Opening her eyes, she did not see darkness.
Rather, in the morning sun, Kara sat up, feeling the sunshine hit her face. Surrounded by a gentle heat, the sand touching her—
"Clghhhh… cluuhghh… clghhh…"
Annoying. Turning her head, she saw that annoying brat, Riley Woods, snoring next to her as he laid on the sand like a baby.
"...You…"
How had he even done this? Her ability was supposed to be a perfect counter, it was supposed to nullify his abilities and strength; how had he removed her from the depths of the sea?
Regardless of the "how," it was utterly annoying he had done so to begin with.
All she wished for was to die, and yet he saved her for the second time.
"You…!"
Roughly grabbing his neck, she began to squeeze. He kicked around, yelling and flailing his limbs around, blowing sand everywhere.
"Kgh, stop! WHY!? WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST LET ME DIE!?"
Letting go of his neck, she saw the boy roll away, coughing and standing up as he yawned, falling back down to his rear.
"Huh? Oh. Well, I just didn't want you to die."
"...Why? Why, whywhy—why did you do that!? What was the point?! Because of you, I'm still alive! Because of… because of you…"
Sniffling, Kara looked down at the sand, wiping her teary eyes.
"...Sorry, man," Riley weakly muttered. "I just… y'know. I think the world is a better place with you in it, y'know?"
"I don't care. I don't care about any of that. This was my chance to escape, my chance for everything to end. And you… you ruined it."
"..."
Riley knew what it was like. Even on a smaller scale, when he had tried to end his life with [Bleeding], only for the knife to vanish—he had understood it.
"I'm sorry."
Hugging his knees to his chest, Riley looked down at the sand. Seeing the seashells by the sea shore, he picked one up and looked at it. It was a small blue shell, easy to break.
"If you want to go back out to sea… well, I guess I won't stop you."
"Huh? You idiot, then what was this for!? If I was going to die anyways, it was pointless to save me!"
"...I guess so. But, um…"
Gently extending his hand, holding the seashell out, Riley showed it off.
"I just wanted you to know that… you can have a home to return to, if you'd like. I… I really don't know much about your situation, really. You've told me a lot, but I still don't understand everything. But, if it's any consolation… My home's open for you."
Placing the seashell in the sand near Kara's knees, Riley weakly smiled.
"I want to believe there are other options. And, I'd love to explore them with you. But in the end, I guess it's really up to you. It's never too late—not in my book, at least."
Slowly standing up, Riley patted the sand off his clothes and "cape," turning away from Kara. "I really have to get home or my mom's gonna flip, so… yeah. Sorry I couldn't stick around here any longer. I think we're having pancakes for breakfast."
Grabbing onto the noose, Riley took off into the air and flew away.
Scoffing, Kara got up and stormed into the sea. Her fists clenched, her steps splashing the water around, the sensation of water around her ankles eased her. It was warmer than before.
Idiot. Who does he think he is?
Saying those things with such a dumb smile. Idiot, idiot, you stupid idiot. You ruined a beautiful moment, then act nonchalantly about it. I despise you.
Marching through the water, Kara floated off the ground, no longer able to stand on the sand.
This world is worthless. I just want to die. I want it all to end already. I've had enough of living. I can't be happy, I can't be saved. No matter where I go, this darkness will weigh over my head, and I've had enough.
Breathing heavily, she swam outwards, moving further and further away from shore.
No matter how many words you try to comfort me with… I know that I cannot have a future.
Swimming. Keeping herself afloat, Kara looked down at the water as she was moved around by the waves.
That's right. I can't have a future. It's just not who I am.
It's just… it's just not in me.
Swallowing her spit, Kara felt thirsty. Her body experiencing weakness, she realized it as her stomach's rumbling was drowned out by the water.
Having not eaten, her mouth watered with hunger. Pancakes. Chocolate pancakes would be nice.
Keeping herself afloat, using her arms to wave her buoyant body up, she felt a salty pain in her eyes. Blinking repeatedly, her vision was blurred.
"Shit. Shit, shit…"
Wiping her eyes with her wrist, Kara breathed heavily, sniffling.
Why? Why am I feeling this way? I'm not supposed… I'm not supposed to be like this.
I was meant to die. In this worthless world, whether I live or die doesn't matter. If it's all vain, then it's just better to get it over with.
Living is pain. Living itself is the source of pain.
To finally put a stop to it, I have to… I have to die. I need to die.
"Why…"
Her father hurt her.
Her brother did not care for her.
Human beings were unable to connect with her.
The servants of Ghira would never understand her despair.
And yet, there had been only one person who understood her. Who understood her, cared for her, and surely put his life on the line to save her. Not expecting anything in return, knowing exactly what it meant to save her, Riley Woods had shown her human kindness.
Glancing at the water, the ocean reflected the sun's light upon her.
—Unmistakably, it was the depth of human kindness that had pierced her heart.
…
Making pancakes. The sun shining through the window, Riley hummed along as his phone played music whilst he cooked.
Gently, he heard the front door open.
"Hm?"
Leaning back, Riley tried to peek to see who had entered. Hearing their soft, weak footsteps, Riley's eyes widened. Letting go of the pan, he quickly walked over to Kara, whose clothes still dripped with seawater.
"You…" Riley stammered, hardly able to get the words out.
Kara looked down, sniffling as her lips curled. Riley reached out his arms, hugging her tightly. His voice breaking, he did everything he could.
"Y-you're going to be okay—okay?"
"...Okay."
"A-and you know, y-you're welcome here."
"...O-okay."
"I… I'm here for you."
"...Okay…"
Slowly, her arms wrapped around his back, returning his embrace.