Daichi and Hikaru

A Moment to Recover

The battle with Molecule had left everyone exhausted.

The Elements sat near the edge of the mountain, catching their breath, tending to minor wounds.

Daichi, the Element of Earth, leaned against a large boulder, arms crossed, studying Hikaru with a calm expression.

"You're stronger than I expected," Daichi admitted.

Hikaru let out a tired chuckle. "Well, we didn't win that fight, so I wouldn't say that."

Daichi shrugged. "Winning and surviving aren't the same thing."

Hikaru sighed. "Yeah… guess you're right."

There was a brief silence, just the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

Then, unexpectedly, Daichi spoke.

"My lover cheated on me."

Hikaru blinked. "What?"

Daichi let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "I used to live in the city. Had someone I thought I'd spend my life with. Turns out, she didn't feel the same."

Hikaru frowned. "Damn… I'm sorry, man."

Daichi shook his head. "I didn't take it well. Instead of moving on, I left everything behind. Came to the mountains to be alone."

Hikaru leaned back on his hands. "And? Did it help?"

Daichi exhaled. "I don't know. But I do know one thing—running doesn't fix anything."

Hikaru looked up at the sky, letting Daichi's words sink in.

Then, quietly, he muttered, "There's… someone I like too."

Daichi raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Hikaru nodded. "Her name's Mei. She's been my friend for years. She's smart, strong, kind… and way out of my league."

Daichi snorted. "You sound like a coward."

Hikaru glared. "Excuse me?!"

Daichi smirked. "If you love her, then tell her."

Hikaru sighed. "Easier said than done."

Daichi shrugged. "Everything is."

Teshii and Hikari – The Source of His Rage

Hikaru ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.

"And then… there's my sister."

Daichi raised an eyebrow. "Sister?"

Hikaru grumbled. "Yeah. Hikari. My younger twin sister."

Daichi nodded. "And?"

Hikaru clenched his fists. "She's currently on a date."

Daichi blinked. "So?"

Hikaru's eye twitched. "With Teshii."

Daichi frowned. "…Who?"

Hikaru groaned, rubbing his temples. "Teshii. My… absolute menace of a friend."

Daichi remained silent, waiting.

Hikaru took a deep breath. "Imagine someone who is chaotic, reckless, infuriatingly smug, and somehow way too competent for his own good."

Daichi chuckled. "Sounds fun."

Hikaru gritted his teeth. "It's not fun! This man flirts with my sister and now they're on a date! Do you know what that means?!"

Daichi took a sip of water. "That you're going to have a brother-in-law?"

Hikaru choked on air.

"WHAT?!"

Daichi smirked. "You're overreacting."

Hikaru threw his hands in the air. "You sound like Moriya! Nobody sees the problem here!"

Daichi shrugged. "Maybe because there isn't one."

Hikaru groaned. "I hate this conversation."

Daichi chuckled.

Hikaru's Friends – Yami and Aoi

After a few moments, the topic shifted again.

Hikaru leaned back against a rock. "I've also got two childhood friends."

Daichi glanced at him. "More people for you to complain about?"

Hikaru glared. "No. Yami and Aoi are different."

Daichi tilted his head. "Tell me about them."

Hikaru sighed. "Yami's been my best friend since we were kids. He's quiet, sarcastic, and for some reason, super suspicious of Teshii."

Daichi smirked. "Smart guy."

Hikaru continued. "Aoi's his girlfriend. She's studying nursing, super sweet, but crazy protective of Yami."

Daichi nodded. "Sounds like a solid group."

Hikaru exhaled. "Yeah… I just hope I don't mess it all up."

Daichi narrowed his eyes. "You're overthinking again."

Hikaru gave a tired smile. "Yeah. I tend to do that."

Ambush – Molecule Returns

Before Daichi could respond—

The ground shook violently.

But this time—it wasn't Daichi.

A shadow moved rapidly through the trees.

Hikaru's eyes narrowed. "No way—"

A huge figure suddenly expanded, emerging from the fog.

BOOM!

Molecule stood before them, towering in his enlarged state.

"Well, well," Molecule grinned, his voice mocking. "You guys look real cozy."

Daichi stood up slowly, cracking his knuckles.

Hikaru's light flickered in his hands.

Molecule smirked. "Round two?"

The ground trembled beneath them.

And the battle began again.