Karaoke Arcade – Evening
Neon lights bathed the Tokyo streets in a vibrant glow, the city alive with the energy of a Friday night. Inside the bustling karaoke lounge, the air buzzed with laughter, off-key singing, and the occasional clinking of drinks.
At the center of the chaos, a group of students occupied a cozy booth, flipping through song lists and tossing playful insults at each other's choices.
Kaori scrolled through her phone, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Hey, did you guys see last night's underground idol show?"
Rika perked up, nearly spilling her drink. "You mean Luna's performance? Where did you watch it?"
Kaori smirked, lowering her voice like she was revealing a state secret. "There's this site where people upload her shows. It's not official, but it has everything."
Hanae, who had been silently sipping her drink, tensed. "What are you guys talking about?"
Rika turned to her, eyes gleaming. "Hanae-chan, do you know about the masked idol, Luna?"
Hanae's fingers tightened around her glass. Her heartbeat quickened, but before she could form a response—
"Alright, alright! We came here to sing, not to gossip!" Renn cut in, waving his hands dramatically.
Hanae quickly latched onto the escape. "Yeah! Let's sing instead!"
Kaori and Rika exchanged knowing glances before turning toward Renn with mischievous grins.
Kaori leaned closer. "You're right, Senpai! We should have fun!"
Rika mirrored her, clutching his other arm. "By the way, Senpai… are you single?"
Renn choked on air. "W-What kind of question is that?!"
Kaori giggled. "Come on, Senpai, we won't tell anyone!"
From across the table, Hanae's eye twitched. A dangerous aura radiated from her as she watched the scene unfold. Her patience, already fragile, shattered completely.
With a sweet yet deadly smile, she grabbed a microphone and slid smoothly between them, shoving Rika and Kaori aside.
"You can't have fun without me," she said, her voice laced with sugary menace.
Kaori and Rika stiffened.
They knew.
They were doomed.
A burst of laughter erupted from the other side of the table.
Hibiki grinned. "Haha, Renn, you're saved again by her!"
Wataru smirked. "Dude, she's your knight in shining armor at this point!"
Hanae turned her head slowly toward them.
Her gaze alone could have frozen lava.
Hibiki and Wataru immediately regretted their life choices.
"J-Just kidding, Hanae-chan!" Wataru stammered, attempting a weak smile.
Hibiki nodded rapidly. "Y-Yeah! You totally did the right thing!"
Sensing his life expectancy decreasing by the second, Renn quickly stood up.
"Guys! Drinks are on me!" he declared, his voice an octave higher than usual.
"WOOHOO! Let's party!" The group erupted into cheers, instantly forgetting the tension.
Everyone—except Hanae.
She crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Senpai, that's too much."
Renn ruffled her hair with a grin. "I invited you all, so don't worry about it!"
Hanae huffed but didn't argue. The night continued with singing, teasing, and pure fun.
---
Outside the Karaoke Lounge – Nightfall
The streets had emptied slightly, the cool night breeze carrying the remnants of city sounds. One by one, the group began splitting up.
"Bye, guys! See you tomorrow!"
"Good night!"
Renn waved as his friends disappeared into the distance. Only Hanae remained.
He turned to her. "Should I drop you home?"
Hanae shook her head. "No, thanks, Senpai. My driver should be here soon."
Renn leaned against a nearby lamppost, stretching his arms. "Did you have fun?"
Hanae hesitated for a second. "A little bit."
Renn smirked. "Only a little?"
It would've been more fun with just the two of us, Senpai.
But instead, she teased, "I was just messing with you. I had fun."
Renn laughed. "You're such a troublemaker."
Just then, Hanae's phone buzzed. She picked it up, frowning.
"Where are you? Don't you know my mother will lose it if I'm late?!" she scolded her driver.
Renn watched her, eyes unconsciously trailing to her hand, gripping her phone tightly.
Before he even realized it—his fingers twitched, moving slightly toward hers.
He wanted to hold it. Just for a second.
Just to see how it felt.
But—
BEEP! BEEP!
A loud car honk shattered the moment.
"AHH!!" Renn yelped, nearly jumping out of his skin.
Hanae blinked at him. "Senpai, why are you shouting?"
Renn scratched the back of his neck, flustered. "Oh! Uh—nothing! Just—your car is here! You should go!"
Hanae raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "You're weird."
Still, as she got into the car, she waved through the window.
"See you tomorrow, Senpai. Good night!"
Renn smiled back. "Yeah… see you tomorrow. Good night."
As the car drove off, he let out a deep breath.
Then, he muttered to himself, "Thank god she didn't see that. What the hell was I trying to do? Am I stupid?!"
Shaking his head, he turned to head home—
But then, out of the corner of his eye—
A familiar figure.
A girl with long pinkish hair disappearing into a dark alley.
Renn froze.
"Wait… is that Kira?"
His heart skipped a beat.
"Why is she here? And where is she going?"
A heavy feeling settled in his gut.
He clenched his fists.
"I can't leave her alone. I need to make sure she's safe."
With careful steps, Renn followed her.
---
Hanae's Car – On the Way Home
The car was silent except for the soft hum of the engine.
The driver glanced at her through the mirror. "Ma'am, do you have a fever? Your face is all red."
Hanae's eyes widened. "Are you my mother? Focus on the road!"
The driver quickly apologized, but Hanae turned toward the window, pressing her fingers to her burning cheeks.
Under her breath, she murmured softly:
"Stupid Senpai… you think I didn't see that?"
---
The Dark Alley – Midnight
Renn moved carefully, making sure his footsteps were light.
Kira was several steps ahead, walking deeper into the alley.
Renn furrowed his brows. "What is she doing here alone?"
Suddenly—
"MEOWWW!!"
A cat darted across his path.
"WOAH!!" Renn yelped, stumbling backward.
The cat hissed before casually strutting away.
Renn exhaled. "Damn it, Miss Kitty! You scared the hell out of me!"
Shaking his head, he turned back—
But Kira was gone.
Renn's stomach dropped.
"Wait—where did she go?! I just saw her!"
His face paled.
"Wait… where's the exit?"
And at that moment—
Renn finally understood.
Not only did he lose Kira…
…he also got himself lost.
---