"The actress"

August 2nd, 2025

In a British restaurant - 1:08 PM

The delicate clinking of cutlery and soft hum of a string quartet filled the air inside the posh, four-star British restaurant nestled in the heart of Tokyo. Ornate chandeliers cast golden light across marble tables adorned with white linen and silverware polished to perfection.

Foxxy adjusted her silver fox mask slightly, peering across the elegant room, unsure of why Isabelle had suddenly risen from her seat so abruptly.

"She's here." Isabelle happily said, her eyes on the right.

Foxxy looked around.

Then she saw her.

Heads turned as a tall, striking woman entered the restaurant. She moved with both confidence and grace, like someone who commanded attention everywhere she went.

Her blue eyes scanned the room until they landed on Isabelle, and her face immediately softened with a dazzling smile. Her muscled frame and posture screamed military precision, yet her brunette hair fell in soft waves, balancing power with femininity. The aura of a star surrounded her - and for good reason. Foxxy knew exactly who she was.

"Holy shit..." Foxxy whispered under her breath. "That's her."

Isabelle rushed forward, completely disregarding the stares. She threw her arms around the tall woman, hugging her tightly and pressing a kiss to her cheek. The two whispered something inaudible, laughing between the exchange.

As they walked back toward the table, Isabelle beamed.

"Foxxy, I'd like you to meet my fiancée, Madison Hart."

Madison gave a warm but intrigued smile, her gaze momentarily lingering on Foxxy's mask. "Pleasure to meet you. Gotta say, the mask - pretty bold."

Foxxy offered a half-smile beneath it. "It's not for fashion. It's who I am."

"Fair enough," Madison nodded, settling into her seat beside Isabelle. "Mystery has its charm."

Isabelle took her fiancée's hand under the table and asked, "How was your flight?" Her voice practically glittered with joy.

"Exhausting," Madison exhaled. "I just wrapped up a night shoot for the new action flick. Director's a perfectionist. Twenty takes for one explosion."

"Ugh, you poor thing," Isabelle said, eyes full of sympathy.

"It's worth it," Madison replied, then turned to Foxxy. "Hope you don't mind me crashing your lunch."

"Not at all," Foxxy said. "It's... interesting. Watching you two is like watching a movie scene come to life."

Isabelle laughed, then leaned toward Foxxy. "Told you she was beautiful."

"Beautiful and famous," Foxxy said. "She's a living action figure."

Madison chuckled. "Don't believe the hype. Half of it is CGI."

Then they shared stories about travels and upcoming performances, the warmth at the table grew.

Near a convenient store - 8:57 PM

The cold wind cut through the small alley near the 7-Eleven, ruffling Ian's jacket. He stood in front of the ATM, the screen casting a pale glow on his tired face.

A single bag sat by his feet. Inside were the only things that mattered now - his passport, a few IDs, and enough clothes to last a few days.

He stared at the screen.

Balance: 49, 789 Japanese Yen

Just enough for a one-way flight back to South Carolina.

With a sigh, Ian withdrew the cash, gripping the bills tightly.

He was finally doing it. He was leaving Ruth, the craziness, the obsession, the madness - all of it. Gone.

That was his choice. He wanted peace, so he will chase it.

Until he heard it.

That fucking voice.

a familiar laugh rang out.

Ian turned his head sharply. The door to the convenience store opened, and out walked Daigo, flanked by two friends. He was laughing obnoxiously, a cigarette in hand.

Ian quickly hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and tried to walk the other way.

"Hey! Ian!" Daigo called, his voice slurred with cocky malice.

Ian stopped. Took a deep breath. Turned.

"What now, Daigo?" he asked, slightly annoyed.

Daigo's eyes flicked to the cash in Ian's hand. A smirk formed.

"Well, well. Looks like you just got rich. Hand it over."

"Not today," Ian muttered. "Fuck off."

Daigo raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? I could kill you right here and dump your body behind the dumpster."

Ian began to turn, uninterested.

Then...

CRACK!

Daigo suckered punch Ian.

The sucker punch hit Ian clean in the jaw, sending him stumbling backward into the alley wall. His bag hit the pavement.

Daigo chuckled. "Get his cash."

One of Daigo's friends strutted toward Ian, picked up the money, and waved it mockingly in front of his face.

"Thanks, loser."

Then....

Something inside Ian snapped.

He launched forward, grabbing the thug by the neck and slamming him into the pavement.

Before anyone could react, Ian's fist connected with the guy's jaw, knocking him out cold.

Daigo took a step back. "What the fuck?!"

Ian retrieved his cash and stood slowly. The remaining three stared at him.

He raised his fists, taking a proper stance

- shoulders squared, knees bent. Boxing stance. His breaths slow, eyes calm. But something was different. Cold. Steely.

"I should've done this a long time ago," Ian said.

Daigo snarled. "Get his ass!"

The two remaining thugs charged at Ian.