Prologue
It
"Don't forget to submit your assignments, everyone. No submission, no points," the class professor reminded us after the bell signaled the end of the period.
"..."
While everyone else busied themselves packing their things, I chose to sit still, staring blankly at the blackboard in front of me, ignoring everything around.
"Ran, aren't you heading home?" The friend sitting next to me turned and asked, noticing I was just sitting there while others were already making their way out of the classroom.
"...I'm not in a hurry. I'll head home in a bit."
"Oh, um, okay. See you tomorrow then."
I guess my voice must have sounded too flat because my friend looked visibly uncomfortable. But that wasn't something I felt I needed to worry about.
Once the classroom was empty of my classmates, silence enveloped the space. I was left sitting there, alone in the quiet.
I can't help it...
I wanted to head home quickly like everyone else, but I ended up getting tangled in something troublesome and annoying. I can't leave until I'm sure that...
It won't follow me home.