“WHAT?! You've been living here in Sokyoshi for over a year now?!” Reina let out a shriek, her eyes and mouth wide with shock. Kota, meanwhile, stood frozen—his eyes widened in silent disbelief.

“Yup,” Aoi answered, her eyes on her food as she shoved another bite into her mouth.

“That's pretty long. And how come we've never seen you before?” Kota asked, his expression unwavering.

“I don't stay out much,” Aoi replied with a shrug.

“Still, we should have at least seen you walk by. Is it because you're always wearing a hoodie?”

“Like I said, I don't stay out for too long. Once I get what I need, I leave.” Aoi answered, her voice firm and cautious.

“Really? Well, that sounds rough. But with us, we stay out long to make sure things stay in place here in Sokyoshi. One of my many quirks is to do that.” Reina let out a quiet sigh before slurping her noodles, chewing with casual ease. Aoi’s gaze drifted to her uniform, eyes narrowing slightly at the crest stitched on the chest—a bird in mid-flight, its wings outstretched, a delicate flower clutched in its beak.

Sayonaki High. A school unlike any other—where boys and girls train, fight, and rise. In a town plagued by gang warfare, the institution stands as a beacon of resistance. Its students don't just study; they battle to defend Sokyoshi from the chaos that threatens to consume it. With her eyes shut in thought, a pulse of irritation flicked across Aoi’s temple, lips tightening as the voice continued, cutting into her reflection like a blade.

The school is governed by its elite: the fiercest fighters, bound not by titles, but by purpose. Their mission? To crush the gangs that defy peace. To become the storm that purges the streets. To protect Sokyoshi. They are known by a name whispered in fear by the lawless… The Nightingales. Day or night, they rise. Those who sow fear, who bring harm, who thrive in darkness—will face their song of justice.

Opening her eyes with a sharp exhale, Aoi shot a glare at the brown-haired girl beside her, that irritated tick still pulsing at her temple. “Seriously? Are you reading my internal monologue out loud now? What is this, a live commentary? And more importantly—how the hell are you even doing that?”

“Just a lucky guess. Nailed it, didn’t I?” she teased with a smirk, drawing a quiet growl from Aoi. Kota glanced at the two, awkwardly chuckling with his eyes closed and his hands propped on his hips. 

“I'm guessing that's one of your many quirks, isn't it?” Aoi asked, her eyebrow raised.

“Maybe,” Reina gave a casual shrug, twirling some noodles around her chopsticks. “Although I'm not sure you've got a quirk like that.” She joked, causing Aoi to glare at her, her side profile meeting Aoi's lavender orbs.

“Huh? You got something you—” She paused mid-sentence as Reina leaned close to her, her gaze fixed on her.

“Your eyes... they remind me of the blue storm rose. It's so beautiful,” he said, making Aoi flinch and step back. Her hood slipped off in the process, her hair falling into view as Reina and Kota looked on in confusion.

“What's up with you?! Why were you staring so much?!” she asked, her eyes wide in surprise as Reina let out a small laugh.

“Sorry, sorry. I was just observing, that's all. Your eyes got my curiosity piqued.”

“Why're you so interested in my eyes anyway?” Aoi asked as she took her seat, this time, with caution.

“Like I said, they remind me of the blue storm rose— an artificially grown flower with beautiful, subtle lavender petals. Your eyes have their distinct colour, the perfect shade too.” Pausing slightly, she continued, “Also, it reminds me of her.”

“Her?” Aoi asked, her eyebrow raised.

“Yeah, the first leader and founder of Sayonaki. She was caring and beautiful. Her voice was so soft and beautiful when she sang—like a Nightingale. She created the school and gave it the name Sayonaki High, serving along with her group as the guardians of the neighborhood. But she left two years later, with the others disbanded, but she kept fighting on. She was the best.”

“Was?” Aoi asked, hearing the word repeatedly.

“Yeah, she's gone now. No one knows where, though. But I'll always remember her.”

“Hm, sounds pretty shady that she left what she started,” Aoi said. The older girl gave her a small, knowing smile, then turned her attention back to her food.

“Still, I can't believe you've been living in this town for a year now,” Reina added, slurping her noodles.

“Yeah. Sokyoshi's a dangerous and living entity; it still is. It was controlled by multiple rival gangs, each with different motivations and tactics. Some are pure criminals, while others operate in moral gray areas. Back then, the fighting was so bad that this place hardly felt like a town. Nineteen years ago, that’s why Sayonaki High’s founder stepped in—she built the school’s reputation to fix it,” Kota said, crossing his arms as Aoi listened quietly. “They kept things in check for a long time… but eventually, they disbanded.”

“But to be frank,” Reina said, taking a final sip of her ramen broth with a satisfied sigh as she set the bowl down, “Sayonaki High's actually a great place to start out. Sure, it feels a little rough around the edges at first—but that’s just how we roll.” Her expression brightened as she turned to Aoi, a grin spreading across her face. “Hey, you should join us.”

“Not interested,” Aoi stated blankly, sipping her glass of water.

“Huh?! Why not? No gang can outrun our justice. We’re the town’s protectors—we stand for what’s right. You’d fit right in.” Her voice was steady, filled with purpose. Aoi said nothing, her gaze fixed on the counter. A dark shadow veiled her eyes, unreadable. The silence between them stretched thick, weighted.

“Heroes of the town? Sense of justice?” she chuckled dryly. “Spare me the hero act,” she scoffed, her voice laced with venom, leaving both Kota and Reina stunned. Her eyes narrowed on Reina; gaze sharp as glass.

“You know, I always wondered what I’d say if I ever ran into one of you self-proclaimed saviors.” She leaned forward; her tone razor-thin.

“‘Heroes,’ huh? Couldn’t even stop a basic store robbery. Day or night—where were you when he needed help? If I hadn’t been nearby, this place would’ve been wiped clean.” A dry laugh escaped her lips. “And The Nightingales?” She tilted her head mockingly. “Please. Try The Frightingales.”

“Hey now—” Kota started, but was stopped by Reina, who raised a hand, a dark shadow covering her eyes as Aoi continued.

“You call yourselves protectors? All I see are glorified brawlers making things worse for the people you're supposed to protect.” Aoi’s voice was cold, her words laced with contempt.

“There’s nothing noble about picking fights in the name of justice. And this school you worship?” She scoffed. “The one who started it all ditched it when things got hard. Pathetic. Even her own so-called allies scattered. Some leader she was—what a joke.” She leaned back, her tone dripping with mockery, unaware of Reina's clenched fist trembling on the counter. But just as quickly, Reina's grip loosened… and a faint smirk tugged at her lips.

“Well, I could say the same about you. Don’t you think, Aoi Sakuraba?” Reina’s words sliced through the air, prompting a sharp inhale from Aoi. Her eyes widened. How does she know my name...?

“What are you talking about? How do you—”

“Know your last name?” Reina tilted her head slightly, a knowing glint in her eye. “I've seen you once before. Years ago, actually. Aoi Sakuraba. That name... It’s not one people forget easily. Especially not with the kind of rumors that follow it.” She paused, her gaze narrowing as it locked onto Aoi.

“But just because life was cruel to you doesn't give you the right to spit on those trying to do good. You don't get to badmouth the first leader of Sayonaki High. She stood with this town. She built something real—with people, not in spite of them. She wasn't like you... hiding from the world, acting like you're the only one who's suffered.”

“Reina...” Kota's voice cut through gently, a warning.

Aoi’s hands curled into fists, trembling. “You don't know a damn thing about me,” she muttered, eyes burning into Reina’s. “And you don’t need to... 'cause you never could. You're living in a dream—one where people are kind, where they stick around. But wake up.” Her voice deepened with emotion. “The second misfortune hits, they turn their backs. All of them. Doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been through. To them... you’re already broken.”

“From the way you talk...” Reina muttered, casting Aoi a sidelong glance, her voice laced with cold disdain. “It’s clear you’ve been through hell. That’s tragic...” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “...but still, utterly pathetic.”

Aoi’s expression shifted in an instant. Her eyes flared with fury as she drew her fist back.

“SHUT UP!!” She lunged, swinging a sharp punch toward Reina’s face. A loud crack echoed through the diner as dust stirred around them—Kota’s breath caught in his throat.

But—

Aoi froze. Her fist hadn’t landed. It was caught— Held firmly in Reina’s left palm. Eyes wide, Aoi stared at her. No way… She caught it? Reina’s gaze didn’t waver. Her expression was calm. Collected. Unshaken. She’s not even phased… Who is this girl?

With a furrowed brow, Aoi yanked her fist free. Kota leaned over the counter; eyes full of alarm.

“Reina?! Are you okay?!” Reina flexed her fingers, brushing off the impact like it was nothing.

“Whew… That was one hell of a swing.” She gave a small grin. “Haven’t felt that kind of heat in a long time. It’s almost nostalgic.”

Aoi turned her face away, arms crossed, her eyes shadowed. “Tch. What’s your deal?” Her voice was low, but sharp. “You don’t know me. You don’t get to judge me. I don’t need people, and I’m better off on my own.”

“But you can’t carry everything on your own forever,” Reina said calmly, her tone firm yet gentle. “You need people, Aoi. Whether you like it or not, you need to let someone in. Just hear me out—join Sayonaki High.”

A tick mark pulsed on Aoi’s temple. “Like hell I would!” she snapped. “I already told you—I’m not interested. I don’t need anyone. I’ve made it this far on my own, and that’s all I need.”

Reina gave a small, knowing smile. “I’m not saying you can’t survive on your own. Clearly, you can.” Her expression shifted, eyes softening with quiet understanding. “But surviving isn't the same as living. You’ve buried yourself so deep in isolation, you’ve forgotten what it feels like to be seen... to be understood. And that loneliness?” She paused. “That’s what’s eating at you. Not weakness. Not failure. Just pain.”

Aoi's breath hitched. Her eyes widened, trembling ever so slightly as Reina’s words sank in. Echoes of bitter memories flickered through her mind—cruel voices, slamming doors, her sister’s broken body, her father’s last glare. No. Not here. Not now. She clenched her fists. With a loud slam, her right fist struck the counter.

“I’m not some damsel in distress who needs saving.” She glared at Reina, the fire in her eyes burning bright. “I don’t need anyone. My goal is all I have—and that’s to stay away from people. Especially people like you.” With that, she turned and stormed toward the door, leaving only her footsteps behind.

“Aoi, wait—!” Kota called after her. But the bell above the door jingled, and she was gone.

Kota sighed, placing both hands on his hips as he looked back at Reina. “You didn’t have to go that far… Don’t you think you were being a little harsh?”

Reina didn’t answer right away. She closed her eyes, raising her glass slowly to her lips. Her voice was quiet, thoughtful— “Sometimes… truth only stings when it’s already been buried too deep.” Kota exhaled, releasing his hands from his hips.

“She needed that,” she added softly, setting her glass down with a quiet clink. “Whatever she’s been through… It’s twisted her into someone she’s not. That kind of pain? It isolates you. Makes you forget how to trust. Someone had to take the first step.” She exhaled slowly; her voice tinged with resolve.

“Maybe I was a little rough… but it had to be done. After all...” She opened her eyes, meeting Kota’s gaze with quiet intensity. “...she is her daughter.”

Kota’s eyes widened just slightly, his expression softening the moment he realized who Reina meant. His gaze shifted toward the door, the weight of understanding settling in his chest.

“I just hope she’ll be okay,” he murmured.

Reina lifted her glass once more, offering a small, warm smile. “She will be.” A pause. “She’s Aoi. And she’s stronger than she knows.”