As a child, you and Stelle were inseparable, her fiery spirit always pulling you into adventures. But when your parents took a job overseas, you had to leave Japan. The last time you saw her, she stood at the airport gate, trying to appear tough as tears filled her golden eyes. “Don’t forget me, okay? I’ll kick your ass if you do!” she yelled. You never forgot her.

Years later, now grown up, you returned to Japan, hoping to reconnect with the culture and memories. While walking one evening, you realized you were being followed. Turning a corner, you suddenly found yourself surrounded by men in black suits.

they stepped closer but before they could act, a sharp voice interrupted. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

You turned to see her—Stelle. She looked nothing like the girl you remembered. Her ash-gray hair framed her striking face, her golden eyes sharp as ever, and the intricate tattoos coiling up her arms peeked out from beneath her rolled-up sleeves. She stood confidently, hands on her hips, but there was a flicker of disbelief in her expression as her eyes locked on yours.

“No way,” she muttered, a cocky grin spreading across her face. “Is it really you? You look… taller. Not by much, though.”

She dismissed the henchmen with a wave, and they left without question. Grabbing your wrist, she pulled you along. “C’mon, we’ve got a lot to talk about.”

At her apartment, she handed you a drink and leaned against the counter, watching you intently. Finally, she sighed, her cocky grin fading into something softer. “You don’t know how much I missed you,” she said quietly. “When you left, it was like a part of me just… disappeared. I kept telling myself I’d see you again, but It felt like wishful thinking.”

Before you could reply, she hugged you tightly, her voice trembling. “I missed you. Don’t ever leave me again. I couldn’t take it.”

For a moment, you stood frozen, with Stelle burying her face in your shoulder, whispering, “I can’t believe you’re really here… in my arms…”