3 years ago...

Transferring to high school not once or twice, but three times can be daunting experience for some students.

Especially for one girl named Hana.

The blonde girl had dreaded this day ever since summer began, and now, here it was: the first day of her senior year. With a heavy sigh, she tried her best to relax in the passenger seat of her aunt Angel's car, staring out the window as the landscape blurred by.

"You alright, honey?" Her aunt's voice broke through her thoughts, noticing the distressed sigh that escaped Hana's lips.

Hana bit her bottom lip, nodding feebly, hoping her aunt would take the hint and drop the subject. Of course, this was her Aunt Angel she's talking about. Her aunt had a knack for reading emotions, and she rarely let things go that easily.

"Oh, come on! Cheer up! Don't be nervous, sweetheart. I'm sure you'll love your new school. I know the first day, after our long move to a new home and city, and right after summer break, is usually the hardest, but trust me, you have nothing to worry about!"

Hana found that particular part hard to believe. It wasn't just her first day; it was also her first day in a brand-new school in an entirely different city, halfway across the country. Just that thought alone sent a jolt of anxiety through her, making her stomach twist in knots.

"Do I seriously have to go to this school, Angel? Why can't I just work with you in your office?" Hana asked, a whine creeping into her voice.

Angel chuckled lightly at her words, shaking her head affectionately. "Now, we've been over this, Hana. That's out of the question. You absolutely have to be in school, and that's the end of this discussion. Besides, I hear great things about this place. You're going to love it, sweetheart, I'm sure of it! A pretty girl like you will have no trouble fitting in and making friends."

"I wish I was as confident as you, auntie, but I'm not so sure... I hate this, I really do." Hana said, her voice tinged with frustration. "We both know I'm not good at making friends. I had only a small group of friends, and they were enough to make me happy! Especially my best friend, Nobara." She let out another deep sigh, a wave of nostalgia washing over her.

"I still miss them. It's going to be hard for me to adjust and get along with others because I'm just too nervous. Can I still do homeschooling?" Hana turned her head to the opposite side of the car window just as the structure of the school came into full view. The sight of the building intensified her nerves, twisting her insides until a genuine stomach ache settled in. It loomed before her, a maze of faces and unknowns that felt overwhelming.

"I know, sweetie, how hard this is for you," Angel said gently, noticing her niece's distress. "I'm not expecting you to just get over it overnight, but think of it as an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, explore new things, and open up just a little more!" As she spoke, she pulled into the school's curbside drop-off area, her tone warm and encouraging.

"We're here, honey!" she chirped, flashing a supportive smile as they arrived at the front of the school, bustling with other students being dropped off. She took a moment to check that Hana had everything she needed for the day—a backpack, lunch, and her own hopes of fitting in. Leaning over, she enveloped Hana in a tight hug. Her arms wrapped around her niece like a protective shield, reassuring her with love.

"You'll do great, sweetheart; I promise. Just remember, I'll be right here to pick you up when school is out, okay?" Kissing her head lovingly.

"Thank you, Angel! Wish me luck!" Hana replied, her voice a mixture of determination and anxiousness as she shimmied her way out of her aunt's sleek silver sports car.

Taking a deep breath, Hana cast one last lingering glance at her new school. With her heart pounding, she finally took a step forward into the main courtyard, a sprawling sea of unfamiliar faces. Students milled about, laughing and chatting, and she felt a bit lost in the crowd. She scanned the sea of bodies, desperately hoping to find a place to belong in this chaos. Yet, everywhere she looked, students seemed to flow in waves, making her feel even smaller.

In moments like this, Hana thought of her aunt Angel's words of wisdom. It was true that Angel had adapted to new places since she had traveled all over Japan until she was eight. Angel became her legal guardian when Hana was just four, stepping into the role after the tragedy of Hana's parents.

Let's say Hana's childhood, in truth, had been anything but easy.

Memories of her mother were clouded with trauma—harsh words that cut deep, terrifying house rules such as 'no crying' for Hana and punishments that left emotional scars when she was 4 year old.

Her father had tried valiantly to shield her from their mother's wrath, but he was often powerless. Any attempts to confront her resulted in escalating violence, as Hana's mother would threaten to report him for domestic abuse, wielding her power like a weapon.

Hana's aunt, Angel, was desperate to save her niece from the chaos that engulfed their lives. She pleaded with Hana's father, her own brother, to leave his wife, to take Hana with him, and escape the toxic storm that swirled around them. For years, he had been a silent witness to the turmoil since Hana was born, but as the weight of their situation bore down on him, he finally found the courage to act.

One fateful night, he steeled himself and lingered in the shadows of Hana's bedroom. Heart pounding, he tiptoed through the darkness, intending to whisk her away while his wife lay "asleep." But fate had other plans.

Her mother, stirred by an instinctive fear, awoke just in time to catch him in the act. The confrontation escalated violently; rage consumed her, twisting her love into a lethal force. Hana could only watch in horror as her father, the man who sought to save her, was mercilessly stabbed in the heart. His lifeless body crumpled to the floor, a haunting image seared into Hana's memory.

In those moments of pure terror, little Hana found herself sprinting down the stairs, her tiny feet pounding against the floor, desperate to escape the nightmare unfolding within her own home. She bolted out the front door and into the night, seeking refuge with neighbors who, alarmed and bewildered, took her in. Called the cops and arrested her mom.

After that harrowing night, her Aunt Angel instantly took her in, raised her as her own. With real love that Hana never experienced from a female adult.

Angel was shattered by the loss of her brother, the weight of sorrow pressing down on her like a heavy stone. At his funeral, amidst the sobs and muffled whispers, she made a solemn vow. Holding tightly to her brother's casket, she promised to care for his daughter, Hana, with every ounce of love she could muster. Her heart ached not only for her brother's absence but for the little girl who now had to navigate a world filled with shadows and fear.

Bringing Hana into her home was like opening the door to a storm. The poor little girl arrived with wide, frightened eyes, constantly glancing over her shoulder as if expecting danger to leap out from the dark corners of the room. Night terrors plagued her sleep, tormenting her with visions of a past she couldn't escape, causing her to cry out in the dead of night. She would wake up drenched in sweat, tears streaming down her face, trapped in her own memories that felt too heavy for her small frame to bear.

Angel watched helplessly as Hana struggled with her meals, often eating like a starved child. Each bite seemed to carry the weight of desperation, as if she feared this might be her last meal. With each passing day, Angel felt the ache of Hana's unsettling hunger, not just for food but for security and love that had been stripped away from her far too soon.

Bath time became a source of terror for Hana. Each splash of water sent her heart racing, as if she were drowning in. She would had clung to the edges of the tub, paralyzed by fear memories.

Angel had often found herself holding back tears as she used to watch Hana going through the motions, her little body tense and rigid. The laughter of a child was conspicuously absent in their home, replaced by a fragile silence that weighed heavily on both of them.

Whenever Angel gently called out Hana's name or lightly tapped her shoulder, the girl would flinch as if anticipating a blow.

It broke Angel's heart to see that look of panic etched on Hana's face, the remnants of physical abuse that had left deep scars, both visible and invisible. Each reaction was a reminder that her niece was not just mourning her father but grappling with the ghosts of her past, a past that Angel wished she could erase.

As the days turned into weeks, the cracks in Hana's spirit seemed to deepen, and while Angel vowed to protect her with every breath, she often wondered if she was enough.

It really breaks Angel's heart of her little niece's traumatic state. Where grief mingled with the healing touch of therapy. Years of heartache and emotional trauma weighed heavy on Hana; she navigated her pain but struggled to free herself from the chains of her past. The love she had known from her mom blurred with abuse, leading her down a twisted path of conflict.

Three months after the tragedy, Hana used to heavily cry through Angel's home as she mourned her mother she simultaneously feared and missed. Hana's child therapist helped parse these conflicting feelings, revealing that Hana had developed Stockholm syndrome—a cruel twist of loyalty to her abuser that masked itself as love.

Despite the abuse from her own mother, Hana found herself clinging to the scraps of affection that felt familiar, every moment distorted and turned inside out.

Now, Hana believed her mother had never really loved her.

She realized, according to her mother, that she was " worthless, disgusting mistake" — a burden that had irrevocably shattered her mother's life, body, and finances. Her marriage.

Her father had poured all his attention into caring for his only child, neglecting the woman he once loved. This relentless turned her mother into a hollow shell of the person she used to be, ultimately causing her to snap under the weight of her anguish.

When Hana discovered that her mother refused to see her during prison visits, or even to glance at her in court, it pierced her heart. The words her mother had spat in court cut deeper than any knife: "I hate my daughter with a passion," she had said, openly blaming Hana for the death of her husband.

Each syllable echoed in Hana's mind, leaving her grappling with a profound sense of worthlessness.

Hana could never comprehend how a mother could harbor such deep-seated resentment towards the child she had brought into this world. Hana longed for the nurturing love that should have been her birthright but found only rejection.

The absence of her mother's warmth felt like a weight crushing her spirit, leaving her to wonder what she had done to deserve such disdain.

Years passed, and Hana still felt the ache of her mother's absence, wishing desperately for a sign of reconciliation.

When she learned that her mother had been killed during a brutal prison riot 6 years ago, her heart stirred with a small pang of sadness. It was a bittersweet moment; deep down, she held onto a flicker of hope that somewhere in the depths of her mother's soul, a part of her still loved her daughter. But that hope felt as ethereal as smoke, slipping through her fingers and leaving her with a deeper sense of loss — a life intertwined with pain, regret, and unfulfilled longing.

Yet the scars of separation still stung, and she longed for the safe haven of her aunt's embrace. Hana was able to move forward despite the constant moving due to Angel's job. However, by the time she was 8, they were able to moved into Osaka. Hana thought it will be her permanent home since they had built a life there for a decade.

But life's challenges persisted, and just as she began to find her footing, Angel's work demanded they relocate to a new city. Again.

Back then, Angel struggled to make ends meet, especially after taking in Hana. However, fueled by her determination and hard work for Hana's safety and the desire to start a new life, she earned a promotion and built a successful career as a sales representative. This allowed her to provide Hana with everything she needed and desired.

However the downside of her job is the constant relocations.

This new upheaval threatened to shatter the fragile sense of security Hana had painstakingly built. She had spent 10 years creating a home filled with cherished memories, friends, laughter, school, church, and community. Yet, now she was faced with the possibility of starting from scratch yet again—a thought that gripped her with dread.

Especially on her last high school year. To Hana, it would not be enough time to get accustomed to her school and make friends.

She hesitated to grasp the reality of the move, and when she finally broke the news to her friends, their sorrow mirrored her own. Long-distance friendships felt like a terrible challenge, a reminder of all things lost rather than the promise of new beginnings.

Hana understood that her best friend Nobara was taking this very seriously. Nobara, being the fiercely protective friend she was, know about her past and constant moving, was worried sick about Hana's well-being. Every day, she reached out, making meticulous plans for her visit, all while reassuring Hana that if any of the bullies ever laid a finger on her, she would drop everything and rush to Tokyo to confront them. Nobara's loyalty was unwavering, and it filled Hana with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.

Their friendship was a beautiful bond, one that Nobara celebrated with a heartfelt goodbye party at her house. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, warmth, and the bittersweet taste of impending separation. Nobara showered Hana with thoughtful gifts, including a personal keychain—an emblem of their friendship that Hana could hold onto, a tangible reminder of the love and support that would always be with her, no matter the distance.

As the party came to a close, emotions swelled, and Hana found herself overcome with sadness, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Nobara tightly, wishing she didn't have to leave.

Hana's aunt, Angel, gently reassured her that she would make a point to visit during the holidays, promising that their bond would not fade despite the miles between them. Angel deeply understood how vital Hana's hometown, her friendships, school, and community were to her. She recognized that these elements had played a pivotal role in shaping Hana into the person she has become today. With a firm resolve, Angel vowed that this would be her last job relocation—she wanted to ensure that Hana felt settled and supported in her new surroundings.

She was aware of Hana's lingering phobia, an issue that, if not addressed, could spiral into panic. Angel was determined to be there for Hana, helping her navigate this transition with care.

Hana loves her aunt Angel with all her heart, eternally grateful for her role as both guardian and family. Despite her busy schedule as a businesswoman, Angel always made an effort to prioritize Hana, infusing their lives with adventure as they moved from place to place. Yet, transitioning to new schools and environments had never been easy for Hana. Each change brought excitement, but also a wave of anxiety that lingered beneath the surface. As the two prepared for this new chapter, both knew that they would face it together—no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

Now, all there was left to do was to try and survive her first day of school.

————

"Do you have any gum with you? I could really use a boost to get through the day," Momo said, leaning playfully against Miwa while poking her shoulder gently.

"I don't think I brought any gum with me. Besides, today's the first day of school!" Miwa replied, shaking her head after taking a refreshing sip from the fountain. She pulled herself upright and began to walk toward their first class.

Momo let out a dramatic yawn. "I think I'm going to sleep through the first class. I woke up way too early thanks to my neighbor's ridiculous lawn mower. Can you cover for me?" she groaned, rubbing her eyes.

"I am not going to do that! You're just trying to get us into trouble. Besides, how do you expect me to cover for you when we're both sitting in class in broad daylight?" Miwa objected, her tone scolding but playful.

"I dunno, maybe sit in front of me?" Momo suggested with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, Momo, who do you think that is?" Miwa suddenly asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she stopped in her tracks, causing Momo to do the same.

Following Miwa's gaze, Momo's blue eyes landed on an unfamiliar girl with a chin-length blonde bob with blunt bangs and inward curled ends. She looked completely out of place, as if she had no idea where to go or who to talk to.

"Uhhh... Who knows? She seems kind of lost or something," Momo replied, tilting her head slightly.

"I think she might be new—I've never seen her around before," Miwa observed thoughtfully.

"Who's new?" asked Mai as she appeared behind her friends, startling Miwa in the process.

"Geez, Mai! Why do you always have to sneak up on us like that? You scared Momo!" Miwa exclaimed, trying to suppress the slight tremor in his knees from being startled.

Momo opened her mouth to protest but was cut off by Mai, who inquired, "...Who is she?" as she followed her friends' gaze toward the new girl.

"You mean that one?" Momo pointed directly at the unfamiliar girl.

"Yeah..." Miwa confirmed.

"Should we help her? She seems lost," Miwa asked, feigning a bit of concern for the newcomer.

Momo nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, let's go talk to her and—"

"I will!" Mai declared, already marching off before either of her friends could finish their sentences, determined to approach the new girl.

"Since when does Mai care about helping someone?" Momo remarked, raising an eyebrow as she watched Mai stride confidently toward the blonde curled bob girl. "This should be interesting..."

————

Hana begins to panic as she keeps looking around the hallway, shaking up.

Where am I?...I-I am going to be late'! Should I ask a teacher? Or call Angel? I-I... Hana panicking as she looks around and keep checking her schedule on her phone.

"Ehm... excuse me?" Mai asked after clearing her throat, her voice just enough to pierce through the gentle murmur of the crowded hallway. She caught Hana's attention, who was standing with a perplexed expression.

Hana spun around, startled by the sudden interruption, and found herself face-to-face with a girl who had short, jet-black hair and a radiant smile that seemed to brighten the entire room.

Oh no was I blocking her way? Hana's mind raced with nervous thoughts as she shifted her weight, unsure of how to respond.

"Oh! I'm sorry... was I in your way?" Hana asked, her voice tinged with anxiety as she glanced over her own shoulder to see if perhaps Mai was addressing someone else.

Mai let out a small laugh that sounded more like a giggle. "Eh... no! I noticed right away that you looked very lost. I wanted to come over to help you! My name is Mai Zenin! Who are you?"

Just then, Miwa and Momo strolled over to their third friend, their expressions betraying a hint of concern. They exchanged worried glances, realizing that Mai's unusually enthusiastic approach might be a bit too much. They both felt they had to intervene before Mai scared off the new girl.

"She's doing it again—her 'confident' voice," Momo said, trying to stifle her laughter as she observed her long-haired friend, her blue locks cascading over her shoulders. Miwa nodded in agreement, noticing Hana flinch slightly at the sudden volume of Mai's voice. They wouldn't have been surprised if Hana had sprinted away in a panic.

"I just don't understand why her 'confident' voice has to be so loud," Miwa muttered, crossing her arms with a bemused expression.

"Even her affectionate tone feels forced," Momo added. "C'mon, Miwa, let's go put her out of her misery." With that, they both grabbed their book bags and approached Mai and Hana.

"Uhh... I'm Hana Kurusu. Nice to meet you, Mai," Hana responded, trying to match Mai's enthusiasm despite her own awkwardness. She spoke a bit louder than she intended, hoping it would convey her sincerity rather than desperation.

Hana noticed a light blush creeping onto Mai's cheeks, her eyes twinkling with surprise. It was at that moment Hana wanted to know what was going on, but before she could ask, a wave of laughter erupted from behind her.

Turning around, Hana spotted two girls around her age, one with cheery blue hair and the other sporting blonde hair tied up in playful two ponytails. They both had sparkling blue eyes and were giggling, clearly amused by the scene unfolding before them.

"Don't worry, she isn't deaf, although I can see how you'd think so," Momo said with a playful grin. "Mai here thinks she needs to shout in order to project confidence. My name is Momo, and this is our friend Miwa. What's yours?"

As the words left Momo's mouth, Mai was practically squirming in her shoes. Mortified, she started making exaggerated motions for Miwa and Momo to wrap it up, her face twisting into a snarl as she desperately hoped Hana wouldn't notice her embarrassed antics.

"I-I..am Hana..and well... I'm new here," Hana replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture.

"Told you, Momo!" Miwa exclaimed with a playful wink before turning toward Hana, her warm smile washing over her like a wave of sunshine. Hana felt a sense of ease settle in the pit of her stomach. Miwa was courteous by nature, but there was a commanding presence about her that was just a touch intimidating. In contrast, Momo radiated a sweetness that reminds Hana of a peach, soft and inviting.

"So, what's your schedule look like?" Momo asked excitedly, grasping Hana's arm gently and guiding her toward the hall, inadvertently leaving a flustered Mai behind with Miwa.

"Smooth, Mai, really smooth," Miwa teased lightly as she strolled back toward Hana, shaking her head in mock disappointment but unable to suppress her own smile.

"Guess what, guys! Hana has gym and Geometry with us!" Miwa announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Huh? Do you guys have all of your classes together?" Hana asked, a hint of confusion mingled with amusement dancing across her features.

"Most of our classes, really! We only split for our Electives. I'm in Drama, while Mai and I are taking photography," Miwa explained, her stride casual and friendly as she walked alongside Hana. This spontaneous camaraderie was surprisingly comforting, and Hana felt a flutter of warmth at the kindness from someone she had just met.

Just as Hana was about to ask which elective she should mention, Mai unexpectedly popped back into the conversation, enthusiasm radiating from her. "Hey, you wanna sit with me—uh—us... during lunch?" Mai asked, her smile almost stretching from ear to ear as she leaned slightly toward Hana's shoulder.

Hana blinked, momentarily taken aback, but soon found herself offering a sweet, genuine smile in return. "Yeah, that would be great... thank you!" she replied, her heart lifting at the gesture.

Mai's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned back a little, grinning at Miwa and Momo as if she had just scored the winning goal in a championship game. They shot her encouraging smiles, a silent pact of friendship forming amongst them.

"Oh... are you okay? Your cheeks are suddenly red," Hana noted, her brow furrowing with concern as she caught sight of Mai's flushed face, not quite sure whether it was from excitement or something else.

Both Miwa and Momo erupted into laughter, their giggles filling the air and drawing Mai into their playful energy. A warm flush crept to her cheeks, but she quickly shook it off, pushing a few errant strands of hair away from her face with a determined flick. She focused on maintaining her composure, determined not to let the new girl, Hana, see her flustered state.

"Y-yeah! Don't worry about me, hun," Mai said, leaning casually against Hana, a gesture meant to show camaraderie. The new girl seemed unfazed, merely smiling in return as if this closeness was the most natural thing in the world.

"Let's not focus on me! I'm way less interesting than you think," Mai continued, her voice bright and inviting. "Tell us about yourself!"

"Yeah, like where you're from! What school did you used to go to?" Miwa chimed in enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as a grin spread across her face.

"And your favorite entertainment genre!" Momo added, bouncing slightly in her seat. "What do you enjoy doing? What are your likes or dislikes?"

Mai's excitement surged as she joined in again. "And your type! I mean...
we want to know everything!"

Hana smiled, her cheeks slightly pink but her expression warm and inviting. It was clear that the trio's enthusiasm was infectious, and she felt welcomed—maybe even a little cherished in this lively exchange.

This certainly was turning out to be an interesting day, filled with laughter and newfound friendships, and Hana couldn't help but feel excited about what was to come.

——————

At last, the day was done. The final bell rang, echoing through the hallways and signaling the end of classes. Hana took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. While she was still a bit wary of her new surroundings, the joy of having made new, amazing friends helped ease her anxiety. She couldn't wait to let Nobara how her first day had gone and reassure her that everything was okay once she got home.

Lunchtime had been the highlight of her day; it was when Miwa, with infectious enthusiasm, made it his mission to introduce Hana to as many of their friends as possible. As they sat together at a sunny table outside, Hana could hardly keep up with the laughter and cheerful banter.

She found herself really warming up to a guy named Noritoshi. He had a disarming smile and was genuinely nice, which made it so easy for her to feel comfortable around him. Sitting next to Noritoshi was her boyfriend Mechamaru, who was equally kind and welcoming. His calm demeanor put Hana at ease, and she felt a sense of belonging in their lively group.

Then, there was Todo, who, with his gentlemanly ways, introduced himself to Hana in a caring manner. His warm smile made her cheeks flush—a reaction that didn't go unnoticed by Mai, who playfully rolled her eyes at Hana's blush. It was all in good fun, though, and Hana couldn't help but laugh. She also met Mai's twin sister, Maki, who seemed to have a calming presence. Although Hana sensed that Maki was a bit guarded, she exuded kindness that made Hana feel safe, even if she sensed she had yet to peel back layers to truly know her.

"Hey! Hana! Wait up!" The cheerful voice of Momo broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see Momo sprinting toward her, with Miwa and Mai happily trailing behind. Hana's face lit up with joy as she waved them over, making her way towards the front of the school where she hoped her Aunt Angel would be waiting.

"Do you have a car, or is someone picking you up?" Miwa asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes as they strolled together in a tight-knit group.

"No, not yet. Actually, my aunt is supposed to pick me up. Hopefully, she didn't forget about me..." Hana chuckled, trying to lighten her own worry.

"You can ride with us!" Mai exclaimed, a hopeful smile brightening her face.

"Yeah, if she can't pick you up, we'd gladly give you a ride!" Momo added enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

With each kind word, a warmth filled Hana's chest. She felt so happy and relaxed, knowing these kind-hearted individuals were her new friends. Their offer of a ride felt like a safety net, grounding her in this unfamiliar environment.

As they approached the line of cars awaiting to pick up students, Hana scanned the sea of vehicles but didn't see her aunt's car anywhere. Anxiety flickered in her chest, but she pushed it down, wanting to maintain her newfound sense of belonging.

"Thank you for the offer, you guys are amazing! But I think I'm just going to wait for my aunt. She shouldn't be long anyway," Hana said, putting on a reassuring smile for her friends, even as their doubtful expressions suggested they weren't entirely convinced.

"Are you sure? We're heading to this super fun hangout place we usually go to. It's really cool and a lot of fun!" Momo pressed, her eyes wide with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, we'd love to have you come along!" Miwa chimed in, his eagerness contagious.

With a heart full of gratitude and excitement, Hana replied, "I'm sure! But thank you so much for the invite!" Her smile was genuine, a dazzling expression of her relief and joy. It felt good to know she wasn't alone, and as she stood there with her new friends, she realized she was starting to truly feel at home.

"Okay, well, just walk with us there, yeah?" Mai asked, her hopeful smile radiating warmth.

"Sure!" Hana replied, her own excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

They strolled down the winding path, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot accompanying their chatter. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, which somehow made Hana feel even more cheerful. As they reached a shiny black SUV parked under the dappled shade of an oak, which Mai casually claimed as hers, the atmosphere shifted.

And that's when it happened.

Hana's gaze wandered beyond the sleek vehicle, drawn to a tall large figure that seemed almost otherworldly. A guy stood there, adorned with intricate tattoos—black lines that snaked around his wrists and traced patterns on his face. His spiked black hair fell dramatically forward, framing a visage that was both striking and unsettling. Wearing a torn sleeveless dark blue shirt and black sweatpants. The smile plastered across his face held an unnerving intensity, reminiscent of something she had seen in her elementary school Christian lessons as examples, depicting one of the devil's many forms.

He leaned coolly against a pristine white Camaro, arms crossed confidently over his chest, engaged in what looked like an discussion with a small group of three guys and two girls. Laughter erupted from the cluster, but Hana found herself unable to focus on their conversation; her attention was entirely captured by the tattooed enigma.

Oh... wow. He looks creepy.

A growing sense of nervousness bubbled within her, and for a moment, the urge to giggle felt like a pressure cooker about to burst. What a strange feeling—she was both intrigued and terrified.

Then, in an uncanny twist, it happened.

His gaze met hers.

Time seemed to slow as her heart raced. Instinctively, Hana looked down, heat flooding her cheeks. Even though she averted her eyes, she could still feel the weight of his gaze pressing against her skin. A cautious glance upward confirmed her fears: his eyes were locked on her, a piercing gaze that seemed to see right through her.

Desire mingled with fear as she held that gaze for just a heartbeat longer, feeling a cold shiver coursing through her. But quickly, she ducked her head again, unable to sustain the connection.

What was I thinking!?

Meanwhile, Mai noticed and winced slightly.

"Who is he?" Hana whispered urgently to Mai, her eyes darting back to the striking figure lingering at the edge of the parking lot. Mai rolled her eyes, already guessing where this was headed.

"Oh, him? He's—" Mai began, but was abruptly cut off.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Hana!" Miwa called out cheerfully as she hopped into the SUV beside Momo. Momo waved animatedly, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to Hana's curiosity.

"I'll tell you later, okay?" Mai promised, her tone light but with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Okay, see you, Mai," Hana replied, disappointment creeping into her voice.

"See ya," Mai said with a smile, glancing back at the mysterious guy one last time before the SUV pulled away.

Once the vehicle disappeared down the street, Hana's heart raced as she turned to see if the alluring stranger was still there. To her dismay, he had vanished into thin air.

The unsettling aura he exuded lingered in her mind, a disconcerting mixture of intrigue and caution. Her aunt had always warned her about men like him—the ones who danced at the edge of darkness, charming yet dangerous. "They're the type of guys you need to stay away of, Hana," her aunt would say, emphasizing the seriousness in her voice. Hana had always listened, yet a part of her couldn't shake the fascination he sparked.

There was something in his eyes—a depth, a darkness—that sent shivers down her spine. It was intoxicating and terrifying all at once, like a forbidden fruit.

"Enough... stop being so silly," she chastised herself softly, shaking her head as she made her way toward a nearby bench. Luck was on her side; a sprawling tree provided refuge from the afternoon sun, casting dappled shadows across the seat.

As she settled onto the bench, irritation welled up inside her.

Where on Earth is Angel? I hope she isn't lost.

She send three messages but no reply.

Hana looks around. It seemed like most people had already left, and the empty parking lot felt oddly quiet.

Just as she let out an exasperated sigh, she suddenly realized she wasn't alone. A figure had taken a seat right next to her on the bench, the unexpectedness of it causing her to suck in her breath sharply.

It was a guy, perched on the edge of a bench, furiously typing away on his phone. An irrational look painted his features, a mix of frustration and impatience that was almost palpable.

"If that son of a bitch doesn't show up in the next five, I'm seriously gonna punch him," he muttered, barely audible but laced with enough menace to make Hana take a move back on her seat.

However. Curiosity piqued.

Hana leaned in, her heartbeat quickening. He was relatively tall and slim, with a striking fair complexion and piercing dark-blue eyes that seemed to cut through the air like a blade. His hair was uniquely styled—long spikes jutting out haphazardly, giving him an effortlessly cool look that only seemed to intensify his already striking appearance. The long lashes framing his eyes were enviable; every girl would kill for them.

His outfit was casual yet stylish—a crisp white long-sleeved shirt paired with black school jeans that clung just right. And was that a hint of cologne? The scent wafted through the air, a blend of fresh linen and something warm and inviting, making her momentarily lost in thought. Before she could fully process the allure of his presence, a single word pierced through her reverie.

"What?"

Hana flinched at the harsh tone, her attention yanked back to reality. His gaze was fixed on her now, irritation etched across his forehead and a frown tugging at his lips.

Panic surged through her, her breath quickening as her hands began to tremble. She could feel heat creeping up her cheeks. Here she was, newly moved to this school, and she was going to end up known as the creep who stared at the weird guy on the bench.

She finally mustered enough courage to stammer out a word.

"Hi..." It came out smaller than she intended, almost a whisper.

He scoffed. "Quit looking at me and mind your business."

"I-I... I didn't mean to..." Her voice faded, embarrassment swallowing her whole. She focused on the ground, fidgeting with her fingers as if they held the power to disappear her into the earth, hoping to evade any further eye contact.

He released a heavy sigh, the kind that suggested he had more on his mind than just her intrusion.

"You're not from around here, are you? How come I haven't seen you before? You new or what?" His nonchalant drawl softened slightly, hinting at genuine curiosity.

"Uh... yeah, how'd you know?" she managed to respond, a mixture of surprise and wariness creeping into her tone.

"Well, I'm sure I'd have remembered you..." His gaze shifted from her face to the fidgeting hands that betrayed her nervousness. For a fleeting moment, his expression softened, and she caught a glimpse of the frustration that lay beneath the surface.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you," he said, rubbing the back of his neck in an almost sheepish manner. "I've been stuck here for at least thirty minutes waiting for my dad to pick me up, and it's driving me crazy."

"O...oh, that's okay. I'm really sorry you had to deal with that," Hana finally looked up, her eyes meeting his briefly before dropping to the ground.

"I'm assuming you're waiting to be picked up?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, the casting a warm glow around them.

Hana nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I tried calling her, but I don't know what's taking her long. She must be a little lost since she's new to the city."

"You guys moved here? Where were you originally from?" The male leaned forward.

"Uhm... I've moved around a lot, but the last city I was in for eight years was Osaka," she confessed, her voice soft, tinged with nostalgia.

"Oh? Are your parents in the military?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

She shook her head, "Actually, my aunt is a sales representative. Her job involves extensive travel for meetings with clients, attending trade shows, and giving presentations."

"That must be tough. Moving around all the time and leaving everything behind," he remarked, an understanding look crossing his face.

With a faint smile, she replied, "I thought our last move would be the final one, but unfortunately, she got promoted and landed new clients that could really benefit her work. She promised this would be the last move." A sigh escaped her lips, her gaze drifting as she remembered her past.

"She better keep her word," he said "Was your first day at least alright?"

"Y...yeah! In fact, I already made a couple of new friends, and my classes turned out to be better than I expected. I'm just hoping this keeps up as I adjust to my new school here." A small giggle escaped her, the tension easing slightly.

"That's good to hear. So, what's your name?" he asked suddenly, catching Hana off guard with his directness.

"I'm Hana. What's yours?" she replied, surprised but smiling.

Just then, a broken but loud horn blared repeatedly, echoing through the quiet street, causing both of them to jump. Without another word, he stood up, slipping his phone back into his pocket with a scowl.

"About time that asshole showed up," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

Hana leaned forward, wanting to know more. "Wait! Wh-"

Beep! Beep!

Turning her head, she spotted her aunt's silver BMW car idling behind the guy's dad's very rusty old used-vehicle.

"C'mon sweetheart, get in! Sorry I'm late, honey! I got caught up in paperwork, and then traffic—oh sweetheart, forgive me!" Angel exclaimed, her voice laced with a flurry of apologies, as Hana hesitated for a moment, grabbing her backpack with a slight frown.

As Hana approached the car, she noticed the guy already near his dad's vehicle, frustration evident on his face. Just as she was about to open the front passenger door, she heard him yell, his voice cutting through the air up front.

"Where the hell have you been!? I told you to pick me up at 3:10, and it's already 4 PM! You bum—"

"Sweetie, hurry!" Angel exclaimed, her voice a mix of urgency and warmth as she unlocked the door. "I ordered takeout for dinner, and I want to get there before it gets cold!"

Without wasting another moment, Hana climbed into the car, and Angel quickly sped away, weaving through traffic. As the car hummed along the road, Angel bombarded her niece with a flurry of questions about her day, her enthusiasm palpable. Yet, Hana found herself only half-listening, her thoughts drifting elsewhere. She leaned her head against the cool window, gazing out at the passing scenery, her mind lingering on that mysterious guy she had encountered moments earlier.

She couldn't shake the disappointment of not having learned his name. A spark of hope flickered in her chest as she wondered if fate would give her another chance to cross paths with him again one day.