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link4eva · 2 years ago

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Kiro’s My Heart Jumps for Joy Mind’s Quest Translation [CN]

Hello, thank you for patience! The translation of this masterpiece of a date has arrived!! 😍

💛 A few things to note before you begin reading 💛

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can find the Exclusive Radio for this date here!

This translation was done with the help of Google Translate and @keliosyfan!

I’m going to be including links to videos about certain moves and exercises that are described/mentioned in the date if you would like a little more detail. I’ve been classically trained in ballet ever since I was 5, so I’m going to leave little tidbits here and there throughout. My bun head self was so giddy while reading through 🤩

I am going to give a slight TRIGGER WARNING in regards to the theme of weight loss in this date. The content of the date doesn’t really revolve around this topic, but it was mentioned enough times for me to feel that I should say something about it. Having been in the dance scene, I know it can be a sensitive topic.

So without further ado, enjoy!

*Spoilers for future content below!*

[First Part]

??: Dear passengers, welcome to Loveland Airlines flight LY0521 from Loveland City to Bern…

Accompanied by the gentle broadcast sound, I quickly finished the work email. After closing the file, I click to open the top chat box–

“Hey, I’ll take off right away~”

The moment the message is sent, a typing indicator pops up with a round-headed bear bouncing around.

Kiro: “Great! See you in seventeen hours and seven minutes!”

After the message arrived, another bear popped up and blew a pink heart kiss to me.

After we “blew kisses” back and forth several times with joy, I turned on airplane mode and looked at the blue sky outside the porthole. *CUUUUUTE*

In order to star in a literary film with a professional ballet dancer as the main character, Kiro decided to go to France for further studies despite the training he had when he was young.

Because this stay is for a month, we agreed to celebrate New Year’s in France so that he could study without apprehension.

(Flashback to MC’s bedroom)

One week ago, Kiro unexpectedly sent a message adding additional plans–

Kiro: “MC, I’m going to Bern to find the teacher who taught me back then to take ballet lessons. See you in Bern!”

(Back to present)

MC: Phew… finally arrived.

After getting off the plane, I pulled the suitcase and walked quickly to the exit while rubbing my sore shoulders.

After walking through several passages, I finally saw the pick-up area. However–

The area was densely packed with golden heads occupying my field of vision. My ability to “spot the blond at a glance” is completely lost here. *I’m hoping this is what the text meant to say. GT made it sound really strange lol*

MC: Hmm…let’s use the power of technology.

Just as I was about to take out my phone, a brown colour appeared in the corner of my eye at a distance, shaking left and right midair in the crowd.

I looked closely and found that it was a little bear hand puppet!

It is wearing a beret and a plaid suit. It is obviously a gentleman’s outfit, but it is waving its bear paws excitedly, and its round head is also swinging back and forth in a rock-and-roll style.

After I waved to the Little Bear with a knowing smile, I quickened my pace.

At the same time, Little Bear also quickened his pace. *Changed some wording*

As I crossed the boundary line of the exit, I finally saw the person I had missed day and night for the past half month.

MC: Kiro!

I let go of my luggage and threw myself into his arms. He tightened his arms, and a laughing voice rang in my ears.

Kiro: It seems that Kiro is also very lucky today.

Kiro: It was supposed to take seventeen hours and seven minutes to see you, but only sixteen hours and fifty-three minutes have passed. *The fact that he counts down the minutes until he sees his beloved again 😭*

MC: Pfft, are you so easily satisfied? It’s just ten minutes early…

Kiro: But for those of us who haven’t seen Miss Chips for half a month, we should cherish every moment we can earlier.

MC: Us?

He raised the Little Bear with a smile, and it leaned down to me in a gentlemanly manner and kissed my cheek.

Kiro: Bear Ro-Ro misses you so much that he told me to kiss you when we meet~

Kiro: But I made an agreement with him a few weeks in advance. He can only kiss cheeks, and I–

In the next second, a softer touch lands on my upper lip and leaves a touch of sweetness.

Looking at the cunning he had in his eyes, I stand on my tiptoes and rubbed my nose with his.

MC: This big star Kiro really has a bunch of tricks up his sleeve. *Changed some wording. GT was giving something about 108 minds and I couldn’t tell you what it meant. I searched forever and couldn’t find anything 🥲*

MC: Even “stealing relatives” needs to find a high-sounding reason~ *This, too...*

Kiro: Don’t you like it? It’s not impossible to omit this step next time…

Just as I was about to smile and pinch his palm, my phone sounded with the company’s notification tone.

MC: …Give me one sec.

Kiro: Is it still busy during this time?

MC: It’s okay~ In order to have a happy New Year with Superstar Kiro, I have already dealt with most of the stuff at work.

MC: Now we are waiting for an overseas company’s cooperation intention to reply.

Kiro: So that’s it…and there’s a lot of time for me?

After pressing the send button, I took his arm with a smile.

MC: Well, almost 70% of the time is yours. The rest I can leave to work~

Kiro: Not bad, I’m accounted for more than half of your time.

He rolled his eyes, took my hand and walked towards the parking lot.

But after walking a few steps, I suddenly felt something was wrong and squeezed his palm.

Like realizing something, I took two quick steps forward, then turned around to face him, carefully observing him as I walked backwards.

Perhaps because of the sunlight, his jawline was more defined, and even his eye sockets became somewhat deep.

Although I knew that in order to meet the requirements of the role, he needed to be thinner. But now that I actually get to see him in person, he was much thinner than in the video call a few days ago.

MC: …

I feel a surge of tears beginning to rise, making my eyes feel a little hot.

Kiro has made such an effort for this role. I want to affirm him more than feel sorry for him.

I sniffled hard, pretending to be cold, and gave him a big smile.

MC: Kiro, you did it, congratulations! You have lost a lot of weight! Now it is very in line with what you showed me before the appearance of the protagonist was set. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: Really? Is it that obvious?

MC: Of course! My Kiro now has a thin and lean beauty.

He opened his eyes slightly and smiled triumphantly.

Kiro: With your words, I seem to have the courage to insist on eating salad for a month again.

MC: You want to lose more weight?

Kiro: Well, after showing the teacher the premise of the character I’m playing, he thinks that the upper body needs to be thinner.

I froze for a moment and reacted belatedly.

MC: Are you talking about the ballet teacher you came here to take lessons with?

Kiro nodded.

MC: It seems that this mentor is really serious, otherwise he wouldn’t have made you willing to “toss” back and forth like this.

He seemed to be lost in thought, and after a while, he grinned wryly.

Kiro: It’s better to say...that he’s a devil teacher rather than just a teacher.

[Second Part]

After returning to Kiro’s temporary residence in Bern, it was already dark.

First, he studied the script for two hours according to the plan, and after half an hour of exercise…

We finally lay down on the sofa and chatted while resting, listening to the stories about him practising when he was young.

MC: What?! Even if you practice until late at night the day before, you have to get up at 5:30 in the morning the next day to practise again? *Can confirm this is 100% true. Had some practices until midnight sometimes and then had to go to school bright and early the next day. Rip 🥲*

Hearing this, I couldn’t help raising my head from his arms in surprise.

Kiro: Well, there are benefits to waking up early, too. You can take your time and have a hot breakfast. Otherwise, you can only just bite a piece of bread and run to class.

Kiro: But what impressed me the most was that if we fell below his expectations even just a little bit, he would force us to stand on our heads.

Kiro: Ah— At that time, I was dizzy every day and often saw stars in front of my eyes in the room.

He paused and poked my nose triumphantly.

Kiro: But under such strict training, I was accidentally trained to be a pro “One, two, three wooden man”! *If you’ve heard of “Freeze Dance”, it’s pretty similar to what I believe he’s saying here (except that it’s not a punishment lol). The goal of the game is to only dance when the music is playing. When the music stops, everyone freezes. If you’re caught moving even just a little bit, you’re out. Whoever is the last one remaining wins. For an added challenge, there’ll be certain poses that the players have to freeze in such as a tree or flamingo.*

MC: Pfft… why is this such a game? Is it some kind of trick to avoid the devil teacher?

Kiro: Hmph, that’s right! As long as I am punished to stand on my head, I will try to “idle” while he is not looking at me~

Kiro: If I don’t, my head will be filled with blood and I will pass out, and I don’t want the ambulance to “wee woo, wee woo” me away. *He actually makes the siren sounds LOL*

MC: …

Listening to him joking about his previous experience, I felt a bit of a tug at my heart.

Even though I know this is typical for professional training, I still feel that this is a bit “wicked” for a ten-year-old child.

MC: Damn, I didn’t expect it to be so “devilish”!

Faced with my belated dissatisfaction, Kiro just smiled, his eyes reflecting the colours of flickering stars.

Then his fingertips wove between mine as if absorbing their warmth and began caressing them gently.

Kiro: I didn’t care about those things long ago, but now that I’m hearing Miss Chips’ cry of injustice…

Kiro: I am still very happy.

I couldn’t help hugging him and leaning my head gently against his chest.

MC: …Then the reason why you came to him for mentoring is that this teacher has an irreplaceable strength?

Kiro hugged me tightly, closing the distance between us silently.

Kiro: That’s right. But at the beginning, I didn’t have such an idea, but when I was training in France some time ago…

Kiro: I found that although the teacher in charge is very professional, he just encouraged me to get used to things slowly whenever I made a mistake. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: But…I don’t have much time to get used to it.

Kiro: I have to practice every movement to the extreme as soon as possible so that I can take on more difficult skills.

MC: Have you communicated with him? Ask him to be stricter?

He paused, his eyes flickering with a complex expression.

Kiro: Well, he said that it was because I have missed the best age to practice professional ballet…

Kiro: So even if one were to follow the requirements of professional dancers, it may not be enough.

He let go of me slightly, the deep sea in his eyes filled the night with more profound emotions secretly surging.

Kiro: But even though he said that, I still can’t accept it.

The classical music flowing continuously from the record player in the room became extremely clear in the “pause” at this moment.

Kiro got off the sofa silently and walked towards the centre of the terrace alone–

Looking at his sudden actions, I seemed to know what he was going to do next, but I also didn’t.

I can only watch him quietly.

After he slightly raised the corners of his lips to me, his body swayed gently to the melody.

*Bear with me as I give some terminology. GT isn’t the best at giving exact details for movements, so I had to get creative to make the steps make sense in word format 😅*

Soon, he seemed to enter the state. Kiro took a round step, jumped into the air and twirled lightly. *It looks like here he is doing a piqué turn en dehors and then going into a tour en l’air. You can watch it here (start at 1:30)*

The moonlight spread across the area, dyeing him bright and clean. His slender arms seem to touch the stars, stretching with supple grace.

Several times, he made difficult moves in the air that I couldn’t put a name to, just like an angel who strayed into the mortal world. *(Video) The text doesn’t say which moves but this link will give you an idea of what is being described here*

He danced like this in the moonlight with the specs of dust, flowing in my unmoving eyes.

I don’t know how long it took before Kiro put down his lightly raised arms and turned to look at me.

Kiro: MC, this is the only episode that was approved by that teacher when I was ten years old.

Kiro: Although I didn’t study with him for long, I still remember this part even now.

Kiro: …Every moment, height, and angle I never forgot.

Looking at the man who was still panting slightly, I couldn’t help sitting up from the sofa and staring at him sincerely.

MC: Kiro, although I don’t know much about ballet, I think the part you just performed was awesome.

MC: Just like the professional ballet dancers I see on TV.

Kiro: Really?

Kiro: But this is not enough.

Kiro: Because I want to play the protagonist who is dancing in the presence of thousands of people on stage.

Kiro: For this reason, he has put in a lot of hard work. He has been practising day and night since he was five years old. In the past twenty years, he never slacked off a single day.

Kiro: And there’s this kind of distance between me and that person that I can’t catch up with.

Kiro: I can only keep practising, keep running forward, and walk through every road he has experienced.

Kiro: Only in this way can I empathize with him and interpret this role more realistically.

Kiro said this softly, his eyes slowly falling back on me.

Kiro: Therefore, his skills must not be treated “according to” Kiro’s own conditions.

Kiro: It is to be worthy of the stage of ten thousand people.

Kiro: I have to be worthy of this pride.

Kiro spoke firmly against the night as if nothing could shake him.

At the same time, a gust of evening wind blows, and the raised hem of his clothes outlines his emaciated body.

The already distinct collarbone is getting deeper now, and even his shoulder blades are clearly protruding.

The emotion called “distress” turned into a thin rope at this time and it slowly twisted, making my breathing more rapid.

I silently walked behind Kiro and hugged him proudly but gently.

MC: Kiro, if you work hard, you will definitely make it through.

MC: And I will always be with you.

He turned around with a smile and rubbed my head.

Kiro: Then I will prepare you in advance. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: I may practice without sleep or food, and may even have some small abrasions on my body…

Kiro: You can’t stop me then.

Hearing his coquettish tone, I couldn’t help smiling and leaning into his arms.

MC: Of course, I know that. After all, you are Kiro who pursues perfection.

MC: Besides, I’m by your side now.

MC: If you feel tired and out of breath because you are too involved in doing something…

MC: I will hold you firmly like driftwood in the water so that you can find support as soon as you reach out. Reach out and I’ll be there.

MC: Let me help you find your breath.

MC: So you can rest assured do your best.

[Memory Silhouette]

It was late at night and light snow fell outside the window.

Kiro sat in a corner of the terrace, quietly watching the world being gradually dyed into a pure white.

He originally thought that the chat tonight was just a shallow recollection of childhood trivialities.

But the sleepless heart lying on the bed seemed to prove that his emotions were not as relaxed as he had thought.

Although he has long forgotten how painful it is to stretch his legs to the right degree. *Changed some wording*

He could still vaguely see a picture in his mind with transparent ink stains dripping on the smooth floor.

It’s just that no one can tell whether it’s tears or sweat. *From experience, probably both 🥲*

Kiro exhaled lightly, stood up on his tiptoes and jumped again following the fluttering white snow.

But even so, he still likes it all.

Whether it is music or dance, they can make one’s heart calm.

And even more so when he was a child.

Apart from KEY’s home, he likes to spend time alone in the practice room.

You can temporarily isolate yourself, and then devote your full being to the melody of each stanza. *Changed some wording*

It’s where no one can bother him, it belongs to him alone–

A secret base.

Thinking of this, Kiro couldn’t help raising the corners of his lips.

He hummed softly, and in the ever-changing dance steps, he caught flakes of white snow with his palm.

It wasn’t until a cloud slowly blows away that the obscured stars finally appear.

Kiro looked at the sky and couldn’t help but speak softly.

Kiro: Miss Chips, the stars are out.

After a brief silence, Kiro looked back at the girl who was already asleep and walked quietly to her side.

The girl fell asleep peacefully, the laptop was still on the quilt, and the screen was covered with program budgets.

Kiro: Trying to work with jet lag must be hard, right?

Kiro picked up the laptop while talking, and after pressing the save button, he closed the screen and put it aside.

Just when he was about to get into bed, he seemed to have thought of something, and suddenly stayed in place.

Kiro: …

In the next second, Kiro began to rub his somewhat cold hands to warm them up and then on the clothes and trousers that were penetrated with cold air.

It wasn’t until his body became warm that he lifted the quilt and lay down slowly.

But before he could find the most suitable sleeping position, the girl suddenly rolled over and hugged him.

Kiro: Are you a koala? You found the right place in one go.

Even though he said this, he still gently took the girl into his arms.

Just as he closed his eyes contentedly, he suddenly opened his eyes as if he had forgotten the most important thing.

Kiro smiled, leaned over and kissed the girl’s soft lips. *This is a reference to his first Exclusive Memory in his Mini House where they agreed to share a kiss in the morning when they wake up and before they go to bed 💛*

Kiro: Good night, my Miss Chips.

[Third Part]

The morning sun gleamed leisurely on my eyelids. I opened my eyes and found that the other half of the bed was empty, only covered with residual warmth.

Thinking that Kiro had already woken up, I also took out the laptop beside the bed and started working.

There is a seven-hour time difference between Loveland City and here, so I can only start work in the early hours of the morning and at midnight.

In order to finalize the cooperation intention with the overseas “TN” company earlier, I have been organizing online meetings with Anna and optimized the planning proposal and budget table many times.

It’s just that the other party hasn’t expressed its intention and my heart is beginning to sink.

After another reminder to keep the staff on track, I got off the computer and walked out of the bedroom in my nightgown.

(Cut to courtyard)

The morning sun shines in through the leaves in the courtyard, casting a peaceful moment.

I walked lazily until I noticed the empty yogurt bowl on the island in front of me and a banana peel in the trash can.

This scene reminded me of the thin frame dancing in the moonlight.

I pursed my lips, stepped forward and opened the refrigerator–

At a glance, there are only fruits and vegetables and unsweetened yogurt on the side door panel.

MC: He’s been eating these every day…there’s not even meat.

I continued to rummage and finally found a steak in the small and exquisite freezer with a sticky note on the sealed bag–

Kiro: “I’ll eat you on Thursday!”

Kiro: “What’s Kiro, who’s had meat for only two days, going to do? Can’t stand it T_T *Changed some wording*

Just seeing the words on the sticky note, his tone of grievance and bitterness filled in my mind.

Feeling sad, I picked up a pen and wrote a cute little sentence–

“I promise that when you accomplish the weight loss, we will find an authentic hot pot restaurant in Switzerland, so come on!”

After closing the refrigerator, I sighed and walked toward the living room. My gaze continued to search for Kiro’s figure.

As if responding to me, after turning a corner, I heard soft piano music playing slowly.

I followed the sound and saw a figure standing against the light.

Kiro stepped on the green grass with bare feet and stretched his slender arms toward the blue sky as if he was stroking something.

His fingertips touch the tree trunk, one arm stretched over the other as his leg extended up in the air.

The close-fitting clothes trace out lean lines and the light is like a paintbrush, leaving traces of lustre. *Once again, GT wasn’t very clear, but it sounds like he is doing an adage which is slower-paced to focus on lines and extensions of the body. The video here will give you an idea.*

Under the shadowy backlight, that unreal figure seemed to make me really see the dream-chasing boy in the script.

The sky and the earth are his audience, the grass, trees and sunshine are his feathers, and the sound of rustling leaves in the wind is the uninterrupted applause.

And like a noble prince standing under the sunlight, the immediate everything is calmly captured in his eyes.

I never made a sound, unwilling to destroy the eternal moment in this “picture frame”. It wasn’t until the sound of the piano subsided that he finally stopped and sat on the soft bed next to him. *It’s interesting that “picture frame” is mentioned because this is one of the techniques used in dance. You can use it for any sort of dance but adage is one where it’s super important to remember. Basically, imagine that as you are dancing, there is a photographer who is taking pictures of you throughout. As these pictures are being taken, you want the photographer to capture each and every position you go through to get to the next. While you want each position to be clear in the picture, you also have to remember to have your body flow rather than have it be rigid.*

I don’t know what he is thinking as he waits for his panting breaths to calm down. Only then did he reach out and lace his fingers into his hair gently, lifting it out of the way.

My gaze was following his movements, and when I found that the zipper was reaching his waist, I opened my mouth in a strange way.

MC: Do you need help?

Hearing my voice, Kiro paused slightly. He stood still for a moment and then looked sideways at me.

The moment our eyes met, the deep blue sea begins to secretly surge.

It’s as if it’s going to drag me into the tide.

Kiro: Well, help me undo it.

His voice was slightly hoarse. I walked over and slowly undid the zipper.

With the movement, the tulle of the shirt slid to the sides, revealing the thin neck and slightly protruding spine.

Perhaps the sunlight was a bit dazzling which made me involuntarily put my fingertips on his.

It is a different touch from the past because it is not so smooth. It is also a little cold.

I pursed my lips and continued to pull down the zipper. Looking at the gradually revealing spine, I finally couldn’t help blurting out my silent emotions.

MC: Kiro, I’ve made up my mind, I want to accompany you. Let’s start with a salad.

MC: I know it will be very hard for one person, so let’s work together to resist the temptation of delicious food. Just consider it a challenge!

MC: But you have to promise me that when the shooting is over, you will eat all the meat that is hidden away.

MC: If Savin disagrees, I will help you to intercede.

MC: Otherwise…you might as well take on some characters that need to gain muscle so that you can eat delicious foods freely–

Without waiting for these words to pour out, he suddenly turned around, put his hands on my lower back and kissed me.

The sudden kiss made me feel overwhelmed, but the instigator just kept silent as he breathed with me.

Slowly, his cold body embraced me and we sank onto the soft couch together, as if immersed in a clear spring in winter.

I opened my eyes slightly and found that the eyes of the person close at hand were still shut, his eyelashes trembled slightly with his breathing.

But soon, he seemed to notice my gaze and opened his eyes.

Kiro: …

Now that his eyes were no longer closed, he looked at me quietly, his fingertips wandering around my lower back.

His fingertips were “cascading”, slowly running over my back and continuously rolling upwards until finally sinking deep into my hair.

The fingertips that kept rubbing made me shiver slightly.

Kiro: MC…

MC: Hm?

I murmured indulgently, but not even a moment after my breath was released, he seized me again.

At the same time, the nightgown was easily untied.

His kiss slowly moved downstream, leaving a ticklish feeling everywhere he went.

Although my body trembled slightly, I couldn’t help but want to do something… I raised my chin and caught his eyes which were as muddled as mine.

MC: Kiro…

MC: Hold me closer.

Kiro: Mm.

Even though I said this, I was the first to wrap my arms around him, making sure to leave no extra gaps.

In this way, we roamed each other’s bodies in this clear spring surging with tides, letting the temperature slowly boil.

Until the sun rises and completely covers the spring–

Only fine layers of sweat were left in the silence between each other which seemed to confirm something.

He finally let me go, but his warm fingertips were still caressing my collarbone.

Kiro: You know what? Before you came, I thought this morning was going to be a repeat of the previous few days.

I lay in his arms, a little confused by the sudden conversation, but he just raised the corners of his lips and continued talking.

Kiro: After repeating the exercises over and over again, my brain began to empty, and I imagined myself coming to the seaside. My feet were no longer touching green grass, but rather soft sand.

Kiro: It seems that you can float in the clouds with just a light jump.

Kiro: At that time, I was thinking, what could be better than now?

He stopped slowly, looking down at me.

Kiro: Then you stopped me.

Kiro: At that moment, all the bubbles of my fantasy disappeared little by little until there was no sea or beach.

Kiro: I came back to reality and saw my favourite scene.

At this moment, looking at those blue eyes that only reflected me, my heart began to softly surge.

MC: Is that what’s best for you?

Kiro: Well, there is no other scenery like yours.

I buried myself in his chest with a smile. We tacitly enjoyed the tranquillity at this moment and felt each other’s breath.

Growl…

Until some sudden sound came from my stomach.

Before I could explain myself, Kiro poked my stomach with a smile.

Kiro: It seems like Miss Chips’ stomach has started to eat itself.

MC: I…

He smiled brighter and lowered his head to rub the tip of my nose.

Kiro: But it’s mainly my fault that I didn’t prepare breakfast for you in advance.

After he finished speaking, he got up and walked towards the kitchen. Halfway through, he suddenly thought of something and turned to look at me.

Kiro: By the way, come to class with me after eating. I already let the teacher know in advance~

[Fourth Part]

In the afternoon, I ended up in a sunny classroom and met the rumoured “Devil Teacher”.

He is warming up at the barre. Although his hair is white, his face is thin and his eyes are as sharp as an eagle’s.

From the slender limbs and elegant posture, it is not difficult to see that even in his sixties, he still has the ultimate pursuit of art.

Kiro: Bonjour, professeur.

Kiro looked at me, wrapped an arm around my waist and continued speaking in French so that I couldn’t understand–

It wasn’t until I caught my name that I realized he was introducing me to the teacher.

I hurriedly nodded to the teacher and wondered whether I should also greet him in French, but my tongue was tied when I opened my mouth.

MC: [In English] …Hi, nice to meet you.

Teacher: Bonjour.

The teacher nodded calmly, and with a wave of his forearm, gave way to the position of the barre as if signalling the start of class.

Kiro: I’m ready to start, so you have to keep looking at me.

He leaned over slyly and looked at me, tilted his head and pecked my cheek lightly.

MC: Kiro…the teacher is still there.

Kiro: Don’t worry, he’s a “devil”, but he’s also a romantic French man.

As he spoke, he took out the dance shoes in his bag and changed into them. After taking off his jacket, he revealed the clothes he wore for practising from not long ago.

Watching him walk quickly to the barre to start warming up, I also went to the corner and sat down quickly.

The piano accompaniment sounded quickly and the classroom is gradually filled with dancing and Bu Bu’s main theme.

Teacher: Non, non, non…!! (No, no, no…!!)

Although I don’t understand French, from the teacher’s passionate tone sounding again and again, I also noticed that the atmosphere is tense and strict.

In just ten minutes, Kiro’s clothes were soaked with sweat, his cheeks were flushed, and he gasped for breath.

But he never stopped. He took a step back onto his left leg with his arms held to the side and bent his knees–

After a burst of momentum, he began to rotate round and round.

Sweat drops were scattered onto the ground following the inertia, and the only sound left in the whole classroom was the sound of the rotation… *(Video) From the sounds of it, Kiro’s doing pirouettes or fouette’s, but I’m leaning towards pirouettes.*

The corrections sounded continuously along with “Non”. *Changed some wording*

Suddenly, the picture in front of me gradually overlapped with a thin golden figure following the story I heard last night.

I thought that when he was a child, in the face of such a “vicious spirit”, he would be trembling.

But looking at it now, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Even if the nay-saying voice is louder, he held his jaw up high and proceeds to jump up in the air, one smooth movement after the other. *(Video) Possibly grand allegro?*

His face stays determined throughout as if nothing could defeat him.

Looking at him like this, the little golden portrait I built in my mind was stroked with “pride”.

Involuntarily, I took out my phone and silently recorded the picturesque scene.

After an unknown amount of time, the light was dyed red-gold by time and afterglow slipped in.

I straightened my body slightly, and the moment the devil teacher stepped out of the classroom, I quickly walked in front of Kiro.

At this time, he was sitting on the floor stretching his muscles. I squatted down, handed over the water bottle and kissed him lightly.

MC: Kiro, thank you for your hard work~

Kiro: It wasn’t hard, I’m just a little tired–

He pouted coquettishly, opened his arms, and lay back on the floor.

MC: The floor is so cold, you’ll catch a cold like this!

Kiro: Then you should come and warm me up.

Kiro smiled and tugged me lightly so that I fell into his lap and open arms.

As if he wanted to rest for a while, he closed his eyes, his fingertips caressed my shoulder restlessly.

Kiro: Miss Chips, how did I do in class?

MC: Do I really need to say? You did very, very well, of course.

Kiro: Hmm…could this be the encouragement of love?

MC: Wrong. To be precise, it is the encouragement and affirmation of love~

MC: If you don’t believe me, take a look at the dance you just did. It was just like a dynamic oil painting~

As I said that, I took out my cell phone and played the video I just recorded for him.

Kiro: Sigh…It seems that the jump is not high enough and the feeling of staying in the air isn’t either.

Kiro: And when controlling the legs, the insteps are not very straight, and it seems that the muscles are subconsciously relaxed.

According to his comments, I carefully observed every frame of the screen for a second and finally poked him with my elbow helplessly.

MC: …Are you sure you’re not nitpicking? *If there’s one thing that most dancers hate, it’s watching themselves dance in a video. It’s like “Omg, not the sickled foot! 😫” “ What is that leg doing?!” LOL*

MC: Or maybe it’s because I’m an outsider, so I can’t see things the same way you do.

Kiro: Maybe both?

Kiro: After all, in the eyes of the professional, you can see at a glance whether the movements are in place.

Kiro: So I still have a long, long way to go before reaching that level.

Kiro: It just so happens that there is no class tomorrow, so why not spend the whole day in the practice room, trying to improve the instep situation…

Even though he said that, his tone was not the slightest bit discouraged. On the contrary, there is still a bit of eagerness to try.

I couldn’t help but prop my head sideways, stretch out my thumb and poke his cheek like a stamp.

MC: Kiro, you are really amazing.

He also imitated me and turned his head sideways and touched the tip of my nose.

Kiro: Huh? Did you just find out that I’m amazing today?

MC: …Seriously?? I’m praising you!

Seeing me pretending to be serious, he smiled and narrowed his eyes like the corners of his mouth. The little bear dipped in honey obediently waits for “praise”.

MC: Because I saw you in class today, I realized that this process seems to be more difficult than I imagined.

MC: It is simply a double tempering of the mind and body…but you seem to be enjoying it, so that’s what makes it amazing.

Kiro: Hearing you say that, I don’t seem to be bad~

I smiled and winked as I handed the microphone to his mouth.

MC: In this case, I want to interview Superstar Kiro. What tips can you pass on to me in this regard?

MC: I also want to have fun on the journey of training~

He rolled his eyes and laid down again with his head on top of his arms.

Kiro: It seems that there is no trick, I just often see things that make me stick to it when I practice. *Such a dancer thing to say haha*

I looked around the classroom, tilting my head in confusion.

MC: But isn’t there just a barre and a mirror here?

Kiro: Not quite, maybe it’s because our perspectives are different?

Kiro: For example, in your eyes, what you see is that I keep dancing and practising.

Kiro: But in my eyes, besides the barre and the mirror, I also see many different things.

MC: What is that?

Kiro: …I’m trying to figure out how to describe it to you.

In the end, his eyes lit up. When he came close to me, his sweet breath stopped at the tip of my nose.

Kiro: Let’s see, how about you practice with me tomorrow?

Kiro: So that you can see what I see.

[Memory Silhouette]

In the evening after Kiro and I got back from class, we began eating a salad.

Kiro: Miss Chips, are you sure you don’t want to add any salad dressing?

Kiro: You know you don’t have to follow so closely.

I nodded with firm eyes, put a vegetable in my mouth and chewed.

MC: No need, I said I want to be with you.

MC: And eating a healthy salad is good for me, too. It’ll help to remove the buildup of the greasy food I ate before~

MC: If I’m really gluttonous, I’ll use the “self-deception method”--

As I said this, I picked up a piece of tofu, closed my eyes and put it in my mouth.

MC: This is meat, this is meat. Just chew this tender and fragrant meat.

Kiro: I’ll try it, too.

Kiro: What I’m eating now is tender beef and eggs.

I couldn’t help but secretly open my eyes halfway and smile after Kiro had followed my example and closed his eyes to eat.

MC: So? Does it work?

He opened his eyes and shrugged his shoulders with a helpless smile.

Kiro: No, it’s just plain white tofu.

Kiro: Ah– I can’t wait until tomorrow to eat that steak.

Hearing this, I suddenly thought of something and opened my mouth while picking up some beans.

MC: By the way, you said that there is no class tomorrow in the afternoon and you can only practice by yourself.

MC: So when is your next class?

He rolled his eyes and bit into a vegetable.

Kiro: Next Monday.

I froze for a moment and couldn’t help being a little surprised.

MC: Is there always such a long time between classes?

Kiro: Well, he has so many students to teach, so the queue is very full.

MC: Ah..that sounds so hard having to teach classes all day long.

Kiro: He doesn’t find it hard. Since he retired from the stage, he has been teaching students who also want to be on the stage. Kiro: In this way, day after day, twenty or thirty years have passed.

MC: Amazing… *I’ve had a couple of professors who were in their seventies. One of them even performed occasionally, too.*

Before I could finish speaking, Kiro took out a tissue, wiped the corner of my mouth lightly, and continued to eat with a fork.

Kiro: Mm, but being able to maintain his fierce character for thirty years is something that is special about him…

MC: You never really talked about his gentle side before. Is it the encouragement method? *Changed some wording*

Kiro thought for a while, smiled and shook his head.

Kiro: He himself said that he can gently praise and encourage just like other teachers.

Kiro: But to do so would smooth out the edges of genius.

Kiro: If ultimate perfection is desired, then indulgent compliments should be an afterthought.

MC: …Hold on.

I bit the fork lightly, pretending to look at Kiro seriously.

MC: Could it be that your perfectionism was nurtured by this teacher?

Kiro: That’s not true, it just happens to be the same idea.

MC: Really…you already had such an awareness when you were ten years old?

MC: At that time, I would only cry and complete all the holiday homework the day before school started…

Kiro put down the fork, smiled and rubbed my head.

Kiro: Of course, at the time I didn’t know what the term perfectionism meant.

Kiro: I just simply wanted to be the best, to be first.

Looking at his smiling eyes, I couldn’t help pinching his nose.

MC: A very ambitious ghost– *I don’t know what this was meant to be*

Kiro: As you said, being a workaholic is not bad~

He pinches my nose in return and then puts the two empty salad bowls in the sink and starts cleaning.

I blinked and ran to help him clean up the table.

MC: After washing, I’ll help you with the lines, alright?

His soapy hand paused slightly, and after a while, he quickly pecked the side of my face.

MC: Pfft…Are you that happy to practice lines with me?

Kiro: Of course, with your sweet self by my side, I’m jumping with joy. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: So how can I be unhappy when I am soaked in a honeypot~

[Fifth Part]

On the second day, wisps of morning light were hidden behind the classroom door. I pushed it lightly and the sun enveloped my whole body at once, making me feel marvellous and causing my eyes to narrow.

MC: Sure enough, a beautiful day starts by being greeted by the sun.

Kiro: That’s right, today’s practice will definitely be “distinction”. *Changed the word at the end because one of the highest levels of marks you can get in a ballet exam is called “distinction” (at least in RAD)*

Thinking about what Kiro said yesterday, I smiled and wrapped my arms around the nape of his neck.

MC: But before starting, let me say this in advance!

MC: If I look stiff and have two left feet, you must not laugh at me. *Changed some wording*

He looked at me who was close at hand, leaned in and pecked the side of my lips.

Kiro: Okay, but before that, go and change your clothes, alright?

MC: …Clothes?

I followed his gaze and looked back to find a brand new dance skirt on the stool in the classroom.

Kiro: You should know that in addition to office supplies and daily necessities in your suitcase, there are only Spring Festival-themed clothes to be worn here.

Kiro: I don’t have any close-fitting sportswear, so I had to ask someone to buy some overnight.

I walked over curiously and picked up the dance skirt. It was like a cicada’s wings, the thin lace looked gorgeous and comfortable.

MC: Why is this different from the practice clothes in my memory, it looks like a performance costume–

Kiro slightly shrugged his shoulders, cunning in his eyes.

Kiro: Maybe that’s because it was bought for the “princess” I talked to on the phone? ….She’s both cute and fascinating.

MC: ……You really didn’t say that, did you?

He smiled and took off his coat and the practice clothes he had changed into were inexplicably matched with the skirt in my hand.

Kiro: Miss Chips is so silly. Actually, I ordered this skirt online myself overnight.

Kiro: It’s just that my eyes are too picky, so I finally chose the one that I think is best.

Kiro: Of course, the prerequisite for choosing is that it has to match my clothes.

After changing clothes and walking into the classroom, Kiro’s gaze fell on me and he laughed.

Kiro: It’s so beautiful. Now it’s time to invite my Princess Chips to warm up with me~

As he spoke, he led me to the barre and I imitated his movements and put my leg on the barre.

In an instant, I felt my muscles being stretched.

Kiro: Does it hurt?

Kiro walked behind me and lightly stroked my lower thigh with his fingertips which made me tremble uncontrollably.

MC: …No, but it’s a bit ticklish.

Kiro: Then just try to bear it? Your body is left vulnerable to injury if it’s not properly warmed up.

Seeing me nodding my head, he also suppressed his smile a little and helped me warm up earnestly.

His cold fingertips moved from my thighs to my waist and then my butterfly bone. After a while, sweat beads began to appear.

His fingertips are no longer cold, almost as if they were absorbing my increasing body temperature.

It wasn’t until the sunlight shifted after a few minutes that I exhaustedly leaned on his shoulder.

MC: Why…is warming up so tiring. I feel that it’s even more energy-consuming than Pilates. *Between the two, Pilates rocked me omg. My body wouldn’t stop shaking after 😖. But ballet warm-ups can be hella intense, too. I had one teacher that used to say that if you’re not pouring sweat after the first exercise, you’re doing something wrong 😅*

Kiro: You can’t stop now, this is just the beginning.

Without waiting for me to make a bitter face, he rubbed my cheek.

Kiro: Or do you not want to feel it?

MC: Of course I do, what should I do next?

At this time, there was a vibrating sound which seemed to be coming from my cell phone on the bench.

I glanced at Kiro, walked over suspiciously and picked it up to find it was Anna calling.

Anna: MC, TN, which had been wanting to talk about cooperation before has finally agreed.

Anna: But the profit they proposed is far worse than our expectation. We don’t even have the authority to plan the programs we cooperate with…It feels like the company has exhausted all its options.

MC: Is there room for negotiation?

Anna: Probably not. After all, TN is an experienced overseas media company, and many domestic media companies want to cooperate with them even after paying money.

My heart sank. Facing this “favourite” in the eyes of the media, I was speechless, so I had to end the call first.

Kiro: What’s the matter? Your expression doesn’t look good.

I don’t know when but Kiro came to my side and rubbed between my brows.

I took a deep breath and briefly explained the incident.

MC: I thought it was good news, but I didn’t expect it to be a sum of money that would almost erase our profits besides increasing popularity.

As I said that, I buried myself in his chest with some distress.

MC: But in the long run, this is a very important step in the strategy of “occupying” overseas markets.

MC: So is it better to agree to cooperate?

Kiro: So you’re conflicted about which option to go with?

MC: After all, it is a matter of choice. No matter which option we go with, I won’t feel very reconciled…

Kiro gently stroked my hair, his eyes filled with light.

Kiro: I don’t think there’s anything to be worried about.

He said this and took me to the barre and put my hands on top of it.

Kiro: MC, in order to achieve our goals, we have to accept that no trade-offs can be made.

Kiro: But it’s not a once-and-for-all decision. Sometimes it’s only an illusion that confuses you.

Kiro: Let you mistakenly think that giving up important things will give you better returns in the future.

MC: Kiro…

Gazing into my perplexed eyes, he just moved closer to me, breathing lightly by my ears.

Kiro: I still remember the teacher telling me in my first ballet class–

Kiro raised my chin with his fingertips, making my breathing stop.

Kiro: Never bow your head so easily.

His eyes are clear and bright in the sun, but also a little fierier.

Kiro: Everyone has their own pride.

Kiro: So we need to continue to maintain it to keep it fulfilled.

No matter how slow I was, I realized that Kiro seemed to care about what he was referring to.

Kiro: And, if you want to let your every move be relaxed and controlled.

Kiro: Then you yourself must first have strength.

In the next second, his fingers moved between my legs. Within seconds, tremors spread all over my body.

Kiro: Squeeze your legs.

Kiro: The strength runs through from the feet to the head, so this way you can stand more firmly and not be easily shaken.

A low but undeniable voice sounded in my ears. I took a light breath and tried to squeeze my legs together according to his words.

I gradually felt his fingertips being squeezed and restrained by my legs, but I still let his fingertips climb up calmly.

Kiro: Your inner strength is not enough, I can still do whatever I want. *Just want to add that this is something that dance teachers stress to their students. Having inner thigh strength is one the most important things to maintaining good balance, along with core strength.*

As if to prove his words, he pulled out his hand and easily picked up my leg with one finger and slowly tightened his palm.

The sudden move made me want to look in the mirror ahead.

He seemed to sense what I was going to do and gently held my jaw. *The position that MC is in is called arabesque*

MC: Kiro…?

Seeing that I was a little surprised, those quiet eyes finally turned into a small smile.

Then he leaned closer and rubbed my shoulder.

Kiro: Miss Chips, remember what I said yesterday?

Kiro: About what exactly I saw in my vision.

MC: Mm…

He smiled lightly and looked into the distance.

Kiro: I’m not actually watching myself in the mirror doing one movement one after another.

Kiro: Nor am I looking at every person and thing in this classroom.

He paused and slowly retracted his palm that was tightly holding my waist.

Kiro: I will look to the end of the distance. *YASSSS!! This is another thing that is taught in dance. You don’t want to just aim your focus at the audience or at an object, you want to project it outside the venue and beyond.*

Kiro: Sometimes there is the sea, the green grass, and the place where I shuttle between cities.

Kiro: They are all my stages.

Kiro: And when I perform on my stage, how can I feel bitter?

Kiro: I just feel satisfied, and I just want to stay on this stage just a little longer.

Looking at the vast sea in his eyes, my heart also ripples like the waves.

It surges endlessly, pushing me to the bright place again and again.

Kiro: Now, do you still feel stuck on which decision to make?

I looked and him and shook my head slightly.

MC: It seems that I no longer am. I know what I should do now.

Seeing that I had an answer, Kiro laughed.

In the next second, he held my waist with both hands like in a classic ballet pas de deux and lifted me into the air.

Kiro: MC, I have one more thing to ask you.

He said this while supporting me to turn and face the window.

Kiro: Can you tell me what the scenery is in your eyes right now?

Following his voice, I looked at everything in my field of vision and my heart began to surge softly.

MC: I…

MC: I see the grass, the sky, and the distance…

MC: I see many beautiful sceneries.

Even though it is an all-too-common scene in front of me, I dare not blink at this moment.

I don’t want to spoil a single bit of it.

Kiro: You said before that if I feel tired, out of breath or frustrated…

Kiro: You’ll be the driftwood that’ll always hold me up.

Kiro: So that I can do whatever I want to the best of my ability.

Kiro: And I’ll be yours.

Kiro lowered me slowly while talking and we were attached to each other without any gaps.

His eyes were shining brightly as if this fine light is enough to light up my whole being.

I couldn’t help but hold his cheeks and smile brightly.

MC: Kiro, you have always been doing something like this for me.

MC: I know you will always be by my side, encouraging and supporting me. So no matter what happens, I won’t be timid.

MC: You have always been my strength. *CRYING RN*

Kiro shook his head lightly with a gorgeous smile on his face.

Kiro: Just this is not enough.

Kiro: I want even more of you.

After speaking, he gently held my head and kissed me tenderly.

His breath is so soft, but it seems to be able to invade my whole world, leaving only the surging sea.

I just lay in the blue ocean, letting it move my body with the tides.

In his arms, I also slowly closed my eyes, feeling his temperature, feeling being surrounded by light–

Because my heart has already crafted the brightest and most beautiful scenery.

[End]

#mlqc #mr love queens choice #mlqc kiro #mr love kiro #mlqc spoilers #周棋洛 #mr love game #THIS IS MY NEW FAVOURITE DATE NOW!!!#date translation #MC BEING SO OPENLY AFFECTIONATE #KIRO BEING VULNERABLE #KUDOS TO YOU PG!!!

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shinydelirium · 2 years ago

Text

Kiro’s Breathing Date Translation [CN]

Warning: The following date contains SPOILERS not yet released for EN/global server. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Little rant: I wasn’t planning on translating this date. When it comes to Kiro dates, I'm more interested to read ones that delve more into his backstory/character/lore/relationship development with MC and just based on the karma images alone, I thought it was just going to be some light-hearted silliness cuz a lot of Kiro’s karmas show him smiling and having fun and I wish the artist would just have more variety. There were so many other scenes in the date the artist could have illustrated but I digress. Then I realized it’s a top-up karma so the story must be somewhat decent and decided to give it a watch. As I was watching, I heard that one BGM from Inspiration date and Love Everlasting BGM. PG wouldn’t use those songs unless it was something heavy and emotional. To my surprise, I ended up loving this date more than I thought. All in all, don’t let the cute little rubber duckies and wet Kiro fool you. Anyways, that’s enough ranting, enjoy the date~ 😊

[Part 1]

Kiro: I’m sorry, do you know me?

The summer heat was isolated from the ward and the scorching heat on the windowsill could almost be seen through the glass.

I looked at Kiro in front of me, wearing a hospital gown.

-flashback-

MC: Kiro got hurt? What happened?

On the other end of the phone, Savin’s voice sounded regretful and anxious.

Savin: As he was walking down the stairs, he fell and hit his head…it’s all my fault. I wasn’t looking after him like I should have.

Savin: But he doesn’t want to stay in the hospital for observation. Can you come and convince him?

MC: I’ll be there soon!

After explaining the situation to my co-workers, I hurriedly rushed to the hospital.

Savin left the two of us alone. Kiro stood quietly by the window.

MC: Kiro!

Hearing my voice, he turned around.

My eyes carefully looked over his body. He didn’t seem to have any other injuries besides the large gauze on his forehead.

But the bluish gray in his eyes told me he was suppressing how tired he was.

Even his golden hair seemed to have lost its luster, lying dull and flat against his face, making my heart ache.

MC: Are you okay?

As soon as I asked the question, I sensed something was wrong.

The person who usually smiled at me and hugged me so many times in the past just stared at me, tilting his head with a confused look on his face.

-end of flashback-

My mind went blank for a long time until a hand was waving in front of my eyes and I came back to my senses.

Those curious eyes were so clear with no signs of teasing in them.

Lots of amnesia scenes from TV dramas and books flashed through my mind and I felt a chill settle in my heart.

MC: I’m going to get the doctor to take another look at you!

Kiro: No, wait.

He quickly grabbed my wrist.

Kiro: I’ve already been checked and I’m fine. And…I don’t want to see any more doctors.

There was a hint of pleading in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat and softened.

Kiro: You know me, don’t you? Stay and chat with me.

He led me to the hospital bed and sat down. My throat felt dry as I opened my mouth to speak.

MC: You…really don’t remember me?

He came closer and looked at me carefully.

Kiro: I feel as though you’re very familiar, like I know you from somewhere…as if we’re acquaintances.

Kiro: And you were the first to come see me so I’m guessing you must be…

[Part 2]

He dragged out those words and when he met my gaze, his eyebrows perked up, full of smiles.

Kiro: My fiancé?

My face suddenly burned but seeing the slyness in his eyes, I vaguely felt something was off.

If something terrible did happen to Kiro, why didn’t Savin tell me over the phone?

That can’t be right.

Thinking of this, I squinted my eyes, lowered my head and put on a sad face.

MC: Actually, I’m…no longer your girlfriend.

Kiro: How, how can that be! We’re…

He was clearly taken aback but halfway through his words, he stopped talking after thinking of something then looked at me with sad puppy eyes.

I knew it!

I desperately tried to suppress my smile and sighed.

MC: We…have been seeing each other except you’re at the height of your career and your company has always been against us being together.

MC: It’s alright. You’ve already sacrificed so much for me…

Kiro’s frozen expression became a little flustered.

Kiro: What did I sacrifice!

MC: It’s not important anymore. Besides, you don’t even remember…

Seeing how “serious” I was, he rolled his eyes dejectedly and finally pointed to his own face.

Kiro: Why don’t you give me a kiss? Then, maybe I might be able to remember something!

MC: [not amused] …

Hearing his blatant “request”, I was about to reach out and pinch his ear. As soon as he looked up, the white gauze came into my view again.

My heart constricted. In the end, I gently held his cheek and gave those soft lips a light peck.

Just when I was about to pull away, an arm wrapped around my waist—

A familiar breath skillfully invaded mine, turning the mere brush of lips into a lingering kiss.

When our lips parted, he nuzzled my head in content.

Kiro: The energy has accumulated and my memory has been successfully restored.

Kiro: But…MC is being so stingy and still thinks she can leave me.

MC: Who’s fault is it exactly to pretend to have amnesia and scare me half to death?

Kiro: Don’t be mad. I was just doing a bit of…roleplaying. I didn’t expect you to figure it out so soon.

MC: Naturally, I’m the most familiar with Kiro’s little roleplaying act.

I pulled him to the side of the hospital bed and gently stroked the side of his face with my fingertips.

MC: How on earth did you fall down the stairs?

Kiro: I was writing songs all night in the recording studio. As I was coming down the stairs, I yawned and felt lightheaded…

He laid his head on my shoulder as he played with my hair with one hand while muttering aggrievedly.

Kiro: It must have been scary. I didn’t expect Savin to ask me to stay in the hospital for observation and to call you…

MC: It’s because you’re not paying much attention to your body.

MC: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Didn’t your new album win an award? I didn’t even have the chance to congratulate you!

Kiro: Hehe, thanks Miss Chips.

Kiro: …So, what do you think about the new album?

MC: It’s very nice! Especially the song “Midsummer Passion”. I have it playing on loop all day.

Kiro: Really?

His eyebrows furrowed as he smiled but I could tell it wasn’t his usual megawatt smile.

MC: Of course! But your new album just released so why are you writing songs again?

There was a hint of sadness in his blue eyes, but before I could take a closer look, it disappeared.

Kiro: Because I want to bring more amazing works to the soda pops (aka his fans).

He happily shared his accomplishments with me as if what I saw just now was my imagination.

After such a long day, I repeatedly told him to take it easy today and left the ward.

I kept feeling that Kiro was hiding something from me. With this doubt in mind, I dialed Savin’s number.

After hounding him for answers, Savin finally told me what was going on.

Savin: In fact, not too long ago, some people on the Internet were spreading rumors about Kiro’s award-winning new album.

Savin: They were saying the album was mediocre, that he has exhausted all his talents, and only won the award due to his popularity alone.

MC: That’s nonsense!

Savin: Although preference is based on personal opinion, there are still some fans who have been brought into the discussion. Not only do they feel that Kiro’s new songs lack feeling but they’re agreeing with the rumors.

Savin: And that’s why recently he’s been locking himself up every day writing songs and sometimes he wouldn’t even eat.

Savin: You know how he is once his mind is made up. No one can stop him. So I was hoping you can find a way to help him.

Thinking of Kiro’s forced smile from before, a plan quietly sprouts in my heart.

MC: No problem. Leave it to me.

[Part 3]

In the dimly lit underground parking lot, I lowered the brim of my hat and stared at the gate waiting for Kiro to exit the press conference.

A golden head appeared at the door. Kiro skillfully sat in the back seat , taking off his hat and mask, looking a bit weary.

Kiro: The studio.

I straightened by sunglasses and started the car without saying a word—

“Operation: Kidnap Kiro” has officially commenced.

The car drove steadily over an overpass. I glanced in the rearview mirror and found that Kiro who had his eyes closed suddenly open them.

Kiro: Driver, are you in a bad mood today? Why are you driving so fast?

MC: There’s no traffic so it’s okay to speed.

I lowered my voice an octave. He yawned and lazily looked out the window.

Kiro: But you’re going the wrong way.

MC: Your agent has arranged other itineraries for you. Why don’t you check with him?

Kiro: Huh? Savin didn’t mention this to me.

I slowly felt a weight on the backrest behind me as his voice drew nearer to my ear.

Kiro: I heard that the driver who came to pick me up was a burly man with arms as big as my calves.

Kiro: You don’t fit that description.

MC: …

Hearing his thoughtful analysis, I giggled.

MC: It’s too late now. The door’s locked so please do cooperate with me.

Kiro sucked in a sharp breath.

Kiro: [overly dramatic gasp] As long as you don’t hurt me, I’ll do whatever you want.

Kiro: Whether it’s chocolate-covered nuts or charcoal-grilled chips…I can give you all of my private possessions.

The heat on my face left a burning trail as I met his twinkling eyes in the rearview mirror.

MC: Is my acting that bad?

Kiro: It’s still the same but I’m the one most familiar with MC’s bag of tricks.

Kiro: No wonder Savin was being so mysterious today. There really is a “conspiracy”.

MC: Savin said that your schedule is free after finishing the press conference and to let me take you somewhere to relax.

MC: So—you can’t escape.

Kiro didn’t say anything for a while. The slight hesitation in his eyes reflected in the rearview mirror vanished. When he met my gaze, he was full of smiles.

Kiro: Why would I want to escape?

Kiro: I’ll gladly fall into your trap.

Soon we arrived at our destination—Starry Seaside Park.

A variety show was filmed here yesterday and I managed to reserve the venue for an extra day to hold a celebration party.

The people gathered here were close-knit friends of Kiro so he doesn’t need to feel too restrained.

After changing my clothes, I found Kiro standing by the pool, holding an inflatable ring. A handful of fine sunlight shone onto his blonde hair, shining brightly.

MC: There’s going to be a water roller competition in a short while. The team who comes in first will win the mystery prize.

Seeing Kiro’s eyes light up with interest, I pumped myself up.

MC: We’re here—

I stretched out my hand and he took it saying.

Kiro: To claim first place.

A lifeguard was already on standby and more than a dozen inflatable rollers were floating on the water’s surface.

As soon as the whistle blew, we began to push hard against the inner wall of the drum. The drum quickly found its own rhythm and rolled steadily forward.

However, maneuvering it was more difficult than I thought and it wasn’t long until I was starting to feel out of breath.

My skin was sticking to the plastic heated by the sun making it stuffy and hot as my hair stuck to my face with sweat.

Seeing the other players gradually overtake us, I became worried.

Kiro: MC, relax. Find your balance.

Kiro’s voice was slightly out of breath and at the same time, a song began playing in the background of the park.

The lively and upbeat tune was the song from his award-winning new album- “Midsummer Passion”.

Feeling the beat of the drum in my heart, I adjusted my breathing and made a fighting gesture to Kiro.

MC: Come on, this song is my secret weapon to victory these past days!

What I received was a smile brighter than the sun.

Kiro: That’s all I need to hear.

Putting pedal to the metal, we found our rhythm again.

The melodious song drove the atmosphere of the audience to an intense climax and I could even hear many voices cheering us on from all sides.

Kiro also seemed to be infected. His eyes shone like stars and the water droplets hanging from the ends of his eyelashes sparkled in the sunlight.

Not far away from us was a water slide before the finish line.

Listening to the sound of the water rushing fast, I nervously held onto Kiro’s hand.

MC: What if we don’t make it…

Kiro: Don’t be afraid. In the final sprint, I will take care of Miss Chips’ safety!

The roller undulated on the water and we were finally close to first place.

Kiro: MC, are you ready?

MC: Absolutely.

He gave me a charming smile.

Kiro: 3, 2, 1- here we go!

He kicked hard and the drum suddenly accelerated and flew down the slide. The brief feeling of weightlessness made me gasp.

An embrace hotter than the summer heat held me to his chest as Kiro immediately adjusted his pace and stabilized the roller.

The sound of waves crashing and people cheering gradually faded away. Only the sound of our hearts beating were left in this small space.

There was a forceful push and the roller crossed the finish line, hitting the protective net.

Kiro: We’re number one!

He looked down at me. Warm, crystal sweat fell from his eyelashes and landed on the tip of my nose, igniting something in my heart.

Our staggered and rapid breaths steamed up with heat, arousing every nerve of my skin—

Kiro: What’s my prize?

[Part 4]

After the roller races, water battles, and beach baths were over, I changed into some dry clothes and went to the small private pool I had reserved in advance.

Kiro had also changed into some casual clothes and was relaxing on the big inflatable ring, merging into the unique landscape of little yellow rubber ducks floating around.

His soaked bangs blocked his eyes so he casually slicked them back.

The blue sky made his azure blue orbs even more clear.

I didn’t know if it was because of all the fun he had just now but he seemed to have more a lot more energy than before.

A rubber duck bumped against the inflatable ring and Kiro picked it up.

Kiro: [cute, adorable voice] Hi~ How do you do~

He pinched its fat belly and made a grunting noise in response.

Kiro: It looks like you’re also here on vacation to get away~

MC: Pfft—

Hearing me snicker, he squinted his eyebrows in pleasure and paddled with his hands towards the shore where I was.

Kiro: Why don’t you join us too, MC?

MC: I’d love to but you can invite your new “friends” to join us for the next event.

I took out the guitar hidden near the pool. Under his surprised look, I sat on the bank and cleared myn throat.

MC: Welcome to MC’s exclusive summer concert.

Inhaling deeply, “Midsummer Passion” floated out from my fingertips.

Although I practiced many times at home, I was still nervous and ended up playing a few wrong notes under Kiro’s attentive gaze.

But he just listened closely, entranced.

When the final note was played, I slowly released the breath I’ve been holding.

MC: Thank you to the person who wrote this song and bringing me the most wonderful summer throbbing.

Kiro climbed out of the water and sat beside me.

Kiro: Can the concert have small guest segment?

Kiro: I also have a song I want to play for you.

Taking the guitar from me, his slender fingers skillfully plucked the strings and the smooth notes blended into a pleasing melody.

However, as I watched Kiro play, I felt a certain uneasiness I couldn’t explain.

After the song was over, he looked up at me.

Kiro: This is a demo I wrote at home recently. What do you think?

MC: It’s lovely. The melody of the chorus is brilliant and better than just some ordinary pop song. It’s more memorable except…

I hesitated and asked what was on my mind.

MC: Is this the actual song you wanted to write?

He was stunned then lowered his head and smiled bitterly.

Kiro: I really can’t hide anything from you.

MC: Although I’m not a professional musician, I do listen to your songs every day.

MC: I felt that this song just now was missing a bit of Kiro’s soul. A little restless like…

MC: You were in a hurry but wanted to prove something at the same time.

He fiddled with the strings on the guitar and after a while, he said in a low voice.

Kiro: You heard what Savin said…

He closed his eyes like he was being covered by a heavy rain cloud.

Kiro: I know a song can’t be liked by everyone so I should just try to be myself.

Kiro: Only this time, many fans, like me, also feel that the new song is subpar…does this mean that I’m not as good as I used to be?

Kiro: That’s why the next song has to be better than this one.

Kiro: Over and over again, I feel it’s still not good enough…

Kiro: I know I’m lost and I should stop and think more calmly but…

There was some doubt and a bit of loneliness in his eyes.

For creators, the sense of accomplishment is an overly comprehensive sentiment. That feeling to share with the audience, to be seen and recognized.

It will pay tribute to those who keep trying but it will also crush them.

Those mixed voices are like a loud, disorderly undercurrent, threatening to overwhelm him.

Kiro’s fingers have become a little cold and I saw the slight line quivering at the corner of his mouth. I jumped into the pool and stretched out my hand to him.

MC: Kiro, hold your breath.

He looked at me, confused, but did as I said.

Seeing his surprised look, I dragged him into the pool and with a splash, we sunk together underwater.

The water completely drowned out the noise of the outside world. Kiro and I opened our eyes and stared at each other quietly.

The world was dim and silent and only the two of us were left.

When we came back to the surface, our clothes were soaked through to the core.

MC: Did you feel some of your troubles being washed away by the water?

He closed his eyes and placed my palm against his face, as if trying to draw some kind of power from me.

Kiro: I want….to do it again.

Before I could stop him, he took a deep breath and dove into the water.

Fragmented light shimmered like ripples on the water’s surface.

Time passed by but he never resurfaced.

I became a little worried and took a deep breath.

In front of me, I saw Kiro’s body stretched out like he had fallen to the bottom of the water. He frowned and closed his eyes.

Waves from the water refracted the sky, creating layers of light patterns around him.

Like a pair of gentle hands, caressing him delicately, brushing away those disturbing thoughts from his body.

Maybe because of the lack of oxygen, his face looked a little miserable like he was about to be crushed at any moment.

I couldn’t help reaching out to him—when I touched his fingertips, I was forcefully met with a pair of blue eyes that almost blended with the water.

At that moment, the shredded spots of light kept flowing and the furrow between his eyes suddenly loosened.

Our bodies floated along with the waves as we slowly merged into a vast ocean.

His kiss was soft. In the stillness and suffocation, it was like a small world had been opened.

The exchange of breaths made my heart beat more and more intensely and in this closed space, everything was set free.

When we broke the surface, I clung weakly onto his shoulders, breathing heavily.

Kiro held my waist with one arm and gently caressed my back with his other hand.

Kiro: I don’t know why but I always knew you would come.

After a long time, his slightly hoarse voice came from the side of my ear.

Kiro: When I was underwater just then, I had that same feeling like I was in the studio.

Kiro: There were muffled noises all around like I was left alone in the world.

His cool thumb trailed from the tip of my brow to the corner of my lips, carefully tracing every part of my face.

Kiro: I was even wondering if it would be better if I stopped struggling to find oxygen and just let myself be swept away by the current. How pathetic.

I tightened my arms around his waist, bringing our bodies closer together.

The heat from our skin penetrated through our cold, wet clothes and travelled to every inch of our blood vessels.

Kiro: Then you appeared.

Kiro: When I saw you, I realized…*sigh* I seem to be able to breathe again.

He took a deep breath and pressed his cold forehead lightly against mine.

Kiro: Without you, I’d probably be swept away by the current, not knowing where I’d end up.

Kiro: MC, you’re like…another kind of oxygen for me. ***My God, my heart!!!🥺***

I cradled his face and tenderly brushed away the hair from his face.

MC: I can’t do much for your creation but I know how Kiro is like.

MC: I also know what his work is like.

MC: Kiro will never become water. He is the one and only one who decides where the water will flow.

MC: Whenever you can’t see yourself, I can see you better than anyone else, so—

MC: Believe in the song you wrote. The courage and strength it brings are not only for others but also for yourself. ***YES, YOU TELL HIM, MC!!!***

Kiro leaned his head against my shoulder and chuckled lightly.

Kiro: It seems I have to start the new song from scratch again.

Although he said this, there was no frustration in his voice. Instead, it was full of fighting spirit and anticipation.

I threaded my fingers through his velvety, soft blonde hair and slowly followed the trail of water downwards.

My fingertips lightly brushed the nape of his neck until they finally stopped at his lower jaw as he let the strength of my fingers gently lift his head.

MC: Does it still feel like you’re underwater?

His hot breath slowly came closer, mingling between our lips and melting into a murmur.