In many ways, everyone would want a bright future. Get a decent job and stay out of trouble as much as possible.

Therefore, as an ordinary citizen of course I strive for it. It's just that, I have a few things I need to get done before I can do that.

While reading map directions from my smartphone, I finally arrived at an apartment complex.

“It's pretty big too, I think it's a good idea to come to this city. “

When I entered the area inside the building, there was no elevator, only stairs to go up.

Moreover, the paint around the apartment is also a little peeling. This place seems not very well maintained.

While I stepped into the room I rented, I touched several parts of the wall in this apartment area.

It didn't take long, I arrived at the 3rd floor area. There were several doors that were tightly closed.

At least when I counted there were about 8 doors.

When looking for number 67, it turns out that my room is in the far corner, right next to the dividing wall.

I walked closer to my room, starting to hear the sound of the door opening from where I was walking at this time.

There I saw two human figures.

"Mom, come on hurry up. I want to eat the cake. “

“Wait a minute, at least let Mama lock the door first. “

“ah…”

The little boy was a little confused when he saw my face.

The child's mother began to look in the same direction.

When our eyes met, I smiled as usual.

“Ano, is it true that this apartment belongs to Mrs. Kamizaki? “

"This is the place, what can I help you with? “

"Thank goodness. Actually, I'm a new occupant here in room 67. Please help in the future. “

For a moment, the woman's face looked tense; then she, too, tried to calm herself down.

"So you're our new neighbor; I hope you feel comfortable here. “

“ I hope so; oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Edamura Zaizen, and I am a freshman at Kokujou university. “

“Nice to meet you too; my name is Akibayashi Touko. “

I could feel that this woman's hands were visibly shaking as we shook hands.

"Is this little girl your daughter Akibayashi san? “

“Yes, her name is Akibayashi Kouka. “

Without realizing it, the little girl was already under me and was hugging my right leg tightly.

" it's warm. “

“uh…”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

It wasn't just me who was shocked; even Akibayashi san started pulling back her daughter.

“Kouka chan, stop it. You have been rude to Edamura san. “

She started looking down at me.

"I apologize for my daughter's behavior. “

"You don't have to; she's still a kid. “

"Is that so? Thank you for understanding. “

For the first time, I saw Akibayashi san smile.

"Besides, I think you're in a hurry; you better take your daughter where she wants. “

"Ah, that's right. I almost forgot about this. “

"Then I'll excuse myself. “

I also left them where they were.

On the other hand, the two of them started going down the apartment.

While walking toward the shopping center area.

The woman began to ask something to her daughter.

“Touko chan, you should be polite and not do something like that to Edamura san. “

“But, that big brother looks very kind and very warm. “

"Why can Touko chan say that? Have you met somewhere before? “

"No, this is the first time I've seen that brother. It's just that I feel that big brother isn't a bad person. “

“ so this means you were the one who looked at the big brother first? “

"Yes, when I saw the older brother approaching. The gloomy aura from the room next to us began to feel less pronounced, and for some reason, I felt warm by myself. “

When I heard my own daughter's words, it made me think that this young man was definitely not an ordinary person.

***

When I opened my bedroom door for the first time, I immediately understood it.

“It's a nice place and quite spacious, but if it's stupid parties intent on rioting. I will not shy away from anyone. “

I put my bag; and lay down my body just like that on the bed.

"Ah, feels good. Traveling from Tokyo to the city of Zairyou does take a lot of time. “

When I checked my smartphone notifications, there were dozens of messages and missed calls.

Even though it's only been a few minutes since I took my eyes off my smartphone.

“It seems that my sister are really angry because I just left without a word. But never mind. I also have my mother's permission. “

I put my smartphone on the table and lay down while looking out the window.

Suddenly my vision was blurry, and I felt sleepy.

Then I closed my eyes for a few moments, but I immediately opened my eyes and when I realized that my room was already dark.

"I think I overslept; it's already late. It's time to cook dinner. “

When I turned on the room light, the atmosphere in this room began to feel quiet.

I had expected it; it didn't look like a deal would happen without problems.

I opened my bag and took some instant food while waiting for my food to be cooked.

I turn on the tv and look for some interesting comedy shows.

I started to hear knocking on my door.

"Yes, please wait a moment. “

After I made sure the stove was off, I immediately opened the door.

I could see Akibayashi san, who was in front of me.

“Ano, I overcook the miso soup a bit. If you want, I will share it with you. “

"Really, I will gladly accept. My stomach is really hungry. “

She smiled at me too.

"I already suspected this; apart from that, are you in good condition now? “

"My body is fine; thank you for worrying about me. “

"Then don't hesitate to ask me a few questions. “

"Then, I want to ask if this room has been empty for too long. “

Hearing my question, Akibayashi lowered her gaze for a few moments.

As if intending to say something important, she took a few breaths.

“ Not too long ago, people last occupied this room about two months ago. Do you feel uncomfortable being here? “

“Of course, I feel comfortable; this room is spacious and has complete facilities. In fact, I intend to stay here as long as possible until I graduate from college. “

"I see; I hope you feel comfortable here, Edamura san. I went back first to see my daughter. “

When she said that, Akibayashi's face turned pale again when she left me.

When I looked back, the atmosphere in the room was getting colder.

However, I didn't care and started eating what Akibayashi san gave me.

It tastes really good; luckily, I got good neighbors.

After that, I decided to take a break.

When I turned off the light so I could sleep quickly, the situation in this room began to look even more gloomy.

However, I decided to just close my eyes.

I heard a faint voice that started whispering in my ear.

Although it doesn't sound clear, there is a feeling of sadness and suffering.

Where do I care about all that?

The more I let it, the voice became clearer.

It's times like these that make me sick.

Suddenly my bedroom balcony door began to open by itself, accompanied by a strong wind that blew.

There was laughter from dozens of voices all over the room.

When I opened my eyes, I could see the figure of a man who looked badly injured floating above me.

With a face as if it had been in an accident, she looked at me with a disgusting smile.

Not only that, there were many other ghosts that suddenly appeared as if welcoming me.

Most of them do look terrible.

As I was about to stand up, one of the ghosts was moving at high speed toward me.

In an instant, my neck was strangled by the ghost, and while continuing to laugh, the ghost started talking.

“die or go. “