HeartBeats - Ruka Sarashina (Kanojo, Okarishimasu)

My name is Ryo Murata, you can just call me Ryo, and I'm 21 years old. I study at Nerima University, where I major in Mechanical Engineering. I'm known for being a serious and dedicated young man, both in my studies and at work.

I'm a young man with a somewhat... distinguished appearance, reflecting my mixed-race heritage. My skin color is a bit darker than the typical Japanese skin, a result of the combination of my Japanese and Latin American ancestry. My black hair is thick and usually kept short. On the corner of my chin, there's a small scar, and my eyes are dark and expressive.

I work as a bartender at a local bar, along with my best friend, Hiroshi Nakamura. - "Hiroshi, I have three orders here for you..." - I would say to him.

"Sure, sure... It's too hard to serve customers while talking to the brunette..." - Hiroshi would say, talking to his girlfriend on the phone.

Hiroshi and I met in our first year of university, and ever since then, we've been inseparable. He is a laid-back guy, always in a good mood and with an incredible ability to talk to customers, making everyone feel at ease. I, on the other hand, am more reserved, but I believe our partnership works well precisely because of this difference in personalities.

"What would the couple like to order?" - Hiroshi would say with a forced smile.

Hiroshi is a tall young man, standing out for his imposing stature. His blond hair is a striking feature, especially because of the two separate bangs that frame his face. His eyes are clear and attentive, complementing his distinguished appearance. He has a confident and friendly posture, reflecting an outgoing and welcoming personality.

At the bar, I take responsibility for preparing drinks, while Hiroshi usually takes care of direct customer service. I learned the art of being a bartender through a course I took last summer, and since then, I have been improving more and more. I like to try new recipes and perfect the classics. There's something special about seeing the satisfaction on customers' faces when they taste a well-made drink.

Although work and studies take up a lot of my time, I always try to find moments to relax. I like to read books about engineering and technology, and sometimes Hiroshi and I go out to explore new bars and restaurants in Tokyo. He always encourages me to be more sociable, and little by little, I'm learning to open up to people more.

While we were working that night, a girl came into the bar. She seemed a little downcast and chose one of the high stools at the bar, right in front of where we serve drinks.

I've never been a sociable person, but something told me to talk to her. "She doesn't look like she's of legal age…" Judging by the school uniform she was wearing, she looked under 18, which immediately caught our attention.

From my perspective, the girl who came into the bar looked fragile and vulnerable. When she sat down at the bar, I could tell right away that something was bothering her. Her school uniform indicated that she was still very young.

"Poor thing..." - I said to myself.

Her shoulders were slightly hunched, as if she were carrying an invisible weight. Her eyes, although large and expressive, were shadowed by a deep sadness. She avoided eye contact, looking down or at the counter most of the time. There was something in the way she nervously fidgeted with her fingers, twirling a lock of hair or tracing imaginary lines on the wood of the counter, that showed how distraught she was.

I approached the girl with the typical welcoming smile that bartenders usually have. - "Hello young lady, would you like to order something?"

This action even startled Hiroshi, seeing that his friend did not usually speak to his customers. A small flash of relief in her eyes, but the hesitation was still there. Her smile, when it appeared, was weak and brief, but enough to realize that she appreciated the kindness.

She answered in a soft, almost inaudible voice: "I just wanted a quiet place to rest a little..." - she said looking down.

I just nodded and walked away from the counter, deciding to avoid her for a while. I was washing some dishes and glasses. I couldn't help but glance at the girl with her head down.

Something told me to help, even if it was something very simple... That's when I had an idea. In this bar, we have a policy that when we reach a certain number of visitors, we can handpick one person who doesn't have to pay for their orders.

But of course, the customers will only find out that they won't have to pay after they've eaten or drunk something. The bar was especially busy that day and that's when I put my plan into action.

I approached Hiroshi and looked at him with determination. He saw the change in my expression and said: "Have you chosen who will be today's lucky person?"

I secretly pointed at the sad girl. Hiroshi just nodded. - "So you're going to make the classic?" - the guy said smiling.

"Of course I will, damn it!" - he said cheerfully.

Hiroshi left the counter to serve other customers. - "Make it non-alcoholic, brother..." - smiling slightly.

I nodded. I went to the bar and started preparing a special drink. I picked up some fresh fruit. Strawberries, lemons and oranges and started mixing them with a little apple juice and grenadine syrup. I added ice and decorated the glass with an orange slice and a sprig of mint.

While I prepared the drink, I watched the girl. She seemed lost in her thoughts, her eyes fixed on the wooden counter. When I finished, I placed the glass in front of her.

She has short, brown hair that is slightly wavy at the ends. Her eyes are big and blue. Her delicate features contrasted with the heavy expression on her face. I noticed she had a little blue bow on her head, like bunny ears. Her dark hair was short, but a few loose strands framed her face, giving her an even more melancholic look.

"Here you go!" - I said, trying to be as welcoming as possible. - "A special fruit cocktail for you."

The half-robotic girl seemed to come out of her trance and turned to me, confused. - "Um... But I... I didn't order anything..." - she said kindly as she declined the order.

I just turned around with a slight smile on my face. - "On the house... Oh, and no alcohol." - I said, moving away from the girl.

At first, the girl seemed reluctant to try the drink. She looked at the glass hesitantly, her empty eyes reflecting the hopelessness she felt. For a moment, I thought she was just going to thank me and not drink, but then she sighed deeply and brought the glass to her lips, taking a small sip.

"Come on... Just one sip." - I said, observing discreetly

I watched closely the transformation that followed. Her lips, previously tense, relaxed as the flavor of the drink spread throughout her mouth. Her eyes, previously dark and distant, began to shine with a new light. It was as if the combination of fresh flavors and the attention we had devoted to the preparation had lit a spark inside her.

She took another sip, this time more confidently, and I saw a slight blush rise on her cheeks. It was as if the drink had broken an invisible barrier, allowing a little joy and surprise to penetrate through the cloud of sadness that enveloped her. Yumi slowly turned to me, and when our eyes met, she blushed even more, her eyes shining with a newfound emotion.

"It's... it's delicious!" - she said, her voice trembling slightly. - "Thank you."

Her sincere thanks took me by surprise, and for a moment, I didn't know what to say. Then I smiled back, feeling a wave of satisfaction. - "I'm glad you liked it." - I replied.

She took a few more sips, each one seeming to bring more color to her face and more life to her eyes. The transformation was remarkable. That girl who had come into the bar carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders now seemed to be allowing herself to feel a little joy.

Hiroshi, noticing the change, approached the girl. - "See, girl? Ryo is a master, even the non-alcoholic ones." - he joked, winking at me.

She laughed, a soft and shy sound, but it filled the room with an unexpected lightness. - "You two are very kind..." - she said, looking at Hiroshi and then at me. - "I really needed that today."

"We're here to help." - Hiroshi replied, always the most outgoing among us. - "Anything you need, just say the word."

When the girl turned to me and our eyes met, my smile seemed to touch something deep inside her. Her face, already slightly flushed from the effect of the drink, got even redder. I noticed that she was visibly moved, an expression of surprise and gratitude shining in her eyes.

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but quickly closed it, looking away and biting her lower lip in an attempt to hide her emotion. Her fingers trembled nervously on the counter, as if trying to find an outlet for what she was feeling.

"Is everything okay?" I asked softly, worried that perhaps we had crossed some line without meaning to.

The girl gave a small nod, still avoiding my gaze. "Yes, it's... it's okay. I just... I need to go now." Her voice was a little shaky, but firm. She quickly finished her drink and stood up, adjusting her uniform almost mechanically.

Before I could respond, she left the counter and bowed quickly. "Thank you again. That was very kind of you."

Hiroshi tried to intervene, perhaps wanting to prolong the positive interaction, but the girl was already moving toward the door. As she passed me, her eyes met mine for a brief second, and I saw a mix of gratitude and something deeper... perhaps a silent promise that this moment meant more than words could ever express.

She left the bar, leaving behind an echo of her presence. The silence that followed was filled with a sense of accomplishment and a slight worry. "I hope she's okay..." I murmured, more to myself than to Hiroshi.

My friend put his hand on my shoulder and said, "She'll be..." Hiroshi replied, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Sometimes all someone needs is a little gesture to remind them that they're not alone in the world."

The next night, the bar was quieter, as usual. I was at the bar, organizing some bottles, when the door opened and the girl from yesterday walked in.

She was trying to hide a serious expression on her face, but when our eyes met, her face immediately flushed.

I smiled at her, remembering the night before. She hesitated for a moment, but then walked over to the bar and sat down in the same spot as before. Before I could say anything, she turned to me and asked. - "I would like the same drink as yesterday, please!" - speaking lightly.

"Sure." - I replied, starting to prepare the drink. As I mixed the ingredients, I felt the girl's eyes fixed on me, and I couldn't help but feel a certain anticipation in the air.

After that, she started to show up at the bar more often. Day after day she would show up and order the same drink I made for her that day.

But there was one day that was different. I was preparing the same drink as always and when I finished, I placed the glass in front of her with a smile. - "Here you go, young lady. I hope you like it as much as last time."

She took the glass, but instead of drinking it right away, she held my hand. Her grip was firm, but her fingers were shaking slightly. Before I could react, the girl with the blue ribbons took a deep breath and, in a loud and determined voice, shouted: "Would you... like to go out with me?!"

The entire bar stopped. All eyes turned to us, and I could feel the weight of the collective attention. Even Hiroshi, who was serving another customer, gaped at me with an expression of surprise and curiosity.

For a moment, I was paralyzed. I had never imagined she would do something like that, especially after seeing how shy and reserved she seemed to be. The blush on her face was more intense than ever, but her eyes were fixed on mine, full of hope.

"No, sorry... I can't go out with an underage girl." - I politely refused.

After this answer, I saw her face turn redder, but this time with embarrassment. - "I-I... I'M NOT AN UNDERAGE!" - She was justifying herself.

That doubt stuck in my mind. - "Isn't it?!"

"I'll show you!" - she showed me her ID card and she wasn't lying. She was 18 years old. - "This is my last year in high school!"

Hiroshi crept up and looked at the girl's ID card. - "Ruka Sarashina, August 26, 2000... It's 2018... Yeah, she really is 18 years old." - Hiroshi said.

My friend approached me and whispered: "Come on, man! I know you're still not in the mood to get back into a relationship because of your ex, but you can't let that get you down!" - I pushed him slightly to the side.

I took a deep breath, knowing I needed to be careful with my answer. - "Miss Sarashina, I apologize for treating you like a child, but I still can't accept your request... Right now, I'm very focused on my studies and work, and I don't think it would be fair to start something that I couldn't give you the attention you deserve... I hope you don't feel bad about it." - I said as I spoke as neutrally as possible.

She was visibly disappointed, her eyes shining with a mixture of sadness and understanding. She slowly let go of my hand. - "I understand..."

"I'm sorry..." - I replied, feeling a pang in my heart when I saw the disappointment on her face.

She quickly finished her drink and stood up, adjusting her uniform in an almost mechanical way. Before leaving, she left a small tip on the counter and bowed quickly before leaving.

As she walked away, Hiroshi approached, realizing the situation. - "We've lost another customer..."

"I... I feel like I'm not ready yet..." - I replied, still feeling the weight of the interaction. - "I hope she's okay."

"...I understand... But we have to keep working, right?..." - Hiroshi said, with an encouraging smile.

I went back to my monotonous work. That strange feeling was still pulsing in my chest, I didn't know what to feel, but I decided to ignore it for the moment.

After my shift at the bar, I closed the place with Hiroshi and we started walking together to the train station. The night was cool, with a light breeze that helped to clear my thoughts. The city lights shone around us, creating a familiar and comforting scene.

"Are you okay, Ryo?" - Hiroshi asked, looking at me with concern.

"Yes..." - I replied, giving him a false, calm smile. - "It was just a little more intense than usual."

He nodded, understanding.

"I just hope that girl understands." - he walked a little down

After we said goodbye at the station, I took the train to my stop and started walking to my apartment. The journey back was short, but it gave me time to reflect on the day.

I arrived at my building and climbed the stairs to the third floor, where I live. My apartment is small but comfortable, just what I need for a college student who also works as a bartender.

Opening the door, I was greeted by the comforting silence of my home. I let out a sigh and took off my shoes, leaving them in the entryway. The apartment was tidy, with my engineering books stacked on the table and a few notebooks open next to my laptop. I walked into the kitchen, got a glass of water, and sat on the couch, trying to process the day's events.

It was then that I heard a soft knock on the door next door. My sister, Aiko, lives in the apartment next door. She is two years younger and studies at the same university, majoring in biology. We have a close relationship, and we are always there for each other.

"Ryo, are you home?" - I heard her voice from the hallway.

"Yes, I am. Come in." - I replied, knowing that she had the key to my apartment.

The door opened and Aiko walked in, carrying a plate covered with a plastic lid. - "I brought you some curry I made today. I thought you might be hungry."

Aiko shares many similar traits with me, reflecting our mixed-race heritage. Her skin is a bit darker, similar to mine, due to her mix of Japanese and Latin American ethnicities. However, Aiko stands out with her long, white hair, which cascades down her back, creating a striking contrast with her deep, dark eyes. She has an elegant and mysterious presence.

"You always know what I need..." - I said, accepting the dish with a smile. - "Thanks, Aiko."

"You're welcome!" - she replied, sitting down next to me on the couch. - "You seem thoughtful. Did something happen at the bar today?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of the day finally settle. - "Yeah, a little. A girl, she asked me out. It was a little... unexpected."

Aiko's eyes widened. - "Wow, that must have been intense... What did you say to her?"

"I politely declined. I explained that I'm too focused on my studies and work. I don't think it would be fair to start something now."

She nodded, understanding. - "You did the right thing, Ryo. This isn't a good time... After what that slut of an ex of yours did to you." - my sister said as she looked at my scar on the corner of my chin.

"I hope so..." - I said, grabbing a spoon and starting to eat the curry. "I just hope she understands."

Aiko smiled and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She'll understand. And if you need someone to talk to, I'm here, little brother."

"I know. Thanks, Aiko." - We spent the rest of the night talking about trivial things, laughing and sharing stories from our day.

Having Aiko around always brought me a sense of comfort and normalcy. When I finally said goodbye to her and got ready for bed, I felt a renewed sense of calm.

As I lay down on my bed, my thoughts briefly returned to Ruka. I sincerely hoped that she would find happiness and understanding.

The next night, after closing the bar with Hiroshi, I decided to walk home alone. The Tokyo night breeze was refreshing and helped clear my mind. It had been a long day, but I felt good about the work I had done. The streets were relatively quiet, with few passersby hurrying back to their homes.

As I walked, I saw a scene that made me stop. A girl was being harassed by a visibly drunk guy. He was being insistent, trying to get closer to her in an inappropriate way, while she tried to back away, clearly uncomfortable and scared. The light from a street lamp illuminated her face and, to my surprise, I recognized Ruka Sarashina.

"Come on, just a little kiss..." - he said, with an unpleasant laugh. Ruka, trying to keep her composure, firmly refused, but he didn't seem willing to listen.

Without a second thought, I walked quickly towards them. - "Hey, honey, there you are!" - I said, putting an arm around Ruka's shoulders. - "Sorry I'm late, I was just finishing my shift at the bar."

The man looked at me, surprised and irritated. -"Who the hell are you?"

"I'm... HER BOYFRIEND!" - I replied firmly, looking him straight in the eye. - "And I suggest you get out of here... Now!"

Ruka blushed deeply, but said nothing, moving closer to me, as if seeking protection. The man stared at us for a moment, clearly confused and irritated, but finally stepped back, mumbling something inaudible before disappearing into the darkness.

When he was gone, I loosened my arm around Ruka and looked at her. - "Are you okay?"

She nodded, still visibly shaken. - "Thank you, Ryo. You saved me."

"No need to thank me..." - I said, trying to comfort her. - "What are you doing here at this hour?"

She hesitated for a moment before answering. - "I... am a rental girlfriend."

That took me by surprise. - "Rental... girlfriend?"

"Yes." - Ruka said, looking a little embarrassed. - "It's a job I do to earn money. But sometimes... well, situations like this happen."

I saw that she was downcast, which only increased my concern. - "Do you want to go back to the bar? We can talk there and you can relax a little."

Ruka looked at me, surprised. - "But isn't the bar already closed?"

"Yes, it is. But I can make an exception for today." - I answered with a smile. - "Let's go."

We walked back to the bar in silence. I opened the door and turned on the lights, creating a more welcoming atmosphere. - "Sit wherever you want." I told her, going to the counter and starting to prepare a special non-alcoholic drink, like the one I made the first time she came.

Ruka sat on the same stool as before, still a little shy. While preparing the drink, I tried to start a conversation. - "So, being a  rental girlfriend... must be a hard job."

She sighed. - "Yeah, it's hard sometimes. But it helps pay the bills. And some people really benefit from having someone to talk to and spend time with."

I handed her the drink and sat down on the other side of the bar. - "I understand. But if you're going through dangerous situations, maybe you should reconsider. Your safety is important."

She took a sip of her drink and smiled slightly. - "You're right..."

As she drank, I saw a small blue heart on her chest. - "What a pretty pendant," she said as I turned my back to her.

"Pendant?"

I had my back to her and suddenly, I felt a shiver run down my spine. I turned quickly, expecting to see Ruka smiling as always. But she wasn't there. The table was empty, her chair pushed aside.

"Ruka?" - I called after her, my voice echoing slightly in the empty bar. There was no answer.

I scanned the bar with my eyes, searching for any sign of her. - "Ruka, where did you go?" - I try to remain calm, but my concern begins to grow. I walk towards the exit, thinking that she might have gone out for some fresh air, but the door is locked. I pull the handle repeatedly, but it doesn't budge.

"This doesn't make any sense... I didn't even lock it!" - I mutter to myself. The place suddenly seems deserted.

"Ruka!" - I shout again, feeling the despair growing.

Then, I hear a strange sound, like a distant whisper. I turn and see a figure materializing in the dark corner of the bar. It is an ethereal presence, almost transparent, but with a vague shape resembling some exotic animal. The figure floats slightly above the floor, its eyes glowing with an eerie light.

"W-Who are you?" - I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

The figure smiles, a smile that doesn't reach its eyes. - "I am Prelest, a Spirit..." - the figure says, its voice echoing as if it were coming from very far away. - "And you, Murata Ryo, are trapped here..."

"What? Where is Ruka? What have you done to her?" - I demand, my voice tinged with anger and fear.

Prelest laughs, a cold, empty sound. - "Your precious Ruka is safe... for now. But you need to hurry..."

"What will happen to her?" - I ask, trying to buy time while I think of a way out of this situation.

"Find out before time runs out..." - Prelest replies, his eyes shining even brighter. - "In this world, nothing is what it seems. Your perceptions will be tested. Your mind will be challenged. If you can win, Ruka will be yours again. But if you fail..."

He doesn't finish the sentence, but the meaning is clear. - "I'm ready..." I say, trying to sound confident. - "What do I need to do?"

Prelest is still there, floating, with an enigmatic look on his face. - "You must recreate the first drink you made for Ruka. Only then will you be able to truly set her free."

I remember that moment clearly. It was a quiet evening. I wanted to impress her, to show her that I could do something special. That's when I created a unique cocktail, a mix of citrus fruits and a touch of cherry liqueur, a sweet and refreshing drink, perfect for her.

I walk over to the counter and find all the necessary ingredients. Prelest watches silently as I get to work. I grab a cocktail shaker and add fresh lime juice, a splash of orange and strawberry juice, and then the cherry liqueur. I add a shot of ice, shaking the mixture vigorously. I pour the contents into a tall glass, garnishing it with a lime wedge and a cherry on top. I add ice and garnish the glass with an orange wedge and a sprig of mint.

I look down at the drink, remembering Ruka's smile when she first tasted it. - "Here you go!" - I say, handing the glass to Prelest. He takes the drink, studying it for a moment before nodding.

"That's it." - he says. - "But there's one last thing you need to know."

Before I can ask what it is, Prelest raises a hand, and a blue light begins to emanate from Ruka's chest. She looks down in surprise, as a small blue heart beats faster and faster.

"What is this?" - I ask, worried.

Prelest sighs. - "Ruka was born with an irregular heartbeat. Her heart was never strong enough to sustain her properly. The only reason she has survived... But everything has a price."

"Price? What price?" - I question, feeling the fear rising again.

"To save her, Ryo, you must make her forget about you..." - Prelest says, his voice deep. - "The emotional bond you share is draining the strength of her heart. If it continues like this, she will not survive. But if she forgets about you, her heart will regain the strength it needs to live."

I feel a lump in my throat. The thought of Ruka forgetting about me is devastating. Every little moment they spent together at the bar would be completely erased. But the alternative is even worse. If I don't do this, Ruka will not survive.

I look at her, her eyes shining with a mixture of confusion and fear. - "Ryo, what's going on?" - she asks.

I take a deep breath, trying to find strength. - "Nothing happened... Just drink a little." - I say to myself, forging a smile.

She is drinking my drink made especially for her. She smiles, a sad and sweet smile, and then the blue light completely envelops her. For a moment, she shines brightly, and then the light disappears, taking with it all the memories Ruka had of me.

When she is about to fall to the ground, unconscious, I end up grabbing her body before touching the ground. Her blue heart is beating regularly.

The environment seems to have returned to normal and that thing has disappeared too. Ruka starts to wake up, blinking confused. I look at her, feeling a deep pain in my heart, but also a sense of peace. She is alive, and that is what matters.

She looks at me, her eyes not recognizing who I am. - "What happened? Where am I?"

I smile, trying to hide the pain in my chest. - "You're safe now. You had fainted in front of my bar. I'll call someone to help you."

"Um... Thanks! But I'm going now." - Ruka said.

A few minutes passed and Ruka was already gone. Each step is an effort, but I know I did the right thing. Even if she doesn't remember me, I'm still happy. And that, I hope, will be enough for me.

I walked alone, still with my head down, but I feel like I had done the right thing to do. But that creature... It was really strange.

"Prelest, huh..... What a strange day..."

End of Prologue.