It's Wednesday morning, a free day. The sun is bright, washing over the streets as Yukio steps out of his apartment.
Yukio:Closing his door, shielding his eyes with his arm The sun's too bright… This ruins my view.
He starts walking, the streets calm. In the distance, he sees someone jogging. As she approaches, he notices she seems distracted.
Yukio (Internally): That girl… what is she even looking at? The void?
He sidesteps to avoid her. Meters away, he thinks he's clear—but the girl moves again into his path. Yukio gasps softly.
Yukio (Internally): Crap… really? I can't move out of the way centimeters away…
They collide. Yukio manages to keep his balance; the girl falls and bruises herself.
Yukio:Wiping dirt off his hands Hey, you.
??? Ow…
Yukio: Can't you be more careful? You can't just—
He realizes it's A-chan, close enough to notice her face clearly.
Yukio: Wait… A-chan? What are you doing here?
A-chan:On the ground, brushing herself off Yukio? Is that you? Where's my glasses? Can you hand it to me?
Yukio:Picks up her glasses and hands them over
A-chan:Stands and dusts off her clothes
They sit on a nearby bench.
A-chan: Sorry about that. I was just… distracted. Lots happened last week. I'm so… disappointed with our Idols.
Yukio: Huh? Why? Did something happen I didn't know about?
A-chan: Well… they skipped livestreams, been lazy all day… Ugh. I told them, but they won't listen.
Yukio: I see. Then why not find out what's causing it? Maybe they're tired… or frustrated.
A-chan:Slaps Yukio's leg, tone serious That's your job!
Yukio:Flinches slightly, face neutral …Right.
Yukio (Internally): She might be the only person I fear… but she's right. Something's off… I forgot my job. That's unacceptable.
Yukio: I'll solve it tomorrow. You can count on me.
A-chan: Mhm. That's what I want to hear. Arms crossed
Yukio: By the way… what were you doing out here?
A-chan:Looks at him Just jogging. Need to keep my body in condition.
Yukio: Oh.
A-chan: Don't give me an "Oh." Body maintenance is important!
Yukio:Silent, calm face
A-chan:Sighs Honestly… you're weird. Not bad, just… you barely show emotions. Why?
Yukio: I just don't feel like it.
A-chan: So… you don't feel any emotions?
Yukio: I do. None are worth showing.
A-chan: Huh?! Shakes Yukio's shoulder in disbelief
Suddenly, a group approaches: Pekora, Polka, Subaru, and Marine.
Pekora: Yukio-kun! A-chan! What are you doing here?
A-chan:Lets go of Yukio You guys…
Yukio (Internally): Whoa… that push was aggressive— hits his head on the bench, briefly stunned Huh? Where am I…
A-chan: What a coincidence! You both decided to go jogging too, just like me!
Marine: Mhm! Looks at Yukio, then asks A-chan Who's that confused guy next to you?
A-chan: Oh, him. Turns to Yukio I should've introduced you. This is Asahi Yukio, Leader of Talent Managers.
Marine: I remember! Pekora and the others mentioned him, but I've never seen him! Extends her arm Nice to meet you, Yukio-san!
Yukio:Confused, slow to respond Huh? …Uh, yeah. Shakes her hand
Yukio (Internally): This is strange… I wouldn't have crashed with A-chan if I'd been more alert, wouldn't have answered dumbly, and wouldn't have hit my head if I'd gripped the bench. My reflexes… my intelligence… gone. I need a solution… before chaos hits.
Subaru:Excitedly jumps I remember you! We met at the office but barely know each other! How old are you? Do you like Hololive? Are you a fan of me? Don't tell me… do you like big bo—
A-chan:Covers Subaru's mouth
Yukio: Uh… overwhelmed I'm 17 years old…
Subaru:Nods eagerly And—
A-chan: Subaru, don't push. You're making him uncomfortable.
Subaru:Mood drops, backs off Yeah… right.
A-chan: So, how about we all jog together? Ice cream on the way, maybe.
Everyone except Yukio: Yeah!
Yukio (Internally): No… please.
A-chan: Everyone agreed… except you.
Yukio: Huh? Me?
A-chan: Yes, you.
Yukio (Internally): Think carefully… If I refuse, they'll force me, or be disappointed… Reputation at stake… I can't avoid this.
Yukio:Hesitant I…
Yukio (Internally): Welp… no choice.
Yukio: Sure. Calm face
A-chan: Then let's go!
They all jog through the streets together, laughter and chatter filling the air. Yukio's mind races, reflexes dulled… the first hints of his craving stirring within, unbeknownst to him.