The more time I spent in my new "lab," the more it felt like home. I'd been using the room for weeks now, more than I ever thought I would. My models, charts, and research papers were spread across every corner, and each day after class, I hurried to the room as if it were my own little world. My actual bedroom at home started to feel… unfamiliar, almost like a place I barely recognized. But I didn't want to think about it too much, especially for Hiro's sake. My little brother loved when I spent time with him at home, and the last thing I wanted was for him to think I'd abandoned him.
"It's just a school room," I would remind myself whenever I felt the strange comfort of my lab. "Hiro would miss me if I got too attached."
Yet every day, I found myself pouring more of my soul into that classroom, carefully installing small locks on the door. It was just a little precaution—protection against anyone who might think they could wander in. I couldn't bear the thought of someone messing with my research or moving my things around. The lock was simple, but it gave me some peace of mind.
One day, as I was setting up a new solar system model on the back wall, I heard footsteps outside the door. A faint knock followed. I froze, my heart speeding up. It wasn't unusual for students to hang around in the halls, but this was different. They were waiting—probably hoping I'd open the door.
"Reina? You in there?" It was Ayumi's voice, friendly but curious.
I let out a breath, feeling my grip on the model tighten. "Yeah," I replied, but didn't open the door. "I'm working."
There was a pause, then another knock. "Can I come in?"
I looked around the room, all my carefully arranged projects and notebooks scattered across every desk and shelf. Everything in here was a piece of me, things I'd worked so hard on, ideas and dreams that were mine. Letting someone in felt… risky.
"Not right now," I replied, keeping my tone steady but firm. "I have a lot to do."
Another silence, then a light sigh. "Alright, Reina. Just wanted to say hi." Her footsteps retreated, and I let out a breath, relief washing over me.
As the days passed, I became more protective of my space. Some classmates tried asking me questions outside the room, but I always brushed them off quickly. I didn't want anyone to get too interested in what I was doing; I was fine being the "Space Girl" in their eyes, but this room wasn't for sharing.
I would catch myself thinking about it even when I was at home, running through ideas for new experiments or imagining how I could set up the next project. My mind was always in that room, that small sanctuary of creativity and exploration. Sometimes, I'd go home after school, sit in my room, and feel strange, like I didn't fully belong there anymore. My room, with its simple bed and desk, felt empty in comparison to the classroom where my dreams came to life.
But I forced myself to ignore the feeling. I couldn't let Hiro notice. He was always so excited when I was home, constantly showing me his latest drawings or asking me to help with his homework. I didn't want him to feel like he was being left behind. So, I'd spend time with him, letting him ramble on about his day, even if my mind wandered back to the lab.
One evening, after everyone had gone to bed, I sat in my room, my fingers tapping absently on my notebook. I had the urge to go back to the classroom, to work on my newest model of the Andromeda Galaxy, which I'd started piecing together. But, of course, I couldn't just go to school in the middle of the night. Still, I found myself flipping through my notes, organizing ideas for the next day.
"I can't let this go," I murmured to myself. It was like I'd created my own world, and every day, it pulled me in deeper.
The next morning, I arrived at school even earlier than usual, my mind racing with ideas. I unlocked the door to my lab, stepping inside and locking it behind me. Just being in here made me feel alive, like I was part of something bigger than myself.
I unpacked my backpack, carefully placing new materials on my desk. My hands moved with a sense of purpose as I adjusted my charts and double-checked my models, setting everything exactly the way I liked it. It was peaceful, almost therapeutic, having this space all to myself.
But even as I relished the solitude, I couldn't shake the small pang in my chest. I'd noticed the way Hiro looked at me when I left the house each morning, his eyes a little sad. And Ayumi—she hadn't tried visiting me in the classroom again since I'd turned her away. I was beginning to realize that the more I immersed myself in this room, the more distance I created between myself and everyone else.
But maybe… that was okay. I needed this space to think, to dream, and to become the person I wanted to be.
I glanced around my lab, the place that held so much of me. "I'll keep working hard," I told myself softly. "And one day, maybe they'll understand."
And with that, I sat down at my desk, diving back into the cosmos that only I could see.