⚡ Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!⚡
[Released Date: Feb 2026]
[Section 1]
Ding—
The lingering chime of the bell under the antique shop’s eaves slowly faded away. I lay sprawled over the coffee table, my pen tip scratching nonstop across the notebook.
Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day, yet I was still troubled over our date itinerary.
Footsteps approached from afar. After seeing the customer out, Shaw returned, casually sinking into a soft chair.
Shaw: You’ve been at it for ages—still not done?
MC: It’s not that it’s not done… it’s just that there are too many places I want to go with you, no matter how I arrange the time, it’s never enough.
A shadow carrying a hint of mint fell over me. He took my notebook and scanned it carefully.
Shaw: Boating on the lake, doing some knitting crafts, and then browsing the market… Since when did a single day become 48 hours long?
Shaw: Just remove the few I suggested first. We can find time to go later.
Seeing him lift the pen to cross things out, I hurriedly snatched the notebook back.
MC: Wait! Those plans are pretty interesting too—you can’t just remove them!
He neither agreed nor disagreed, only tugged lightly at the corner of his mouth, then tapped directly on a line I had crossed out.
Shaw: Then what’s with this amusement park?
Shaw: Weren’t you the one who said you absolutely had to go there after filming that promo video for them before?
Looking at the note that had been almost scratched beyond recognition, I pressed my lips together, feeling a little regretful myself.
MC: …Of course I want to go there too.
MC: But Valentine’s Day is their opening day. It’ll definitely be packed with people everywhere.
MC: Anyway, the tickets the park gave me don’t have an expiration date, so we can just go another day.
Hearing this, he shrugged indifferently and leaned back into the chair, reaching for the bass guitar standing nearby and casually plucking the strings.
I buried my head again and sighed at the notebook in frustration.
MC: …So where exactly should we go?
The smooth bass line by my ear suddenly took a turn, as if he were pinching his throat to imitate my tone from earlier.
Bass: Where~ should~ we~ go~?
I froze for half a second, then immediately glared at the person across from me who couldn’t hide the curve of his lips.
MC: Shaw!
Bass: Shaw~~
This guy! I lunged at him angrily, fists clenched, about to give his arm a couple of hits.
Shaw [surrenders]: Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.
Shaw: If you’re this torn, want to try the method I suggested to that customer earlier?
Thinking of how that customer, after hesitating for a long time, had left happily clutching an incense burner, I nodded thoughtfully.
MC: What method?
He took out his phone and sent a digital dice into our chat.
Shaw: We each pick one plan. If it rolls an even number, we go to your choice; if it’s odd, we go to mine.
MC: …That’s it?
Shaw: The greatest truth is simplicity, returning to basics.
Shaw: Alright then. Tomorrow’s first stop—I choose a clay pot congee hotpot. What about you?
Seeing that he didn’t look like he was joking, I blinked.
MC: Then… I’ll choose morning tea.
Following his gaze, I tapped the screen. The dice spun a few times before slowly coming to a stop—
An odd number.
—
[Section 2]
In the private room decorated in a modern Chinese style, the dark sandalwood window lattice was half closed. Strands of morning light spilled in, making the ink painting on the wall look even more elegant and refined.
The thick seafood congee bubbled away in a clay pot. I scooped up a spoonful and brought it to my mouth; the rich aroma spread instantly, drawing a soft sigh from me.
MC: So fresh. No wonder you chose this place~
Shaw: Of course. When has my taste ever been bad?
He lifted his hand and tipped a plate of prawns into the pot, when the private room door behind him suddenly sounded with two light knocks.
We both turned around to see a server walking in, carrying a tall stack of bamboo steamers.
Waiter: All your dim sum is ready.
MC: Huh? So you can have dim sum here too?
Shaw: Congee alone won’t fill you up, so I picked a place that has everything.
I vaguely understood his intention, and a sweet, warm feeling spread through my chest as I smiled and lifted the steamer lid.
Steaming-hot dim sum came into view. Just as I was about to pick up my chopsticks, something occurred to me.
MC: By the way, I once saw a psychological test about dim sum~
MC: Just follow your instincts first—pick the snack you want to eat the most!
As I spoke, I unlocked my phone and pulled up a post I had saved earlier. He gave a soft chuckle and casually popped a piece of barbecued pork pastry into his mouth.
Before I could even find the section about it, he spoke first, his cheeks still full.
Shaw: Let me guess. It says I have a clear-cut personality, with a bit of sharpness?
MC [dumbfounded]: …How did you know?
Shaw: Isn’t this kind of thing easy to guess? If you pick something soft and sweet, they say you’re gentle and easygoing. If it’s crispy and firm, they say you’re distinctive and stubborn.
I glanced down. What the post said matched his words almost exactly.
Seeing the smug look on his face, a mischievous thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I curved my lips into a smile.
MC: No no no~
MC: It also says that people who like barbecued pork pastry may seem hard to approach, but are actually using sharp edges to hide their inner thoughtfulness.
He narrowed his eyes and leaned closer, looking suspicious.
Shaw: You’re making that up. There’s no way it says that.
MC: But some people really are quite considerate. Taking me out for morning tea, peeling crab legs for me…
Shaw [in a slightly threatening tone]: …..See through it, but don’t say it out loud. Got it?
He snorted softly and spooned the prepared crab meat into my bowl.
The clinking of porcelain mixed with quiet laughter. After eating and drinking our fill, we walked out of the restaurant side by side.
Across the street, a familiar piece of music suddenly played. I followed the sound and saw my promotional video for the amusement park playing on the outdoor screen opposite us.
On the screen, mascots bounced around with their round bodies, and exciting rides appeared one after another..
If only opening day weren’t today…
I tucked away the trace of regret rising in my heart and turned to Shaw with a smile in my eyes.
MC: Time to roll the dice again. This round, I chose the dome cinema!
He folded his arms and slowly shifted his gaze from the screen back to my face.
Shaw: Sure. Then I chose that amusement park.
MC: …You’re serious? If we go now, just getting in will probably mean lining up forever.
Shaw: Silly. It’s exactly at this time that there’ll be fewer people.
Shaw: There’s an opening-day performance today, so most visitors will rush there early.
Shaw: If we go now, we might be able to avoid the crowds and play for a while.
MC: Hmm… when you put it that way, it does make sense.
I nodded, eyes fixed on the dice he had rolled.
As it spun rapidly, I silently prayed in my heart: please let it be an odd number…
Under our gaze, the dice on the screen came to a steady stop — four.
MC: ………
I shrugged regretfully and took his hand, and was about to cross the street. Just as I stepped forward, he pulled me back.
Shaw: …Going to sit in a cinema for two hours straight right after eating would be uncomfortable. Let’s walk around somewhere more open.
He looked at me steadily for two seconds, the curve of his lips finally turning into a playful smile.
MC: What do you mean…?
Shaw: It means I’m cheating.
Shaw: I just want to go to the amusement park with you.
—
[Section 3]
The sweet scent of cotton candy drifted through the air. In the distance, the drop tower suddenly plunged downward, followed by bursts of screams.
My gaze swept across couples holding hands and laughing together, then I turned and curiously poked Shaw beside me.
MC: Shaw, why did you go back on your word this time? Going back on your word doesn’t seem like your style.
At my question, he withdrew his gaze from the surroundings and tossed out a seemingly unrelated topic.
Shaw: Do you know what the result of yesterday’s customer’s dice roll was?
MC: Hmm… it made him buy the incense burner?
Shaw: Wrong. If he had followed the dice, he should have bought the tall-footed bowl. But the moment the dice settled, he understood what he truly wanted.
He tilted his head and gave me a meaningful glance.
Shaw: So when people hesitate, it’s not because there are too many choices. It’s because they can’t see which one is truly the best choice in their heart.
I froze for a moment, realizing he had seen through my earlier hesitation. I coughed lightly and looped my arm through his.
MC: Heh, you noticed~
Shaw: I’m not stupid.
Shaw: Alright, since we’re here, don’t just stand around. Where should we go first?
I looked around excitedly. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a red panda mascot shuffling out from the entrance, and my eyes lit up.
MC: Let’s take photos with it first!
Seeing us approach, the red panda mascot waved its paw adorably.
I handed my phone to a staff member to take some photos for us and quickly straightened my clothes.
Next, I stood on tiptoe, trying to form little panda ears above Shaw’s head.
But just as my hand was halfway up, another palm came down on my head like a ‘Mount Tai pressing down,’ stopping me in place.
Shaw: Behave yourself.
MC: Just cooperate a little!
The red panda, half a head taller than Shaw, quietly raised its paw and copied him, placing its paw on his head.
Shaw: ……
MC: Ha!
I couldn’t help laughing.
He clicked his tongue lightly, then suddenly reached out and pinched my cheek instead.
MC: You’re taking “revenge” on the wrong person!
I snorted, though the corners of my lips couldn’t help curving upward, letting the camera capture the little commotion.
Under the teasing gaze of the staff member, we tilted our heads in sync before the camera, letting the happiness spread freely.
Staff member: Last one. Try a different pose~
As the staff member lifted the camera again, I blinked, thinking about what pose we hadn’t tried yet.
Instinctively, I glanced at Shaw beside me and saw him curl his lips knowingly.
My hand, still suspended in midair, was suddenly grabbed. My balance shifted, and I fell solidly into his cool, refreshing embrace.
His hand around my shoulder tightened slightly. At the very last second, his bright, bold smile brushed against my cheek.
Shaw: You’ve been cute enough. Time for something different.
Click—the heavy beat of my heartbeat overlapped with the shutter sound. The lively surroundings blurred into background noise.
Warmth spread slowly across my cheek. Even without looking at the photo, I knew this moment would be the most perfect capture.
After waving goodbye to the red panda, I was led out of the photo area by Shaw.
Staff member: Today our park is holding a special couples’ event. Complete the challenges and you can win a mysterious grand prize. If you’re interested, you can join~
The staff member returned my phone and handed me a colorful flyer.
I scanned the words on it, my eyes lighting up as I turned to Shaw.
MC: Want to check it out? The closest one to us seems to be…. the disco spinning ride over there!
He tilted one corner of his mouth upward, lightly gripping my wrist, eagerness clear in his tone.
Shaw: Let’s go have a look.
—
[Section 4]
Pushing through the bustling crowd, Shaw and I finally stepped onto the disco spinning ride and found seats right next to each other.
The machine started up slowly. The laughter of the couples around us tangled with the upbeat music, lifting my mood along with it.
The amusement park decorations that had been hidden by the crowd now sprang vividly into view. Swaying with the rhythm, I tugged at his sleeve.
MC: This ride feels pretty relaxing, kind of like sitting on a boat.
MC: Looks like that mysterious grand prize is as good as ours~
Buzz—
The platform beneath us suddenly jolted. I was caught off guard and thrown up from my seat, only to be pressed back down quickly by Shaw’s fast reflexes.
Shaw: Hold on tight. This is just the warm-up. I don’t want to see you launched straight out of here.
Amused by his tone, I wrapped my arms around the one he had placed protectively in front of me.
MC: Hehe, then I’ll hold onto you tightly. Even if we get launched away, I’m getting launched out together with you~
Shaw: Sure. Then hold on tighter.
As he spoke, he gently pried my hands off his arm. Before I could feel confused, he guided them around his waist instead.
Shaw: You’ve got to grab the right place.
My heartbeat seemed to hit the fast-forward button. The warmth beneath my palms felt like a subtle current, brushing lightly through my whole body.
The flowing music and cheerful laughter filled my ears. Amid the swaying, I gradually sank into his presence, letting the person beside me become the warmest support in that moment.
But the ride’s jolts grew more intense. The out-of-control shaking nearly threw people off.
The open platform seemed to magnify every vibration. Waves of weightlessness surged up again and again. I finally shut my eyes and buried my face in his chest.
The couples around us gradually gave up. In the blink of an eye, only two or three pairs were still holding on.
The arm around my waist tightened a little more.
Shaw [concerned]: We’ve had about enough fun. Maybe we should—
MC: ….no!!
I cut him off decisively, instinctively tightening my arms around him.
Shaw: Tsk, stubborn again. Then don’t close your eyes. Fix your gaze on something far away.
I forced my eyes open just a crack. In my line of sight, we were being tilted high into the air at a frightening angle.
My heart jolted violently. I squeezed my eyes shut again and burrowed further into his embrace.
MC: I’d rather stay dizzy like this. I don’t dare look….
Shaw: Then you’re going to miss the message I left for you on the electronic screen.
Shaw: Not going to look? It’ll switch to the next one in a few seconds.
Curiosity overpowered fear at that moment. I snapped my eyes open, and almost at the same instant, rows of colorful daytime fireworks burst in the distance with a loud bang.
It was as if the entire romance of spring had been splashed across the sky—soft pink wrapped in pearly white, tender green streaked with flowing gold—each color racing to leave its mark.
I stretched my neck, swaying left and right, trying to make out the words through the drifting smoke.
Shaw: What are you shaking for? You’ll only get dizzier.
MC: Didn’t you say you left me a message…
Shaw: …….
Our eyes met. The way his lips parted was clearly reflected in my pupils. I paused, then suddenly realized.
MC [angrily]: You tricked me again, didn’t you? You didn’t post anything on the confession wall at all!
Seeing me huff and turn my head away, he chuckled softly and rested his chin on top of my head.
Shaw [in a sweet whisper x1]: I did want to upload something while we were in line.
Shaw [x2]: But some things aren’t meaningful unless you say them in person.
MC: …Then what were you going to say?
Shaw [x3]: A lot of things. For example… Happy Valentine’s Day.
Shaw [whelp- he's so lovesick]: And it’s you who keeps my world interesting.
—
After we stepped off the ride, a staff member approached us with a smile.
Staff member: Congratulations! Please accept your prize — a single ice cream voucher!
Shaw: …..So this is the “grand prize”?
I couldn’t help laughing. Shaw let out a short scoff and immediately pulled me toward the nearest ice cream cart.
His gaze swept across the options behind the glass. Before I could say anything, he decisively ordered one.
And he picked my favorite flavor.
This person today…
I took the scoop of ice cream from the staff member. Thinking about all of today’s plans, I pressed my lips together slightly. Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly caught a faint glint of reflected light.
Following it, I saw a little boy on a nearby bench playing with some park badges in his hand.
One of them clearly bore the image of the red panda we had just taken photos with.
An idea flashed through my mind. Under Shaw’s puzzled gaze, I held up the ice cream and quickly walked toward the child.
MC: Hi there. Can I trade this for your red panda badge?
Child: Wow~ ice cream~ I have several red panda ones anyway~
Taking the cool badge into my hand, I smiled and ran back to Shaw, carefully pinning it onto him.
Shaw: You traded for it yourself. Why give it to me?
MC: Hehe. Today is our holiday. Of course you need a little gift too.
Shaw: Me?
MC: Mm-hmm~ But it’s not just this badge. Next is your turn! Let’s go do something exciting—something you want to play.
He paused, rubbing the badge on his chest, then smiled at me.
Shaw: You’re such a fool. Haven’t I been doing exactly what I wanted all along?
MC: Huh…
Shaw: What, you think I was deliberately giving in to you today, choosing whatever you chose?
MC: Wasn’t that the case?
Shaw: That’s because the one I chose was you.
Shaw: So whatever choice you make is fine. It’s what I want.
Shaw: No matter what it is, I’ll experience it with you.
My heart stirred. I blinked in sudden understanding.
MC: You mean I’m your “optimal choice”?
Shaw: Tsk. Do you really need to confirm that?
MC: Of course. Say it again properly~
Shaw: I don’t repeat nice words. But I can confirm it in another way.
He leaned slightly toward me. In his eyes, shimmering like flowing gold, my reflection was clear.
Even the sunlight seemed to favor this moment, falling softly over our intertwined hands and casting our joined shadows on the ground.
My heart filled with a gentle sweetness, warm and enveloping. I couldn’t help smiling as I rose onto my toes—
Until his breath blended quietly with mine.
And just like that, it became another perfect Valentine’s Day.
⚠️ 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?
[CN] MLQC Lucien New Top Up Kiss SP Karma + Blurb and Preview
—"My heart chooses to love you."
[💜Mind Quest: Because of Love]
If we had never loved each other, we would never have felt those unfamiliar joys and sorrows.
A flutter grows amidst pain; happiness sprouts within tears.
But if we had never loved each other, all the beauty in life would slowly lose its color.
So run forward, toward that most precious promise deep in your heart.
—"When we arrived, we walked a long way to get here, so there's still a long way to go."
Preview under the cut!
On "the luckiest day of the year", Lucien and I miraculously stumbled upon many gifts from fate... and a certain promise that we once made also broke into our minds at this moment.
MC: Actually, when it started raining at dawn, I felt uneasy, defeated, and dejection. Even…...
Lucien: Anticipation.
His voice sounds softly, causing me to subconsciously soften my breathing as well.
Lucien: I can't help but think, maybe this invitation of mine is too sudden.
Lucien: I should think it over a bit more, or rather do some more preparation. At the very least, I should’ve checked the weather forecast.
He shrugs his shoulders with a smile; I also follow and lift the corners of my mouth. But his joking line inexplicably scratches at my heart, making it itch.
Lucien: Failure is the norm when one insists on advancing a difficult experiment under any uncontrollable conditions.
Lucien: But unfortunately, cognition and choice are not always aligned.
Lucien: The thought that my impulsiveness might cause your expectation to come to nothing leaves me somewhat unwilling to accept it.
As he speaks with sincerity, I suddenly realize why the person lying beside me becomes so silent when the rain pours like a torrent.
MC: Ah, people really are so different from one another.
MC: Professor Xu reflects on himself when he can't sleep, while I didn’t think about anything.
Hearing my exaggerated sigh, Lucien looks at me with great interest.
Lucien: Weren’t you worried?
MC: If I have to put it into words, I kept feeling afterward that... none of it matters.
MC: Whether it’s a magical rainy-day kite that exceeded expectations, or the two of us waiting together for the clear skies to arrive.
MC: Maybe we’ll make a promise for the next time the weather is nice, or maybe you’ll take me somewhere even farther away, to a place full of sunshine. What would you say to me when that time comes?
MC: "The world is a vast place—not everywhere is caught in rain."
I wanted to come back on here and thank all of you for the lovely memories created because of this game and Kiro 💛 I would also like to thank you for all the support back when I used to translate dates! I couldn’t have done it without you!!
I was devastated when I first read the news stating that MLQC would be coming to an end. I had taken a long hiatus from the game (253 days to be exact 😳) This was mainly due to life events and pursuing Xavier, Sylus and Caleb in LADS lol. I called my real-life boyfriend and cried my heart out. He knows how much Kiro and MLQC meant to me for all those years. Mainly because I would talk his ear off constantly about Kiro 😂
Never could I have imagined that in 2019 there would be an ad for an otome game played just before my nightly YouTube ASMR videos that would change my life for the better. It used to wake me up in the middle of the night constantly so I decided that I would just download it just to stop the ads. And that would be one of the best decisions I ever made 💛
While I have many interests, MLQC (mainly Kiro) will forever hold a special place in my heart. I remember browsing through Reddit trying to find out more about the boys and found some really interesting stuff about Kiro. I had initially friendzoned him before I discovered the depth of his character. How can someone so bright and charming carry such a tragic past?! 😭 And how can he be so many different things at once?! 😱 I knew from there on out that Kiro was the one for me 💛💛💛
One of my favourite things about being a part of the MLQC fandom was anticipating when new cards and stories would be released. I could never quite curb the craving the Kiro had instilled in me. That’s when I decided to hit up Google Translate and translate the dates. I was always so excited to post the translations and see what people’s reactions would be. It was what truly made MLQC so special to me 💕
I will really miss logging in to see Kiro’s bright smiling face 😭 But I’m glad to see that there’s lots of work in the community to archive as much as possible. 🥹
Thank you again for all the wonderful memories created! It was an incredible 7 years 💕
