Aqua was running again.
The moment his eyes opened in that same familiar timeline, he didn't waste a single second. He sprinted down the street, his breathing ragged, legs pounding the pavement.
"Damn it, why isn't there anyone here?"
As before, he saw the same car approaching.
"What the hell… Is this the only car around?"
Aqua thought, his chest tightening.
He didn't have much time left.
"Damn it…"
He raised his hand and shouted, "Stop! It's an emergency!"
The car screeched to a halt. The window rolled down.
"Hey, you're Aqua Hoshino, right?" said the same chubby driver with a surprised grin.
Cut to the next moment—Aqua was seated in the back seat, trying to hide the urgency bubbling in his chest. I can't mess it up this time. I have to be smarter. He clenched his fists, thinking fast.
Last time, I scared him off. This time… I have to play it differently.
Then something else crossed his mind. Wait… Ruby. I forgot about her. What if they target her too?
Aqua quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Ruby.
She picked up almost instantly.
"Ruby, are you okay?" Aqua asked, his voice rushed and full of concern.
"Onii-chan? Yeah, I'm totally fine. What's going on? You sound… tired and worried."
A breath of relief left Aqua's lips. "I'm okay. Just… If you see or feel anything weird happening around you, promise me you'll call me right away. No hesitation."
Ruby paused. "Is there something I should know about—?"
"I'll tell you everything once it's over," Aqua cut in. "Just promise me."
"But, Onii-chan—"
He ended the call before she could finish.
The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Wait a minute… That was Ruby Hoshino, wasn't it? I'm her biggest fan! Please, can I get her autograph? Just once in my life!"
Aqua's eyes narrowed, an idea flashing through his mind.
"Yes. In fact, not only can I get you her autograph… I can arrange for you to meet her in person," he said calmly.
The man gasped, jaw dropping. "You're not messing with me, right?! That's my dream! I love her so much!"
"I'm serious," Aqua said. "But there's a condition."
"Anything!" the driver said, gripping the steering wheel eagerly.
"You have to drive as fast as you can to the destination I told you. Don't worry about speed limits—I'll take care of the consequences."
The man didn't even hesitate. "I don't care about the consequences if I get to meet Ruby! Hang on tight!"
The car surged forward.
Aqua gripped the seatbelt, his eyes locked on the road ahead. Finally. It worked.
They reached Sirius Line Studio within minutes.
Aqua jumped out of the car and dashed into the building.
He found Kana standing on stage, rehearsing.
Without hesitation, he grabbed her hand. "We need to go. Now."
Kana's face turned red. "Aqua?! W-What do you mean? What's going on?"
"There's no time to explain. Just trust me."
She stumbled behind him, confusion in her eyes, but she didn't let go.
They ran together through the corridor, Aqua guiding her quickly toward an exit. But then, from the corner of his eye, he saw a figure moving in the shadows.
A man in a black coat and sunglasses. Following them.
Aqua's eyes narrowed. Damn… They planned a backup. In case Kana escaped.
Kana glanced back. "Why is that man chasing us?!"
She lost her balance, her footwear slipping off and left behind.
"He's dangerous. Just run!"
The man reached into his coat and pulled out a handgun.
"Faster, Kana!" Aqua shouted.
A shot rang out.
Kana stumbled.
Her body hit the ground hard. Blood stained her white rehearsal dress.
Aqua froze in place. "Kana!"
The man gave a slight smirk… and disappeared down an alley.
Aqua dropped to his knees, cradling Kana in his arms.
Her blood soaked his hands.
"No… no no no, this isn't happening," Aqua whispered, trembling. "You're going to be fine. I'll take you to the hospital. I'll fix this. I swear."
Kana's eyelids fluttered.
She reached up and gently touched his face.
"Aqua…"
"I'm here," he said, gripping her tighter.
"I… I love you," Kana whispered. "I love you, Aqua…"
His eyes widened.
"I'm such an idiot… I took so long to say it," she said, her voice trembling. "Why did I wait so long…?"
Blood trickled from her lips.
"But I said it. So… I don't have any regrets now…"
Her hand slipped from his face as her eyes slowly closed.
Her body went limp in his arms.
Aqua screamed. "NOOO!!"
Tears streamed down his face.
"I'll save you. I promise. I will save you. No matter how many times it takes…"
With shaking fingers, he pulled out his phone.
He set the timer.
20 minutes back.
He found his name in the contact list.
And typed one word.
Leap.
His vision blurred. The world turned dark.
He would try again.
To be continued…
Next Chapter: "I Love You"