#spoiilers

[Part 1]

In the backstage hallway of the gymnasium, I shuffled along awkwardly on my furry bear feet.

There’s less than twenty minutes before the concert. I have to hurry to the dressing room. With this thought in mind, I supported myself against the wall as I quickened my pace.

As I rounded the corner, a familiar face came into view.

Kiro: Huh, you’re…?

Seeing his curious face, I held back a smile and decided to make some changes to the plan. I turned the wooden sign hanging on my chest to the front.

Kiro: “Hug the bear to trigger a surprise”?

His eyes lit up and then suddenly he snapped his fingers.

Kiro: Oh~ I know. You’re the “surprise” MC sent.

Kiro: You’re here to cheer me on before I go on stage, right?

As soon as I nodded, he hugged me. His fluffy blond hair rubbed against me gently causing a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart.

Giggling, I took a step back, blew him a big kiss, and grabbed the candies in my pocket to sprinkle over him like a colorful “rain”.

But the moment I jumped up, my cumbersome body tilted to the side and the candies fell out of my hand and onto the ground.

MC: !

At the same time, a force grabbed my waist.

Kiro: Why is this “little bear” so clumsy?

Did he recognize me?

Kiro seemed to guess what I was thinking so he reached out and took off my headgear. Seeing his look of surprise, I rubbed my “bear paws” in embarrassment.

MC: …I rehearsed it so well but it still turned out like this.

Kiro: I think this “little bear” is much cuter.

Kiro: Isn’t it hot?

I shook my head as he raised his hand to wipe the sweat from my forehead and then gently fanned my face with the other. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the bear’s head next to him and pursed my lips.

MC: It’s too bad the surprise didn’t work out perfectly.

Kiro: Even so, I still like it because you’re my biggest surprise.

As soon as he said that, the sound of the intercom rang out in the corridor.

MC: Is it time?

Kiro: Mn, but before I go, does Miss “Little Bear” have anything else? For example…

He slowly came closer to me, tightly enclosing me in this small space. In the next second, a soft and long kiss fell on my lips.

The sound of footsteps running towards the stage came from the end of the hallway.

It seems that no knows there are two intertwined breaths hidden in a corner no one knows about.

MC: It’s time for the superstar’s last stop of the tour. I wish you a successful finale!

Kiro: With this surprise, I will definitely do my best~

[Part 2]

The concert ended with a grand birthday song and the multi-month global tour came to an close.

After the show, I quietly slipped into Kiro’s dressing room. While I played with the balloons, I went over my plan for the next surprise.

MC: After going through the entryway, press the remote at the same time…the remote control!

I quickly took out the remote control to make sure the new battery was inside. I breathed a sigh of relief.

After replicating the whole process of the plan in my head, I looked at the clock on the wall. It’s 10 o’clock.

My phone vibrated.

Savin SMS: Everything is ready and everyone is gone, including me~

Familiar and hurried footsteps came from outside the door. I ran quickly to open it and threw myself into that person’s arms.

Kiro: Have you been waiting long?

Kiro: I was “arrested” for an interview just now. Savin and I couldn’t find a chance to tell you.

MC: Not long at all. Besides, any longer and I would have to go to the stage and “arrest” you myself. 😳👀 *Well, he has that long ass black ribbon so...*

Kiro smiled and gave my forehead a soft peck.

Kiro: Rest assured, all of my work is done so the rest of my time is entirely yours.

MC: Is it only for me?

Kiro: Wow, when did you become so greedy? *Hmm, maybe it’s because of a certain someone going public about their relationship...😏*

I lifted my chin with a smile and pull him out of the room mysteriously.

MC: Let’s go, Birthday Boy. It’s time to head to your birthday home!

Standing at the stage’s entrance, I spread my arms out towards Kiro who looked confused.

MC: Welcome to Kiro’s birthday party celebration~ Please close your eyes for the surprise unveiling.

Kiro smiled and closed his eyes at my command. I took a deep breath and pressed the button on the remote in my pocket.

The stage lights in the distance went out at once leaving only tiny “starlights” surrounding the walls.

I held Kiro’s hands and shook them.

MC: Follow me and hold onto my hand.

Kiro: Mn, I’ve got a firm grip.

I slowly maneuvered Kiro onto the stage, over the creaking wooden floor and onto the soft grass.

The breeze blew in from the open-air space above, rustling the leaves. A petal fluttered down and landed on the tip of Kiro’s nose.

Kiro: Ah, ah-choo--!

He sniffled and shook his head but that spot of pink refused to leave and remained on his nose.

The funny scene made me burst out in laughter.

Kiro: …Miss Chips, hurry and help me or else I’ll have to open my eyes!

MC: Don’t! Hold on a sec…

I hurriedly took a step forward, twirled the naughty petal with my finger, looked at the corner of his proudly raised lips, and gently pinched the tip of his nose.

Avoiding the gravel and stakes beneath our feet, we finally reached the center of the stage.

MC: My birthday superstar, you can open your eyes.

Kiro opened his eyes and looked around. His eyebrows lifted in surprise.

I followed his eyes as he looked at the soft grass blowing in the wind and the shadows of the trees swaying slightly against the hazy moonlight.

At this moment, we seem to be in a field under a sea of stars.

Kiro: It’s clearly no different from tonight’s stage. It’s the same…the only difference is…

Kiro: …There’s starlight everywhere! It looks like there are real stars now.

Kiro: MC, how did you do this?

I smiled mysteriously.

MC: I’ll tell you later~ Now, are you ready to start your treasure hunt?

[Part 3]

Kiro: You’re saying you’ve already hidden the birthday present on the stage?

He looked around in disbelief.

Kiro: Really? But I didn’t find anything on stage today.

MC: If you did, it wouldn’t be called hiding~

MC: Fortunately, I watched all your performances and I even asked the dance instructor for advice…

MC: Just to find the best “treasure spot”.

I dragged him across the grass on the stage. Stopping in front of a tall tree, I reach out to pat it and said solemnly.

MC: Introducing—my best assistant, Mr. Tree.

MC: Although it’s just a stage prop, thanks to it, it’s a solid foundation for this treasure hunt.

Kiro put his ear next to the tree trunk, knocked on it, and then shook his head after hearing a hollow sound.

Kiro: According to Kiro the Explorer’s preliminary assessment, the gift isn’t in the tree hole.

He looked up and down the tree. After a long time, he seemed to have noticed something and his azure blue eyes suddenly widened at me.

Kiro: I got it, you hid the gift on the tree?

I waved my finger at him.

MC: Not exactly but this is the first step of this treasure hunt. You’ll find out when you climb up and have a look.

He was surprised. Suddenly the corners of his lips curled up.

Kiro: I remembered how we climbed the wall at my high school last year…

Kiro: Has Miss Chips’ climbing skills have gotten any better?

Note: This is a reference to Kiro’s 4th birthday date, Satisfaction Date.

Saying that, he placed his foot into the hollow of the tree and jumped up lithely, reaching out to me.

Kiro: Do you want to test yourself or have me help you up?

I raised my head and poked at the trunk of the tree blankly.

MC: Actually…I prepared a ladder.

Kiro: …

His hand suddenly froze in the air.

MC: However, my skills should have improved! Kiro, give me your hand!

I jumped up as my hand was held by a strong warmth. I stepped onto the tree trunk, kicked hard and settled myself next to Kiro.

The temperature of the night brought a touch of coolness to my face. A warm jacket was draped over me.

As I bundled myself up, I turned to see him looking around.

Kiro: Strange, isn’t the gift on the tree?

I suppressed a smile and grabbed his arm.

MC: The point of the treasure hunt is to go through thousands of memories to find the most precious treasure. The treasure of the big birthday star needs to be uncovered little by little.

MC: So, Mr. Explorer, are you ready to go to our first stop, France?

Seeing his surprised expression, I secretly pressed the button on the remote control.

The tree on the lifting platform gradually rose and the big screen on the stage suddenly lit up, covering the thick clouds.

As the platform climbed higher, the mist on the screen swept behind us.

Then, all at once, the scene suddenly became clear and towering, mountainous peaks stretched before us.

I took a peek at Kiro and saw the incredible radiance in his eyes.

Our field of vision rose again and the picture changed. After the bright sun passed by, a cluster of buildings appeared below us.

Immediately, the viewing angle swooped down towards the buildings. The tangible view made me hold my breath and I grasped onto the tree trunk.

The picture rotated and we crossed over Lourve, shuttling through the busy streets. After a while, a classical-style building stood before us.

Kiro: It’s the Paris Opera House…!

As soon as he said that, we passed through the window and into a resplendent concert hall—

On the big stage, a small figure held a violin. The tips of his left fingers skipped gently as graceful notes from the violin flowed out.

In those focused blue eyes, there was a hidden ambition.

Standing behind him was Mrs. Seidel in a gorgeous dress, singing an elegant song.

I couldn’t help looking at the pair of pure eyes beside me but that ambition was no longer there.

MC: Kiro, were you nervous at the time? Look, your lips are tightly pressed together.

He looked at the figure for a long time as if he was listening to a performance and thinking about some distant story. Then, he suddenly smiled.

Kiro: I was more nervous than you think.

He lowered his head and looked down at his opened hands.

Kiro: At that time, my hands wouldn’t stop shaking and it was almost impossible for me to hold tightly onto the bow of the violin.

MC: But from an audience’s point of view, I felt like there weren’t any flaws.

Kiro laughed and there was a trace of something in his voice.

Kiro: Actually, looking at it now, some of the notes don’t flow well together and the finger placements look unnatural.

Kiro: When playing this piece, it is best to keep the bow of the right hand at the same height so the song will be livelier and smoother.

Kiro: More importantly, no matter how nervous you are, you can’t show it.

He pointed out the inadequacies one after another, as if he was talking to his past self.

I gave him a serious look.

MC: Mr. Kiro, you’re so strict.

MC: You should be telling your past self—you were awesome. You did what you could to the best of your abilities.

MC: The me right now is very proud of you.

Kiro didn’t say anything for a while. The light and shadows on his face kept changing as he looked at the young boy.

As the last note played out, the little figure bowed reverently. Kiro watched silently and his expression relaxed as though relieved.

Kiro: Great job, Kiro.

The hazy clouds appeared again, brushing away the resplendent hall.

MC: Next stop—California, here we come!

I pressed the control button and the platform moved again. Soon, a blue sea came into view.

We walked with the seagulls, overlooking the fish jumping out of the water until we came upon a green playground full of teenagers shouting.

The movie scanned across many football helmets before coming to a stop on a pair of blue eyes. Fine beads of sweat gathered between Kiro’s brows as he stared straight ahead.

In the next second, he jumped and took hold of the ball in his arms, deftly avoiding the defense line again and again as deafening cheers rang out.

Kiro: There’s a video of this football game…how did you find it?

The people surrounding him opened their eyes wide in surprise, the bright sunlight reflecting in his eyes.

MC: Hehe, it’s a secret~

Kiro: Since it’s the birthday star’s biggest day, every wish should be fulfilled~

Kiro: Come on, tell me. I promise, it will only be a little secret between the two of us.

He said cheekily as he made a whispering gesture with his hand to his ear.

MC: I contacted your high school and finally a teacher from the classical music department gave the video to me.

He blinked in surprise.

Kiro: I remember that gentleman. I didn’t expect…he would record this.

MC: And he also left this sentence in the email—

MC: “Kilo, Happy Birthday! You are still shining nowadays.”

The air was still. His eyelashes fluttered slightly as if he couldn’t resist the surging emotions.

I slowly rested my head on his shoulder and whispered softly.

MC: Now, we’re headed to the final stop, Loveland City, where we met.

[Part 4]

The picture cut to a wide section of yellow sand. A figure on a galloping horse came into view.

Under the sound of majestic battle drums, a dazzling silver spear fell behind Kiro who was wearing armor, red tassels fluttering freely in the wind.

Looking at the boy on the screen, I poked Kiro’s arm.

MC: You know what? When “Three Kingdoms” first released, I was going to go see it.

MC: But I was still stuck at school making short films and by the time I came out of the editing room, it was over.

MC: So, I sometimes wonder, if I had seen that movie when I did…

MC: Would it be like we were meeting in the same time and space? Like an intersection?

Kiro reached out and grabbed my fingers, stroking them gently.

Kiro: In fact, this intersection has always existed.

Kiro: When I was shooting this movie, I also thought about whether you would see it and whether you would like it.

Kiro: I have imagined countless possibilities but I still couldn’t find an answer.

Kiro: But then I figured it out. Because no matter what happens, it’s just a process. In the end, I will definitely find you.

Kiro: And then, we can slowly make up for the shortcomings we missed.

Hearing his soft voice, I snuggled up to him.

MC: Then I must do some calculations in order to make up for all the missed intersections!

The yellow sand in the movie gradually disappeared and a red carpet came into view. Kiro, wearing a formal suit, was writing his name on the signature board.

As he wrote the last line, the picture started to change constantly—

Kiro winning a trophy for the first time, Kiro holding a concert for 10,000 people, Kiro making his debut in the fashion industry…

At different periods of time, he is like a scroll full of treasures, unfolding page by page before us.

Until the movie slowly played out, the surroundings darkened and the stars filled the sky again. I tightened my palms and waited silently.

The person beside me suddenly seemed to have noticed something and pointed into the distance.

Kiro: It looks like our treasure hunt isn’t over yet!

At the end of the stage, a gleam of light lit up in the crack on the ground, as if it had been given life, stretching along the French, California and Loveland cities that we just “walked”—

Coming to us slowly in a long track.

Before it reached the tree, I reached out and held my hands in front of Kiro.

MC: Don’t blink! The sorcerer MC is going to perform some magic for you!

Those clear eyes looked at me seriously. My heart couldn’t help beating a little faster and I slowly spread out my hands—

A star shines in my palm, illuminating our faces.

His eyes widened slightly as he reached out and touched the bright star.

Kiro: This is…?

MC: “The Star of Achievement”.

I paused and lightly traced the outline of the star.

MC: People always forget their past selves and how hard they worked to become who they are now.

MC: So, I’ve gathered all of Kiro’s efforts from childhood to adulthood into this star.

MC: I want you to know that your efforts are visible.

MC: They’re shining.

Kiro stared deeply at the star, as if he wanted to remember it forever. After a long time, his eyes glowed with the starlight.

Kiro: If hard work can be seen, then so should my heart.

Kiro: Because during the course of my life, there was a light that always accompanied me.

He held the back of my hand and swept my palm stroke by stroke making it tingle.

As if thinking of something, he tilted his head and gently scraped the fluorescent powder in my palm with his fingertip. Unable to handle the tingling sensation, I tried to pull my hand back.

MC: Wha-what are you doing!

Kiro: It’s too dark. Lend me some of the fluorescent you have in your hand.

MC: Wait a minute, hahaha that tickles!

Kiro: Hold still, don’t move! Bear with me a little longer.

As the width of his fingertips increased, I finally managed to withdraw my hand but ended up pulling him into my arms.

Kiro stared at me blankly but continued to scrape with his finger.

MC: …

I put my hand on his cheek and rubbed it angrily.

MC: I have a pen with me. You want it?

Kiro: But I think the fluorescence will be more powerful.

Seeing his mean-spirited expression, I immediately took out my pen and handed it to him. He pretended to take it in disappointment but still showed a hint of a smile on his lips.

Kiro: It’s fine for now. I’ll let you see my heart clearly soon.

After he finished speaking, he removed the pen cap and drew a golden star, one after another, on my palm.

I looked at him quietly. The scattered stars around him seemed to fill his eyes, bright and serious.

After a while, my hand was covered with stars he had drawn.

MC: What’s this?

He smiled and started to connect the stars with the pen.

As each stroke landed, his warm breath and the tickling on my hand kept overloading my senses, making my heart skip a beat.

Until the last one was drawn, the string of characters made my eyes widen—

MC’s name.

Kiro put down the pen and rubbed my palm very lightly.

Kiro: This is the light of my life.

Kiro: Forever and ever, a light that never fades.

As if in answer to his words, the name on my palm and the shining star intertwine and sparkle.

Like they are accompanying one another, illuminating each other.

I looked at him. The ripples in my heart continued to expand until it filled my heart.

MC: Kiro, happy birthday.

MC: You always be happy.

Kiro smiled and traced my cheek with his fingertips.

Kiro: I will be happy with you by my side

He took my hand and pressed it reverently between his brows, closing his eyes.

Kiro: The birthday star who received the blessing now has to make a wish.

Kiro: The wishes made today will surely come true.

The moonlight in the distance is mixed with the colors of the stars, outlining his profile in a lovely glow.

It makes me want to keep looking at him forever.

Kiro: God of wishes, I have a small birthday wish—

Kiro: I want to walk with MC at every moment of my life and realize every wish in the future with her.

Looking at his pious and serious profile, I gave him a tender kiss.

MC: Don’t bother with the god of wishes. I will fulfill your wish.

MC: It will be 100% successful.

[End]

Final thoughts: First off, I still cannot believe that this is a birthday karma and and SR one at that. Definitely my favorite out of all of Kiro’s bday karmas. The artists at PG went all out on this one. Like...WOW!!! Give that artist a raise as well! 

After reading the date, I now understand why it’s called “Mirroring” date because everything MC did, from her mannerisms to the way she speaks, is exactly like Kiro. Her actions are “mirroring” what Kiro does to MC like how she’s so mysterious and secretive when it comes to surprises. MC in a bear costume with candy, treasure hunting, calling him special names....classic Kiro behavior. There’s a reason why Kiro x MC are twin flames/mirror souls because this entire date shows it and the vibes were STRONG. MC was not shy one bit in this date. I hope MC continues to remain this way in future Kiro dates. I want to see more MC loving on Kiro. Also, MC, I know you’re a producer but DAMN GIRL!!! You went above and beyond with your creative skills this time. Can you hook a sister up? MC utilized that entire stage like a boss. Her putting together a documentary/movie of Kiro’s life from a young child to an adult is brilliant. It’s the best way to let Kiro see all the hard work he has done because he always felt that he was never good enough or perfect enough. Even if people told him he was great, he wouldn’t believe it. 

Eva Seidel, once again, was only mentioned briefly. Seriously, when is there gonna be an actual one-on-one date where we learn more about her because Astral Date wasn’t enough. I want to know how she and Kiro interacted during their time together in France and how Kiro ended up in her care. I hope I don’t have to wait until Kiro’s next birthday date to find out. Like KEY, she remains a mysterious and interesting character to me.