly breaks through the silence.
In the next second, Kiro shields me behind him. I carefully peek out from over his shoulder.
At the far end of the terrace, a translucent figure slowly appears. He is clad in heavy armor, his lips tightly pressed, his presence dignified and imposing, even in stillness.
Though some distance away, the lingering resentment radiating from him is unmistakable.
Ghost: Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother’s hand—of life, of crown, of queen at once dispatched—
Ghost: Cut off, even in the blossoms of my sin, unhouseled, disappointed, unaneled—
Ghost: No reck’ning made, but sent to my account with all my imperfections on my head.
His voice is low and hoarse, steeped in blood-deep resentment, and then, I hear Kiro murmur under his breath.
Kiro: This… isn't this Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet?
Kiro: Those are lines recited by the murdered old king…!
A flame seems to burn in his eyes, igniting his whole being with vibrant intensity.
Looking at the castle once more, everything seems to take on a strange, almost magical quality—and I find myself forming a rather crazy hypothesis.
MC: So what happens next?
Kiro: According to the story, Hamlet is supposed to show up here.
But even after the ghost finishes speaking, the air falls back into silence. No one appears.
I wait for quite some time before softly tugging at Kiro's sleeve—only to find that the air around him has suddenly grown inexplicably heavy.
It’s as if he doesn’t feel my touch at all. He simply stares at the solitary ghost in shock, then slowly begins to walk toward it.
MC: …Kiro?
He doesn’t respond. He keeps moving forward, as if something deep within him is pulling him ahead, until he stops before the old king.
As though he has finally confirmed something, his breathing softens—becoming almost respectful in it's gentleness.
The old king raises his translucent hand, as if trying to pat Kiro on the shoulder—yet it leaves behind nothing but the faintest trace of wind.
As though suppressing overwhelming grief, Kiro's shoulders tremble uncontrollably, as though bearing an emotion that does not belong to him.
Everything grows stranger and stranger. A chilling sense of unease grips me, and I run toward him, wanting to ask what’s wrong—
But after only a few steps, I crash into something solid. Like… an invisible barrier.
Is this Evol? Why can’t I get close to him? What’s happening to him? What is this place?
Countless questions flood my mind, but none are answered.
Kiro sinks deeper into the emotions, raising his arms toward the heavens—
Kiro: O all you host of heaven! O earth! What else? Shall I couple hell as well—?
It is clearly his voice, yet it speaks of a sorrow and bewilderment that do not belong to him.
Every word and phrase carries heart-wrenching grief, uncontrollable fury—and beneath it all, a restless confusion that has nowhere to settle.
…That is not Kiro.
The moment this thought forms, a cold white light flashes across the sky—Act I, Scene V.
MC: Act 1, Scene 5…?
I recall what Kiro just said, and am momentarily stunned.
But the time I come back to my senses, the ghost has vanished without a trace, leaving no one but Kiro, standing there in a daze, like someone who just struggled to wake up from a heavy dream.
Seeing me walk towards him, he slowly comes back to his senses.
Kiro: MC, pinch me.
Not understanding, I lightly pinch his arm and watch him slowly let it a sigh of relief.
Kiro: I’m back?
MC: D-Don’t scare me like that.
Perhaps sensing my panic, he takes my hand and gently explains what just happened.
Kiro: Don’t worry. While it did feel like a soul temporarily “borrowed” my body just now, it didn’t hurt me.
Kiro: Even so, just experiencing it for that short moment… I could barely breathe.
Kiro: His emotions were so complex and heavy…
His voice seems to trigger some kind of response. From the depths of the universe comes the sound of pages turning—loud and immense.
And in the sky where those mysterious words appeared earlier, new text emerges.
“Welcome to the world of Hamlet.”
“Before the story ends, you will not be able to leave.”
“Special exemption: You will not face true death in this world.”
Kiro: So it really is the world of Hamlet…
His voice is soft, yet filled with a reverent excitement.
MC: Sounds like we’re about to start a new adventure?
Kiro: Mm. But there might be danger, so we have to keep holding onto each other tightly.
He threads his fingers through mine, gripping them firmly, then seems to remember something important.
Kiro: But if I’m Hamlet, then you're…
Kiro: Just now, did you feel any emotions that weren’t your own?
Meeting his expectant gaze, I shake my head.
Kiro: It’s okay. It just means that your role hasn’t appeared yet.
Kiro: There’s no story in this world where I exist without you.
He says it with complete certainty, then directly stops a passing attendant.
He clears his throat deliberately, making the attendant visibly nervous.
Attendant: Prince Hamlet, Your Majesty Queen Gertrude—how may I serve you?
MC: …?!
…The Queen? Hamlet’s mother?!
Our eyes meet, and shock spreads silently between us.
For a long moment, we both remain quiet, trying to process this completely unexpected development.
Choices:
1. <<Protest>>
2. <<Let nature take its course>>
—
1. <<Protest>>
If someone can set the rules of this world, then shouldn’t I be able to get a role with more scenes opposite Hamlet?
Thinking this, I look up at the sky where the words had appeared earlier, with a sense of anticipation, and call out loudly—
MC: Excuse me—! I’d like to change my role—
No response comes. Just as I start to feel a little disappointed, I hear Kiro's soft laugh.
Kiro: It’s okay. This is fine too.
Kiro: No matter what role you have, it won’t affect our story.
—
2. <<Let nature take its course>>
MC: Forget it. This storybook world must have its own reasons for this.
MC: Who knows, maybe a role like this will let us encounter all kinds of strange and wonderful things?
Seeing me shrug it off nonchalantly, he thinks for a moment, then nods in agreement.
But a moment later, as if something else comes to mind, he lowers his head and presses a kiss to my lips.
Kiro: No matter the reason, to me, you’ll always be my MC.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 2]
Very quickly, we figure out the rules of this world—
Whenever we step into a scene written by Shakespeare, we take on the roles of its characters. And when the words that mark the end of a scene appear, the invisible restraints quietly fade away.
Neither of us can quite put the feeling into words yet. It’s as if we’ve truly entered the world of Hamlet, quietly experiencing the joys, sorrows, and fate of its characters.
On the marble steps of Elsinore Castle, we see the wicked Claudius whispering schemes with his confidant Polonius.
We also see the noble youth Laertes bend down to pick up a stone by the garden pond, flicking it across the water in a neat series of skips.
Right now, Kiro and I are sitting on the grass in the garden, basking in sunlight from centuries past.
Perhaps it’s because everything is so peaceful that I turn to look at Kiro, only to follow his gaze and notice a young man.
Bathed in warm sunlight, the young man flips through a parchment scroll as he hurries toward the library.
MC: Is that Hamlet’s friend?
Kiro: Mhm. Horatio.
Kiro: The person who will stand alongside Hamlet to the very end—and also the one who will carry the truth and tell it to the world.
The boy in our line of sight suddenly stops, as if something has occurred to him.
Then, without minding the grass, he sits cross-legged on the lawn and begins scribbling something onto the scroll with a quill pen.
MC: This is amazing… I never imagined that we’d get to see their lives outside the story like this.
Kiro: Feels like they’re no different from us, doesn’t it?
Kiro: They get lost in thought, feel confused, cry, and laugh... Everyone truly has their own story.
MC: Now that you mention it… I suddenly feel like this is a rare opportunity.
MC: I should take this chance to experience a bit more of Queen Gertrude’s life.
Seeing my unusually serious expression, Kiro can’t help but laugh.
Kiro: Then let’s work together and open our hearts to them a little more.
Kiro: That way, we might hear their innermost thoughts more clearly.
As if in response, the familiar sound of pages turning echoes from the sky. We instinctively look up and see the words “Act III, Scene I” quietly appear across the heavens.
—
In the next instant, an irresistible force sweeps over me, and the surroundings shift abruptly—
The gentle greenery of the garden vanishes from sight, replaced by the pale gray stone walls of the castle corridor. Heavy wooden beams press down from above, their aged grain dark and cracked, while a few hanging chandeliers cast a cold and indifferent light.
Beside me stands a man wearing a crown. His brows are furrowed, yet the sinister intent in his expression cannot be hidden.
My heart begins to pound uncontrollably.
This is Claudius—the one who poisoned the king, and the one the queen chose to rely on.
Across from us stand two ministers, their expressions respectful and composed.
Claudius: And can you by no drift of conference get from him why he puts on this confusion, grating so harshly all his days of quiet with turbulent and dangerous lunacy?
My heart clenches sharply, a heavy, dull ache spreading through me.
I don’t understand what these emotions are, and yet I am instinctively swept up in them.
It feels as if a heavy boulder is dragging my heart endlessly downward, making it hard for me to breathe.
Then, blurred images begin to surface before my eyes: a stretched out red carpet, music and ceremony filling the air. I—dressed in regal attire, standing beside Claudius.
Below the wedding platform, Hamlet arrives late, silent and brooding, as though the entire world has turned its back on him.
When I come back to my senses, the three people beside me are still quietly plotting—to lure Hamlet into revealing the truth beneath his madness.
A sharp pain spreads through my palm, and I suddenly realize how tightly my fingers are clenched.
Almost instinctively, I want to speak up—to tell them to stop hurting a child who has just lost someone dear to him.
But when the words reach my lips, the moment I meet Claudius’s gaze, I swallow them back down.
Claudius: Sweet Gertrude, leave us.
Claudius: We have closely sent for Hamlet hither.
There is not the slightest hint of negotiation in his tone—only a declaration of what has been decided.
Choices:
1. <<Leave>>
2. <<Don't want to leave>>
—
1. <<Leave>>
I know that this is the only way the story can continue as it should.
So I let cowardice take hold of my mind, and word by word speak the lines that have long been set in stone—
—
2. <<Don't want to leave>>
A strong resistance surges within me, and I instinctively fall silent.
I gaze toward the end of the corridor, as if I can already see that familiar figure walking out from the light and shadow.
I want to go to him. I want to stand by his side—just as I have done countless times before.
In my daze, I even sense that this same urgency isn't coming from my heart alone.
My legs tremble slightly, yet even as the soles of my shoes scrape harshly against the floor, I still cannot take a single step forward.
In the next second, I hear my own voice speak in submission—
—
MC: I shall obey you.
I deliver my lines mechanically, like a puppet being controlled, and move step by step to the side of the corridor.
Only when the invisible pressure lifts do I flex my arm slightly, realizing my body is finally back under my control.
The next moment, as the doors are pushed open, Kiro steps into my sight.
Dressed in a dark robe, his figure appears even taller. The liveliness that once filled his features has faded, replaced by a profound melancholy that cannot be dissolved.
I instinctively move toward him—only to collide once more into that familiar invisible barrier.
So all I can do is stand there, watching him from a distance, as he is gradually pulled into emotions that do not belong to him—violent and overwhelming.
Kiro: To be or not to be—that is the question…
Those questions that are constantly posed toward fate echo hollowly through the corridor, receiving no answer.
And those eyes, once always filled with starlight, are now veiled by a thin mist—as if he is lost in Hamlet’s confusion, struggling with the same struggle Hamlet is.
An indescribable bitter ache rises in my chest. I cannot bear to watch any longer—and yet I cannot seem to look away.
When the scene ends, the corridor falls back into silence, and I stand there, stunned for a moment.
Not far away, Kiro braces his arms against his knees, head slightly lowered, his chest heaving as he catches his breath.
I finally run towards him and gently pull him into my arms.
MC: Are you okay?
Kiro: [slightly out of breath] …I’m fine.
Kiro: It’s just that… experiencing it firsthand like this, I'm starting to realize that Hamlet’s emotions are far more complex than I had imagined.
He slowly steadies his breathing, then lifts his hand to gently rub between my brows.
Kiro: Don’t worry. I’m a seasoned actor, after all. I have plenty of experience when it comes to stepping into a role.
Kiro: Or rather, what about you? Do you feel uneasy about becoming Queen Gertrude?
I freeze for a moment, only then realizing that the heavy weight from earlier is still slowly echoing in my chest.
MC: Mm… I can sense that she seems to feel very guilty towards Hamlet, but also very afraid.
MC: It’s like every second, there are two forces pulling at her soul…
Those deep blue eyes flicker softly as he cups my face with gentle hands.
Kiro: That’s my fault. I didn’t tell you an important acting principle in advance…
MC: Hm? What principle?
Seeing how mysteriously he’s acting, my curiosity is instantly piqued.
Kiro: You can empathize with her with all your heart—but you must return the pain back to her.
Kiro: Only then can you truly see her—and get closer to her.
Perhaps noticing my half-understanding nod, he reaches out his hand toward me.
Kiro: But even if you do get affected, it’s okay—
Kiro: As long as you hold onto my hand tightly, I’ll help you find yourself again.
The warmth in his eyes completely dispels the gloom in my heart, and I instinctively tighten my grip on his hand.
MC: Then… if you had the chance, would you tell Hamlet that his mother has always harboured guilt towards him?
Kiro: I think he’s always known that.
Perhaps noticing my surprised silence, he slowly smiles.
Kiro: I’ve always felt that what kept him trapped in the night his father died wasn’t anyone else, but himself.
Kiro: He was the one who abandoned this hypocritical and conspiratorial world, choosing to let that flame burn his own heart.
Kiro: Choosing, instead, to stand on the side of justice and conscience.
MC: …He was a brave person too.
A beam of sunlight slips through the window lattice, scattering softly into his eyes—warm and gentle.
Kiro: Yeah, it’s just a pity that he wasn’t very lucky.
Kiro: So in this wonderful encounter, if we can let him touch something beautiful, even just a little bit, within the cracks of his fate… that would be enough.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 3]
Therefore, in the warmest hours of the afternoon, Kiro would invite Horatio to a small hall for hot ale.
A clay jug simmers over the fire. The scent of grain and alcohol, wrapped in gentle heat, seems to drive away Denmark’s ever-present damp cold.
The two young men sit across from each other, drinking lightly, chatting about the absurd rumors drifting through the streets—as if they’ve momentarily forgotten the weight of their country and their obsession with revenge.
And when dusk seeps into the hall, he pulls out old books from Hamlet’s time studying in Wittenberg.
Moonlight filters through the window lattice, falling across the parchment pages—illuminating passages of classical philosophy and handwritten translations of ancient Greek tragedies…
His fingertips brush over the annotations, as if also tracing the thoughts of the young prince—pure and unguarded, before fate had shattered him.
Time slips by quietly, and inevitably, I begin to worry about what is to unfold next in the story—Hamlet accidentally killing Polonius by Gertrude's bedside.
Though the mysterious message said death will not befall us, it does not seem to extend that mercy to the people of this world.
And Kiro, who will have to carry out this act himself, must be enduring unimaginable struggle and guilt.
Thinking of this, I look at Kiro with concern—only to meet a pair of knowing eyes.
Kiro: Worried about the next scene, Miss Chips?
I pause for a moment, then nod honestly.
MC: Are you scared?
Kiro: I am.
He doesn’t hesitate at all, simply meeting my gaze with even greater candor.
Kiro: I’m scared of making an irreparable mistake with my own hands… scared of the loss of life.
Kiro: I’ve even thought that if Claudius had never killed the old king in the first place—
Kiro: Then Hamlet wouldn’t have been trapped in this spiral of revenge, and none of these tragedies would have happened.
His voice is calm and light, yet for some reason, my chaotic thoughts begin to settle.
MC: If—and I mean if—you had a choice, would you let all of that happen?
Kiro: I'd leave the choice to Hamlet in that moment.
Kiro: That’s his fate. It wouldn’t be fair for me to decide it for him.
His lashes lower slightly, and when he looks up again, his gaze is unwavering.
Kiro: But if I could—
Kiro: I would cover your eyes before that moment arrives.
—
A few days later, as the sound of turning pages echoes once more, that inescapable tragedy arrives as scheduled.
The curtain stirs slightly and the dagger in Kiro's hand drives straight towards Polonius’s chest.
Choices:
1. <<Instinctively close your eyes>>
2. <<Subconsciously try to stop him>>
—
1. <<Instinctively close your eyes>>
As “intruders,” we always have to bear the weight of fate alongside Hamlet.
But the struggle Kiro keeps buried deep inside him constantly tugs at my heart.
So I close my eyes, and in the next instant, I hear the dull sound of something being pierced, thick and heavy.
—
2. <<Subconsciously try to stop him>>
Perhaps, deep down, I could never bear to let Kiro face that kind of guilt and helplessness. Nor could I bear to see his hands be stained with blood.
Even though I know rationally that this is an unavoidable part of the story, my body reacts before my mind can catch up.
Instinctively, I reach out, trying to seize the dagger.
But in the very next moment, it’s as if the blade has a will of its own and drives straight into Polonius’s heart.
—
Everything happens much too quickly.
Polonius collapses to the ground in disbelief, falling silent forever.
Thick, warm blood gushes along the blade, splashing onto the backs of our hands—binding Kiro and I together as accomplices.
Blood rushes to my head in an instant. It feels like I'm being strangled by an invisible hand, every gasp tinged with the metallic scent of blood.
My heart nearly leaps out of my throat, and for a moment, I can’t even tell whose fear this is anymore. Only vaguely, can I sense that Gertrude’s fear goes far beyond than what lies before us.
And every time Hamlet looks over, that fear seems to claw its way out from deep within my bones.
MC: What a rash and bloody deed is this!
In the very next moment, an irresistible force lashes out at me and I’m shoved hard against the bedside.
His presence presses in from all sides. His eyes, so close to mine, burn with restless fire, yet are veiled with a layer of disdain.
Kiro: [laughing scornfully] A bloody deed? Indeed—almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king and marry with his brother.
MC: …!
The ugliness I tried so hard to conceal is easily exposed. The fear and shame buried deep within Gertrude’s very bones spreads inch by inch along my spine, throughout my whole body.
Almost instinctively, I try to escape, but a tight grip seizes my wrist and I’m forced back into place.
As he leans down, a heavy shadow falls over me, swallowing me whole.
Kiro: Peace, sit you down.
Perhaps it's because we are so close that I can finally see his eyes clearly—
That obsessive, burning gaze seems to wrap around me, carrying a probing intent that trespasses boundaries.
His eyes sweep lightly over my disheveled clothes, and something dark and complex flickers beneath them—resentment, jealousy, and a scorching desire on the verge of breaking free.
Kiro: And let me wring your heart; for so I shall.
Instinctively, I raise my hand to cover his mouth, trying to stop him from saying anything inappropriate.
But as soon as my fingertips touch his lips, I flinch back as if burned.
Shock, shame, and a hidden, restless stir spread through my limbs; the surging, heavy emotions swallowing me whole.
In a daze, I feel as if I have truly become Gertrude.
It isn't until I come back to my senses that I realize I’ve collapsed onto the ground, as if all the strength has been drained from my body.
I look around blankly. Everything before my eyes seems veiled in mist, the sounds around me distant and muffled. Even my own breathing feels unreal.
Before I can react, my trembling fingertips are suddenly enclosed in a firm, warm grip. Kiro takes my hand and pulls me forward, running out of the chamber.
We run through the courtyard, and out of the castle… slowly leaving the entire world behind us.
MC: Where are you taking me—?
Kiro: I don’t know either.
Kiro: Let fate take us wherever.
I freeze for a moment, feeling the real warmth of his hand as it tightly holds mine.
And the surging emotions inside me seem to be carried away by the wind rushing toward us.
In that instant, I realise that perhaps after losing control like that, we both need some way to let it all out.
So we keep running—running for a long, long time; until neither of us can take another step, and we finally stumble and collapse onto the beach.
We look at each other, our fingers still tightly intertwined.
Our heartbeats mingle, as if soothing the tremors left by the storm, letting me slowly sink into a state of tranquility.
Then, a sky full of stars comes into view—countless constellations stretching into a flowing galaxy.
The ebb and flow of the tides, the rotating of the stars… it feels as though everything in the world is following its own destiny.
Even if we can’t escape fate, at least I have this moment—and someone who will stand with me within it.
—
Following Polonius’s death, it seems that the gears of fate have begun to turn faster.
Like an inescapable cycle, Laertes, son of Polonius, returns with a heart full of vengeance, taking Hamlet as his sworn enemy.
And this hatred is exactly what the guilt-ridden Claudius needs most—
Another’s hand to secretly eliminate Hamlet at last, and cover up his own crime of regicide.
A storm powerful enough to devour everything is quietly brewing beneath the surface of calm.
And yet, our lives seem untouched. For before dawn one day, Kiro brings me to a chapel deep within the castle—
A pastor stands beside the altar, holding a thick Bible. Members of the royal court stand with heads bowed, their expressions solemn.
Amid the scent of beeswax candles, the quiet prayers echo beneath the domed ceiling, carrying an indescribable sense of sanctity.
MC: What are they doing…?
Kiro: Celebrating mass for the late king.
I suddenly recall the day we first arrived in this world—the old king’s sorrowful words still seem to echo in my ears.
And now, under the silent gaze of the divine, that lingering regret seems to grow lighter and lighter.
The next second, however, a thought strikes me.
MC: But the script never mentioned this…
Kiro: Hamlet asked for it.
He says it as if it’s only natural, then solemnly performs a gesture of prayer towards the front.
Kiro: As his son, he would want to make up for the regret that his father carried.
I pause for a moment, then place my hand over my chest as well and bow towards the altar.
As the prayer draws to a close, the sorrow and regret also seems to properly settle.
Soft daylight filters through the stained-glass windows—and a new day begins.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 4]
Fate stretches ahead like a path already carved, silently leading toward its end.
But it isn't until I sit in the arena that I realize that I’m not as calm as I thought I would be.
Even though, in the earlier parts of the story, we’ve confirmed again and again that this world won’t bring us real harm—
At this moment, as I watch Kiro stand across from Laertes with a longsword in hand, calm and composed, my heart still tightens into a knot.
Beside me, Claudius keeps glancing at Laertes, as if some pre-arranged conspiracy lies hidden between them.
A louder, more restless unease spreads through my limbs, as if that other soul already senses the misfortune about to arrive.
Before I can think further, the sharp clash of blades slices through the silence.
Kiro: Strike one.
My entire body tenses instinctively, but Kiro only lowers his sword with an easy flourish, its tip angled toward the ground, his expression sharp and brilliant.
At Claudius’s signal, a servant brings forward the wine that had long been prepared, and a false sense of festivity rises across the arena.
But a cold instinct keeps drawing my gaze back to that cup of wine, and my heart sinks deeper and deeper.
I pause for a moment, struck by a thought that feels almost impossible.
Could it be… that Gertrude knows that the wine is poisoned? If so, why would she still drink it?
Clang—!
The blades collide once more, locking tightly together, cold sparks frozen in midair. Both sides push with all their strength, neither willing to yield an inch.
They remain in a stalemate for a long moment. Then, as if catching Claudius’s subtle cough of instruction, Laertes glances nervously at the tip of his sword.
In that instant of distraction, Kiro's eyes sharpen, and with a turn of his wrist, he presses his blade down.
Although every movement of the blade carries an unfamiliar court fencing technique—within it, I keep catching glimpses of a familiar shadow.
In those eyes burns a fire I’ve never known—solitary, fierce, as if it could burn the entire world to ashes.
But a gentler, stronger force quietly surrounds that flame, keeping it from consuming itself.
…In that moment, they seem no longer separate.
And in the next second, the sword—carrying the will of two souls—pierces this treacherous world once again.
I'm unable to tear my gaze away, feeling two nearly identical emotions slowly intertwine within my heart—
I want to stand beside him, to declare war on this damned fate together with him.
And so, I lift the cup filled with deadly poison, and pour it down in a single go.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
If you have chosen to go with the options in red, then proceed with the Ending of Your Choice: Here
If you have chosen to go with the options in orange, then proceed with the Ending of Your Choice: Here
Giving Kiro 'Hamlet' is the best, smartest decision Papergames has ever made. God forbid, the devs give him Shakespeare's other less well-known works because I would be flipping tables, breaking dinnerware, and setting my house on fire. Also, that evolved karma of Kiro biting MC's lip as he's kissing her!?!?👀🥵 Definitely wasn't on my bingo card.
ASDFGHJKL @keliosyfan!!!! You read my mind, girl 😂 Of course, Kiro would be given Shakespeare's OG emo boy! He was practically made for the role!! “To be or not to be” is such poetic phrasing for a character like Kiro who capitalises on duality.
However, the writers were really cooking when they made MC Gertrude and not Ophelia. They took a risk there, but I'm glad they went for it. Kiro getting Hamlet wouldn't have been as impactful if they had made MC Ophelia instead. Especially with the recent exploration on the theme of “possessiveness” that the writers have been exploring with these two. (Bro, I was NOT expecting that kiss either!! Had me going bugeyed-internally screaming at my screen when I saw it, let me tell ya 😩🔥). I was actually surprised by how many CN fans were taken aback by the change, but I guess that's to be expected if you're not well acquainted with the nuances of the text or the relationship between the characters.
Speaking of which, I'll be posting the date tonight cuz it has been sitting in my drafts for over a month now. I had wanted to translate the event story as well, but I just don't have the time for that. I will however put a couple of notes on the post since it does act as a sort of prologue to the date. I've tried to format the date in a way that can, to some degree, let you experience the choice-based endings that they had for this particular set of dates. Hopefully it isn't all over the place 🤞
🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸
[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate :>]
PART 1: Here
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 4]
After confirming the setlist, what follows is endless practice—session after session, rehearsal after rehearsal....
From the music room at home to the rehearsal stage across the ocean, every time I finish up a full run-through with him, I feel my heart race just a little faster.
And in what feels like the blink of an eye, it's the day of the actual performance.
Kiro stands beside me in a dazzling stage outfit. The lights seem to favor him, tracing the edges of his silhouette, making him look radiant and almost unreal.
He leans down and carefully adjusts the mask on my face, his voice low and gentle.
Kiro: Ready?
MC: Ready.
The moment we step onto the stage together, the lights snap on in perfect unison above us.
In front of us stretches a vast sea of people, layer upon layer, so dense it feels almost endless.
Screams and cheers surge in from every direction, vibrating through my chest until it almost goes numb.
I place my hands on the keyboard, and for a split second, my fingertips tremble.
Just then, Kiro begins to speak, effortlessly drawing all attention to himself.
Kiro: Hello, everybody! Kiro here!
Kiro: I'm really happy to be here at Cosmos tonight, and even happier to be collaborating with the band TwinkLe on this stage.
Kiro: I've been following them since their debut.
Kiro: Their music has a really fresh, natural feel to it, and I can feel the vitality that connects them in their performances.
Kiro: Unfortunately, their lead vocalist couldn't make it today, but I'm still honored to be performing alongside the other member of the band.
Kiro: She's TwinkLe's keyboardist—and my most important partner tonight.
Kiro: Please give her a warm round of applause, everybody!
As the applause erupts, I smile and answer with a cascade of arpeggios from the keyboard.
Kiro: And now—let the music take you away.
The instant the music starts, I tense up, pressing all five fingers firmly onto the keys.
I can't believe it—my racing heartbeat is drawn to you ♪
I pour myself into the rhythm, tuck my breathing into the chords, doing everything I can to keep my fingers aligned with the quickening tempo and melody.
But when we reach the chorus, I still end up making a mistake.
Two notes.
Just two notes—like ripples flashing across the surface of the water, swallowed almost instantly by the beat of the drums.
Yet my heart jolts. Even though my hands keep playing, my eyes unconsciously drift towards Kiro.
The moment I look up, he's already caught on.
Kiro: [singing "Gravity" lol] Through your eyes, through your body ♪
Kiro: All my burning sweetness belongs to you ♪
He sings and dances at the same time, his steps precise as he makes his way towards me.
He stops right in front of me, and the lights fall on him, outlining him in gold.
He flashes me a smile, then lifts his hand and taps out a short improvised phrase across my keyboard.
And just like that, my fleeting mistake transforms into a part of the improvisation.
Audience: AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I take a deep breath and follow the emotion he hands back to me, letting my fingers fall onto the keys again.
In that instant, I realize that I needn't keep focusing on my "mistake".
Not when Kiro is standing in front of me, his smile bright and certain.
The tight string inside my chest loosens, replaced by a growing, unmistakable joy—
I hear his voice flowing past my ears, and I hear my own playing turn light again beneath my fingertips.
I start to enjoy myself.
I enjoy the feeling of us sprinting forward within the same melody. I even lean into it, bolder this time, meeting him with another improvised exchange during the interlude.
The cheers below surge like a rising tide. Flashing lights rain down on us like a storm.
And suddenly, a thought flickers through me—
It's as if, when the world was first composed, we were notes written into the same line of music from the very beginning, destined to share the same tempo, the same frequency.
When the song ends, Kiro stands center stage, breathing hard, his smile still immensely dazzling.
Kiro: This next song...
He pauses deliberately, teasing the crowd.
Kiro: ...is a brand-new track composed by TwinkLe.
Kiro: I only received the sheet music last week.
Kiro: This song was written by the lead vocalist for his keyboardist.
Kiro: When he handed me the score, he asked me to make sure I told everyone the story behind it—the story of them.
The audience grows unusually quiet. I hold my breath, and through my in-ear monitor I can clearly hear my heart pounding wildly.
Kiro: You see, the lead singer... has a girl that he's liked since he was a kid.
Kiro: Every time he saw her, he didn't know why, but it felt like seeing spring. It made him happy, made him smile, and made his heart race.
Kiro: And the best part of this is that... this girl likes him too.
Kiro: There's not a word in this world that can describe how happy that makes him.
Kiro: Happiness—
He repeats the word with deliberate weight.
Kiro: As it turns out, "happiness" isn't some illusory concept that merely exists in the world of poetry; It's very much real.
Kiro: Like the urge to pull her into his arms the minute she shows up.
Kiro: Or when she resolves herself to stand by his side, even when she's nervous beyond measure.
Kiro: Emotions that he once had to digest alone they could now share with each other, half and half.
Kiro: He's certain that... having her here made him the happiest person in the world.
Kiro: And so he wants her to have a happiness that will never yield—a happiness that he'll defend, for as long as he lives.
As he says this, his gaze naturally settles on me.
Under the stage lights, that shade of blue in his eyes is impossibly clear-bright, unshadowed, without the slightest trace of darkness.
The look lasts only a second, but to me, it stretches longer than eternity.
The cameras are close—close enough to carve this moment into memory.
Kiro: I'm honored to be singing this song.
Kiro: And be a witness to this happiness.
Just then, a staff member hurries onto the stage and hands him a pen.
None of the previous performers had this segment, so it occurs to me that this must be the "surprise" that Mr. Andy mentioned he was going to prepare just for the two of us.
Kiro takes the pen with practiced ease. He turns toward the camera and writes the first stroke directly onto the lens.
KIRO.
The letters sweep boldly across the glass, fluid and decisive, completed in a single breath.
Then, he holds the pen out to me.
—
[OPTIONS]
1. Sign as TwinkLe
When I take it, my fingers are still trembling a bit.
Countless flashes glitter below the stage like a sky full of restless stars, blinking without pause. I lift my hand toward the camera and write the name of the band we chose together, right beside his.
In that moment, it feels less like a signature, and more like an unbreakable circle that I'm drawing around our souls—his and mine—binding and sealing them together.
As the final stroke is made, there is a heartbeat of silence across the entire venue.
And then the cheers erupt, crashing down like a tidal wave, overwhelming and thunderous.
Kiro turns to me with a smile and softly mouths a "Well done" at me.
And the music surges back in the very next second.
—
2. Don't sign
I gently shake my head at him, and instead of taking it, I let my fingers fall back onto the keyboard.
I answer what he just said—not with words, but with a variation of the new song's intro.
A response that only Kiro can understand.
The light in his eyes instantly flares, and without hesitation, he tosses the pen aside and turns back to the microphone.
—
Following the cue of the melody, he begins to sing, and the instant his voice falls into place, the crowd explodes again.
Before the universe was born
We were one
Drifting through the vacuum,
Missing each other, splitting apart—
Until the sun rose
And the city roared to life.
My throat tightens. Without thinking, I open my mouth and sing with him, loud and unrestrained.
MC: When our gazes met in the chaos, I finally realized—Even the deep sea can breathe ♪
We run along the path of meteors, from reality into the virtual.
Our heartbeats thunder, fueling our courage to love—and be loved.
The stage lights blaze against our skin; every inch of me feels like it's on fire.
In my in-ear monitor, all I can hear is my own quickened breathing and his voice, so close it feels almost tangible.
No matter what the tens of thousands of people in the crowd are screaming and cheering for in this enormous festival, I could care for none of it.
All I can see is him.
And those brilliant, burning blue eyes that belong only to me.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Memory Silhouette]
As Kiro moves quickly through the backstage corridor, the lingering swell of emotions still surge within his chest.
Once he reaches a quiet, secluded corner, he pulls out his phone and makes a call.
Two rings later, the line connects. A lazy voice comes through, layered over noisy background sounds.
Hephaestus: Hello? All wrapped up? You sounded great just now.
Kiro: You're at the festival?
Hephaestus: Mm-hmm~ Since I'm on vacation, figured I'd come take in the fun.
Hephaestus: It's total chaos outside right now though. Just heaps upon heaps of people piling up to ambush you two.
Hearing the unmistakable glee in his tone, Kiro arches a brow.
Kiro: I know. That's why I'm calling you.
Hephaestus: I'm technically on leave. Handling the Boss's personal affairs isn't included.
Kiro: I'll send you the intel on those 'big fish' we've been tracking. Consider that payment.
Hephaestus: Now that's more like it. What do you need?
Kiro: Find me an Evolver that can teleport me and her someplace else.
Kiro: I've already sent you the location.
Hephaestus: [after checking it] Wait... what? Didn't you two sing enough just now?
Hephaestus: Count me in. I sing pretty well too, you know.
His teasing voice crackles through the receiver.
Kiro: If you want to sing so bad, go find a karaoke bar yourself. We're in no need of any backup vocals.
Hephaestus: .....
Hephaestus: You're no fun. But that stunt you pulled just now? It left half the organization staring in shock.
Kiro: If they don't like it, they can stop looking. You just do what you're supposed to.
After exchanging a few more words, Kiro ends the call.
No matter what Black Swan thinks of him, Kiro couldn't care less. If anything, he smiles.
He hadn't planned on saying so much on stage. But for some reason, the joy in his heart just wouldn't stop surging.
He wanted everyone to know that he was hers. That he belonged to her completely.
Like a dragon in a game guarding its treasure, ostentatiously staking its claim over it.
His phone keeps lighting up with new notifications; friends who watched the concert flooding him with praise and congratulations.
For a long time now, he has wanted to share this happiness—vast enough to rival that of the whole world.
He slips his phone back into his pocket and heads back towards the lounge. The music surges in waves from the front stage. Even through the wall, it remains clear, the floor beneath his feet vibrating softly.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that things must already be blowing up on social media right about now.
Outside the venue, countless people are probably eagerly awaiting him to make an appearance, to say something, to respond.
But right now, all Kiro wants is to be with her. To savor this lingering exhilarating joy a little longer.
The image of her on stage flashes before his eyes again—the way she played so freely, so passionately.
And driven by the memory, he increases the pace of his steps, pushing faster and faster, not wanting her to wait even a second longer.
Finally, after turning the last corner, he steps into the lounge.
Warm light spills across the room, outlining that familiar figure, and, as if sensing his footsteps, the girl turns around.
The moment she sees him, her smile blooms.
Warmer than sunlight. Brighter than the stars.
She lifts her phone, smiling as she shows him all the messages their friends just sent.
The screen full of blessings feels like a shower of flowers at the most important ceremony—falling around them as they walk forward hand in hand.
And holding on to her hand, he will keep leading her towards even more beautiful horizons ahead.
T/n: By drawing parallels to "the most important ceremony", Kiro is likely referencing a wedding ceremony here!
Noticing that he's gone quiet, she waves a hand in front of him.
He smiles, catches that hand, and presses a gentle kiss to it.
Kiro: Let me be yours, forever and ever.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 5]
The moment we step offstage, Savin is already jogging towards us, speaking in a rush.
Savin: There are too many reporters outside. The hallway is completely blocked.
Savin: Don’t stop and don’t answer anyone. Let’s get back to the lounge first—I’ll handle the rest.
As he talks, he parts the crowd and ushers us forward quickly.
—
The door shuts behind us, sealing off the noise outside in an instant.
Kiro and I let out long sighs at almost the same time and collapse backward onto the sofa together.
I stare at the glaring white light above me for a long time, until my vision begins to blur and double. Only then do I slowly come back from that surreal, weightless haze.
The dampness in my palms and the fine layer of sweat at the back of my neck cling to my skin—proof that the grand performance just now wasn’t a dream.
Once my breathing steadies, I turn to look at Kiro.
At the same time, he happens to turn to look at me.
We lock eyes for two seconds—and then, simultaneously, burst into a fit of laughter.
It's silly and goofy—like that of two kindergarten children.
But it seems that aside from this silly laughter, I don’t know how else to express how I feel right now.
Only when our laughter starts to grow soft and listless, does Kiro prop himself up and lean in closer to me.
His slightly damp bangs brush against the tip of my nose, his breath burning hot against my skin.
Kiro: [breathlessly] What do I do… It's ridiculous how much I love you right now.
MC: What do I do? It's ridiculous how much I've always loved you.
I mimic the helplessness in his tone.
Kiro: If you love me, then kiss me.
I tilt my face up and kiss him without hesitation.
Our breaths—which were only just starting to calm down—start to grow chaotic again during the kiss.
The hand he had braced beside my face drifts unconsciously to my neck and the back of my head, fingers sliding gently into my hair.
Our moist lips and teeth meet in trembling exchange as our fingers mindlessly tangle and comb through each other's damp hair.
Kiro: Tell me—what did it feel like, performing with Superstar Kiro?
Perhaps due to the effort he’d put in on stage, or perhaps due to the heat of the moment, his voice turns husky, carrying with it a languid, teasing allure.
MC: ...I can’t really describe it.
MC: Felt like I was just moving on instinct.
I realize, as I say it, that I truly can’t put it into words.
Even now, when I try to recall those short dozens of minutes, my mind still comes out blank—like it’s been washed clean by a roaring tide.
The only thing I clearly remember is Kiro's singing voice beside me.
Kiro next to me, and me—performing on the same stage as him.
He pauses for a second at my answer, then lets out a soft laugh.
Kiro: All instinct, huh?
Kiro: Then your instincts are incredible. And so brave too.
He praises me lavishly, pulling me into another tight embrace, the rapid rise and fall of his chest echoing against my own.
I can’t help letting out a quiet, breathless laugh as well. It feels like every cell, every nerve in my body is urging me to release the excess rush of dopamine—
And then simply revel in the steady flood of endorphins born from this hug.
We stay wrapped around each other, relaxed and content, savoring this brief moment of respite.
However, the phone on the coffee table keeps chiming insistently, dragging us back to reality.
MC: Are you going to check it?
MC: I have a feeling there are gonna be a lot of trending topics blowing up tonight…
He turns his head to glance at his phone, but instead of reaching for it, he just watches the screen light up again and again.
Kiro: Let them blow up. I’ve imagined this day so many times.
Kiro: I've imagined our performance, being recorded by the whole world.
Kiro: And us, side by side, in everyone’s eyes—for a long, long time to come.
Those words hit my chest and leave it aching. I can barely respond, yet I can’t help wanting to say more.
MC: Actually… I still feel a little regret.
MC: During the first song, I was too nervous. I wasn't able to play the song perfectly.
The whole show went unbelievably smoothly, yet I can’t stop thinking about those two small wrong notes that were saved during the performance.
The thought that those two performances will forever remain on the internet and be watched on repeat makes me want to make them even more perfect.
Kiro: Hahaha! And since when did you catch my perfectionist syndrome, huh Miss Chips?
He grins mischievously. I swat him lightly, but he catches my wrist and gently pulls me closer into his arms.
MC: It’s not perfectionism. I'm just... not quite there yet.
MC: Standing on that stage, I suddenly get why you're always able to sing at concerts for so long.
MC: Turns out that the stage really is addictive.
As I say those words, the image of that glittering sea of lights flashes through my mind again.
Kiro smiles and gently pinches my cheek.
Kiro: If you're still not done with it, then how about we continue somewhere else?
MC: Continue?
Kiro: Mhm. I haven’t heard enough of your voice from the performance just now.
Kiro: And I haven’t seen enough, either.
Kiro: So let’s change locations and keep our performance going.
—
I had assumed we would need to fight our way past the media and crowds just to leave the festival.
But somehow, after Kiro makes a quick phone call outside, a portal suddenly appears right inside the lounge.
…Right. I forget sometimes that he’s actually the omnipotent Boss of Black Swan.
—
The place looks like a band rehearsal studio—small in size, but packed with instruments of every kind.
Kiro glances around, clearly pleased, and nods to himself.
Kiro: Alright. Now we can sing what we want to sing, and play what we want to play.
MC: Pfft… That sounds more like karaoke.
Kiro: No, no, no. I said a performance.
He raises his index finger and shakes it, looking quite serious.
As he speaks, he pulls out a prepared phone stand, sets it up facing the small platform in the corner of the studio, and hits record.
Then he casually picks up an electric guitar, pulls me to the center of our "stage," and clears his throat.
Kiro: Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Kiro and Miss Chips' Sweetheart Special Concert.
MC: Wait—who exactly are the audience members?
Kiro: Hey, no interrupting me. As for our audience members, well, there are plenty.
Kiro: Savin, Apple Box, Cello, Madam Seidel, Key, Hephaestus, Caleb, Mr. Andy…
He starts rattling off names like he’s reading from a grocery list. By the end of it, he’s even counted Apple Box and Cello’s cat and dog friends.
I laugh so hard I can barely breathe and quickly wave my hands.
MC: Enough, enough! There’s no way this place can fit that many people!
Kiro: Hmph. Anyway, since our dear audience members can’t attend in person, we’ll be presenting tonight’s concert in recorded format instead.
Kiro: I’m the guitarist—and one of the lead vocalists for tonight.
As he says that, he hands the mic to me.
MC: And I’m the keyboardist—and also one of tonight's lead vocalists.
MC: Please enjoy our first song…
I turn to look at the anticipation in his eyes, and suddenly a mischievous idea pops into my head.
MC: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
Kiro: …?
He freezes for a split second, as expected—and then laughs.
Kiro: I have to admit, as an opening number, that’s a brilliant choice, Miss Chips.
While speaking, he strums the strings of his instrument, and his clear singing voice fills the otherwise empty room.
Kiro: Twinkle, twinkle, little star… How I wonder what you are…
I press down on the keys and join him in harmony.
MC: Up above the world so high… Like a diamond in the sky…
The simple melody plays note after note, light and carefree. Before long, we finish, and neither of us can hold back our laughter.
Kiro: Now for the second song.
He shifts his stance, and his whole presence changes in an instant.
The moment the melody begins, I recognize it—it’s his breakout hit.
The guitar and his singing flow out instinctively, naturally, pouring from his fingertips and throat without pause.
I hear the weight of every note as it falls, as well as the surging, overflowing emotions in his voice.
And later, we sing TwinkLe’s songs.
When we reach familiar sections, he deliberately leans in closer to me, prolonging certain notes, as if teasing me to keep up.
And I answer him with brighter chords, drawing peals of laughter out of him.
By the end, my throat is a little hoarse and my fingertips ache.
But I don’t want to stop. Not in the slightest.
Finally, we sing that not-quite-perfect song again, and this time, I don’t make a mistake.
Or perhaps, I no longer care if I do.
When the chorus rises once more, I lift my face and kiss his lips, with an urgent, desperate need.
Fragments of lyrics dissolve into breath, leaving only his fingers still plucking at the strings.
The phone on its stand stays lit, faithfully recording our childish yet fearless performance.
The stars outside the window flicker. Compared to them, this vast world is but a tiny speck among them.
Yet even they are not nearly as important as a single kiss from the one I love.
So let the rest of it be.
All I want is to sing a little longer tonight, and play a little longer.
Pour out all of my excitement, my nerves, and the happiness that I still can’t quite process into the music.
He draws me closer to him, his forehead resting against mine, and speaks softly, one word at a time.
Kiro: This is the most beautiful performance of my life. I will never let it end.
—
After Cosmos ends, we stay overseas for a few more days, traveling properly before finally boarding a flight back to Loveland City.
When we get off the plane and see each other in our heavy disguises, we both can’t help but laugh—but neither of us lets go of the other’s hand.
Maybe something will change because of this music festival. But at the same time, maybe nothing really will. Work will still be work, and life will still be life.
Apple Box: Woof! Woof!
The moment we push open the door, Apple Box barrels into Kiro's legs so hard he nearly stumbles. Cello refuses to be outdone, weaving excitedly around our feet.
Kiro: I missed you guys so much!
We crouch down and smother the pets with hugs and affection for a long while before it finally feels like we’re truly home.
Kiro lazily scratches Cello under the chin, then suddenly straightens up as if he’s remembered something incredibly important.
Kiro: Miss Chips! I just remembered—the game updated today, didn’t it? Time for another battle!
MC: Oh right! But we haven’t even unpacked our luggage yet.
Kiro: Between luggage and the game, the game obviously wins!
Kiro: We’ve been working nonstop lately. Nothing like a good ole' gaming session to tide us over~
MC: Okay, okay, let me log in first—
—
Dragging our pets along with us, we return to our long-missed Sweet & Cozy Gaming Room and click open the game icon like it’s a ritual.
Ding.
A new message pops up in my chat window.
Stranger: So are you Kiro's girlfriend or not?
It’s that same Level 1 account.
I check the timestamp. The message was sent while Kiro and I were still overseas, enjoying our trip.
—
[OPTIONS]
1. Block
I raise an eyebrow and toss the ID straight into the blacklist.
As casually as wiping dust off a table.
—
2. Reply
I type a line of my own, light and unhurried, and hit send.
🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸
[Note: This date was translated with the help of Google Translate :>]
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 1]
MC: Three, two, one… can I come in now?
Kiro: Wait, wait! Give me two more seconds—
Kiro: Okay, you can come in!
Unable to wait any longer, I twist the handle and push the door open.
Kiro stands in the middle of the room, grinning as he spreads his arms wide.
Kiro: Ta-da! Welcome to Kiro 'n Miss Chips' Sweet & Cozy Couple Gaming Room. Feel free to look around~
MC: Wow!
I never expected that in less than a day, Kiro would be able to completely transform this little room of ours.
I look around. The game cartridges that were once scattered everywhere are now neatly organized. Bunny and bear cushions sit atop the soft beanbag sofa.
Our computers sit side by side on the desk, each with its own distinct setup, yet they appear remarkably harmonious together.
The once-bare wall now holds a photo collage, capturing all of our happiest moments together.
Kiro: Over here is the media corner, this is the snack rack… and look—
Kiro: I even set up a play area for the little ones.
Kiro: That way, the chances of them interrupting our gameplay are greatly reduced, lowering the risks of a “team wipeout”.
As he explains, he pats the cat tree beside the couch, clearly very proud of his clever arrangement.
There’s a glimmer of anticipation in his bright blue eyes—mixed with just a hint of nervousness.
Kiro: So? Anything that still needs improving?
MC: Hmm… nothing that I can spot at a glance.
MC: Why don’t we do a real test run? What do you think?
Kiro: That’s exactly what I was thinking!
Kiro: What do you want to play? PC or console?
MC: Let me think… how about we start with the new dungeon event in that online game of ours?
MC: I wanted to co-op with you before the New Year, but we never had the time.
MC: And once the holiday ends, we’ll be rehearsing intensively for the Cosmos Music Festival. Once we get busy, we’ll probably miss the version rewards again.
Kiro: Oh right! I almost forgot about that. Looks like we’re in for a long night then.
Laughing and chatting, we sit down side by side at our computers and press the power buttons together.
While we wait for the game to finish updating, Kiro’s phone suddenly rings.
He answers, listens for a few seconds, then turns to look at me.
MC: What is it?
He doesn’t respond. Instead, he switches on speaker mode, and the following second, Savin's voice comes through the phone.
Savin: Since you’re the closing act, it shows just how much the Cosmos Music Festival organizers value your status. The schedule’s a bit tight, though, so you can take your time to think it over first...
MC: The Cosmos Music Festival?
Savin: Oh! Is MC there too? Happy New Year!
Savin: I wasn't expecting work to come knocking before the holiday’s even over. Don’t worry, though—it won’t take up your time together.
Savin: It’s a large-scale world-class festival. If you’re free, MC, tell Kiro to bring you along. It’s going to be huge!
Kiro: Uh, Savin… the reason I put you on speaker is because—
He awkwardly cuts off Savin's enthusiastic rambling.
Kiro: A couple of days ago, TwinkLe also received an email inviting us to perform at the festival.
Savin: ........
Savin: …Huh???
The atmosphere turns a bit awkward for a moment.
One is his stage, while the other is ours.
Both are a cause for celebration, yet placed side by side like this, they leave everyone at a momentary loss.
Kiro swallows, then exchanges a glance with me.
Kiro: So, Savin, what should we do in this situation?
Kiro: If there's a scheduling conflict, then how about we just cancel my solo performance?
MC: Wait, don’t—
Savin: Hold on, hold on.
Savin and I speak at the same time—and stop at the same time. The air falls silent again for a few seconds before Savin clears his throat.
Savin: I know you don’t get a lot of chances to perform with MC, and so you treasure them.
Savin: But don’t forget—there are a lot of Little Sodas who’ve been waiting a long time to see you on that stage too.
Savin: How about this? You two talk it over first. No rush. Just give me an answer within the week.
Savin: Though I have to say... you two are really getting bigger and better. Good news like this and you don’t even think to share it with me.
Savin: Tsk tsk. The kids grow up and suddenly they don’t need their manager anymore…
After teasing us with a laugh, Savin hangs up.
Kiro lowers his phone and turns to me, pouting a little.
Kiro: Miss Chiiips.... why were you going to stop me just now? I thought you’d choose TwinkLe without a second thought—just like me.
MC: Of course I want to choose TwinkLe, but… I’m a Little Soda too.
MC: Getting to see Superstar Kiro close out a globally livestreamed festival? That’s a dream come true for so many of us.
Kiro: Then why don’t we just do both?
MC: Huh??
I freeze for a moment and look up at him.
MC: By “do both,” you mean… you’re going to attend both events?
Before I even finish speaking, Kiro nods without hesitation. I quickly cup his face in my hands.
MC: Hey, don’t make bold promises so easily!
MC: The festival schedule is really tight, not to mention all the factors we won't be able to account for.
MC: Besides, we haven’t given the organizers a final reply for the band yet. We can take some time to think it through.
That’s what I say out loud, but really, I’m buying myself time to process everything.
There’s no way I don’t want to stand on stage with Kiro.
Just imagining the applause from the crowd, and his sparkling eyes under those stage lights, is enough to warm my heart.
But I also know that this is Cosmos we're talking about—a massive, world-class festival that tens of thousands of people will be attending.
Countless artists dream of performing there, and TwinkLe has been fortunate enough to receive an invitation.
But to actually perform on such a stage, I still need to work so, so much harder to truly be deserving of it. And that will inevitably affect Kiro’s own schedule.
If we choose “our stage” at the cost of his career, wouldn't that be too reckless? Too selfish?
The moment his main job stands in front of us as an obstacle, I know that, even if it hurts, I’ll still instinctively make the compromise.
Kiro hums twice, looking even more energized by my concerns.
Kiro: Hmph. Even if I think about it for a few more days, my answer won't change.
Just then, a loud clatter erupts from the living room, followed by frantic meowing and excited barking.
Kiro: …Sounds like something got knocked over. I’ll go check it out.
He sets down his phone and strides out, sounding somewhat helpless.
Kiro: Apple Box, Cello, what are you two up to now?
His voice is quickly drowned out by even louder chaos outside, claws scratching and skittering across the floor, and a dog's excited panting.
I shake my head with a smile and turn back to the screen, opening the game client.
The familiar loading screen lights up. As the background music begins, my thoughts slowly settle back into place.
The moment I log in successfully, a message pops up in my private chat window—
Stranger: Are you Kiro's girlfriend?
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 2]
The stranger’s message hits the surface of the screen like a pebble thrown into the calm waters of a lake.
I freeze for a moment, fingers hovering over the keyboard. It takes me several seconds before I remember to check their profile.
The displayed avatar is the system’s default gray silhouette. The level clearly reads: “Lv. 1.” The account is completely empty.
…This only makes things weirder.
When I don’t reply, another message pops up.
Stranger: Hello, may I ask if you’re Kiro's girlfriend?
For a split second, I almost laugh.
Hiding behind a screen to send paparazzi-like messages like this—and still polite enough to start with “hello”?
MC: Who are you?
The moment I send the message, the name in the chat box turns gray. The user logs off.
I stare at the dimmed username, still trying to make sense of it all.
For a level-one alt account to log into an online game just to ask something so abrupt and pointless—what’s the goal here?
Are they trying to confirm something? Or are they just testing my reaction, to see if I’d panic?
The more I think about it, the more uncomfortable l feel. Like someone slipped a hand into my pocket without permission, rummaged around carelessly, and then walked away like nothing happened.
Just then, the noise from the living room stops.
Not long after, Kiro pushes the door open. There’s a bit of cat fur stuck to his hoodie, and he pats at it while muttering with a laugh.
Kiro: They knocked over the feeder again. And now Cello’s playing innocent, just like Apple Box… honestly.
He walks over and leans in beside me. The moment he sees me sitting there motionless, the smile on his face fades.
Kiro: What’s wrong?
As he speaks, his gaze flicks to my screen. His expression darkens almost instantly.
Kiro: Give me a sec.
He moves quickly back to his own computer, fingers flying across the keyboard in a rapid clatter.
Windows flash and switch on the screen so fast I can’t even tell what he’s looking for. All I see is his brows knitting tighter and tighter together.
Kiro: …An IP from an internet café in X City...?
His lips press into a hard line. I can see his throat move as he swallows down his anger.
Looking at his current expression, I suddenly regret letting him see that message.
Today was supposed to be a happy day.
We were going to discuss the music festival. He’d just finished renovating the games room. We were about to log in and clear a dungeon together…
There were so many bright, cheerful little bubbles floating around us...
And this one message came in and popped every single one of them.
I can’t help reaching up, my fingertips gently lifting the corners of Kiro's tense lips.
MC: Forget it.
MC: There are many bored, miserable people in this world who have nothing better to do.
I try to make my tone sound casual. Light. Like it doesn’t matter at all. I even smile at him.
MC: Moreover, we haven’t done anything wrong, nor are we hiding anything we're ashamed of.
MC: If they ask one question and I let it ruin my mood, that’s giving them way too much credit.
Kiro: Aren’t you scared though?
MC: Why would I be? I’m just… annoyed, that’s all.
Kiro: You’re really not shaken at all?
He looks at me steadily, his voice serious, like he needs to know the truth.
MC: Really, I’m fine.
MC: Let’s not talk about it anymore. Is your game updated yet? I’ll wait for you at the main city gate.
He presses his lips together slightly, like he still wants to say something. In the end, he just exhales.
Kiro: Almost. I’ll sort my inventory and be right there.
As he speaks, he clicks the teleport button. With a sharp flash, his character disappears from my side.
Kiro himself drags his chair a little closer to mine and gently brushes his elbow against me, as if to blur the line between our two computers.
While sorting through his inventory, he keeps chatting; first complaining about the new dungeon mechanics for a bit, then suddenly asking if I’m hungry and whether we should order a late-night snack.
I laugh and play along, responding to everything, but when I glance at our two characters standing side by side on the screen, my heart still sinks a little.
In the virtual world, the two of us can stick close to each other without hesitation, strolling down the busiest of streets without anyone interfering.
In real life, though, we always have to be mindful to avoid certain gazes and steer clear of certain shadows.
But now these shadows, restless as they are, are even reaching into our little cyber corner to haunt us.
If even this small, free world of ours has to be watched by unseen eyes... It would be downright suffocating.
As my feelings grow increasingly complicated, something heavy and uncomfortable lodges itself into my throat.
If we just keep the topic changed and shift the mood, just like this, it could pass—at least on the surface.
But I know Kiro too well.
The more I say “It’s fine,” the less he’ll truly let it go. And then, when the night grows quiet, he'll ponder and ruminate on it alone, turning it over and over in his mind.
No… that would be no different from the past then!
We promised each other that we’d be honest about all of our feelings.
So this time, I have to be the one who keeps that promise first.
MC: Kiro.
MC: I was wrong just now.
Right before entering the dungeon, I suddenly stop.
I reach out and lightly touch his fingers. He doesn’t hesitate for even a second before immediately taking my hand in his.
MC: I shouldn’t have pretended like I didn’t care. To be honest, I was a little startled when I saw that message.
Kiro hums softly in acknowledgment. His palm is warm and steady, giving me the reassurance I need to finish what I want to say.
MC: But it was just that—a jump scare, really.
MC: The reason I said I wasn’t scared was because they logged off right away. That makes it seem like even they felt guilty…
Kiro: And if they hadn’t logged off?
Kiro: What would you have said?
I freeze for a moment.
His gaze rests on my face. There’s no obvious emotion in those blue eyes, but there’s something urgent beneath the calm of his tone.
I don’t look away. I think it through carefully before answering.
MC: It’s hard to say.
MC: Were it a normal social setting and someone politely asked me, then of course I’d say “Yes, I am Kiro's girlfriend.”
MC: But... strangers hiding in anonymity like this? Not even daring to show themselves?
MC: Why should I satisfy their voyeuristic desires?
As I speak, the uncomfortable knot in my chest finally finds its outlet. My words come a little faster.
MC: [angry now] So more than fear, I just found them rather boring.
MC: Don’t they have their own lives to deal with? How is ours any business of theirs?
MC: I refuse to let people like that disrupt our everyday lives!
As he listens to me, the tension in Kiro's eyes gradually softens.
He looks like he agrees, like he’s finally letting out the breath he’s been holding, and a smile slowly returns to his face.
Kiro: You’re right, Miss Chips.
Kiro: We have our own lives to live. Who has time for people like them?
He finally relaxes completely. His fingertips gently caress my knuckles, then thread themselves between my fingers one by one, holding on with a quiet tenderness.
Kiro: By the way, have you ever heard of “The Principle of Yielding by the Happier Party”?
MC: …Principle of what?
Kiro: It’s a theory I came across a few days ago while looking for inspiration for a new song.
Kiro: Put simply, it's when people who aren’t doing very well themselves are especially obsessed with whether other people are doing well.
Kiro: The happier and more content you are, the more they want to hurt you, provoke you, and cause you discomfort in any way they can.
Kiro: And the people who are truly happy end up having to spend energy guarding against, avoiding, and protecting their own boundaries.
MC: That’s so unfair…!
I mutter under my breath, genuinely indignant.
MC: Why should we have to yield to someone else’s gossipy or insecure nature when we’re just trying to live our lives?
Kiro considers something, then unexpectedly nods. He tilts his head toward me and curls his lips into a faint soft smile.
Kiro: Mhm. So we won’t yield anymore.
MC: Huh?
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Exclusive Radio]
You can listen to it: Here
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Memory Silhouette]
The smooth tone of the guitar echoes in my ears, sketching out a bright, lively melody.
I count the beats in my head, one by one. My fingers hover over the keyboard, ready to fall in time with the rhythm at any second.
But for some reason, they seem to have a mind of their own and press down just a fraction before the beat sounds.
MC: Oh no…
Once I miss that first beat, the next few fall slightly out of sync as well.
Kiro: Don’t rush. Let’s try again.
Between the resounding strings, Kiro's voice comes through steadily, grounding me and pulling my focus back into place.
At last, the final note settles into the air. I let out a long breath, and the tension in my body slowly loosens.
MC: Sigh… I wasn't really in good form today. I kept rushing the beat, and I almost forgot part of the melody.
Kiro: We’re just getting into the swing of things. Just relax a little and enjoy it~
His warm hand slips naturally into mine and he guides me to the sofa. I take the opportunity to lean my head against his shoulder and nuzzle closer without thinking.
Seeing me like this, Kiro lowers his gaze thoughtfully.
Kiro: How about we simplify that section a bit? I could switch the guitar to legato chords there. That should sound pretty good too.
MC: No, no! That would lose the layering! We had refined this piece so many times before settling on it.
MC: I’ll just practice more later.
MC: I think I just got nervous because I started imagining what it would feel like on stage…
Kiro: You’ve always been amazing on stage, you know~ Just play the way you usually do.
After saying that, Kiro pulls a sheet of paper from the side and starts circling and marking it up.
Kiro: Hmm… judging from how everything sounded this afternoon, all these songs worked pretty well. We can probably pick two more from here.
Kiro: What do you think?
I lean over to look. He’s circled several songs from the setlist we played earlier.
MC: Hmm… I think this one—and this one too—are even better!
Kiro bursts out laughing when he sees what I’m pointing at.
Kiro: Why are they all songs from my album?
MC: Well, this time you’re attending as Superstar Kiro.
MC: TwinkLe’s songs are great too, but the Little Sodas are definitely looking forward to your solo tracks.
We huddle close together as we stare at the list for a long while. Then suddenly, as if something clicks, Kiro snaps his fingers.
Kiro: I’ve got it. We'll open with one of my solos.
Kiro: Then I’ll write a new song for TwinkLe in Kiro's style. It'll be a perfect balance!
I blink, slowly processing his words.
MC: Now? But the festival’s next month.
Kiro: Exactly. So I’ll draft a demo in the next couple of days.
Kiro: And then you can write the lyrics. What do you say?
He looks so excited that I can’t help but poke his cheek with a smile.
MC: Wait a second—wasn’t someone always complaining saying, “Ugh, I have no inspiration, I can’t write a single thing”?
Kiro: That’s different. When it comes to inspiration about you, my brain has more than I could ever use up.
Kiro: Just holding you like this and practicing together is enough to give me new ideas.
He hugs me and sways us gently, humming a few light, tender notes off the top of his head.
The melody feels like a slowly blooming flower bud in spring, or like the coolest drop of dew in summer.
Kiro: What do you think? Nice?
MC: It’s beautiful. You really just made that up?
Kiro: Of course. When it’s about you, inspiration is just… love itself. As long as I’m by your side, I'll always be able to feel it.
His eyes sparkle. He leans in and steals a quick kiss.
Kiro: Just wait till I tell you the good news.
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
[Chapter 3]
The next day, we schedule a video call with Mr. Andy, one of the Cosmos festival organizers.
Back when Kiro was still developing his career overseas, Andy had already been one of Superstar Kiro's key supporters. This time, too, he’s the one who personally vouched for Kiro to be the closing act of the festival.
When the call connects, I instinctively straighten my back.
Kiro notices. The corner of his lips curves slightly, and out of frame, he quietly reaches over and takes my hand.
Andy’s face appears on screen. He’s wearing an extravagantly styled casual blazer, and when he sees us, the wide grin beneath his sunglasses spreads even further.
Andy: Hi, Kiro! Happy New Year—
Andy: Oh! And dear Miss MC, Happy New Year to you too!
After exchanging a few pleasantries, we get down to business.
Andy: Kiro, I believe Savin has already conveyed my invitation to you? So—what’s your answer? You’re not going to turn me down, are you?
Kiro: Of course not. It’s just… there’s something we’d like to tell you first.
He adjusts the camera slightly so I’m fully in frame.
At the same time, his hand tightens around mine, steady and reassuring. A confident smile spreads across his face.
Kiro: There’s something we haven’t made public yet. We wanted you to know first.
Kiro: Actually… she and I are both members of TwinkLe. I’m the lead vocalist.
MC: And I’m the keyboardist.
Andy freezes for a moment... and then smacks his forehead with a loud slap! His expression shifts instantly from shock to chagrin.
Andy: TwinkLe? Wait—you guys are the TwinkLe?! Oh my God, does that mean… I sent you duplicate invites?
Andy: That’s on us—our mistake. I’ll coordinate and adjust it right away—
Kiro: No need to adjust anything. What I meant to say is that we’d like to accept both invitations.
Andy’s gaze moves back and forth between the two of us, his expression growing more astonished by the second.
Andy: Wait… are you two planning to perform at the festival at the same time?
Andy: Are you sure about this?
Kiro: We’re sure.
Kiro's answer is immediate and firm.
He leans forward slightly, jaw set, every word clear and steady.
Kiro: I’ll be accepting the invitation as Superstar Kiro.
Kiro: While she’ll be accepting it as TwinkLe’s keyboardist.
Kiro: And we’ll be performing on stage together.
Andy pauses for a bit, then raises a hand to his forehead as if trying to process just how bold this decision is.
Andy: I have to admit, your idea is... absolutely crazy.
But when he says “crazy,” he’s smiling. There’s no trace of objection. Only excitement.
Andy: And I love it.
Andy: You have my full support.
We hadn’t expected him to agree so readily. Kiro and I exchange a surprised and delighted look.
MC: Thank you so much! We definitely won’t let you down.
Andy: Haha, to be honest, I was on the airship the time you two went public with your relationship.
Andy: So I understand.
A surge of warmth instantly wells up inside me and that moment flashes through my mind again. Kiro, standing beside me—just like he is now, and introducing me to everyone, declaring to the whole world that he belongs to me.
On the other side of the camera, Andy’s expression softens, as though touched and reflective.
Andy: A lot of artists, once they've settled down into stable family lives find themselves growing softer in their creativity.
Andy: But you’re completely different, Kiro.
Andy: Because of this vibrant love, your desire to express yourself has only grown stronger.
Kiro: Of course. After all, she is my muse.
As he says it, he casually turns and kisses my cheek, right there on camera, as if to make some kind of quiet declaration.
Kiro: As long as she’s with me, my inspiration will never run dry. The world will always feel alive to me.
He says it with complete ease. Even though he’s told this to countless people before, he still never tires repeating it—again and again—like he’s determined to carve it into reality.
Until it’s no longer just words, but an undeniable fact.
My cheeks burn. All I can do is nod vigorously, overcome by shyness.
MC: I’m the same. Muse, inspiration, the world… it's all the same for me.
Andy: Wow. Seeing you two like this, really takes me back. It’s like I’m reliving that moment all over again.
Andy looks at us and grins even wider.
Andy: Actually, watching you just now gave me an idea. As the organizer, I think I need to arrange a special surprise segment for the two of you.
MC: Surprise?
Andy: It's classified—for now. You’ll find out when the time comes.
He winks, looking exactly like an elder who’s already hidden away a New Year’s gift in advance.
The moment the video call ends, I barely have time to breathe out a sigh of relief before Kiro cups my face and presses a kiss to my lips.
MC: …Pfft, what are you doing?
Kiro: Hum, hum. That’s me stamping my mark on you.
Kiro: Now that you’re officially tied to the stage with me, there's no backing out.
MC: I would never back out.
I imitate him, lifting my hands to hold his face, my fingertips brushing against the curve of his smile.
MC: Sharing the stage with you has always been a dream of mine.
His eyes curve into crescents, a myriad of emotions shimmering within his gaze as he leans in again.
This time, his warm lips carry heat and breath as they envelope mine.
This kiss isn't a playful “stamp” of possession—but a full and unguarded one, filled entirely with Kiro's essence.
—
The days that follow feel like they're on fast-forward.
The Cosmos organizers quickly release the official lineup, with TwinkLe and Kiro's names prominently listed side-by-side.
They also announce that TwinkLe’s lead vocalist wouldn't be able to attend due to health reasons, so only the keyboardist will be participating in this collaboration.
The news instantly causes the internet to explode.
I know that now that the news is out, the trending lists will be flooded for days.
I know people will comb through TwinkLe’s social media and discography, dissecting every lyric and performance—analyzing what makes this band so special. Questioning what qualifications this keyboardist has to stand alongside Kiro.
But none of that matters to me.
All that matters is Kiro—and the sheet music laid out in front of me.
We’ve decided to perform two songs this time. One is Kiro's breakout hit.
While the other is…
Just as I'm done lifting my fingers off the keyboard, the door to the study suddenly bursts open with a loud bang.
Kiro stands there, golden hair in complete disarray, grinning at me.
MC: Don’t tell me—you actually finished it that quickly…?
Before I can finish my sentence, he dashes across the room, stepping over scattered sheets of music, and launches himself straight at me.
His arms wrap around me in a tight, solid embrace before I can even finish what I'm saying.
He tackles me back onto the sofa, and from the side, Apple Box and Cello start up a chorus of teasing meows and soft barks, as if they’re cheering us on.
Kiro braces himself over me, then lifts a hand and slips the headphones over my ears, smiling with unmistakable pride.
The moment the earcups settle in place, the world goes quiet. All that’s left is the warmth of his breath brushing against my ear.
Kiro: Listen.
He presses play.
Music flows into my ears. First a clean, delicate intro, like someone gently drawing back a curtain in a dimly lit room.
The fabric half-hides the light outside, flickering between shadow and glow, as if something invisible is dancing at the fingertips.
A sense of urgency and anticipation rises naturally with the rise and fall of the melody.
Then the tune climbs, and when it reaches the chorus, the curtains are drawn completely open. Brilliant sunlight pours straight into my heart, and my mind clears in an instant.
MC: Wow… wow…
I sound like a robot that’s lost the ability to speak—only capable of monosyllabic amazement.
Kiro's smile grows even more triumphant as his fingers gently brush against my earlobe.
Kiro: So, does listening to this melody give you inspiration, my lyricist?
MC: A little… but I’m not sure I can—
Kiro: [affectionately soft] There’s no “not sure.”
He silences me with a quick, light kiss, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Kiro: You’re in-charge of making this sound even better.
My face grows warm from the kiss, and my eyes well up with tears. I nod hard.
🌸 This post contains details for an upcoming S3 Company Project + Date releasing on the CN server soon! 🌸
“In your eyes, what kind of me do you see?”
Translator: @cheesy09
🌟 New Exclusive Project: “Lyra Awards” Ceremony
As Kiro’s new album becomes a major hit, the International Music Association extends a collaboration invitation to our company, hoping we can take on the once-in-a-decade “Lyra Awards” ceremony.
This award holds extraordinary significance for all musicians, and Kiro—who has been nominated—becomes involved in the event preparations in a different way…
🌟 Accompanying Date: Distance Date
Those blue eyes shed every trace of today’s smiles, revealing their truest state in this moment—distant, and lost.
The shadow of the eaves falls, as if drawing that starlight that once illuminated me countless times before, into darkness along with it.
🌸 This post contains details for the upcoming Main Story Season 3 Chapters 5-8 update that will go live on 28 April 2026! 🌸
“I want you to witness with your own eyes, the sun strangling the sun.”
“My Black Swan Queen, please follow my lead.”
Translator: @cheesy09
🌟 Accompanying Rumours & Secrets: Before the Star was Born
“A long, long time ago—before perfection ever came into being.”
The interrogation room is washed in a harsh, pallid light. An Xing sits on the rigid chair, listening to the calm, repetitive questioning echo again and again.
The same topics circle endlessly—the Twin Leaves Orphanage, the First Laboratory, 3684…
Like countless fine, piercing needles, the questions come from all directions, pinning him in place, trapping him here.
—“Will I… still have to get those really painful injections?”
This is a curated list for all of Kiro's Main Story Chapters / related content that I have translated.
Additionally, y'all can check this post for updates on upcoming main story content that I will be translating in the near future as I will keep updating this post! :>
🌸 Season 2
[Chapters 65 - 68: The Host]
💮 Chapter 65-67 Summary (Coming Soon)
💮 Chapter 68: Records of Bygone Days (Coming Soon)
[Chapter 69 - 70: Why Love is Love]
💮 Chapter 69: When the Night Grows Quiet: Kiro's Part: Part 1 | Part 2
💮 Chapter 70: Our Future and Eternity: Kiro's Route + Season 2 Ending
——*:･ﾟ✧——*:･ﾟ✧——
🌸 Season 3
[Chapter 1-4: Why Love is Love]
💮 Chapter 2: The Sun Remains: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
