Prologue : The Beginning

The tranquil neighborhood, where the story of Mahiru Shiina and Amane Fujimiya had begun, was about to be shaken by a tempest of secrets and betrayals.

 Mahiru's mother, Sayo, had never approved of her daughter's association with Amane. To her, he was an undesirable presence in Mahiru's life, a thorn that needed to be plucked. Sayo was a woman of power, and she had no qualms about using her vast wealth to manipulate circumstances to her advantage.

 One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Sayo decided to take matters into her own hands. She used her influence and money to unleash a torrent of trouble upon Amane. Gangsters, hired and directed by her, descended upon him with cruel intent, determined to drive him away from Mahiru's life.

 **Sayo (coldly):** Amane Fujimiya has no place in my daughter's life. Make sure he understands that.

 Unbeknownst to all, Amane Fujimiya harbored a hidden talent—a talent for fighting. He had kept this secret from everyone, even from Mahiru, the girl he loved. With steely determination and skill honed in the shadows, Amane repelled each attacker that Sayo sent his way. He refused to let anyone harm the woman he cherished.

 **Amane (defiantly, to the gangsters):** You think you can scare me away that easily? Think again!

 But as the onslaught continued and his parents, Shuuto and Shihoko, became targets as well, Amane faced a dire crossroads. Fearing for his family's safety, he made a drastic decision. Amane orchestrated his own death, disappearing from the lives of those who cared about him, leaving behind the illusion of his demise.

 **Amane (resolute, in his thoughts):** I have to protect them, even if it means... faking my own death.

 Shuuto and Shihoko Fujimiya, Amane's parents, lived in a different house, far removed from the tumultuous neighborhood. They had never met Mahiru's mother, Sayo, but were unaware of her influence on their son's life.

 **Shihoko (worried, to Shuuto):** Our son, Amane, he's always been so secretive about his life in this neighborhood. I just wish we knew more about it.

 As the news of Amane's supposed death spread through the neighborhood, shockwaves of grief and disbelief rippled through those who knew him. Mahiru was devastated, mourning the loss of the man she loved, while her mother Sayo remained stoic, her intentions hidden behind a façade of sympathy.

 **Mahiru (tearfully):** Amane... how could this happen?

 Shuuto and Shihoko Fujimiya, who had always admired Mahiru from a distance and held a deep affection for her, were heartbroken by the tragedy that had befallen their son. Little did they know that the circumstances surrounding Amane's disappearance were far more complex than they could have imagined.

 **Shuuto (resolute, to Shihoko):** We need to find out what really happened to Amane. And perhaps, it's time we met Mahiru's mother to uncover the truth.

 In the shadow of Amane's apparent demise, secrets, lies, and hidden agendas intertwined, setting the stage for a story that would unravel the depths of love, betrayal, and sacrifice.

 Shuuto and Shihoko Fujimiya had just met with Sayo, Mahiru's mother, and had discovered the shocking truth. Sayo was responsible for orchestrating Amane's supposed death, leaving Mahiru heartbroken and shattered.

 **Shuuto (sternly, to Sayo):** You've caused so much pain to our family. We won't let this go unanswered.

 But Sayo remained unapologetic, her motives hidden behind a mask of indifference.

 **Sayo (coldly):** My daughter deserves better, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that.

 Feeling helpless in the face of Sayo's relentless determination, Shuuto and Shihoko decided to leave, their hearts heavy with concern for Mahiru.

 Outside, the night had fallen, and they made their way back to their home, not knowing that Amane was waiting there, his presence a beacon of hope in the darkness.

 **Shihoko (surprised, to Amane):** Amane, you're alive! But... how?

 Amane, relieved to see his parents safe, quickly explained the truth about faking his own death and his plan to stay hidden until the situation improved.

 **Amane (with determination):** I couldn't let anything happen to you two or Mahiru. I'll be gone for a while, but I promise, when the time is right, I'll come back.

 His parents, although filled with worry, understood the gravity of the situation and agreed to his plan.

 **Shuuto (with resolve):** We'll support you, Amane, no matter what it takes to make things right.

 With a heavy heart, Amane left his parents' home, disappearing into the night once more, leaving behind a trail of secrets, love, and the hope of a brighter future for Mahiru and their families.