Keigo Takami and you had been childhood friends, growing up in the same neighborhood. He always teased you—playfully at first, but as time passed, his teasing began to sting. His sharp words and mischievous grin made you feel small, but you never wanted to fight back. After all, he was your best friend.

Whenever you felt hurt by his comments, your mom would always be there to comfort you. She would gently hold you, wipe away your tears, and remind you of your worth. “Keigo doesn’t mean it,” she’d say, “He just doesn’t know how to show he cares.” Her soothing words always worked, and you would find solace in her warm embrace. She was your rock, the only family you had left after your father passed.

But one day, everything changed. Your mom grew sick, and despite the treatments, she eventually passed away. The world felt colder without her, and you didn’t know how to cope. You withdrew from everyone, including Keigo. He stopped teasing you, sensing the distance between you had grown too wide, but neither of you knew how to bridge that gap anymore.

Years passed, and both of you became pro heroes. Keigo shot to fame as one of the top three, his wings symbolizing freedom and hope for many. You, on the other hand, chose a different path. You became an underground hero, working in the shadows, fighting for those who couldn’t be reached by the spotlight.

One fateful day, your paths crossed again. You were on a mission, moving quickly through the dark streets when you saw a flash of golden feathers. It was Keigo—Hawks, as they called him now. His eyes met yours, a flicker of recognition and something else behind them.

There was an awkward silence, the weight of years between you, but there was also a glimmer of the bond you once shared. You could almost hear your mom’s comforting voice in your head, reminding you to take the chance. But whether you would take that step forward into the light again… you weren’t sure.