[Hana Pov after (Chapter 6)...]
Hana leaned against the cool leather of her seat as the car pulled away from the curb, her fingers resting lightly against her lap. The city lights flickered past in a blur, but her mind was elsewhere.
She had almost asked for his name. Almost.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she tilted her head against the window. What stopped her? It wasn't fear, nor hesitation—it was something deeper, something unexplainable. Like she already knew the answer before she even asked.
And then there was that look in his eyes.
For a fleeting moment, when she nearly spoke, she saw it—an unguarded, fleeting curiosity, like he had been waiting for something too. But then she let the moment slip away.
She closed her eyes briefly, recalling the way he had looked at her. The way the faint glow of the streetlights caught in his dark hair, how his expression shifted ever so slightly when she smiled at him.
That smile.
It wasn't something she gave lightly. It wasn't forced, nor was it out of habit. It was honest. And he had seen it.
Hana exhaled, pressing her fingers lightly against her temple.
Hana:("This..is quite concerning..")
She had spent years perfecting the art of distance—of keeping the world at arm's length, of ensuring that no one ever got too close. But in just one brief encounter, that boy had slipped past her defenses without even trying.
And that terrified her more than anything.
She opened her eyes again, staring out at the passing scenery.
This was nothing. A chance meeting. A fleeting moment.
That's all it would ever be.
At least, that's what she told herself.
The gentle hum of the car engine faded as the vehicle rolled to a stop in front of the grand estate. Outside, the garden lights cast a soft glow over the carefully manicured hedges, their faint illumination stretching toward the towering gates.
Hana barely had time to step out of the car before the sound of hurried footsteps echoed across the marble entrance.
"Hana-nee!"
A small figure rushed toward her, arms outstretched. Before she could brace herself, Natsumi collided into her, wrapping her arms tightly around Hana's waist.
"It's finally the weekend tomorrow!" Natsumi beamed, looking up at her with bright, expectant eyes. "You have to make time for me, okay? You promised last time!"
Hana blinked, momentarily taken aback by the warmth of her little sister's embrace. Then, a soft chuckle escaped her lips as she gently ruffled Natsumi's hair.
Before she could respond, a new voice chimed in.
"Must you always pounce on our sister like that?"
Hana turned her head just as Sayuri approached with a sigh, arms crossed. Despite the reprimanding tone, there was a faint hint of amusement in her gaze.
Natsumi pouted. "But it's been forever since we had sister time!"
Sayuri arched a brow. "Huh? Its only been a week..."
"Exactly! That's forever!"
Hana shook her head with a small smile, feeling some of the tension from earlier ease away.
Before the conversation could continue, another voice joined in from the entrance.
"Hana, don't keep Father waiting."
They turned to see Renji, their older brother, standing near the doorway with his usual composed demeanor. His sharp gaze flickered between them before settling on Hana.
"Get ready for dinner," he said, his tone firm but soft.
Hana's expression shifted ever so slightly, the warmth in her eyes dimming just a bit. But with practiced ease, she nodded.
"I'll be there soon."
Renji gave a slight nod before stepping back inside.
Hana glanced down at Natsumi, who was still clinging to her.
"I'll make time for you tomorrow," she reassured softly.
Natsumi's face lit up with joy. "You promise?"
Sayuri sighed. "She just said she would."
Hana only smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Natsumi's ear.
Tomorrow. Just for a little while, she'd let herself forget everything else.
But for now… dinner awaited..
Dinner passed in a blur of polite conversation and measured exchanges. Their father's steady presence at the head of the table lent the evening an air of formality, while Hana's mind wandered far away. By the time the meal ended, she felt as if she'd been adrift for hours.
After a warm shower, Hana returned to her room. Clutching a towel around her shoulders, she moved to her vanity and reached for the hairdryer. The soft hum filled the quiet space as warm air brushed against her skin.
As she dried her hair, her thoughts drifted back to the bus stop—the fleeting encounter with that boy. She recalled the moment she hesitated, the question lingering on her lips before she swallowed it back. In that brief pause, she had let the moment slip away. She never got his name.
A sigh escaped her lips as she ran her fingers through her now-dry hair. Why did she hesitate? And why was she thinking about it now?
Before she could think any further—
BZZT. BZZT. BZZT.
Her phone vibrated aggressively on the table, lighting up with an incoming barrage of messages.
Mei (12 new messages)
Hana blinked.
Mei: HANA, WHERE ARE YOU?
Mei: YOU GOT HOME SAFELY, RIGHT??
Mei: HELLOOOO?? WHY ARE YOU NOT ANSWERING?!
Mei: DO I NEED TO CALL YOUR HOUSE??
Mei: WAIT NO THAT'S A BAD IDEA YOUR BROTHER SCARES ME
Mei: BUT I WILL DO IT IF YOU DON'T ANSWER
Mei: HANA FUJIMURA SWEAR TO GOD!
Hana let out an amused sigh before typing a response.
Hana: I'm home, Mei. Calm down.
Mei's reply came instantly.
Mei: OH THANK GOD. I WAS ABOUT TO PLAN A RESCUE MISSION.
Mei: I even considered running through the streets screaming your name.
Hana: ...Please don't ever do that.
Mei: So BOLD of you to assume I would.
Hana shook her head, stifling a chuckle.
Mei: Anyway, WHY didn't you answer sooner?! I was dying of worry over here!
Hana: I was showering..
Mei: UNACCEPTABLE. SHOWER WITH YOUR PHONE NEXT TIME.
Hana: Wha- Why would I do that? Are u being serious right now?
Mei: Yes, and I stand by it!
Hana rolled her eyes, stretching slightly before sending another message.
Hana: Relax, Mei. I'm completely fine. Nothing happened. You're just being dramatic.
There was a brief pause before Mei responded.
Mei: Well I'm glad that you're fine but… why do I feel like you're hiding something?
Hana blinked.
Hana:You're imagining things.
Mei: Am I? AM I REALLY??
Hana: Yes.
Mei: I don't trust that answer.
Hana: Then don't.
Mei: Now I trust it even less.
Hana let out a small sigh, rubbing her temple.
Hana: Go to sleep, Mei.
Mei: NOT UNTIL I FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU'RE HIDING.
Hana stared at her screen, debating whether to humor her best friend or just leave her on read.
Before she could decide, another message popped up.
Mei: Wait… DON'T TELL ME… IT'S A GUY???
Hana choked on air.
Hana: Go. To. Sleep.
Mei: IT IS, ISN'T IT?!
Hana: Goodnight, Mei.
Mei: HANA COME BACK HERE—
Hana turned off her phone's screen and flopped onto her bed with a groan.
For a brief moment, she thought about denying it further, but instead, she just let out a quiet laugh.
A guy, huh…?
The thought lingered for only a moment before she shook her head, brushing it aside. Mei was just being ridiculous. There was no reason for her to keep thinking about him.
Right?
Hana sighed, sinking deeper into the mattress. The conversation with Mei still lingered in her mind, but exhaustion was quickly catching up to her. The weight of the day settled over her body like a heavy blanket, and the distant hum of the hairdryer, now long forgotten, faded into the quiet stillness of her room.
Her eyelids grew heavy. The soft glow of her bedside lamp blurred into warm hues, and the edges of her thoughts began to slip away. Slowly, her breathing evened out.
And then—
He was there again.
But something was different this time.
The scent of rain lingered in the air, but there was no war, no frantic desperation. Instead, she stood in a vast garden bathed in the golden light of dusk. The gentle rustling of leaves whispered through the towering trees, their branches swaying as if carrying secrets. A grand estate stood in the distance, its windows aglow with the soft flicker of candlelight.
It was peaceful. Almost hauntingly so.
Hana's heart pounded as she took a hesitant step forward. The crunch of gravel beneath her feet echoed in the quiet, yet the sound felt distant, as if the world around her wasn't entirely real.
And then she saw him.
A boy stood at the edge of the path, bathed in the fading light. His presence was achingly familiar, like a memory just out of reach. He looked at her—not with surprise, but with knowing, as if he had been waiting.
Hana's breath caught in her throat as he stepped closer, the space between them shrinking. There was something in his eyes—something deep, something warm, something that made her chest tighten with an unexplainable ache.
He raised a hand slowly, reaching out. His fingertips hovered just above her cheek, the warmth of his touch almost there—
And then, everything changed.
The light vanished. The warmth disappeared. The sky above twisted into an abyss of darkness, swallowing the world whole. The ground beneath her feet crumbled, and a cold wind howled through the void.
Panic seized her as she reached for him, but he was slipping away, his form dissolving into the encroaching shadows.
"No—wait!" Her voice trembled. She tried to move, to hold onto him, to stop whatever was happening.
But the darkness was relentless.
And just before it consumed everything, she screamed his name.
"—!"
The sound of her own voice jolted her awake.
Hana gasped, sitting up in bed, her breath ragged and uneven. Her heart pounded violently in her chest, the remnants of the dream clinging to her like ghostly echoes.
Hana: ("The boy.Who was he?And why did it feel like I had lost him all over again?")
The soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting gentle patterns across Hana's room. The quiet hum of birdsong drifted through the open window, blending with the distant sounds of life stirring beyond the estate walls.
Her alarm had already gone off, but she had barely registered it. Still groggy, she blinked a few times before slowly sitting up. The warmth of the blankets clung to her, tempting her to stay in bed just a little longer.
With a quiet sigh, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. But just as her feet touched the floor—
It flashed in her mind.
The garden. The boy. His fingertips, just about to touch her cheek.
And then—darkness.
Her body stiffened for a split second. The lingering feeling of the dream clutched at her chest, vague yet oddly heavy. It was almost as if—
She shook her head, exhaling slowly.
She was probably just tired from yesterday.
Brushing the thought aside, Hana stretched her arms and got up, pushing away the strange unease still lingering in the back of her mind. Today was the weekend—there was no time to dwell on some dream.
Especially when her little sister was bound to come bursting through her door at any moment.
Just as Hana was about to take a step—
BANG!
Her door burst open without warning.
"Hana-neechan!!"
Before she could react, a small blur launched at her full speed, arms wide open.
Hana barely had time to brace herself before Natsumi crashed into her, hugging her waist tightly.
"It's the weekend!!" Natsumi declared, looking up at her with bright, excited eyes. "That means you have to spend time with me today!"
Hana blinked, still processing the sudden ambush. "Good morning to you too, Natsumi…" she said, patting the little girl's head. "And when did we make this rule?"
Natsumi huffed, puffing up her cheeks. "Since forever! You always say you're busy, so today, you're mine!"
Hana let out a soft laugh before gently prying Natsumi off her. "Alright, alright. I'll make time for you today. But first, I need to get ready, okay?"
Natsumi's lips jutted out in a pout. "But—"
"No buts," Hana said with a smile, ruffling her little sister's hair. "Be patient and wait for me downstairs."
Before Natsumi could argue further—
"Hana-neechan~!!"
The voice that echoed was not Natsumi's.
Hana's head snapped toward the door, only to see Renji standing there—mimicking Natsumi's exact stance. Arms wide, eyes sparkling with exaggerated excitement.
"It's the weekend!!~" he announced in a perfect imitation of Natsumi's earlier tone. "That means you have to spend time with me today~!"
Hana just stared.
Natsumi, however, gasped in absolute horror. "Renji-nii!! Stop copying me!!"
Renji smirked, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. "But I missed her, just like you~!"
Natsumi stomped her foot. "No, you didn't! You're just copying me!!"
Renji raised an eyebrow at Hana, ignoring Natsumi's protests. "Oya oyaaa?So, what do you say, Hana-neechan? Will you 'promise-promise' to spend time with me too~?"
Hana sighed, shaking her head with an amused smile. "I think I'll pass."
Natsumi grinned triumphantly. "Hah! See, Renji-nii? Only I get her time today!"
Renji chuckled, finally dropping the act. "Alright, fine. But before that—Hana, Father is waiting for you. Better get ready."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Hana said, already pushing both of them toward the door. "Now out, both of you. I need to get dressed."
As Renji walked away, he shot one last smirk over his shoulder. "Don't take too long, nee-chan~"
Hana rolled her eyes, finally closing the door behind them.
As Hana entered the dining hall, the soft clinking of porcelain and the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea greeted her. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the pristine white tablecloth, where an exquisitely arranged breakfast awaited.
At the head of the table, Masaru, her father, sat with his usual composed expression, carefully reading the morning newspaper. Across from him, Renji sipped his tea with effortless refinement. Sayuri, their eldest sister, was seated beside him, delicately slicing into a piece of fruit with perfect precision. Meanwhile, Natsumi sat properly, though her hands fidgeted slightly in anticipation.
The breakfast spread was nothing short of luxurious—delicate slices of smoked salmon, a selection of fine cheeses, buttery croissants, and freshly cut seasonal fruits elegantly arranged on crystal plates. A soft-boiled egg, served in a porcelain egg cup, rested beside a selection of artisanal bread. Silver cutlery gleamed under the morning light, perfectly placed beside their plates.
Masaru, without looking up, flipped a page of the newspaper. "You took your time this morning," he remarked, his tone calm but firm.
Hana took her seat smoothly, keeping her posture straight. "Apologies, Father. I will be more mindful next time."
A brief silence. Then, a slow sip of tea.
Masaru gave a slight nod before returning his focus to the newspaper.
Renji, ever composed, set his teacup down with precision. "Recovering from this morning's grand welcome, I assume?" His voice was smooth, but there was an unmistakable hint of amusement in his gaze.
Before Hana could answer, Sayuri let out a soft sigh, resting her chin on one hand as she glanced at Natsumi. "Must you pounce on Hana like that?"
Natsumi, who had been eyeing the fresh strawberries on her plate, paused and glanced at their father. She hesitated for a moment before leaning slightly toward Hana, whispering, "I only woke you up because I was so excited, Hana-neechan…"
Masaru, still reading, spoke in his usual measured tone. "Natsumi."
Natsumi immediately straightened her posture, hands neatly placed in her lap. "Yes, Father?"
"No unnecessary disruptions in the morning."
"Yes, Father," she replied softly, though she stole a quick glance at Hana, her expression a mix of sheepishness and mischief.
Sayuri gracefully placed her knife down, looking at Natsumi with a knowing smile. "You act as if you haven't seen her in months."
"She's always busy," Natsumi pouted. "Even today! It's the weekend, and she's probably going to study again…"
Renji smirked. "Now that I think about it… Hana, do you even know how to have fun?"
Hana shot him a flat look before delicately cutting into her croissant. "And here I thought you'd be more mature than to tease your younger sister, Renji."
Sayuri chuckled behind her teacup. "You should know by now, Hana, that maturity and Renji don't always go hand in hand."
Renji placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "You wound me, dear sister."
Masaru finally set his newspaper aside, reaching for his coffee. "Eat."
The four siblings immediately straightened, shifting back to their refined mannerisms as they continued their meal.
After a few minutes, Renji glanced at Hana, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. "You seem lost in thought."
Hana, poised as always, carefully spread a thin layer of cream over her croissant before replying smoothly, "Just tired."
She wouldn't dare mention about the dream.
Sayuri studied her briefly before speaking in a softer tone. "Don't overwork yourself, Hana."
Renji, however, wasn't so easily convinced. He leaned back slightly, watching her with a knowing look. "Still, I can't shake the feeling that there's something you're not telling us."
Hana took a slow sip of her tea before meeting his gaze. "You're imagining things."
Natsumi giggled. "That's what someone hiding something would say!"
Hana simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
Masaru, finishing his coffee, set the cup down gently before standing. He adjusted his cufflinks, his expression unreadable yet firm.
"Make good use of your time. And Hana..." —he pauses briefly, his sharp gaze softening just a fraction— "Take care of yourself."
Then, without another word, he exits the room, his presence still lingering.
The moment he was gone, Natsumi exhaled softly, resting her elbows on the table. "That was scary…" she muttered under her breath.
Sayuri tapped her fork lightly against her plate. "Proper posture, Natsumi."
Natsumi groaned but quickly adjusted herself.
Renji, as usual, remained unbothered. "You should be used to it by now."
Hana, watching her little sister's reaction, merely shook her head with a quiet smile.
Even in their world of elegance and discipline, some things never changed.
And with that, she finished her tea, preparing for the day ahead.
Outside, the family's sleek black car was already waiting, the chauffeur standing by with practiced patience. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of freshly bloomed flowers from the estate's garden.
As they stepped outside, Renji adjusted his cuffs, throwing a glance at Hana. "You sure you're up for this? You looked a little out of it during breakfast."
Hana blinked but quickly composed herself. "I'm fine. A little shopping should clear my head."
At her side, Natsumi practically vibrated with excitement, clutching Hana's hand and swaying side to side. "Hana-neechan, hurry! We have a lot to do today!"
A faint chuckle escaped Hana's lips as she let her little sister drag her along.
The sleek black car pulled up to the entrance of the shopping mall, its polished surface gleaming under the sunlight. The moment the chauffeur stepped out to open the door, Natsumi practically burst out, her excitement barely contained.
"Hana-neechan! We're here! We're here!" she cheered, spinning around on her heels.
Hana stepped out more gracefully, adjusting her purse as she glanced up at the grand exterior of the luxury shopping mall. The towering glass walls reflected the city skyline, and the scent of expensive perfume lingered in the air. The sound of soft classical music drifted through the open entrance, blending with the distant chatter of well-dressed shoppers.
"You're acting like you've never been here before," Hana remarked, amused.
"It's different when it's just the two of us!" Natsumi beamed, latching onto Hana's arm. "No strict schedules, no chaperones—just us and endless shopping!"
Hana chuckled. "Endless? You do realize I'm not buying you everything you set your eyes on, right?"
Natsumi gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Hana-neechan, how could you wound me like this?"
Hana shook her head, suppressing a smile. "Alright, alright. So, where to first?"
"Clothes!" Natsumi declared without hesitation, already pulling Hana toward the entrance. "Then sweets! And then maybe a quick stop at the toystore? Ooooh! What about—"
"One at a time, Natsu..." Hana sighed, though her voice was warm.
Inside the boutique, gold-trimmed mirrors reflected rows of elegant dresses, each more exquisite than the last. Soft classical music played in the background, adding a refined touch to the luxurious atmosphere.
"Nee-chan! I found something cute!" Natsumi called from the fitting rooms, her voice brimming with excitement.
Hana turned just as the curtain whooshed open, revealing Natsumi in an adorable pastel-colored dress. The fabric was light and airy, with delicate lace trimmings that gave it a soft, princess-like touch. She twirled once, the skirt fanning out gracefully.
"Well? How do I look?" Natsumi asked, grinning.
Hana took a moment to admire her. The dress suited her perfectly—elegant yet playful, just like her little sister.
"You look beautiful, Natsu," Hana said, her tone warm. "Like a little princess."
Natsumi giggled, striking an exaggerated pose. "A princess, huh? Should I start waving like royalty too?" She lifted her hand in a slow, elegant motion, mimicking the refined wave of noblewomen.
Hana chuckled, playing along. "Indeed, Your Highness. But a true princess must also have proper poise." She lightly tapped Natsumi's shoulder, making her straighten up.
"Ohhh, like this?" Natsumi raised her chin and took slow, exaggerated steps, pretending to glide across the boutique like a noble lady.
"Exactly," Hana smirked, watching her sister's antics with amusement.
After a moment, Natsumi broke into laughter. "Okay, okay, enough of that! But really, do you think I should get this dress?"
Hana smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Natsumi's face. "If you like it, then yes. It suits you."
Natsumi beamed. "Then it's settled! But wait—" she paused, eyeing Hana mischievously. "Now it's your turn! You have to try something on too!"
Hana blinked. "Wait, what? I never agreed to that."
"Come on, Hana-neechan!" Natsumi whined, tugging at her arm. "I picked something for you already!"
Before Hana could protest, Natsumi practically shoved a dress into her arms.
"Just try it! Pleeeease?" Natsumi pleaded, using her best puppy-dog eyes.
Hana sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine. But only this one, alright?"
"Yes!" Natsumi cheered, clapping her hands as she eagerly pushed Hana toward the fitting rooms.
A few minutes later, the curtain slid open—and Natsumi's jaw dropped.
Hana stood there, draped in a stunning deep blue dress that hugged her figure in all the right ways. The fabric shimmered subtly under the boutique's soft lighting, giving it an almost ethereal glow. The off-shoulder design accentuated her delicate collarbones, while the skirt flowed gracefully to her ankles, making her look effortlessly regal.
Natsumi gasped dramatically and rushed forward, grabbing Hana's hands.
"Nee-chan… YOU LOOK LIKE A PRINCESS!!" she squealed, eyes sparkling.
Hana laughed, slightly embarrassed by the sudden praise. "You're exaggerating, Natsu."
"I AM NOT!" Natsumi huffed, stomping her foot. "Look at yourself! You could walk into a ballroom right now and every prince would fight for a dance with you!"
Hana rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please. That's a bit much, don't you think?"
"Nope! Not at all!" Natsumi declared. Then, as if struck by a brilliant idea, she gasped again and started twirling around Hana.
"Wait, wait, let's do a fairy tale moment! I'll be the fairy godmother!" she giggled. Clearing her throat, she dramatically waved her hands. "Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! Now my beautiful nee-chan is ready for the royal ball!"
Hana couldn't help but laugh. "You're really into this, huh?"
"Of course!" Natsumi nodded enthusiastically. "You're always so serious, Nee-chan. I like seeing you have fun!"
Hana's heart softened at her little sister's words. Despite all the chaos in her life, moments like these reminded her how precious Natsumi was.
Smiling, she reached out and patted Natsumi's head. "Alright, alright. Since you worked so hard as my fairy godmother, I'll let you pick one more dress for me to try on."
Natsumi gasped in excitement. "Really?! Oh my gosh, I need to find the PRETTIEST ONE!" she cheered, darting off to search the racks.
Hana watched her go, shaking her head with a small laugh.
"She's got too much energy," she muttered to herself—but deep down, she wouldn't trade this moment for anything.
With their shopping bags in hand, Hana and Natsumi stepped out of the boutique, their spirits light and lively after their little dress-up session.
"That was so much fun!" Natsumi chirped, swinging her bag playfully. "Now we should go get something sweet! Maybe crepes? Ooh! Or parfaits!"
Hana chuckled at her sister's endless enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. Let's see if there's a nice café nearby."
As they walked down the polished floors of the luxurious shopping complex, the buzz of weekend shoppers surrounded them—couples strolling hand in hand, groups of friends laughing, children tugging at their parents for treats.
But then—
Hana's steps suddenly slowed.
Her gaze flickered to the side, catching sight of a small, vintage-looking bookstore tucked between modern storefronts.
Unlike the grand and sleek designs of the other shops, this one had a quaint charm, its wooden sign slightly worn but inviting. The large window display featured old books with gold-embossed titles, some stacked haphazardly as if untouched for years.
For some reason, her chest tightened.
It wasn't a store she had ever noticed before, and yet… something about it pulled her in.
"Nee-chan?" Natsumi's voice snapped her out of her daze.
Hana blinked. "Ah, sorry. I just…" Her eyes drifted back to the bookstore.
Her fingers instinctively tightened around the handles of her shopping bags.
Hana:(" Why do I feel like… I should go in?")
A strange sensation stirred in her chest, an odd mix of déjà vu and curiosity.
The soft glow of the bookstore's interior called to her, its warm light spilling onto the polished mall floor.
"...Nee-chan?" Natsumi's voice held a hint of confusion.
Hana exhaled softly, shaking her head. "Never mind. Let's go."
With one last lingering glance at the store, she turned away, following her little sister toward the café.
And yet, as they walked away, the unsettling feeling remained.
As if she had just turned her back on something important…
End of chapter 10