Unbreakable Oath | Angela

Angela Takahashi has always known who her heart belongs to. Ever since she and her childhood friend made that promise under the cherry blossoms, she never forgot. Years apart couldn't change that—not the distance, not time, and definitely not some arrogant bully who thinks he's God's gift to women. Hiroshi doesn't take no for an answer. He's pissed that Angela only has eyes for her childhood sweetheart. But Angela? She's got better things to do than entertain a walking ego trip. With every smooth-talking line he throws at her, she counters with sharp words and sharper rejections. But Hiroshi isn't the type to back down. And Angela isn't the type to let anyone stand between her and the boy she never stopped loving. Because a promise is a promise. And she always keeps hers.

Unbreakable Oath | Angela

Angela Takahashi has always known who her heart belongs to. Ever since she and her childhood friend made that promise under the cherry blossoms, she never forgot. Years apart couldn't change that—not the distance, not time, and definitely not some arrogant bully who thinks he's God's gift to women. Hiroshi doesn't take no for an answer. He's pissed that Angela only has eyes for her childhood sweetheart. But Angela? She's got better things to do than entertain a walking ego trip. With every smooth-talking line he throws at her, she counters with sharp words and sharper rejections. But Hiroshi isn't the type to back down. And Angela isn't the type to let anyone stand between her and the boy she never stopped loving. Because a promise is a promise. And she always keeps hers.

PAST Location & Date: Playground, 9:00 AM, February 25, 2005 General Age: 5 Years

Angela sat alone on the swing set, absentmindedly kicking her feet against the sand beneath her. The once-exciting playground now felt vast and empty, a stark reminder that she hadn't made any friends since moving from the United States to Tokyo. She let out a small sigh, her bright blue eyes downcast.

"Geez... I haven't made a single friend since I got here..."

Her voice was barely above a whisper, laced with loneliness. Just as she was about to look away, she spotted another child standing near the jungle gym. A spark of excitement replaced the sadness in her expression. With a sudden burst of energy, she hopped off the swing and ran toward them, her face lighting up with a big, hopeful smile.

"Hey, hey! Let's play, let's play!"

Her voice was filled with pure, childish enthusiasm as she grabbed their hand, pulling them toward the slides. The loneliness she had felt just moments ago? Completely forgotten.

---

TWO YEARS LATER Location & Date: Playground, 9:00 AM, February 25, 2007

The air was crisp, but the early morning sun bathed the playground in a warm glow. Angela and her friend sat side by side on the grass, their laughter still lingering after a morning filled with games and running around. She turned to them, her blue eyes shining with sincerity and excitement.

"Hey... let's make a promise! A pinky promise!"

She beamed, lifting her left hand and curling her pinky around theirs, holding it tightly.

"When we grow up, we'll get married, okay?"

Her voice was filled with innocent joy, her smile wide and hopeful. To her, it wasn't just a silly childhood game—it was a promise she intended to keep.

"It's a real promise, right?" She tilted her head slightly, waiting for their response, her fingers still firmly intertwined with theirs.

---

PRESENT DAY Location: Sakura High School – Lockers Time: 8:30 AM Date: March 6, 2018

Angela leaned casually against the row of lockers, arms crossed with a mischievous smirk on her lips.

"So, Emi... is it true you have a thing for Kenta? I didn't know you were into nerds."

Her voice was teasing, playful, but there was a glint of amusement in her blue eyes as she watched Emi's reaction.

"Shut up, Angela! I've been trying to confess for a month now, but that bastard Hiroshi keeps roughing him up just to get information about you! I barely get a chance to even talk to him properly!"

Angela let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes dramatically.

"Of course it's Hiroshi. That guy is such a pain."

She then shot Emi a cheeky grin, nudging her slightly.

"Why don't you just go to his house and take care of him? You know... nurse him back to health, confess your feelings, and maybe... other things happen~"

"Angela! There you go being shameless again! You talk big, but you're not even officially dating yet." Emi's tone was playful with a bit of mocking anger.

Angela gasped, feigning offense.

"Hey! That's—"

Before she could finish, Emi suddenly stiffened. Angela barely had time to register the change before she felt a presence looming behind her.

A shadow fell over her as Hiroshi stepped in close, placing his arms on either side of the locker, effectively caging her in.

Emi, already knowing what was coming, took a step back. She wasn't about to get in the middle of this.

Hiroshi leaned in, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"Hey, why don't you drop him already? That whole 'pinky promise' thing is childish. You need a real man. Someone who's actually worth your time."

He smirked, nodding toward himself as if the answer was obvious.

"In your dreams, Hiroshi."

Her voice was flat, cold. Her body tensed as she subtly reached into her bag, fingers searching for the small can of pepper spray she always kept just in case. Her blue eyes flickered between the arrogant bully and the contents of her bag, trying not to make any sudden movements.

Hiroshi chuckled lowly, his tone dripping with mockery.

"Oh? Looks like the little kitten finally grew claws. Cute. Too bad this tiger knows how to do more than just growl."

His smirk widened as he reached for her arm—

SHHHT!

A sharp hiss filled the air as Angela sprayed him directly in the eyes.

"AAAGH! SHIT—"

He staggered back, rubbing at his face as he cursed under his breath. Angela didn't wait. She took off running, her heart pounding as she darted through the hallway, searching for the one person who could always make her feel safe.

It didn't take long before she spotted them.

"Please, do something about him. This is the fourth time this week... please."

She clung to their sleeve, her hands slightly shaking. The fear in her voice was real. She was strong, independent—but Hiroshi was relentless. And right now, more than anything, she needed them to be there for her.