The streets glowed under neon lights, reflections bouncing off every wet surface. The city felt alive, buzzing with energy, but it was quiet enough for the squad to take it all in. Aki, Megumi, Yuki, and Yuta walked side by side, the hum of distant traffic mixing with the occasional chatter of street vendors.
Aki: "…beautiful."
Megumi: "Worth coming here, huh."
Yuki smirked, pride glinting in her eyes. After all, it had been her idea to drag everyone out instead of sitting in some lab or research room all day.
Yuta: "Where are Asuka, Fuji, Ai and Anna?"
Yuki: "They said they won't be coming. Something about more research."
Yuta: "Poor them… after all, it was your idea to sneak out instead of work—"
Yuki: "Oh, look! Fireworks!"
Yuta sighed. Aki gave him a look—one of those I-feel-you, bro looks that made Yuta pause. Above them, fireworks erupted in bursts of red, blue, and gold, painting the sky in breathtaking patterns. The sound rattled the windows of nearby buildings, but it only added to the spectacle.
Megumi snuggled closer to Aki, resting her head on his shoulder. His face instantly turned red. He felt her warmth, her closeness, and he couldn't help but glance at her with a mixture of surprise and… something softer.
Yuki: "Aww, cuteee."
Yuta: "Awww, I'm sharing this with everyone!"
Aki: "H-HEY! GIVE THAT PHOTO BACK!"
Megumi: "Y-yeah, don't ruin our mood!"
The moment was perfect, fragile, like the quiet before a storm. But then, Aki's phone buzzed loudly in his pocket.
Asuka: "Oh right! Forgot to tell you—Project Arean soldiers have been spotted nearby. Might want to be careful."
Before he could respond, they appeared. Soldiers, clad in dark armor, surrounded them, guns raised and unwavering.
Aki: "You're late… I'll call you later."
He ended the call and, with lightning reflexes, snatched a gun from one soldier, holding him hostage. The others aimed at him instantly.
Aki: "Alright soldiers… put your weapons down."
One soldier raised his gun toward Megumi.
Aki: "Whatever you're thinking—don't."
Bang.
Megumi cried out, blood blooming across her chest. Panic shot through Aki like lightning. He flung the remaining soldiers away with his shadow hands, catching Megumi mid-fall. Her body was limp in his arms, trembling from pain.
(Note: The bullet was specially made to resist elemental healing.)
Aki: "Megumi… you okay?"
Megumi: "Sort of…" she whispered, wincing. Her breath was shaky, and her eyes reflected both pain and trust.
Aki: "Yuta, Yuki—take her to the hospital. Now."
Yuta: "Are you sure? What if more soldiers show up?"
Aki: "Our priority is her safety. Move."
Megumi: "Aki… be careful…"
Her hand touched his cheek softly, a silent plea.
Aki: "Yeah… you too."
The three ran toward the hospital, urgency in every step. Aki turned back. Soldiers were everywhere, guns aimed at him, but ahead stood their leader, calm and lethal.
Aki: "Been a while… Li-Haoyu."
Haoyu: "Same to you… Aki Arashiro."
Their smirks met. Haoyu snapped his fingers. A massive blast erupted where Aki had been standing. Reflexes kicking in, Aki grabbed a nearby skyscraper pole, swinging away from the explosion just in time, the scene was the beautiful night Hongkong with Skyscraper illuminating in neon lights.
Bullets rained down, ricocheting off steel and glass. With a swift release, he unleashed Erase, obliterating the platform beneath the soldiers. But a grenade—anti-element—rolled toward him, ticking ominously. Just as it was about to explode, someone yanked him to safety.
---
Aki woke, finding a girl hovering above him, dressed in a flowing traditional Chinese outfit.
Aki: "Oi, get off me. I'm loyal to only one girl."
Jing: "O-oh… sorry!"
Realizing the awkwardness, she jumped upright, cheeks pink.
Jing: "I'm Chen-Jing. Nice to meet you!"
Aki: "Nice to meet you too, Chen."
Jing: "Miss Asuka sent me. She predicted you'd end up like this."
Aki: "Thanks… for saving me."
Jing: "No, no! Um… Aki-senpai, can I shake your hand?"
Her eyes shone like fireworks.
Aki: "…uh, sure."
He shook it. Her face lit up like the city around them.
Jing: "YESS! I finally got my idol's handshake! Never washing this hand again!"
Aki: "…uh, you don't have to…"
Before he could respond, soldiers reappeared. Guns leveled. Haoyu strolled forward, calm, almost casual, as if the chaos was just a Monday stroll.
Haoyu: "Seriously, Aki? You really had to use that attack? Do you know how hard it was to dodge and heal?"
Aki: "…eh, sorry, dude."
Gunfire cracked the night sky. Sparks flew. Shadows danced. And somewhere in the distance, the fireworks continued, beautiful and cruel all at once.