The Heart of Zero

Riyugi realized in an instant that the old warehouse in the photograph was the same mysterious place Shingin had visited during his unexplained disappearance—the place where he had encountered the shadowy figures. It became clear to her: Shingin had returned to the site of his childhood memories.

Without hesitation, Riyugi quickly said goodbye to Shingin's mother, Jade, and bolted out of the house. Before Jade could call her back, Riyugi had vanished into the quiet of the night.

The streets lay silent under the moonlit sky, the cool glow illuminating her path. Riyugi's breath came in short gasps, but her strides were resolute. She knew where Shingin would be—in that place brimming with the echoes of his past.

At the warehouse, Shingin sat alone on a cement pipe, his hands propping up his chin as he stared into the night with a somber, distant gaze. His voice, barely above a whisper, merged with the wind.

"Everyone... That power I swore never to use again—it looks like I might have no choice. If you all were still here, you'd probably do a much better job than me..." His words carried a heavy mix of guilt and resignation.

Suddenly, a faint yet familiar voice pierced the stillness. "Shingin."

Shingin turned sharply, his body tensing as his eyes scanned the darkness. As the clouds parted, the moonlight gradually revealed a figure stepping closer.

Under the pale glow, he saw her face. Riyugi. Her cheeks glistened with a faint sheen of sweat, the moisture accentuating the soft blush of her flushed skin. Strands of her damp hair framed her face, and the sight of her standing there, slightly out of breath, made her appear both delicate and determined.

"Riyugi?" Shingin's voice betrayed his surprise and unease. He hadn't expected to see her here.

Riyugi steadied her breathing, moving closer. She raised her gaze to meet his and spoke softly. "I'm sorry... I went to your house, and I saw that photograph in your room. The place in the picture—it's exactly like this one. I figured you might be here, so I came."

Shingin felt his chest tighten. The photograph, the warehouse, the buried memories of his past—Riyugi wasn't just here to find him. She wanted to understand his pain, to uncover the secrets he had locked away. Lowering his eyes, he was overwhelmed by a tangle of emotions, unsure whether to feel comforted or alarmed.

"Why did you come looking for me?" Shingin's voice was low, hesitant, as if afraid of the answer.

Riyugi regarded him quietly, her expression resolute. "Because I don't want you to bear this alone. Whatever you're facing, I want to face it with you."

Shingin's gaze drifted to her hand, noticing the small scar from the rooftop battle. A pang of guilt shot through him. His expression softened momentarily before hardening again. He spoke in a colder tone, trying to push her away. "Go home. Your parents must be worried sick."

Riyugi frowned, sensing the shift in his demeanor. Frustration and disappointment flickered in her eyes. "I came all this way to find you because I need answers. Is it because you're afraid of dragging me into danger that you're trying to shut me out?"

Shingin's face darkened, but he stubbornly denied it. "No!"

"Then why?" Riyugi pressed. "You lied to your mother about going camping. Where have you really been?"

Caught off guard, Shingin hesitated, unable to form a coherent response. His silence only confirmed Riyugi's suspicions.

She stepped closer, her voice rising with emotion. "You always shoulder everything yourself, don't you? Do you think you're the only one who gets to decide what's best for everyone?"

Agitated, Shingin jerked away from her. "Shut up! I told you to leave!" His voice echoed sharply, louder than he intended.

Riyugi stumbled, already exhausted from running, and lost her balance, falling to the ground.

"Riyugi!" Shingin's face shifted to panic as he hurried to her side, his cold exterior melting away. "Are you okay?"

Taking his hand before he could pull away, Riyugi looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "This... This is the real you, isn't it? You act tough, but deep down, you care. Are you avoiding me because of this?" She glanced at her scarred hand, her voice soft but unyielding.

Shingin turned his face away, the weight of her words pressing down on him.

"I knew it…" Riyugi whispered with a sad smile, finally understanding why he had been so distant.

Her clarity struck Shingin like a blow. Every word she spoke cut deeper, chipping away at the walls he had built around his heart. His fists clenched tightly as he finally erupted, his voice trembling with anger and pain.

"Fine! Yes, I'm afraid!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "I'm terrified that one day, you'll lose an arm—or worse, bleed out in front of me! We live in different worlds, Riyugi. You shouldn't be dragged into mine!"

Riyugi didn't flinch. Instead, her gaze grew fiercer, her tears now flowing freely. "But I'm already in your world! If you push me away, I'll only imagine the worst and do something even more reckless! You think I'll be safe by staying out of your life? No! My heart is already with you, Shingin. I can't turn away, no matter where you go or what you face!"

Shingin froze, stunned by the sheer conviction in her voice. He had never considered how much his actions might hurt those who cared about him.

"You're so afraid of me dying, but have you thought about the pain of losing you?" Riyugi's voice broke as she looked directly into his eyes. "Those who love you—who care for you—how would they bear it if you disappeared?"

Her words struck a chord deep within him, leaving him speechless. Riyugi's tears shimmered in the moonlight like fragile crystals, each one piercing his heart.

"Riyugi..." he whispered, her name barely audible. Slowly, he reached out and wiped away her tears with trembling fingers. His eyes softened with regret and a longing he couldn't suppress.

In that quiet moment, under the silver glow of the moon, Shingin realized the truth he could no longer deny: Riyugi was already a part of his world. And no matter how much he tried to shield her, he couldn't erase her presence—or his feelings for her.