And The World Fell Silent
Chapter 01: The Encounter
Chapter 01 – The Encounter
Jade
Jade pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the airport shuttle as the cityscape of Tokyo whirred by.
Neon lights and kanji billboards flickered in the dusk, painting her thoughts in a hundred colors.
Hazel
Hazel practically vibrated with excitement, her phone capturing every passing sign and blinking lantern.
Hazel
“I can’t believe we’re finally here!”
Hazel
Hazel squealed, hugging her tote bag to her chest.
Hazel
“Japan, Jade! We’re going to eat so much convenience store food!”
Jade
Jade offered a small, reserved smile. She had never been a spontaneous traveler.
Hazel
If Hazel hadn’t insisted—and booked everything in a single impulsive evening—she would still be at home, studying or working late.
Their taxi stopped in front of a sleek luxury hotel, all steel and glass rising toward the sky.
Hazel
Hazel insisted on the splurge—“Once in a lifetime!” she’d said—and Jade had eventually relented.
As soon as they stepped into the polished lobby, the hush of elegance enveloped them.
After checking in, they dropped their suitcases on the plush beds and ventured back out.
Hazel
Hazel was determined to see everything in one night.
They walked narrow alleys strung with lanterns, browsed tiny shops crammed with plush toys, and finally ended up in a bright, humming 7/11.
Jade
Jade moved toward the refrigerated shelf to find water.
Jade
She preferred structure, routine, knowing exactly where everything was—Tokyo was exhilarating but overwhelming.
Jade
She scanned labels she couldn’t read, mentally cataloging every brand.
Hazel
“Jade,” Hazel whispered, her tone urgent.
Jade
Jade didn’t look up. “Hmm?”
Hazel
“Jade!” Hazel’s whisper became a sharp hiss as she jabbed her in the arm.
Jade
“Ow,” Jade protested, glancing over her shoulder.
Hazel
Hazel’s wide brown eyes were locked on someone near the drinks cooler.
Hazel
“Look,” Hazel whispered, her voice climbing an octave. “Oh my God. Look!”
Jade
With a sigh, Jade turned.
A young man in ripped jeans and a loose, charcoal hoodie stood examining a row of canned coffee.
Blond streaks threaded through his messy black hair, and his smile flashed
??
When he pulled down his mask to read the label more clearly.
??
His energy radiated from him—carefree, bright, and utterly magnetic.
Hazel
“Who is that?” Hazel whispered, sounding almost scandalized by how attractive he was.
Jade
Jade looked away quickly. “I don’t know. Just someone shopping.”
Hazel
“But he looks like…like someone famous.” Hazel fidgeted with her hair, her cheeks pink.
Hazel
“Or maybe he’s a model. Oh God, don’t stare, Hazel, don’t stare—”
Jade
“You’re literally staring,” Jade murmured dryly, though her own curiosity sparked.
??
He glanced up, catching their eyes. Instead of ignoring them,
??
He grinned—a big, warm grin that made
Hazel
Hazel squeak and bury her face in Jade’s shoulder.
Jade
Jade felt a flicker of something unfamiliar in her chest.
Hazel
“Jade,” Hazel hissed, “he’s coming this way!”
??
Sure enough, he strode toward them, his hands in his pockets, a swagger in every step.
??
“Hi,” he said in smooth English, his voice warm and teasing.
??
“You two look like you could use help finding something.”
Hazel
Hazel’s mouth opened, but no words came out.
Jade
Jade forced herself to meet his gaze, steady and calm even as her heart fluttered.
Jade
“Just water,” she said softly.
Jade
He smiled, and in that moment, Jade felt the ground tilt—like maybe this trip would change everything.
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