"Love... Romance... Friends... Family... These are things I never had in my life."
I stood amidst a crowd of people, my voice barely a whisper. It was my graduation day, and no one had come for me. I tore off my square hat and tossed it aside, marking the end of my school life. With my belongings packed, I walked away, leaving the noise behind.
As I made my way home, my mind swirled with thoughts.
*Kaito Arashi, age 17... though I'll turn 18 today... But what does it matter? I have no one to celebrate with. My dad abandoned me and my mom. And my mom... she was no better. After he left, she killed herself. I was only 12 at the time. I lived with my uncle for four years before moving out. I hate everyone... my dad, my mom... they all left me like I meant nothing to them.*
I walked through the bustling city, the streets alive with traffic and people. A massive billboard loomed overhead, its bright letters screaming: *"Tokyo Love Center! Come with your partner and have fun together!"* I glanced at it, my lips curling into a bitter sneer.
*These things are worthless.*
I crossed the zebra crossing and soon found myself in a dimly lit, empty corner. Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine. I stopped, sensing someone—or something—behind me. I spun around, but there was nothing. Shaking it off, I continued walking.
"This isn't the first time I've felt this... Ever since my mother's death, I've always felt like something was watching me. A ghost? A spirit? Who knows..."
I reached a towering building and stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the 6th floor. As the elevator ascended, that eerie feeling returned. I glanced around, but the space was empty. When the doors opened, I stepped out and walked to my apartment.
I unlocked the door, kicked off my shoes, and flicked on the lights. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I sat on the couch and turned on the TV. The strange feeling crept up again. I glanced to the side, but no one was there.
"This is the 6th time today..." I muttered under my breath.
Later, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at my reflection. Messy black hair, dark blue eyes...
"I look pathetic as always." I splashed water on my face and walked away.
---
**Time: 11:58 PM**
I sat in the kitchen, my eyes fixed on the clock. The only sound was the steady ticking. A glass of juice sat on the table, untouched.
**Time: 11:59 PM**
I stood up, walked to the clock, and stared at it.
**Time: 12:00 AM**
I closed my eyes and whispered, "Happy birthday to me..."
As I reached for the light switch, the room fell deathly silent. That feeling returned—stronger than ever. I turned my head slowly, my breath catching in my throat.
Behind the table stood a human-shaped shadow, its long, dark hair flowing like a woman's. Its glowing red eyes burned into me, sending chills down my spine. It seemed to be engulfed in dark flames.
My heart pounded, sweat dripping down my face. Before I could react, it let out a piercing scream.
**"WORRRRRRRRRR!"**
I bolted for the door, the creature chasing me. It phased through tables and chairs like a ghost. I flung the door open and sprinted down the hallway.
"Wha-what is this thing?!" I screamed, my voice trembling with fear.
I glanced back and saw it gaining on me.
"F-fuck!" I gasped, pushing myself to run faster. I reached the stairs but slipped, tumbling down.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" I cried out in pain. I looked up, and the creature loomed over me. It lunged, but before it could reach me, a leg clad in blue sports shoes kicked it square in the face. The shadowy figure crashed into the wall, leaving a gaping hole.
I looked up to see a familiar face—light pink hair, pink eyes, a black jacket, and a short skirt. She glanced at the hole, then turned to me, her voice soft.
"Are you fine... Arashi?"
My eyes widened in shock. "Rin Takahashi...?"
*She was my classmate before graduation... I don't know much about her, except that.*
The shadow creature reappeared, wrapping a dark rope around me and dragging me through the hole. I screamed as I dangled in the air, high above the ground.
Rin gasped and leaped after me. She raised her hand and shouted, "Aether Style: Voice of the Angel!"
A blinding light shot from her mouth, severing the dark rope. I fell, but Rin caught me mid-air, landing us safely on a grassy field. She set me down and turned to face the creature.
Her fist glowed white as she punched the shadowy figure. It screeched but didn't stop. It launched another dark rope at her, but Rin grabbed it and slammed the creature into the ground, cracking the earth beneath it.
"Ultimate Aether Style: Purification!" she declared.
A brilliant light erupted, blinding me momentarily. When it faded, Rin sat on the ground, her face pale with shock. I followed her gaze and froze.
A beautiful woman with long dark hair and shimmering blue eyes stood before us.
"M-mom...?" I stammered, my voice trembling.
Rin looked at me, bewildered. "Mom?"
I stumbled toward her, tears streaming down my face. She smiled softly, her voice gentle.
"My son..."
"Arashi, no!" Rin shouted, but I didn't stop. I threw myself into her arms, hugging her tightly. She embraced me, her touch warm and real.
"Mom... it's you... it's really you..." I sobbed.
She stroked my hair, her voice soft. "Kaito... my son..."
I pulled back, tears blurring my vision. "Why... why did you leave me all alone?"
Her smile faltered. "I... never left you. I was... murdered. But even after my death, I was always with you... watching over you... staying by your side. I never left you, my son. I... I love you."
Her words shattered me. I cried uncontrollably, clinging to her as her body began to glow a deep red. She turned to dust, her essence flowing into me. My vision blurred, and I collapsed, unconscious.
Rin sat frozen, her face pale and drenched in sweat. In a trembling voice, she whispered, "A veil... made of both love... and hate..."
She fell back, staring at me, utterly speechless.
I lay there, unconscious, tears staining my face. In a faint whisper, I murmured, "Mom..."