The early morning light filtered through the clouds as Adrian stepped off the train, immediately greeted by the biting chill of the city air. He had left the quiet, eerie comfort of Nichitsu, an abandoned town where time seemed to have stopped, and now found himself in the bustling heart of Shibuya, Tokyo—a city alive with people, lights, and the relentless rhythm of life. The contrast was stark, almost jarring, as the distant hum of traffic and the murmur of crowds filled his ears.
Adrian, dressed in a long, oversized black coat that fell just below his knees, felt a sense of unease as the familiar weight of his small black crossbody bag thumped against his side with each step. The bag carried essentials: his wallet, phone, and a few other personal items. His dark, straight-cut trousers brushed the tops of his black boots, which were slightly scuffed from long walks through deserted streets. His hair, damp from the earlier drizzle, was swept to one side, adding to the slightly disheveled look that often made him blend into the background.
He had barely taken a few steps from the train station when the skies opened up, releasing a torrent of rain. Unfazed, Adrian reached into his bag, pulled out a transparent umbrella, and unfurled it with a practiced flick of his wrist. The world became muted under the umbrella's protective dome, the pitter-patter of rain creating a soothing rhythm that echoed in his mind.
As he maneuvered through the crowd, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out, squinting at the screen. The caller ID flashed a name that brought a small, rare smile to his lips—Shirou.
Adrian's thumb slid across the screen to answer. "Shirou?" His voice was soft, almost swallowed by the sound of the rain.
"Adrian!" Shirou's voice was warm, filled with an energy that Adrian had always envied. "It's been forever. Where are you right now? I hope you're not still cooped up in that ghost town!"
Adrian chuckled, a sound that felt foreign even to himself. "I'm in Shibuya. Just got off the train. What about you?"
"Shibuya, huh? Braving the crowds again? That doesn't sound like you at all!" Shirou teased, his voice laced with amusement. "Remember that time we got lost in that huge mall? You were so serious, trying to figure out where we were with that ridiculous paper map you insisted on carrying around."
Adrian's mind drifted back to that day, a memory from years ago that seemed to belong to a different life. They had been teenagers then, navigating the vast maze of a newly opened shopping center. The memory was vivid: Shirou, with his long, white hair cascading down his back, laughing as Adrian pored over the map, determined to find the quickest route to the exit.
"Yeah, I remember," Adrian replied, the corner of his lips twitching up in a faint smile. "You kept insisting we should just follow the signs, but I was stubborn."
Shirou laughed, the sound bright and clear even through the phone. "You were so sure we were going to find a secret shortcut or something. And when we finally found the exit, it was right where we started."
Adrian couldn't help but smile at the memory. It was one of the few times in his life he had felt carefree, the weight of the world momentarily lifted by Shirou's infectious laughter.
"Those were good times," Adrian murmured, his voice soft as he walked under the canopy of his umbrella, the rain continuing to fall around him. "But what's up? I doubt you called just to reminisce."
Shirou's tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "Actually, I wanted to see if we could meet up. It's been too long, and I... I have something important to talk to you about."
Adrian's steps slowed, the thrumming of his heart picking up pace. He knew Shirou well enough to sense when something was off. "What is it?"
"I'd rather talk in person," Shirou said, the smile in his voice gone. "Can you meet me at the old park near your place? You know the one."
Adrian nodded, even though Shirou couldn't see him. "I'll be there."
As he ended the call, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something that had been dormant for years. He sighed, pushing the thought away as he continued his journey through the rain-soaked streets.