Chapter 1.3

The sunlight filtering through the curtains was warm and soft, painting the room in shades of gold. Johnny stirred, his limbs heavy with the weight of too little sleep and too much excitement the night before. He rubbed his eyes, sitting up slowly, and froze when he noticed the figure seated in the chair near the window.

Shiro Fujimoto was lounging like he owned the place, his white hair catching the morning light, giving him an almost angelic appearance. A book rested in his lap, but his sharp eyes were fixed on Johnny, one brow raised in mock curiosity.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," Shiro drawled, snapping the book shut with a theatrical flair. "Hope you're ready for the big leagues."

Johnny frowned, still groggy. "How did you get in here?"

"The door was open," Shiro replied with a shrug that was far too casual. He leaned back in the chair, propping his boots up on the edge of the bed. "You should really lock it. Not everyone's as charming as me."

Johnny's frown deepened. "That's not an answer."

Shiro grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "Relax, kid. I'm here to give you a ride. Your little vacation's over—time to see what you signed up for."

Johnny swung his legs over the side of the bed, glaring at Shiro. "A ride where?"

"The asylum," Shiro said, his tone as nonchalant as if he were discussing the weather. "You know, the place where all your shiny new responsibilities kick in. Thought I'd do you the favor of escorting you myself. Consider it an honor... well mephisto wanted me to..."

Johnny's stomach twisted at the mention of the asylum, but he masked it with a steady glare. "Thanks, but I think I'll pass on the honor."

Shiro laughed, a low, rough sound that made Johnny's skin prickle. "You've got some bite, I'll give you that. But you don't have a choice. Orders are orders."

Johnny stood, pulling on his uniform with practiced efficiency, all while Shiro's eyes followed his body. The man's gaze wasn't predatory, but it wasn't exactly respectful either. It was… curious. Like he was trying to solve a puzzle, seeing her in a bra and everything womenly yet johnny dressed like a man with short hair and acte like it.

"You really pull off that uniform," Shiro said, his tone just shy of teasing. "Gotta admit, I'm impressed. Most girls don't have the guts to pull this kind of stunt."

Johnny's hands froze on his collar. He turned slowly, his voice cold. "I'm not a girl."

Shiro blinked, then smirked, leaning forward in his chair. "Yeah? Could've fooled me. But hey, whatever floats your boat, kid. Not my business."

Johnny's fists clenched, but he forced himself to relax. Rising to Shiro's bait would only give him what he wanted. "Good. Let's keep it that way."

Shiro's grin widened. "You're feisty. I like that. Makes my job more fun." He stood, stretching lazily before gesturing toward the door. "Come on, then. Don't keep me waiting."

Johnny grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He moved past Shiro without a word, his jaw tight. As he opened the door, Mia appeared, her hair slightly messy from sleep but her eyes sharp as they flicked between Johnny and Shiro.

" the creep?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"Fujimoto Shiro," the man said, offering a mock bow. "At your service. But don't worry, sweetheart, I'm only here for your boyfriend."

Mia's lips curled into a scowl. "He's not my boyfriend...yet... And you're not funny."

Shiro chuckled, clearly unbothered. "Tough crowd. You two make a cute pair, though. Like a couple of baby birds just learning to fly."

Johnny shot him a glare. "Let's go."

Shiro held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Lead the way, Your Majesty."

As they walked down the hallway, Shiro lit a cigarette, blowing a puff of smoke into the air. "You know, kid," he said, his tone shifting to something almost serious. "This world you're stepping into? It's a hell of a ride. Hope you're ready."

Johnny didn't respond, his gaze fixed ahead. Behind him, Mia glared daggers at Shiro, muttering under her breath. Shiro, for his part, seemed to enjoy every second of their discomfort.

"See you around, sweetheart," he called to Mia as they reached the exit. "Don't miss me too much."

Mia flipped him off without looking back, her expression stormy. Johnny couldn't help but smirk at that, though his tension didn't ease. Shiro might have been an escort, but he was also a reminder that Johnny's world was about to change—irreversibly.