Kairo walked slowly down the bustling street, observing each moment as it passed. The hurried students jumping onto buses, little ones clutching their backpacks, and parents guiding them created a familiar, chaotic rhythm. A fleeting smile crept across Kairo's face, but it quickly dimmed, a pang of sadness tugging at his heart.
"Parents... school... classes. Are they truly happy? Is it that important?" He was lost in thought when suddenly, someone collided with him.
Startled, Kairo's heart raced. "Am I being followed? Is it the enemy?" Panic flooded his mind as the one who bumped into him quickly regained composure.
"I'm so sorry, sir! I wasn't watching where I was going," she said apologetically.
Kairo took a breath, trying to steady himself. As he looked at her, he noticed the girl's light pink hair and her bright, golden eyes. She was shaking off crumpled papers from the ground.
Though it might seem trivial to most, this collision felt extraordinary to Kairo; it was the first time he'd experienced such a random encounter on the street. Yet he couldn't let his surprise show. Without hesitation, he bent down to help gather the papers.
"What's your name? And what are these papers?" he asked, trying to keep his tone casual.
"My name is Hanigachi. This was my work report, but now it's all ruined and unreadable…" She sighed, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Oh! I'm so sorry again. By the way, are you okay? What should I call you?"
As he processed her name, Kairo felt a shiver run down his spine. "Hanigachi… That name shouldn't exist here. In the past five years, I've come to understand how unique my own name is. But I'm sure I've heard 'Hanigachi' before... Could it be? Has someone else escaped? Impossible! Just thinking about that horrific factory makes my skin crawl...
I risked everything to escape, and by sheer luck, I survived. There can't be another attempt to escape after me! They don't allow free thought... What does this mean?" With those thoughts swirling in his mind, he stood frozen in place...