The bell rings, signaling the start of the lunch break. I slowly make my way toward the cafeteria, my thoughts drifting away.
Can I beat the Demon with my new Titan Sword? Or do I need to grind more for an upgrade…?
A sudden pat on my shoulder yanks me out of my thoughts. Turning around, I see my 'only' friend, Kenta, grinning at me.
"Oi, Haruto! Where are you going? You just walked right past the cafeteria!" he says, pointing behind us with his thumb.
"Oh, I didn't notice. I was thinking about the final battle in Shadowbound Online," I mumble, following Kenta back toward the cafeteria.
Kenta raises an eyebrow. "Man, are you still playing that game? I cleared it ages ago. All you need to do is—"
"Stop!" I cut him off, glaring. "No spoilers, Kenta. I want to figure it out myself!"
He laughs and shakes his head. "Fine, fine. You're no fun."
The cafeteria is packed with students as usual, and the long wait to grab our food doesn't help my already drained patience. After what feels like forever, we finally get our lunches and find a free table.
"So, Haruto, you're skipping basketball practice again, huh?" Kenta asks, taking another bite of his sandwich.
"You need to be more social; you know. You're always stuck watching anime or grinding in games. I get it, you're a genius and all—highest marks in class—but as your friend, I'm telling you, you need more people in your life."
This isn't the first time we've had this conversation. Whenever there's no new anime or game release, Kenta brings this up, like clockwork. And he's not wrong.
I take a moment, my thoughts drift back for a split second. I don't remember much about my parents. Just fragments. They died in an accident when I was little. All I have left of them is my name: Haruto Raikou.
Kenta's family stepped in after that. They gave me a roof, food, and someone to rely on. Even now, he's the only person who sticks by me.
I sigh, shaking the thoughts away and forcing a smirk. "You know I don't care about sports, Kenta. I only joined basketball because of this school's ridiculous rule—'Every student must participate in a sport.' And besides, why do I need more friends when I've got you nagging me like a second mom?"
Kenta bursts out laughing, nearly choking on his food. "A mom? Man, you've got a twisted sense of gratitude!"
"See? This is why I don't need anyone else," I reply, leaning back in my chair.
He snickers, shaking his head. "You're hopeless, Haruto. One day, you're gonna regret saying that."
"Maybe," I mutter, glancing at the noisy cafeteria. "But for now, I'm good."
After a few bites, I finish my lunch and glance up, looking for Kenta. Something about his face catches my attention—a grin, but not just any grin. It's the kind of evil grin that sends a chill down your spine. Before I can react, he suddenly raises his hand and shouts,
"Hey Yuzuki! Come over here for a bit!"
My heart skips a beat. Is he joking? I turn around, half expecting him to burst out laughing, but the look on his face tells me he's completely serious. Panic floods my chest as I kick Kenta's leg under the table and turn back quickly, muttering under my breath,
"You idiot!"
Kenta is the only person who knows I have a crush on Yuzuki. I've known her since the day I first entered school, and somehow—miracle or fate—we always ended up in the same schools, all the way to high school. She's beautiful, kind-hearted, and everything I'm not. She's also on the cheer team for our basketball squad, which, if I'm honest, is the real reason I joined in the first place.
I keep my eyes down as I sense her approaching. My heart races, hammering like a drum, and I see the edge of her skirt in the corner of my eye.
"Oh, hi Haruto! Hi Kenta! What's the matter?" she asks, her voice soft and soothing, the kind that could calm a storm—or make it worse, depending on who's listening.
Kenta leans back casually, smirking. "You see, Yuzuki, Haruto here is ditching basketball practice again. Think you could talk some sense into him?"
My stomach drops. The urge to strangle Kenta right here and now surges within me, but I grit my teeth. He's my only friend, after all, even if he acts like an idiot sometimes.
"Is it true, Haruto?" Yuzuki asks, turning her attention to me. Her voice carries genuine concern. "You know how important it is to participate in sports at this school, right?"
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. My hands feel clammy, and my mouth goes dry. I can't tell her the truth—that I'm skipping practice because I want to finish a game. That would make me look even more pathetic than I already feel.
"A-ah, y...yo...you see, Yu...Yuzuki, I...I'm not feeling good to...today," I stammer, my voice trembling. "Tha...that's why. N-nothing else..."
There's a moment of silence that feels like an eternity. Then, to my surprise, she nods sympathetically.
"Oh, I see... Even your voice is trembling. Go home and rest, Haruto," she says gently. Then, turning to Kenta, she adds, "Kenta, give him an excuse for today, okay?"
I glance at Kenta, whose grin grows wider, as if he's enjoying every second of my humiliation.
"And by the way, Kenta," Yuzuki continues, "can you let the cheer team know I won't be coming today? My mom's not been doing well these days, so I need to head home early."
Kenta raises an eyebrow but nods. "Oh, so you're ditching too, huh? You two are more alike than you think!" He chuckles. "Don't worry, I'll pass the message along."
As he finishes, I notice a faint blush creep onto Yuzuki's cheeks. She looks almost embarrassed, but she recovers quickly.
"I hope your mom gets well soon," I say suddenly, my voice steadier this time. It's the only thing I can think to say, and thankfully, it seems to change the mood.
"Thank you, Haruto," she replies softly, her smile warm. Then she walks back to her friends sending a final glance at me.
"You know, Kenta, I'll be the one to kill you if you pull any more stupid stunts like that," I say through clenched teeth, trying to hold back my frustration.
"Oh, don't worry, bro. If you do, you'll need to kill me more than once," he replies, laughing so hard that he nearly doubles over.
The rest of the afternoon drags on, every second feeling like a drop of water echoing in an empty cave. I glance at the clock every thirty minutes, convinced that an hour has passed, only to feel my patience wear thin. My mind keeps wandering back to the game waiting for me at home.
"How much longer? Is this day ever going to end? I need to finish that game!"
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the bell rings, signaling the end of the school day. I stuff my books into my backpack with lightning speed and dart into the hallway, ready to escape. Just as I step into the stream of students, I spot Yuzuki walking ahead of me. My heart skips a beat. Maybe today's the day I'll finally—
"Haruto!"
A hand clamps down on my shoulder, dragging me out of my thoughts. I turn to find Kenta smirking at me, completely oblivious to how perfectly he's ruining my moment.
"Kenta," I mutter through a forced smile, "has anyone ever told you that you have the worst timing?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," he replies with a shrug, his smirk widening. "Anyway, I'm heading to practice. Tell Mom I'll be late, okay?"
"Fine, fine," I say, waving him off. "Now leave me alone. I've got something important to do."
By the time I turn back, Yuzuki is long gone. I let out a frustrated sigh and make my way out of the crowded school entrance onto the quiet path leading home.
The setting sun bathes the sky in hues of gold and orange, its light filtering through the trees as a gentle breeze rustles the leaves. For a moment, the world feels peaceful.
And then it happens.
"AHHHHHHHHH…!"
A scream pierces the tranquil evening air, sharp and desperate. My head snaps toward the sound, my heart racing. A group of shadowy figures looms over a girl, their hands gripping her as they attempt to drag her into a waiting van. My breath catches as I realize—it's Yuzuki.
"No… Yuzuki!"
My legs feel frozen for a moment, like my mind can't catch up with what my eyes are seeing. Everything around me blurs, the peaceful path home dissolving into chaos. My heartbeat pounds in my ears, and I force myself to move, my feet slamming against the pavement as I sprint toward them.
"Let her go!" I shout, my voice trembling with both fear and anger.
One of the men glances at me, his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. "Get lost, kid. This has nothing to do with you."
But I'm already moving, adrenaline surging through me. Without thinking, I hurl myself forward, my shoulder slamming into the man holding Yuzuki. The impact sends him staggering back, and she stumbles free of his grip.
"Yuzuki, run!" I yell, grabbing her arm and pulling her to her feet. "Go get help!"
"But Haruto—"
"Just go!" I snap, my voice harsher than I intend. Her tear-streaked face twists with hesitation, but then she nods and takes off, her footsteps fading into the distance.
I turn back to the group, my chest heaving. The men are visibly irritated now, their amused smirks replaced with dark scowls.
"Big mistake, kid," one of them growls, cracking his knuckles.
I clench my fists, trying to steady my breathing. My whole body feels like it's shaking, but I can't tell if it's from fear or adrenaline. Probably both.
"Stay back!" I warn, though my voice wavers. "I'll fight you if I have to!"
They laugh, a deep, mocking sound that sends chills down my spine. "You? Fight us?"
The tallest one steps forward, his shadow swallowing mine. Before I can react, he swings. The punch comes fast, too fast. I barely manage to dodge, stumbling as his fist grazes my cheek.
I retaliate on instinct, my fist connecting with his jaw. The shock of it sends pain shooting up my arm, but he staggers back, holding his face.
"You little—"
Before I can brace myself, another man grabs me from behind, locking my arms.
"Let go!" I yell, struggling against his grip.
The tall one wipes the blood from his lip, his eyes blazing with anger. "You're dead, kid."
The first punch lands in my stomach, stealing the air from my lungs. I gasp, doubling over as pain explodes through my torso. Another punch follows, this one to my face. My vision blurs, but I refuse to go down.
I twist violently, breaking free from the grip of the man holding me. My fist flies forward, connecting with someone's ribs. There's a satisfying grunt of pain, but it's short-lived.
A kick sweeps my legs out from under me, and I hit the ground hard. The cold pavement bites into my back as the group closes in.
Blows rain down on me—fists, feet, the sharp edges of boots. Each strike sends a fresh wave of agony through my body. I try to shield my face, my arms, but it's no use.
"Is this it?" I think, my mind spinning. "Is this how it ends?"
I hear distant voices, faint and frantic. Someone calling for help? Yuzuki? It's hard to tell. Everything feels far away now, like I'm sinking into a dark, endless ocean.
"Haruto!"
Her voice pierces through the haze, and I force my eyes open. Through the blood and tears, I see Yuzuki's face, framed by the dim glow of the streetlights. She's crying, her hands shaking as they hover over me.
"I'm sorry," I whisper, though I'm not sure if the words actually leave my lips.
She grabs my hand, her grip warm and trembling. "Haruto, stay with me! The ambulance is coming!"
I smile faintly, the edges of my vision growing darker. "It's been a long time… since we talked like this…"
"Don't talk like that!" she cries, her voice breaking. "You'll be fine! You'll be okay!"
"I always wanted to tell you…" I cough, blood trickling from the corner of my mouth. My strength is slipping away, but I force the words out. "I love… you…"
Her sobs are the last thing I hear as everything fades to black.
I feel weightless, like a feather caught in the wind. Is this what it feels like to die? I look around, but there's nothing—just an endless abyss stretching in every direction.
"Did I really say it? Now what?"
The darkness is cold, yet strangely comforting, as if it's wrapping me in its arms. I don't know where I am or what's happening. All I know is that it's over. Or is it?
"Now what am I going to—"
A soft warmth envelops me, chasing away the cold, sharp pain that had gripped my body moments ago. It's not just warmth; it feels soothing, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, caressing my skin.
Slowly, my eyes flutter open. The light is soft and golden, spilling over me like a dream. I blink, my vision sharpening. I'm lying in a bed—no, not a hospital bed. The mattress is firm yet comforting, and the blankets are unfamiliar, made of fabric that feels coarse but warm.
I hear birds chirping, their melody clear and lively, as if the whole world has woken up fresh from a long slumber. Voices drift in from outside, indistinct but peaceful, mingling with the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
I glance around, taking in my surroundings. The room is small yet cozy, the walls built of smooth, aged wood. The architecture is strange—unfamiliar and old-fashioned, like something out of a history book or a dream. There are no harsh beeping machines, no sterile white walls—nothing to indicate a hospital.
My mind races. "Where… am I?"
I shift to sit up, my body still aching but surprisingly functional. I glance down at my hands. No blood, no bruises—just pale skin, unscarred and unbroken. My heart pounds in my chest as I recall the attack, the pain, Yuzuki's voice calling my name.
"Was it… a dream?"
Just then, the door creaks open….