The morning light spilled through the half-drawn curtains, painting golden streaks across the wooden floor. Rin sat by the window, legs tucked under her on a cushion, a mug of coffee warming her hands.
– Something's missing.
She took another sip, eyes drifting toward the window. The city outside buzzed quietly, but her apartment was heavy with silence. Her gaze softened, shadows of fatigue in her eyes.
– It's been almost two weeks since he left… I wonder how he is.
She pressed her lips to the rim of the mug, as if the bitterness might drown her thoughts. But then the doorbell rang, shattering the stillness. Her heart sank. Carefully, she approached the door and opened it.
A man stood there jagged posture, dark unkempt hair. His hoodie slouched off one shoulder, faint bruises blooming across his jaw. Those sharp eyes were just as she remembered.
– Yo. It's been a while, Rin. Didn't think you'd answer, especially after ignoring most of my messages.
Rin scoffed, anger flaring in her voice.
– You keep disturbing me. What the heck is your issue, Kisuke? Just leave me alone.
She tried to close the door, but his hand shot out, stopping it.
– Now hold on, Rin. Oh yeah… how's Miyabi been doing? You girls are so hard to get in touch with.
Her eyes grew cold at the sound of that name.
– By the way, what's with your hair, Rin?
Before she could react, his hand shot out, gripping a lock of her hair.
– Why the heck did you go back to this black-and-green rubbish? I told ya to keep it black. Whatever.
He let her go and dusted off his hands. Rin stumbled back, horrified.
– You should come with me. The whole gang's back together. You're gonna come, right? If not… we could always go ask Miyabi.
Reluctantly, Rin agreed though not before sending Luca a single message. A last-ditch cry for help.
To weeks ago…
The rental car rumbled to a stop along a narrow coastal road. One by one, they stepped out, the sea breeze rushing past them. Luca froze, eyes widening at the view of the ocean.
– HOLY!
Klaus's voice carried over the wind. The beach house stood on a gentle hill dark wood frame, sliding glass doors, a wide veranda that overlooked the sea. A wind chime tinkled in the corner, catching the afternoon sun.
– This is better than the listing pictures, Elena.
Astra's excitement was unrestrained as they hurried to bring their luggage inside. Tatami floors, a low table in the living room, rice paper doors opening directly onto the deck. The air smelled faintly of cedar and salt.
The boys dropped their bags and lounged in the living room while the girls inspected the two bedrooms, each with simple futons and windows framing the shoreline.
– You guys, look here.
Luca pulled Klaus and Nero toward the balcony. From there, the waves stretched endlessly beneath the bright sun.
Once everyone gathered in the living room, Klaus leaned forward.
– Alright, guys, what's the plan now? Beach first, or just relax here?
Nero grinned suddenly.
– Let's go hiking!
Elena blinked in disbelief.
– Umm… how about we do something less physical? We just got here. Come on, we should rest, right guys? Oof… I'm so tired, my goodness… hahaha…
Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Soon, they were climbing a forest trail, the sound of the waves fading behind them. Tall cedar and pine stretched overhead, sunlight breaking through in soft dappled patches.
Luca occasionally slipped out his camera, catching candid shots of his friends. After each one, he'd linger on the image, smiling quietly to himself.
Up ahead, Klaus, Nero, and Jane turned the hike into a race, Astra warning them not to trip, while Elena slowed her pace to walk beside Luca.
– You've been taking pictures of us all day, but I haven't seen you take a single one of yourself. Why's that?
Luca fumbled for an excuse, but Elena poked his cheek.
– Don't get cheeky with me, young man. I've known you too long to let you dodge the question.
Sighing, Luca lowered the camera.
– It's nothing special… these pictures are precious memories for me. I've never taken photos of friends before, so I was too embarrassed to ask. Plus… if anything ever happens and I never get to experience this again, I can always remember this feeling when I look at them.
Elena raised her hand.
– Lower your head a bit come on, I'm short, you know.
When he did, she patted him gently, her smile warm.
– Luca, that future you're worrying about? The one where we never get to do this again? It won't happen. I made a promise to you years ago.
Her words stirred an old memory from his high school days, the two of them in a group call while everyone else was busy. Elena was quiet, weighed down by sadness. Luca had stayed with her for hours, just being there.
– Why do you even stick with me like this? I'm not fun like the others. Just a brooding old lady… ah, listen to me complain.
– Umm… Miss Elena, please don't say that. You're plenty fun! I love your stories well, most of them. And you're funny sometimes. You're like the big sister I never had… so when I saw you sad, I thought, this is my chance to help my big sis out.
The memory faded, leaving Luca staring at Elena's bright smile. He smiled back as sunlight spilled across his face.
They reached the summit and took their first group photo Luca's first ever with friends. He stared at it for a moment before glancing back at them. Every one of them was smiling.
The rest of the trip passed in a haze of joy and salt air an unforgettable vacation.
Two weeks later…
The morning light seeped through Luca's curtains as he stumbled into the kitchen for water. His phone buzzed. One new message from Rin.
– I need you.
His chest tightened. Panic hit instantly as he began throwing clothes into a bag, only to be stopped by Klaus and Nero.
– Luca, breathe. What happened?
The girls came down from upstairs to see what was going on. Luca showed them the message, and the decision was immediate they were going back to the city with him.
Back with Rin her arms were folded tightly, footsteps dragging as she followed Kisuke. The streets grew grimy, the air thick with cigarette smoke and rust. Old graffiti stained the walls.
She spotted them immediately a group from her university days. Tetsu, with bright blue hair, lounged against the wall, cigarette in his mouth, showing something on his phone to Akari, whose hair was dyed a fiery orange.
When he saw Kisuke, Tetsu grinned.
– Oh, Kisuke! You're here. Whoa, is that you, Rin? Been a while, girly. What's up?
Rin said nothing, but another voice cut in a black-haired girl stepping forward.
– I don't know why you brought her of all people. A sorry snake like her should rot somewhere.
Tetsu and Akari snickered.
– You're as ruthless as always, Nao. Cut Rin some slack she's Kisuke's favorite, after all.
– Oh, shut up, Tetsu. And Kisuke, you need better taste than this green-and-black freak.
The laughter grew louder, all three hurling insults as Kisuke watched, amused.
Tetsu smirked.
– By the way, where's Miyabi? You two still talk?
Akari's voice was sharp and cruel.
– Babe, be real. Why would Miyabi still talk to her after what she did? She's lucky Miyabi even looks at her after she got her crippled.
The words hit Rin like a blow. Her legs weakened, the world narrowing to memories of Miyabi's smile then her cries. The laughter around her became deafening.
And then
Luca's fist collided with Tetsu's jaw, sending him sprawling. Luca pulled Rin into his arms.
– ALL OF YOU GET AWAY FROM HER. NOW.
Tetsu groaned, pushing himself up.
– Hey, asshole! What's your problem?!
Kisuke stepped forward, eyes narrowing at Luca.
– Who the hell are you supposed to be? Her boyfriend?
Luca stood taller, anger boiling over.
– What does it matter? Do I have to be someone special to protect the girl I love? Back off now, and we settle this easy.
– Settling easy isn't an option right now.
Luca smirked, gripping Rin's hand just as flashing red and blue lights spilled into the alley. Police flooded the area, courtesy of Klaus and the others' report.
They ran. Rin's grip tightened around his hand, light returning to her eyes as she stared at his back.
– Weren't you the same crybaby from way back when?
Luca stopped, flustered, rubbing the back of his neck.
– I… uh… sorry for just jumping in and dragging you around. Oh, and forget what I said earlier.
– You saying that was just a spur-of-the-moment thing? That you didn't mean it?
She stepped closer, forcing him back a little.
– So which is it, Luca?
– I… did mean it. I meant all of it. I love you, Rin. When I saw your text this morning, I was scared out of my mind. I nearly ran here like a lost puppy. I only kept my head straight because of my friends.
His hands trembled, fists clenching.
– If something happened to you, Rin… I don't know what I'd do.
She stepped closer and took his hands in hers gentle, but firm. He flinched but didn't pull away, finally lifting his eyes to meet hers.
And then, without a word, Rin closed the distance. A soft, unhurried kiss like sunlight brushing against skin. It asked for nothing, yet spoke volumes.
When she pulled back, their hands were still intertwined. In that quiet corner of the park, they could only look at each other.
– Luca… there's a lot to tell you. Where do I start?