Tokyo Summer 2016

In the morning light, Fudokawa Naomi, a boy with jet-black hair and striking silver eyes, lies on his bed in a room adorned with anime posters and stacks of manga. The TV plays a familiar line.

TV: I love you.

Naomi (to himself): I wanted to hear that like any normal person, but I can't.

He rises and stands by the window, looking out at the bustling streets below.

Naomi: Good morning, boring world.
Naomi (to himself): I'm an otaku. People make fun of me for it, and I don't have any friends.

After dressing, he steps out into the street.

Naomi (to himself): But I don't care.

Arriving at his usual café, "La Bomme," he notices it's unusually crowded. He takes a seat at a table with an empty chair across from him.

Naomi: The café is full today.
Naomi (to himself): Sometimes people see me as a monster!

The waitress approaches, placing a cup of coffee on his table with a forced smile.

Waitress: He's back again.

She quickly retreats to the kitchen, leaving Naomi puzzled.

Naomi: Am I a bomb?

He sips his coffee slowly, contemplating his thoughts.

Naomi (to himself): My name is Fudokawa Naomi, and I'm 16 years old.

Suddenly, a girl with short pink hair and bright scarlet eyes approaches, her gaze lingering on him.

Naomi (in his mind): A girl! A girl! Help me!

She giggles, breaking the tension.

Aiko: Hi! Excuse me, can I sit here? The café is full, and I can't find a chair.

Naomi struggles to maintain his composure.

Naomi: Yes, please.

As Aiko takes a seat, she smiles warmly.

Aiko: Thanks! I'm Aiko.

Feeling flustered, Naomi manages a smile back.

Naomi: I'm Fudokawa Naomi. Nice to meet you, Aiko.

He places a hand on his forehead, realizing he's sweating.

Naomi (bewildered): Why am I sweating?

Aiko laughs softly. Nearby, a waitress with brown hair and glasses glances at them before making a phone call.

Kana: She's here, my master.
Kama: Yes, my master.

Aiko continues to visit the café regularly, and as months pass, their bond grows. One evening, dressed in a new outfit, Naomi heads to the café with a resolve.

Naomi (in his mind): Today, I'll tell Aiko that I love her.

Entering the café, he spots Aiko at their usual table, wearing a lovely white dress. His heart races as he approaches.

Naomi: Aiko!

She turns, her smile radiant.

Aiko: What is it, Naomi?

His heart pounds.

Naomi: You look beautiful today.

Just then, a man with blue hair and a bat slung over his shoulder enters the café, taking a seat at another table.

Komori: Don't be like this, my dear bat.

He casts a serious glance at Aiko, who looks startled.

Aiko: Naomi, I'm sorry, but I have to go.

Aiko hurriedly exits, Komori following close behind.

Naomi: Why is he following her?

Determined, Naomi shadows them, remaining unnoticed. Outside, Aiko confronts Komori in a quiet, dimly lit street.

Aiko: What do you want, Komori?

Komori: Huh? What do you mean?
(He raises an eyebrow, petting his bat.)

Aiko: Why are you here?

Komori: Oh right, I remembered—you broke one of the laws, but…
(He smirks.)
I didn't tell the demon king.

Aiko's demeanor shifts to one of seriousness.

Aiko: Just say what you want.

Komori: Return with me to the underworld.

Naomi stands frozen, shock coursing through him.

Naomi (in his mind): The underworld? What's happening?

Aiko: I don't want this.

Komori: Then I have no choice.

He cracks his knuckles, and the three bats in the sky transform into men, looming over Aiko. Naomi rushes forward, throwing a punch at one of them, positioning himself protectively in front of Aiko.

Naomi (in his mind): They appeared when he petted the bat. He must be the reason.

Aiko (surprised): Naomi, why did you follow me? You could get killed!

Naomi picks up a small rock, his resolve strengthening.

Naomi: I don't care.

He hurls the rock, striking the bat and causing both it and the men to vanish.

Komori: How did you know my secret?

Naomi glares, anger surging.

Naomi (shouting): Shut up!

Komori's expression darkens.

Komori: Aiko, if you don't come with me, I'll take that boy's soul.

Aiko's face twists with sorrow as she looks at Naomi.

Aiko: Naomi, I'm sorry.

A bat bites Naomi on the neck, and he collapses, his legs rendered useless. Aiko stands beside Komori, anguish on her face. Naomi feels despair and regret for not acting sooner.

Naomi (in his mind): I want her to stay. I don't care who she is. I don't care about her past. I don't care if she isn't human, but… what will happen if I keep these feelings to myself? I have to tell her and be brave.

Memories of Aiko flood his mind.

Naomi: I won't let her go!

A magical purple gate materializes behind Komori and Aiko.

Naomi (shouting): I don't care who you are! I don't care about your past! I love you as you are, Aiko!

Aiko's eyes widen, tears shimmering in them. Her dress shifts to black, and a demon tail with small wings appears.

Naomi (sadly): Aiko...

Komori: Let's go, Demon Lord Klaus, or Aiko.

They step through the gate, and Naomi loses consciousness, slipping into darkness.

Naomi (in his mind): I couldn't help her. If I die, I won't care. I've only been reading manga and watching anime without doing anything important. I'm useless.

When he opens his eyes, he finds himself on a red hill beneath a scarlet sun.

Naomi: Where am I?

Realization hits him, recalling Komori's words.

Naomi: I must be in the underworld!

He looks up to see a group of demons soaring through the sky, Aiko among them. Their eyes meet briefly before she flies away.

Naomi: Aiko?!

He smiles, watching her ascend into the distance.

Naomi: She knows I'm here. I don't know how I arrived in this place, but I will find her and help her escape from this world.

Naomi (in his mind): My name is Fudokawa Naomi. I'm 16 years old, and I have fallen in love with a demon lord.

The End