#kiro date

[Part 1]

Kiro: I’m sorry, do you know me?

The summer heat was isolated from the ward and the scorching heat on the windowsill could almost be seen through the glass.

I looked at Kiro in front of me, wearing a hospital gown.

-flashback-

MC: Kiro got hurt? What happened?

On the other end of the phone, Savin’s voice sounded regretful and anxious.

Savin: As he was walking down the stairs, he fell and hit his head…it’s all my fault. I wasn’t looking after him like I should have.

Savin: But he doesn’t want to stay in the hospital for observation. Can you come and convince him?

MC: I’ll be there soon!

After explaining the situation to my co-workers, I hurriedly rushed to the hospital.

Savin left the two of us alone. Kiro stood quietly by the window.

MC: Kiro!

Hearing my voice, he turned around.

My eyes carefully looked over his body. He didn’t seem to have any other injuries besides the large gauze on his forehead.

But the bluish gray in his eyes told me he was suppressing how tired he was.

Even his golden hair seemed to have lost its luster, lying dull and flat against his face, making my heart ache.

MC: Are you okay?

As soon as I asked the question, I sensed something was wrong.

The person who usually smiled at me and hugged me so many times in the past just stared at me, tilting his head with a confused look on his face.

-end of flashback-

My mind went blank for a long time until a hand was waving in front of my eyes and I came back to my senses.

Those curious eyes were so clear with no signs of teasing in them.

Lots of amnesia scenes from TV dramas and books flashed through my mind and I felt a chill settle in my heart.

MC: I’m going to get the doctor to take another look at you!

Kiro: No, wait.

He quickly grabbed my wrist.

Kiro: I’ve already been checked and I’m fine. And…I don’t want to see any more doctors.

There was a hint of pleading in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat and softened.

Kiro: You know me, don’t you? Stay and chat with me.

He led me to the hospital bed and sat down. My throat felt dry as I opened my mouth to speak.

MC: You…really don’t remember me?

He came closer and looked at me carefully.

Kiro: I feel as though you’re very familiar, like I know you from somewhere…as if we’re acquaintances.

Kiro: And you were the first to come see me so I’m guessing you must be…

[Part 2]

He dragged out those words and when he met my gaze, his eyebrows perked up, full of smiles.

Kiro: My fiancé?

My face suddenly burned but seeing the slyness in his eyes, I vaguely felt something was off.

If something terrible did happen to Kiro, why didn’t Savin tell me over the phone?

That can’t be right.

Thinking of this, I squinted my eyes, lowered my head and put on a sad face.

MC: Actually, I’m…no longer your girlfriend.

Kiro: How, how can that be! We’re…

He was clearly taken aback but halfway through his words, he stopped talking after thinking of something then looked at me with sad puppy eyes.

I knew it!

I desperately tried to suppress my smile and sighed.

MC: We…have been seeing each other except you’re at the height of your career and your company has always been against us being together.

MC: It’s alright. You’ve already sacrificed so much for me…

Kiro’s frozen expression became a little flustered.

Kiro: What did I sacrifice!

MC: It’s not important anymore. Besides, you don’t even remember…

Seeing how “serious” I was, he rolled his eyes dejectedly and finally pointed to his own face.

Kiro: Why don’t you give me a kiss? Then, maybe I might be able to remember something!

MC: [not amused] …

Hearing his blatant “request”, I was about to reach out and pinch his ear. As soon as he looked up, the white gauze came into my view again.

My heart constricted. In the end, I gently held his cheek and gave those soft lips a light peck.

Just when I was about to pull away, an arm wrapped around my waist—

A familiar breath skillfully invaded mine, turning the mere brush of lips into a lingering kiss.

When our lips parted, he nuzzled my head in content.

Kiro: The energy has accumulated and my memory has been successfully restored.

Kiro: But…MC is being so stingy and still thinks she can leave me.

MC: Who’s fault is it exactly to pretend to have amnesia and scare me half to death?

Kiro: Don’t be mad. I was just doing a bit of…roleplaying. I didn’t expect you to figure it out so soon.

MC: Naturally, I’m the most familiar with Kiro’s little roleplaying act.

I pulled him to the side of the hospital bed and gently stroked the side of his face with my fingertips.

MC: How on earth did you fall down the stairs?

Kiro: I was writing songs all night in the recording studio. As I was coming down the stairs, I yawned and felt lightheaded…

He laid his head on my shoulder as he played with my hair with one hand while muttering aggrievedly.

Kiro: It must have been scary. I didn’t expect Savin to ask me to stay in the hospital for observation and to call you…

MC: It’s because you’re not paying much attention to your body.

MC: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Didn’t your new album win an award? I didn’t even have the chance to congratulate you!

Kiro: Hehe, thanks Miss Chips.

Kiro: …So, what do you think about the new album?

MC: It’s very nice! Especially the song “Midsummer Passion”. I have it playing on loop all day.

Kiro: Really?

His eyebrows furrowed as he smiled but I could tell it wasn’t his usual megawatt smile.

MC: Of course! But your new album just released so why are you writing songs again?

There was a hint of sadness in his blue eyes, but before I could take a closer look, it disappeared.

Kiro: Because I want to bring more amazing works to the soda pops (aka his fans).

He happily shared his accomplishments with me as if what I saw just now was my imagination.

After such a long day, I repeatedly told him to take it easy today and left the ward.

I kept feeling that Kiro was hiding something from me. With this doubt in mind, I dialed Savin’s number.

After hounding him for answers, Savin finally told me what was going on.

Savin: In fact, not too long ago, some people on the Internet were spreading rumors about Kiro’s award-winning new album.

Savin: They were saying the album was mediocre, that he has exhausted all his talents, and only won the award due to his popularity alone.

MC: That’s nonsense!

Savin: Although preference is based on personal opinion, there are still some fans who have been brought into the discussion. Not only do they feel that Kiro’s new songs lack feeling but they’re agreeing with the rumors.

Savin: And that’s why recently he’s been locking himself up every day writing songs and sometimes he wouldn’t even eat.

Savin: You know how he is once his mind is made up. No one can stop him. So I was hoping you can find a way to help him.

Thinking of Kiro’s forced smile from before, a plan quietly sprouts in my heart.

MC: No problem. Leave it to me.

[Part 3]

In the dimly lit underground parking lot, I lowered the brim of my hat and stared at the gate waiting for Kiro to exit the press conference.

A golden head appeared at the door. Kiro skillfully sat in the back seat , taking off his hat and mask, looking a bit weary.

Kiro: The studio.

I straightened by sunglasses and started the car without saying a word—

“Operation: Kidnap Kiro” has officially commenced.

The car drove steadily over an overpass. I glanced in the rearview mirror and found that Kiro who had his eyes closed suddenly open them.

Kiro: Driver, are you in a bad mood today? Why are you driving so fast?

MC: There’s no traffic so it’s okay to speed.

I lowered my voice an octave. He yawned and lazily looked out the window.

Kiro: But you’re going the wrong way.

MC: Your agent has arranged other itineraries for you. Why don’t you check with him?

Kiro: Huh? Savin didn’t mention this to me.

I slowly felt a weight on the backrest behind me as his voice drew nearer to my ear.

Kiro: I heard that the driver who came to pick me up was a burly man with arms as big as my calves.

Kiro: You don’t fit that description.

MC: …

Hearing his thoughtful analysis, I giggled.

MC: It’s too late now. The door’s locked so please do cooperate with me.

Kiro sucked in a sharp breath.

Kiro: [overly dramatic gasp] As long as you don’t hurt me, I’ll do whatever you want.

Kiro: Whether it’s chocolate-covered nuts or charcoal-grilled chips…I can give you all of my private possessions.

The heat on my face left a burning trail as I met his twinkling eyes in the rearview mirror.

MC: Is my acting that bad?

Kiro: It’s still the same but I’m the one most familiar with MC’s bag of tricks.

Kiro: No wonder Savin was being so mysterious today. There really is a “conspiracy”.

MC: Savin said that your schedule is free after finishing the press conference and to let me take you somewhere to relax.

MC: So—you can’t escape.

Kiro didn’t say anything for a while. The slight hesitation in his eyes reflected in the rearview mirror vanished. When he met my gaze, he was full of smiles.

Kiro: Why would I want to escape?

Kiro: I’ll gladly fall into your trap.

Soon we arrived at our destination—Starry Seaside Park.

A variety show was filmed here yesterday and I managed to reserve the venue for an extra day to hold a celebration party.

The people gathered here were close-knit friends of Kiro so he doesn’t need to feel too restrained.

After changing my clothes, I found Kiro standing by the pool, holding an inflatable ring. A handful of fine sunlight shone onto his blonde hair, shining brightly.

MC: There’s going to be a water roller competition in a short while. The team who comes in first will win the mystery prize.

Seeing Kiro’s eyes light up with interest, I pumped myself up.

MC: We’re here—

I stretched out my hand and he took it saying.

Kiro: To claim first place.

A lifeguard was already on standby and more than a dozen inflatable rollers were floating on the water’s surface.

As soon as the whistle blew, we began to push hard against the inner wall of the drum. The drum quickly found its own rhythm and rolled steadily forward.

However, maneuvering it was more difficult than I thought and it wasn’t long until I was starting to feel out of breath.

My skin was sticking to the plastic heated by the sun making it stuffy and hot as my hair stuck to my face with sweat.

Seeing the other players gradually overtake us, I became worried.

Kiro: MC, relax. Find your balance.

Kiro’s voice was slightly out of breath and at the same time, a song began playing in the background of the park.

The lively and upbeat tune was the song from his award-winning new album- “Midsummer Passion”.

Feeling the beat of the drum in my heart, I adjusted my breathing and made a fighting gesture to Kiro.

MC: Come on, this song is my secret weapon to victory these past days!

What I received was a smile brighter than the sun.

Kiro: That’s all I need to hear.

Putting pedal to the metal, we found our rhythm again.

The melodious song drove the atmosphere of the audience to an intense climax and I could even hear many voices cheering us on from all sides.

Kiro also seemed to be infected. His eyes shone like stars and the water droplets hanging from the ends of his eyelashes sparkled in the sunlight.

Not far away from us was a water slide before the finish line.

Listening to the sound of the water rushing fast, I nervously held onto Kiro’s hand.

MC: What if we don’t make it…

Kiro: Don’t be afraid. In the final sprint, I will take care of Miss Chips’ safety!

The roller undulated on the water and we were finally close to first place.

Kiro: MC, are you ready?

MC: Absolutely.

He gave me a charming smile.

Kiro: 3, 2, 1- here we go!

He kicked hard and the drum suddenly accelerated and flew down the slide. The brief feeling of weightlessness made me gasp.

An embrace hotter than the summer heat held me to his chest as Kiro immediately adjusted his pace and stabilized the roller.

The sound of waves crashing and people cheering gradually faded away. Only the sound of our hearts beating were left in this small space.

There was a forceful push and the roller crossed the finish line, hitting the protective net.

Kiro: We’re number one!

He looked down at me. Warm, crystal sweat fell from his eyelashes and landed on the tip of my nose, igniting something in my heart.

Our staggered and rapid breaths steamed up with heat, arousing every nerve of my skin—

Kiro: What’s my prize?

[Part 4]

After the roller races, water battles, and beach baths were over, I changed into some dry clothes and went to the small private pool I had reserved in advance.

Kiro had also changed into some casual clothes and was relaxing on the big inflatable ring, merging into the unique landscape of little yellow rubber ducks floating around.

His soaked bangs blocked his eyes so he casually slicked them back.

The blue sky made his azure blue orbs even more clear.

I didn’t know if it was because of all the fun he had just now but he seemed to have more a lot more energy than before.

A rubber duck bumped against the inflatable ring and Kiro picked it up.

Kiro: [cute, adorable voice] Hi~ How do you do~

He pinched its fat belly and made a grunting noise in response.

Kiro: It looks like you’re also here on vacation to get away~

MC: Pfft—

Hearing me snicker, he squinted his eyebrows in pleasure and paddled with his hands towards the shore where I was.

Kiro: Why don’t you join us too, MC?

MC: I’d love to but you can invite your new “friends” to join us for the next event.

I took out the guitar hidden near the pool. Under his surprised look, I sat on the bank and cleared myn throat.

MC: Welcome to MC’s exclusive summer concert.

Inhaling deeply, “Midsummer Passion” floated out from my fingertips.

Although I practiced many times at home, I was still nervous and ended up playing a few wrong notes under Kiro’s attentive gaze.

But he just listened closely, entranced.

When the final note was played, I slowly released the breath I’ve been holding.

MC: Thank you to the person who wrote this song and bringing me the most wonderful summer throbbing.

Kiro climbed out of the water and sat beside me.

Kiro: Can the concert have small guest segment?

Kiro: I also have a song I want to play for you.

Taking the guitar from me, his slender fingers skillfully plucked the strings and the smooth notes blended into a pleasing melody.

However, as I watched Kiro play, I felt a certain uneasiness I couldn’t explain.

After the song was over, he looked up at me.

Kiro: This is a demo I wrote at home recently. What do you think?

MC: It’s lovely. The melody of the chorus is brilliant and better than just some ordinary pop song. It’s more memorable except…

I hesitated and asked what was on my mind.

MC: Is this the actual song you wanted to write?

He was stunned then lowered his head and smiled bitterly.

Kiro: I really can’t hide anything from you.

MC: Although I’m not a professional musician, I do listen to your songs every day.

MC: I felt that this song just now was missing a bit of Kiro’s soul. A little restless like…

MC: You were in a hurry but wanted to prove something at the same time.

He fiddled with the strings on the guitar and after a while, he said in a low voice.

Kiro: You heard what Savin said…

He closed his eyes like he was being covered by a heavy rain cloud.

Kiro: I know a song can’t be liked by everyone so I should just try to be myself.

Kiro: Only this time, many fans, like me, also feel that the new song is subpar…does this mean that I’m not as good as I used to be?

Kiro: That’s why the next song has to be better than this one.

Kiro: Over and over again, I feel it’s still not good enough…

Kiro: I know I’m lost and I should stop and think more calmly but…

There was some doubt and a bit of loneliness in his eyes.

For creators, the sense of accomplishment is an overly comprehensive sentiment. That feeling to share with the audience, to be seen and recognized.

It will pay tribute to those who keep trying but it will also crush them.

Those mixed voices are like a loud, disorderly undercurrent, threatening to overwhelm him.

Kiro’s fingers have become a little cold and I saw the slight line quivering at the corner of his mouth. I jumped into the pool and stretched out my hand to him.

MC: Kiro, hold your breath.

He looked at me, confused, but did as I said.

Seeing his surprised look, I dragged him into the pool and with a splash, we sunk together underwater.

The water completely drowned out the noise of the outside world. Kiro and I opened our eyes and stared at each other quietly.

The world was dim and silent and only the two of us were left.

When we came back to the surface, our clothes were soaked through to the core.

MC: Did you feel some of your troubles being washed away by the water?

He closed his eyes and placed my palm against his face, as if trying to draw some kind of power from me.

Kiro: I want….to do it again.

Before I could stop him, he took a deep breath and dove into the water.

Fragmented light shimmered like ripples on the water’s surface.

Time passed by but he never resurfaced.

I became a little worried and took a deep breath.

In front of me, I saw Kiro’s body stretched out like he had fallen to the bottom of the water. He frowned and closed his eyes.

Waves from the water refracted the sky, creating layers of light patterns around him.

Like a pair of gentle hands, caressing him delicately, brushing away those disturbing thoughts from his body.

Maybe because of the lack of oxygen, his face looked a little miserable like he was about to be crushed at any moment.

I couldn’t help reaching out to him—when I touched his fingertips, I was forcefully met with a pair of blue eyes that almost blended with the water.

At that moment, the shredded spots of light kept flowing and the furrow between his eyes suddenly loosened.

Our bodies floated along with the waves as we slowly merged into a vast ocean.

His kiss was soft. In the stillness and suffocation, it was like a small world had been opened.

The exchange of breaths made my heart beat more and more intensely and in this closed space, everything was set free.

When we broke the surface, I clung weakly onto his shoulders, breathing heavily.

Kiro held my waist with one arm and gently caressed my back with his other hand.

Kiro: I don’t know why but I always knew you would come.

After a long time, his slightly hoarse voice came from the side of my ear.

Kiro: When I was underwater just then, I had that same feeling like I was in the studio.

Kiro: There were muffled noises all around like I was left alone in the world.

His cool thumb trailed from the tip of my brow to the corner of my lips, carefully tracing every part of my face.

Kiro: I was even wondering if it would be better if I stopped struggling to find oxygen and just let myself be swept away by the current. How pathetic.

I tightened my arms around his waist, bringing our bodies closer together.

The heat from our skin penetrated through our cold, wet clothes and travelled to every inch of our blood vessels.

Kiro: Then you appeared.

Kiro: When I saw you, I realized…*sigh* I seem to be able to breathe again.

He took a deep breath and pressed his cold forehead lightly against mine.

Kiro: Without you, I’d probably be swept away by the current, not knowing where I’d end up.

Kiro: MC, you’re like…another kind of oxygen for me. ***My God, my heart!!!🥺***

I cradled his face and tenderly brushed away the hair from his face.

MC: I can’t do much for your creation but I know how Kiro is like.

MC: I also know what his work is like.

MC: Kiro will never become water. He is the one and only one who decides where the water will flow.

MC: Whenever you can’t see yourself, I can see you better than anyone else, so—

MC: Believe in the song you wrote. The courage and strength it brings are not only for others but also for yourself. ***YES, YOU TELL HIM, MC!!!***

Kiro leaned his head against my shoulder and chuckled lightly.

Kiro: It seems I have to start the new song from scratch again.

Although he said this, there was no frustration in his voice. Instead, it was full of fighting spirit and anticipation.

I threaded my fingers through his velvety, soft blonde hair and slowly followed the trail of water downwards.

My fingertips lightly brushed the nape of his neck until they finally stopped at his lower jaw as he let the strength of my fingers gently lift his head.

MC: Does it still feel like you’re underwater?

His hot breath slowly came closer, mingling between our lips and melting into a murmur.

Kiro: I have enough oxygen now.

Kiro: [whisper] But I want a little more. ***His dates constantly end this way too 😣😣😣***