In a dimly lit apartment tucked deep within the maze of Tokyo's backstreets, Kairos sat hunched over in front of his wall of screens. The pale glow from the monitors flickered across his face as he absentmindedly scrolled through encrypted forums and anonymous feeds, sifting through a sea of data like a ghost in the system.
Then—something caught his eye.
A banner flashed on a fan-run website. His cursor froze.
LUNA: First Public Performance – Halloween Night
His eyes widened behind his glasses, and he leaned forward. A public concert? He tapped the poster, enlarging it. The date was confirmed. The venue wasn't listed yet—likely for security reasons—but the image of Luna, even masked, ignited something in him.
"Omoshiroi… (Interesting...)," he murmured, lips curling into a grin. "She's stepping into the light."
He stood abruptly and stretched, groaning like a machine rebooting after years of hibernation. Making his way to a dusty mirror in the corner, he caught a glimpse of himself—and winced. His hair had grown wild and uneven, curling at the ends.
"Yabaina… (This is bad...) When's the last time I even stepped out?" he muttered.
Ruffling his overgrown bangs, he sighed. "Guess it's time to rejoin society. Just for a bit." He made a mental note: Haircut. Tomorrow morning.
---
Meanwhile, across town in the quiet neighborhood of the Yukimura household, Hanae lay sprawled on her bed, pretending to scroll through her phone. The house was silent—her mother was already asleep.
She glanced at the clock. Past midnight.
With a swift and silent movement, she got up, slipped on a hoodie, and crept out through the back door like a shadow on the run. A few blocks away stood an old telephone booth tucked beside a vending machine. Slipping inside, she dug out a small card with a number written on it and dialed.
The receiver crackled faintly… then connected.
---
In a far more modern and chic apartment, Kira stepped out of the steamy bathroom, a towel wrapped around her head, her skin still glistening. She picked up her phone—Unknown number.
She hesitated. Then answered.
"Moshimoshi (Hello)?"
A familiar voice crackled through the line: "Nee-chan! How are you?"
Kira blinked. "Hanae? It's past midnight. Why are you calling me so late?"
"Umm… gomen ne! (Sorry!) I just… I wanted to ask you something."
Kira smiled softly, though her brow furrowed with concern. "What is it?"
"Are you free tomorrow?"
"I have work. Meetings all morning," Kira replied, adjusting her towel, "but I can step out during lunch if it's important."
"It is," Hanaesaid, quietly. "I just want to see you. Even for a few minutes."
Kira's resistance melted. "Ii yo (Okay). I'll be free around 2 p.m. There's a small park near the office—it's not far from your school. Will that work?"
"Perfect!" Hanae chirped. "I'll meet you there. Ja ne, nee-chan! "
"Ja ne [Bye]."
---
The next day, the sun filtered softly through drifting clouds, casting a golden warmth over the city. In a peaceful park tucked between the shadows of corporate towers, Kira sat on a wooden bench, a book in her lap she wasn't reading.
She looked up at the sound of familiar footsteps.
"Nee-chan! I'm here!" Hanae called out, waving both hands as she jogged over, her school bag bouncing at her side.
Kira stood and smiled as Hanae approached, her heart already bracing for whatever her sister had to say.
Hanae stopped in front of her and held out a convenience store can.
"Hey, nee-chan . Is this to your liking?" she asked with a bright smile.
Kira glanced at the can—black coffee.
"I'd love some. Thanks," she replied, taking it.
Hanae sat beside her, cracking open her own strawberry milk and taking a slow sip. An awkward silence settled between them, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and murmuring city sounds.
After a moment, Kira spoke.
"So… are you going to attend Luna's Halloween concert?"
Hanae blinked. "I… I guess. My friends are going, so I thought… why not."
"Oh, really?That's good." Kira smiled, though her voice betrayed a hint of curiosity.
Again, silence.
Kira glanced sideways at her sister. "Are you alright? You seem a little… off today. Are you hiding something from me?"
Hanae stiffened. "Yeah, um… no—I mean…"
Kira tilted her head, now serious. "Are you angry with me, Hanae?"
There was a pause. Then Hanae turned her face toward her sister, her eyes steady.
"Was he your ? Boyfriend?"
Kira choked on her coffee and nearly dropped the can. "Nani?! [What?!] What the hell are you saying?!"
She looked at her sister, stunned and flustered.
Far away, beyond the trees and the bustle of the park, a figure stood cloaked in shadow.
Watching.
A whisper escaped his lips, low and trembling with obsession.
"Oh Kira… finally, we've met. I can't control myself now. I want you… now."
---