Tangled - Red strings

Chapter one

In the pulsating heart of Tokyo's longing night, the city transforms into a surreal dreamscape of neon lights and relentless rain. A symphony of colors illuminates the bustling streets, with flickering signs casting an ethereal glow. The wet pavement reflects this luminous dance, forming puddles that mirror the vibrant chaos above.

Beneath the luminous cityscape, figures clad in sleek raincoats and armed with umbrellas traverse the slick sidewalks to their destinations. Each step sends ripples through the puddles that laid below them all, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow as the colors danced to their own beat.

Cars, like streaks of lightning, race through the rain-slicked streets, leaving behind trails of sparkling splashes that echo the vitality of the metropolis.

As the night unfolds, stores remain defiantly open, their neon signs cutting through the darkness that would be if it weren't for them. The cyberpunk like energy extends to hidden corners of the street, where the fires burn under makeshift tarps in dimly lit alleys for those unfortunate. The warmth and flickering crimson flames create sanctuaries amidst the electric chaos that laid just outside the alley's entrance.

Amidst the neon-lit spectacle, a mysterious woman emerges from out of a tinted window car before it drives off. Silhouette defined by long, obsidian hair flowing in the chilly breeze that came, a sleek leather raincoat hugging ones body loosely. Black heels clicked softly against the wet pavement, turning to face the road.. standing across the street from a vibrant karaoke bar, a silent observer in the midst of the bustling crowd.

The softest breath protruded, a small cloud forming from how chilly this night was.. I looked over to the side, my gaze latching onto the spilt second view of a man looking over at me. Suspicious it was, but then again, it wasn't all too out of place.

I made my way over to the karaoke bar, my heart ever so slowly sinking with each step that came. Why exactly? Well.. I shouldn't have been here in short. I shouldn't be seen outside within these parts, nor should I be interfering with business in the way that I soon would be.. God, if my brother finds out..

Shit! I forgot about Mitsuya!

"Ma'am?— Excuse me, Did you hear what I said? I asked if you were here for our karaoke night?"

My attention shot up to the voice that seeped into my ears, drawing me out of what would've been an embarrassing panic. But, when did I reach in here? I must've been too lost in thought..

"Yes.. I am. I'm to have a spot reserved already, underneath the name Misato Sano, or perhaps Hayashi?"

As if waiting, the womans' ears perked up in response rather quickly, her posture fixing itself at once. She led me to the back of the karaoke bar without another word.

"Here is your room, Ms Sano. Your party is already inside waiting for you, if you're in need of anything - beverages, food.. simply press the blue button that sits on the wall."

She spoke out when we reached our destination, opening the door for me as she bowed. I walked in and closed the door behind me with a soft mark of thankfulness to her guidance, her steps leading away from the new confinement that I was in.

The room was like any other; awfully painted walls with overused seats that seen better days, a large tv and platform to the left of the room with a microphone, disconnected of course. Then, the sound of the leather chair drew my attention in.

A man sat before me, his gloved fingers grazing against a glass of what seemed to be whiskey.. His suit was of a deep grey shade, a neatly pressed button up sitting underneath with a neat tie to top it off. His hair was a mixture of white and black, messy yet well kept and down to his shoulders in layers.