Chapter 1.2

The night had cooled down, and the rooftop was quieter now, with only a handful of the group still lingering. Most of the snacks had been devoured, the music had lowered to a soft hum, and the energy was settling into a comfortable calm. Johnny stood with Mia near the railing, sharing a soda as they gazed out at the glittering city below.

"Not bad for a graduation party," Johnny said, smirking. "Could've done without the drunk guy, though."

Mia rolled her eyes, though her smile lingered. "Hey, you handled him like a pro. Very knight-in-shining-armor of you."

Johnny chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly how everyone saw it."

"Oh, definitely," Mia teased, nudging him with her elbow. "I'm surprised you didn't demand a duel."

Before Johnny could reply, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed up the staircase leading to the rooftop. He glanced over his shoulder, his relaxed demeanor instantly sharpening into quiet alertness. A man emerged from the shadows, his lean frame and casual swagger giving him an air of confidence that bordered on cocky. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, with messy white hair, a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips, and a long coat that seemed more dramatic than functional.

Mia tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "Who's this guy?"

Johnny's eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't recognize the man, but something about him screamed trouble—the kind that didn't stumble in drunk but walked in with purpose.

"Evening," the man drawled, his voice smooth and slightly raspy. He took a long drag from his cigarette before letting the smoke curl out lazily. His sharp eyes scanned Johnny and Mia before settling on Johnny. "So, you're the one everyone's been talking about, huh?"

Johnny frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The man smirked, clearly amused. "Yeah, sure you don't. The name's Shiro. Fujimoto Shiro. And you…" He gestured vaguely at Johnny. "You've got the look of someone stepping into a world they barely understand."

Mia glanced at Johnny, then back at Shiro. "Okay, cryptic much? Are you some kind of recruiter or something?"

Shiro's smirk widened. "Something like that." His eyes flicked to Johnny again, studying him more closely. "Gotta say, though, the uniform suits you. Didn't think I'd ever see a girl rocking a guy's look so well."

Johnny's jaw tightened, but he kept his expression neutral. "I'm not a girl."

Shiro blinked, his smirk faltering for a split second before he recovered, shrugging casually. "Huh. Well, that's new, for someone with big tits" He leaned against the railing, taking another drag of his cigarette. "Doesn't bother me, though. In fact, kinda makes things more interesting."

Mia's eyes narrowed, her posture shifting slightly closer to Johnny. "You're real charming, aren't you?" she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Shiro chuckled, clearly unfazed. "I get that a lot." He looked at Johnny again, his gaze lingering in a way that made Mia bristle. "So, what's your story, kid? What's got you tangled up in all this?"

"That's none of your business," Johnny said evenly, his voice calm but firm.

Shiro raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough. Just trying to make conversation." He straightened, flicking the remains of his cigarette off the side of the rooftop. "But you'll find out soon enough—this world you're stepping into? It doesn't care who you are or what you've been through. It'll chew you up and spit you out if you're not ready."

Johnny met his gaze, unflinching. "I'll be ready."

Shiro studied him for a moment, then nodded, a hint of respect in his expression. "We'll see." He turned to leave, pausing just long enough to glance back at Mia. "You've got good taste in friends, sweetheart. Try to keep him out of trouble."

Mia's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Shiro disappear down the stairs.

"What a creep," she muttered.

Johnny let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Yeah. But something tells me ill be seeing more of him."

"Great," Mia said dryly. "Can't wait, try not to strangle him."