Chapter 272 - She chose to forget

Naturally, Yang tried to think of other possibilities. But, he could not come up with anything. That masked figure looked awfully familiar to him. Those crude methods, the information he had on Setsura - all of it reminded him of that person. Setsuras worse nightmare, her so-called brother.

The reason that guy could never get to Setsura though was because of Shinji. Even now though that person expression and the words he said then with such a strong conviction; had yet to leave his mind. Many others liked Setsura, such as one of their mutual friends called Masa.

Yang understood his relationship with the brunette to an extent now. But does he not have a wife now? Somebody else he loves? How come he will go this far? But the second he began questioned Masa's actions, Yang realized that it isn't unusual. Even those who have moved forward even now are still willing to risk themselves for the sake of one girl. That's right. Even now, everyone's lives revolve around Kaname Setsura existence, him too.

He didn't end things with other women despite all they've gone through in the years he didn't see Setsura just because of a change in feelings. It's because he remembered it, the words he could not say to her then, the regrets of his past self when he arrived too late.

Everyone else then died but him, he's the only one who survived and lived out his past life properly. Amongst of all of them, why is he the only one who survived? Because he was managing the controls in the lab? Then why didn't his other companions that were inside the lab with him then survive? It doesn't mask sense at all.

He is going to live out his present life without letting his past self take over. Yang did say that and agreed with the brunette. However, he wants to be able to do something, for the past him who couldn't do anything for his friends.

Yang quickly rushed down. But, each step of his felt heavy. What if something terrible has already happened to her? He could never live it down... She is the one who chose to forget, none of this should have happened at all. She already decided to end things, after all.

….

December XX 1895

Yang's gaze lands on the girl that now collapsed into his arms. As the threads slowly formed into a box and disappeared. He closes his eyes and lets the gust of wind blow across his cheeks for a few minutes longer before hearing a cluttering sound. Black hair and lilac dyed appeared, at the entranceway, "Is it done?"

Yang nodded, "Yeah."

To the very last second, though. Yang wondered if it was okay to do this. It felt like he was sticking her, the reality was. He tricked her; he tricked her into drinking something she had doubts about.

"I see. The lady chose it this time around, huh? To forget him."

"….even to the last second. I don't think she wanted it," Yang mutters. Because Akito's name wasn't the only one, she called out last night. It was Shinji, "I don't understand. Even to the very last second, I could see it in the girl's eyes. Pleading for her not to forget and yet to the very last second, she didn't say it."

He doesn't understand it.

Why? Why would she choose to part herself away from that person - even when she doesn't want to? Because she loves Akito? Because of her promise? Because she wishes to be with them all? All of those reasons to him seem superficial; they don't feel right to him. Even though she said such words from the very bottom of her heart. The redhead didn't see it as a reason. He saw it as an excuse.

That's why his thoughts broke off when he felt the girl in his arms; she's awake already? Suddenly he felt a sudden warmth across his cheek, brushing against his eyes. "Setsura?"

"Oh good, you're not crying…I thought you were. After all… Yan, you can be a crybaby. You…wanted to cry than to."

His eyes widened; for a split moment, he froze when he heard the nickname. "Hold on, do you…."

Yang really couldn't believe this. Does she really have those memories? She's saying his name without hesitation, and she said ' back then.' Such things may sound minor, and yet to him, they were important.

"Your expression always seemed like you were in pain. That's why when we met again, my memories triggered. I've always known, and despite that, I fell in love with you. I did not dislike you then."

Hold on; she's really… she really does remember. …. Is this really happening? He's waited for so long for this moment. Now it's actually happened, he didn't know what to think. After so long, Setsura finally remembered everything. He felt so overwhelmed.

Yang clasped their hands together "..you…avoided me."

That time period where he couldn't see her was the most painful for him. He felt himself suffocating in more ways than one, " That's right. I couldn't see you. Because if I did …I knew that I would have accepted. I did not lie when I said I liked everyone, nor when I said ' I love you.' now that I've found you again, I want to stay…." Yet the girl's eyelids dropped, and she once again fell asleep.

Hey, hey --! She can't fall asleep at that point. What was she going to say? What about now? The redhead sends a harsh glare at the person who clearly did it.

"You did that on purpose," Yang mutters.

He whistles, " Of course I did. Nobody wants to see you and the lady being lovey-dovey. Besides, she got the point across to you, didn't she? I already told you before that you play a key role in the reason why she's staying here. Yet, you've been stubborn this entire time".

Is that…. So that's it, Yang wondered why he was staying here for so long. "And? Now that I know, will you leave?"

He found it strange when he met Masa here. Another person from their timeline on a mission in the Meiji era. A coincidence or not? At this stage, it was peculiar to him.

A burst of light laughter escaped his companion's lips, "So harsh," Masa trailed off, "It's true that I intended to leave once this was all under wraps. But I have another reason for staying now, and besides, you'll need my help when the time comes."

Yang immediately understood what he meant and nodded.

"I'll be counting on you."

He disliked to admit it, but he didn't have anybody else in this time frame he could rely on. Accepted, Yang thought he had done the same. Accepted that she would belong to someone else who isn't him. But he has more than proven that's not the case. Just now too, she's gone ahead and said it. Now the resolve he has had this entire time is gone completely. It has been broken just like that, "….she's too foolish," he murmurs.

Masa smiles, "But, the lady is cutest when she's like this, no?"

"That's certainly true."