Shadow hunched over his sketchbook at his desk, the dim light casting long shadows across his face. Jina leaned close, her hair brushing his shoulder.
"Lost in thought again, Shadow?" she whispered playfully.
Shadow looked up, expression unreadable.
"What's so interesting… more than me?" she teased, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Relax," she giggled, nudging his shoulder. "I'm only messing with you… maybe."
Shadow's gaze met hers, calm but fragile.
"You never change… always smiling, even when it hurts," he said softly.
Jina's smile faded, her eyes honest and tinged with sadness.
"…Yeah," she whispered. "Easier to smile than explain."
She touched his arm gently. "You see the world in black and white. But you're not alone. Even if you push people away… I'll still be here."
Shadow leaned back, sighing. "Thanks. I don't need an audience… but I won't push you away either."
Suddenly, Mina leapt onto Jina's back, laughing.
"Gotcha, kitten! Your cheeks are too cute!" she teased.
Jina blushed, flustered. "Shadow's watching…" she whispered.
Mina turned to Shadow with a wide grin. "Oi, Dark Knight—don't vanish into your cave. Camping's on! Mino's hyped, Juno's bringing fire… and barbecue."
Shadow shrugged, deadpan. "Camping beats staying locked up. Just text me the time. And tell Juno not to torch the forest."
Juno slung an arm over Shadow's shoulder, grinning. "Ready for the trip? Grandma's barbecue is unbeatable. No excuses. You're coming."
Shadow pulled away calmly but with annoyance. "Yeah, yeah… just no forest fires," he muttered, waving lazily as he headed home.
Walking through the Tokyo streets, shadows stretched long across the evening pavement. Entering his apartment building, Shadow pressed the elevator button, his face thoughtful as the doors closed.
Feels like something's waiting…
Dropping his bag in his apartment, he opened the bedroom door and froze. A photo of him with the orphanage kids sat on his desk—faces scratched out.
"Fake," he muttered bitterly.
The memory hit him. Kids circling him in the orphanage yard.
"You don't even talk. What are you, a ghost?" one sneered.
"Hand over your lunch, or I'll break you," another threatened, raising a fist.
"You're just a broken toy. Good riddance," a third said cruelly.
Alone again, Shadow clenched his fist and flipped the photo face-down. He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His phone buzzed.
A message from Jina:
"Hey… sorry if I woke you. For camping—how about fishing? I've got two rods. Goodnight."
He replied with a single heart emoji, then pulled out his gem sketch, staring at it.
Why can't I let this go? Just a drawing… but it calls to me.
Morning arrived. Friends gathered near a car, chatting excitedly.
"Juno, that ride's huge!" Mina said.
"Window seat—next to Mina!" Mino muttered nervously.
Juno smirked, checking the trunk. "Load up. Let's roll."
Jina looked around, worried. "Where's Shadow? He promised he'd come…"
On the balcony, Shadow stood alone, the gem sketch glowing faintly in the sunlight.
still dragging me....guess I'll have to let it take the lead.