The morning sun filtered through the village trees, its golden rays warming the earthy paths that Kenji and Shiori had walked for as long as they could remember. Their bags were packed, resting by the old wooden steps of their grandmother's house, a place that had been their world until now.
"We've packed everything, Grandma. We're ready to leave," Kenji said softly, his voice trying to stay steady.
His grandmother's lips trembled as she sniffled, the corners of her eyes glossy. "You two have grown up so fast," she whispered, fighting back tears. "Be sure to visit me from time to time… don't you dare forget to. Kenji, take good care of your sister, alright?"
"I will," he promised.
Shiori gave their grandmother a quick but firm hug. "Okay. Goodbye, Grandma."
"See you, Grandma," Kenji added, lifting his bag onto his shoulder.
"Goodbye, my grandchildren," she called after them, her voice fragile as the breeze that rustled the village trees.
The road out of the village was long but familiar. Shiori's steps bounced with excitement as she clung to the strap of her bag. "This is so exciting! We're leaving this village for the city. I can't wait! How about you, Kenji?"
Kenji didn't answer immediately. His eyes wandered to the dirt roads, the shrines, the distant fields, soaking in the quiet beauty of the place they were leaving behind. "Oh, sorry. What were you saying?"
Shiori's brow creased, her lips puffing into a sigh. "What's wrong?"
Kenji scratched the back of his head, searching for the right words. "It's just… we're leaving everything behind. Grandma, the village chief, my friends, all the people who've been part of my life, part of my memories… part of me. I'm going to miss this place."
He turned to her, his expression soft but serious. "Don't you feel the same way?"
Shiori's gaze lowered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm going to miss Grandma so much."
But somewhere deep in her heart, another thought surfaced, one she didn't have the courage to say aloud. However, what I feared more… was being left behind by you. I don't think I'm ready for that.
Kenji's voice pulled her back. "Hey, I've been wondering."
"Huh?"
"Why did you choose to come to the city for high school? The schools in the village were pretty great."
Shiori tilted her head, pretending to think. "I guess I just wanted to experience life in the city… to see how things are different there."
Kenji gave a small nod. "Oh, I see."
Their conversation quieted as the train approached the city, its metal wheels rattling against the tracks. When the buildings finally rose around them like giants, Shiori's face lit up.
"Whoa! It's so beautiful, isn't it, Kenji?"
He pressed his palm against the train window, watching the skyline blur past. "Yeah… it really is."
This is where we'll live from now on, Kenji thought. The city looks completely different from up here. I still can't believe I'm already in my third year of high school… time sure does fly.
When they arrived, they found themselves standing before a modest but well-kept house, tucked neatly between larger city homes.
"This is where we'll be living now. It's nice," Shiori said, spinning around to take in the view.
"Yeah, this is one of our dad's houses. I came here once when I was a kid, but it's been so long I barely remember."
Shiori adjusted the strap on her shoulder. "I see."
Kenji sighed, glancing at his watch. "We don't have time to clean up or unpack. School starts in an hour. We'll just have to lock up and deal with everything after we get back."
"Okay, big brother."
He locked the door behind them and gestured for her to follow. "Let's go."
As they walked through the busy streets, Shiori suddenly turned to him. "So, big brother."
"Hmm?"
"Did you ever get the chance to settle things with her?"
His steps slowed. "No. I got the chance… but I hesitated."
"I see."
He narrowed his eyes at her. "Why'd you bring that up all of a sudden?"
"No special reason." Shiori shrugged, trying to play it off. "I just thought all that drama was finally over."
"It's… kinda complicated."
"Yeah, I know."
Their conversation was cut short by a sharp voice. "Hey, you there!"
Kenji paused and glanced around. His gaze landed on a tall woman standing near the street corner, her long black hair swaying with the breeze. She had an air of confidence about her, the kind that immediately unsettled him.
"Uh, me?" Kenji asked, unsure.
"Yes, you. Come here."
Kenji furrowed his brows. "Stay here, Shiori."
"Okay," she said, though her eyes followed him anxiously.
He walked over cautiously, his heart picking up speed. Damn… she's really pretty, he thought, gulping as he approached. But something about her presence felt dangerous, like standing too close to a fire.
"So… what do you want?" he asked.
"Come with me," she said bluntly.
"Um… what do you mean by that? I have school, and I don't exactly go places with strangers."
Her expression sharpened. "I'm not asking. You don't get a choice. Let's go."
Her hand shot out and gripped his wrist, her nails pressing into his skin. The pain was immediate, a crushing pressure that sent a jolt through his arm.
"Hey, let me go! You're hurting me!" Kenji grimaced, struggling against her iron grip.
"Big brother?" Shiori called, her voice laced with panic.
A second voice rang out, calm but firm. "I'd let him go if I were you."
The woman stiffened and turned toward the speaker. Her confident facade cracked, her eyes widening in surprise. "It can't be…"
"Do you want me to repeat myself?" the newcomer asked coldly.
For a tense moment, the woman hesitated, then finally released Kenji's wrist with a huff. "You win this time… the one who wields the cursed flames."
Without another word, she disappeared into the crowd, her figure vanishing as swiftly as she'd appeared.
Shiori rushed to Kenji's side, her hands hovering over his bruised wrist. "Big brother, are you okay?"
"Yeah… I'll be alright." He flexed his fingers, though the ache throbbed deep in his bones. Her grip strength was insane… it felt like my hand was about to shatter.
He turned to thank the stranger, but she was already walking away, not sparing him another glance.
"Thank you!" he called after her.
She didn't respond.
Shiori looked at his bruised skin and frowned. "Big brother… maybe we should skip school today. Your hand's all swollen."
Kenji offered her a weak smile. "Don't worry. I don't feel a thing."
"If you say so…"
He adjusted his bag, his fingers still tingling. "Come on, let's go."
"Okay." Shiori followed close by, but her heart was still pounding, and so was his.
Neither of them knew how quickly their lives were about to change.