Aira sat alone in her room, surrounded by silence that felt heavier than usual.
Her chamber reflection of her soul—plain, cold, and devoid of unnecessary colour. The walls were plain and almost lifeless. On one side of the room, dozens of swords were neatly displayed, each one polished to perfection. Some were thin and elegant, others heavy and brutal, but every single blade carried marks of countless battles and intense training.
On the opposite side lay her wardrobe.
Every outfit inside was black.
Long coats, fitted uniforms, gloves, boots—almost nothing outside that dark shade. Aira rarely wore any other colour. Black felt comfortable. Safe. It matched the storm inside her heart far better than bright colours ever could.
She sat quietly on the edge of her bed, her back slightly bent, her hands resting on the mattress. Her eyes were fixed on nothing in particular, yet her mind was overflowing with thoughts.
What am I supposed to do now…?
Her father's words echoed relentlessly in her head.
Your marriage is already decided.
Her fingers curled into fists.
'They never think about what I want,' she thought bitterly. They never ask. They just decide everything on their own.
She let out a slow, frustrated breath and leaned back slightly.
Marriage… with someone I don't even like.
The thought alone made her chest feel tight.
Then—unwanted yet unavoidable—another face surfaced in her mind.
Himitsu.
Her expression softened for just a moment.
I like him… a lot, she admitted silently, her cheeks warming slightly. But there's no way he feels the same.
She sighed.
There are so many girls around him all the time.
They don't even let him breathe.
Every time he appeared in public, girls gathered around him like moths drawn to light. Smiling, laughing, offering gifts, stealing glances.
Why did it have to be him? she thought irritably. Why did I have to fall for the one guy every girl likes?
She buried her face in her hands.
With so many girls chasing him, he must already have a girlfriend.
Maybe even more than one…
She quickly shook her head.
No… he doesn't seem like that kind of guy.
But doubt crept in anyway.
Then again… some people only look sincere on the outside.
Her thoughts spiralled deeper.
I wonder what he thinks about me…
He probably believes my father sent me to spy on him.
Her jaw tightened.
This is all Dad's fault.
If Akitora hadn't forced her to fight Himitsu that day.
If he hadn't called me… I wouldn't have met Himitsu.
And if I hadn't met him… I wouldn't have fallen in love.
She clenched her teeth, frustration burning in her chest.
Everything went wrong because of him.
Lost in these thoughts, Aira stared at the floor, her usual confidence nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, across the city of Lunaris—
Himitsu was outside, stopping by a few shops to buy daily necessities.
The streets were lively, filled with people moving about their routines. Yet even among the crowd, Himitsu stood out effortlessly. His calm aura and striking presence drew attention wherever he went, though today his expression seemed distant.
As he stepped out of a store, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Himitsu!"
He looked up.
Ryo waved enthusiastically from across the street, a wide grin plastered on his face.
Ryo was one of Himitsu's oldest friends.
Unlike Himitsu's composed and reserved nature, Ryo was cheerful, energetic, and easygoing. He had a habit of talking to everyone like they were already friends, and his presence naturally lifted the mood of those around him.
He jogged over and clapped Himitsu on the shoulder.
"Hey! How are you? You doing okay?" Ryo asked brightly.
Himitsu gave a short nod. "Yeah. I'm fine."
Ryo narrowed his eyes slightly, studying him.
"…Really?" he said slowly. "Because I don't think so."
Himitsu raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"You look troubled," Ryo replied honestly. "And not just to me. Everyone's saying the same thing."
Himitsu frowned. "Everyone?"
"You've been acting strange ever since you came back," Ryo continued. "Did something happen? You can tell me. I'm your friend, you know."
Himitsu's expression hardened.
"Why are you asking such pointless questions?" he snapped. "I already told you I'm fine. How many times do I have to repeat myself?"
Ryo blinked in surprise.
"… Whoa, hey," he said calmly, raising his hands. "Relax. Why are you getting so angry?"
Himitsu looked away, irritation flickering across his face.
Before either of them could say anything else—
"Hellooo—!"
A cheerful voice rang out.
Both of them turned.
Miko was running toward them, waving excitedly.
She was Ryo's long-time friend—they had known each other since childhood, having attended the same school for years. Bright-eyed and lively, Miko had a naturally warm smile that made her easy to like.
She slowed to a stop in front of them, slightly out of breath.
"Ryo! What are you doing here?" she asked happily. "I saw you from far away and thought I'd come say hi!"
Then her gaze shifted to Himitsu.
Her expression instantly changed.
Her eyes sparkled.
"Oh… it's you," she said softly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
Himitsu gave a polite nod. "Hello."
Miko smiled, clearly pleased, while Ryo glanced between the two of them—his cheerful grin faltering just a little.
Something about that smile…
Why does my chest feel tight all of a sudden? Ryo wondered.