Summary: Takes place after "Beautiful firefly in a red dress".
While Hotaru is hiding from a Haunted, Ruvik asks her a strange question.
I call this ship Vikaru.
My red dress is all dirty.
My cyborg components have traces of blood on them.
The barbed wire all over my body is still there.
I feel like they’re squeezing my skin, but without drawing blood.
I am in an abandoned village.
Well, almost abandoned because there are zombies, Haunted everywhere.
A thick fog is there, which camouflages my presence.
I enter a two-story house to find something, anything, that can help me leave STEM.
Suddenly, I hear a growl.
There's a Haunted in the next room.
I was about to leave the room I was in when the zombie broke down the door and came after me.
My heart speeds up.
I run to the second floor and find a closet.
I hide inside.
A few seconds later, Ruvik shows his presence.
He who had remained silent for so long.
<Why> Resounds his voice in my mind.
Even though I don't want to, I blush at the sound of his voice.
<Ruvik, now is not the time.>
<Why?> He asks me again.
It's a strange question. I sigh softly.
<Why do you hate me?>
I hear the Haunted’s footsteps approaching.
<What? I don't hate you.>
I don't know any more if it's the truth or a lie. Ruvik is an enemy, I know that, but I feel strange when he speaks to me. Is it attraction?
<So why don't you love me?>
<I've already explained why. You're evil.>
<I don't understand. Ho…ta…ru. I…>
<Have you forgotten? You don't even know if you feel love or hate for me!>
The Haunted is in front of the closet. I hold my breath.
<That's not true. I know what that feeling is now.>
The zombie bangs on the wardrobe with a growl. I hold myself back from gasping.
<It is love. Love. Ho...ta...ru. I love you.>
Ruvik continues to talk about his love for me, but I don't listen.
I stay focused on the Haunted.
He bangs the closet again and walks away. I can start breathing again.
<Ho…ta…ru… Don't ignore me.>
I sigh in frustration.
<Ruvik! I didn't have time to listen to you. I was in danger! I could have been killed!>
He doesn't seem to understand me. According to him, nothing can hurt me.
<Oh really? I can't transform, I have no weapon, and those monsters are everywhere!>
Ever since I left the mansion, I've done nothing but hide, run from these things.
<I protect you, Ho...ta...ru.>
<And please stop saying my name like that!>
Ruvik's voice falls silent for a moment.
<I am sorry, Ho...Hotaru.>
I sigh again. He says he's protecting me, but he's never done anything against the Haunted.
I step out of the closet. I feel frustrated, but I still blush.
After all, Ruvik apologized.