The morning sun spilled across the neighborhood like liquid honey, gilding the rooftops and shimmering through windchimes that sang softly in the breeze.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Toshio Shinji wasn't running toward or away from anything.
No gods, no crimson moons, no prophecies — just him, the sleepy hum of the city, and the faint aroma of grilled fish coming from next door.
He leaned over the balcony railing of his apartment, stretching lazily. His golden hair caught the light, gleaming faintly as he took in the peaceful view.
"Man," he muttered, "normal feels weird."
A soft knock came from the sliding door behind him.
"Toshio, you're up early for once," Airi Hoshizora said, stepping into the balcony with two mugs of tea. She was wearing a light cardigan over her uniform, her hair tied in a neat braid.
Toshio turned, grinning. "When an angel brings tea, who needs sleep?"
She rolled her eyes. "You're impossible before breakfast."
He took the mug anyway, the warmth seeping into his hands. The silence that followed wasn't awkward — it was the kind that came when words weren't needed.
They watched the cherry blossoms drift across the sky together, petals glowing like pink embers.
"Feels like a dream," Airi said softly.
Toshio smiled faintly. "If it is, I hope we never wake up."
Back to School
Later that morning, Toshio found himself back at Hoshizora High, the place where everything started.
He hadn't been here since… well, since his entire life had flipped upside down. The moment he stepped through the school gates, a rush of memories hit him — laughter, embarrassment, late-night rooftop talks with Airi, and one too many detentions.
A few students noticed him and started whispering.
"Isn't that Shinji? The one who disappeared for like… weeks?"
"Yeah. He looks different somehow."
"Hotter, you mean."
Toshio sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Great. I'm a myth now."
Airi walked beside him, trying not to laugh. "You did vanish after the Blood Moon incident. People thought you transferred."
"Transfer to what? Divine Rehab?" he muttered.
She snorted. "You should write that on your student record."
As they reached their classroom, Toshio stopped at the doorway. The chatter instantly died down.
Everyone turned to look — some shocked, some curious, and one in particular grinning ear to ear.
"Toshio Shinji," said Renji Kato, his childhood friend, "back from the dead, huh?"
Toshio smiled. "Miss me that much?"
Renji stood, smirking. "Not really. I was hoping you'd left your notes behind."
The class burst into laughter, breaking the tension. Toshio slipped into his seat, Airi taking hers beside him.
The teacher, Ms. Haruka, raised an eyebrow. "Well, Mr. Shinji, I hope your little… vacation was productive?"
Toshio flashed a grin. "Enlightening, ma'am. Learned how to fight gods."
A few students snickered. Ms. Haruka sighed. "Detention after class."
Airi facepalmed. "You lasted exactly one minute."
"Hey," he whispered, "new record."
The New Girl
The day went by with an ease Toshio hadn't felt in months. Lunch under the sakura tree. Friends teasing. Airi's quiet laughter beside him.
For once, there were no prophecies or blood pacts — just the small miracles of daily life.
Until the door slid open again.
Everyone turned.
Standing there was a girl neither Toshio nor Airi recognized — tall, slim, with ash-gray hair that shimmered faintly in the light. Her eyes were a strange shade of violet, cold yet curious.
The teacher smiled. "Class, we have a new transfer student. Please welcome—"
"My name is Luna Ardein," the girl said, her voice calm but distant. "I just moved here from Kyoto."
Toshio frowned slightly. There was something… familiar about her aura.
Luna's gaze swept the room — and then stopped on him.
For a second, her eyes glowed faintly. Barely noticeable, but Toshio caught it.
He stiffened. No way.
The teacher pointed. "You can sit by the window, next to Shinji."
Airi froze. "Wait, next to him?"
Luna walked over, her steps soundless, and sat down. She offered a polite smile. "Hello, Toshio."
He blinked. "Uh… hi?"
Then she whispered, just quiet enough for him to hear:
"The goddess isn't gone. She's only sleeping."
His blood ran cold.
Airi noticed the shift in his expression. "What's wrong?"
He forced a grin. "Nothing. Just… déjà vu."
But his hand trembled slightly under the desk.
Scene 4 – After School
The sun dipped low over the city, painting the streets in orange and crimson.
Toshio walked beside Airi, the rhythm of their steps matching unconsciously.
She glanced at him. "You've been quiet since lunch. Is it about that new girl?"
He hesitated. "…Maybe. There's something off about her."
Airi frowned. "Off how?"
"She knew my name. And something about her presence — it feels like… like when we first met under the Blood Moon."
Airi stopped walking. "You think she's connected to—"
He shook his head. "No. I hope not. I just… want peace, Airi. For once."
Airi's eyes softened. She reached out, slipping her fingers into his. "Then hold onto it. Don't let whatever she brings take it away."
Toshio smiled faintly, squeezing her hand. "You're really good at this whole 'voice of reason' thing."
She smirked. "I've had practice."
"From dealing with me?"
"Exactly."
They both laughed, and for that moment, everything else — Luna's strange words, divine echoes, uncertain futures — all faded away.
Scene 5 – A Strange Encounter
That night, Toshio couldn't sleep.
The wind outside whispered against the windows. The city lights flickered faintly, like stars struggling against the dark.
He sat up, rubbing his temples. "I'm imagining things. That's all."
Then came a knock. Three soft taps.
He frowned, crossing to the door and sliding it open — only to freeze.
Luna stood there, still in her school uniform, her violet eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
"Luna? What are you—"
She stepped closer, her voice low. "They're coming, Toshio."
He blinked. "Who?"
"The echoes of what you sealed. The divine balance shifted when you chose love over power. They're drawn to it."
Toshio took a step back, trying to process her words. "You're saying because I saved Airi—"
"You invited the forgotten," she finished, her tone almost mournful.
He clenched his fists. "No. I won't let anything happen to her again."
Luna's gaze softened — almost sad. "That's what every protector says before fate breaks them."
Then, before he could reply, she turned and disappeared down the hall, her form fading like mist.
Toshio stood frozen.
The air around him pulsed once — faintly — and then stilled.
He whispered to himself, "I thought it was over…"
But deep inside, something stirred — the same divine energy he'd buried after the Blood Moon.
A faint whisper echoed in his mind.
"A new dawn always carries its own shadows."
Scene 6 – The Quiet Moment
The next morning, Airi found Toshio already at the park, sitting beneath the sakura tree.
She approached slowly, holding two cans of coffee. "Couldn't sleep again?"
He looked up, smiling weakly. "Yeah. Weird dreams. Maybe I just miss normal boredom."
Airi sat beside him, handing him a can. "Then let's make today boring together."
He chuckled. "Deal."
They sat in silence, watching the petals fall.
For now, no gods, no curses, no omens — just two hearts breathing in the same quiet morning.