《When I'm Near》


 Yuka : Storms

    I worked my magical fingers over the tension-filled muscles of my friend. "Relax, will you?"


    Aiko, the longhaired blonde from the international school, fidgeted under my hands. "I can''t help it. I don¡¯t know why she doesn¡¯t like me," she muttered, her brown eyes darting toward the door where my dog, Korone, was lying in a relaxed stance, but with that familiar low growl.


    "Korone¡¯s always like this with new people," I said, scratching the back of my head. "She¡¯ll come around. Don¡¯t worry about it."


    "She better. I''m not about to spend all day here and have her growl every time I walk by," Aiko mumbled, flicking a glance at the dog who remained perfectly still.


    Korone''s brown eyes glinted with intelligence, but there was no denying she was more than just a pet. In a world like this, where monsters and dungeons were lurking around every corner, Korone wasn¡¯t just a dog ¡ª she was a protector, a vigilant guardian. I didn¡¯t trust many people, but I trusted her. And the way she looked at Aiko¡­ I wasn¡¯t sure the dog liked her much either.


    I sighed, rubbing Aiko¡¯s shoulder as I continued to work out the knots. "She knows when people are nervous. That¡¯s probably why she¡¯s giving you the cold shoulder."


    "Yeah, well, I¡¯m not used to being stared at like that," Aiko said, crossing her arms.


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. Korone wasn¡¯t the only one watching Aiko. The whole world was different now. Dungeons had opened up in the city for years, and with them came monsters ¡ª creatures that even the Hunters, those specialized humans with powers, sometimes couldn¡¯t handle. And if you weren¡¯t one of the chosen elite warriors, like those mech AI security forces patrolling the streets, you had to be cautious. Monsters lurked in the shadows, and the night felt... different.


    We had classes at school that occasionally turned into dungeon raids. It wasn¡¯t the same as it used to be, but nothing ever was. Even Tokyo had to adapt. And while we went on with our daily lives ¡ª with school, homework, and the occasional karaoke night ¡ª there was always that underlying tension that we were constantly on alert. The Hunters, the Mechs, and all the dangers they dealt with made sure we didn¡¯t forget.


    "So," I asked casually, breaking the silence, "any big plans for the weekend?"


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Aiko shot me a glance. "Mika¡¯s throwing a party. Karaoke at Big Sound tonight, if you¡¯re interested." She raised her eyebrows. "Might even make a date out of it for you. You know, if you¡¯d actually talk to a girl for once."


    I grimaced, pulling my hands away and sitting down on my bed. "I¡¯m good. I¡¯ll pass on karaoke. Not really in the mood for that."


    "I swear, you¡¯re impossible," she grumbled. "Why do you think you never get any girls? Maybe it¡¯s your attitude."


    I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. "I¡¯m fine. No need for a date."


    "You¡¯re going to be a hermit forever, huh?" she teased. "That¡¯s cool, but I swear, we need a group of people to go out. It¡¯ll be fun."


    I just shrugged, not interested. I¡¯d never been into the whole scene ¡ª not with everything going on in the world. It was always hard to ignore the fact that dungeons were showing up in the most random places, and it could be anyone¡¯s turn to face off with a monster.


    Aiko sighed. "Okay, okay. I know how you are." Her voice softened a bit. "I just¡­ I need a break, you know? From all of this. The stress. My dad¡¯s expectations. Everything. You know how it is."


    I didn¡¯t respond right away. The pressure was high. Everyone around us ¡ª especially the Hunters ¡ª were constantly under the microscope. But that wasn¡¯t my problem. Not tonight, at least.


    I glanced over at Korone, who was still curled up by the kitchen door, waiting patiently.


    "You know," I said, breaking the silence, "sometimes you need to just step back and let it all go for a bit. Things don¡¯t always work out right away."


    Aiko sighed and looked at the floor. "You¡¯re probably right. I just¡­ I¡¯m tired of waiting."


    She hesitated before standing up. "Okay, I¡¯m heading out. Gotta go meet Mika. I¡¯ll let you know what¡¯s up."


    "Wait," I said quickly, standing up as well. "Before you go¡­ just, take care of yourself, alright? You know I don¡¯t like all this dungeon stuff and those... mech things, but I don¡¯t want you in danger."


    Her smile was tired but thankful. "Thanks. You should really come with us. At least for a bit."


    I paused. "Maybe. But only if you leave Korone alone."


    She chuckled, throwing her bag over her shoulder. "I¡¯ll try. See you later."


    As Aiko left, I turned my attention back to my homework, but my mind wasn¡¯t really on the math problems in front of me. I couldn¡¯t ignore the growing feeling in the air. Something was brewing. And with all the monsters and dangers in the world, I didn¡¯t know if a karaoke bar would help anyone forget what was coming.


    The sky outside had darkened, heavy clouds forming. Thunder rumbled in the distance. The rain started to fall, a steady, cold drizzle. I glanced at Korone, who was watching me with that keen, almost human gaze, as if she, too, could sense what was about to happen.


    In a world like this, where monsters roamed and the Hunters fought to protect the people, it was hard to get a moment of peace. The streets were filled with whispers about upcoming raids, dungeon dives, and the Mech units that kept the worst threats at bay. I was used to the tension ¡ª but tonight, something felt different.


    I stood up, grabbed my jacket, and made my way to the door. If nothing else, a night out with Aiko might distract me for a while. And maybe, just maybe, I could avoid thinking about the threats that lingered beyond our quiet city for a few hours.


    But deep down, I knew better. The monsters, the dungeons, the AI Mechs¡­ it was all part of the new normal. And I was in the middle of it, whether I liked it or not.


    I grabbed my phone, texting Aiko. Okay, fine. I¡¯ll go. But no karaoke for me.


    As I heard the rumble of thunder again, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The night was just beginning.

 Mizuki : New Song

    I crouched down and adjusted my gloves once more. My sharp eyes were locked on the batter. A brief drizzle had wet the field, but our team, the Shinjuku Hunters, played on without hesitation. It was the final inning, and the opposing team had a runner on third base. The score was 3-1 in our favor, with two outs remaining.


    ¡°Pitch it in there, Haruka!¡± Yui, our tall shortstop, shouted at our pitcher, and then quickly glanced at me, offering a sly wink.


    Both of us knew that the batter favored hitting to the right side of the field, and over 60% of the time, he grounded out. I moved into position, prepared.


    The dark-haired pitcher wound up and sent the ball rocketing low, right down the middle. The batter swung with force, and the ball sliced sharply between first and second base. I dashed from my position toward the fast-moving ball. I dove for it, my glove just inches away when Rika Karella, our first baseman, collided into me. The ball slipped free, allowing the runner on third to score, and the batter to safely reach first base.


    Haruka, who had covered first, cursed loudly. "Rika! What the hell are you doing?!" Her arm was aching, and she needed ice, but the last thing she wanted to do was pitch another inning.


    Rika jumped up from the collision, snarling at me as I scrambled for the loose ball. "Damn it! You saw I had it! What the hell, Mizuki?"


    I stood my ground, facing the furious first baseman. "Back off, Rika. Come on, we¡¯ve got a game to finish."


    "The hell I will," Rika growled, stepping closer. "It was in my territory."


    Yui stepped in between us. "Rika, it¡¯s over. Come on, let''s get this out and finish this." She quickly scanned the bench for our coach, who was also her boyfriend.


    ¡°Rika! Get back to first!¡± Coach Ikeda called from the dugout. "Mizuki!" He pointed to the mound, giving a silent command.


    Yui handed me the ball, and I threw it back to Haruka, who was taking deep breaths before she had to pitch again. Yui pulled me aside and spoke softly. "She¡¯s a pain. Just let it go."


    Back at first base, Rika shot a dangerous glare at the runner before growling at me again. "Wear a cap, so the damn ball doesn¡¯t get past you next time."


    I paused for a moment, slowly turning around. I took one step before Yui grabbed the top of my shorts and pulled me back. The shortstop with dark ash blonde hair, tied in a ponytail, whispered, "Show her up. That''ll get to her more than anything else."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I nodded and motioned for her to get back into position. A few moments later, we were ready to play again. Once more, I crouched into position, eyes locked on the batter.


    Haruka¡¯s first pitch came fast and clean, heading for home plate, and the batter struck it sharply. It went right, just outside second base. Haruka couldn¡¯t react fast enough, leaving me to handle the ball. Like a predator, I sprinted toward it. I dove, stretching out as far as my five-foot frame allowed, and managed to catch it.


    The runner on first had a huge lead and was already halfway to second. Yui scrambled to cover second base. I saw her twist as she landed hard and heard a thump. The long-haired blonde second baseman rolled once but got up quickly, throwing the ball to second. It was a close call, but Yui¡¯s glove was outstretched just in time, catching the ball before the runner¡¯s foot hit the base.


    Three outs, and the game was over. The score was 3-2. It was time to celebrate. We all headed for the dugout. Coach Ikeda gave each of us a high-five. He was incredibly proud of his team, and if we kept playing like this, we¡¯d be a sure bet for the tournament playoffs.


    ¡°Girls, it¡¯s on me. Drinks at Big Sound. Everyone coming?¡± Coach Ikeda grinned, his eyes sparkling with pride.


    ¡°I¡¯m in!¡± Haruka yelled as she wrapped a cold towel around her arm and slipped on her jacket.


    Several players confirmed, and just then, Rika made a boastful challenge with a wicked grin. "First one to get a perfect score gets a kiss."


    Most of the players rolled their eyes and snickered at Rika¡¯s usual brash comments, but no one dared challenge her. She was tough and talented, one of the best first basemen in the district.


    Dusting off my jersey, I ignored Rika. I glanced at my uniform before turning to Yui. "I need to run home and change."


    Yui swiped at the dirt on my back. "That¡¯s enough. You don¡¯t need to change. Besides, it¡¯ll take too long."


    I shook my head. Since joining the Hunters, I¡¯d saved every jersey, each with my number 21 on it. They were part of my prized collection, and I only wore the older ones for special occasions. "No, I need to wash my uniform first. Won¡¯t be long, though. I promised your uncle I¡¯d help tonight at the karaoke bar."


    "Okay, okay," Yui agreed. "See you later then. Not too long."


    "I¡¯ll be right back," I smiled, heading to my dark, metallic grey BMW. It was a ten-mile drive out of Shinjuku, but I didn¡¯t mind. I loved the peace and quiet of the countryside.


    When I arrived at the karaoke bar, I was greeted by my cousin, Mika Sashami, who was tugging her girlfriend along through the crowd. "Hey!" Mika called out to a few of her friends. "They¡¯re here already." She smiled over her shoulder at Aiko and Yuka.


    "Great," Aiko mumbled as she gave Mika a glum look when she saw the large crowd gathered at Mika¡¯s usual booth.


    "Wasn¡¯t my idea," Yuka shrugged.


    As the trio made their way through the bar, the owner, Jin Kyoto, gave Mika a wave before turning to his part-time help. "Mizuki?"


    I placed a drink down on the bar before turning to Jin, my ¡®adopted¡¯ uncle. "What¡¯s up?"


    Jin, scratching his neatly trimmed beard, shifted a couple of bottles on the shelf behind the bar. "We need a few more bottles of Maker¡¯s Mark. Don¡¯t worry about the sodas; I¡¯ll grab those later."


    "I''m on it," I replied, quickly wiping down the bar before heading out the back.


    Yui caught me before I disappeared. "You working all night?"


    "Jin needs help," I said, using it as an excuse to avoid Rika¡¯s inevitable loud comments.


    "Sure," Yui gave a quick glance back at the table where her team was gathered. She smiled when she saw her boyfriend surrounded by the team and nodded at him. "You know, I think he¡¯s secretly one of the girls."


    "Guess he¡¯s in the right place then," I winked. "Go on, I¡¯ve got to grab something for your uncle but I¡¯ll be over in a minute."


    "Don¡¯t be long. I told Seiji we couldn¡¯t stay too late. We still have work tomorrow."


    "Got it," I nodded.


    As I stepped into the back room with the cases of drinks, Jin wrapped an arm around my shoulder and gave me a quick hug. "You girls did well tonight. Five wins in a row?"


    I grinned, "We¡¯re going to the playoffs again this year."


    "That¡¯s good," Jin said with a smile, keeping his arm around me loosely. "Just make sure you¡¯re having fun."


    After a quick kiss on the cheek, he squeezed my shoulder. "Go on, enjoy yourself for a bit."


    As I returned with the drinks, I overheard Yui asking Jin, "Did you get that song I requested?"


    "It¡¯s in the jukebox. Number 21," Jin squeezed my shoulder before grabbing the drinks from me. "I¡¯ve got it. You go on ahead."


    I grinned. "Thanks, Uncle Jin."


    What should I do now? Of course I want to have some fun tonight.

 Yuka : Spell Struck

    When Yui returned to her team¡¯s table, she realized that Mizuki had not followed her and was once again working behind the bar. For a moment, she thought about helping out behind the counter until Rika decided to leave for her nightly ritual, leaving the rest of the team to celebrate in peace.


    After several drinks, Rika had loosened up and was feeling rather lively as she navigated through the small bar, which was filled with numerous hunters looking for their next conquest and relaxing. When she spotted her old friend sitting at a booth with a pretty brunette, Rika¡¯s brown eyes lit up. ¡°Ah, new prey,¡± she muttered to herself, strutting over to the booth with a wicked smile on her face. ¡°Hey.¡±


    Mika quickly stood and wrapped an arm around her friend. ¡°Rika. Come on. Sit down.¡± The short-haired adventurer slid her girlfriend over, but Rika decided to slide in on the other side of the booth after another friend vacated her seat next to me.


    Rika nudged me. ¡°How¡¯s it going, sweetie?¡± The tall girl draped her arm over the back of the booth, making me feel very uncomfortable. ¡°Want a drink?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± I said, scooting closer to Aiko and sitting beside her on her right.


    Rika didn¡¯t wait for an answer before twisting around and yelling across the room. ¡°Jin, another pizza over here. And some soda too.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the first time that night that I wished I hadn¡¯t agreed to come to the karaoke bar. I was desperately in need of being saved at that moment. For some reason, I felt compelled to glance around the bar once again, searching for something familiar.


    Rika turned back to her friend. ¡°We¡¯re celebrating our big win.¡± Then she turned her glassy brown eyes toward me, chewing on some pizza. ¡°I never strike out, not even once. Made a home run and the winning play with¡­¡± The first baseman burped, missing a few words before finishing her sentence. ¡°¡­myself.¡±


    ¡°All by yourself, huh?¡± I smiled sweetly as I delivered the cocky, not-so-subtle question.


    Rika was momentarily stunned by my retort, but she snapped out of it when Haruka from her team called for her. ¡°Be back later, doll.¡± The tall girl gave Mika a high five before leaving.


    Mika climbed out of the booth. ¡°Be right back.¡± The dark-haired girl with short, wavy hair headed for the restroom.


    Aiko nudged me. ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± I knew what was coming.


    ¡°Mika¡¯s friend, Rika. She likes you.¡± The blonde smiled for the first time since we entered the bar.


    My eyes drifted toward the table where several softball players were celebrating. I studied the tall first baseman for a bit. Not only was she not my type, but Rika¡¯s overpowering ego also grated against me. But I could easily see why Aiko would be taken with her because she liked women who were more assertive. Case in point, Mika. The significant difference between Mika and Rika was in their personalities. While both had outgoing personalities, Mika wasn¡¯t rude. She genuinely had a good sense of humor without any trace of vindictiveness in it, unlike Rika. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°The least you can do is give her a chance. I¡¯m gonna get Mika to dance with me when she comes back.¡± Aiko saw her girlfriend heading back to their booth. She quickly stood up and leaned down toward me. ¡°Go ask her to dance.¡±


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Mika wrapped her arm around her girlfriend¡¯s waist and headed out to the small dance floor near the jukebox.


    I was happy for the reprieve but soon found a pitcher of root beer placed in front of me. When I glanced up, I saw warm, gray eyes looking at me. ¡°Konnichawa.¡±


    Jin studied me for a moment before sliding into the booth next to me. ¡°A pitcher of soda for your thoughts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not drinking.¡± I held up my water.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you here before, so let me officially welcome you to Big Sound¡¯s.¡± The broad grin on Jin¡¯s face invited the newcomer, but he sensed that the young woman wasn¡¯t as comfortable as he wished all his customers to be. He knew some of the regulars could get rowdy at times, but Jin had a sixth sense for trouble and generally managed to avoid it before it escalated.


    ¡°Oh, I was here about six months ago,¡± I explained to the owner as I steadily looked into his kind eyes. ¡°Just don¡¯t go out much.¡± I found Jin easy to talk to and started to relax.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t like my place,¡± Jin winked at me.


    ¡°Nah, well¡­¡± My eyes turned away from him. I didn¡¯t want to hurt his feelings, yet I didn¡¯t want to lie either.


    ¡°I¡¯m personally gonna make sure that changes tonight.¡± Jin tapped the table top with the edge of his fist. ¡°What do you want?¡± He held out his arms wide. ¡°Anything in the bar. It¡¯s yours for the taking.¡±


    His generous offer and kind words made me reconsider my initial evaluation of the bar. ¡°Thank you, sir, but I¡¯m fine¡­ really.¡±


    When one of the customers called for Jin to come and settle an argument, he placed a large hand over mine and said, ¡°Nobody calls me ¡®sir¡¯ in here. You can call me Jin. And the offer¡¯s still open. If you see something you like, it¡¯s yours.¡± He squeezed my hand.


    ¡°Thank you, Jin. Bye.¡± The genuine smile disappeared from my face when I noticed Shae walking up right after Jin left. I quickly turned my head to avoid eye contact with the tall woman.


    Rika stood there for a long moment, contemplating her recent discussion with Haruka, the pitcher on her team. Rika had bragged to her teammate that she could bag the shy brunette before the night was over. The tall girl leaned down. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just the sweetest little thing in the place?¡±


    It only took a moment before I made direct eye contact with her. ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a ¡®thing,¡¯ you¡¯ve come to the wrong place.¡±


    ¡°Gonna play hard to get, huh?¡± Rika sensed the challenge and figured she was up for it. ¡°Come on, just one dance, and I¡¯ll show you some moves you¡¯re never gonna forget.¡±


    I just glared at the obnoxious girl, annoyed.


    Feeling uncomfortable under the hard look from the shorter girl, Rika finally asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Without missing a beat, I replied, ¡°Oh, I forgot. Guess it wasn¡¯t that memorable.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Rika scratched her head, feeling insulted. ¡°You gonna dance with me or not?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    Seething, Rika stood back up to her full height. ¡°Your loss.¡± The tall girl turned to leave.


    ¡°And you said you never strike out,¡± I mocked.


    Rika heard my cutting words but continued to walk away, not wanting to admit that a girl had turned her down. She briskly walked past her teammate¡¯s table, even though Haruka called her name. The tall girl headed to the bar and plopped down on the stool next to an older boy. When she saw Mizuki, she demanded a drink. ¡°Give me a Coke.¡±


    Sensing something was wrong, Mizuki wiped the bar in front of Rika, offering her two Cokes instead of one. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Bitch.¡± Rika grabbed the can and downed half of it. She looked back in the direction of the booth she had just left and spat. ¡°Tight ass.¡±


    Mizuki searched the area where Rika was looking and saw the back of a young teen as she walked away. The blonde bartender smiled to herself. For once, you¡¯re right, Rika. She does have a beautiful backside.


    I had decided to go outside and get some fresh air after my minor run-in with the tall girl, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me. ¡°Hey. Where are you going?¡±


    Recognizing my friend¡¯s voice, I turned around. ¡°I sorta wanted¡­¡±


    Fanning her face, Aiko was hot from the last two dances with her girlfriend. ¡°I need a drink.¡±


    I saw that two of Mika¡¯s friends had joined her at their booth, and they were enjoying the pitcher of root beer that was now nearly empty. When I saw Rika leave the bar, I offered, ¡°I¡¯ll get it. Besides, I need another water. Be right back.¡±


    Aiko followed me as far as our booth and then slid down next to her girlfriend. The blonde knew Mika was nowhere near ready to leave.


    I made my way through the crowd and finally secured a spot at the far end of the bar. My eyes studied the group as I waited to be served.


    Mizuki had just poured two drinks and placed them on the bar top when Yui asked for change from the cash register. ¡°Thought you had to leave early?¡±


    ¡°We are. In a minute. I wanna play a couple more songs first.¡± Yui took the change and headed for the jukebox. Having her favorite uncle own the bar had its advantages.


    Leaning her head around but keeping her eyes on her friend leaving, Muzuki asked the waiting customer, ¡°What¡¯ll you have?¡±


    The music filled the air, and a soft voice gently accosted my ears, bringing a smile to my face as I placed my order. ¡°Bottle of water, please.¡±


    Mizuki¡¯s world stopped at that moment when she heard the sexy voice mingle with the music playing in the background. Slowly, her eyes found their way to the origin of that mesmerizing voice.


    I turned and caught sight of the bluest eyes I had ever seen. At that moment, time seemed to stand still. A hitch in my breath jump-started the pounding of my heart, and then I felt a full smile bloom on my face.


    Mizuki stood motionless, frozen under the spell of the simple interaction.


    Did she freeze time? Cause it feels like time is slowing and I''m spell struck.