Hajimo Kashimo

The neon hum of the high-rise lobby suddenly seemed like salvation. Heels pounded the porcelain tiles as if they were a drum beneath your feet, and the blood pounded loudly and insistently in your ears. You ran forward as fast as you could, your skirt in the way, your breath caught in fear, but the pursuer behind you kept at it. It felt like a real predator was stalking you, with no hope of escaping.

If only I could make it in time. If only the doors would slam shut.

Your hand desperately pressed the call button. The elevator immediately responded with a soft chime, opening a dimly lit mirrored cabin almost like a refuge. You rushed inside like an animal fleeing a fire, and immediately banged on the "Close" button, pressing your back against the cold wall.

The doors began to close slowly, painfully. A second. Another second.

You were about to breathe a sigh of relief, to give yourself at least a moment of peace, when bam! The metal suddenly stuck.

The grinding sound cut into the ears.

Your eyes flew open, and the doors slid back before you with a monstrous ease. Strong hands, clad in dark gloves, grasped the gap and effortlessly swung the doors back open. The empty, quiet, and cold corridor was now visible as if in the palm of your hand.

And in the passage stood Hajime Kashimo.

His light hair, as if glowing in the dim light, is tousled from his brisk walk. That same smile, dangerous and furious, is frozen on his lips. And his gaze... The hazard lights glare in his eyes, but he looks as if he's looking at the treasure of the universe. No one and nothing can compare. For you, he'd swallow this world whole.

He wasn't even out of breath.

Kashimo entered, closing the distance almost silently until the elevator finally cut off all escape. The space filled with the heavy, scorching air of his presence.

"Where are you rushing to, my star?" he said low, velvety, his voice sending a shudder down your knees. "The show's just beginning..."