They ran, breathless, the soles of their shoes slapping against the slick linoleum as thunder cracked overhead. The corridor was swallowed in darkness, the only illumination coming in jagged bursts from the lightning outside, painting the walls and lockers in stark, ghostly relief.
Each flash seemed to stretch their shadows impossibly long, making the school feel even more labyrinthine and unfamiliar.
As they rounded a final corner—just steps away from the stairwell that would lead them to the exit—Yuzuki suddenly skidded to a halt. Her chest heaved, eyes wide, the world narrowing to the spot just ahead. In the brief, blinding glare of lightning, a figure stood at the end of the hallway: motionless, draped in black, his face obscured by shadow.
"Yuzuki?" Kaito's voice was a shaky whisper, confused by her abrupt stop.
She couldn't answer, her breath coming in shallow, uneven bursts. Her hand trembled in Kaito's grip, her body frozen with a fear she couldn't voice. Another flash—another glimpse of the boy in black, still watching, still unmoving.
Kaito's own fear spiked, but he tightened his hold on her hand, summoning his courage. "Let's go!" he hissed, and without waiting for her response, he pulled her forward.
They bolted down the staircase, the echo of their flight swallowed by the roar of rain and thunder. At the bottom, Kaito veered toward the lockers. With trembling hands, they swapped their indoor shoes for their outdoor ones, Kaito grabbing his bag in a single, frantic motion.
Without looking back, the two of them burst through the school's main doors, plunging into the downpour. Rain soaked them instantly, but neither cared. They sprinted away from the building, hearts pounding, the memory of the figure in black burned into their minds—an unspoken terror following them out into the storm.
Rain hammered down in relentless sheets as Kaito gripped Yuzuki's hand, refusing to let go. The world was a blur of water and flashing light, thunder rolling so loudly it swallowed their voices.
"We'll go to my home!" Kaito shouted, his words almost drowned by the storm.
"WHAT? NO! I can't!" Yuzuki yelled back, her voice hoarse from running and fear.
"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!" he bellowed, not slowing for a second. He didn't wait for her consent, simply pulled her along, his determination cutting through the chaos.
Yuzuki's house was fifteen minutes from the school, but Kaito's was only seven. He led the way, his grip unwavering, guiding her down narrow side streets and across puddle-filled intersections. Water soaked through their uniforms, plastering hair to their faces and chilling them to the bone. Lightning split the sky, illuminating their desperate dash, while thunder chased them at their heels.
For seven straight minutes, they ran—Kaito never letting go, Yuzuki stumbling but matching his pace, both of them breathless, soaked, and shivering as they finally neared the safety of his home.
Kaito reached his house, rainwater streaming from his hair and clothes, Yuzuki still in tow. Without hesitation, he yanked open the front door, the force making it bang against the wall. The warm, dry air from inside rushed out to meet them, a stark contrast to the storm raging behind.
The commotion drew immediate attention. His mother appeared first, her eyes wide with alarm as she took in the sight of her eldest son and a drenched girl standing in the entryway. Behind her, Kaito's two younger brothers skidded into the hallway, socks sliding on the polished floor, faces alight with curiosity and mischief.
"Kaito! What on earth—?!" his mother exclaimed, rushing forward, her scolding voice sharp with worry. "Look at you! You're both soaked to the bone! You'll catch your death out there!"
His father's footsteps thundered in from the living room, his face stern. "Didn't you see the weather? What were you thinking, running home in a storm like this?"
The two younger boys chimed in, voices overlapping in a chorus of teasing and concern."Big bro, you look like a drowned rat!""Who's the girl? Did you get caught in a typhoon or something?"
Kaito's mother ushered them both inside, fussing over their wet clothes and dripping bags. "Shoes off, towels now! Kaito, you know better! And you, dear, come in, don't just stand there—let's get you dry before you freeze!"
The house was suddenly alive with noise and movement, the storm outside momentarily forgotten as the family rallied around the two soaked teenagers, scoldings and concern blending into a warm, chaotic welcome.
In the warmth of the Kaito household's living room, the storm outside felt worlds away. The aroma of simmering miso soup and freshly steamed rice filled the air, mingling with the savory scent of grilled fish and vegetables laid out on the low dining table. Yuzuki, now dressed in a slightly oversized T-shirt and sweatpants borrowed from Kaito, padded into the room, her hair still damp but her cheeks flushed with the comfort of dry clothes.
Kaito's mother ushered her to a seat with gentle insistence. "Come, sit, eat! You must be starving after all that running." The two younger brothers, still buzzing with curiosity, eyed Yuzuki with wide, mischievous grins.
As everyone gathered around the table, Kaito's father offered a warm but teasing welcome. "It's been a while since we've seen you here, Yuzuki-chan. Where have you been hiding lately? We miss having you around."
One of the brothers piped up, mouth half-full, "Yeah, you used to come over all the time! Did you forget about us?"
Yuzuki smiled sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Sorry… School's been really busy, and my mom's been traveling a lot for work. I guess I just lost track of time."
Kaito's mother reached over, patting her hand. "Well, you're always welcome here. It's nice to have another girl in the house for a change." She glanced at Kaito, then back at Yuzuki. "You'll stay the night, of course. I'll call your mother and let her know you're safe."
Yuzuki shook her head gently. "There's no need, really. She's on a business trip in Tokyo—she probably won't even pick up. But thank you, I appreciate it."
Kaito's father nodded, understanding. "Then it's settled. You're part of the family tonight. Eat as much as you like."
The conversation shifted to stories of school, the brothers' antics, and Kaito's childhood embarrassments, laughter and warmth filling the room. For Yuzuki, the storm outside faded into a distant memory, replaced by the comfort of shared food, teasing, and the rare, easy joy of belonging—even if just for one night.
After dinner, Yuzuki insisted on helping clear the table. She gathered plates and bowls alongside Kaito's mother, carrying them to the kitchen where the warm water and gentle clatter of dishes made for a cozy contrast to the storm outside. Side by side, they washed and rinsed, Yuzuki carefully stacking the clean plates while the madam scrubbed and chatted about everyday things—recipes, school lunches, and how quickly Kaito's brothers were growing up.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Kaito's father and the two younger brothers set up a low table for a round of a classic Japanese family game—karuta cards spread out, cushions arranged for everyone to sit. The boys argued good-naturedly over rules and who would get to be the reader, laughter and playful shouts echoing down the hall.
When the last plate was dried and put away, Yuzuki and Kaito's mother returned to the living room. Everyone settled onto the floor, the atmosphere warm and lively as the rain continued to drum against the windows.
Just as they were about to start, the sliding door opened and Kaito entered, scrolling on his phone. "Hey, listen up—school just sent out a notice. There's a holiday for the next two days because of the heavy rain."
The little brothers immediately perked up, eyes shining with excitement. "Then Yuzuki-chan should stay here!" one piped. "Yeah, don't go home! Your mom's not there anyway," the other added.
Yuzuki laughed, shaking her head. "No, no, I'll leave tomorrow morning with an umbrella and return it after the rain's over. I can't just impose like this."
But Kaito's mother waved off her protest. "Nonsense! I'll call your house. Hana-san is there, right? I'll let her know you'll be staying here until the rain stops. It's safer this way." Without waiting for further argument, she stood and left the room, heading for the hallway telephone. Despite the storm, the line was still working, and her voice could be heard faintly as she spoke to Hana, making sure everything was settled.
Back in the living room, the family gathered around the table, the game set to begin, the warmth of the house and the laughter inside a perfect shield against the wild weather outside.
Barely a few minutes after the game began, Kaito's phone started buzzing insistently. He glanced at the screen and saw an international number flashing—Mikazuki Kazuki, Yuzuki's eldest sister, was calling. He quickly answered, "Hello?"
Kazuki's voice came through, brisk and concerned. "Is Yuzuki with you? She's not picking up her phone and Hana said she hasn't come home."
Kaito nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "Yes, she's here at my house. I'll pass you to her." He leaned across the table and handed the phone to Yuzuki, who was sitting directly opposite him, between his mother and little brothers.
Yuzuki took the phone, her voice softening as she greeted her sister. "Kazuki-nee? I'm fine, don't worry. I got caught in the rain and Kaito's family took me in. I'm safe, really."
Kazuki's tone relaxed, but she couldn't help a little scolding. "You scared me! Next time, don't you dare forget your phone, Yuzuki. Always check the weather and take an umbrella, got it? And message me if you're going to be late."
Yuzuki smiled, a bit embarrassed. "Yes, yes, I promise. I'll be more careful."
"Good. I'll let Suzuki know you're safe. Get some rest and don't cause any trouble for Kaito's family, okay?"
"I won't. Goodnight, Kazuki-nee."
"Goodnight, Yuzuki."
The call ended, and Yuzuki handed the phone back to Kaito, her cheeks a little pink from the fuss. The family game resumed, the warmth of the living room and the gentle scolding from her sister making her feel, for the first time in days, truly safe and at home.
As the evening wound down and the storm continued to rumble outside, the Kaito household settled into their nighttime routine. Kaito and his father headed to Kaito's room, spreading out futons side by side on the tatami mats, their quiet voices drifting through the hallway as they prepared for bed.
In another room, Kaito's mother laid out fresh bedding for Yuzuki, the soft futon and fluffy blankets a welcome comfort after the chaos of the day. Yuzuki changed into borrowed pajamas, grateful for the warmth and the gentle presence of Kaito's mother, who offered a reassuring smile and a few words of comfort before turning out the light.
The two younger brothers, meanwhile, disappeared into their own room, giggling and whispering as they settled in, the familiar sounds of bedtime rituals echoing softly through the house.
With everyone tucked in, the house grew quiet, the only sounds the steady patter of rain against the windows and the distant rumble of thunder. Yuzuki, wrapped in the unfamiliar but comforting embrace of a family not her own, drifted off to sleep feeling safe, sheltered, and—for the first time in a while—at peace.
To be Continued...