[At Night, in the House]
"Ahhh! My mind is going crazy from thinking about it." I exclaimed, the weight of my confusion pressing down on me.
[Few Hours Ago]
As I made my way home, anxiety and tension filled my every step. Worries about my upcoming exams consumed my thoughts, accompanied by a nagging dissatisfaction with my current second-place rank in class. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to calm my racing mind and observed my surroundings. Yet, a strange unease lingered in the air, making everything feel different. Were people around me falling ill? Should I prepare medicine for them? No, it couldn't be a mere coincidence that everyone seemed affected simultaneously. Something else was amiss. Then it dawned on me—tomorrow marked my birthday once again. However, I distinctly remembered celebrating it just a few days ago. How could my birthday be looming ahead on the 25th of November when today was already the 24th? Confusion gripped me, and I pulled out my phone from my pocket to verify the date, only to find my initial realization confirmed. The calendar displayed the 24th of November, leaving me bewildered by the inexplicable occurrence. How could this be possible?
[Present]
Overwhelmed by the bewildering circumstances, I let out a startled cry, the weight of the situation pressing down upon me. Then, a realization struck me like lightning—a vivid memory resurfaced from the depths of my mind. It was the wishing tree, the source of my recent troubles. I had visited it on my birthday, only to lose consciousness and awaken to a world turned upside down. Determined to uncover the truth, I resolved to return to the tree after school the next day.
[In School]
In the hushed classroom, the teacher distributed the exam papers to each student. With focused determination, I swiftly filled in the answers on my sheet, my hands moving with a surprising fluidity. A sense of astonishment mingled with the satisfaction of a potential first-place rank, an achievement I had long coveted. A sly smile graced my lips.
"Sakura, wasn't today's exam incredibly challenging?" Yua complained, breaking the silence. I responded with a nonchalant tone, "Indeed, it posed a significant challenge, but I managed. It will be alright." Yua inquired about our plans for later, suggesting a fun outing to the karaoke. However, I politely declined, claiming other obligations. "Perhaps another time. See you tomorrow, Yua."
Without wasting a moment, I dashed out of the classroom. Urgency propelled me as I retraced my steps, ascending the mountain once again until I stood before the mystical wishing tree. Frustration welled up within me, and I directed my words at the ancient entity.
"Hey, you tree! Are you listening? Show yourself! Don't play deaf with me. I am trained in martial arts, capable of reducing you to pieces. Reveal yourself before my anger ignites!"
Night had fallen, leaving me with a sinking feeling of helplessness. A desperate plea escaped my lips as I cried out for assistance. Suddenly, a voice materialized from the unknown, teasingly remarking, "You should have sought help sooner."
Startled, I called out, "Who's there? Reveal yourself!" In response, the sky crackled with lightning, an inexplicable phenomenon unfolding before me. Overwhelmed, my consciousness faded, and I succumbed to darkness once again.