Volume 1 – Chapter 5

The next morning, Mirai woke up before dawn. The sun was just beginning to peek over the rooftops, painting the sky with a pale orange glow. She lay in bed for a long time, hugging her pillow, thinking about only one thing – tomorrow was the date.
With Senpai.
The same Senpai from her chat.
The same author whose novels she had read, whose Three Days had once made her cry.

She finally sat up, slipped on a light jacket, and went outside.
There was an important mission ahead – she needed to buy something decent to wear.

The streets of Tokyo were waking up around her, but Mirai barely noticed the bustle. Her thoughts kept circling in the same anxious loop.
What if I disappoint him? What if he imagines me as someone completely different – bright and fearless, like Marissa?

At the crosswalk, the light was still red. Lost in thought, Mirai took a step forward.

– Wait! – a sharp male voice called out from behind.

Time seemed to slow.
She turned her head – headlights flashed in her eyes, the roar of an engine cut through the air. A car was speeding toward her.
In the next instant, a strong hand grabbed her wrist and yanked her backward.

The world spun.
She felt her body pulled out of harm’s way, a rush of cold air brushing against her face. The next thing she knew, she was pressed against a broad chest, safe in the arms of a stranger.
The car whooshed past with a loud hiss, and only then did time start to move normally again.

– Are you all right? – the man asked, looking straight into her eyes. His voice was calm but laced with concern.

Mirai stared at him, speechless.
He was tall – much taller than her. His black hair was neatly styled, his features sharp and composed. His eyes were serious yet gentle, filled with quiet strength. He wore a dark suit, a crisp white shirt, and a perfectly knotted tie. He looked less like a passerby and more like a character who had stepped straight out of a novel.

– I... I’m fine, – she managed to whisper, though her body was still trembling. Her heart was pounding so hard it hurt.

He checked her again, then gestured toward a nearby bench.
– Let’s sit for a bit – you should rest.

She nodded silently.
They sat down, and he ran a hand through his hair with a nervous laugh.
– You really scared me back there... – he said. – My heart’s still racing. That was way too close. I get lost in thought sometimes too, but wow... Please, try to be more careful.

Mirai just listened quietly. Her hands were still shaking.

– Are you sure you’re okay? – he asked again. – Should I call an ambulance? Maybe walk you to a clinic?
– N-no, – she stammered. – Just... give me a moment. I’ll be fine.

He nodded, reached into his bag, and handed her a cold bottle of water.
– Here. Drink this – it’ll help.

She took a few small sips. The cool water grounded her.

– Sorry for pulling you so roughly, – he added. – I barely made it in time. Did I hurt you?
– No, not at all, – she said quickly, looking down. – It’s my fault. I wasn’t paying attention... And you probably have work to get to. I’m so sorry for holding you up.
He waved a hand dismissively.
– Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re safe. You’re sure you’ll be all right on your own?
– Yes, – she nodded more confidently this time. – If you get in trouble because of me, I’ll only feel worse. Please, go ahead – I’ll be fine.

– All right then, – he said, standing up. – Maybe we’ll run into each other again someday. Take care of yourself.
– I will... Thank you... – she whispered.

He crossed the street and disappeared into the morning crowd.

Mirai sat there for a while, watching after him – until it hit her all at once.
I didn’t even thank him properly! I didn’t ask his name... didn’t give mine... nothing!
Her cheeks turned bright red, and she hid her face in her hands. I’m such an idiot...

After a few minutes, she calmed down and stood up. The mission wasn’t over yet – she still had to find something to wear.

At the boutique, she chose a soft pink blouse, a light skirt, a pair of neat shoes, and a cute hair clip shaped like a cat. At least this way, I won’t look completely plain, she thought.

She made it home without further adventures, but the image of the stranger wouldn’t leave her mind.

That evening, her phone rang.

– Well, Mirai, tomorrow’s Saturday, – Kotone’s cheerful voice said. – You know what that means – your date! Senpai will be waiting for you at eleven, right by the Hachiko statue. Don’t be late!
– Hachiko...? – Mirai blinked in surprise.
– Yep! The most romantic meeting spot in all of Tokyo, – Kotone giggled. – Oh, and by the way, Senpai’s not a very public person. It’s hard to find even one good photo of him. But I got a recent one for you so you don’t get confused tomorrow. Sending it now.
– O-okay...
– Let’s see... He’s twenty-three, graduated from Tokyo University, wrote two light novels – you know that part already. Now he works as an editor at a big publishing house, not far from you, actually. Kind of a “senpai for young authors,” hehe. You’ll learn the rest tomorrow. Honestly, I’m jealous – I wouldn’t mind a handsome guy like that asking me out!

Mirai smiled shyly.
– Thank you, Mizusawa-san.

They said goodbye.
A moment later, her phone buzzed again. A message from Kotone – with a photo attached.

Mirai opened it... and froze.
Her eyes widened, her heart leapt into her throat.

No way...

On the screen was the same man – the one in the suit, the one who had pulled her out of the street just hours ago.

– N-no... – she whispered. – This can’t be real. This has to be a dream. Things like this don’t actually happen...

She fell back onto her bed, clutching the phone to her chest. Her face burned red, her pulse raced.