Missing Beat

Chapter 3: Color of the Heart Part II

Missing Beat

Chapter Three: Colors of the Heart Part II

Well, how's this for a Valentine's gift? Jokes aside, I'm really sorry for taking so long. I had decided to take a break from harem stories for a while, choosing to focus on FESR and other, newer projects, but now I'm BACK! Hopefully I didn't lose some of you with the long wait!

Anyway, the depressing chapter has arrived! Anyway, I thought it'd be best to include some drama, as it IS one of the genre settings of this story. Don't worry, though, it doesn't stay depressing for the whole chapter. 5,xxx words of sadness is impossible for me to write.

Also, sorry about the lack of my omake chapter, but I wasn't getting anywhere with it. It might come out eventually, but it might not. It all depends on inspiration, which is also why it took so long for this chapter to come out. Again, sorry about that!

By the way, I'm adding another character to Kirito's harem. It's probably pretty obvious who it is by now, but the way I add her might surprise (and tick off) a lot of you. Still, please bear with me, guys! This story will get back to its regular harem-ness soon enough!

So... yeah. That's all I can think of to say! So...

See ya at the bottom!

"Does this have to do with your lyrics?" Yulier asked, an all-knowing expression on her face.

I sighed. "I can't deny that that's a part of it. But at the same time, I really do want to see her."

This time, Yulier was the one to sigh. "Well, it might be for the best. She's been wanting to see you as well."

What?! But I thought...

Keeping my composure, I said, "Thanks. Let's go, Yuuki."

"Right..." Yuuki whispered dejectedly.

I looked down as we walked through the maze-like house, falling deep into thought.

That's right... Yuuki used to idolize her sister, didn't she? It must've been tough when that happened... Sorry, Yuuki...

When we reached Yuuki's sister's room, I steeled myself... to face the demons of my past.

I let myself in, knowing she would be asleep at this time. When I turned around to ask if Yuuki was going to come in, I found that she had vanished, most likely going up to her room to avoid the confrontation.

It really hit her hard, didn't it?

I turned back around, finding a bed, on top of which was a girl sleeping on her side. The girl had long sky-blue hair that hung off the bed, and an amazing figure. There was a hint of drool on her pillow, and also a little bit on her mouth, which suggested that she had recently shifted positions.

She still drools in her sleep, huh?

I walked over to the bed, careful not to disturb her in her slumber. When I got to her bed, I sat my backpack and guitar case gently beside it. I gently sat down on the bed, whispering, "You know, Aiko..."

Before I could continue, the girl woke up. "Wha...? Did you say my name?" Aiko queried, pointing a finger at me curiously.

Startled, I fell off the bed. When I regained my composure, I said, "Y-yeah..."

"Wait, are you... Kazuto? You're back...?"

"Yeah..."

I instantly found a pair of arms around me, hugging me tightly.

"What's wrong?" I asked gently.

"Please...! You have to help me remember! I want to remember everything!" she cried in desperation.