Someone in need

It had been exactly four years since Aiko first attended university. During that time, she had faced many challenges, made countless friends, and a few enemies along the way. But most importantly, the experiences she'd had there would forever hold a special place in her heart.

Despite this, tension gripped her, nerves tightening as she patiently awaited her call to retrieve what she had been striving towards.

Each passing moment was tense as the president called out the names of Aiko’s classmates one by one. Then, at last, her moment arrived.

"Fujimoto, Aiko.” the president called.

Only after Aiko felt a slight tap on her back, did she step forward to snatch her price.

“Congratulations.” the president said after giving Aiko her diploma, his mouth curled into a wide smile.

As Aiko held the diploma in her hands, a surge of emotion washed over her. That piece of paper was more than just a document—it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. At that moment, the full weight of her achievement hit her.

“Thank you for everything,“ Aiko said, bowing slightly to the president.

With her diploma in hand, Aiko made her way toward her friends, her heart light with joy. As she passed several of her lecturers, she noticed their warm smiles, each one silently congratulating her, proud of how far she had come.

Finally reaching her friends, they exchanged quiet, knowing smiles, congratulating each other without needing words. A brief moment of peace settled over them as they savored the accomplishment together.

The director’s voice then echoed through the hall, offering his final wishes to the newly graduated students. Not long after, Aiko felt a gentle tug on her arm as her friends pulled her toward their old classroom.

In a rush of laughter and excitement, they gathered one last time to capture the moment—a final photo to seal the memories they had created together.

Afterward, Aiko headed home, still buzzing with joy from the day. As soon as she stepped through the door, her family greeted her with eager cheers.

“Congratulations, Aiko!“ they exclaimed, their pride and happiness filling the room.

Aiko was quickly surrounded by her loved ones, their voices filled with joy. They had prepared a small celebration just for her, complete with her favorite foods and decorations. Laughter echoed through the house as they toasted to her success, each of them knowing how much this moment meant.

When the celebration came to an end, Aiko made her way to her room, her heart full and her body exhausted from the day’s events. She changed into her pajamas and collapsed onto her bed, a sense of calm settling over her.

Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, her phone buzzed. It was a message from her friend, Yuki.

“Hey Aiko! A few of us are getting together tomorrow. Wanna join?“

Aiko smiled at the thought of seeing her friends again. She quickly replied with a yes, feeling a mix of excitement and contentment as she set her phone down and closed her eyes.

After all, tomorrow promised even more memories to be made.

*

Aiko and her friends wandered from one store to the next, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the bustling street. They were swept up in the energy of the city—windows filled with the latest fashion trends, quirky little shops with handmade trinkets, and cafés with outdoor seating offering a place to rest. The laughter of the group echoed as they explored, joking about the random items they found, trying on ridiculous hats, and taking pictures at every turn.

Yuki grabbed a funky scarf from a boutique, wrapping it around her neck with a flourish. “What do you think? Too much?” she laughed, spinning around dramatically. Tomo rolled his eyes playfully but gave a thumbs up. “You look like you belong in a fashion magazine."

Sora, who had just discovered a bookstore down the street, was already engrossed in a new collection of travel journals. “I swear, I could spend hours in here,” she said, flipping through the pages of one with a dreamy look in her eyes. Aiko smiled, picking up a couple of books herself, running her fingers along their spines, but never really focusing on anything in particular.

The afternoon flew by as they wandered aimlessly, making the most of the day before it slipped away. It was only when they noticed the late afternoon light beginning to fade that they decided it was time to stop for a meal. They picked a nearby restaurant with a cozy vibe, settling into a corner booth, their bags and laughter piling up around them.

As they dug into their meals, Yuki broke the silence, wiping a drop of sauce from her chin. "So, any plans for now? Now that we’re graduates, it feels like the world’s wide open."

Tomo shrugged, casually stirring his noodles. “I’ve got an internship lined up with a tech company. I’m honestly kinda excited to dive into something real for a change.”

Sora leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "I dunno, but I think I’m going to travel for a year. I wanna see the world, really soak it in, you know. It feels like now or never."

Yuki nodded thoughtfully. “I feel the same way. I’ve been thinking about taking some time to travel too. I dunno, maybe Europe. I don’t want to rush into a job just yet.”

The conversation turned toward their plans, each friend confident in their future path. But when it came to Aiko’s turn, she paused, the sudden pressure of expectation weighing down on her.

She shifted in her seat, her fork hovering over her plate as she glanced at her friends. "I... I’m not really sure what I wanna do," Aiko admitted softly. "I think I need some time to think about it. I’ve always focused on school so I didn’t really give much thought for the future."

Her friends were quick to reassure her, offering warm smiles. Yuki reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, don’t worry. You have plenty of time to decide. Just take it easy."

Aiko smiled faintly, grateful for their understanding. “Yeah... I guess so.”

For a moment, the group fell into a comfortable silence, the uncertainty of the future softened by the familiarity and support of her friends. Whatever came next, Aiko knew she wasn’t alone.

After a few moments of quiet reflection, the group looked around at each other, the weight of their futures momentarily forgotten. The casual buzz of the restaurant and the low hum of distant conversations around them blended into the background as each friend considered the question.

"So, what now?" Yuki asked, breaking the silence. Her fingers drummed lightly on the table, as if to urge them to make a decision.

Tomo leaned back, thinking. “Wanna grab some drinks... or see a movie?” he suggested, but there was a hint of indecision in his voice.

Sora, who had been scanning the menu absentmindedly, perked up. “What about ice cream?” she said with a smile. “It’s warm outside, and I’ve been craving something sweet all day.”

Yuki immediately grinned, agreeing with enthusiasm. “Ice cream sounds tempting. It’s simple, but it’s also a bit of a celebration, don’t you think? The last thing we do as students before we all go our separate ways?”

Aiko smiled at the thought, feeling a warmth spread through her. She loved how effortlessly their group functioned together, each person’s preferences and ideas balancing out into something they all enjoyed. "Yeah, ice cream sounds nice," she agreed, the weight of her uncertainty feeling lighter with every passing second.

Tomo, always the realist, took a moment before nodding. "Alright, fine. Ice cream it is. You all are making me crave it now."

“Okay, ice cream it is then!” Sora said, standing up. "Let's go get the best ice cream in town."

With laughter and lighthearted banter, the group made their way out of the restaurant and into the street, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the warmth of the day. Their destination was just a few blocks away, a small ice cream parlor that served all kinds of unique flavors.

As they walked, Aiko felt a sense of peace settle in her chest. The future was still uncertain, but for now, she was content. In the company of her friends, the possibilities ahead felt wide open, like the sky above them.

The decision had been made: a simple treat, shared together, was the perfect way to cap off this chapter of their lives. And as they all stood in line, exchanging playful jabs about what flavors to pick, Aiko knew this moment—however fleeting—would stay with her forever.

As the evening deepened, the streets of the city grew quieter, the bright lights of shops and cafés casting long shadows against the cobblestones. The group had shared their ice cream, laughter echoing between them as they slowly wandered through the streets. But now, as the night air began to cool and the city seemed to settle into its nocturnal rhythm, it was time to part ways.

Tomo was the first to linger behind, the others waving their goodbyes with smiles and promises to keep in touch. Aiko stood near the corner, her friends already heading in different directions, when Tomo approached her with a thoughtful look.

“Hey, Aiko, do you mind if we stay out for a little longer?” he asked, his tone casual but with a hint of something more serious behind his words.

Aiko raised an eyebrow in surprise, her heart giving a small flutter at the thought. “Of course, I’ve got nowhere to be,” she replied with a smile. “What’s on your mind?”

Tomo grinned, relieved. “I don’t know. Just felt like walking around a bit more, I guess. It’s kind of nice to just... be out here, y’know?” He motioned toward the city, where the lights gleamed like a million stars, the sky deep and quiet above them.

Aiko nodded in agreement. “It is peaceful at night, especially after a busy day.” She fell into step beside him, and the two of them began walking slowly through the streets, the sounds of the city seeming to fade as they ventured further into the quieter parts of town.

The conversation flowed easily between them, drifting from one topic to the next. They talked about trivial things—old school memories, funny moments from their university days, and even the things they had learned that neither had expected to. Tomo asked about Aiko’s plans for the future, and Aiko mentioned the uncertainty she had been feeling, how she wasn’t sure yet what she wanted to do next. Tomo listened patiently, offering a few words of encouragement.

“I think... you’ll figure it out, Aiko,” he said thoughtfully. “It’s okay to not have it all planned out right away. No one expects you to have all the answers now. You’ve got time.”

Aiko smiled, feeling the weight of his words sink in. “Thanks, Tomo. You’re right. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that I should have everything figured out, but I guess I don’t really need to rush it.”

“Exactly,” he agreed, his voice light. “No need to rush life. It’s about enjoying the ride, no?”

They continued walking, making their way past dimly lit alleyways and silent storefronts. The city seemed to sleep around them, the only sounds the soft shuffle of their footsteps and the occasional distant car.

As they strolled in comfortable silence, Aiko felt a quiet contentment settle over her. It was nice to have this moment of peace, away from the rush of graduation and all the decisions about what came next. Just walking and talking with Tomo felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Eventually, they reached a small park, the benches empty under the soft light of a streetlamp. Tomo gestured toward one of the benches. “Wanna sit for a bit?”

Aiko nodded, grateful for the chance to relax after the whirlwind of the day. They sat down, the cool air brushing against their faces as they gazed out at the empty park. Aiko felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her—how many nights had she spent here with friends during their time at university? It felt like a lifetime ago.

For a while, they sat in silence, neither of them feeling the need to fill the quiet with words. It was enough to just be there, together, in this moment.

After a few minutes, Tomo spoke again, his voice softer now. “You know, I’m really glad we’ve been friends all these years, Aiko. It’s crazy how much we’ve all been through, but it feels like nothing’s really changed. Like we’re still the same group, even after everything.”

Aiko turned to look at him, her eyes softening. “Yeah, me too. We’ve been through a lot, but I think that’s what makes these moments so special. Even if we go our separate ways, we’ll always have this.”

Tomo smiled, his gaze meeting hers. “You’re right. And no matter what happens, we’ll always be there for each other.”

The two of them sat for a few more minutes, the quiet companionship a comforting presence between them. Aiko didn’t know what the future held, but as she sat there with Tomo, she realized that it wasn’t so important to have all the answers right now. What mattered was the people she had in her life, and the memories they had shared.

Eventually, they stood, ready to head home. “Thanks for sticking around, Tomo. I really needed this,” Aiko said, her voice sincere.

Tomo gave her a friendly nudge. “Anytime, Aiko. Anytime.”

As they continued their walk toward Aiko’s home, Tomo suddenly spoke up, his voice light but with a hint of protectiveness.

“Hey, Aiko, do you mind if I walk you home? Just to be sure, you know? It's late, and I would feel better if I knew you got home okay.”

Aiko smiled, grateful for his concern. “Sure, I don’t mind.”

They walked side by side, the air now chill and crisp around them. The sounds of the city seemed to fade as they neared quieter residential areas, the occasional car driving by the only interruption in the calm night. For a few moments, they walked in peaceful silence, each lost in their own thoughts, yet still sharing this comforting space together.

But suddenly, a faint sound broke through the stillness. Aiko barely noticed at first—a soft, rhythmic pattern of footsteps from behind them. She brushed it off, assuming it was just another passerby, until she realized that the footsteps were getting closer.

Her pace quickened instinctively, and she glanced at Tomo. His brow furrowed as he, too, picked up on the sounds.

The footsteps were deliberate, not the casual rhythm of someone strolling home. The person—or people—behind them were following, and it didn’t seem accidental.

Aiko’s heart skipped a beat as the footsteps grew louder, now unmistakably echoing behind them. Tomo looked over at her, his face serious. Without a word, he grabbed her arm gently, urging her forward.

“Let’s pick up the pace,” he murmured, his voice low.

They began walking faster, the sound of footsteps growing in intensity, as if the follower was trying to close the distance between them. Aiko’s pulse raced, and her mind went into overdrive, panic seeping in.

“Tomo, what should we do?” Aiko’s voice trembled slightly, her anxiety bubbling to the surface.

“I don’t know, but we need to move faster. Stay close to me,” Tomo urged, his grip on her arm tightening.

They broke into a quick walk, then a light jog, trying to put more distance between themselves and the unknown follower. But no matter how fast they moved, the footsteps seemed to keep pace, drawing closer and closer. Aiko’s breath hitched in her throat as she risked a glance over her shoulder. There was no one in sight, but the sound of the steps was unmistakable—someone was definitely behind them, following them, and they were not slowing down.

In a burst of panic, Tomo turned to Aiko. “Run!” he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.

Without hesitation, Aiko followed his lead. They both broke into a full sprint, adrenaline coursing through their veins. Their footsteps pounded against the pavement, echoing in the empty street as they raced down the dimly lit sidewalk, the sound of the pursuing footsteps growing louder with each passing moment.

Aiko’s breath came in ragged gasps, her legs burning as they ran. But the footsteps behind them were relentless, a constant presence stalking them through the night.

“Tomo, I—” Aiko gasped, barely able to catch her breath.

“We can’t stop, just keep going!” he urged, his own breath coming in sharp bursts.

As they rounded a corner, Aiko’s eyes scanned their surroundings, desperate for an escape. The street ahead was empty, and her heart raced as she spotted a narrow alleyway to the right. Without thinking, she grabbed Tomo’s hand and pulled him toward the alley.

“Here!” she exclaimed, her voice frantic.

The alleyway was dark, narrow, and empty, with tall buildings looming on either side. They darted into the shadowed space, pressing themselves against the cold wall of one of the buildings. Aiko’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to steady her breathing, her ears straining to hear the footsteps.

The sounds of pursuit were getting closer—faint at first, but unmistakable. The footsteps were slowing down now, as if the person was searching for them, trying to find where they had gone.

Aiko and Tomo pressed their backs against the wall, their bodies hidden in the shadows. Both of them held their breath, not daring to make a sound. The air was thick with tension, and Aiko’s mind raced. Who was following them? What did they want?

The footsteps drew nearer and stopped just a few feet away from where they were hiding. Aiko could feel her heart in her throat, her body tense and rigid with fear. She barely dared to move, praying that whoever was following them wouldn’t spot them.

They waited in silence, the seconds stretching on like hours. Aiko’s hand tightened around Tomo’s, both of them holding on to each other for reassurance.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, the footsteps slowly receded. The person had passed by, unaware of their hiding spot. Aiko dared to let out a soft breath, her whole body trembling.

Tomo exhaled sharply beside her, his grip on her hand loosening as they stood in the dark, the quiet of the alley now pressing down on them.

“That was close,” Aiko whispered, her voice shaky.

Tomo nodded, his face pale. “Yeah… Let’s stay here for a bit, just to be safe.”

They remained hidden, listening for any more sounds of movement, but all they heard was the distant hum of the city. Slowly, the tension in the air began to ease, and Aiko felt her heartbeat return to a normal rhythm. Whatever had been following them was now gone.

But the fear lingered, and they both knew it wouldn’t be the last time they’d feel it tonight.

Just as the tension began to ease and Aiko and Tomo thought they were safe, a low, mocking voice suddenly broke through the silence, sending a chill down their spines.

“Running, huh? Thought you could hide?” The voice was laced with amusement, dark and unsettling.

Aiko’s heart froze. She and Tomo exchanged a quick, panicked glance, both of them instinctively taking a step closer to the wall, hoping to remain unseen.

The voice was followed by several others—low chuckles, muffled laughter that seemed to echo off the walls of the narrow alleyway. The sound was coming from the shadows ahead of them, too close for comfort. Aiko couldn’t make out the figures yet, but she could feel the eyes watching them, like predators circling their prey.

Tomo’s grip on her hand tightened again, his earlier calm replaced by a tense readiness. His jaw was clenched, and Aiko could see the muscles in his arms flex as he prepared for whatever might come next.

“Aiko, stay close,” he whispered urgently, his voice barely audible over the laughter.

Aiko nodded, her breath shallow as she fought to steady herself. She was terrified, but the presence of Tomo beside her gave her a sense of comfort in the chaos.

“Didn’t think we’d find you two so easily,” another voice added, followed by more laughter. “We knew you’d come down here. What’s the rush? You’ve got nowhere to run now.”

Aiko’s stomach twisted in knots, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plan. The alley was too narrow to escape through easily, and the shadows seemed to grow thicker, hiding the figures in the dark.

Suddenly, a figure stepped forward from the shadows—a tall silhouette, a face obscured by the dim light but the presence undeniable. It was followed by two more figures, and then another, emerging one by one.

They had them surrounded.

The leader of the group, a man with a smirk that seemed too wide for his face, took a step toward them. His voice was smooth, almost teasing, but there was something cold behind it.

“Well, well, look what we have here,” he said, his gaze flicking between Aiko and Tomo. “Pretty little thing, aren't you?” He looked at Aiko with a lecherous gleam in his eyes. “And you, you think you’re acting tough, huh?” he sneered at Tomo.

Tomo’s jaw clenched. “Leave us alone,” he said, his voice firm despite the unease creeping into his chest.

The man laughed again, a dark, sinister sound that echoed in the alley. “Oh, we’ll let you go… soon enough,” he said, stepping closer. “But not before we have some fun.”

The other figures laughed, a chorus of cruel amusement. Aiko’s breath quickened as she realized the situation was worse than she had imagined. They were being cornered, outnumbered, and outmatched.

Tomo stood his ground, his muscles tense, ready to fight if needed. Aiko felt the same surge of adrenaline, though she wasn’t sure how she could help in the face of such danger. She couldn’t run—not with the alley behind them.

The gang closed in quickly, surrounding the two of them with malicious intent. Aiko’s heart pounded in her chest, her breath shallow as she desperately searched for an escape. The alleyway was too narrow, the shadows too thick, and the figures closing in on them were too many.

Without warning, the lackeys lunged toward Tomo, their movements fast and coordinated. Tomo shoved Aiko aside, knocking her to the ground, his body a shield between her and the approaching thugs.

“Aiko! Stay back!” Tomo shouted, his voice full of urgency and desperation.

Aiko scrambled to her feet, her hands trembling, but she couldn't move fast enough to help. Tomo fought valiantly, throwing punches and kicks with all his strength, trying to push the gang members back, but the numbers were too overwhelming.

One of the lackeys grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms to his sides. Another threw a punch to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Tomo gasped for air, his legs shaking under the pressure, but he refused to fall.

“Get off him!” Aiko cried, her voice high and desperate, but it was drowned out by the laughter of the gang members.

Tomo struggled, his face contorted in pain, but it was clear he couldn’t hold them off for much longer. He barely managed to throw one more punch before a fist struck his jaw, sending him to the ground with a sickening thud.

Aiko screamed, her voice breaking in fear and helplessness. She was frozen, paralyzed by the sight of Tomo lying on the cold ground, his body unmoving. “Tomo! No!” Her voice cracked, and her mind raced with a million thoughts, none of them good.

But her fear was short-lived as she felt a hand roughly grab her by the arm, yanking her away from the scene. She gasped, struggling to break free, but the grip was too strong.

The leader of the group, his face twisted in cruel delight, stepped forward, his eyes now locking onto Aiko. “Now, it’s your turn.” he said with a malicious grin. His voice was cold and slow, like a predator savoring its prey.

Aiko’s pulse quickened as she tried to back away, but the leader’s hand shot out, grabbing her by the collar of her shirt and pulling her toward him. She tried to kick, to scream, but her strength felt small and insignificant against his.

With a sudden, violent motion, he threw a punch to her stomach. The force of the blow knocked the wind out of her, and she gasped for air, her knees buckling. Before she could recover, another punch landed against her cheek, sending her stumbling backward into the wall of the alley.

The impact was sharp and cold, pain coursing through her body. She slumped against the wall, her vision blurring for a moment as the world spun around her. She tried to lift her head, but it was as if her body refused to obey her.

Aiko could hear the leader’s footsteps approaching, each one slower, more deliberate than the last. He grinned at her, clearly savoring her fear. “You’re not getting out of this,” he sneered, his breath heavy with malice.

Tears welled in Aiko’s eyes, the sting of the pain in her cheek matching the panic building in her chest. She felt weak, helpless—and in that moment, she wasn’t sure she could take much more.

As Aiko’s body began to betray her, her vision blurred, and the sounds of the world around her seemed to grow distant and muffled. The weight of the punches she’d endured pressed heavily on her, and her head felt like it was spinning out of control. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and the pain in her body grew more intense with each passing second.

Her hearing became deafening, the thuds of her heartbeat reverberating in her ears, drowning out everything else. The world around her seemed to fade as her sight blackened, the alleyway disappearing into darkness. She felt herself swaying, her legs giving way as she slumped helplessly against the wall.

But just as her body began to collapse entirely, something sudden and sharp shattered the chaos. A scream echoed through the alley, a piercing cry that sent a chill down her spine. The thugs around her froze, their laughter stopping abruptly, replaced by confusion and fear.

"What the—?!" One of them shouted, but the sound was cut off by more screams, more frantic shuffling. Aiko’s heart, though struggling to stay afloat in her chest, caught a glimpse of movement—figures, blurred and fast, cutting through the darkness with an energy that seemed to slice through the air.

And then, through the haze of her fading senses, she heard it—the thug leader’s voice, frantic and disbelieving, carrying over the rising sounds of struggle.

“It’s... you?!”

His voice cracked, disbelief and fear rising in it as if he recognized something—someone—that had just appeared in the alley. His words sent a shiver down Aiko’s spine, even though she barely had the strength to make sense of them.

Before she could process what was happening, the noise around her turned into a chaotic mix of bodies crashing to the ground, the sound of grunts and thuds ringing in the air. Her vision was almost entirely gone now, her consciousness slipping like water through her fingers. The last thing she felt before darkness fully claimed her was the sudden absence of the thug’s hand on her, replaced by a strange sense of safety—something that had appeared just in time, though she couldn’t identify it.

Then, all was quiet.

Aiko’s mind went completely black, the events of the night fading into nothingness as her body finally succumbed to exhaustion.

*

Aiko’s eyes fluttered open to the soft, sterile lights of a hospital room, the faint beeping of machines filling the air. Her head throbbed with a dull ache, and her body felt heavy, as though she had been asleep for days. For a moment, she wasn’t sure where she was, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings.

As she blinked, trying to clear her mind, she saw the worried faces of her family gathered around her bed. Her parents, both visibly relieved but still anxious, leaned forward, their expressions softening as they saw her awake. Her older sister, with her arms crossed tightly, looked both concerned and relieved.

The moment they saw her eyes open, their expressions shifted. They moved in close, wrapping her in tight, affectionate hugs, the weight of their emotions evident.

“Aiko, thank goodness,” her mother whispered, her voice trembling.

Aiko tried to sit up but was immediately met with a wave of dizziness. “What happened?” she asked, her voice weak.

Her father’s voice was gentle, though filled with concern. “You were attacked, sweetheart.”

Her older sister, holding back tears, added softly, “The police found several thugs unconscious. Someone had tipped them off, and we were able to get to you just in time.”

Aiko's heart sank as the events slowly came back to her. The alleyway, the cruel voices, Tomo… “Tomo, is he okay?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“He’s recovering,” her mother replied, stroking Aiko’s hand gently. “He’s alive, Aiko. He was hurt badly, but he’s going to be fine. The doctors are taking care of him.”

Aiko let out a sigh of relief, her head sinking back onto the pillow, the overwhelming worry and fear from before slowly being replaced by exhaustion. She couldn’t remember everything that had happened, but knowing Tomo was okay gave her a sense of comfort.

"You're safe now, Aiko," her father reassured her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "We were so worried."

Aiko nodded, her heart heavy with everything that had happened, but at least, for now, she was surrounded by the people she loved. The hospital room felt less like a place of uncertainty and more like a safe haven.

Though Aiko felt comforted by the presence of her family, a lingering curiosity gnawed at her. Despite the relief of being safe, her mind kept drifting back to the mysterious events from the alley—the sudden, overwhelming fear, and then the strange shift in the atmosphere when the thugs had been knocked out.

Who had saved them?

She couldn’t stop wondering about the unknown figure who had intervened so suddenly, stopping the gang before things could get worse. The thugs had seemed completely caught off guard, panicking in fear. She remembered hearing the leader’s shocked exclamation: "It’s... you?!" before everything went quiet.

Who was that? Was it someone she knew? Or someone completely unexpected?

Her thoughts spiraled, despite her exhaustion. She wanted answers, but she was too weak to focus on them now. Her family hovered close, offering soft words of comfort. Still, Aiko felt the unspoken question lingering, heavy and persistent—someone had saved her and Tomo’s life, but who?

As the hours passed, the room quieted, but the question remained. Aiko knew one thing for sure: she wouldn’t rest until she found out who had come to their rescue. And when she did, she wouldn’t let the mystery go unanswered.

*

While Aiko lay in her hospital bed, drifting between the haze of sleep and unanswered questions, the world outside seemed peaceful, calm. The setting sun bathed the city in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows as day turned to evening. For a brief moment, everything felt serene. But far from the safety of the hospital, in a part of town where few dared to venture, the air began to shift—colder, more oppressive, as night quickly descended.

By the time darkness fell, the atmosphere around the small, dimly lit police station was unnervingly quiet. Inside, the thugs who had attacked Aiko and Tomo the night before sat huddled together in one of the holding cells. Their expressions were a mixture of anger and fear. Furious at their current predicament, they cursed their bad luck, unable to fathom how things had gone so wrong.

But beneath their frustration, another fear gnawed at them—a fear of what their boss might do if he found out about their failure. They exchanged nervous glances, imagining the inevitable punishment that awaited them.

“It’s too quiet…” one of the thugs muttered, shifting uneasily on the cold bench.

The others looked around, realizing he was right. The usual noise of the station—the hum of lights, the chatter of officers—had faded into an eerie silence. Then, from somewhere beyond the door, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor, slow and deliberate, growing louder with each passing second.

Their hearts began to race.

“It can’t be…” another thug whispered, his voice shaking.

The heavy door creaked open, and stepped in the very man they had feared—their boss. He walked with a cold, confident stride, his eyes locking onto the group of men as they began to tremble in their seats. The leader of the thugs, usually the most brash among them, now shrank under the intensity of the boss’s gaze.

“Boss… please, we didn’t—”

Before the thug could finish, the boss cut him off with a wave of his hand. His expression remained icy, unimpressed. “You fools…” he said, his voice low and venomous. “You let yourselves get caught? Do you have any idea what kind of mess you’ve made?”

The thugs stammered, trying to plead for mercy, but their words faltered. They knew begging wouldn’t save them.

“You’re all pathetic,” the boss sneered. “Worthless, every last one of you.”

He took a step closer, towering over them. The thugs cowered in their seats, terrified of what he might do next. But after a moment, the boss simply turned on his heel, heading toward the door. “I don’t need weaklings like you,” he said coldly, dismissing them with a wave. “I have no use for failures.”

As he reached the door, he paused, glancing over his shoulder at the goons who had accompanied him. With a simple nod, he gave the signal.

“Clean up this mess.”

The thugs’ eyes widened in horror as the goons stepped forward, closing in on them with grim determination. Desperation filled the cell as the men began to shout, pleading for mercy, but it was too late. The boss didn’t bother looking back as he stepped out into the night, the sound of their frantic screams fading into the distance behind him.

By the time he reached his car, the silence had returned.

As the boss stepped into the night, the echo of the thugs' screams barely behind him, a calm voice suddenly broke the silence.

“You didn’t have to go that far.”

The boss’ body tensed. He stopped in his tracks, the familiar tone lacing itself with a quiet amusement. Slowly, he turned his head to face the speaker, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“It was necessary,” The boss refuted coldly, his voice calm but edged with finality. “They failed, and weakness deserves no mercy.”

The man stood a few feet away, half-hidden in the shadows. A grin tugged at his lips as he tilted his head, observing the boss with a casual air, as though they were discussing something trivial. “You wouldn’t have shown them any leniency either,” the boss added, his words carrying a hint of challenge.

The man chuckled softly, his grin widening. “No,” he agreed, a low laugh escaping his throat. “I wouldn’t have. Not in your position.”

The boss’ eyes gleamed, studying the man in front of him. There was a shared understanding in their exchange, a silent acknowledgment of the ruthless world they lived in, where power was maintained through fear and violence.

The man stepped forward into the faint light, his face now visible, his grin unwavering. “We’re the same, you and I,” he said, his voice filled with quiet conviction. “Cut from the same rotten core.”

The boss’ jaw clenched as the man spoke his next words with a deliberate slowness, his voice filled with satisfaction.

“Isn’t that right… Akemi?”

The sound of his name hung in the air, thick and heavy. Akemi’s eyes darkened, though he remained composed, masking any reaction behind his stoic expression. The familiarity between them was undeniable, but so was the tension that lingered, unspoken yet present.

Akemi’s composed facade wavered for just a moment before an unsettling smile crept onto his face. His lips curled upward, revealing something far more sinister beneath the cold, calm exterior he wore so well.

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice low and dripping with amusement. “Arata.”

The name lingered in the air between them, heavy with the weight of their shared history and the twisted understanding that bound them. Akemi’s smile widened, fully embracing the darkness he had struggled to suppress just moments before. With Arata’s words, the pretense fell away, exposing the raw, merciless version of himself that lay beneath.

After a brief silence, Akemi tilted his gaze toward the darkened sky, where the moon shone brightly overhead. The sinister grin on his face deepened as thoughts of his next target, Fuijmoto Aiko, danced through his mind.

Unbeknownst to both Akemi and Arata, a silhouette stood atop a nearby building, quietly observing them as the night deepened. Hidden in the shadows, the figure remained undetected, taking in every exchange between the two men, seamlessly blending into the darkness surrounding them.