The digital alarm clock rang sharply in the quiet room. Ryuzin's hand fumbled across the bedside table until it found the snooze button. He took a deep breath, threw the blanket off, and sat up.
The red digits on the clock glowed softly—4:00 A.M. He stretched his arms over his head, yawning as he glanced over at his pet cat curled up at the foot of the bed.
"Good morning, Nozomi," he whispered, but Nozomi, uninterested, continued her peaceful slumber.
Dragging himself out of bed, Ryuzin trudged toward the bathroom. His reflection in the mirror stared back at him, groggy and tired. Late nights at the BBQ restaurant with Shion and the others weren't uncommon, but it had thrown off his usual routine. Despite being a regular early riser, his body wasn't on board this morning.
With a sigh, he splashed cold water on his face, the shock of it jolting him awake. His mind wandered to the previous night's dinner, and a small smile crept across his face.
After brushing his teeth, he brewed a cup of coffee, pulled on his tracksuit, grabbed a water bottle, and glanced back at Nozomi. "I'll be back soon."
The park was still cloaked in the early morning's mist when he arrived. Ryuzin did his usual warm-ups before starting his jog, his feet moving rhythmically over the dew-covered ground. The air was cool, and the world was still waking up.
"Ryuzin-kun! Good morning!" a familiar voice called out, catching up to him.
Without looking back, he responded, "Morning."
"You had fun last night, huh?" Shion jogged alongside him, her eyes bright with energy.
Ryuzin shrugged. "I guess."
Shion laughed, her breath steady. "That idiot proposed again last night, remember?"
Ryuzin smirked. "And you rejected him again. Yuki couldn't stop laughing."
"Do you know why I always say no to him?" Shion asked, her voice quieter now.
Ryuzin shook his head. "No, why?"
"Well... he deserves better, you know? Someone who actually loves him. He's attracted to me, but that's not love. He should be with someone who loves him back," she said, her gaze falling to the path in front of her.
Ryuzin thought for a moment. "Is there someone like that?"
Shion glanced at him, surprised. "You haven't noticed?"
Ryuzin raised an eyebrow. "Noticed what?"
"Yuki. She's head over heels for him. Can't you tell? The way she looks at him, the way she talks to him... They're childhood friends! I mean, how could you miss it?" she asked, still surprised by his obliviousness.
Ryuzin's mind wandered back to Yuki's shy smiles and her laughter whenever Aki was around. It all made sense now. "She ever tell you?" he asked.
Shion nodded. "Yeah, she told me once. So, I always reject him. I don't want to break her heart. But you know, that idiot is blind to everything."
Ryuzin's breath caught in his throat for a moment, the air suddenly feeling heavier. "Do you... have someone like that?" he asked, his voice quieter than before.
Shion's face turned a bright shade of red, and she looked away, her eyes darting nervously. "Why do you even care?" she stammered.
"Why do I care?" Ryuzin repeated, glancing away. "It's not like I'm close enough to you to care about that sort of thing."
Shion pouted, her cheeks puffed in annoyance. "Idiot…"
"Huh? What was that?" Ryuzin asked, turning to face her, startled.
"You're impossible!" she huffed, and her footsteps quickened.
They reached a nearby bench, both slowing to a stop. Shion sat down first, sighing deeply as she looked off into the distance. Ryuzin followed, feeling the tension lingering between them.
"That was so cool you know." Shion stated.
"What?" Ryuzin enquired.
"That day, you know..." Shion started, her voice soft, "when the sirens rang, and we had to run for the bunkers... you suddenly disappeared."
Ryuzin remained silent, listening.
"I was scared, okay?" Shion continued, her hands clenching into fists in her lap. "I couldn't just leave you behind. You saved me... so I had to find you."
Ryuzin's heart tightened at her words.
"When I found you," she looked directly at him now, her eyes filled with emotion, "you were fighting that demon. I was so scared."
Ryuzin interrupted "And you told me... you'd keep it a secret if I didn't ignore you anymore."
Shion puffed out her chest, tapping it with her fist. "And I'm keeping that promise too. As long as you don't ignore me, your secret's safe with me."
They sat there for a moment, the silence between them comfortable now, before they both got up and started heading home.
When Ryuzin returned, Nozomi was already awake, stretching lazily on the couch. After feeding her, Ryuzin took a hot shower and made himself some breakfast. It was Sunday—his free day of the week, a day meant for relaxation.
As he idly flipped through the TV channels, his phone rang. Aki's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey," Aki's voice crackled through the line. "What are you doing?"
Ryuzin sighed. "What do you want, Aki?"
"I was just thinking..." Aki stammered.
"About what?"
"Maybe we could hang out today? It's Sunday after all."
"Where do you wanna go?"
"Karaoke, maybe? Just meet me there, okay?" Before Ryuzin could respond, Aki hung up.
Moments later, the phone rang again. This time, it was Shion.
"Hello, Ryu-zin-kun," her voice was playful, teasing.
"What do you want?"
"Just making sure you're still up for going out during Golden Week. Everyone's counting on you!"
Ryuzin couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I still want to. You happy now?"
"Very much!" she chirped.
"Anything else?"
"Hey, can't we just talk for a bit?" Shion pouted, clearly fishing for more conversation.
Ryuzin sighed. "No, because you'll just end up spilling nonsense."
"Ouch! So rude, Ryuzin! Okay, have it your way." she growled before hanging up.
Back in her room.
Shion threw her phone onto the bed and buried her face into her pillow, groaning. "That moron! Why doesn't he understand anything?"
Her little brother, Kenji, poked his head into the room. "Onee-chan, why are you shouting?"
Shion lifted her head, eyes puffy from frustration. "Hey, Kenji... do you think I'm cute?"
Kenji stared at her, confused. "What? Are you losing it?"
Shion crawled over to him, grabbing onto his shirt. "Answer me! Am I cute or not?"
Kenji pulled back, trying to escape her grasp. "Hey, what're you doing? Let go! You're acting crazy!"
She cleaned her nose on his T-shirt.
"Eww, what the hell are you doing." Kenji shouted at her.
"Just tell me!" she demanded, her eyes pleading.
"Fine, fine! Yes, you're cute! Now let go!" he shouted, prying her hands off him.
Sitting across from him, Shion sniffled dramatically. "You don't even mean it..."
Kenji sighed, exasperated. "Alright, alright, what happened? You like someone, don't you?"
Shion nodded sadly.
"And let me guess... he thinks you're annoying?"
Another nod.
"Well, I can't blame the guy," Kenji said, shrugging. "You are seriously annoying."
Shion's heart broke into a million pieces, her face crumpling in mock devastation. "How could you say that?! I'm your sister! You're supposed to be on my side!"
Kenji chuckled. "Okay, okay, I'm just messing with you. But seriously, do you know what he likes? You've gotta give him something to work with."
Shion shook her head. "Not really. He's so calm and collected all the time, and he never talks much about himself."
Kenji rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That's a problem. Does he know you like him?"
Shion's cheeks turned bright red. "Of course not! How would he know?"
Kenji shrugged again. "Well, maybe you should tell him?"
Shion's face fell. "I can't just tell him!"
Kenji furrowed his brow, genuinely curious. "Sigh, what made you like him in the first place?" His eyes searched his sister's face, trying to figure out how this guy had managed to steal her heart.
Shion played with the hem of her sleeve, her voice soft. "Well... he saved me from some bad guys. And then I found out he was in my class. After that, we talked, and well... something just clicked, I guess."
Kenji interrupted, suddenly looking alarmed. "Wait, what guys? You never told me about this!" His protective instincts flared as he leaned in closer, his voice urgent.
Shion gave a small laugh, hoping to reassure him. "It's really nothing. He helped me, and I didn't want to worry you." Her smile softened as she added, "Though seeing you get all worked up over me, that's kind of sweet."
Kenji blushed and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Whatever. He seems like an okay guy. But now I'm more concerned for him. Poor dude has to deal with you. May the gods have mercy on his soul," he teased, lifting one hand in a mock blessing like a solemn monk.
Shion's jaw dropped in playful outrage. "Heeyyy!" she yelled, punching him in the arm.
Kenji chuckled, but his face quickly grew serious again. "Jokes aside, boys like girls who are, you know, hot... which is kind of a problem in your case," he said, glancing at her with mock disappointment.
Shion's eyes narrowed. "Hey! Are you trying to help me or insult me here?"
He shrugged, completely unbothered. "My bad, my bad. Okay, maybe try complimenting him. Or talk to him about stuff he's interested in." He gave her an exaggerated nod, as if imparting great wisdom.
Shion nodded in response, looking as though she'd just received the secret to the universe. Then Kenji smirked, his voice lowering mischievously. "Or you could just send him some lewd pictures. Though I doubt he'd be into an old hag's body."
Shion's face turned crimson. "You little brat! What the hell are you suggesting? I don't want to seduce him! And I'm not a hag! I'm not even eighteen yet, you moron!" She pointed a trembling finger at him, her voice an indignant mix of fury and embarrassment.
Kenji burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Oh man, you should see your face! It's priceless!"
Shion's eyes flashed with irritation. "What's so funny, huh? You little—" She grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at him with all her might. He dodged and rolled off the bed, laughing uncontrollably as she jumped onto her bed, fuming.
Meanwhile, Ryuzin stood outside the karaoke place, checking the time on his phone. A few minutes later, Aki came running up to him, panting heavily. "Sorry... I got a bit late," he managed between breaths.
Ryuzin raised an eyebrow but said nothing as they headed inside. Aki handled the reservations, and soon they were in a private room.
Aki picked up the mic and sang a few songs, clearly enjoying himself. After a while, he turned to Ryuzin and grinned. "Hey, why don't you give it a try? Don't just sit there like a statue."
Ryuzin waved him off. "No, I'm not really into it."
But Aki persisted, placing the mic in front of Ryuzin with a wide grin. After a few minutes of back-and-forth, Ryuzin finally relented. "Fine, but don't laugh if it's terrible."
Aki pretended to zip his lips. "I swear, no laughing."
Ryuzin sang a song, his voice a bit shaky at first but gaining confidence as he went along. When he finished, he handed the mic back, his breath coming in short gasps. Aki clapped, beaming. "See? That wasn't bad at all!"
Ryuzin was still catching his breath from the singing, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He shot Aki a glance. "Alright, stop beating around the bush. I can smell it from a mile away—what is it that you really want?"
Aki shifted in his seat, visibly uncomfortable, his cheeks flushing. "Seems you know me better than I thought," he admitted, cringing at himself for what he was about to say.
Ryuzin didn't waste time. "Shoot," he commanded.
Aki immediately jumped to his feet, snapping into a mock-salute. "YES, SIR!" His voice carried a nervous energy, half-joking, half-serious.
Ryuzin narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"
Aki hesitated before finally confessing, "I need your help. With Shion."
Ryuzin's brow furrowed in confusion. "Help with what exactly?"
Aki took a deep breath, clearly embarrassed by his own vulnerability. "I... I don't know how to get her attention. I mean, you did somehow, right? So, I thought maybe you could help me figure out how."
Ryuzin leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. His face betrayed no emotion as he spoke. "And how am I supposed to know how to get her attention?"
Aki let out a frustrated sigh, his voice edged with desperation. "Come on, man, you've already got it. She notices you, talks to you, looks at you in a way she doesn't look at anyone else. So... tell me how you did that. Sure, you saved her, but that can't be the only reason, right?"
Ryuzin paused, his mind racing. Had Shion's attention really been because he was different? Or had it been because of the situation, the timing, or something else entirely? He didn't know the answer. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to know. Without a word, he got up and began to walk toward the door, as if trying to escape the conversation.
Aki quickly grabbed his arm, his voice growing more urgent. "Hey, this is important! I really like her!" His eyes pleaded for understanding.
But Ryuzin's gaze hardened. "No, you don't."
Aki's grip tightened as his frustration boiled over. "Yes, I do! Who are you to say that?"
Ryuzin's voice was cold, almost cruel. "You're just attracted to her. That's not the same thing as actually liking someone."
Aki glared at him. "What do you know about emotions? Who are you to judge what I feel?"
His grip on Ryuzin's arm tightened, the tension between them rising.
Ryuzin yanked his arm free, eyes blazing. "You tell me. How much do you actually know? How much do you know about anyone?" His voice grew louder, each word sharp, like a knife cutting through the air.
Aki blinked, his grip loosening as confusion washed over him. "What are you even talking about?" His anger faltered, turning into bewilderment.
Ryuzin sighed, his voice lowering. "I'm talking about Yuki-san."
Aki's face twisted in disbelief. "Wait... Yuki? What about her? What does she have to do with anything?"
Ryuzin looked away, his voice quiet but firm. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed."
Aki shook his head, dumbfounded. "Noticed what?"
Ryuzin turned back to him, his eyes piercing. "She likes you, Aki. Has for a while now."
Aki's face went pale. "Yuki... really? How do you even know that? Did she tell you?"
Ryuzin shook his head. "No, she didn't. Someone else did. But it's the truth."
Aki took a step back, the weight of the revelation sinking in. Yuki? How could he have missed that? He suddenly felt guilty, like he'd been blind to something important. "Yuki... likes me?"
Ryuzin didn't answer. Instead, he brushed past Aki, heading for the door again. As his hand reached the knob, Aki called out, his voice wavering. "Wait! Do you like Shion?"
The air between them thickened with silence. Ryuzin knew he had to be honest now, not just with Aki, but with himself. He turned around, his expression unreadable, and finally said the words that had been weighing on him for so long. "I do."
Without waiting for a response, Ryuzin opened the door and left, leaving Aki standing there, reeling from the emotional storm that had just passed.
Aki collapsed back onto the couch, his mind spinning. Yuki liked him. Ryuzin liked Shion. The girl he liked seemed more interested in Ryuzin. Everything felt upside down, and he didn't know how to make sense of it all.
He buried his face in his hands, trying to process the tangled mess of emotions inside him. Do he need to give up on Shion and be with Yuki, someone who genuinely cared for him? Or did he need to continue to pursue Shion, knowing full well she might never look at him the way he wanted?
He didn't hate Yuki. In fact, he cared about her deeply. But was that enough? Could he force his feelings to shift toward her, or was that even fair to her? He didn't know.
All he knew was that his heart was caught in a web of conflicting emotions, and no matter what he chose, someone was going to get hurt.
Ryuzin headed to the park, needing some fresh air. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft golden glow over the trees. He spotted Shion sitting on a bench, her face downcast.
He hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat beside her. She didn't acknowledge him, instead turning her head away.
"Are you... mad at me?" Ryuzin asked awkwardly.
"Why do you even care?" Shion replied, her voice flat and distant.
Ryuzin's heart tightened at her words. He stared ahead for a moment, trying to figure out the right thing to say. Finally, he turned toward her, his voice softer. "Shion, I'm... sorry. If I said something to hurt you, that wasn't my intention."
Shion blinked, surprised by his sincerity. Her face softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. She turned to him, her cheeks flushed slightly. "You called me by my name just now."
Ryuzin rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Yeah... I guess I did."
Shion's smile grew, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Apology accepted."
Ryuzin's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her smile. He looked away, trying to steady his emotions.
And for the first time in a long while, they sat together in silence, both comforted by each other's presence.
END OF CHAPTER : 12 : EMOTIONS