( First kiss ac )
After dropping Hina home, Haruki sat down for dinner at his place. He took a bite and a happy smile spread across his face
"Wow this tastes so good,he murmured almost praising his own cooking.
Once he finished eating he lay down but his thoughts drifted back to Hina
"Could it be… that Hina has started liking me? he whispered to himself, then quickly brushed it off
"No man… maybe she just thinks of me as a good friend. But why am I thinking about her so much? He sighed,confused. One thing was certain though—me and Hina had definitely grown closer. He just couldn't figure out what it was between them. Was it love? Was it friendship? Or something else entirely?
The next day Haruki was busy working at the café with Kazuki helping out too. Suddenly Hina sneaked up behind Haruki. She put a finger to her lips signaling Kazuki to stay quiet. Just as she thought Haruki would be surprised when he turned around he stayed calm—like it didn't affect him at all.
"You came early today, he said casually.
Hina blinked taken aback. What? He's not surprised?
She frowned blurting out "You're not even shocked to see me here?
Without a word Haruki simply pointed at the mirror behind the counter. Hina puffed her cheeks in frustration.
"Ugh, this mirror ruined everything!
Haruki chuckled handed her an apron and said "Now stop sulking and get to work.
After finishing their shift they walked together stopping near the street that led to Hina's house. Haruki paused and seeing him Hina also stopped. With a soft smile she said, "I'll go on my own from here.
Haruki gave her a teasing grin "Really?"
Her face turned red with annoyance. Turning her back to him she snapped "Yesterday I was just tired that's why I couldn't walk home properly. Stop making fun of me for that.
Hands in his pockets Haruki laughed lightly. "Okay, okay, sorry I was just joking.
But Hina didn't reply. She pouted still angry. Then suddenly Haruki leaned in resting his chin gently on her shoulder. His voice softened.
"Hey, don't stay mad.
Hina froze. Shock ran through her chest. Since when did he become this romantic?
She turned quickly and Haruki immediately lifted his chin away "Alright, fine. I'm not mad,she said, trying to sound normal.
Haruki gave her a soft smile"Thank you.
The night breeze played with his hair, making him look even more handsome than usual. Hina felt her heart melt at the sight her cheeks flushing pink "Okay then… I'll get going, she muttered shyly.
Haruki just nodded "Mm.
They both went their separate ways. But a moment later Hina called out"Haruki!"
He turned back—only to find the street completely empty. Hina had vanished. The road was silent.
"What kind of joke is this now?" he muttered glancing around. His voice grew uneasy.
"Hina? Come on this isn't funny. Come out!"
No answer. His heartbeat quickened, his palms grew clammy" if you don't show yourself I'm leaving, he said, his voice trembling. Sweat trickled down his forehead.
"Hina… I don't like this kind of joke. I'm really going…
But just as he turned to leave his eyes caught something lying in a dark alley—Hina's purse.
"This… this is Hina's purse!"
Fear rushed through him, his whole body shaking. His chest pounded painfully, breaths coming short. Without a second thought, he ran into the alley, desperately calling her name. Tears welled up in his eyes.
There in the narrow deserted lane a group of men had cornered Hina. She trembled in fear while they laughed cruelly.
"Why have you brought me here? Let me go!.she cried.
Their leader smirked. "Relax, sweetheart. We just want you to stay with us… forever. Come on, charm us with that beauty of yours.
"I don't want this! Please, just let me go!" Hina begged.
One of them grabbed her neck harshly "Stop acting smart. Do what the boss says.
But the boss shoved his hand away and grinned"That's why you're still single idiot. You need to be gentle with girls. Look at me.He stepped closer, his tone mockingly sweet"Hey baby, don't be scared. We won't hurt you. If you come with us we'll even give you money. So… will you?"
In that moment, Hina felt utterly helpless, weak to the core.
"I don't want your money! I'm not that kind of girl! Please… I beg you, just let me go!" she cried, her voice breaking.
She folded her hands together, trembling, pleading for her dignity, praying they wouldn't take it away from her. But those men they weren't human. They were beasts driven only by their hunger, their lust blind to her tears, blind to her desperation. To them it didn't matter that she was just a helpless, terrified girl.
"Why do girls make such a fuss?" the boss sneered"Spending one night with us won't cost you anything. He stepped closer, his shadow falling over her. Hina stumbled back, but the wall stopped her. There was nowhere to run.
"Looks like we'll have to use force," he said coldly"I thought you'd come quietly.
Just then, Haruki burst onto the scene, shouting, "What the hell are you doing to Hina?!
The men turned grinning. "Nothing much. Just having a little fun, one said.
Haruki's chest heaved, anger boiling in his veins "This is wrong!"
They laughed in his face. The boss sneered, "Nothing's wrong for us. We take what we want whether it's right or wrong. And if you don't like it, close your eyes, kid.
Haruki's hands trembled, fear gnawing at him, but he pulled out his phone"If you don't let her go right now, I'll call the police!"
One of them snarled and kicked him hard in the chest. Haruki crashed against a wall and fell to the ground.
"Haruki!" Hina screamed, struggling against the men holding her.
"Boss, shut her up before people hear," one of them barked. A thug clamped his hand over Hina's mouth, muffling her cries.
Then they all turned on Haruki beating him mercilessly. Blood spilled from his lips, staining his face and shirt. Hina thrashed, tears streaming down her cheeks, forced to watch the man she loved get beaten.
Even through the pain, Haruki's voice cracked out, weak but desperate:
"Please… let Hina go…"
But the monsters didn't care.
Now the question remained—could Haruki save Hina? Or was something terrible about to happen to her?
To know… read Melodic Love.