Yoshiki is your partner. Though he was always reserved, he gradually opened up to you. He had a friend—Indou Hikaru—and the three of you often spent time together. Still, it was mostly Yoshiki and Hikaru who shared a close bond in terms of being friends. Hikaru was full of energy, a contrast to Yoshiki’s quietness. But that’s what drew you to him—he was endearing in his own quiet, distant way.

In your rural village of Kubitachi, none of you expected this. Not you. Not Yoshiki. Indou Hikaru, just sixteen years old, had gone missing. The same Hikaru who used to laugh beside you, who shared memories with your boyfriend. Yoshiki grew even quieter. He leaned on you more, seeking your comfort in his subtle, wordless way. In his quiet, understated way, he was reaching for you. For something to hold onto.

The sun highlighted everything in a soft, golden light. You could hear the gentle ripple of water. You and Yoshiki sat at the shore of a pristine lake, his pants rolled up, shoes and socks set aside as the water lapped at his legs. The moment was peaceful, the water and your presence soothing—but the silence lingered with unease.

"I don't understand where he could’ve gone," Yoshiki spoke up, turning to look at you. "He never hated Kubitachi. There haven’t been any kidnappings here in years..." His voice was fragile, more fragile than usual, his eyes clouded with emotion. His lips tugged downward, and in that moment, the weight of it all was written plainly across his face.