In the Kuroi Household…
Hsssshhh…
The sink was running in the kitchen of the Kuroi household. A girl with pink hair, tied back, stood at the counter wearing a black hoodie and an apron wrapped around her waist.
It was Aoi Kuroi, one of Hikaru's childhood friends – and the girlfriend of Yami, who was also one of Hikaru's closest friends since childhood.
As she washed the dishes, she let out a dramatic sigh.
Yami…
Where are you?
Then–
"What's wrong, Aoi?"
Aoi glanced over her shoulder.
"Huh?"
Standing at the entrance of the kitchen was a tall, well-built man with maroon hair and sharp green eyes. He wore a loose black hoodie and shorts. Slung over one shoulder was a gym bag, and in one hand, he carried a water bottle.
Aoi blinked in surprise.
"Dad?"
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Shuji Kuroi
Age: 48
Species: Human
Hair Colour: Maroon
Eye Colour: Green
Height: 6'1
Weight: 195lbs
Occupation: Gym Trainer
"Yeah," Shuji nodded as he stepped into the kitchen, setting his gym bag on the floor. "I heard you sighing from the hallway, loud and heavy. So I figured something was bothering you."
Aoi quickly turned back to the sink, reaching for the faucet.
Tchk!
She twisted the knob, turning off the water, then faced her father – though she avoid looking him in the eye.
"Um… no. There's nothing wrong, Dad."
Shuji crossed his arms.
"Okay. That's a lie."
Aoi blinked.
"Huh?"
Shuji gave her a knowing look.
"Every time you lie," he said, "you never make eye contact."
Aoi looked down, her gaze fixed on the tiled floor.
"Come on, Aoi," Shuji said, his voice softening as he stepped closer. "Talk to me. What's wrong?"
Aoi remained silent, fidgeting with the edge of her hoodie, unsure how to even begin explaining her worry about Yami.
Shuji kept his tone gentle but firm.
"Just let it out," he said, pumping a fist encouragingly. "Let it out like you're going for a one-rep max on the bench press."
Aoi blinked, confused by the analogy.
"Huh?"
Then–
POW!
Aoi suddenly looked down at the floor. Her father, Shuji, who was now crouching on the ground, holding his head as if he had just been punched.
Aoi then looked up and saw a woman standing there – pink hair flowing to her shoulders, red eyes gleaming. She wore mostly black clothing, and her skin was smooth and youthful. Despite her youthful appearance, Aoi knew exactly who it was.
"Mom."
CHARACTER INTRODUCTION
Name: Miyu Kuroi
Age: 45
Species: Human
Hair Colour: Pink
Eye Colour: Red
Height: 5'4
Weight: 130lbs
Occupation: Hairdresser
"Darling," Miyu said with a sweet but dangerous smile, her fist still raised. "Please be quiet. I don't want to hear your encouraging words right now."
"Y-Yes, honey…" Shuji muttered, standing up while still clutching the side of his head from Miyu's punch.
Miyu then turned her gaze to Aoi, her red eyes softening slightly into a look of genuine concern.
"But… darling is right. Aoi, is something wrong?"
Aoi froze, trembling just a little as her mother's eyes bore into her.
Oh no… why is Mom here?
I can handle Dad. But Mom?
Mom is literally staring at me with so much intensity.
Her fingers clenched the edge of her apron.
I… I have to tell them now!
Then–
She opened her mouth.
"Mom. Dad."
Both Shuji and Miyu looked at her attentively, their faces turning serious.
Aoi took a deep breath.
"You see…" she began.
In the Living Room…
Aoi sat with her parents, explaining everything about her worries concerning Yami. Her voice trembled slightly as she finished her story.
"I see…" Miyu said, arms crossed, a concerned expression painting her face. "You haven't heard anything from your boyfriend for a few weeks, huh?"
"Yeah," Aoi nodded. "I don't know where he is right now. I'm completely worried."
Shuji, who had been listening quietly, placed a thoughtful hand under his chin.
"Have you asked your other childhood friend? What was his name again – Koki?"
Aoi and Miyu both stared at him in disbelief.
"It's Hikaru, Dad."
Shuji scratched the back of his head, laughing sheepishly.
"O-oh, right! I meant Hikaru."
Miyu sighed and crossed her arms.
"Sometimes I feel like most of your intelligence went to your muscles rather than your brain, darling."
Shuji visibly took the dig to the chest, clearly wounded.
"Okay, that really hurts, you know…"
Then – Miyu raised her hand and gently poked Shuji's cheek, smiling warmly.
"I know… but I still love you."
Shuji's face brightened as he leaned in toward her.
"Yeah? Well, I love you more."
They leaned into each other and shared a kiss – right in front of their daughter.
Aoi stared at them blankly, lips parted in disbelief.
Are they seriously doing this right in front of me?
"Shouldn't… you two be on your way to work?" Aoi asked flatly.
The couple pulled away and turned toward their daughter.
"Yeah," Shuji nodded. "But I couldn't resist kissing your beautiful mother."
"Hmm-hmm." Miyu giggled softly.
"Like – look at her!" Shuji said, gesturing toward his wife. "She doesn't even look her age. She looks more like your older sister, Aoi."
Miyu cupped her cheeks with both hands, clearly flattered.
"Well… it's all thanks to Sayaka."
Aoi blinked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sayaka? You mean Hikaru's mom?"
"Yes," Miyu nodded. "If it weren't for her giving me nutritional advice, I wouldn't be like this. I mean, look at Sayaka herself – she's gorgeous and looks incredibly young."
"Y-Yeah…" Aoi mumbled, cheeks flushing.
Then – Shuji suddenly stood from the couch and turned to Miyu.
"Anyway… honey, we've got to go."
"Oh, right!" Miyu said, rising as well.
They both turned to Aoi.
"Well, Aoi," Shuji said, grinning. "Your mom and I are heading out for work. Just make sure I don't catch you and Yami on the bed like last time."
Aoi's face turned red in an instant.
"D-Dad!!!" she blurted out, mortified.
As Shuji and Miyu opened the front door to leave, Miyu paused – her eyes narrowing as she spotted two figures walking toward their house.
One was a blonde boy. The other – a girl with long navy-blue hair.
Miyu blinked in surprise.
"Hikaru?"
"Hi, Mrs. Kuroi and Mr. Kuroi!" Hikaru bowed respectfully.
Shuji grinned as he closes the door behind them.
"Well, it's been a while, Sai."
Miyu slowly turned her head toward her husband, looking at him in disbelief. Hikaru's eyes twitched.
"It's Hikaru, sir."
"Oh, is that so?" Shuji laughed sheepishly. "Sorry, Ryuji."
Hikaru let out a long groan while Mei covered her mouth, giggling.
Miyu, meanwhile, turned her attention to the unfamiliar girl standing beside Hikaru. Her red eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity.
"And who's this young lady?" she asked.
"Oh." Hikaru glanced at Mei. "This is Mei. She's–"
"Your girlfriend?" Shuji interrupted with a sly grin.
Silence.
Only the distant chirping of birds could be heard.
"Mr. Kuroi!" Hikaru exclaimed, cheeks flushing bright red.
Shuji burst out laughing.
"I'm just messing with you, Hikaru."
Even Miyu let out a soft giggle before turning to the pair with a warm smile.
"So, Hikaru – what brings you two here? What can we do for you?"
"Actually…" Hikaru began, glancing toward the door. "Aoi asked me to come. She said she wanted to talk."
Miyu raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Aoi asked to speak with you?"
"Yeah." Hikaru nodded.
"Is it about Yami?" Shuji chimed in.
Hikaru turned to him, surprised.
"You know?"
"Yeah…" Shuji nodded solemnly. "We could kinda tell."
Then Miyu turned her gaze to Mei.
"And you, young lady? Why are here?"
Mei flinched, caught off guard. She glanced at Hikaru, unsure of how to answer.
"U-um…"
"Aoi asked me to bring her," Hikaru said quickly, helping her out.
Miyu raised an eyebrow once more.
"Is that so?"
Then–
"Uh, Miyu?" Shuji muttered, glancing at his watch. "We should probably go. We're gonna be late."
Miyu's eyes widened slightly as she realized the time.
"Oh, right! We have to get going!" She turned back to both Hikaru and Mei. "Well then, Hikaru, Mei – make yourselves at home. Aoi's inside."
"Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Kuroi."
With that, Shuji and Miyu rushed toward their car. Shuji climbed into the driver's seat, Miyu into the passenger's. Then–
GRRNN – VRROOOM!
The car engine roared to life, and the vehicle rolled out of the driveway, disappearing into the street.
As Hikaru and Mei watched the Kurois drive off, Hikaru turned to Mei.
"So… you ready to head in?"
"Yeah." Mei smiled and nodded.
As Hikaru and Mei entered the house, they were immediately greeted by Aoi.
Without hesitation, Aoi ran over and pulled her childhood friend into a warm hug. Hikaru smiled and hugged her back.
"Hikaru, you're finally here."
"Yeah," Hikaru nodded. "Thanks for having me – and Mei."
Aoi turned toward Mei, who stood nearby, looking a little nervous.
"You must be Mei!" Aoi said brightly, extending her hand for a handshake.
"Y-Yeah. It's nice to meet you, Aoi," Mei replied, shaking her hand politely.
Aoi smiled and motioned toward the couch.
"Please, have a seat!"
The three of them made their way to the living room and sat together on the couch.
Aoi glanced between the two of them with a teasing grin.
"You know… I honestly thought you two were already dating."
Both Hikaru and Mei immediately blushed, pink blooming across their cheeks.
"Y-Yeah…" Hikaru muttered, turning away in complete embarrassment.
Aoi tilted her head and tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"But honestly…" she added, grinning. "it's kind of hard to picture it. I mean, you – a normal, everyday university student. And Mei, a volleyball star?"
Hikaru's head snapped toward Aoi.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
Aoi crossed her arms and gave him a smug look.
"Oh, nothing!"
She giggled, and Mei couldn't help but join in. Hikaru narrowed his eyes at Aoi, feeling the sting of teasing all too familiar.
This girl…!
Then – he remembered.
That's right.
We're here to talk about Yami.
His gaze shifted toward Aoi, who was still laughing softly to herself.
"Mei," Hikaru called, catching her attention.
Aoi turned her head as well, blinking curiously.
"Hmm? What is it, Karu?"
Hikaru flinched slightly at the nickname, and Mei raised an eyebrow.
"Karu?"
"It's the nickname Aoi and Yami used to call me since we were kids," Hikaru explained.
"I see," Mei said with a small smile. "It's a cute name."
Hikaru cleared his throat, straightening up on the couch.
"Anyway…" he said, more serious now, "let's talk about why we're really here."
Aoi's teasing expression immediately disappeared.
"That's right."
"When was the last time you talked to Yami, Aoi?" Hikaru asked, arms crossed.
"I-It was three weeks ago," Aoi answered. "At first, I thought he was just really busy. But… now – I'm completely worried about him."
"I see." Hikaru muttered, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "If I'm being honest… I haven't seen Yami in the last few weeks either."
Aoi blinked, surprised.
"You haven't?"
"Yeah," Hikaru nodded. "But this isn't like Yami."
Mei glanced at Hikaru, concerned.
"What do you mean, Hikaru?"
Hikaru took a breath, his gaze fixed ahead.
"Yami, Aoi, and I… we've always been close. Ever since we were kids – elementary school, middle school, high school, and even now in university – we've always stuck together. The fact that Yami suddenly vanished… it just feels too abrupt. Too unnatural."
"Yeah. He's been acting weird lately… especially after that smoke incident," Aoi added.
Then – Hikaru's eyes widened.
Smoke?!
That's right!
That's when I awakened the Element of Light… and joined the Order.
Wait… could it be–?
Did Yami find out about the Order of the Elements?!
No… that's impossible.
There's no way Yami would know about the Order… right?
Hikaru sat up straight on the couch, his mind racing, eyes locking onto Aoi.
He opened his mouth to speak – until:
"Have you tried asking Yami's parents?" Mei asked innocently.
Silence fell over the room.
Both Hikaru and Aoi slowly turned their heads toward Mei.
Mei noticed their sudden shift and immediately grew nervous.
"W-What's wrong?"
Hikaru let out a long sigh.
"Mei…"
She turned toward him.
"Hmm?"
Hikaru looked her directly in the eye.
"You see…"
TO BE CONTINUED!!!