The Melancholy of Mira Illiya

Rei sighed, watching Ren knock on Mira’s door for what felt like the hundredth time. How long had this been going on? Ren had lost count.

“Still no luck, huh?” Rei’s tone was casual, but her concern was clear.

Behind the door, Mira remained distant. She blamed herself, no doubt.

Ren leaned his forehead against the frame. So, this is what it feels like. He’d spent days regretting how he’d been distant when they were giving out the drink samples, distracted by Nexi’s revelation that the time cube was ready. The weight of his indecision was still heavy, but seeing Mira like this made it worse.

“Mira,” Ren said softly, hoping his words would reach her through the barrier. “This isn’t your fault… If anything, it’s mine. I’m the one who came up with the final plan.”

There was a long silence, broken only by the faint click of the door unlocking. Ren hesitated before gently pushing it open. Mira sat cross-legged on her bed, her expression sullen. She nodded for him to come in.

“You were right, Ren,” she said quietly. “I was too naive.”

If this were any other time, Ren might’ve jumped for joy at hearing Mira admit she was wrong about love. But instead of triumph, something else stirred inside him—something heavier.

“So, what? You’re just gonna give up?” he asked, his tone sharper than he intended.

“Maybe society is better the way it is,” Mira replied, her voice steady but low. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this. But it’s okay now, Ren. You don’t have to force yourself to stay here just for me. Or maybe… you were just staying to see my ‘naive ideals’ fail, like you said they would.”

Ren opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off. “I know why you’ve been acting so strange. I made Nexi tell me.”

Ren shot a look at the hovering AI bot.

“I apologize, Mr. Ren,” Nexi said. “I had no choice but to follow Mira’s directives.”

Ren sighed. “This is what happens when you dive headfirst with your silly, idealistic views, without thinking about the consequences,” he muttered.

The words hung in the air, and the look on Mira’s face made him regret them instantly.

“Well, it doesn’t matter now, does it?” she said, turning her gaze away. “You got your wish. Now you can go back to your nice, stable life. Unwilling to let anyone in or even have the slightest of belief in the possibility of a genuine human connection.” Her voice cracked, but she didn’t let it break completely. “Back to being too afraid to trust.” She glanced at him briefly before looking away again, regret etched in her features.

Her words struck a chord he never knew he had. Ren scoffed. “Honestly? I can’t wait.” He turned to Nexi. “Have everything ready to send me back by tonight.”

“...Understood,” Nexi replied.

“Wait, Ren—” Before Mira could say anything else, he was already out the door.

***

Ren wandered aimlessly through the city for the rest of the day, his thoughts a tangled mess. The streets, the buildings, even the people—all of it had become so familiar, far more than he ever thought possible.

Before he realized, the stars sparkled above him, etched against the dark canvas of the night sky. He sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Stupid Mira,” he muttered. “Stupid me…”

As he turned to head back, a man passed by holding a familiar pamphlet. Ren’s steps faltered. Wait… is that—?

“Excuse me,” Ren said, stopping the man. “What’s that you’re holding?”

The man handed him the pamphlet, and Ren instantly recognized it. The cheesy graphics, the over-the-top romance advice—this was one of the handouts Mira had created during their early schemes.

The man smiled warmly. “I remember you two. Your pamphlet really helped me see a new side of myself. Thank you.”

Ren blinked, caught off guard. He muttered a polite reply and continued walking, but similar encounters kept springing up.

He noticed a businessman who appeared to be on his back from work. He met up with a woman and handed her a rose, which she warmly accepted. They noticed Ren and thanked him and Mira for introducing him to the “romantic custom of giving flowers.”

He passed a couple holding hands, their faces glowing with happiness. It took him a moment to realize they were the same couple who had stayed behind after their matchmaking scheme.

“What’s with all these weird coincidences?” Ren muttered.

Lastly, a young woman stopped him. “You’re that guy from the university! The one handing out Spark samples with the cute girl!”

Ren gave her a wary look. “Uh… yeah, I guess?”

She smiled. “I just wanted to say thank you. Even if the drink isn’t around much anymore, it helped me reconnect with my emotions. It was overwhelming at first, but I’m so grateful. I hope more people realize what they’re missing out on by holding back their feelings.”

Her words lingered long after she walked away.

Ren trudged back to the apartment, his thoughts churning. All this time, he’d dismissed their schemes as ridiculous. And yet, even the most absurd of their efforts had touched someone’s life. Had made even a bit of difference.

Maybe Mira was right. Maybe there was something worth fighting for.

By the time he reached the apartment, Ren had made up his mind. He opened the door to find Rei pacing the living room, her usual composure replaced by genuine worry.

“Ren!” she exclaimed, relief and anxiety mixing in her voice.

Nexi hovered nearby, but Ren immediately noticed something—or rather, someone—was missing.

“Where’s… Mira?”

Rei hesitated, avoiding his gaze.

“Mira has been summoned to NOVA headquarters for questioning,” Nexi said, breaking the silence. “Her actions regarding Spark and the recent emotional upheaval in the city are under investigation.”

Ren’s chest tightened. “No…”

“She left strict instructions for me to return you to your time immediately,” Nexi added.

“Why would she—”

Rei’s voice cracked. “Please, Ren…” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Nexi hovered closer. “Do I have your confirmation, Mr. Ren? I can return you to your original time and place without issue. Just say the word.”

Ren hesitated, his mind racing.

“Ren…” Rei’s voice was barely above a whisper.

He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening with determination. “No. Take me to her.”

“Mr. Ren, I must warn you,” Nexi said. “Going to NOVA headquarters will almost certainly result in the confiscation of the time cube. Furthermore, the consequences for both you and Mira are beyond my predictions.”

Ren’s jaw tightened. “Even so. Take me to her.”

There was a pause before Nexi finally replied. “Understood. I will override Mira’s directives.”

“I’m coming too,” Rei said firmly.

“It is highly recommended that you remain behind,” Nexi said. “Your presence may unnecessarily complicate the situation.”

Ren placed a hand on her shoulder. “Stay here, Rei. I’ll bring her back. I promise.”

Rei sniffled, wiping her eyes. “You better. Go get her, heartbreaker.”

Ren nodded, his resolve clear. “Let’s go, Nexi.”