Yami and Akari

It was the night of the full moon. Everyone in the Sato family was on guard. Mizuki, the wife of the family head, was about to give birth.

Soon after, a baby boy was born.

“Lady Mizuki, congratulations! Your son is here.”

Suddenly, lightning flashed outside. Mizuki screamed, and the two servants present at that time froze in fear.

⸻

……Seventeen years later…

“Yami, how was your holiday?”

“Normal.”

“Yuki, Yami — good morning!”

“Sora, good morning.”

Kitano High School — known for its elite students and high-quality education.

A new semester was about to begin. The bell rang, and everyone took their seats.

It was summertime. The sun was bright, the air was humid, and the sound of cicadas reached them even inside the classroom — maybe because the windows were open, or perhaps the trees just outside were to blame.

“Good morning, students. Today, we have a transfer student. Come in, please introduce yourself.”

“I’m Akari from Miyagi Prefecture. Nice to meet you.”

“Everyone, get along with Akari. You may take your seat.”

Everyone fell silent. Akari walked to the back and took a seat. The lecture started as usual.

There was something different about this transfer student.

Classes ended, but in the meantime, no one dared to talk to Akari.

Akari was alone in the classroom when suddenly, a huge mud-colored creature appeared from behind.

Black smoke spread; it was as if time itself had frozen, and the yokai was shattered as though it had never existed.

It wasn’t Akari who had destroyed the yokai.

“I was planning on capturing it.”

“Don’t talk like you can actually do that. Anyway, it’s my duty to destroy.”

Akari turned, only to face Sato Yami, who had transformed into his Kurokami form.

“Why did you come to this school, Akari?”

“To keep an eye on you, of course. Ah, and don’t you think you should transform back? What if someone sees you in that form?”

“Don’t worry. I’ve cast a barrier around this classroom. Instead, are you fine without using your second name? I think they’ve already figured out who you are. They’re going to avoid y—”

“That’s exactly what I want. That’s why I didn’t say it. I don’t care if they find out.”

Returning to his normal form, they walked out of the classroom with their backs against each other.

⸻

……Seven years ago…

“Akari, look at this! Now I can create stars too with my magic!”

“Shhhh—Yami, be careful. Don’t use too much of your magic, or you’ll run out of energy.”

“Just wait and see. I’ll save everyone from the shadows, no matter what path I take.”

⸻

“Lady Mizuki, please don’t cry.”

“Why did he turn out like that? What if everyone finds out? You know very well that humans like him bear a huge responsibility.”

“Don’t worry, Lady Mizuki. Other than you, only I and Rio know about this. Even young master Yami isn’t aware of it. We just have to be careful.”

⸻

The sky was tinted red. There wasn’t anyone in the park. Yami was walking home.

For the Shirokami and Kurokami, the execution of yokai was part of their duty. They could even take humanoid form.

“How long are you going to follow me? Come out already.”

A sudden white flash appeared.

“Ahh, sorry, that’s not necessary. I’ll save you the effort. Come on, why do the weaker ones keep coming? At this rate, I’ll never be able to achieve my goal.”

There was the shadow of someone wearing a black hood, watching Yami from behind.

“Oh, interesting. Everything is just as I expected.”

Yami reached his home — more like a palace built in the historical period. Birds were chirping as if it were their natural habitat. Yami opened the door.

“Welcome back, young master. Will you have dinner in your room?”

“Yes.”

A soft, silvery voice called out to Yami from behind.

“How was your day, Yami? Did anything new happen? Is everything fine at school?”

“Yes, Mom, everything is fine. I’m going to my room.”

“I don’t know, Yami, for how long I can keep this from you… but this is for your sake. Believe me.”

Shutting the door of his room, Yami sat on his bed, running a hand through his hair as he muttered to himself.

“Why did you come here, Akari?”