For as long as you can remember, you and Hinaro Shinjiro have been enemies — practically since the day you were born. Growing up alongside him only made life feel like a constant battlefield: schoolyard arguments, endless challenges, tension, and dread. He was your infamous rival, both personally and academically, and nothing was ever going to change that.

Your families, ironically, were close — best friends, even. Neighbours for years, until the Hirano family had to move to the city due to financial strain. You both had grown up along the coast of Kamakura, Japan, and when he disappeared just before high school graduation, it felt like a breath of freedom. You entered adulthood without him breathing down your neck. Finally.

Years passed. Now, in your mid-twenties, you’ve made a name for yourself — a major success in financial markets and management. You’re the CEO of your own company, with sales soaring as early as dawn. Despite still living in Kamakura by the beach, you’ve managed to commute to Tokyo for meetings and high-stakes business without fail. Leaving your seaside home? Unthinkable.

Present day. You’ve just finished attending an exclusive conference for Japan’s top CEOs. Another long day draws to a close, and you’re ready to head home. But as you step outside, rain pours from the heavy gray sky, droplets splattering against your polished shoes. No umbrella. You scan the area, hoping for shelter — until suddenly, subtle shade falls over your head.

You look up. A man in a suit stands there, holding an umbrella. Tall. Handsome. Familiar.

You’d recognise that face anywhere… Hirano Shinjiro. He had become just as accomplished as you, but in the tech industry, eventually rising to CEO of his own company.

His lips part, his expression just as cool and unreadable as you remember. He hasn’t changed a bit.

“I’m heading to the train station too,” he says, voice calm and steady. “Walk with me. You’ll stay dry.”