Karaoke Arcade – Evening
Neon lights bathed the Tokyo streets in a vibrant glow, the city alive with the energy of a Monday night. Inside the bustling karaoke lounge, the air buzzed with laughter, off-key singing, and the occasional clinking of drinks.
At the center of the chaos, a group of students occupied a cozy booth, flipping through song lists and tossing playful insults at each other’s choices.
Kaori scrolled through her phone, eyes lighting up. "Hey, did you guys see last night’s underground idol show?" (kaori : Hanae's School Friend)
Rika nearly spilled her drink. "You mean Luna’s performance? Where did you watch it?"(Rika : Hanae's School Friend)
Kaori smirked, lowering her voice like she was revealing a state secret. "There’s this site where people upload her shows. It’s not official, but it has everything."
Hanae, silently sipping her drink, tensed. "What are you guys talking about?"
Rika turned, eyes gleaming. "Hanae-chan, do you know about the masked idol, Luna?"
Hanae’s fingers tightened around her glass. Her heartbeat quickened, but before she could reply—
"Alright, alright! We came here to sing, not to gossip!" Renn cut in, waving dramatically.
Hanae immediately latched onto the escape. "That’s right! Let’s sing instead!"
Kaori and Rika exchanged mischievous glances, then turned to Renn.
Kaori leaned close. "You’re right, Senpai! We should have fun!"
Rika clutched his other arm. "By the way, Senpai… are you single?"
Renn choked on air. "W-What?! What kind of question is that?!"
Kaori giggled. "Come on, Senpai, we won’t tell anyone!"
Across the table, Hanae’s eye twitched. Her aura darkened.
With a sweet-yet-deadly smile, she grabbed the microphone and slid smoothly between them, shoving Kaori and Rika aside.
"You can’t have fun without me," she said sweetly, voice laced with menace.
Kaori and Rika stiffened.
They knew.
They were doomed.
Hibiki grinned. "Haha, Renn, you’re saved again by her!"(Hibiki : Renn's School Friend)
Wataru smirked. "Dude, she’s your knight in shining armor at this point!"(Wataru: Renn's School Friend)
Hanae turned her head slowly toward them.
Her gaze alone could’ve frozen lava.
Hibiki and Wataru immediately regretted speaking.
"J-Just kidding, Hanae-chan!" Wataru stammered.
"Y-Yeah! You totally did the right thing!" Hibiki added.
Sensing the danger, Renn jumped up. "Guys! Drinks are on me!"
"WOOHOO!" Everyone cheered.
Except Hanae.
She crossed her arms. "Senpai, that’s too much."
Renn ruffled her hair. "It’s fine! I invited you all!"
Hanae huffed but didn’t argue. The night rolled on with singing, teasing, and fun.
---
Outside the Karaoke Lounge – Nightfall
The streets quieted. One by one, the group split up.
"Bye, guys! See you tomorrow!"
"Good night!"
Renn waved them off. Only Hanae remained.
"Should I drop you home?" he asked.
Hanae shook her head. "No, thanks, Senpai. My driver should be here soon."
Renn stretched. "Did you have fun?"
"A little bit."
"Only a little?"
She wanted to say: It would’ve been more fun with just the two of us, Senpai.
Instead—"I was just messing with you. I had fun."
Renn laughed. "You’re such a troublemaker."
Her phone buzzed.
"Where are you? Don’t you know my mother will lose it if I’m late?!"
Renn watched her hand gripping the phone tightly. His fingers twitched.
Just once, he thought. I want to hold it...Her Hand....
But—
BEEP! BEEP!
A car honk shattered the moment.
"AHH!!" Renn yelped.
Hanae blinked. "Senpai!!, why are you yelling?"
"Uh—nothing! Your car is here! You should go!"
She raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "You’re weird."
As she got in, she waved.
"See you tomorrow, Senpai ! Good night."
"Yeah… see you. Good night."
The car pulled away.
He muttered to himself, "Thank god! I hope she didn’t see that .Am I an idiot?"
Turning to leave—
He froze.
A figure with long blonde hair vanished into a dark alley.
"Kira?"
His heart skipped.
"Why is she here?"
He clenched his fists. "I should follow her ! I need to make sure she’s safe."
And he followed.
---
Hanae’s Car – On the Way Home
The ride was quiet.
The driver glanced back. "Ma’am, do you have a fever? Your face is all red."
"Are you my mother? Focus on the road!"
The driver apologized.
Hanae turned to the window, pressing her fingers to her burning cheeks.
"Geez… stupid Senpai…You thought I didn't see that!" she mumbled.
And yet—she was smiling.
---
The Dark Alley – Midnight
Renn tread lightly.
Kira walked deeper into the alley.
"What is she doing here alone?"
Suddenly—
"MEOWWW!!"
A cat dashed across.
"WOAH!!" Renn stumbled.
The cat hissed and strutted off.
"Damn it! Miss Kitty, you scared the hell out of me!"
He turned back—
Kira was gone.
His heart dropped.
"Wait— Where is she? I just saw her!"
Then he realized—
"and where the hell I am??"
He was lost too.
"This is bad...Really bad..."
---
To Be Continued.
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