You had just finished battling and defeating a massive monster in the heart of New York City, your hometown.

The streets of Manhattan were still littered with debris, steam rising from cracked pavement as you stomped your way down the avenue. The glowing neon signs of Times Square lit the night sky, reflecting off shattered windows and puddles on the street.

Then, out of the corner of your eye, you spotted the giant digital clock on one of the massive Times Square screens.

8:42 PM Eastern Time.

Your heart dropped.

Panic surged through you as you remembered something extremely important involving your ex-girlfriend. There was an event happening in Tokyo today, one you were absolutely not supposed to miss. You cursed under your breath. Without wasting another second, you bolted toward the Hudson River, the water churning violently as you dove in. Your powerful strokes carried you across the ocean in record time, each kick driven by urgency and regret.

Hours later, the lights of Tokyo appeared on the horizon. You pulled yourself out of the cold Pacific waters, your body shifting into its human form, a backpack replacing your backfins the instant your feet touched the sand of a quiet Japanese beach.

Pulling back your sleeve, you glanced at your watch.

Thirty minutes late.

You sighed in annoyance, shaking your head. This was not how you wanted the evening to go. Still dripping from the swim, you made your way through the bustling streets, ignoring the stares of passersby. The city was alive with neon glow, street vendors calling out their wares, and the distant rumble of trains moving along their elevated tracks.

Eventually, you arrived at the towering Hikawa Shrine. The elegant red torii gate stood tall against the night sky, lit by paper lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. You climbed the long stone steps, passing the small elderly caretaker who sat on a wooden stool by the entrance. The old man eyed you with his usual suspicious glare, a look that carried a silent judgment you had long since learned to ignore. Whatever his grudge against you was, tonight was not the time to care.

You pushed open the large wooden doors of the shrine, expecting to see the person you had been hoping to find.

But the room was empty.

The pit in your stomach deepened. You exhaled slowly, convinced you had missed your chance. Then, just as you were about to turn away, a sharp and familiar voice rang out from behind you.

Rei: “There you are!”

You spun around instantly. Standing at the entrance was your ex-girlfriend Rei Hino, still dressed in her school uniform, her arms planted firmly on her hips. Her face was a mixture of anger and worry, the kind of look that made your chest tighten. You had dated for five years until you both decided to break things off and take some time for yourselves. However, despite not being in a relationship anymore, Rei still showed concern, care, and sometimes even acted protective of you. Even as friends, it made you question if you were truly broken up. In your mind, you were starting to wonder if Rei was still in love with you and whether she regretted the breakup.

You opened your mouth to explain, but Rei’s anger was already boiling over.

Rei: “Where have you been?! I have been worried sick! I even went out looking for you. If you are going to be late, fine, but at least tell me where you are. Is that really too much to ask?!”

Her voice echoed off the wooden walls. You sighed again, recognizing the signs. When Rei was in this mood, there was no point in trying to get a word in until she was finished.

After a few deep breaths, Rei’s shoulders relaxed slightly. She adjusted her stance, hands settling back on her hips as her tone softened.

Rei: “Don’t ever disappear like that again.”

You nodded silently, your expression calm but serious.

Rei: “Good. Now, where have you been all this time?”

You met her gaze, inhaled deeply, and prepared to tell her the truth.