"Just keep following me. Don't get lost in the woods," Astra said, leading the way with a long stick in her hand as Kriya walked quietly behind her, hands clasped behind his back, following without a word.
They wandered through the forest for over an hour, unsure which path would lead them back. The way ahead was wild, filled with trees and thick bushes. Astra used the stick to push aside the branches and clear the trail, leading them forward one step at a time.
"If you hadn't dragged us into the forest, we wouldn't be wandering around like this feeling lost," Astra muttered, smacking a bush out of her way with the stick. She added, "I still don't get how you managed to carry me this far in just one night… especially with your spiritual energy only being slightly stronger than mine." She turned back to glance at him but, as usual, Kriya didn't say a word. He just gave a small shrug.
Astra rolled her eyes. "Guess you've got some muscle strength, huh?" With that, she turned back around and continued walking.
After a while, they finally settled under the shade of a large tree, both catching their breath sat down, taking refuge in the cool shade.
"Your spiritual power… it's not that different from mine. It barely absorbs mana. So don't push yourself too hard. You've probably already used up most of it treating my wound. You should rest now… let it recover slowly." She gently placed her hand over her neck, where the sting wound was now covered with a silk cloth. Kriya, in response, gave a small nod, resting his hand on his chin, tilting his head slightly as he began staring at her again.
Astra, noticing him doing the same thing for what felt like hours now, finally sighed. Her brown eyes locked onto his quiet grey ones as she blinked at him. "Why do you keep looking at me like that? Do you think I'm a ghost or something? You're just like a kid who can't stop admiring the moon… By any chance… do you know me?"
Kriya shook his head slowly, closed his eyes, and turned away from her, leaning back against the tree in silence. Astra took a deep breath. "Right… We don't know each other at all. We know nothing about each other except our names. After all… we just met a few hours ago."
She glanced at his resting figure for a moment before laying back on the ground, eyes drifting up toward the bright blue sky. Her thoughts drifted quietly.
They're probably worried about me... Ryoma is going to eat me alive this time.
________________
Meanwhile,
Arisu felt her soul finally return to her body, a wave of relief washing over her as the honey Shion brought worked its healing. She leaned against the tree, eyes half-open, watching Shion pace back and forth in front of her, tapping his flute repeatedly as he scolded her.
Kaen sat quietly beside her, fingers absentmindedly tracing the golden chain resting across his forehead, a soft sigh escaping his lips.
"Miss Naname," Shion began, frustration clear in his voice. "Do you even realize what you both planned to do? Forget Astra for a moment how could you agree to join her in that madness? It's like you've both forgotten how to think before acting! I had a feeling something was off the moment she handed me that drink last night…"
Kaen glanced at him with a raised brow giving him a "Really?" look.
Shion shrugged and looked away, continuing without missing a beat. "And now look at the state you're in! And you said that you told her to go near the hot spring, didn't you?! Kaen searched every single one in the area, and all we found was this…" He held up a hairpin, his voice quieting. "she's still missing, No trace of her anywhere… How could you—"
Kaen raised his hand, signaling him to stop.
"Uta, that's enough, You've been lecturing her for a while now. She's already told us everything that happened and admitted her mistake. Astra might still be nearby I'll go and search the area again."
He stood up slowly, brushing the dust from his clothes. "You carry Miss Kaneko back. Make sure she gets home safely… She'll need rest and care after this." Shion shook his head instantly, eyes wide in disbelief. "No way, Kaen. I'm not taking her back. I'm coming with you…..we need to find Astra!"
But Kaen didn't even turn around. His voice was calm but commanding. "Ryoma and I will search for her. You just take her back. She can't walk in this state, and she's her friend, remember? We can't leave her alone like this." He paused briefly before adding with a quiet firmness, "Just do what I said, Uta. Look after Miss Kaneko until we return with Astra."
And with that, Kaen walked off, not once glancing back. Shion stood frozen for a moment, glaring daggers at his walking figure. Then, reluctantly, he turned to look at Arisu who immediately averted her gaze.
He let out a sharp exhale, frustrated, then stepped forward and leaned down, lifting her into his arms. As soon as he did, Arisu instinctively clung to him for support, her arms wrapping around his neck.
He stiffened and shot her a glare. "If you need support, fine. But don't make it weird. I'm doing this because I chose to, not because I want to." Arisu tried to loosen her grip, but he adjusted her slightly and began walking, grumbling under his breath while she awkwardly tried not to meet his eyes.