《Paranoia》 Begining-Nostalgia On the evening of a hot summer, when the sun gets kinder that is it''s less hot, and the warm breeze makes it more comfortable for the humans to walk around. On such a day a young man in his early twenties was walking in the middle of the road surrounded by green fields probably musing about world peace or the political state of the world and all that unfairness this world has. By the way, that person is me. Give me a break world peace? the political state of the world? I am not Martin Luther King or something. I am here to buy some groceries my mom wanted me to. While I am happy that I got into the college I wished for, I am also nervous about starting a new life as there are a lot of changes that come with moving alone to a new city which makes one nervous. And I like any other guy was feeling nervous about moving out. My parents were against me moving out so I had to pull out my ultimate card ''beg for it'' and other things to convince them. "Can I live in the city alone?" a question escapes my lips. While It was I who convinced my parents that I would be perfectly fine living alone, that''s not to say that I wouldn''t have some doubts about it after all I am no different from any other guy... probably. I say probably because I see things that are not there like someone peeking through the doors and I feel like someone is following me even now when no one''s there. It scares me what if someone is out there trying to kill me? what if all the things I feel and see are real? While I was thinking of such things the sight of a ridiculously huge Building which was built a year ago yanks me out of it. Seriously, why did they think that building such an extravagant-looking convenience store would be a good idea? That very extravagant-looking convenience store is my destination. I probably think it''s extravagant because I grew up seeing only small shops in our village. I push the glass door open and I am greeted by a middle-aged man Saying "Hey, Kazuki It''s been a while. How are you?" "Hi, uncle I am fine." "How did you do in your exams?" "I did good uncle and I also got into the college I want to" "Ohh, Congratulations Kazuki" "Thanks, Uncle." I go inside the store and put the items I want into the cart. I go towards the counter to pay for the items I''ve taken, where the uncle is standing. *Awkward pause* "Put them on the counter Kazuki." "Okay, uncle" I quickly put them on the counter. He scans them and tells me the price. I pay for them and quickly get out of there. While it wasn''t the most awkward thing that happened to me, nevertheless it''s still one of THE most awkward conversations I had. Now that I think about it, I''ve always had the streak of being the most awkward person in the room. While musing about how much of a bottom G I was, a warm summer breeze blows shifting my attention from my internal thoughts to green fields surrounding me. Suddenly it occurred to me that in a few days, my world was going to change drastically as I would no longer be able to see this view again. Sure it may be true that I can come home again, but that doesn''t change the fact that everything is going to be new and that is something I am not sure if I can come to terms with.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. New place. New people. New environment. My mind fills with doubt if I will be able to accommodate in such a place. A warm wind blows again as if to comfort me. Now that I look back I can see the edges of the convenience store that I''ve just visited. Well.. the fact that they built such a thing here attests to the development of the village. Maybe in the future, our village may become a big city which I am not sure if I would be okay with. As more changes are brought the village where I grew up won''t be the same, and the fields where I used to play and the dirt road where I used to travel while going to school. Even now the changes are so apparent as the number of abandoned homes keeps on increasing each passing year, I don''t hate young people who move away leaving their parents here, we can''t decide where we will be born on this earth so obviously there would be people who like where they were born and people who didn''t like where they are borne. The latter group of people either adjust to life or stay in that place, some people will move to another place where they would like to live. That is what I think being a human is, we have the choice of how to go about our own lives while everyone may not be able to act on their choice it is there regardless of what you do. My home finally comes into view ending this short journey. "I am home," I say this as I enter my home I noticed that there are additional shoes at the entrance. Being the Sherlock Holmes I am, I deduced that our guest had arrived here while I was out on what I would call a pilgrimage. While I was thinking about her, she showed herself in front of me. "Welcome home Kazuki" she greets me at the entrance of the home. I was caught off guard as she suddenly appeared in front of me. Her red hair like falling autumn leaves and her blue eyes made her look so beautiful that my heart skipped a beat. I awkwardly say "Hi Akane, It''s um.... been three years. How is it going" Her name is Akane she is 24 years old and 4 years older than me, She said that she would visit us today to celebrate my getting into the university in Chiba. Back then She, my brother, and I used to play together, She used to live with us because of a toxic relationship between her mother and father. "I am fine Kazuki. Let me take those items off you and deliver them to your mother so you can go and fresh up" "Thanks" I gave her my bag and headed to the bathroom to wash my face. After washing my face and feeling refreshed, I entered the living room where she was waiting for me. "Hey, Kazuki are Yuuto and your father not home yet?" "Yeah, they are out for work" Unlike me, my brother chose to stay and work in the fields instead of pursuing higher education. "Oh, I see. I heard that you''ve decided to live on your own. Are you going to be okay?" "Of course, I''m going to be okay. I am an adult now" I say puffing up my chest. "pft- HAHAHA, that''s so you to say that," She says mocking me. Grr- I can''t let her get away with this, I try to come up with something to get back at her "You are 24 and still singl-" Sensing the danger of the situation I decided to let go of my attempt to get back at her. "KaZuKI, were you saying something?" She says with a cute smile, the gap between her emotions and her expressions is way off that it''s scary. "N-No I wasn''t saying anything at all" It''s like narrowly avoiding a disaster. While we were busy throwing shade at each other my father and brother came home, ending our little spat. "How are you doing Akane, it''s been so long. How is your job ?" "I am doing well uncle, In my job my coworkers are kind and helpful." "I see that''s nice" After that, my dad left the living room to freshen up followed by my brother. The evening passed peacefully, with everyone catching up with each other while enjoying our dinner. After eating, my mom washed the dishes, and Akane helped her. Later, I showed Akane to her room where she would sleep. While we were on our way, she said "Hey, Kazuki do you remember, that secret room we used to go in" I said "Well yeah, I was always the one getting caught and scolded for it" "Alright then. Good night Kazuki," "Good night to you too" She smiled adorably and went to sleep. I returned to my room to rest as well because tomorrow is my university''s entrance ceremony. [/author] English is not my first language, so please correct any mistakes in the comments. Thank you.[/author] Transmigration I was running, to where? I don''t know. From what? I don''t know. All I know is that I must keep running I shouldn''t stop. My body does not feel like my own. I can neither change directions nor turn around. The only freedom I have or rather this body has, is to stop or keep running. I have this feeling that if I stop, this body along with me will be engulfed whole by something ominous. Every step I or this body I am in takes something is getting closer and closer. This body as if attracted by it is getting slower and slower. I try to run, but it does not go faster. I try to scream but this body doesn''t. Along the slope of the mountain, It loses its footing and turns and twists in the snow below the mountain and yet I feel no pain, It was a fall that would usually kill any human being but this body does not show any signs of pain nor did it scream. Who or why is that thing chasing me? why, why, why, Why am I here? I can''t stop moving. Why is this happening? The presence behind me gets stronger and stronger. I look back, the word fell apart as if being chewed by the void I could feel my bones and flesh being ground. I wake up in cold sweat, the sun hasn''t risen yet. I check the alarm clock it shows that it''s 1:30 am. My body feels so cold which is probably why I am shivering. I get up and fold my futon, and try to distract myself from that dream. I feel so suffocated here, I briskly slide open the door and move out of the room. The cold hard floor with every step sends chills through my spine. Where Bathroom, go for wasdh fa ce uruhrt ehit run where up and down sky feet cold ... ... lungs .........bur n.......... run to sto p ........... ............ ............. ......... ......... ....... ....... .......... I wake up and --- ouch my head hit something when I look for the culprit I see a.... sink? It seems I somehow got to the Bathroom and fell asleep. I don''t remember what happened or how I got here. My head hurts, probably because I hit the sink with my head. I brush my teeth and wash my face with cold water, I get out of the bathroom, and on my way to my room I am greeted by my mother she says "You woke up early today, I should probably check for the weather report if there is any storm today" "wha- Mom!! How rude, I can wake up early if I wanted to Ok?" "Of course, you always wake up before I even think of waking you up and never say "Mom let me sleep a bit more" every time I try to wake you up," she says sarcastically. What, why is my mom so rude early in the morning on the day I woke up early for once? I mean it''s my fault that I always ask her to wake me up and end up oversleeping until 8 in the morning. "Alright, Alright Mom, I am sorry. I''ll get ready now" she says "Right, check if you are taking everything you would need with you"A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. On my way to my room, I meet Akane, Based on her appearance one can deduce that she just got up. " Sup, you''re late". She blinks numerous times and starts to walk past ignoring me. I call out to her "Good morning, Akane" and she says "Wait, you''re real?? what universe did I wake up in to see you''re up so early" What, first it''s my mom and now her. I mean I know I am not a morning person but why is everyone dissing me on the day I am early for once shouldn''t they be praising me instead? I get frustrated and decided to rebel against this unjust "Nice hairstyle you got there, oops my bad it''s your bed hair HAHA" she says "Ahh, I see now, you just wanted the iron fist of justice, you could have just said so." she says that with a cute expression which makes it 100 times scarier, I instantly regret my decision, now I just have to smooth it over, Even a single mistake in my wording would lead to death, I do my best to come up with a line which will save me from this crisis and say "I-I have to go to my room and check up if I am taking everything needed so, see you later" and quickly move out of there. I make sure that I have taken everything I need and head to the living room." Good morning Father" he says "Good morning Kazuki, the vehicle is ready, keep your things in it and we will leave after having breakfast" I say " Ok Father" and do as I am told to. After loading my luggage in the vehicle I make my way to the living room." loading my luggage huh." I suppose that''s where uploading and downloading come from, that was pretty obvious now that I think about it but these tiny realizations in everyday language we use are kind of cool. I slide open the door to the living room where I am greeted by everyone sitting at the table ready to have breakfast. After having our breakfast, we get in the van with my father and brother in front and Akane, Mom and I in the back row seats. I sat beside the window seat, looking outside the window is the world I lived in and now, I am leaving this place, it''s funny to think when I was little I thought beyond this village there was nothing outside, probably because I never went outside of this village. I remember when I was little there was a huge circus just on the outskirts of this village, and all I could see was a red tent from the roof of my house, One night on the last day of the circus I finally mustered up some courage and set out to visit there without telling anyone and it was very dark outside but using the illumination of circus as my guide I somehow reached there, by the time I reached there it was already over I cried because I couldn''t make it in time, luckily a lady who knew me was there and she took me to home. I spent my time pondering on such silly things and chatting away before I knew it we reached our destination. The clock shows that it''s 8:23 AM, and it''s one hour from home, We get down from the vehicle and "download"(unload) the luggage. In front of us is an old-looking building made of wood that is not too big or too small just enough for me, I picked this house because it''s very cheap and not too far from my university, and relatively peaceful. We enter the house with my brother helping me carry my luggage. "Thanks, brother," he says "No problem, Kazuki" We then enter the new home. At the entrance of the house, there is little space to keep the shoes aside. then the living room is right in front of the entrance and to the left of the living room, we have the kitchen, and to the right, we have a bedroom. We set up the things like tube lights and an electric stove which is all the rage these days, and finally, we are done. That took us almost a couple of hours and we finally relax in the living room. "Kazuki, how about you let Akane show you around the city since it''s new for you here?" My mom asks me, I say "Alright, mom" "Please show him around Akane," to which she says "Alright Aunty, leave it to me" with a thumbs up. We leave the house and she guides me through the city, we come across many huge supermarkets, convenience stores, many vending machines, cafes which I rarely saw, and medicinal stores, while we were walking I could see tall buildings and skyscrapers, well scraping the sky...it almost looks like that no wonder that''s what they are called. While I am thinking such things she suddenly spoke up saying "This is where I live" She shows me a tall apartment that looks new, which may have been probably built just a couple of years ago."If you have any problems at your place you can come here. Ok?" I say "I will, thanks". After a bit more walking, we decide to head back. On our way back quietly walking beside keeping each other company is the most comforting feeling I have ever experienced in the past few years, that is probably because um, she uh is my first love, it''s embarrassing even if I am just thinking about it....ahem L-Lets change the subject. "Now that I think about it what job do you exactly do?" "It''s a Software job, we just develop programs for hire," I say" Ahh ok. That''s cool" that''s awesome, like in the movies." And yea it''s not like the movies you''re thinking about". " Wha- did you just read my mind or something?" she says "It''s so obvious when you make a face like that" We spend the rest of our time on the way home chatting away and teasing each other. This time we spent together was very pleasant to me and it would make me happy if she feels the same way. warm…..yet cold After walking for a while, we head back so that we will be able to make it in time for the inauguration of my university. After reaching home we immediately head to my university, where we are greeted with a large front gate inside, it has a huge building in front of which there are many students like myself with their families which kind of gives a very festive feel to it, maybe because of that even I am feeling hyped. We then entered the building and followed everyone else which helped us to reach the auditorium which is almost the size of a movie theater. We sit in the 3rd row towards the corner as the seats in the front rows were already occupied. We sat there for a couple of hours listening to the introduction of the lecturers and the programs of the course and the speech of the Chairman about the university and how we should focus our time on our studies. I probably won''t remember this tomorrow not because it''s boring but because recently I have been very forgetful about what happened the day before, it''s not like I have amnesia or anything, it''s like I can''t recollect what happened and but I only remember small fragments of it, I don''t know why that happens to me, While I was thinking about such things a sudden voice yanked me out of it "Hey, Kazuki this reminds me of the first day of my university. I can''t believe it''s been 5 years already" yeah I am not gonna get in trouble by pointing out that she is old, I avoid that and say something completely random "Did you know that guinea pig has a lifespan of 5 years?" "Wha-, how is that a reasonable reaction to what I just said?" "The orientation is almost over, let''s go back already," Mom says "Why don''t you go and talk with your would-be classmates," I say "alright, Fine Mom" I get up and set out to meet them is what I would do if I weren''t so awkward with people, some guys were gathering introducing themselves, so I decided to join them "Hi everyone my name is Kazuki Hoshino, L-lets get along well" Ahhhh why did I stutter there, makes me cringe so hard that my bones are breaking. They continued to introduce themselves ignoring my mistake probably out of consideration. I listened to their introductions carefully, well even though I probably won''t remember them, later I returned to where my parents are and we finally went back home, and I have already forgotten their names, oh well I will try to get to know them later. We return home and the clock shows that it was 2 pm I quickly washed my face and relax a little bit, after that, we had our lunch, probably tiredness caught up to me I started to feel sleepy. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. "Kazuki, We will be leaving now, take care of your self" "Yes Father" My parents and brother get ready to leave, and I get out to send them off. " Kazuki, if you have any problem don''t forget to call us" "Thanks, brother. I will do that", My mom said"I kept the leftovers in the fridge, eat them in the evening after heating them" to which I said, "Ok Mom". We bid our farewell to each other, "Take care Kazuki, I will visit sometimes to check on you" "Thanks, Akane" She too went back. I lock the front door, set out my futon, and finally lay on the futon. Suddenly overcome by tiredness, I close my eyes. By the time I woke up, it was already evening. I stretch my body, I feel so refreshed. It''s probably because I was so tired, I feel that this is the best sleep I have gotten in the past month. I get up and fold my futon and keep it aside, wash my face and take out the leftovers from the fridge and put them on the plate. "Let''s eat" It''s cold but I gulp it down, and finish eating it. Now it''s time for the most cumbersome task of cleaning the dishes, I somehow finish cleaning them. Seeing outside through the window makes me realize that it was almost nighttime, I switch off the lights in the kitchen and bathroom and decided to study C programming, It''s not like I want to be a programmer It''s just a hobby of mine. By the time the clock hit 10:00 pm I am done with my study and finally, go to sleep hoping that tomorrow will be a good day. I wake up and stretch my body while yawning, I had great sleep and feel very good today. I check the time and it shows 6:23 am, I think my university starts at 8 in the morning, so I need to check the schedule to make sure that it starts at 8 ''O''clock. I go through my bag to find the schedule papers they gave me yesterday, Huh I can''t find them. I search for them frantically in the living room drawers and sure enough I find them in the cupboard of the almirah where my clothes are stored neatly, Now that I think about it I remember keeping this here because I was too lazy to open my bag when I was changing my clothes yesterday. "You reap what you sow" I should have at least put them somewhere noticeable. Cursing myself about how I could have avoided all that searching I was not so lazy yesterday to keep them properly I get ready. I made bread and omelet today as I was in the mood for a light breakfast. "Hmm, I added a bit more salt than necessary" I will have to mind how much salt I am using next time. By the time I finished my breakfast, it was 7:30 am, I tie my shoe and lock the door and hurry so that I won''t be late on the first day of my university. First day in University After breakfast, I locked all doors and hurried to my university. Today I decided not to take the main avenue instead I took a shortcut which has a narrow road and a relatively empty street, It was quiet, and from the corner of my eye, I could see a big cat-like shadow sitting there and staring at me. Suddenly the street went silent as if everyone there never existed, I feel like I am sinking into the cement of the footpath. Its presence is getting stronger and stronger, My legs feel like they are paralyzed. From the corner of my eye, I could feel it moving toward me, Overcome by fear I instinctively look at it and there was.... nothing there, The street seemed empty and silent until now filled with the hustle and bustle of people. I calm myself by breathing slowly, after I am relaxed enough to walk I slowly continue to walk toward my university. I made it here 5 minutes early and I make my way to my lecture gallery 1 which is still open, Inside it many students are sitting according to the numbers given. For me, it was on the first row and first column. There are 20 rows with 4 columns each column has large benches arranged in rows, and each bench has room for three people to sit. Two columns on the right for boys and the other two for girls. Without any further ado, I reach my place. "Hi, I am your neighbor my name is Suzuki Akira, you can call me Akira" He is around my height and is thin, and looks reserved. "Hi, I am Kazuki Hoshino, you can call me Kazuki" After I introduced myself suddenly the guy beside him says "Hey, Kazuki we met yesterday right, it''s surprising to think we are going to be sitting beside each other" This person unlike Akira, looks very outgoing type, he has a moderate build and long hair which covers his ears and also it seems that he was one of the guys I met yesterday I try to remember his name. .. .. .. I can''t remember his name. While I was thinking about how should I manage he says "Nice to meet you too Akira, I am Takahashi Kenji, you both can call me Kenji" That saves me the embarrassment of not knowing his name when he remembers mine. I never really liked outgoing people because every time I meet them it''s always almost a bad experience but that does not mean that I hate them after all, everyone is different so I must give them a chance instead of shutting myself off from them. He then goes on to talk with the people behind us, I don''t get how they remain so social. I decided that I am not going to do that since it was too much for me. Fortunately, before I got roped into their conversation the lecturer arrived here and we sat through the introductory class. It''s finally lunch break Kenji invited me to eat in the classroom but I refused him by explaining that I didn''t bring my lunch as today I wanted to try eating in the cafeteria. I look at the cafeteria menu and decided to go with rice and curry. I choose the place which has the least number of people, I took a seat on the empty bench and have my lunch there. I didn''t sit all alone since that would put me on the spot and not too close to anyone just the proper distance. Thankfully, lunch break went well without anyone reaching out to me. I get up and leave the cafeteria to my classroom Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. When I enter the classroom Kenji and the others finished lunch and were talking with each other, Rather than go there I sit at my place because it will hurt. I know that I am exaggerating things but I can''t shake off the feeling that it''s going to hurt even if I know it won''t. The bell snaps me out of these thoughts and brings me back to reality. Everyone started to move to their seats, Kenji asks me" Kazuki you should have come to us when you returned to the class, you would have made friends with them instead of being alone" to which I say "Yes next time I will try to do that" he says "You should". I may not want to join but I just can''t say no to his face and hurt him, my involvement with others will always bring suffering to others and myself so that''s the whole reason I decided to live alone, I don''t want to hurt myself or someone else. After the class, It''s finally time to go home, I pack my bag and before leaving I check a couple of times if I missed anything. Kenji, Akira, and I were going to the gate together we were talking about how the first day of our university went, though I say ''we'' it''s just the two of them talking and me walking beside them. Kenji suddenly says "Hey Kazuki why are you being a loner man, you should interact with us more." to which I reply with "I will try my best to do that" Honestly now that I think about it I sound like a broken record since this type of conversation always ends this way. Fortunately, we reached the gate, they go opposite sides to my home, so we part ways there. On my way home I took the main avenue considering what happened today morning. Unlike the shortcut, the main avenue is full of people and vehicles. A large truck is headed towards me I could by bones shatter my blood spilled everywhere footpath which was white until now is filled with blood flowing from my body. I wanted to screen and suddenly it all disappeared. This is why I tried to avoid the main avenue because every time a vehicle passes me I always see this grotesque scene, now the intensity of fear is reduced because after seeing it over and over I probably got used to it. I reach my home, take a bath and change into pajamas. Today I am going to use the electric stove to cook, I am going to make my favorite dish egg fried rice, you might think it''s so simple but it is my actual first time cooking it so it''s hard to get it right. I don''t have a day-old rice since I forgot to prepare it today but I''ll try to compromise on that. I get all the things required to prepare it and of course my dear companion Timmy. I make freshly cooked rice, prepare scrambled eggs, chop beans, carrots, and onions, and no capsicum because I don''t like it, they should be illegal to grow, ewww, imagining how it tastes is a nightmare by itself. I saute them and add rice, salt, and soy sauce and mix it well, finally garnish them with spring onions. Finally, it''s done. "let''s eat" Mmmmm it tastes good! I am not gonna give you any Timmy because you are a statue and statues don''t eat. I finish my meal, feeling satisfied I wash my hands and store the leftovers in the fridge for tomorrow morning. I call my parents and tell them how my first day went, later I studied the basics from my textbooks by the time I was done the clock shows it was 10 pm. I set my futon and lay on it. "Good night Timmy" Surprisingly I didn''t see Yu today, well that''s for the best. Today was a good day nothing special nor it was out of the ordinary hoping that tomorrow will be the same I go to sleep.