People say it's hard to reach the moon reflected on the lake.
Even though it's right there, it's just an illusion, like an unreachable dream.
The more we try to reach out, the farther it seems. That's the "Dreaming Moon," the moonlit dream.
The moon shining in the night sky is like a deceiver, luring people with its illusion on the lake's calm surface.
That impossible dream is humanity's hope. It's the future someone wishes to create.
Lies, lies, lies, lies, and more lies. But when thousands, millions of lies come together, they become the truth, and that's the proof of what we call a miracle.
The moon, a vague existence between dreams and reality, holds humanity's ambition and hope.
If anything can change a tragedy, it would be a lie.
So, keep dreaming, humanity, and never let that dream end.
A girl smiled with these thoughts in her mind as she fiddled with her phone.
---
...
There was no avoiding this awkward situation.
I forced a smile and said, "Alright, let's get to studying."
I pulled out a stack of books, placed them on the table, and stared at the person across from me.
This is really an uncomfortable situation.
Kiana, with a disgruntled face, gave me a glare before reluctantly pulling out her books to study.
"Hey, I didn't want to do this either, okay!"
Though full of complaints, I held back and tried to get this over with.
In the quiet, deserted library, only the sound of turning pages could be heard, echoing softly.
---
"This question should be done like this, like this…?? Hey, are you even listening? Kiana? Kiana?!"
I frowned when she wouldn't respond, so I got up from my seat to see what she was up to.
Kiana, who had a thick encyclopedia in front of her, was sound asleep.
Oh, seriously, this lazy thing. Here I am, working hard to explain things, and she's sleeping soundly! I want to sleep too, you know! Damn it!
I glanced out the window. The moon was already high—basically midnight now.
A breeze slipped through the crack in the window, making me shiver slightly.
"Gosh, it's cold!"
Although winter's still far off, the warmth of summer has faded, making the night quite chilly.
Dressed like this, I'll probably catch a cold.
"Flame Cloud"
A small flame flickered in the palm of my hand.
"It's warm, but not enough."
If I covered my whole body in flames, I'd set the library on fire. Now, what to do?
Ah!
If I gather the sparks together and move them with air pressure from Boost…
Gradually, the sparks merged into a small fireball, hovering around me.
"Looks like a will-o'-the-wisp."
I pushed the fire upwards to avoid burning any of the books on the table.
That's better.
Like a mini sun, the small fireball, about the size of a child's fist, started warming up the air around the library.
Perfect, now all that's left is…
I lowered my gaze, staring at the person sleeping with drool on the desk in front of me.
"Tch!"
Honestly, I didn't want to tutor her in the first place; I planned to just wing it. But…
The principal will have me starve if Kiana fails her exams again.
Remembering her threats the other day sent a shiver down my spine.
It's all for the sake of food!
And so, I started to wake Kiana up.
---
"See? I'm the best!"
Kiana proudly looked up at her score.
"First place, Kiana Kaslana!"
"I didn't expect you'd beat me."
"Hahaha, go ahead, praise me, class president!"
"I can't believe it; Kiana the Idiot got first place!"
"So? Aren't I amazing?"
Kiana tilted her nose up happily. Today, she was overjoyed, thrilled by the admiring, surprised looks she was getting from everyone.
She felt like she was standing at the top of glory. And then, a gentle voice called her.
"Kiana, you did well."
"Hehe, Sis, you're embarrassing me with those compliments!~"
The atmosphere slowly shifted to a dreamy, romantic scene, in rhythm with Kiana's heartbeat.
"So, what do you want as a reward tonight, Kiana?"
Mei spoke gently.
Her words, like sweet honey, kept flowing into Kiana's ears.
"Hm, do I want a grand feast? A special gift, or do I...want...beep...you~?"
"Hehe, Sis Mei, you're making me blush!"
Just as Kiana joyfully rushed to hug Mei, the scene began to warp.
Mei's gentle smile twisted, turning terrifyingly sinister.
Her face seemed to put on a demonic mask, her fury blazing.
Silver light seemed to spill from her lips.
This left Kiana stunned for a moment.
Then Mei's smile morphed into that of a devil from hell.
"Oh, you've been dreaming quite nicely, haven't you?"
A voice like nails on a chalkboard pierced her ears.
"Sis Mei?!"
Kiana was completely bewildered when she saw Mei's figure flickering, shifting into someone both unfamiliar yet eerily familiar.
"Yu...me...ji??"
"Oh-ho! Somewhat awake, are we? Oh well, time to deal with you!! Bring it on, you little pest!! I'll knock you senseless!!!"
And time seemed to freeze as that annoying person's fist flew towards her face.
Bam!
"Ouch!!"
"Haha! So, you can feel pain! But it's not over yet! I'll keep pounding until you wake up!"
His fist lunged at her again, but this time she was conscious enough to counter it.
She jumped back to dodge his strike.
His fist hit nothing but air.
"Ha! Don't think this young lady is that easy! Huh!?"
But before she could rejoice, Yumeji's foot came flying at her chin.
"Ugh!!"
She was kicked several meters away.
"You bastard!!"
She twisted mid-air to land and charged forward.
At some point, the school corridor had morphed into a desolate field bathed in sunset.
Bing!
Bam! Bam!
"Arghhh!! You damn bastard!!"
"Come on, show me what you've got!"
Bing! Bing!! Bam!! Bam! Bing! Bing!
Each punch was met with a kick, and the two kept wrestling for quite a while.
"Hi-yah!!"
"Ha!!"
Bam!!
Their fists clashed, each landing on the other's face, and they both collapsed, looking exhausted.
Covered in dirt with swollen faces, they now looked exactly the same.
"Still alive over there?"
She mumbled, barely able to speak.
"Pfft! I'm still breathing!"
Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Yumeji replied.
"Well, good! Because…"
She forced herself up, even though her body protested.
"Yeah, same here! Because…"
In response, Yumeji also struggled to his feet.
""Cause I'm not done pounding you yet!!""