The sun beat down relentlessly over the crowd of fans. He fanned himself with a flyer he was handed by one of the promoters. The backpack over his right shoulder felt heavier and heavier and his back felt stickier and stickier. His hand felt like it weighed tons as he lifted it up to brush away drops of sweat coming from the side of his face. It felt like eons since he last budged from his current spot in line.

‘I hate global warming.’

Summer, in Tokyo. He had read that it would be especially hellish this year and indeed, it was living up to its reputation and his gloomy expectations. The air felt humid and the heat was far beyond what he had experienced back home in the states. It didn’t help that he was standing in a line that resembled all too well of a snake with a million folds. The body heat and the stench of a mixture of body odor, sweat, and dirt surrounding him made the experience that much more unbearable.

Kaze let out a deep sigh and swore in his mind that if they ran out by the time he got to the front, he would step on someone’s foot. After all, with his height, what more damage can he do? As if his pug-like face could not look any sadder, he slowly trudged through the line. Every step he took, a bit of hope escaped from his heart.

Nevertheless, it was his dream to come to Tokyo and he finally made it. The day he heard about his acceptance into Tokyo University as a Biomedical Engineer still felt surreal. But he knew. After all those years of reading her online news, buying her DVDs, and secretly envying his friend for having attended her  Live Castle 2011 King’s Night concert, he finally has the chance to get up close with the girl of his dreams, Nana.

Kaze took in a deep breath and held it. He straightened his back and stood just a tiny bit taller at the thought of what’s to come at the end of the line. He’s been here since dawn and it’s been 5 hours already. Surely fate wouldn’t be so unkind to this poor dedicated soul.

Suddenly, beneath his feet a slow tremor passed through the Earth. Everyone acted normally as if they felt nothing. He looked around in confusion but couldn’t see anything other the towering fans surrounding him. He thought to himself, ‘This is what Eren must feel like...’

He cocked his head and concluded that it must’ve just been his stomach. Realizing that he hadn’t eaten in hours stole away what little hope the thought of Nana had brought him.

The seconds ticked on by and the line didn’t look any closer. Kaze tried jumping to see how many more heads are in front of him but his efforts were all in vain. One, you can barely even tell there’s a line anymore and two, well, he could only jump so high. He glanced at the watch bound to his write both by strap and by sweat. It was already 2PM. He was feeling weak to the knees but it’s ok. For the sake of Nana, anything is possible and miracles do happen!

“Ah… we’re deeply sorry for all the fans out there but we are ALL OUT of TM Revolution and Nana posters and Nana has another engagement to attend to! Thank you very much for all your support and please keep believing in Nana!”
Groans and angry curses whizzed by Kaze’s ears but he barely took in any of it. The words, “all out” rang over and over again in his ears. His face went pale and all the strength got sucked out of him.

He collapsed on his knees. Tired from hunger, tired from standing, and above all, tired from hanging onto a hopeless dream to meet Nana in person. He knelt there in line as people dispersed into the bustling streets of Tokyo. Finally, he saw the front of the CD store. Salespeople were packing up tables and rolling up posters. Kaze sighed and slowly picked himself up. He looked longingly at the chair where Nana must’ve sat, gracing fans with her signature smile.
He turned around to leave and gave in to reality. Nana left.

Another autograph event, another wasted day. Is fate really that cruel? A zero chance encounter? Kaze was slowly coming to believe that it was true.