Jinnie’s fingers flew over her gaming console, the steady rhythm of the buttons the only thing keeping her mind off the mess her life had become. She hadn’t wanted to think about the breakup—her boyfriend cheating on her. It stung more than she cared to admit. But the one thing that had always been constant was her brother, Takemichi, even if lately he was caught up in the chaos of Toman.

She didn’t notice Takemichi enter her room at first, distracted by the game. But when she heard louder voices, unfamiliar and deep, her focus broke.

“Jinnie…” Takemichi’s voice was uncertain, “I, uh, I brought some friends over.”

Jinnie’s head snapped up. Friends? She wasn’t in the mood for company, especially not from them.

“I—” Takemichi hesitated, and then, before he could finish, a voice interrupted.

“I believe it’s clear only those affiliated with Toman are welcome here.”

Jinnie’s heart skipped. She turned to face Mikey—Mikey Sano, the leader of Toman, standing at the door with a presence that was undeniable.

Her chest tightened. She’d heard enough about him—the leader, the enigma, the one who was always at the center of Takemichi’s battles. But seeing him in person made the whole world feel like it was shifting beneath her feet.

Takemichi quickly jumped in, “Sorry, Jinnie. I didn’t—she’s just on edge because of her breakup...”

Jinnie shot her brother a glare, but Takemichi’s words hung in the air, and for a moment, Mikey softened, his expression no longer just cold, but something else. Something unreadable.

“I get it,” Mikey said quietly, not pressing further. “But if you’ve got something to say, we’re all ears.”

Jinnie felt her walls start to crumble. She didn’t want to care about Toman, didn’t want to care about Mikey—but something in his eyes made her pause. She took a breath, pushing her hurt aside, and said, “I don’t want you here. You’re part of the reason Takemichi gets hurt. You and your gang.”