As the teacher exited the room, it appeared that a thin boy with spiky, short hair and a notably large nose quickly approached the vacant seat in front of me.
"Rai!" The boy shouted my commonly used nickname, "Did you hear the latest update? It seems like the serial killer struck again and claimed the life of a hero last night!" The boy brought the phone uncomfortably near to my face.
This boy is Edward Hizuki, 17 years old, and has been my close friend ever since we started school together.
I adjusted my position in response to the situation, expressing, "You don't need to place the phone so close to my face." He then moved it slightly further away while instructing, "Just focus on watching it."
"I may not typically read articles and news, but I honestly think this topic is really interesting!"
I skeptically replied, "Alright..." since Edward wasn't known for his interest in reading or academics overall.
As I observed the screen of my phone, I could make out a news article featuring a mysterious individual dressed in a black hooded cloak and mask. However, due to the darkness of the night in the image, the figure's picture was not clear.
One striking characteristic that stood out was the horns protruding from the figure's dark hood, along with its sinister red eyes that emitted an otherworldly glow.
Edward hastily moved the phone away from my face before I could continue reading the article, which had the phrase "NightFall Strikes Again!" marked at the bottom of the image.
You could clearly see the immense excitement on his face as a smile appeared, and he inquired, "Cool isn't it?!"
I turned my gaze towards Edward, lacking any interest in the article as I remarked, "What's so cool about it? It's literally just an image of a man on a building."
Screechh.
Edward rose from his seat and shouted in surprise, "What's so cool about it you say?!" The chair made a loud sound as he abruptly stood up. "With a vigilante roaming around Gokyo, you're seriously asking that?"
In response to Edward's excessive excitement, I told him, "Out of everyone, you should know that I'm not interested in stuff like that."
I prefer to read and write webnovels more than anything else.
Edward forcefully returned to his seat and crossed his arms, still holding his phone. "You're so boring. You know that, Rai?" he remarked, gazing at me with a disappointed expression.
"Well if being normal is now considered as boring these days, then I guess it is what it is."
Edward didn't fully understand or appreciate my relaxed and indifferent lifestyle, and sometimes I question how we became such close friends. In response, he sighed and said, "If you continue with that mindset, you'll never find a hot girlfriend y'know."
With a raised eyebrow, I responded, "You think I want to go through as many heartbreaks as you have? No thanks..." I teased, knowing that Edward had a reputation for investing his emotions in girls who ultimately took advantage of him. He cried out in a pained voice, "HEY! That's really hurtful, you know..." and sniffled.
I had a cheeky grin, softly laughing.
In response to Edward's inquiry, it is indeed true that I was aware of the information regarding the ongoing presence of a serial killer. This individual is known by various aliases within the community of Gokyo City. Some refer to him as the Devil's Advocate, the Devil of Death, or the Demonic Assassin, but the most renowned alias he is recognized by is NightFall.
All of these names share a common feature - they are all associated with a creepy and malevolent atmosphere, or at least that is the perception people have of him.
What if I were to tell you that isn't completely accurate?
A few months ago, without any prior notice, a self-proclaimed 'vigilante' known as NightFall emerged. He is rumored to be a sinister cloaked figure who indiscriminately takes lives, but in reality, his objective is to eliminate all morally corrupt heroes, terrorists, and individuals in positions of power within society and government who contribute to the world's deterioration.
I fully endorse the actions of the mentioned 'serial killer', in fact, I believe that what he is doing is a distorted interpretation of what is considered morally right.
The flawed world needs to become a better place, although not perfect, it is exactly what the world needs.
However, due to his actions, the government branded him as a villain in the public eye in order to conceal the truth that was right in front of everyone.
Although I'm sure I'm just rambling at this point.
Edward made a snapping sound with his fingers as he asked, "Earth to Rai, are you there?"
As I opened my eyes, I became aware that I had unintentionally drifted off again, lost in my thoughts. It seems that exhaustion had caught up with me, and I was in need of some rest.
Edward observed my fatigue and remarked, "Hey, you should really try to get more sleep, man. People have been noticing a change in your behavior lately."
I stood up and draped my black bag over myself, adjusting my blue and black school uniform. I glanced at Edward with a neutral expression and retorted, "Does it really look like I care if people notice it or not?"
Edward let out a deep breath as he also shouldered his bag and responded, "Oh right.. I forgot that I'm talking to a person who does nothing whole day!" He mocked.
I mean he's not lying. I am probably the most laid back person somebody would meet, so things like that don't bother me much.
Upon observing my surroundings, I noticed that everyone had already departed to go home. I motioned towards Edward and said, "Well I guess it's time for us to leave as well." We then proceeded to exit the classroom together.
Edward and I frequently traveled together on the same train and, as we were heading towards the same destination, we walked alongside each other on the journey.
Edward resided just a bit ahead of me, so he arrived home before I did. He lived in a tall apartment complex where we exchanged greetings and bid each other farewell with a synchronized "Later." Then, I continued on my way to my own house.
After a long journey, I finally arrived at my average-sized house, which my mother always took great care to keep clean. As I entered through the gates, my two dogs, Bella and Amethyst, warmly welcomed me, and I gave them a loving pat before heading inside.
No one appeared to be at home, most likely because they were still busy with work or school, but I wasn't particularly bothered by that. I removed my shoes and promptly made my way into my room, which had a minimalistic design consisting of just a bed and a cabinet with a dirty laundry basket. There was also a sizable window on one side.
To tell you the truth, I actually prefer being by myself at home. It's a peaceful space for me, without parents constantly shouting and my younger sibling constantly irritating me all day long.
I changed my clothes and immediately went to the kitchen to full my empty stomach.
On my plate, there is a delightful combination of rice, beans, and chicken. Although it may seem simple, the way my mother prepares it makes it one of the most delicious dishes one would ever tasted.
Sighh.
I released a heavy sigh before musing to myself, "I'm so exhausted." However, despite feeling fatigued, I inexplicably found myself going through the messages on my phone.
While I was eating, I realized that my phone was overflowing with messages that I needed to respond to, but I was either unmotivated or didn't care enough to click and engage in the hassle of texting. However, that changed when I received a notification.
Buzz...Buzzz..
My phone buzzed in my grip, prompting me to swiftly open the notification. It was the individual I shared constant communication with, someone I could converse with all day long. Our conversation was brimming with numerous exchanged messages.
I had the contact saved as Syra, which is a short for Syriah.
In the messages she sent, she mentioned that she had returned to the hospital due to the illness that had recently affected her. In response, I texted her advising that she should prioritize rest and stay at home for some time.
Syriah was an important friend to me, for some reason I must say... I find myself deeply concerned about her well-being and recently she caught a flu, but little did we know that the flu would transform into a new illness that even the doctors were unable to identify.
I am not usually known for caring deeply about someone, so this feels very out of character for me. I try to convince myself every day that this must be a significant indication, even though it must just be a way for me to hold onto my delusions.
After communicating my concerns via messages, I put my phone aside and thought to myself, "I should probably go to sleep..." as I went back upstairs to my room and compelled myself to lie down in bed.
My eyes began slowly closing, as my vision blurred out.
That's right, I am completely your typical teenage boy, experiencing a completely ordinary teenage student lifestyle.
Nothing out of the ordinary here...