The rooftop is quiet, the stillness broken only by the occasional gust of wind lifting Aiko's long black hair. A sudden strong breeze pulls her back to reality, making her hug her arms tightly. Her brown eyes remain fixed on the fading sunset.
"What's wrong with me?" she mutters, barely audible. Everyone seems so sure about this kind of thing… right? Her mind drifts to Ren, stirring a confusing mix of warmth and unease within her. She pulls out her phone and dials Ren's number. The line rings, and then she picks up.
"Hey, Aiko! What's up?"`
"Hey… where are you? Can you come to my apartment rooftop? There's something I need to talk about."
"Sure, I'll be right there."
Aiko hangs up, taking a deep breath as she gazes out over the rooftops, her fingers unconsciously twisting a strand of hair. A few minutes later, she hears footsteps, and then Ren arrives, cheerful as usual, playfully covering her eyes from behind.
Aiko reaches up, touching Ren's hand. "You came, huh?"
"You called me, so here I am," Ren replies with a smile.
Aiko sighs. "Lately… I've been feeling off. I don't know how to explain it, but… something doesn't feel right."
Ren's smile fades a little. "About what? Think I can help?"
"About us. I think... maybe we need to take a break."
Ren stares at her, taken aback. "A break? Where's this coming from?"
Aiko shrugs, her gaze drifting away. "I don't know."
There's a silence, then Ren nods, her usual cheerfulness dimming. "If that's what you want, I'll respect it."
Ren's face shifts from surprise to sadness, but she forces a small smile. "Well… that's it then, I guess. Take care, Aiko."
As Ren walks away, Aiko watches her go, a weight settling in her chest. Am I doing the right thing? Or should I just call her back and say this was all a joke…
The rooftop grows darker as Aiko watches Ren's figure disappear down the stairs. She sighs, gazing at the last traces of sunlight slipping below the horizon. "Tomorrow's another day," she tells herself, but the words feel hollow.
Morning dawns in Aurelia, and Toshi steps off the train, clutching a worn duffel bag. The city buzzes with energy, a stark contrast to his quiet hometown. He takes a deep breath, scanning the crowds rushing past, feeling both excitement and a strange sense of isolation.
So, this is Aurelia, huh?
"Toshi!" someone calls. He turns to see his old friend from back home approaching.
"Hey, Hayato! What's up, buddy… it's been a while."
Hayato grins and pulls Toshi into a hug. "Man, it's been two years since I moved here! Why'd it take you so long to come? But hey, you're here now, so let's grab a drink."
They head to a café near the metro station.
"Two orange juices, please," Hayato says, placing the order.
"Coming right up," the waiter replies.
"So, where are you planning to stay?" Hayato asks.
"I haven't figured it out yet. Thought I'd look around," Toshi responds.
"No need, my guy. I already found you a place—good location and the cheapest rent you'll find." Hayato grins, pleased with himself.
Toshi laughs in relief. "You're amazing as always."
"Here's your order. Enjoy," the waiter says, setting two glasses of orange juice on the table.
As they sip their drinks, Hayato leans in with a curious look. "So, have you decided on a college yet?"
Toshi nods. "Yeah, I've transferred to Aurelia State University."
"No way! Only a genius could get into that place so easily," Hayato says.
They finish their drinks and head outside.
"Where's the apartment you found for me?" Toshi asks.
"You wanna go now?"
"Obviously. I'm carrying these huge bags around!"
"Alright." Hayato books a taxi and turns to Toshi. "Wait here—it'll be here in a sec."
"So, what college are you going to?" Toshi asks.
"I'm at Aurelia State University, too, just in the 2nd branch. Guess we might run into each other during exams."
The taxi arrives, and they get in. After a short drive, they arrive at a ten-story building.
"Your place is on the seventh floor, apartment no-657," Hayato says, tossing him the key.
"Guess I'll be off now. I have class. Won't you go today Toshi?" Hayato asks.
"Nah, think I'll skip this one."
"Skipping on the first day? Alright, see you around."
"Later, Hayato."
Toshi heads into the elevator with his bags, sending Hayato a quick thank-you text. When he finds his room, he opens the door to a modest but tidy apartment. He sets down his bags and starts unpacking, tidying up the place as he goes.
After a while, he's finally done.
"Oh man, I'm beat," he sighs, sinking onto his bed. He flips on the TV, and before he knows it, he's drifted off to sleep. When he wakes, it's already evening, and his stomach growls.
"Guess I'd better grab some food," he mutters, then catches a whiff of himself. "But first… a shower."
After a refreshing bath, Toshi decides to head to the market to stock up on supplies for the next few days. As he steps out of his apartment, his attention is drawn to a girl standing on a nearby balcony. She looks about his age, leaning over the railing with a bag slung over her shoulder.
Her eyes are fixed on the cityscape, but her expression is distant, as if she's not really seeing the glittering lights in front of her but something far beyond them. The quiet stillness about her feels almost heavy, like she's lost in a world of her own.
Curious, Toshi approaches her.
"Hey, miss? Hello? Heeey?"
He lightly pokes her cheek.
Aiko startles, turning to him with a scowl. "What's your problem, man?"
"Whoa, calm down. You looked like… well, like a zombie."
She crosses her arms, eyeing him skeptically. "Are you new here? Never seen you around."
"Yeah, I just moved in today," Toshi replies with a shrug. "By the way, I'm Toshi. And you?"
"I'm Aiko. Apartment 658."
Toshi raises an eyebrow. "Looks like we're neighbors, then. I'm in 657."
Aiko nods, then shifts her gaze back to the city. "Anyway, what was with the poking?"
Toshi chuckles. "Well, you looked so spaced out. Just wondering if you were okay."
Aiko sighs, glancing at the skyline as it fades into the evening glow. "Guess it's been... one of those days."
Toshi catches the faint trace of sadness in her voice but decides not to push. Instead, he leans on the railing beside her, silently watching the city lights blink on one by one.
Suddenly, Aiko's stomach growls, breaking the silence.
They both pause, sharing an awkward glance.
Toshi chuckles. "Looks like someone skipped lunch. Wanna grab a bite?"
Aiko hesitates, then nods, glancing away. "...Okay, sure."
They make their way down the busy sidewalk toward a nearby mall. The evening lights flicker on, casting a warm glow over the street.
"So," Toshi says, breaking the silence again. "You just got back from college?"
Aiko nods. "Yeah."
"Which college?" he asks, glancing at her.
"Aurelia State University," she replies.
Toshi raises his eyebrows in surprise. "No way! I just transferred there. I'm a first-year… What about you?"
"Same here," Aiko replies, her voice flat and distant. "Guess we'll be seeing each other around."
Toshi notices her lack of enthusiasm but lets it slide. "Small world, huh?" he says with a grin.
After a few minutes, they arrive at a small food stall near the mall entrance, the smell of fried noodles and grilled meats filling the air. Toshi stops, gesturing to the stall. "How about this place? It's simple, but the food smells amazing."
Aiko looks at the menu, her gaze distant. "Sure… sounds good."
They order, and as they wait, Toshi tries to break the silence again. "So… have you lived here long?"
Aiko shrugs. "My whole life, actually."
"Nice! Any spots you'd recommend for a newbie like me?" he asks, trying to keep the conversation light.
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips, though she quickly hides it. "Depends on what you're looking for. Aurelia has a lot… if you know where to look."
Their food arrives, and they sit at a small table outside. Toshi takes a bite and sighs with satisfaction. "Wow, this is even better than it smelled!"
Aiko picks at her food, lost in thought. After a moment, she looks up. "Why did you move here, anyway?"
"Wanted a change, I guess," he says, leaning back. "Back home, life felt… predictable. Here, it's like every day is a fresh start."
Aiko nods, her gaze softening as she considers his words. "I get that."
For a while, they eat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the city filling the background. Toshi sneaks a glance at Aiko, noticing a trace of melancholy in her eyes. He wants to ask, but something tells him to wait.
As they finish up, he clears his throat. "Well, guess we're officially neighbors and classmates now. Here's to new starts?"
Aiko hesitates, then raises her drink with a faint smile. "...To new starts."
Their cups clink, the soft sound almost swallowed by the city's constant hum. Aiko stares down at her drink for a moment, then tips her head back and finishes it in one go.
Toshi notices but says nothing, watching her with quiet curiosity.
They walk back to the apartment complex under the dimming sky. Once at her door, Aiko turns to him. "Thanks for tonight, Toshi."
"No problem," he replies with a warm smile. "Anytime, neighbor."
She nods, giving a half-wave as she slips into her apartment. As she closes the door, her smile fades, and her shoulders slump. The evening was nice, yet a strange emptiness lingers. I guess… I made a new friend, she thinks. But her eyes betray her—a hint of sadness woven through the blankness.
In the solitude of her bathroom, Aiko turns on the hot water and sinks into the tub. The warmth wraps around her, but it feels hollow, almost distant. She stares up at the ceiling, lost in thought, her mind circling back to a question that's become all too familiar. Something's missing… but what?
The steam fills the room, swirling around her as she closes her eyes, searching for an answer that remains just out of reach.