"Bang!"
The door slammed behind me as I stumbled into the house, still fuming.
"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" I called out, dropping my bag carelessly by the entrance.
My mother peeked out from the kitchen, her expression shifting from relief to concern as she caught sight of me. "Welcome home, baby. Wait… Iori, have you been drinking?"
I kicked off my shoes, barely sparing her a glance. "Yeah. You have a problem with that too?"
Her brows knitted together in confusion. "Iori, why are you talking like this? What's wrong?"
I crossed my arms, frustration boiling over. "What's wrong? Seriously? How about the fact that you fixed a blind date for me without even asking? It's my life. I'm the one who has to marry, not you!"
My father entered the living room, his expression calm but firm. "Iori, we're only asking you to meet him. You're 28 now, and we haven't seen you take an interest in anyone. We thought this might help."
My mother chimed in, her tone gentler. "Sweetheart, we're not forcing you to marry him. Just meet him. Spend a little time getting to know him. If you don't like him, you can tell us. No strings attached."
I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head. "I don't even know his name, Mom. How do you expect me to sit across from a stranger and suddenly… what? Fall in love?"
"No one knows each other at first," my mother said patiently. "But relationships start somewhere. Just give it a chance."
I sighed heavily, turning toward the stairs. "Whatever. I'm going to bed. What a day…"
"Take a shower before you sleep!" my mom called after me as I trudged upstairs.
The door to my room slammed shut behind me.
Downstairs, my mother glanced worriedly at my father. "Do you think we pushed her too far?"
"No," my father replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You've always been too soft with her, honey. She's strong, but she needs guidance, especially now. Even if we'd asked her, she would've reacted the same way. This is the only way to prepare her for what's coming."
She sighed, her eyes clouded with concern. "I just hope everything goes as planned tomorrow. Their meeting is crucial."
"It will," my father reassured her. "Their souls have waited for this moment for centuries. Even if their minds and bodies don't recognize each other yet, their connection is undeniable. The moment they meet, they'll feel it—a bond stronger than time itself."
My room was as simple as any other Japanese bedroom, though its contents spoke volumes about my life. A fluffy bed sat in the center, surrounded by a display of casual paintings that could sell for millions if I ever decided to part with them. Beside the bed stood a showcase filled with medals, certificates, and awards—testaments to my success as an artist.
Despite the accolades, I had never cared much for fame. My life revolved around art, not the world's recognition of it.
I emerged from the bathroom, my hair damp and my body wrapped in a towel. I caught my reflection in the mirror and paused. My pale skin glowed softly in the dim light, and my long lashes framed eyes that seemed to hold secrets even I didn't know.
But it wasn't my face that caught my attention—it was the birthmark just above my left breast.
"Huh…!" I leaned closer, narrowing my eyes.
It had always been a butterfly-shaped mark, but tonight, it looked… different. The wings seemed to have elongated, as if they were spreading wide.
"Am I too drunk?" I muttered, shaking my head. "No… that's ridiculous."
I brushed it off, quickly slipping into a light, feather-like nightgown. Crossing the room, I opened the balcony door and stepped outside.
The night sky stretched above me, a sea of stars twinkling brighter than usual. It felt almost magical, as if the heavens themselves were celebrating something. I leaned against the railing, humming softly to myself—a habit I rarely indulged in.
My voice carried on the breeze, a melody so sweet and mysterious that it could lull even the most restless heart. It was a gift I'd never shared with anyone, not even Manami.
I didn't know how long I stood there, singing to the stars, but eventually, the melody faded, and drowsiness crept in. I returned to my room, collapsing onto the soft bed, and let sleep claim me.
In the Dream...
The tunnel stretched endlessly before me, shrouded in darkness. I walked, my bare feet brushing against the cold, smooth ground.
He was there again—the man from my dreams.
He walked ahead of me, his hand firmly gripping mine. His back was broad, his presence steady and reassuring.
I called out to him, but no sound escaped my lips.
Suddenly, he stopped and turned to face me. His features were blurred, as always, but this time, his smile was clearer—a gentle curve of warmth and familiarity. He said something, his voice low and melodic, but the words slipped past my understanding.
A bright light burst forth, engulfing us both.
And then…
I woke with a start, my heart racing. The dream lingered, vivid and unsettling.
I touched the birthmark above my heart, a strange warmth emanating from it.
"Who are you?" I whispered into the darkness.
The stars outside seemed to twinkle in reply, as if they held the answers to questions I hadn't yet dared to ask.