31.
chapter thirty-one
Dawn of New Hope.

I didn't catch an ounce of sleep the night before. The call, his abrupt leave... they were like an itch I couldn't exactly reach. Not that I had seen him today either.

But he was last seen a few minutes ago...

Sitting by Dawn's limp side didn't help either. So I drew in a sharp breath and sagged against the chair, closing my eyes in concentration.

The last time Ash had left without any note was when he was kidnapped. The very incident flashed to the forefront of my mind, sending a shiver of unpleasant chills down my spine. Where is he?

The question echoed in the vanguard and confines of my mind. I tried to harness his feelings, tried to dig deep into the bond, but all it did was thrum lightly—the way my heart beat when he wasn't around: slow and normal.

"Sere?"

Now, it started racing, and I jolted my eyes open to meet another pair of blue eyes. Only, these were icicle-tired. She gave a tired smile and tried to sit up, but I immediately shot to my feet, struggling to come up with words.

"Dawn, please, rest!"

She fell back with a sigh, sinking into the pillows. "How long was I out?"

I hesitated. Two weeks. Or had it been more? "Long enough."

"Guessed so," she breathed softly, studying me for a minute before blinking. "Your hair looks more grown than the last time I saw you."

"Dawn, I'm sorr—"

"Don't!" she cut in, then hissed sharply.

"Dawn, don't strain yourself!"

"Then don't apologise." Her voice was low this time—lower than before—but she was wearing a smile. "It wasn't your fault... How's Kenny? May?"

"May's fine. She even went on a date night with Drew to a restaurant," I said, remembering fondly the time May sent photos of their night together two days ago. The happiness was wiped clean off my face when I processed the second part of her question. Kenny. "Um, Kenny. He's—"

"I think he's not here... Is he?" The smile was gone, now replaced by a somber expression. She looked away, her lips trembling. Her fists loosely clutched the cover, and I fought the urge to apologise to her. "That's okay. There's no need to worry. He'll find his soulmate."

It seemed like her statement was more of a reassurance to herself than to me. It pained my heart to see the most optimistic girl I've ever known frowning.

I sat down, taking quick breaths. "Nurse Joy said we can get you discharged today. What do you think?"

Dawn didn't consider it twice. "Yes, please!"

I was about to tell her that we could ride in Drew's car, as May had planned to spend the night at Dawn's. But a ring on my phone interrupted me. Ash.

— xoxo —

He was there. In his usual spot. The crossroads, the quiet street, the evening sun. It was all too familiar. I broke into a sprint to reach him, cuddling Lillie's book closer to my chest until I was standing in front of him.

He didn't break into an immediate smile or a rant of apologies as I had expected of him. Rather, his undeterred browns lingered on concerned blues. For a long time.

Then I looked away, snorting. "Why would you call me here now? I've got somewhere else to be."

He didn't answer right away, settling into his car and waiting for me to follow. I obliged, but stopped him from starting the engine. "I can't ride with you today. I'm taking Drew's to drop Dawn off and spend some time at hers."

The first thing he spoke was, "Isn't her home near the med school?"

I nodded after a minute of mental mapping. Then he smiled, even if it wasn't the usual grin. "Awesome. I'll pick you up then."

I bobbed my head again, hoping to look nonchalant even though my heart raced. "What did Lillie want yesterday, anyway?"

He drew in a sharp breath, his fingers curling around the steering wheel. "Gladion told her the location where my parents were found. I had to take a look, but of course, it was fake info. There was an abandoned garage with no habitation. Probably somewhere near the med school."

My mind reeled. "Your parents?"

"Yeah," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Two days ago, Gary's Gramps told us they're in Kalos because they found out about both of us having soulmates. They wanted to check in, which I think is the biggest mistake they've made."

"Why do you think so?"

"Because they could be hurt—used as bait to lure me in. You in too. I don't fancy putting you in danger, Serena."

I rolled my eyes, coming up with a snarky retort. "Too inconvenient that I'm stuck with you."

His grin returned—full force and enough to make my heart flutter. "Lucky me."

Without warning, he leaned forward. But I cut him short, despite my internal protests. "Ash, I have a question."

The boy pulled back, confusion clouding his eyes. "Go ahead."

"Why did you..." I bit my lip, lowering my gaze. "Why are you pursuing medical?"

The car fell silent as soon as the question died out. Then he exhaled deeply. "To learn more about the soulbond, you could say."

He leaned back, closing his eyes. "Why'd you ask that all of a sudden?"

"Because..." I started, unsure. "Because I never thought you would wish to read about... you know...?"

He nodded solemnly, lips thinning into a grim line. "It was the only way." His voice was quiet, like a rustle in the air. "To know what would help Gary and me... and our soulmates."

His gaze bore into mine, steady and grounding. I reached out to cup his cheek and smiled when he melted into my touch, closing his eyes with a satisfied hum. I briefly considered expressing what I felt... going for broke, and seeing what he would put on the table. But then I decided against it when my phone vibrated with a message.

It was from May.

Withdrawing, I got out of the car and sent him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. It'll work out. I'm sure you'll find them soon, safe and sound."

He nodded, mirroring my optimism. "I hope so too. Say, are you up for dining out tonight? If Mom-in-law permits?"

I simply couldn't turn that viciously hopeful grin down, could I?

"If she permits."

It widened, and my heart skipped a beat. Get a grip. "Aight. I better get going. Pick me up from Dawn's, yeah?"

"Sure. Just send me your location once you reach."

I nodded, taking deliberately slow steps away from the car. "Right! See you, Ash."

A smirk lit up his face,
his eyes glowing amber when the melting sun hit them imperfectly. "Waiting to see you again, Koibito."