The sun shone brighter today.
Asuka lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind drifting in a sea of thoughts she couldn't quite grasp. The soft hum of morning filled the room—quiet, peaceful, yet it couldn't calm her restlessness. After a while, she pushed the covers off, sat up slowly, and made her way out of the room, her stomach reminding her she hadn't eaten yet.
She made herself a quick meal, something simple to silence the hunger. After eating, she grabbed her bag and stepped outside, heading toward Shinichiro's bike shop.
As she walked down the stairs, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figures outside—a young boy with striking green eyes and messy black hair, with light skin. Her footsteps faltered. She looked at the guy angain.
Something about him sparked a memory.
Who was he…? she murmured to herself, eyes narrowing slightly.
A faint image surfaced in her mind.
Wait—was that Chifuyu?
She instinctively turned her head back for another look. Should I go and talk to him? she wondered.
But after a moment, she shook the thought away.
No… let's leave it for now.
With that, she continued her walk to the shop.
---
Asuka soon reached Shinichiro's shop. Through the open door, she could see him at work, grease on his hands, sleeves rolled up, focused on repairing a bike engine.
"Shinichiro-san," she called out.
He turned, looked up, and his face broke into a warm smile.
"Ah, there you are. I was just thinking about you," he said, removing his gloves and wiping his hands on a cloth.
Asuka stepped inside, her tone quiet but direct.
"I think by now… you've figured out I'm not from this timeline."
Shinichiro raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Hmm… sounds serious. Well then, why don't you give me a proper introduction?"
He gestured toward the seat across from him.
She sat down, took a breath, and began. Her words were measured, her eyes unwavering as she explained who she was, how she had landed here, and the truth about the future. Shinichiro listened intently, leaning forward, his expression gradually shifting from curiosity to astonishment.
"Wait, wait—so you're telling me… you're not even from this world?" he asked, visibly stunned.
Asuka gave a solemn nod.
"I know it's hard to believe. But I need you to listen."
There was a beat of silence. Then she leaned closer, her voice lowering.
"There's something important I have to tell you. On August 14th… when you're 23… at 3:00 a.m., Keisuke and Kazutora will break into your shop. They're trying to steal a bike for Mikey… but they won't realize it's your shop. Kazutora will panic—and he'll… he'll kill you."
Her voice caught slightly at the end, but her eyes held steady.
"Please, Shinichiro-san. Be careful."
Shinichiro exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. Then he smirked a little.
"You don't sugarcoat things, do you?"
Asuka shook her head.
"I hate wasting time. And I don't want anyone to suffer because they didn't know. You matter to people I care about."
He studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"Thanks. For telling me."
Then she asked quietly, "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he said.
"Why do you guys want to be delinquents? I mean… why not just live a quiet, peaceful life?"
Shinichiro chuckled softly.
"Maybe you'll understand it when you've lived it, Asuka-chan. It's not always about fighting—it's about protecting the things we believe in."
She sighed, folding her arms.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I just want to go back to where I have been drraming of to see that guy… but I'll miss you guys."
His gaze softened.
"Asuka-chan… can I ask you for something?"
"Go ahead."
"Until you're here… can you look after Manjiro for me? He really enjoys your company Because after that you will be gone to that guy he teased "
A faint smile touched her lips.
" Hey what was that just now she looksd at him" Yeah. I enjoy his company too. And the others. I'll look after him."
Shinichiro extended his hand.
"Then it's our little secret, alright?"
She nodded and shook his hand.
"Secret sealed."
---
Just then, the door opened with a creak.
"Shinichiro-kun… do you have a minute?" came a voice from the entrance.
It was Sanzu, his eyes troubled. Shinichiro motioned him in.
"What's on your mind?" he asked as the boy stepped forward, clearly shaken.
"I… I keep having these dreams. About you… and Manjiro… dying."
His voice trembled.
"It feels too real. Like I actually lived it."
Shinichiro's expression turned serious.
He looked at Sanzu carefully.
"That's because… it was real. Those events did happen. I changed the future."
He placed a hand on Sanzu's shoulder.
"Maybe you're remembering fragments of the timeline that no longer exists."
Sanzu's eyes widened in shock.
"So… it wasn't just a dream…"
"No. But now it's over. The future's changed. You're safe."
Shinichiro extended his hand.
Sanzu stared for a moment, then slowly reached out and shook it.
The moment their hands touched, a strange energy surged between them. A soft glow flickered—brief, but powerful.
Asuka stood still, eyes wide.
"Was that… time travel?" she whispered under her breath.
Asuka stepped out of Shinichiro's shop, stretching her arms with a small sigh. The day was brighter than ever, but her thoughts were stormy. Too many faces from the timeline today… I need a break.
Just as she began walking toward home, a voice called out behind her.
"Hey, girl! Do you know any bike shop nearby?"
She blinked and turned around, eyebrow raised.
The guy looked about her age—maybe ten or eleven—light blonde hair, green eyes, average height, with a confused look plastered on his face like he'd been wandering aimlessly for a while.
With absolutely zero patience left in her tank, she rolled her eyes.
"Got eyes, don't you? Use them."
She spun back around dramatically and kept walking.
The boy's jaw dropped. "H-Hey! You can't just talk to me like that!" he yelled, jogging to catch up.
Asuka turned slowly, arms crossed.
"Yeah? And what's your issue now?"
He stared at her, still panting slightly.
"You look about my age. You're seriously this sassy already? Anyway, I'm Seishu. Seishu Inui. What about you?"
Her eyes widened a little. Inupi?! Wait—this is Inupi?
She fumbled over her words for a second.
"I-It's Asuka. Keisuke Asuka," she managed, trying to keep her cool.
Inupi narrowed his eyes and tilted his head.
"Well, Asuka, you've got quite the attitude. All I did was ask a question, and you should say sorry for your bad attitude towards me."
She smirked, tapping her chin with mock innocence.
"Oh really? Did I hurt your feelings ?"
He groaned, waving it off.
"Forget it. Let's reset. Just tell me where the bike shop is."
She pointed her thumb behind her.
"Right there—Shinichiro's shop. You literally passed it. Congrats."
"Tch, I'm never trusting my sense of direction again," Inupi mumbled, taking a mental note of the place. He glanced at her one more time.
"You're weird."
Asuka waved without turning back.
"And proud of it!"
---
As soon as she was out of his line of sight, she sighed deeply and muttered,
"What is going on today?"
She rubbed her temple.
"First Chifuyu. Then Shinichiro. Now Inupi?! It's like the Tokyo Revengers reunion tour out here."
Her pace slowed as thoughts clouded her head again.
Wait… Inupi. That's right. His sister… She didn't deserve what happened to her.
Her brows furrowed, and then a flicker of determination flashed in her eyes.
"I have to save her. She was innocent. Maybe… maybe I can change that too."
As she reached her front door, a mischievous smile curled on her lips.
"Yeah. I know how."
She opened the door, stepping inside.
And for once, she whispered to herself,
"Please no more surprise cameos today. Just give me food, a bed, and peace."
Her stomach growled in agreement.