Chapter 7
Darkness.
A man stood in the shadows.
Blood dripped slowly onto the floor.
Another body collapsed.
And in that silence—
A voice echoed.
"…Akira…"
Again.
"…Akira…"
Again.
"…Akira…"
Akira stood there, watching.
Frozen.
Unable to move.
Why are they calling my name…?
---
His eyes snapped open.
Heavy breathing.
Sweat on his forehead.
"…Yuki—"
His voice broke.
He looked down—
Yuki was lying on the floor.
In the same position.
The same way.
As the person in his dream.
Akira's heart stopped.
"YUKI!!"
He rushed toward her, panic written all over his face.
"Yuki! Are you okay?!"
Yuki blinked, confused, then quickly sat up.
"I'm fine! Why are you so scared?"
She looked at him carefully.
"…You saw that dream again, didn't you?"
Akira stayed silent for a moment.
"…Yeah."
But inside—
No… this time it was different.
Yuki gently placed her hand on his arm.
"Relax. It's just a dream."
She gave a soft smile.
"Now get up. Breakfast is ready."
---
Morning
The atmosphere slowly returned to normal.
Akira sat at the table while Yuki placed food in front of him.
"…Thanks for breakfast."
Yuki smiled. "You're welcome."
They ate quietly.
But Akira's mind wasn't there.
That dream…
That voice…
And why—
Why was Yuki in it?
---
After breakfast—
Akira stood up.
"I'm going to Renji's house. He invited me."
Yuki immediately looked up.
"I want to go too."
Akira paused.
Then nodded.
"…Okay."
---
Renji's House
They stood in front of a massive gate.
Yuki stared.
"…This is not a house."
A pause.
"…This is a mansion."
Akira looked at it calmly.
"…Yeah."
Before he could say anything—
The gate opened automatically.
---
Renji appeared at the entrance, stretching.
"Yo—finally you're here—"
He stopped.
Looked at Yuki.
Then back at Akira.
Then again at Yuki.
His expression changed instantly.
"BRO."
Akira sighed. "Don't start."
Renji ran forward dramatically.
"You brought your GIRLFRIEND to my house and didn't even tell me?!"
Yuki blushed. "I-I'm sorry—"
"You don't need to apologize! He does!"
Akira grabbed Renji's collar.
"Calm down."
Renji smirked.
"Okay… okay. Come in."
---
Inside the Mansion
The interior was even more impressive.
Large halls.
Elegant stairs.
Expensive decor everywhere.
Yuki looked around in amazement.
"This is huge…"
Renji grinned proudly.
"Of course. Welcome to my humble home."
Akira muttered, "…You're annoying."
---
They sat in the living room.
Renji dropped onto the sofa.
"So… what's the plan today?"
Akira leaned back.
"…Nothing special."
Yuki smiled. "We just came to hang out."
Renji looked between them and smirked.
"Ohhh, so you two are in the 'normal couple phase' now."
Akira ignored him.
But Yuki laughed softly.
"…Maybe."
---
A Small Moment
Renji went to bring drinks.
For a brief moment—
It was just Akira and Yuki.
Yuki leaned slightly closer.
"…You still look worried."
Akira looked at her.
"…It's nothing."
She shook her head.
"You're a bad liar."
A small silence.
Then she smiled gently.
"…Whatever it is, you don't have to carry it alone."
Akira's expression softened.
Just a little.
"…I know."
But deep inside—
That dream still lingered.
And for the first time—
Akira felt something he rarely felt.
Fear.
Not for himself—
But for her.
---
Meanwhile…
Renji stood in the kitchen.
Holding three glasses.
But his expression had changed.
Serious.
Quiet.
He looked toward the living room.
"…Something's off."
---
End Scene
Back in the living room—
Akira watched Yuki laugh at something Renji said.
That warm smile.
That peaceful moment.
He memorized it.
Because deep down—
He felt it.
Something was coming.
Something bad.
And this time—
It might take away the only thing he cares about.