The group crowded around the open trunk of the sleek Toyota Supra, their eyes lighting up with excitement. Inside were several bottles of Japanese craft beer, their labels glinting under the Asakusa streetlights. Kaede, unable to contain herself, grabbed a bottle, popped the cap with her teeth, and took a long swig. The cold, bitter liquid sparked a grin across her face. "Aoi, you know what I like!" she said, raising the bottle in a mock toast.
Aoi smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Yuki, glancing at Hiroshi, teased, "What about our boy Hiroshi? Should I order some milk for him?"
The group erupted into laughter, the sound cutting through the rain-soaked night. Aoi joined in, her gaze locking onto Hiroshi. "No need for that," she said playfully. "Tonight, I want to see if Hiroshi can resist a drink!" She flashed him a challenging smile, and Hiroshi, caught off guard, gave a sheepish grin in return, his heart fluttering at her attention.
Kaede, wiping beer foam from her lips, raised an eyebrow. "What, we're just gonna party here on the street? Or is there an actual plan?"
"No way!" Yuki shouted, her voice brimming with excitement. "Tonight, we're cruising Tokyo! A full-on night adventure—drinking, dancing, and soaking in the city lights. Yahoo!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and the group cheered, piling into the Supra. Yuki slid into the driver's seat, cranked up a pulsing J-pop playlist, and floored the gas. The car roared to life, weaving through Yokohama's neon-lit streets as the group sang, danced, and laughed, the rain outside forgotten.
Inside the car, Aoi caught Hiroshi's eye and smiled softly. She reached into the cooler, pulled out a beer bottle, and held it out to him. Hiroshi hesitated, his fingers twitching. He wasn't much of a drinker, but Aoi's gaze held a playful expectation that made his chest tighten. The group fell silent, sensing the moment, and began making exaggerated "ooh" and "aah" sounds, egging them on.
Hiroshi's cheeks flushed, and Aoi, noticing his shyness, laughed. When he didn't take the bottle, she brought it to her lips, took a sip, and then offered it again. The bottle now bore a faint trace of her red lipstick, a detail that didn't go unnoticed. The group's teasing escalated, with Kaede and Yuki making playful gestures, urging Hiroshi to drink.
Hiroshi's heart raced. He looked into Aoi's eyes, where a spark of hope and mischief danced. Not wanting to disappoint her, he took the bottle, his fingers brushing hers. In one bold move, he tilted his head back and chugged the entire beer in a single gulp. The group erupted into cheers, clapping and whooping. They loved seeing Hiroshi and Aoi together, their chemistry undeniable. Yuki cranked the music louder, and the car became a rolling party, the group lost in the rhythm of the night.
Hiroshi glanced at Aoi, his heart swelling. I'll never let you down, Aoi, he thought. I'll make your every hope come true. The Supra cruised through the city, first stopping at Yokohama Bay, where the group marveled at the shimmering waterfront. Then they sped toward the Minato Mirai Landmark Tower, its towering silhouette a beacon in the storm. The night was a whirlwind of laughter, drinks, and carefree moments, each stop etching memories into Hiroshi's heart.
But the joy came to a screeching halt in Shinjuku. Yuki slammed on the brakes, and the sudden jolt sent Aoi lurching forward. Her head nearly collided with the front seat, but Hiroshi reacted instinctively, thrusting his hand out to cushion the impact. Her forehead hit his palm, and their eyes met. Time seemed to freeze. "I'll always protect you," Hiroshi said softly, his voice steady despite the chaos. "I'll never let you get hurt."
Aoi's eyes softened, a radiant glow spreading across her face. It was as if she'd been waiting to hear those words her whole life. She opened her mouth to respond, but Yuki's voice cut through the moment. "Aoi, isn't this where your friend was meeting us?"
Aoi blinked, glancing out the window. "Yeah, he messaged me earlier. Said he's on his way." She paused, then added, "He had some trouble today—someone messed with his business. You know how he's always caught up in work."
Hiroshi, Kaede, and Hana exchanged puzzled looks. Trouble? Business? Hiroshi's curiosity piqued. "What's your friend's name?" he asked.
Aoi turned to him, her expression teasingly confused. "Wait, you're here with us?" she said, smirking. The group burst into laughter, and even Hiroshi couldn't help but chuckle. When will this girl ever take things seriously? he thought, shaking his head. Always joking around.
Before he could press further, Yuki pointed out the window. "Aoi, look! Your friend's here—on that motorcycle!"
The group lowered their windows, craning their necks to see. A young man on a sleek black motorcycle roared toward the Supra. Aoi's face lit up, and she flung open the car door, leaping out with a squeal. The others followed, except for Hana and Hiroshi, who stayed inside.
Hana turned to Hiroshi, her tone serious. "You're not too late, are you?" she asked, her eyes searching his.
Hiroshi smiled, his confidence unshaken. "I love Aoi," he said proudly. "And she loves me. Everyone knows it."
Hana's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Alright, then. Go practice your big moment," she teased. "Best of luck, my charming brother." She stepped out of the car, leaving Hiroshi alone.
He pulled the sakura-etched jewelry box from his pocket and opened it, staring at the ring inside. "Today's the day, Aoi," he whispered. "I've waited for this moment forever. No one could love you more than I do." His mind drifted to their college days—shared laughter, late-night walks, petty arguments that ended in giggles. Every moment with Aoi was a treasure, the happiest of his life.
Snapping back to reality, Hiroshi steeled himself. "Dreams don't come true by wishing," he said aloud. "You have to take risks. And tonight, I'm taking mine." He stepped out of the car, ready to face his destiny.
But as he looked up, his world shattered. The girl he'd given his heart to, the one he'd worked tirelessly for, the one he'd sworn to make his forever—Aoi—was in another man's arms. Her lips pressed against his, their embrace intimate and undeniable. Hiroshi's body trembled, his legs nearly giving out. The jewelry box slipped from his hand, clattering to the wet pavement.
The sky mirrored his pain. Dark clouds gathered, unleashing a torrent of rain that seemed to weep with him. Lightning cracked, but the storm in Hiroshi's heart was louder. He stood frozen, watching Aoi kiss this stranger, his dreams crumbling like ash.
Hana, catching sight of Hiroshi's devastation, felt tears prick her eyes. Kaede's mood soured, her earlier excitement replaced by anger. Hiroshi's eyes glistened, but the rain masked whether they were tears or just the storm's touch.
Yuki, seeing Hiroshi's pain, felt a pang of sorrow. She knew how deeply he loved Aoi. Oh, gods, she thought, what a cruel game you've played. You made him a lovesick fool, and she's someone else's muse.
Aoi finally pulled away from the man and turned to the group, oblivious to the tension. "Everyone, meet my friends!" she said brightly. "This is Hana and Kaede, my besties. And you know my big sister, Yuki." She paused, her eyes landing on Hiroshi. "And this is Hana and Kaede's brother, Hiroshi."
Hana and Kaede's blood boiled. Not even a friend? they thought in unison. Just minutes ago, you were flirting with him, offering him beer, and now you act like he's a stranger? Their anger simmered, but Hiroshi was beyond feeling. He stood like a corpse, unable to speak or hear, his world reduced to the image of Aoi in another man's arms.
Then, the white light flickered from his chest again, pulsing faintly. Hiroshi's senses sharpened, his panic rising. Danger's near, he thought, scanning the group. His eyes locked onto Aoi's boyfriend, who was staring at him with unsettling intensity.
The man's gaze shifted to the light in Hiroshi's chest, and his eyes widened with a mix of shock and recognition. A sly grin spread across his face as he muttered to himself, "The one I've searched for in every corner of the world… standing right before me. I've found it." With a confident stride, he approached Hiroshi.
Hiroshi tensed, stepping back, but the man lunged forward, pulling him into an unexpected embrace. The group froze, confused by the sudden affection. Aoi laughed, brushing it off. "He loves meeting new people," she said. "He's a perfect man—always so warm!"
But no one bought it. To Hana, Kaede, and Yuki, the man's embrace felt more like a predator sizing up its prey. He released Hiroshi and looked into his eyes. "Nice to meet you, Hiroshi," he said smoothly. "I'm Reiji Sakamoto."
The name hit Hiroshi like a thunderbolt. Reiji Sakamoto? The same Reiji Sakamoto the thugs in Tsukimichi Alley had mentioned—the one with the Hi no Tomoshibi, the Fire Lantern that could burn men to ash. Fear and anger churned in Hiroshi's gut. How could Aoi love a thug like him?
Before he could process further, Aoi's voice cut through. "Hiroshi, why was there white light coming from your chest?" Her tone was curious, almost alarmed. She'd seen it too.
Hiroshi forced a laugh, his voice shaky. "Oh, it's just my phone in my jacket pocket. The flash goes off when I get a message. No big deal."
Aoi's interest faded, and she turned back to the group, launching into a story about Reiji's latest business ventures. But Reiji's eyes never left Hiroshi. A flash, huh? he thought, smirking. Not a phone flash, that's for sure.
Hiroshi's heart couldn't take any more. He turned to Hana, his voice low. "I've gotta go. A friend just messaged me—he's been in an accident. He needs me."
Hana, Kaede, and Yuki saw through the lie instantly. They knew he was running from his pain. Aoi, oblivious, chimed in. "We'll come with you! Your friend's our friend too, right?"
Before she could continue, Kaede cut her off. "Hiroshi and I are going. You guys stay and have fun." Her tone was sharp, her patience gone. She couldn't stand to see her brother hurt any longer.
Hiroshi shook his head. "No, no, you all keep going. I'll handle this." Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the rain. As soon as he was out of sight, the tears he'd held back spilled freely, mingling with the downpour.
Back with the group, Aoi, unaware of the storm she'd caused, started to speak. "We've got another plan—" But Hana interrupted, her voice cold. "Sorry, guys, we've gotta go." Kaede nodded. "Yeah, our cab's already booked."
As if on cue, a taxi pulled up. Before Aoi could protest, Hana and Kaede climbed in and sped off, leaving Aoi stunned. She turned to Yuki, her eyes questioning. Yuki, struggling to contain her anger at her sister's insensitivity, forced a smile. "They probably had something come up," she said. "Plus, they've got college tomorrow."
Aoi nodded, her expression tinged with sadness, oblivious to the heartbreak she'd left in her wake.
Does Aoi truly not love Hiroshi? What will Hiroshi do next? What did Reiji mean by his cryptic words? What new twist has turned Hiroshi's life upside down? Can he overcome this pain?
To find out, keep reading…