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"Riko," Suguru calls gently, noticing Riko slump against the armrest of the couch, her eyes closed, her head resting on her open palm.
She's had such an exhausting day, and Suguru almost hates having to wake her - in the morning, a long journey back to Tokyo awaits them, and Riko needs to be well-rested. Still, he has no choice - Riko had asked to stay up to see the fireworks, and Suguru doesn't have it in him to refuse her. Not when she has so little time left.
"Riko," Suguru repeats softly, lightly touching her forearm, "Wake up."
She stirs at the contact, her long, dark eyelashes fluttering as she slowly opens her eyes.
"But I'm so tired," she protests faintly, her soft, sleepy voice making Suguru smile. Suddenly, it seems Riko realizes why he'd woken her - the next thing Suguru knows, she jolts upright in her seat and looks at him wide-eyed, "I didn't miss the fireworks, did I?"
"You didn't," Suguru assures her gently, and Riko's relief is almost palpable, "There's still some time left."
"Thank goodness," Riko smiles, picking up an open book resting in her lap, "I don't think I've ever fallen asleep while reading before - I was really counting on this book to help me stay awake."
"You've had a long day, so it's hardly surprising," Suguru chuckles lightly, "If reading's making you sleepy, maybe you could watch something instead or - "
"Wait, today's Thursday, right?" Riko cuts him off suddenly, "How could I forget!"
Before Suguru can respond, she's on her feet, grabbing the TV remote from the low coffee table.
"Can't believe I almost missed it," Riko continues, hastily flipping through the channels, "That would have been the worst!"
She finally stops on what appears to be a high school drama - the kind that was very popular with all the girls, at least, according to Satoru. How Satoru came upon that knowledge, Suguru had no idea - the only girl whose TV-watching habits they were familiar with was Shoko, and she'd only watched medical dramas and gruesome horror movies. It appears Satoru wasn't entirely wrong - Riko seems utterly mesmerized by what's happening on the screen.
"Perfect," she smiles, settling back into her seat, "We've only missed the first few minutes."
Suguru nods, leaning languidly against the back of the couch. As the show carries on, he finds himself stealing quick glances at Riko's. She looks so cheerful, so utterly taken by the episode - and yet, Suguru cannot help but wonder if, deep down, she's worried about what's to come.
The thoughts of Riko's impeding fate make Suguru's heart feel heavy. He'd been watching her all day, marveling at her joyful, spirited nature, so full of life. She'd seen and experienced so little - it felt unfair and wrong that soon all of it would be taken from her, that she would be erased from existence.
He hadn't breathed a word this to anyone, of course - it wasn't his place to opine on whether the Star Plasma Vessel should fulfill her duty. Still, in his heart, he couldn't help but wish she didn't have to go through with the merger.
Suguru never struggled with separating his emotions from his missions - and yet, something about this assignment seems different, making a cold, heavy feeling uncoil in his chest. Perhaps, it was because he was intimately familiar with having to give up everything he was, everything he knew and held dear, to become a part of something greater.
It wasn't the same as what Riko was about to experience, of course - not by a long shot. Still, he had to sacrifice his old life, his family and friends, and all he used to hold dear on the altar of becoming a jujutsu sorcerer.
When the teacher from Jujustu High first approached him, Suguru thought he could treat the new arrangement as though he was going away to boarding school and come back to visit his parents and friends any time he had a vacation. Only, he soon learned that this was impossible - the things he'd seen and experienced changed him forever, and the insurmountable chasm between Suguru and his parents and old friends grew wider each year.
Still, he was luckier than most - he got to meet Satoru and Shoko, Nanami and Haibara, all of whom have filled his life with new meaning. As for Riko...the only thing Riko had to look forward to was being locked in Jujustu High's basement after merging with an ancient creature.
Suguru glances at Riko. The sight of her glimmering eyes and the soft smile on her lips make his stomach churn and his heart clench - it feels wrong that someone like her was destined for such a horrid fate.
Riko gasps excitedly, pressing her hands to her mouth. Absent-mindedly, Suguru looks at the TV. It appears the main leads have finally gotten together if the innocent kiss they share on screen is anything to go by.
"Finally," Riko smiles brightly, "We've been waiting for them to become a couple for almost three years. Ah, I can't believe I almost missed this episode."
Suguru shakes his head - who would have thought a high school drama has enough material to last three whole years. As the credits roll, he looks over at the clock on the wall - only a short time left until the fireworks start.
"We've got about twenty minutes till the fireworks," he tells Riko, "Would you like to watch something else?"
"No," Riko shakes her head, "I think I'll read a little."
"Just don't fall asleep again," Suguru chuckles lightly, getting out his phone to check his messages. As expected, Satoru had sent him half a dozen silly pictures he'd found on the Internet, and Suguru makes sure to respond in kind.
Setting his phone aside, Suguru looks over to Riko. The book she'd intended to read lies abandoned on the armrest beside her, while Riko's glance is trained on her hands folded in her lap. Her face is pensive, and there is a frown between her eyebrows when she bites her lip.
"Riko," Suguru says softly, "Is everything alright?"
His words startle Riko.
"It's...it's nothing serious," she says, almost hastily, as she looks up, "Just silly things, really."
"Whatever it is, I'm happy to listen," Suguru replies, "And besides, what better way to pass the time than with some silly conversations."
A part of him hopes - almost prays - that she wants to talk about tomorrow. That she's feeling doubts and doesn't want to go through with the merger. Perhaps, this desire comes from a selfish place, but if it means that someone as precious as she gets to live a long life, then so be it.
"As I said, it's silly," Riko says after a momentary hesitation. In the soft light of the room, it almost looks like light pink blush blooms high in her cheeks, "But I was wondering... Have you ever kissed anyone?"
Suguru blinks slowly, processing her words, wondering momentarily if he's misheard the question. Riko looks at him expectantly, blue eyes brimming with curiosity and something else he cannot quite comprehend. Suguru can hardly suppress a sigh - perhaps, he shouldn't be too surprised by this question, given the show they just watched.
In truth, he has - twice.
The first time was on a dare from Satoru when Suguru and Shoko lost a bet to him. As the victor's spoils, Satoru decided that he wanted Suguru and Shoko to kiss - all to make them squirm.
"Next time you get injured, I'll make sure to only heal half of your broken ribs," Shoko almost hissed upon hearing Satoru's demand.
"Now then, there is no need to be a sore loser," Satoru laughed, "A bet's a bet - now get to it."
Suguru's always heard that the first kiss was special, particularly for the girls, and, given the circumstances, felt the need to apologize to Shoko in case it was her first.
"Aw, it's adorable you think that," Shoko chuckled at his words. Unbidden, his mind conjured up an image of Shoko kissing someone else and, instantly, a cold feeling uncoiled in Suguru's chest - for some reason, he hated the very thought of it.
The kiss was soft and light, yet somehow left Suguru utterly dizzy, making warm honey spill through his veins. When they pulled apart, he could feel a warm blush rise in his cheeks as his heart fluttered in his chest, and for another week, he could not look at Shoko without getting flustered.
Still, the incident was innocent enough and easy to move past. Suguru almost did - and then they kissed again.
He'd just returned from a long mission - bone-tired and aching and hurt to the very core. Shoko'd been worried about him, the deep shadows under her eyes betraying several sleepless nights. In the darkness of his room, she'd healed his injuries - and then he pressed his lips to hers.
Intoxicating heat rushed through his body as she responded to the kiss, setting his soul alight, leaving his mind delightfully blank. His heart beat staccato, and all he hoped for was that the moment would never end.
He was sure this would change everything between them - only it didn't. Shoko refused to talk about it in the morning, and he respected her too much to press. One thing was for certain - whatever that kiss meant to Suguru, it clearly didn't mean the same thing to her.
The memory still brought a flush to his face and kept him awake more nights than he cared to admit.
Still, he'd never speak of this to anyone - especially not to Riko. So, instead of so much that cannot be said, he meets Riko's gaze and simply nods.
"I see," Riko hums, her expression unreadable.
Suguru isn't sure how to respond, so he lets silence stretch between them. Fortunately, when he glances at the clock, he realizes it's almost time for the fireworks.
"The fireworks will start in a couple minutes," he says, trying to change the subject, "I'm certain you could see them from here, but if you'd like, I could move the chair closer to the window for you."
"Actually," Riko says, "I was hoping we could watch them from the balcony."
Suguru frowns, considering the request. It is much safer for her to watch the fireworks from the room, but between Riko's wide, hopeful eyes and the fact that these will be the last fireworks she sees, Suguru doesn't have it in him to refuse her.
Besides, he hasn't felt any curse users in some time - it should be fine.
"Very well, let's go to the balcony," Suguru nods.
Riko smiles at him, sun-bright and sweet, and Suguru cannot help but smile back. As Riko gets up from he seat, Suguru walks over to the balcony and pushes the door open.
The late August night is starlit and warm, the air filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the soft songs of the evening birds.
Riko approaches the edge of the balcony and leans against the wooden railing, resting her chin on the palm of her hand and looking expectantly out to the beach, where the fireworks are about to start. Quickly checking their surroundings to ensure no unexpected curse users have appeared, Suguru walks over and stands beside her.
Next thing they know, a bright burst of light spirals into the night sky, shattering into a myriad of glimmering purple sparks, followed by a white whisp that paints the very air silver. Suguru had been sure the most beautiful fireworks display he'd ever seen was at last year's Autumn Festival in Tokyo. However, as he watches more and more bright, glimmering lights dance across the sky, he realizes he may have been too hasty to make that judgment.
Riko looks mesmerized by the display, her dark blue eyes wide and glimmering with curiosity. Suguru's heart clenches - this will be the last she'll ever get to see this.
A part of him wants to tell her that it doesn't have to be the end, that she can see dozens - hundreds - more firework displays if only she chooses to forego the merger. Still, Suguru knows better than to offer his opinion - it isn't his place. The decision about her fate and future belongs to Riko alone. His and Satoru's only job is to ensure she safely arrives at the Tomb of the Star.
The last ball of light shoots into the night sky, bursting into a caleidoscope of sparks that rains down in glimmering blue and silver ribbons.
"That was beautiful," Riko beams brightly, turning to him, "I am so glad I got to see it."
Suguru smiles softly at her. He notices a stray strand of hair stretched across Riko's forehead, falling close to her eyes. Without thinking, he gently brushes it from her face and behind her ear.
Riko stills, looking at him wide-eyed as his fingers lightly graze her skin. Pale pink blush blooms high in her cheeks, and the next thing Suguru knows, she's leaning into his touch. The movement startles him, suddenly making Suguru acutely aware of just how close they are standing and that his hand lingered far longer than was proper. Somehow, the realization makes his heart beat staccato.
Her skin is soft and warm under his touch. She's so pretty in the gentle glow of the moon and looks at him with wide, trusting eyes. A strange feeling uncoils in his chest, and before Suguru does something he shouldn't, he pulls his hand away.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs, "I shouldn't have..."
"It's alright," Riko says quietly, looking away.
An uneasy silence stretches between them. Riko avoids his gaze, staring out from the balcony. Her face is pensive, almost solemn, but the way she's clasping her hands betrays her nervousness.
Instantly, guilt twists in Suguru's stomach - the last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable.
"Riko, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you," Suguru offers apologetically. Riko's quiet for a moment, then she looks him in the face.
"I'm not upset about you touching my hair," she says.
Suguru frowns, surprised. Could it be she's thinking about tomorrow?
"I am relieved to hear that," he replies, then adds, "I can see that there's something on your mind. You don't need to tell me if you don't want to, but know that I'm here to listen if you ever do want to talk."
Riko's hesitant, glancing at him through her dark eyelashes before looking down and biting her lip.
"It's silly, really," she says finally.
"I don't mind," Suguru chuckles.
Riko takes a deep breath.
"I...I've been thinking of the question I'd asked you earlier. You see, I've never...kissed anyone before. And after tomorrow, I never will."
She's flushed and flustered, her cheeks a deep shade of crimson as she avoids looking him in the eye. Her words don't surprise Suguru - by her own admission, Riko has lived a very sheltered life.
Still, it feels utterly unfair that someone as spirited, as lovely, as full of life as her will never get to have a first kiss.
"So I was wondering," Riko continues, her voice hardly louder than a whisper, "Could I...Could I kiss you?"
Suguru blinks slowly, wondering if he'd misheard. Perhaps, the exhaustion of the last few days has gotten the best of him, and he's begun imagining things. But Riko's dark blue eyes are full of glimmering hope, and he knows there has been no mistake.
His gaze drops, unbidden, to her lips and lingers far longer than it should. He knows he should refuse - keeping emotions separate from the mission was one of the cardinal rules for a jujutsu sorcerer.
But Riko's never been just a mission to him, has she?
"Is that what you'd like?" the treacherous words escape his mouth before he can even think.
"Yes," Riko breathes out. His gaze drops again to her rosebud-rich lips, sending his heart racing.
"Very well."
Suguru doesn't remember leaning in, only the moment his lips found hers. The kiss is light and yet so sweet it almost feels sinful. Riko's soft and warm under his touch, and the feeling's enough to make Suguru's head spin. Without thinking, he wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Surprised, she sighs against his mouth in the most delightful way, the sound spilling warm honey through his veins.
When they pull apart, they are both flushed and breathless. Suguru looks into Riko's face intently, taking note of the bright pink blush on her cheeks, the soft curve of her mouth, the shadows of her long eyelashes. He wants to commit this moment to memory - after all, in just a few short hours, they'll return to Jujutsu High, and Riko will be lost to him forever.
He knows he should be grateful that this moment at least is given to them, but he cannot help the bitter feeling welling in his chest. Riko is sweet and vibrant, and genuine - she, more than anyone, deserves to live a long, full, and happy life.
She deserves to see the world and all its beauty, to meet someone and fall in love, to have a family if that's what she wants. Had she decided to live instead of merging with Tengen, someone would have loved her, of that Suguru has no doubt.
He could have loved her.
"Thank you," Riko says, smiling softly.
Suguru doesn't know what to answer. A selfish part of him wants to beg her not to proceed with the merger, but he cannot do that to her - not when she'd already decided what she wants. So, instead, he simply nods.
"You know," Riko continues, "I wish I could see the firework display tomorrow - I've read the pamphlet in the lobby, and, supposedly, it will be just as grand. But that's just being greedy, isn't it?"
"Tengen waited a few hundred years for this - surely a couple days can't make a difference," Suguru shrugs, trying to still the hope-filled beat of his heart.
"If only," Riko smiles, chagrinned, "It has already been decided - the merger has to occur tomorrow."
Suguru's heart drops. He takes her hand and cups it in both of his, sweeping his thumb across her palm. It seems so small and pale against his, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. And, instead of so much that cannot be said, he lightly squeezes her hand as he looks her in the eyes, hoping and praying that she'll understand - it is an act of despair.
***
"I want to have more time with everyone," Riko sobs, her face flushed, her voice breaking.
Suguru is very strong, but still, only a boy, and he cannot do what needs to be done - he cannot leave Riko here. And if that means he'll fail the mission, then so be it - even if he has to fight Tengen all by himself.
She deserves to live a long, happy life - and Suguru's willing to give anything to ensure that she does.
"Let's go home, Riko," he says softly, offering her his hand.
Somehow, his words seem to calm her down. Riko stops crying and wipes her tears before looking up at him. Suguru smiles at her reassuringly, and slowly, a shy, almost unsure smile blooms on Riko's face as she reaches for his hand.
Distantly, Suguru hears a loud, jarring sound. Next thing he knows, Riko isn't in front of him anymore, and his fingers only grasp the empty air.
"Riko?"