Jaydean steps into the cafeteria, the familiar hum of thoughts greeting him like the buzz of an old radio. The Collective isn't just something he experiences—it's something everyone around him shares. The technology that made this possible came from Yexyin, a Japanese company that revolutionized the world eighteen years ago.
Yexyin started with a simple idea: to connect people more deeply through technology. What began as an innovative communication tool quickly evolved into something more profound, and in 4000,the company introduced the Neural Link—a device that allowed people to share thoughts, emotions, and experiences instantaneously. It spread like wildfire, first in Japan and then globally, becoming a staple of modern life. By the time Jaydean was old enough to understand the world, the Collective was as natural as breathing.
In the cafeteria, the effects of Yexyin's technology are everywhere. Jaydean doesn't need to place his order for coffee; the moment he steps through the doors, the barista already knows what he wants. The Collective has relayed his usual preference—black coffee, no sugar—and by the time he reaches the counter, it's waiting for him.
"Morning, Jaydean," the barista, Nick, says with a grin as he hands over the cup. His thoughts are light, a mixture of random trivia and mild curiosity about whether Jaydean ever changes his order. "Same as always, huh?"
Jaydean chuckles. "One day, I'll surprise you."
Nick raises an eyebrow, pretending to be shocked. "The day you order a latte is the day I'll quit this job."
Their playful banter echoes in the Collective, and Jaydean can sense the amused thoughts of those nearby. It's a small moment, but one that reminds him of the ease that comes with this shared mental space. No need to explain yourself, no need to fumble through awkward conversations—everything is out in the open.
He walks over to his usual table, coffee in hand, and sits down. The cafeteria is buzzing with activity, both physically and mentally. He can hear the collective thoughts of students around him—some stressing over upcoming exams, others daydreaming about the weekend, a few just trying to make it through the day without falling asleep in class.
As he takes a sip of his coffee, a thought pops into his head, but it's not his own. It's from a girl a few tables over, and it's so unexpected that he almost chokes on his drink.
*Why do I keep thinking about that stupid meme? It wasn't even that funny.*
Jaydean glances over, and sure enough, the girl is staring down at her phone with a look of frustration. He can't help but smile. The Collective may have erased some boundaries, but it hasn't stopped people from having their own quirky, random thoughts.
He tries to tune out the noise and focus on his own thoughts for a moment, but it's hard when everyone's mind is an open book. Across the room, a group of students is mentally debating the best pizza toppings, their thoughts overlapping in a chaotic jumble. Someone else is nervously rehearsing a class presentation in their head, hoping they won't embarrass themselves in front of everyone. Jaydean briefly catches a flash of a memory from another student—something about a family vacation gone wrong—and he quickly shifts his focus before it pulls him in further.
But then, just as he's settling back into his own thoughts, another mental broadcast catches his attention. This time, it's more personal.
*I hope Jaydean doesn't notice how nervous I am...*
His eyes flicker to the table across from him, where Sarah is sitting with her friends. She's trying to act casual, but her thoughts give her away. Jaydean sighs inwardly, feeling that familiar mix of guilt and awkwardness. It's not the first time he's picked up on her crush, and it probably won't be the last. But what can he do? In a world where thoughts are shared, it's impossible to pretend you don't know something that's right there in front of you.
He considers acknowledging it, maybe even teasing her lightly to break the tension, but he decides against it. Instead, he focuses on his coffee, letting the warmth of the drink distract him from the awkwardness of the situation. Besides, there's no point in making things more complicated than they already are.
The Collective can be overwhelming, but moments like these remind Jaydean that it's also just…life. Messy, complicated, and sometimes hilariously awkward. Everyone is in the same boat, trying to navigate a world where privacy is a relic of the past and humor is one of the few things that keeps them all sane.
Jaydean leans back in his chair, the buzz of thoughts around him fading into the background once more. As much as he sometimes wishes for a moment of peace, he knows this is the world he lives in.
He takes another sip of his coffee, trying to tune out the noise around him. The Collective hums with the usual chatter—nothing new, nothing out of the ordinary. Just the same blend of random thoughts, worries, and embarrassments.
He stares out the cafeteria window, watching as students pass by, their thoughts brushing against his mind without leaving a mark. It's routine, almost mechanical at this point. He doesn't need to hear what they're thinking to know what's going on—he's been in this loop long enough.
Jaydean finishes his coffee and sets the cup down, the clatter of the empty mug echoing in his head as it mixes with the distant hum of the Collective.