Ilyas was honestly surprised by Ethan's words. Out of all things that could happen in a gate, questions related to spiritual world was definitely not on his list.
Ethan continued, "I guess it's faster to just show it to you."
He said that and pulled his tie out with his free hand. Startled, Ilyas backed away, releasing their intertwined hands.
Unbuttoning his inner vest, Ethan didn't stop moving his hands as he continued unbuttoning his white shirt, showing his bare skin.
But seeing what that shirt hid was more startling to Ilyas.
"W-What is this?"
Dark purple veins were crumpled together in the center of Ethan's chest. It's not large in size, but the existence of something that's supposedly not on a human body was worrying.
"This is the result of the universe rejecting me."
A small laugh escaped his lips as his lips turned upward, almost seemed like a mocking smile. Seeing the usually calm and reliable Ethan put on that expression broke Ilyas' heart.
Now Ilyas finally knew what was off when he first saw him. The string of life that's coming out from Ethan was thinner than it was before.
Grabbing Ethan's hand, Ilyas said, "Let's go to my grandma's place right now."
"What? But you have a concert to attend-"
"That doesn't matter, your well-being is far more important to me right now."
Ilyas tidied up Ethan's clothes and dragged him out of the restroom. People kept giving them a confused gaze, but Ilyas paid no mind as he reached out his phone to contact his band team.
"Wait, Ilyas!"
Ethan yanked his hand free from Ilyas, it was something he could easily do since the start due to the difference in strength but the fact that Ethan only did it now meant he wasn't tolerating Ilyas' behavior anymore.
"Go to the stage, I don't want to ruin your entire team's preparation just because of this."
"But still-"
"No means no. Besides, I want to hear you perform. You told me you'll give me an outstanding performance right? Don't go breaking your promises now."
Ilyas' surprise was apparent on his face. He knew once Ethan made up his mind no one could argue against him.
He clenched his fist. It was frustrating that the man who should be more worried than him was this nonchalant about his own body condition.
"Alright, promise me you will immediately tell me if something happens okay?"
"Sure, show me your best."
Ethan smiled gently as he patted Ilyas' head. The gesture that was awkward for them at first had become a casual expression of reassurance.
Ilyas guided him to the stage, reuniting with Xain and Cedric before vanishing to the backstage. Sitting down on the chairs prepared for them in the front, the two gave Ethan a look.
"Where did you guys go?"
Cedric asked curiously, the usually tidy suit Ethan wore was wrinkled and unbuttoned at the top, which rose suspicious glances from the people around them, especially since the two were an esper and a guide. But regardless of the spying eyes, his teammates knew what kind of person Ethan was.
Tying up his tie, Ethan said with a nonchalant face.
"We were having a talk, I need to clear up something with Ilyas."
He then glanced at the two, his nonchalant face had turned serious. For the first time since the three of them were together, Ethan's voice seemed shaky.
"Say, if I suddenly vanish... Will you guys remember me?"
"What are you talking about? Where are you going to go?" Cedric was bewildered by Ethan's question.
"Don't you dare vanish and leave us Ethan! If you do, I'll search you all over the planet and beat the crap out of you when I find you." Xain clenched his fist.
Ethan chuckled, his shoulders relaxed as he exhaled. "Yeah, sorry, that was a dumb question. Let's just enjoy the music now."
His teammates also relaxed when Ethan gave them his usual calm smile.
It was finally time for Ilyas' band to perform.
Though they seemed nervous, but the excitement in their eyes made everyone's attention focused on them.
Ilyas stood in front of the microphone. He made eye contact with the espers sitting in the front row. His eyes were saying 'Watch me.'
The music started, and Ilyas opened his mouth to say to first lyric. His melodic voice enchanted the whole audience. It was at this moment that everyone felt like an angel had descended to their world.
They couldn't tear their gaze off of Ilyas, and so did the three espers.
Once the music ended, row of cheers filled the audience. It really was a great performance. Ilyas' charm as he confidently brought the music to life was supported by the brilliant performance of his bandmates.
Though panting after the performance, Ilyas didn't forget to give one last look to the espers before smiling brightly at them.
As promised, he had fulfilled his words of giving them an excellent performance.
Once he got off stage, Ilyas immediately rushed to his team, a wide smile still plastered on his face.
"That was amazing Ilyas! I feel even more powered up after hearing your performance."
"Agreed, that was really good, especially when you hit the beat."
Xain and Cedric immediately complimented him, which made Ilyas grin smugly. Ilyas then looked at Ethan, expecting a word from him.
"That was the best concert I have heard in my life. I couldn't get the music off my mind now, it keeps replaying in my head."
Ethan commented, which made Ilyas smile even wider.
They spent time together sitting side by side while enjoying the rest of music performance together. Though Ilyas kept giving Ethan subtle glances, Ethan didn't mind it and talked as he used to.
Right at 4 P.M. the music festival finally reached its end.
Stalls had prepared to close and the stage MC said their last greeting before officially ending the festival.
The group of four finally said goodbye to each other, parting their ways.
Ilyas pulled Ethan to the side and immediately announced.
"Let's go, we need to cure you now."