The brightness of the monitor was the only light in his dark room. The game in front of him, he'd played countless times, yet it was the only thing that still occupied his mind.
In the next moment, a large "Game Over" appeared on the screen.
He sighed. "Lost again…"
He leaned back, letting his head fall back. The ceiling was nothing but darkness. Just like his life. 28 years old, and nothing accomplished. No friends, no prospects. Only this virtual world where, for a brief moment, he could feel like someone.
His phone vibrated. A message. An old school friend.
"Hey Kiyo, wanna hang out again sometime?"
Kiyoshiro looked at the name. It had been years since they last spoke. What should he reply?
"No, I'd rather stay here alone and waste my life"?
He swiped the message away.
Outside, rain pounded against the window. The clock showed 9:26 PM. He'd been gaming all day. Again.
"I need some fresh air."
He grabbed his coat and stepped outside. Cold rain hit his face. He pulled the hood deep over his head, walking with his head down through the empty streets. No destination. No plan. Just walking.
Then, a scream.
He stopped. A dark alley. Shadows moved. A woman. Three men.
"Not my problem…" he thought. And yet… his legs moved.
"Hey!"
The men turned around. One grinned. A bulky guy with a shaved head.
"What do you want, kid?"
Kiyoshiro swallowed. His hands were shaking. But now, there was no turning back.
"Leave her alone."
The guy laughed. "And if not?"
Kiyoshiro balled his fists. "Then… then…"
The punch hit him before he could finish his sentence. Pain exploded in his face. He staggered. The second blow slammed into his ribs.
"Go die, idiot!"
A hard shove to the chest. His body was thrown back. The world spun.
He fell. His feet left the ground.
Headlights. A loud honk.
A truck was speeding toward him.
"Shit…"
One last thought. Then, darkness.