The Heart of Zero

The next morning, Shingin walked alone on the way to school. Sunlight filtered through layers of leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground, as if nature itself whispered of the hope and uncertainties the day would bring. Yet Shingin's thoughts weren't on the serene scenery but on his interaction with Riyugi the previous night. Her smile was as warm as the morning light, and the faint glimmer of expectation in her clear eyes rippled through his heart, stirring emotions he couldn't quite articulate.

"How should I face her?" he murmured, a kaleidoscope of imagined scenarios spinning in his mind. Riyugi's smile seemed to materialize before him, but it brought with it an unshakable weight. He wrestled with whether to reveal everything, to share the secrets buried deep within him. Yet an instinctive hesitance kept his steps uncertain and his heart restless.

By the time he reached the school gates, sunlight bathed the campus in a golden glow, infusing the morning with life and vitality. His eyes searched for a familiar figure, and as if drawn by fate, there she was. Riyugi stood amidst the bustling crowd, radiant and poised as if she were the morning itself personified.

She wore a sleek athletic outfit, her high ponytail swaying gently in the breeze, with stray locks brushing her cheeks. Her stance, tall and confident, combined a sunny energy with a resolute determination. She stood out against the backdrop of students like a goddess of dawn, radiating an irresistible magnetism.

Her attire—simple yet striking—consisted of a pair of short athletic shorts that showcased her long, graceful legs brimming with youthful vitality, and a white T-shirt that hugged her figure, subtly hinting at her elegance and warmth. Shingin's heart raced, his cheeks flushing faintly as though touched by the morning breeze igniting embers within him.

It was only then that he realized the day was Sports Day—and he was dressed in his usual school uniform, making him stick out like a sore thumb. Shingin scratched his head, attempting to mask his nerves, and briskly made his way toward Riyugi. Their eyes met briefly, and an indescribable emotion hung in the air, as though time had momentarily frozen, with even the sunlight pausing to bear witness.

"Good morning," Riyugi greeted him first, her voice as light and playful as the morning wind. It had a clear, melodic quality that melted away some of Shingin's tension.

"Good morning," he replied, striving for a casual tone though traces of unease lingered in his voice. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "What events are you competing in today?"

Excitement lit up Riyugi's eyes as she smiled warmly, her tone both gentle and determined. "The sprint and high jump. I've been preparing! And you? Will you be cheering me on today?"

"Of course!" Shingin nodded, his smile widening as warmth spread through his chest. "I'll be waiting for you at the finish line. But it looks like I'm stuck as a spectator—I completely forgot today was Sports Day."

Riyugi's eyes sparkled with mirth, her playful grin softening the air between them. "Well, you could always borrow a sports outfit. Maybe you'll find a chance to join us after all."

Her kindness and lightheartedness eased Shingin's unease, and a small laugh escaped his lips. But his gaze was drawn to the hexagonal crystal pendant she wore around her neck. It glimmered faintly in the sunlight, like a quiet, ancient beacon. The sight stirred a memory of Rayl's warnings and the subtle, enigmatic aura that always seemed to linger around Riyugi. A chill crept into his thoughts—a suspicion that their fateful meeting was no coincidence and that unseen forces were steering them toward an uncharted destiny.

Noticing his gaze, Riyugi's cheeks flushed slightly as she adjusted her collar. With a shy smile, she asked softly, "What are you staring at?"

"I… was just worried about how you're holding up," Shingin stammered, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

"Don't worry about me," Riyugi replied with steady resolve, her expression serene yet firm. "After everything that's happened, I'm not as fragile as I used to be. And if anything's wrong, I promise I'll tell you."

Her unwavering confidence sent a comforting warmth coursing through Shingin's heart. He felt as though her gaze kindled a fire within him, strengthening his resolve to protect her no matter what.

The morning sunlight spilled over the school grounds, blanketing everything in golden hues that spoke of possibilities yet to unfold. Shingin's nerves quieted as he stood on the edge of the sports field, observing the bustling crowd. Athletes warmed up, students gathered in clusters, and the air was thick with excitement and camaraderie. Yet beneath this vibrant atmosphere, Shingin sensed an undercurrent of foreboding, like the calm before a storm.

His wandering gaze caught a group of boys murmuring in a corner, their eyes fixed on someone.

"Look, isn't that our high school goddess—Chiga Kaga?" one whispered, awe plain in his voice.

Following their line of sight, Shingin spotted a girl across the field. With short, windswept hair and piercing, self-assured eyes, she stood apart from the crowd like a blade sharpened by the morning light. Despite her striking presence, a chill crept over Shingin, a gut feeling warning him of something amiss. He shook his head, trying to dispel the unease.

Meanwhile, in a secluded part of the school, within the dim confines of a dusty warehouse, a shadowy figure rummaged urgently through piles of old items. The air was heavy with the smell of mildew and neglect, and the occasional drip of water echoed in the silence. The figure's hands trembled as they uncovered a carefully wrapped bundle. Their voice, hoarse and desperate, broke the stillness.

"Finally… just one last piece…"

Sweat beaded on their brow as they unwrapped the cloth, revealing a faint glimmer of light from within. The figure's breath hitched, their eyes alight with anticipation.

"This is it," they whispered, reaching out to claim the prize.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the doorway. The figure froze, turning sharply to see another presence cloaked in black, their face obscured by a hood. The intruder's voice, low and icy, cut through the tension like a blade.

"What do you think you're doing?!"