Chapter 1: A Glimpse Through Time(rework)
The city was falling apart.
Fires burned everywhere, turning buildings into piles of rubble. Thick smoke filled the air, making it hard to breathe. In the distance, people screamed, their voices fading into the chaos. The ground shook as explosions tore through the streets.
A boy ran, holding a girl's hand tightly. His chest burned from running, but he didn't stop.
"Stay with me!" he shouted.
The girl stumbled but didn't let go. They had to keep moving. Behind them, buildings collapsed, sending dust and debris flying.
BOOM.
An explosion knocked them off their feet. The impact sent them rolling across the ground. The boy quickly pulled the girl close, shielding her as small rocks and metal shards rained down. His heart pounded, his breath shaky.
Through the smoke, dark figures appeared—soldiers. Their weapons shined under the fire's glow. They were getting closer.
The boy tried to speak. "We have to—" but his voice was weak.
The girl looked at him. Their eyes met, filled with fear, exhaustion, and something unspoken.
He leaned in, as if to say something important.
Then—
BOOM.
A final explosion shook the world. Fire and dust swallowed everything.
And then—nothing.
Ryuu woke up with a jolt, his breath heavy and uneven. His chest rose and fell as if he had just been running. Sweat clung to his skin, and his heart pounded loudly in his ears.
He sat up, pressing a hand to his forehead. The dream felt so real—as if he had actually been there.
"What was that…?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The quiet sounds of morning filled his small room. Outside, people talked in the distance, and the wind rustled through the trees. Everything seemed normal, yet the dream still clung to his mind.
That girl. Something about her felt familiar, even though he couldn't remember why. Her face was blurry, hidden by smoke, but her presence lingered like a forgotten memory.
Ryuu shook his head and got up. He walked to the window and pushed it open slightly. The cool scent of rain filled the air, helping him feel more awake.
But no matter how much he tried to focus on the present, the dream wouldn't fade. It stayed with him, like a memory just out of reach.
Ryuu pressed his fingers against his temples, but the heavy feeling in his chest wouldn't go away. His breath was still shaky, his body tense, like he was still trapped in that burning city. The dream didn't just linger in his mind—it felt real, like he had actually lived it.
For a moment, his room blurred. The soft morning light looked like the glow of fire. The distant voices outside weren't people starting their day—they were screams. The rustling leaves outside sounded like soldiers moving through the smoke.
His hands gripped the blanket.
Ryuu: ("No… this isn't real.")
He shut his eyes and focused on the present. The quiet hum of the city, the cool air from the open window, the steady rise and fall of his breath. Slowly, the weight in his chest eased. The scent of rain filled his lungs, washing away the phantom smell of smoke.
When he opened his eyes, he let out a slow breath. I'm here. I'm safe.
But even as reality settled around him, the dream refused to fade. That girl—her presence still clung to his mind, as if she was more than just a dream. As if she was real.
[At the same time, elsewhere in the city…]
Hana's eyes fluttered open, her chest rising and falling in slow, uneven breaths. A strange chill clung to her skin, despite the warmth of her room. The silk sheets pooled around her, their usual comfort replaced by an odd sense of confinement.
She turned to the mirror across the room. A pale-faced girl stared back at her—lips parted, eyes clouded with something she couldn't name.
Hana:("A dream…?")
she murmured, though the word felt too simple for what she had just experienced.
It wasn't just a dream. The feeling it left behind was too strong, too real. A weight pressed against her chest, as if she had woken up missing something she should remember.
A blurry figure flickered in her mind—a boy, his features lost in the haze of sleep. And yet, his presence lingered, slipping just beyond her reach. Like a name on the tip of her tongue, like a melody she had once known but forgotten.
A gentle knock at the door pulled her back to the present.
"Hana-sama, breakfast is ready," came a soft voice.
She hesitated for a moment before replying. "I'll be down soon." Her voice was steady, but as she lowered her hand from her chest, she realized her fingers were trembling.
As the maid's footsteps faded, Hana turned back to her reflection. She pressed her palm lightly against her skin, as if trying to hold onto something that was slipping away.
Why did it feel like she had lost something precious?
[Later that morning, at Ryokuzen Academy]
The classroom buzzed with quiet murmurs, the scratch of chalk against the board, and the rhythmic tapping of pencils. Sunlight streamed through the windows, painting soft patterns on the desks.
Ryuu sat slouched in his chair, spinning his pen between his fingers. But his mind wasn't in the classroom. His fingers twitched slightly, as if still clinging to something—or someone. That dream… The smoke, the running, the girl's blurred face. Why did it feel so real?
He exhaled, rubbing his thumb over his palm. Forget it. Just a dream.
"…and that marked the turning point of the Sengoku period—"
A voice cut through his thoughts.
"Bro, do you think people back then fought over ramen or rice?"
Ryuu blinked, glancing at Kenta, who grinned like he had just discovered the secret to life.
He scoffed.
"Definitely rice. Ramen wasn't even a thing yet"
Kenta sighed dramatically.
"Man, I would've been a terrible samurai. I'd surrender for a good bowl of noodles."
Ryuu shook his head.
"You're hopeless."
A sudden thud against the teacher's desk made them both jump slightly.
"Ryuu. Kenta."
The classroom fell silent. The teacher's gaze landed on them, sharp behind his glasses.
"Would you care to share your thoughts on the Sengoku period?"
Kenta straightened, face the picture of innocence. "Just discussing historical food diplomacy, Sensei."
A few muffled laughs rippled through the room. Ryuu sighed, rubbing his temple. (Why do I let him sit next to me?..)
The teacher exhaled tiredly. "One more word, and you'll both be writing a five-page essay on the cultural significance of rice in feudal Japan."
Kenta leaned over, whispering, "Worth it."
Ryuu groaned. "I hate you."
The school bell finally rang, setting them free. Students rushed out like prisoners escaping a cell, the air buzzing with chatter.
Out on the field during P.E., Kenta bounced on his feet, already grinning. "Alright, race me."
Ryuu gave him a bored look. "Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough today?"
"Loser buys drinks."
Ryuu smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Hope your wallet's ready."
The whistle blew. They sprinted forward, their feet pounding against the track. The wind rushed past Ryuu's face as he pushed harder, barely registering the other voices around them. For a split second, the world blurred—and for reasons he couldn't explain, his chest tightened.
Then, just as quickly, reality snapped back into place. He crossed the finish line a second ahead of Kenta.
Kenta collapsed onto the grass, gasping. "Alright, alright. What do you want? Sports drink or iced coffee?"
Ryuu wiped the sweat from his brow, shaking off the strange feeling. "Surprise me."
They sprawled out under a tree, catching their breath. The afternoon breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass, but Ryuu barely noticed. His mind was somewhere else.
Kenta glanced at him. "You good? You seem spaced out today."
Ryuu hesitated. "I... had this dream last night. It felt… real. More like a memory than a dream."
Kenta perked up. "Oh? Spill."
Ryuu exhaled slowly. "There was fire everywhere. The city was in ruins. People screaming, explosions shaking the ground. And I was running… with this girl."
Kenta blinked. "Damn. That's intense. What was she like?"
Ryuu frowned. "I don't know. Her face was blurred, but… I felt like I knew her. Like we'd been through something together."
For once, Kenta didn't crack a joke. "Did you make it out?"
Ryuu's jaw tightened. "No. There was an explosion. Everything went black."
Silence settled between them, the usual lighthearted mood momentarily fading. Then, Kenta smirked. "Maybe you played too many war games before bed."
Ryuu chuckled under his breath. "Maybe." But he wasn't convinced.
Kenta nudged him. "Or maybe it's fate. You're dreaming about your future girlfriend."
Ryuu rolled his eyes. "You're impossible."
"I'm just saying," Kenta teased. "If some mysterious girl shows up tomorrow, you better tell me."
Ryuu shook his head, but deep inside, something about Kenta's words unsettled him. The dream had felt too real. As the wind rustled through the trees, he clenched his fist without realizing it.
Why did it feel like something was waiting for him?
[Meanwhile, at Hoshizora Academy…]
The hallways of Hoshizora Academy gleamed under the soft morning light streaming through the tall windows. Students moved in neat, orderly lines, their polished shoes clicking against the pristine floors. Hana walked among them, her expression composed, her posture perfect—everything expected of a Fujimura.
"Hana, good morning!"
Mei's cheerful voice cut through the quiet murmur of the hallway.
Hana turned, offering a polite smile. "Good morning, Mei."
Mei quickly fell into step beside her, linking their arms. "Did you hear? The headmistress mentioned something about the event tomorrow. Rumor has it the boys from Ryokuzen Academy will be there."
Hana's steps faltered for a fraction of a second—so brief that no one would notice. Ryokuzen Academy. The very name carried weight.
"The delinquents?" she said smoothly, masking the unease creeping up her spine.
Mei giggled. "You're too polite, Hana. You know half the girls here are dreading it while the other half is secretly thrilled."
"Thrilled?" Hana repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Mei leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Come on, don't you wonder what they're really like? We only ever hear stories."
Hana's grip on her bag tightened slightly. Stories. That was all they were supposed to be. Yet, for some reason, the thought of tomorrow felt heavier than it should.
"Curiosity killed the cat, Mei."
Mei grinned, undeterred. "But satisfaction brought it back!"
Hana shook her head with a small laugh, but even as they walked, a strange feeling lingered in her chest.
As they entered the classroom, the air shifted. The quiet hum of conversation faded as students settled into their seats, their postures straight, their expressions composed. The scent of fresh paper and faint traces of perfume lingered in the air.
At the front of the room, Miss Sayaka stood tall, her sharp eyes sweeping across the class. With a practiced elegance, she clasped her hands together.
"Good morning, ladies."
"Good morning, Sensei," the class responded in unison, their voices crisp and controlled.
The lesson began, a discussion on international diplomacy, but Hana's focus wavered. She had always been the perfect student—diligent, respectful, poised. Yet, lately, something felt... off. She couldn't quite place it, but a quiet restlessness had begun to take root, as if a missing piece in her life was just out of reach.
A voice cut through her thoughts.
"Hana?"
She blinked, realizing too late that the classroom had fallen silent. All eyes were on her.
"Yes, Sensei?" She straightened, her expression carefully composed.
Miss Sayaka adjusted her glasses, her gaze expectant. "Would you care to share your thoughts on the impact of post-war diplomacy in East Asia?"
Hana rose gracefully, smoothing her skirt as she did. The weight of expectation pressed against her, familiar yet suffocating.
"The post-war period focused on rebuilding trust and forming alliances," she said, her tone steady. "But the scars left by conflict made diplomacy fragile. It was a delicate balance between cooperation and unresolved tensions."
Miss Sayaka gave a small nod of approval. "Well said. As always, insightful."
Hana sat back down, releasing a quiet breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Beside her, Mei leaned in, whispering just loud enough for her to hear.
"Do you ever get tired of being perfect?"
Hana let out a soft chuckle, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's not as effortless as it looks."
Yet, as the lesson continued, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing—something important, just beyond her reach.
The midday sun cast a golden glow over the courtyard, filtering through the neatly trimmed trees. The air smelled of jasmine and freshly brewed tea, mingling with the soft chatter of Hoshizora's students. Seated at an elegant round table, Hana gently placed her porcelain teacup down, her movements as refined as always.
Across from her, Mei leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Tomorrow's going to be interesting," she mused, stirring her tea absentmindedly. "Maybe you'll meet someone who surprises you."
Hana arched a delicate eyebrow, lifting her cup to her lips. "I doubt it."
Mei's smirk widened. "You never know. Life has a way of shaking things up when you least expect it."
Hana hesitated, the warmth of the tea pressing against her palms. Something had been weighing on her mind all day, but voicing it felt... unnatural. Still, if there was anyone she could confide in, it was Mei.
Lowering her voice, she set her cup down. "Mei… can I tell you something strange?"
Mei's eyes sparkled with curiosity. She straightened up instantly, as if sensing something exciting. "Of course! Spill it."
Hana stole a quick glance around, ensuring no one else was listening, before leaning in slightly.
"I had this dream last night." She paused, fingers lightly brushing the rim of her teacup. "There was fire everywhere… The city was in ruins, people were screaming, and I was running—running with a boy."
Mei's breath hitched. She clutched her cup tightly, her gaze locked onto Hana's. "A boy?" Her voice dropped to an eager whisper. "What did he look like?"
Hana exhaled slowly, pressing her lips together. "I… I couldn't see his face. But its like knew him, Mei. I don't know how, but I did. It felt like—" She hesitated, her throat tightening. "—like we'd been through something before. Something important."
The words left a strange weight in the air between them.
Mei's eyes flickered with intrigue, but beneath the excitement, there was a flicker of something softer—concern. She set her cup down gently. "That's intense," she murmured. "Do you think it means something?"
Hana shook her head, but her fingers subconsciously tightened around the fabric of her skirt. It was just a dream. Nothing more. And yet…
Mei's lips curled into a teasing grin. "Maybe it's fate, Hana. Maybe you'll meet him tomorrow."
Hana blinked, then let out a soft, almost breathless laugh. "You read too many shoujo manga…"
"And I'm proud of it~," Mei sang, flashing a playful wink before taking another sip of tea.
The rest of lunch passed in easy conversation, but Hana couldn't shake the lingering unease.
Later that afternoon, she stood by the window, gazing out at the perfectly manicured lawn. The world outside looked the same—pristine, controlled, predictable.
And yet… her chest felt tight, a strange flicker of anticipation curling in her stomach.
For the first time in a long time, she felt restless.
She didn't know why, but she had a feeling tomorrow wouldn't be just another ordinary day.
[The next day,during school event in Hoshizora Academy..]
The long-anticipated day had finally arrived, filling the air with curiosity and excitement. The halls of Hoshizora Academy seemed brighter than usual, as though even the walls themselves were aware of the importance of this rare event.
The gymnasium gleamed under the soft light of crystal chandeliers. Polished floors reflected the neatly arranged chairs, each now filled with students from both schools. On one side sat the poised and elegant girls of Hoshizora Academy, while on the other, the boys from Ryokuzan High shifted nervously in their seats, clearly uncomfortable in such a formal setting.
Ryuu adjusted his collar, feeling oddly out of place among the perfect, polished students. He glanced over at Kenta, who was slouching in his seat with a bored expression.
"This place is way too shiny. I feel like I'll get kicked out just for breathing wrong," Kenta muttered under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
Ryuu smirked, trying to shake off the weird sense of tension in the air. "Try not to embarrass yourself. No noodle jokes."
"No promises," Kenta grinned, his voice light, but his eyes darting around the room.
The girls from Hoshizora seemed to be whispering amongst themselves, occasionally glancing over at the boys with raised eyebrows. Hana couldn't help but notice how they seemed to be sizing them up. It made her uneasy, even though she tried to remain calm and composed. She felt a subtle sense of judgment in the air, as if the very atmosphere was designed to make the Ryokuzan boys feel out of place.
As Hana surveyed the room, her gaze briefly locked with Ryuu's. For a moment, everything around them seemed to fade. She quickly looked away, a faint flutter of something unfamiliar tugging at her chest. Her heart skipped a beat, though she couldn't understand why.
Across the room, Mei caught the shift in Hana's expression. She leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "What's this? Miss Perfect distracted by a boy?" she whispered, teasing but with a spark of curiosity in her voice.
Hana laughed nervously, brushing it off. "Stop assuming things mei..Why would I'd distracted by some boys" she said, though her voice lacked its usual confidence.
"Maybe," Mei said with a wink. "But life does have a way of throwing surprises at us."
As the whispers of the students faded into the background, Hana couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change—something she couldn't quite put her finger on. She felt her pulse quicken, though she tried to stay calm. Could Mei be right? Was this the moment something—or someone—would change her life?
The headmistress's voice echoed through the grand hall, her speech polished and rehearsed. Ryuu sat still, eyes drifting over the room, only half-listening. The Hoshizora girls sat in perfect rows, poised and disciplined—so different from what he was used to.
And yet, one girl stood out.
She sat near the front, her long, silky ash-blonde hair catching the soft glow of the chandeliers. There was something about her—an air of quiet grace, her posture composed yet distant, as if her mind was somewhere else entirely.
Then, for the briefest moment, their eyes met.
A strange sensation gripped Ryuu's chest, something deep and unfamiliar yet familiar all at once. It wasn't just attraction—it was something else, something he couldn't explain. A flicker of recognition, like he'd seen her before.
But that was impossible.
He swallowed hard, his fingers curling slightly against his knee. What the hell was that?
Across the room, Hana kept her expression unreadable, though her heartbeat had quickened. She wasn't supposed to be distracted—not by anything, and certainly not by some Ryokuzan boy. Yet the weight of his stare lingered, pulling at something buried deep within her.
Her hands rested lightly in her lap, but she could feel a faint tremor beneath her fingertips.
That dream…
The memory clawed its way back. The fire. The smoke. The city in ruins. She had been running, her chest heaving, her heart racing. And beside her—him. A faceless boy, his voice calling out to her.
"Hana."
Mei's whisper cut through the haze.
Hana blinked, her gaze snapping away from Ryuu's.
"Curious?" Mei teased, her lips curving in a knowing smile.
"No," Hana answered smoothly, forcing her heartbeat to steady. The lie came easily—but it didn't sit right.
The event carried on, filled with formal introductions and carefully crafted words. Hana moved through the motions effortlessly, her polite smiles never faltering.
And yet, she felt him.
Every so often, she would glance his way. And every time, she found him already looking.
Neither spoke. Neither approached.
But the air between them buzzed with something unspoken.
And for the first time in a long while, Hana felt uncertain.
The event was winding down, the golden hues of the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the garden. Conversations blended into a soft hum, laughter occasionally breaking through the air.
Ryuu stood near the garden's edge, hands shoved into his pockets. He wasn't really listening to anything around him—not even Kenta's usual rambling beside him.
"Man, I almost fell asleep during those speeches," Kenta groaned, stretching his arms dramatically.
He nudged Ryuu with his elbow. "You think they practice making things this boring?"
Ryuu barely reacted, his gaze flickering past the crowd. Searching.
There.
She stood in a cluster of Hoshizora girls, her back straight, her expression poised. Perfectly composed. But something about her posture—it wasn't just elegance. There was a stillness to it, like she was lost in thought, trapped behind the polished mask she wore.
"Hey, you listening?"
Kenta waved a hand in front of Ryuu's face.
Ryuu blinked, snapping back.
"Yeah. I heard you."
Kenta narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Oh? So you agree that these speeches were hell?"
"…Sure."
Kenta squinted at him before suddenly grinning.
"Ohhh, I see what's happening here."
Ryuu frowned.
"What?"
"You keep looking over there." Kenta's grin widened. "You got your eye on someone?"
Ryuu scoffed, tearing his gaze away.
"You're imagining things."
Kenta didn't buy it.
"Uh-huh. Right."
Ryuu ignored him, but the nagging curiosity refused to leave his mind.
[Hana's POV..]
Across the garden, Hana stood near the stone pathway, her hands lightly clasped in front of her. The scent of freshly trimmed flowers filled the air, but she barely noticed.
Mei's voice chirped beside her.
"I swear, half the boys looked like lost puppies today. You saw that one guy tripping over his own feet, right?"
Hana gave a soft hum in response, but she wasn't really listening.
Her thoughts were elsewhere.
Why do I keep looking for him?
She scolded herself, but her eyes betrayed her once again, drifting across the garden—to him.
There he was, standing under the shade of a tree, hands in his pockets, looking just as out of place as she felt.
And then it happened again.
Their eyes met.
This time, neither of them looked away.
Hana's fingers twitched slightly against the fabric of her dress. A quiet, unfamiliar warmth curled in her chest—unsettling, yet not entirely unwelcome.
Her heartbeat quickened. She didn't understand why.
Quickly, she turned back to Mei, forcing a polite smile.
But she could still feel his presence.
[Later that evening…]
The sun dipped lower in the sky as the event finally came to an end.
Ryuu and Hana walked away, never speaking, never crossing paths directly.
Yet, something lingered in the space between them.
An invisible thread.
A pull neither of them could explain.
And though they didn't know it yet, fate had already begun weaving their story together.
Fate works in quiet, unspoken ways.
An invisible thread, thin yet unbreakable, has always bound them—pulling them closer, tightening with each fleeting glance. Neither of them could see it, nor did they understand the sudden pull in their chests.
But the red string does not tangle without reason.
It stretches across time, across lifetimes, waiting for the moment when two souls will find each other again. And as Ryuu and Hana walked away, unaware of the weight of their own history, the thread between them quietly stirred…
Their story was far from over.
End of Chapter 1