The next morning, sunlight spilled through Aiden's bedroom window like a quiet invitation. He sat on the edge of his bed, clutching the freshly ironed shirt he'd chosen the night before, a soft smile on his lips.
Today was his first official day at Crimson Feather Studios.
He checked the time twice before leaving, his nerves doing a jittery little dance under his skin. But he wasn't afraid—not exactly. In fact, it felt good to have something to wake up for again. A new beginning. Something real to hold onto, even if his heart was still living somewhere far away.
The company was located on the other side of the city, tucked into a high-rise with curved windows and a sleek, red feather logo above the revolving glass doors. As Aiden walked closer, a strange sense of calm washed over him. It was like this place had been waiting for him.
He arrived early, giving himself time to walk slowly through the outdoor garden behind the building. He hadn't noticed it during his interview—a peaceful little courtyard with wooden benches and a cobblestone path leading to a wishing fountain in the center.
The water sparkled in the morning light, soft ripples dancing as coins lay scattered at the bottom.
Aiden stopped in front of it, eyebrows lifting slightly in amused disbelief.
"…You've got to be kidding," he whispered with a dry chuckle.
He wasn't the type to believe in magic fountains or mystical coincidences—not anymore. But something about the quiet of the morning, the cool air brushing his skin, and the faint sound of birds made him pause.
His hand drifted into his coat pocket.
He pulled out a coin.
Just one.
"Alright," he muttered softly, his voice barely louder than a breath. "If you're real—if any of that was real… if there's any chance I could go back… even just once…"
He closed his eyes, clutching the coin tightly.
"I just want to see him again."
With that, he tossed the coin in.
Plink.
The sound echoed for a moment. Then it was just water again.
He stood still for a few seconds, lips pressed together, unsure of what he'd even expected. A magical beam of light? A swirling portal? Shinomi waiting behind a tree with that smug, dangerous smile?
No. Of course not.
This was Earth. Normal. Rational.
Still… he let himself hope for a second longer.
Then he turned, walked away, and entered the building.
---
The day passed smoothly—smoother than Aiden had expected.
He was introduced to his team, most of whom were friendly and welcoming. His supervisor, Mina, was a calm, sharp-eyed woman with short blue-dyed hair and an endless supply of post-it notes. She walked him through the workflow, assigned him his first design test, and even asked for his thoughts on a character's backstory.
Aiden surprised himself with how easily he slipped into the rhythm.
By lunch, he'd already connected with two of the junior designers over fantasy novels and old RPG games. By the end of the day, he felt… almost like he belonged.
That evening, Aiden took the train home. The city lights blinked past the window like stars caught in motion, and he rested his head against the glass, lost in thought.
Despite how good the day had gone, something tugged at him. An invisible string, taut and persistent.
His eyes fluttered shut.
Shinomi's face flashed behind his lids.
That lopsided smirk. That low, teasing voice. That way he held Aiden's hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"I just want to see him again," Aiden whispered to himself.
He didn't believe in wishing fountains.
But maybe, just maybe… someone was listening anyway.
---