image [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPnHw26XEAAOKz0?format=jpg&name=small] The shrill sound of the alarm pulls me abruptly from sleep. I groan in irritation, fumbling to hit the button to silence it. Even after it stops, the sound lingers in my ears. I really need to think about changing that ringtone. Why is it always so hard to get up in the morning? Still drowsy, I rub my eyes and slowly sit up in bed. The first rays of sunlight filter through the curtains, faintly illuminating my room.
I live alone in a small apartment in the heart of Sokatsu City, in the student district. My room is modest, with shelves full of books and electronic gadgets that I tinker with myself. The corner desk takes up a large part of the room, and my computer, one of the most advanced technologically (especially with the modifications I’ve made), is equipped with four screens for working on different projects simultaneously. Eventually, I decide to get up, stretching to shake off the lethargy from my body. My morning routine starts with a cold shower, because I know that without it, I won't be fully awake. The icy water on my skin invigorates me. Then comes the coffee.
In my living room, a large couch occupies much of the space, along with a state-of-the-art TV that I barely ever turn on. It's a bit messy, sure, but it's an organized mess. Besides, the cleaning system takes care of the excess clutter.
Arriving in my kitchen nook, the machine has already prepared my coffee. Cup in hand, I head toward the bay window. Being on the 25th floor, the top of my building, I have a decent view of the surroundings. Having the fortune of being among the students with access to higher education, my residence is a bit above average.
The coffee, though bitter, offers a comforting sensation. Yet I can’t help but think that the intense dreams from last night have drained my energy again. I try to recall the details of the dream: a fiery landscape, desperate screams… but it all seems blurry, like a painting smeared with diluted colors. These images cling to my mind, but each time I try to grasp them, they slip through my fingers. “It’s just a dream,” I tell myself, trying to push the unsettling thoughts away. Still, a sense of unease lingers, like a weight on my shoulders.
I scribble fragments of my dream onto a sheet of paper, without much success. There are now many, all piled in a corner of my desk. I finish my coffee in silence, lost in thought.
The fog begins to dissipate over the city, creating a mysterious and peaceful atmosphere. I love this morning mist that slips between the buildings, giving the city a heavy aura. Each night, a thick mist spreads across the area. It obscures movements, making nighttime outings easier and fooling the surveillance systems, which are not infallible. It’s a unique characteristic that gives the city an air of mystery and fosters clandestine activities.
As I finish getting ready for the day, my eyes land on my phone lying on the table, an ultra-thin model with multiple holographic functions—a standard in Sokatsu City. Here, technology is everywhere, integrated into every aspect of daily life.
Keys in my pocket, I leave my apartment. I choose to walk to the institute, as always. I prefer walking and enjoying the unique atmosphere of Sokatsu City. As I wander through the streets, I pass a levitating bus gliding silently above the road, a reflection of the technological advancements that define the city. Magnetic levitation trains zip above the streets, connecting the different districts in the blink of an eye. Green spaces are a priority here; we’re constantly reminded to contribute to the well-being of our beloved students, the future of our city, according to the leaders. But it’s pleasant, because in other parts of the city, it’s not the case.
On my way to the institute, I’m obsessed with that strange dream that continues to trouble me. I try to convince myself that it’s nothing more than a product of my imagination, maybe the result of accumulated stress. Yet, part of me remains wary, as if my subconscious is trying to warn me about something.
Upon arrival, I join my class and take my usual seat. The walls of the amphitheater are pristine white, almost clinical, characteristic of the classrooms. The murmurs of the other students fill the room as everyone prepares for the start of class. The whispers blend together, creating a sort of continuous hum. As usual, as soon as I enter the room, the students’ eyes land on me, filled with a disdain I hardly pay attention to.
Sitting in my seat, I begin to doze off while waiting for the exam to start, despite the noise from the others. The amphitheater is huge, and every sound reverberates in the silence. Suddenly, someone shakes me roughly. The sudden, almost violent contact pulls me back to reality with a slight dizziness.
A classmate, Kin, approaches me with a warm smile. Despite myself, she’s become a friend since we met last year. Her light brown hair cascades over her shoulders, framing her smiling face—a bit too cheerful for me, but that’s just my perspective as someone detached and somewhat bitter. Her eyes sparkle behind her glasses, giving her a constant look of curiosity. I wonder why she insists on wearing glasses, especially now that technology allows for more practical vision correction.
As Kin pushes her glasses up with a familiar gesture, I can’t help but remember our first meeting.
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It was that same gesture she made that day, during our first encounter, almost a year ago now. That same nonchalant movement, pushing her glasses up her nose, marked the beginning of our unusual friendship.
She had surprised me by asking this question, without any preamble.
Kin — "Hey, are you good at applied physics?"
I had looked up from my paper, surprised by her question. Why did she want to know that? I had never seen this girl before. Naturally, I was wary of people who imposed themselves on me like that.
Rin — "Uh... why?"
I had tried to hide my reluctance, but it was difficult. She had no idea how much effort I was making not to just ignore her.
Kin, with a smile that seemed to completely disregard my hesitation, had responded with disarming simplicity.
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Kin — "Because I need help. Can I sit here, right?"
There was something about the way she spoke, a kind of quiet confidence that had caught me off guard. I had hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. I didn’t really like people intruding on my personal space, but she didn’t seem to care. Finally, I had just nodded.
Rin — "...Yeah, I guess it’s free."
She had sat down next to me without waiting for my response, placing her things down with a disconcerting ease. I had looked away, still uncomfortable with the sudden proximity.
Kin — "You’re pretty quiet, huh? I’m Kin Stornello. And you?"
I remembered hesitating again. It wasn’t in my nature to give my name to strangers. But she had a way of asking questions that made it hard to stay distant.
Rin — "...Rin. Rin Pawaa."
I had answered, slightly averting my gaze, still unsure of this new dynamic that had suddenly imposed itself on my day.
I notice my neighbor, Kin, discreetly squirming, casting furtive glances at my paper. Her clumsy attempts to copy without being caught by the professor are almost endearing. She’s trying her best to hide her actions, but her rushed movements give her away. Part of me finds the situation amusing. Her tactics are as transparent as clear water, and I wonder how long she’ll last before the professor catches on.
Rin — "Here..."
With a slight smirk, I subtly shift my sheet so she can copy without drawing attention. I’m not sure why I’m doing this. Maybe because she’s managed to break, in a way, the barrier I put between myself and others. Or maybe it’s simply because I find a certain amusement in watching her desperate efforts.
Once I’m sure she has access to my answers, I rest my head on my crossed arms and eventually fall asleep on the desk, taking advantage of these rare moments to regain some quiet strength.
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The memory of our first encounter fades, replaced by the ambient noise of the classroom. The day is over, and the murmurs of the students, the rustling of papers, and the creaking of chairs fill the air. Kin, true to herself, continues to give me a radiant smile as she pulls up a chair to sit next to me, just as she’s done so often since that first meeting.
Kin — "Thanks again for helping me. You’re really nice!"
Her enthusiasm is palpable, almost contagious, but I keep my expression neutral. Compliments like that make me less uncomfortable over time, but I hide it behind a blank face.
Rin — "No problem, but don’t get used to relying on me every time."
I sigh inwardly, feeling a slight twinge of fatigue reminding me that I’m still struggling to recover from that strange dream.
Kin is already off, swept up in another animated conversation. She has this ability to jump from one thing to the next with an energy I don’t always understand. I’ve barely packed my things when my phone vibrates softly in my pocket, announcing the arrival of a message. I pull it out and glance at the screen, discovering a message from someone slightly annoying:
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"Hey, don’t you want to come to class tomorrow?
I know it’s not an exam, but I’m kinda bored ^^
Anyway, do as you like, I’m not forcing you.
See ya o/."
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On the way home, I squint, feeling a slight pressure behind my temples. Why is this bothering me so much? It’s just a waste of time... I’d get more done working at home. I have several projects to refine, and yet...
Suddenly, a dull pain seizes my head. A ringing fills my ears, and my vision begins to blur dangerously. Bad sign... I blink, trying to focus, but the world around me wavers. I feel the ground slip from under my feet, and I lean against a wall, but it’s no use. My legs give out, and I pass out.
When I regain consciousness, I’m enveloped by a thick, almost tangible darkness. My mind still floats between dream and reality. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks helps me gather my thoughts. The salty smell of the ocean fills my lungs, gently soothing my confusion. Gradually, my vision clears, revealing a coastal landscape bathed in soft light, with a grassy expanse swaying under a gentle breeze. The air is fresh, almost invigorating—a rare sensation in my urban routine.
Rin — "What am I doing outside the city? And there’s nothing here... Wait, what’s that? A... cabin?"
My legs tremble as I struggle to walk toward the cabin. A strange sensation washes over me. Why is it so hard to move? Suddenly, the ground beneath my feet splits in two, and I fall, swallowed into a dark abyss. The air whistles around me, and I’m unable to move. Just as panic begins to set in, a bright light appears, pulling me with irresistible force. I wake with a start, being shaken from all sides.
"WAKE UP!!!"
Still groggy, I open my eyes and gradually make out a girl with long pink hair. That face... it’s familiar. A wave of warmth washes over me, a sense of inner peace, and a scent of vanilla intoxicates me. My vision slowly clears. I rub my eyes with the back of my hand, and the person before me changes. I finally recognize the familiar brown hair I know so well. Am I still dreaming?
Rin — "Ki... Kin."
Kin — "Yes?"
I blink, and the familiar street of Sokatsu City materializes around me. The distant sound of trains and the bustle of the street remind me that I’m indeed back. I’m about to ask Kin why she’s here, but a strange sensation on my face catches my attention. It’s cold... and it smells like... strawberries? I wipe some of the substance off with my finger, and my suspicions are confirmed.
Rin — "Kin, why do I have strawberry ice cream on my face?
Kin — "Ah... uh, well, you looked like you had a fever, so I thought it might help cool you down a bit."
I take a long breath, trying to contain a mix of frustration and annoyance.
Rin — "Thanks..."
image [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPnHOynWYAEGYIu?format=jpg&name=4096x4096]
Kin seems surprised, probably expecting me to get angry as usual. But to my own surprise, she pulls me into a hug. Her embrace is warm, almost comforting, and for a moment, I allow myself to sink into this unusual feeling.
Kin — "I’m so relieved you’re okay. You seemed really upset. Are you feeling better now?"
Rin — "I think... Thank you for being here, Kin."
I wonder why she’s being so kind to me. After all, we’re just classmates, nothing more, right?
Rin — "Kin, if you give me a little breathing room, I’ll come to class tomorrow."
Kin — "Really? That’s great!"
I see that my response makes her happy, and she flashes a smile that warms my heart, despite myself.
Rin — "I think I’m feeling better."
Kin — "You don’t want a little help?"
Rin — "No, it’s fine. Thanks. See you tomorrow."
Kin — "Hey! Wait! Pff, we could’ve chatted a bit..."