A Ghoul In Tempest

Chapter 16: Bonded by Struggles

The two would walk to a nearby café, the noise of the bustling streets of Tokyo fading into the background. "First of all, congratulations on your championship victory. You really have become a talking point in Tokyo," Aqua would say with praise. "Oh, thank you. I appreciate it," Hikaru responded, taken aback from Aqua knowing about his victory. "I had an inspiration from your mother," he said. Aqua was taken aback. "What do you mean, an inspiration, Hikaru," Aqua asked. "Her music was one of my inspirations. I would listen to her most popular songs before every game I played, both in high school and the Overwatch League," Hikaru responded.

As the conversation deepened, Hikaru recounted how Ai's songs were a source of strength for him, reminding him to push forward whenever self-doubt threatened to take over. He would reminisce about late nights in the practice room of the Shock facility, listening to her melodies through his headphones. Aqua would sit there, listening trying not to shed a tear, hearing how much his mother's music helped Hikaru. "It seems like you are a fan of her music. That makes me happy. Really happy Hikaru," Aqua said, trying to hide his emotion. For a moment, the weight of fame and their respective worlds faded, replaced by a mutual understanding of the power of music.

As they continued their conversation, Aqua hesitated a moment before sharing his journey through the entertainment world. "It was very difficult after she died. It was difficult to be a Hoshino and step out of her shadow and succeed in the entertainment world. My sister, Ruby, is currently doing just that. She, along with two other girls, is apart of an idol group under the same name, B-Komachi," he said with a little sadness. "I have heard of their music. It feels almost similar to Ai's music. I am glad she is doing well. What about you Aqua?" Hikaru asked. "Oh, I am an actor, but I mostly help with director work and behind the scenes stuff. You might remember one of my more popular plays, Tokyo Blade," Aqua answered. Excitedly, Hikaru looked at him, almost spilling his tea. "Yes, I do remember it. I remember and study your performance vividly. You had so much talent that made the play unforgettable," Hikaru responded with excitement. Aqua's expression softened, a flicker of pride in his usual guarded demeanor.

The nostalgic moment seemed to bridge the gap between their careers, but Aqua kept a certain truth to himself. Beneath the surface, he was working on a more personal mission—uncovering the identity of his father, who orchestrated Ai's murder. As Hikaru spoke about how Tokyo Blade had inspired him through a rough patch in his life, Aqua would nod along, masking his inner turmoil. Despite the fleeting comfort of their shared memories, Aqua's thoughts lingered on his mission. Hikaru and Aqua's connection, however, grew stronger as they found similarities in their past while grappling with shadows that continue to shape their futures.

As the two walked through a quieter part of the city, Hikaru would hesitate a bit before opening up. "I don't like talking about this much," he began, his voice lowering, sounding sad, "but I also lost a parent, but not as young of an age as you were. My dad died seven months ago from a hit in run." Aqua's face darkened, knowing his new friend felt the same way he did when Ai died. "Ever since, it's felt like every step I've taken has been to honor him," Hikaru said, trying to not tear up himself. "When I won the Overwatch League championship, I kept thinking about how proud he would be... but even then, it felt almost bittersweet not having him there in person," he continued, tears going down his cheek. Aqua noticed this and hugged him. For the first time in a bit, Hikaru felt comfortable sharing the weight he had been carrying.

After another moment to breathe, Hikaru talked about the darker side of his life. "There has been another thing bothering me," he struggled to say. "I have a stalker. He has been targeting me since I was signed to the Overwatch League. He's been tweeting me threats, spreading lies, and trying to ruin everything that I have worked for," Hikaru said, stuttering a bit, filling with sadness and anger as he clenched his fists. "Every time I try to think about and focus on my future, he finds more ways to remind me he is there, watching me," he continued, more anger filling his body. Aqua started to tear up as well, hearing everything Hikaru had to say. "It is exhausting, but I can not let him win. Not after everything I have fought for," Hikaru said, now crying more.

Aqua continued to listen intently, the weight of Hikaru's worlds settling in his chest. "You have been carrying so much, Hikaru. I cannot imagine how hard this past year has been not just for you, but for your mother. However, you have done so much already—more than anyone could expect," Aqua said with genuine empathy. Hikaru felt a sense of relief, the kind that comes from finally being understood. Aqua's words weren't just comforting but also validating.

With the conversation shifting back to talking about Ai, Aqua's voice trembled. "M-my mom... she wasn't just a star to the world. She was everything to me and Ruby. B-but...," he said, choking on his words, his composure slipping as more tears welled in his eyes. Without realizing it, Aqua would lean on Hikaru's shoulder and the dam broke. Hikaru, overwhelmed by the shared vulnerability, felt his own emotions begin to show. Tears streamed down his face as well, Aqua crying on his shoulder. As they stood there, they felt each other's grief and pain. They found a sense of understanding, one that transcended words and brought a sense of solace neither expected.

After their shared emotional moment, they would continue their conversation, now talking more about Hikaru's stalker situation. "The stalker has continuously escalated his actions. His anonymous threats are now multiple times a day, posting cryptic pictures of me.... and my dead dad, and even private details about my life. I-it feels like I am being watched constantly," he stuttered. Aqua, listening closely, knew how much of a threat of this stalker was. Aqua could see the toll this all was taking on Hikaru, both physically and mentally. "This isn't just pressure, it is a danger," Aqua said quietly, his concern showing.

Fading into a comfortable silence, Hikaru and Aqua shared a look that spoke volumes, but no words were spoken—an acknowledgement of the bond forming between the two. A friendship grew, rooted in mutual respect and the understanding of their personal struggles. Hikaru felt a new sense of relief he never expected, while Aqua, still grappling with his shadows and his mission, found solace in their new connection. Both couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter wasn't a mere coincidence, but a crossing of paths meant to lead to something greater.

As the conversation started to end, Aqua mentioned some upcoming projects in acting, helping directors, and other stuff, sharing glimpses of his next roles. Hikaru, listening with curiosity, was intrigued by Aqua's dedication to the entertainment art. As he spoke, Hikaru hesitated before saying, "I was interested in acting as a child. It was my first dream to be an actor before my dad found my true talents in Overwatch. It was sparked by school plays and performers like you, Aqua," Hikaru said. Aqua was surprised by hearing this, but happy with what he said.

With six months of offseason ahead, Hikaru would think about the idea of exploring acting, even if just as a hobby during the break. "Aqua, can you teach me the ways of acting," he asked. Aqua, surprised, would smile and say, "I sure can. However, it will be very difficult as a beginner. But I am sure you are up to the task," Aqua responded. The idea of stepping into a different career for a while excited Hikaru, but the exchange left both feeling invigorated. It was a decision that carried the promise of growth and exploration for Hikaru, and for Aqua, he felt a new sense of purpose in helping someone find their footing in the realm of acting.

Before leaving, the two would exchange phone numbers and say their goodbyes. As the two parted ways, the sense of lightness and unease lingered in Hikaru's heart. Their conversation opened up new possibilities but also left him more aware of the shadows enveloping his life. As he continued to walk through the streets of Tokyo, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he froze at the sight of another anonymous tweet from the stalker. "Your time of freedom and peace is running out, Hikaru," the tweet said with a cryptic image of Aqua and Hikaru talking at the café. The message would linger in his mind, casting a dark cloud over what had been an otherwise hopeful encounter.