Whispers Across Time – Chapter 3: Shadows of the Past

The note burned in Airi’s hands.

Stay away from him… or history will repeat itself.

Her heart pounded as she reread the words again and again. Who could have left it? And what did it mean by “history”?

Her mind spun with questions, but one truth pressed against her chest—whoever wrote it knew about her and Ren. About the strange bond they shared.

She kept the note hidden, folding it tightly in her pocket as Ren’s voice suddenly called from behind.

“You look pale…" Are you okay?”

Airi turned, startled. Ren was watching her with those unreadable eyes, his expression calm yet searching.

She forced a smile. “Y-yeah, I’m fine. I'm just tired.”

But he didn’t believe her. She could see it in his gaze, in the way his jaw tightened slightly. He didn’t press her, though. Instead, he walked beside her in silence.

It should have felt awkward. But it didn’t. It felt… safe. Too safe.

And that was the problem.

That night, the dreams came again.

This time, it wasn’t blossoms. It was fire. Screams.

Airi’s past self cried out as soldiers dragged her away. Ren’s past self fought desperately, his sword flashing under the moonlight. Blood sprayed across white petals.

She reached for him—

“Ren!”

His hand stretched toward her, but just before their fingers touched, a blade pierced his back. His eyes widened, pain and sorrow flooding them, and he fell to his knees.

“No!” Airi screamed, jolting awake, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Her chest heaved, every breath like broken glass. She had seen it. His death.

And it felt too real to be just a dream.

The next day, she couldn’t face him. Every time she saw Ren in the hallway, her throat closed, her body trembling with the memory of his blood.

But fate didn’t let her run.

After school, rain poured heavily, drenching the streets. Airi hurried with her umbrella, but someone grabbed her wrist, pulling her under the shelter of a tree.

It was Ren. His hair was soaked, droplets sliding down his jaw, but his eyes burned with intensity.

“Why are you avoiding me?” he demanded softly, his voice low, almost pained.

Airi’s lips trembled. “I… I don’t know.”

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “Don’t lie. I can feel it, too. Every time I look at you—it’s like I’ve already lost you once before.”

Her breath caught. His words mirrored the ache in her own soul.

And then, suddenly—he froze. His eyes widened as if something broke inside him.

Images flashed in his mind—blood, swords, her crying face. He staggered back, clutching his head.

“Airi…” His voice cracked. “Why do I… remember you?”

Lightning split the sky, illuminating his trembling figure. His eyes—once calm and unreadable—now glowed with recognition and fear.

And for the first time…Ren remembered

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