Chapter 1 - A Promise Beyond This Life
Chapter 1 — A Promise Beyond This Life
The city lights reflected across the surface of the river, shimmering like countless galaxies scattered across the darkness of the night.
Hikaru walked slowly beside Shizuku, still carrying the two cups of milk tea they had just bought from a shop near the train station. A gentle breeze from the early autumn night passed through the street, softly lifting the girl’s long hair and making a few strands brush against her face.
What are you smiling about? Shizuku asked.Nothing.Clearly, it’s something.
Hikaru chuckled softly.
I was just thinking... It would be nice if every day could be like today.
A faint blush appeared on Shizuku’s cheeks. She quickly turned her face away, pretending not to hear him.
Idiot.
The two of them had met during their first year of university. What started with studying together gradually became afternoons spent in the library, quiet walks back to the dormitory after sunset, and countless small moments that neither of them paid much attention to at first. Somewhere along the way, those ordinary moments slowly turned into something more, and before either of them realized it, Hikaru had fallen completely in love with her. Eventually, unable to keep his feelings hidden any longer, he gathered all his courage and confessed. To his relief, Shizuku accepted. From that day on, their lives seemed to become quieter and more peaceful than ever.
At least, that was how it had been.
Until tonight.
As they walked past a deserted street, a black car suddenly stopped in front of them. Hikaru barely had time to react before several figures stepped out and surrounded them.
You two are Hikaru and Shizuku, right?
The unfamiliar voice made both of them stop. A man slowly stepped out of the car, and under the dim streetlight, Hikaru finally recognized his face.
...Ryu?
Shizuku’s eyes widened as well.
Ryu had once been their classmate. During all three years of university, everyone knew that he had feelings for Shizuku. But those feelings had never been returned. After Hikaru and Shizuku officially began dating, Ryu gradually disappeared from their usual gatherings, until eventually neither of them heard from him anymore. Neither Hikaru nor Shizuku had ever imagined that they would meet him again like this.
So you finally remember me? Ryu said with a laugh.
But it wasn’t the laugh of the friend they once knew. There was something dark behind his eyes, something filled with resentment that made Hikaru instinctively tense.
Why is it you?
Hikaru stepped forward, placing himself between Ryu and Shizuku. The moment Ryu saw him protecting her, his expression hardened and his fists tightened.
Why?
Ryu’s voice trembled with anger.
Three years.I’ve loved her for three years.
He pointed toward Shizuku.
But in the end, you’re the one standing beside her.
Silence fell over the empty street. Shizuku took a deep breath before speaking.
Ryu.
She looked at him calmly, even though the tension in the air was becoming unbearable.
I’ve never hated you. But feelings aren’t something you can force someone to return.
For a moment, Ryu simply stared at her. Then his expression twisted with anger.
Enough!
His shout echoed through the darkness.
The men accompanying him immediately rushed forward and restrained Hikaru. He struggled desperately, but their grip was too strong.
Let me go!Hikaru!
Shizuku’s voice trembled as she called his name.
For the first time in his life, Hikaru felt completely powerless. He could do nothing but watch as the situation spiraled further out of his control, unable to protect the person he loved most.
Ryu slowly approached them. Whatever reason he had once possessed seemed to have disappeared, leaving behind only jealousy and desperation.
You two really think you’ll be happy forever?No.
He paused before continuing in a low voice.
If I can’t have her...Then no one will.
Everything happened in an instant. Shizuku was suddenly attacked, and Hikaru’s mind went completely blank. His eyes widened as she staggered, her expression frozen in shock before she slowly lost her strength. The world around him seemed to disappear, as if every sound had been swallowed by the darkness, leaving only the sight of the girl he loved falling in front of him.
Shizuku...!
Ryu looked toward Hikaru with a disturbing smile.
It hurts, doesn’t it?
He shoved Shizuku aside, and she collapsed onto the cold pavement.
No...!
Hikaru’s scream echoed through the deserted street. Something inside him snapped, and he threw himself toward Ryu like a cornered animal.
One punch.
Then another.
Ryu was knocked to the ground. The men in black moved forward, seemingly ready to stop Hikaru, but Ryu raised a hand and ordered them to stay back. Before he could even regain his footing, Hikaru grabbed him by the collar and continued striking him. Every blow carried the weight of Hikaru’s despair, grief, and rage.
Why...?!What did we ever do to you?!Why did it have to be Shizuku?!
Blood stained the corner of Ryu’s mouth, yet he still laughed. It was an empty, twisted laugh that sent a chill through the night.
Because... if I can’t have her...
His smile widened.
...then neither can you.
Ryu suddenly pulled out another weapon he had concealed and struck Hikaru. Hikaru froze for a moment, but he refused to back away. Instead, he tightened his grip around Ryu’s arm, forcing himself to remain standing despite the pain.
Don’t think...
His voice trembled, but his eyes remained fixed on Ryu.
...I’ll ever let you get away with this.
With the last of his strength, Hikaru struck Ryu one final time, sending him crashing against a concrete pillar and leaving him unconscious. The street immediately fell silent again. The men in black rushed toward Ryu, but Hikaru no longer cared about them.
He slowly turned around.
There was only one person he could see.
Shizuku.
One step.
Then another.
Hikaru staggered across the street, leaving faint traces of blood behind him as he struggled toward her. Finally, his legs gave out, and he dropped to his knees beside her.
Shizuku...
Her eyes slowly opened.
Her breathing was so faint that it was almost impossible to hear.
...Hikaru...I’m here.
Hikaru’s voice trembled.
Don’t talk anymore... I’ll take you to the hospital.
He carefully pulled her into his arms. His hands desperately tried to stop the bleeding, but there was nothing he could do to make it stop. His hands trembled as fear slowly replaced the anger that had consumed him moments earlier.
Shizuku gave him a faint smile.
It was the same gentle smile she had always given him.
...You’re lying again.
Hikaru stared at her.
...You’re crying.
Only then did he realize that tears had already begun falling down his cheeks.
Shizuku looked at him quietly before speaking in a barely audible voice.
I guess... we’re not going to see the cherry blossoms together anymore.Don’t say that.You promised...I promise I’ll take you.
Hikaru held her tighter.
There are still so many places we haven’t been to.
His voice broke as he struggled to hold back his tears.
I haven’t even been able to keep that promise yet...
Shizuku slowly raised her trembling hand and gently wiped a tear from his cheek.
It’s okay...
Her smile remained soft and peaceful.
Meeting you...
She paused, gathering what little strength she had left.
...was already the happiest thing that ever happened to me.
Her hand slowly fell.
Her eyes closed.
Shizuku...?
Hikaru stared at her.
...Shizuku?
He called her name again and again, desperately hoping she would answer. But there was no response. He could only hold her tightly as the warmth slowly left her body, his broken sobs echoing through the empty street.
Time seemed to stand still.
Eventually, Hikaru began to feel his eyelids growing heavier. The pain he had been ignoring finally caught up with him, and his remaining strength gradually faded away. He rested his head gently against Shizuku’s shoulder and reached for her hand one last time, holding it tightly as though refusing to let go.
If...
His voice was barely a whisper.
...if there really is another life...
He closed his eyes.
...I’ll definitely...
His fingers tightened around hers.
...find you.
A single tear slipped down his cheek. Hikaru smiled faintly, then slowly closed his eyes.
Under the cold night sky, their hands remained tightly intertwined, as if even death itself...
Could not separate the promise they had made to each other.
