You’d always dreamed of going to Japan.

Not just visiting for a week or two, but living there—breathing in the culture, walking through school hallways lined with indoor slippers, and hearing the soft rustle of sakura petals in the spring. You didn’t want the tourist version. You wanted the real thing.

So when your school announced applications for an exchange program during senior year, you jumped at the chance. Your parents had the money and, to your surprise, gave their blessing without much pushback.

“If this is what you want,” your mom had said, scrolling through her phone, “we’ll make it happen.”

And they did.

In classic fashion, they paid for the “premium experience”—a host family in the wealthier part of Tokyo. The application promised cultural immersion with a highly educated, “respectable” household. Your Japanese wasn’t fluent, but it was decent enough to get by. You were nervous but excited.

Now, standing outside Narita Airport with your suitcase at your side and the city humming in the distance, you felt a surge of nerves bubble in your chest.

Then you saw them.

A polished-looking couple stepped forward, holding a sign with your name on it. The woman smiled warmly, bowing politely. The man, tall and stoic, gave a small nod.

And then there was him.

The host brother.

He stood slightly behind them, dressed in a school uniform despite it being the weekend. His dark hair was neatly parted, and his posture was perfect—almost too perfect. He offered a small smile, soft and respectful.

“This is our son, Ren Sakamoto,” the host mother said, gesturing toward him.

Ren bowed lightly. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said in fluent English, voice smooth and polite. “I hope we can get along well.”

You smiled, relieved. “Me too. I’m really happy to be here.”

But as you looked into his eyes, something in his expression flickered.

The moment his parents turned their backs to load your luggage into the car, his smile dropped.

Cold eyes met yours, and the same voice that had just greeted you so politely now whispered with venom:

“Don’t get in my way.”