I Knew You Before the World Did

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental and unintended.

Author’s Note

I’ve always loved getting lost in a good story. After a long, exhausting day, there’s something comforting about opening a book and stepping into another world, even if only for a little while. Those stories have given me moments of peace, hope, laughter, and quiet happiness when I needed them most.

That is what inspired me to write this book.

My hope isn’t just to tell a love story, but to create a place where readers can take a break from the demands of everyday life. A story they can curl up with at the end of the day, one that makes them smile, laugh, and perhaps believe a little more in kindness, friendship, and love.

If, for even a few chapters, this book helped you forget your worries, brightened your day, or gave you something to look forward to, then I feel I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

Thank you for giving my characters a place in your heart and for spending your time with them. It truly means more than I can express.

Happy reading.

— Luna Blaire

“Closer. More smiles. Hold still… Perfect!” the photographer called as his camera clicked nonstop.

Another day. Another photo shoot.

Beside me, Hiro shifted a little closer, and I flashed my cutest smile—the one Mom always said could sell anything from shampoo to winter coats. We moved in perfect synchrony, finding the right angles and lighting without even thinking about it. Years of working together had made photo shoots feel more like playing a game than working.

I had been working with Akihiro “Hiro” Matsumoto for as long as I could remember. We literally had baby pictures together in our family photo albums.

This photo shoot was just one of the many we’d done since we were kids. We were currently in Tokyo because we were the faces of AYUMI—the brand our moms built after retiring early from the spotlight.

AYUMI offers clothing, fragrances, and cosmetics. Mom took care of the fashion and marketing. Aunt Aya handled the cosmetics, fragrances, and production. Together, they somehow turned AYUMI into a brand people all over the world knew.

“And that’s a wrap! Good job, you two,” the photographer said with a bright smile.

He must have gotten every shot he wanted.

“Thank you,” Hiro and I said in unison, bowing politely.

The photographer chuckled before waving goodbye and walking back toward his workstation.

The moment he left, Hiro stretched his arms before heading to our shared dressing and makeup room. I followed behind him, quietly noticing how much taller he’d gotten. Even his voice had changed. It was deeper now, though it still sounded a little funny. Then again, it had been three months since I’d last seen him.

I dropped into one of the chairs and leaned my head against the backrest while Hiro took the seat in front of the mirror. His wavy black hair fell naturally around his face, making him look like he’d stepped straight out of one of the magazine covers his fans collected.

His big brown eyes were the kind that made people instantly soften, especially his younger fans, who screamed his name every time he showed up at an event. Add his bright smile and annoyingly perfect teeth, and it wasn’t hard to see why everyone kept calling him Japan’s cutest young actor. Personally, I thought they were a little dramatic—but they weren’t exactly wrong.

“You’re staring. Do I have something on my face?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You have something on your teeth,” I answered immediately, lying through my teeth. Thank you, years of acting lessons.

“Nice try,” he said. Then he checked his teeth anyway. Hook, line, and sinker. I looked away before he caught me grinning.

“Do you think your dad can make it to dinner tonight?” he asked.

“He’s already on his way,” I answered, closing my eyes to let it rest for a while. “What about your dad?”

“He cleared his schedule for the whole weekend.”

I smiled. “You know how our moms are. They’ve been planning this dinner for a month.”

“Do you have any idea what the announcement is?” Hiro asked.

I shrugged, even though my eyes were still closed. “A new AYUMI branch?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Maybe another product launch?”

He shook his head.

“I asked Mom yesterday. She only smiled and said we’d find out tonight.”

That made me open my eyes. Now I was curious too. “My mom did the exact same thing.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The room suddenly felt quieter than before. The stylists had already started packing up, and the laughter from the studio had faded into the background.

“You don’t think…” Hiro started before stopping himself.

“I don’t think what?”

He looked at me through the mirror, “Never mind.”

I frowned but asked anyway, “What?”

He hesitated, then stood up and grabbed his bag.

“It’s probably nothing.”

Before I could ask again, both of our phones buzzed at the exact same time. A message from our moms.

Don’t be late. We have something important to announce.

Hiro and I exchanged a look. Mom never texted me like that. For the first time that day, neither of us smiled.

Author’s Note 🌸

Thank you so much for reading Chapter 1! 💛

We finally got to meet Miya and Hiro, and I hope you enjoyed getting a little glimpse into their lives. 😊

I’m curious…

What was your favorite moment in this chapter?

Also, what do you think the big family announcement is? 👀

I’d love to read your theories! Thank you for spending your time with Miya and Hiro. See you in Chapter 2! ✨