With his business in Japan concluded, So Jin decided to visit Kyoto before returning home. He booked a private guide to explore the city's historical sites.
The next morning, he arrived at the meeting point. As he stood waiting, a familiar voice called out—
"You're early."
He turned, his eyes widening slightly.
It was Hikari.
Dressed in a professional yet casual outfit, she looked different from the determined archer at the tournament. She raised an eyebrow. "What? Surprised?"
So Jin smirked. "Didn't expect my guide to be a national-level archer."
She shrugged. "It's a part-time job. Archery doesn't exactly pay the bills unless you win big tournaments." Then, crossing her arms, she studied him. "And you? Do you have any idea what kind of chaos you caused?"
So Jin shrugged. "I heard."
She sighed, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable." Then, regaining her professional tone, she gestured toward the path ahead. "Anyway, let's get started. Kyoto isn't going to explore itself."
Their journey began at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, its golden reflection shimmering over the lake. So Jin admired the peaceful scenery, but he could tell Hikari's mind was elsewhere.
At Fushimi Inari Shrine, as they walked through the thousands of vermilion torii gates, she finally asked, "So… what exactly are you?"
So Jin glanced at her. "What do you mean?"
She sighed. "That shot you took… No normal human should be able to do that." She hesitated before admitting, "I've never seen anyone like you."
So Jin smiled slightly. "Maybe you just haven't met the right people yet."
She narrowed her eyes. "You're avoiding the question."
Instead of answering, So Jin pointed ahead. "We're almost at the top. Lead the way."
Hikari stared at him before exhaling in frustration. "Fine. But you're not getting away with avoiding me forever."
As they continued their journey, moving from shrines to hidden alleys filled with Kyoto's history, So Jin found himself enjoying the trip more than he expected.
The culture, the sights, and—most of all—the company.
But deep inside, he knew one thing.
This encounter with Hikari… it wasn't just coincidence.
....to be continued....