Kaito's Obsession

Chapter 3 Farewell

SCHOOL GATE — AFTERNOON

The bell has just rung, and students are flooding out of the building. Kaito, now eleven years old, stands waiting near the gate, eyes fixed on the entrance — eager to see Xhilo the moment she steps out. His mind is already full of plans: walking her home, sharing snacks, and making sure no one bothers her along the way. He is so focused on waiting for her that he doesn’t notice anything else around him.

Up on the 4th‑floor balcony, a stray cat jumps onto the railing. It loses its balance, paws flailing, and accidentally knocks over a heavy clay flower pot. The pot tilts, teeters for a second… then comes crashing down, falling straight toward the ground — right where Kaito is standing.

He doesn’t hear it; he doesn’t see it.

But Xhilo, who has just stepped out of the hallway, is always observant and aware of her surroundings. Her eyes widen when she catches the movement above. Her heart leaps into her throat — she sees the falling pot, and she sees Kaito standing there, completely unaware.

Without thinking twice, she runs as fast as her small legs can carry her, throws herself forward, and pushes Kaito hard to the side.

CRASH!

The heavy pot hits the ground — but not on Kaito. It lands directly on Xhilo’s head and shoulder, shattering into pieces.

Everything goes silent for a split second. Then, a thick stream of bright red blood begins to flow down from the side of her head, soaking her hair, her hat, and her uniform. She collapses onto the grass, her eyes rolling back, and loses consciousness instantly.

“XHILO!!!”

Kaito’s scream echoes through the school grounds. He catches her before she hits the ground, his hands trembling as he sees the blood seeping through his fingers. Panic and terror seize his chest like a fist — he can barely breathe. Teachers and other students rush over, but Kaito refuses to let go. He carries her himself, running as fast as he can toward the car that will take them to the hospital, whispering over and over: “Wake up… please wake up… I’m here, I’m right here…”

HOSPITAL ROOM — WEEKS LATER

Xhilo lies still in the hospital bed, pale and fragile, connected to monitors and IV lines. She has not opened her eyes for nearly three weeks.

Every single day, Kaito is there. He sits by her bedside, holding her cold hand, talking to her even if she can’t answer — telling her stories, reminding her of their time under the oak tree, promising to protect her forever. But his time is running out.

His parents have been urging him to leave, his study abroad program has started, and he must leave the country. They tell him it’s out of his hands now, that the doctors will take care of her. But Kaito begs, pleads, and insists on just one condition: “Let me stay until she wakes up. Just until she opens her eyes.”

Finally, the moment comes.

One quiet morning, Xhilo’s eyelids flutter. Slowly, she opens her eyes — hazy, confused, and unfocused.

Kaito’s heart skips a beat. He leans forward immediately, voice cracking with relief and joy.

“Xhilo! You’re awake! Thank God…”

But as she looks at him, there is no recognition in her eyes. Only blankness.

She blinks, looking from his face to the room around her, then asks softly:

“Who… who are you?”

Kaito freezes. The words feel like a knife piercing his chest.

“Xhilo… it’s me. Kaito. We go to school together — we sit under the oak tree, I walk you home.”

She shakes her head slowly, frowning in confusion.

“I… I’m sorry. I don’t remember you. I don’t remember anything… before I woke up here.”

The doctor later explains: the impact to her head caused temporary amnesia. She may remember some things, but recent memories — and the people connected to them — are gone, at least for now.

Kaito sits back, tears welling up and spilling down his cheeks. He feels so helpless, so guilty — it should have been me. If I had paid attention, she wouldn’t have had to save me. If I had been stronger, I would have protected her instead.

He knows he can’t stay any longer. His parents are already waiting downstairs, and the car is ready to take him to the airport.

He leans closer, brushes the hair away from her face, and holds her hand tightly — as if trying to imprint his touch into her memory.

Voice thick with tears, quiet but firm

“I’m sorry, Xhilo. This is all my fault. You got hurt because you saved me… and I couldn’t protect you when you needed it most. I hate myself for it.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, silver pendant shaped like a knight’s shield and sword — something he had kept since he was little, something precious to him. He places it gently into her palm and closes her fingers around it.

“I have to go now. My parents are sending me far away to study, and I can’t stay longer. But I begged them just to wait until you woke up — and here you are.”

He looks deep into her eyes, even though she doesn’t know him anymore.

“I promise you this — no matter how long it takes, no matter where you go… I will find you again. I will come back. And when I do, I’ll protect you properly this time. I’ll be the knight I said I would be.”

Xhilo sees how sad and broken he looks, how much he is crying, and even though she can’t recall who he is, her heart feels a strange ache of pity and warmth. She lifts her free hand and gently touches his cheek, trying to soothe him.

XHILO: softly, gently

“…It’s okay. If you say you’ll come back… then I’ll wait. I’ll wait for you.”

Those words give him strength, even if they hurt.

Kaito leans in, presses a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead, then on her cheek, and finally on the back of her hand — sealing his promise.

“Remember this pendant. It’s me. It means I’m watching over you. Don’t lose it. And don’t forget… even if you forget me, I will never, ever forget you.”

He stands up, takes one last long look at her — memorizing every detail, every line of her face — then turns and walks toward the door. He pauses just before leaving, glances back once more, and whispers so only the wind can hear:

“We will meet again, my princess. And this time… I’ll never let you out of my sight.”

The door clicks shut.

Xhilo is left alone in the quiet room, holding the cool silver pendant in her hand. She doesn’t know who he is, but she feels something warm and heavy in her chest — as if part of her heart already knows him, even if her mind doesn’t.

And far away, as Kaito sits in the car on the way to the airport, he makes a silent vow: The years apart will only make me stronger. And when I return, I will claim what is mine — no matter what stands in my way.