The morning air felt unusually light, as if the world had exhaled peace. Sunlight spilled across the sky like golden hope, warming up the gentle Sunday morning. Birds sang sweeter, the breeze whispered promises, and for once, everything felt... right.
Today was different—brighter, softer—as if life itself was waiting to unfold a brand-new story.
---
In the Sano household, the day had started off busy. Emma was gently dusting the shelves, carefully clearing out cartons packed with old memories, trying to breathe new space into their home. Shinichiro worked away in the garage, Ji-chan hummed softly in the kitchen as he prepared lunch, and Manjiro was in the bathroom, the sound of running water echoing faintly through the hallway.
Suddenly, the front door creaked open.
Startled, Emma turned around, her brows knitting slightly as her eyes locked onto the tall figure who entered.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice firm yet curious. Her gaze met his—and for some reason, she couldn't look away.
"I'm Draken. Is Mikey home?" the boy asked, his voice casual as he looked right back at her, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Emma raised an eyebrow. "He's in the bath right now. You can wait in his room if you'd like."
Noticing the heavy carton in her hand, Draken stepped forward. "That looks heavy. Want me to carry it for you?" He took it without waiting for her response. A teasing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Are you sure you're Mikey's sister?"
Emma shot him a deadpan look. "Why?"
He chuckled inwardly.
She doesn't look half as strong as him, he thought.
Just then, the sound of the bathroom door opening drew their attention.
"What, are you guys bad-mouthing me?" Manjiro asked with a lopsided grin, his wet hair clinging to his forehead. A towel was slung around his neck, and water still dripped from his shoulders as he walked out in his trousers.
Draken laughed. "Nah, I was just helping your sister."
"Good," Manjiro smirked. "Then I guess you're done now. Come on, let's talk in my room."
Once they were inside, Draken leaned back. "So, what's the plan for today?"
Manjiro flopped on his bed. "Nothing just want you to meet my friend and you also wanted me to meet your sworn brother right so call him."
Draken nodded. "Alright, I'll call Mitsuya."
"Oh, and Ken-chin—call Pah too. Let's bring him along."
Draken grabbed his phone and dialed. Within half an hour, a boy walked in. He had short, fluffy white-lavender hair, gentle violet eyes, and an air of quiet nervousness, made clear by the little sweat drop on his cheek. His calm, soft smile made him seem instantly approachable.
"Mikey, this is my sworn brother, Mitsuya," Draken introduced.
Manjiro looked at him and smiled. "Yo. I'm Mikey. Ken-chin's best friend."
Soon after, Pah-chin walked in with another boy, tall and slim. Draken waved a hand toward him. "Mitsuya, meet Pah. Tough guy—watch out."
Laughter echoed.
Then Draken looked around. "Where's your friend, Mikey?"
Manjiro stood up. "We're going to his place. He said his friend isn't really the social type, so we'll have to go there."
---
A few minutes later, they arrived at Keisuke Baji's place. Mikey knocked, shifting slightly, nerves playing in his stomach.
The door opened, and Keisuke gave a crooked smile. "Come in."
Draken and the others exchanged glances as they walked into the cozy, slightly messy living room. Manga piled on the side, CD cases stacked on a shelf.
"You read manga?" Pah asked, looking around.
"More than half of them are my sister's," Keisuke replied.
"What about these music CDs?"
"All hers."
Draken raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you introduce her to us? She sounds cool."
Keisuke smirked. "She's sleeping. But she'll be up soon."
Everyone stared. "It's 11 AM."
Keisuke shrugged. "She fell asleep late. What can I say?"
Pah chuckled. "Wow. So cool."
Just then, the doorbell rang again.
"I'll get it," Keisuke said, heading for the door.
He opened it to reveal a familiar face.
"Kazutora," he greeted, stepping aside.
Kazutora gave a nod to the group and joined them.
The room buzzed with laughter and casual conversations about school, fights, food, and bikes. A warmth had settled in—the kind that only forms between boys who share loyalty and chaos alike.
---
After a while, a voice called from the kitchen.
"Keisuke!"
He turned his head quickly. "That's her," he said with a fond smile.
The boys perked up.
Keisuke walked into the kitchen. "Yeah?"
"Where's breakfast?" Asuka asked, clearly still half-asleep and unimpressed.
"About that… you'll have to make sandwiches. Oka-san didn't have time and i already made for myself and I'm tired."
She sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll do it."
"And hey—if you're doing that, could you bring some juice to the living room too? My friends are here. They wanna meet you."
She rolled her eyes. "What a drag."
But a few minutes later, she appeared—Asuka, with a tray full of glasses.
The boys went silent.
Her sleepy eyes scanned the room as she entered. She was in an oversized hoodie, hair still a little messy, but there was a calm confidence in her presence.
Draken glanced sideways at Mikey, whose eyes were already on her.
"Isn't she our classmate?" he whispered.
"Yeah," Mikey replied quietly.
Asuka spotted him. "Yo, Manjiro-chan."
Mikey's lips curled up. "Yo. How you doin', Asu-chin?"
"Serving you guys juice, I guess," she replied flatly.
Mikey chuckled and stood. "Here, let me help." He took the tray from her and started handing out the glasses.
Asuka blinked. "Thanks."
"No problem." He took a sip from his own glass. "Why don't you sit with us?"
She hesitated. "I thought this was just… guys' time."
"Nah. More people means more fun, right?"
Asuka raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I didn't know you were the fun type."
Laughter bubbled up from the group.
Draken didn't miss the look on Mikey's face as he watched her.
There was something different about his smile. Softer. Focused.
"What's this?" Draken thought, a smirk forming. "Interesting."
---
After their introductions and lighthearted banter, the boys finally stepped out, revving up their bikes, laughter still echoing down the street.
But something had changed—a spark had been lit, unnoticed by most…
…except Draken, who glanced back once with a knowing smirk.