July 28th, 2026
At the park - 11:26 PM
Then, as if summoned by fate, a soft, feminine voice sliced through the tension in the air.
"Leave him alone."
The tone wasn't angry. It wasn't loud. But it was calm, resolute, and commanding enough to make every single head turn.
Daigo's words caught in his throat.
The group turned, slowly.
Standing behind them, under the glowing lamp post, was a woman cloaked in mystery and beauty so ethereal she looked almost surreal. Her long, silvery lavender hair shimmered like moonlight. Her soft, porcelain skin contrasted against her elegant, dark ensemble. Her face, concealed with a silver fox mask.
Foxxy...
Japan's finest and most famous idol.
The park went silent. The world went silent.
Behind her, like shadows in formation, stood over a dozen towering, suited bodyguards. Their eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, their postures alert, exuding silent threat.
"W-what the fuck?" Daigo muttered, dumbfounded.
One of the bodyguards stepped forward, voice devoid of emotion. "You are trespassing on Ms. Foxxy's privacy. Leave the area immediately. Ms. Foxxy has an appointment with that man." He pointed at Ian.
Daigo turned back to Ian, confused and suddenly defensive. "What the hell is this? An appointment with him? Are you serious?"
Ian didn't say a word. His eyes were locked with Foxxy. He didn't blink.
"This isn't over," Daigo muttered, venom in his voice. He pointed at Ian. "Don't get too comfortable, loser."
But Ian, despite the threat, merely raised an eyebrow with tired indifference. He was too weary for games.
Daigo huffed and gestured to his friends, but they were frozen in place, mouths slightly agape, admiring Foxxy.
It took several harsh commands from Daigo before the group reluctantly turned and left.
Silence reclaimed the park.
The idol's stare never left Ian.
"Please give us privacy," she said softly.
The guards bowed, then spread out around the park, forming a loose but secure perimeter.
Foxxy slowly walked toward Ian.
Her heels clicked softly against the pavement, but Ian could hear his own heartbeat louder. Something about her presence stirred a strange unease in him. Not fear. Something more subtle. Recognition. Memory.
She stopped just a few feet away. Her voice, velvet soft, carried the faintest tremble.
"Do you want a bed to sleep in tonight?"
Ian blinked. He couldn't believe what he just heard.
"Someone evicted you?" Foxxy asked.
Ian couldn't answer.
He studied her face. That voice. That name. Her presence.
Something was familiar.
But he couldn't place it.
"Why... why would you offer me that?" he finally uttered, cautiously.
Foxxy tilted her head slightly. Her lips curled into a small, melancholic smile. "Because you look like you need one."
Ian's throat tightened. He wanted to argue. He wanted to push her away, like he did with Ruth. He didn't want to owe anyone, especially not someone who could have her own agenda.
"I don't need charity," he said. "And I don't even know you."
Foxxy took a step closer. Not too close. Just enough.
"You will remember me. In time. But for now... let me offer you rest. Just that. Nothing more."
Ian's eyes narrowed slightly. She spoke like she knew him.
"We've met before?" He asked.
"Only you could answer that," she answered, her voice softer. "You had many women in your past and yet, you couldn't remember the one that made you feel.. matter."
The wind rustled the leaves around them. Ian shivered.
His body ached. His heart even more.
He looked down at the villa key still in his coat pocket. Ruth. Now this.
"Why? What do you mean?" he asked, tired. His eyes are failing him.
Foxxy simply answered, "I don't know. I'm asking that myself too."
For a moment, Ian looked at the stars behind her. Then back into her hauntingly familiar eyes.
Something inside him whispered that maybe… just maybe… not all surprises were cursed.
But he didn't trust it.
Not yet.
And still, without saying another word, he slowly stood up, drained, tired and ready to go to bed.
And Foxxy waited.