She watched him talking to his team members from a distance and saw their expressions changing from clueless to shocked to pained. Though she couldn’t hear what they’re saying, she could feel the air growing heavy. 

It’s true. It’s really true. Why?

She lowered her eyes and bit her lower lip to prevent tears from escaping. She hoped with all her heart that Rindou was joking.

“W was in last place, but K is suspended for the time being. It was his decision.”

Too shocked to say anything, she stared at Rindou, blankly. He studied her expression momentarily before continuing, “He’s returning to America. He doesn’t know when he’ll be back, but until then, Team K will not be performing.”

She held onto a little hope that Rindou may be playing a prank on her, and that her lover will laugh and say she’s silly for thinking such a thought.

She caught a glimpse of his shoes getting closer to her but kept her eyes glued to the floor. He placed his warm hand on her flushed cheeks and forced her eyes to meet his.

They remained silent, quietly looking into each other’s eyes, exchanging unspoken words. He could tell by a single glance that she found out, but he had no choice. He had to do it for her- for her health, her safety, and her life.

“Are you r-really leaving?” She barely managed to get those words out. 

A heartbroken expression found its way onto his face, “For a little. I don’t think it’ll take long but…” 

He paused for a bit and stared at her with a soft expression – an expression he reserved only for her, “The time I spend without you will be nothing less than endless suffering for me.” 

She remained silent, not knowing how to react to his words. 

“While I’m away, you will be safe in Starless. And with you here, Starless can also stay alive. Please keep an eye on it for me.” 

“Y-yeah.” She averted her away from him. 

Taking a step closer to her, he whispered in a gentle voice, “I look forward to seeing you again.” He pressed his lips to her forehead and took her into his arm, knowing that she was on the verge of crying. 

She buried her face in his chest, taking in his scent and warmth one last time. Though she wanted to tell him many things, her voice failed her as she could only manage to say, “Please, take c-care.” 

“I will.” He whispered as he slowly released her from his embrace. His eyes studied her face for the last time, taking in her pained, blood-shot eyes, her quivering lips, and her flushed cheeks. Forgive me, my love.

He placed his hand on top of her head before heading towards the entrance of Starless. Quickly turning around, she extended a hand towards him. She wanted to run to him, throw her arms around him, but her legs wouldn’t move. She wanted to tell him how much she loves him and that she can’t bear to live without him, but no words came out of her mouth. Please don’t go!

As soon as he disappeared out of sight, she fell to her knees and hid her face in the palm of her hands. Some of the members of Starless watched her in shock as she cried her heart out. The knot in her chest growing heavier and heavier. 

She knew he would be back and also had faith in him, but the thought of not being able to see him for weeks, maybe even months, cast a shadow over her mind. 

Her heart shattered piece by piece, and only he could put it back together.

Please, Kei, come back soon.