「Angel's Voice」Nanase Riku [DISCONTINUED]

4 - Secret Affliction

"You're back."

The angel's soothing voice greeted him.

Riku brought his head to see the vast blue sky which surrounded the two. Immediately, he could notice there was something different about the scenery. The clear water still ran, there were still an abundance of wisps floating around. But the light was dimmer. While it still had a sweet brightness that coated the landscape, the shadows had become less dark. He didn't have to adjust to the light as much as he had used to. He wondered if this was just something with his own eyes.

"Something feels different here," Riku said.

The angel let out a slight giggle. "So you first point out the slight change in scenery over what just happened before you arrived?"

Oh, right. The last thing he remembered was the dreadful chest pain he had sustained while preforming on stage. He recalled forcing himself to keep together. The feeling of wanting to collapse. The horrible heat and sweat dragging him down.

I must've passed out.

Riku's eyes widened. "And I promised Iori I would be okay..."

Angel sat down in the air, crossing her legs. "That Iori guy... I'm getting strange vibes from him."

"What do you mean?"

"I think he likes you. As in, more than a friend."

"EH?!"

"It's just a theory!"

Riku shook his head. There was no way his friend would have feelings for him. After all, they were just friends. And friends worry for each other. He tried to brush off the thought but he couldn't help but to blush a little. He buried his face in his hands. 

The angel's just playing with you! He tried to convince himself. And it wasn't uncommon for her to poke fun at him since he flustered easily.

"You just went through some sort of internal crisis," the angel pointed out. She let out a laughter. "How cute."

The topic had to be switched. Riku didn't want to continue being in his state of fluster. So what was the topic beforehand..? Right! "Do you know why I passed out?" Riku asked.

Her eyebrows furrowed. "It's Tenn," she blatantly replied. "There's no other explanation. Physically, you're supposed to be fine aside from the asthma."

"Tenn-ni wouldn't bring me any harm," he replied with a smile. "He's my brother."

"I don't think you should stay near him. Don't chase after him," the angel kept pushing at Riku. Her tone had a hint of concern. "He can only hurt you."

Riku couldn't come up with a reply. He wanted to be with Tenn. To reunite with him. That was his goal from the start, ever since the house had become empty of him. He couldn't grasp on the idea that it wasn't safe. Or that the best idea would be to keep his distance. That would only make Tenn appear as if he were some sort of monster. And he's not.

"Did you get hurt?" Riku asked. "When I found Tenn-ni?"

"All of your pain, I can feel," The angel replied. She bit her lip. "But it's okay. I'm practically indestructible."

Riku's lips parted upon hearing that. A sea of grief washed up in him. "I'm so sorry..."

"Don't dwell over it," she shrugged. "Anyway, I think you should head back now."

Riku watched as the scenery faded from his sight and shifted to darkness. Upon opening his eyes, he was met with a bright white light hitting down on his face and the faces of two friends, Iori and Mitsuki. They both smiled widely as he blinked a couple of times to adjust to the light of the room.