a heartbreak's tale

chapter one

Kagura frowned as she eyed the red stilettos that laid messily on the doorstep. As per their tradition, she had packed a filling bento set to share with her childhood friend, Hayabusa early in the morning. It was part of their daily routine - Kagura would wake up early in the morning, make a simple dish for the both of them before skipping over to Hayabusa's to have breakfast together. 

It had all begun years ago, when the mage found out that Hayabusa was way too focused on training and accomplishing his lifelong goal of defeating his clan's previous Shadow, and had been neglecting his own health and needs. Since then, Kagura took it upon herself to take care of his friend, and they both found themselves growing accustomed to the routine and looking forward to it every day. Of course, as a result, they had both gotten a lot closer and became the best of friends. That particular tradition had not stopped even when the both of them had left home for the Land of Dawn. 

Startled by the voices from inside Hayabusa's dorm room that seemed to be moving towards the door, Kagura let out a soft gasp before darting about the corner. She peeked out from behind the corner, gripping her Seimei umbrella tightly in her hand.

"Thank you for letting me stay over. I'll be sure to check with the administrators to see if I could stay here permanently." A charming female voice rang out.

Kagura perked up. A new member? They had been getting a lot of those lately, but this particular girl was definitely the first to have slept in the boys' part of the building - which was, against the rules.

"Anytime, Hanabi. It's good to see you again." Kagura recognized the voice of her best friend. The mage could only watch in despair as she peeked from behind the wall, only to see a raven-haired girl plant a kiss on her best friend's cheek.

"See you soon." The girl - Hanabi - smiled coyly, before stalking off in Kagura's direction. Kagura squeaked, hastily leaning against the wall for cover, only to carelessly drop the bento set all over the ground.

She let go of her umbrella, commanding it to stand behind her while she scrambled to clean up her mess - but it was too late. Hanabi was already rounding about the corner. She glanced at the pity sight of the mage on the ground, her pretty black eyes studying Kagura for a moment. Then, as though she recognized her, Hanabi scoffed. "God, you're just as pathetic as I remember."

Kagura flinched. "Excuse me?" She calmly replied, though her cheeks burned in embarrassment. Her Seimei umbrella, as if sensing her distress, sprang upright - alert - and glowed even brighter.

Hanabi didn't even bother to spare her another glance. She merely stalked off down the stairs, her hair bouncing behind her. Kagura frowned, confused. Where have I seen her before? She seems familiar. Shaking her head to snap out of it, she hastily cleaned up her mess. Her umbrella closed itself and flopped idly behind her.

Well, there was no way she was about to show up at Hayabusa's now. For one, the food was ruined, so there was no reason for her to go. Two, though she was incredibly curious about who the hell Hanabi was - she didn't know what she would do if her childhood friend had admitted that Hanabi was more than just a friend to him. She just knew she'd be crushed when she found out that Hanabi and Hayabusa had an exclusive relationship.

If she still went to Hayabusa's, the assassin would take one look at her and know that there's something on her mind - leading to him probing her to tell him what it is - which just wouldn't end well for her.