《HanaSuki》
Vetaback
HanaSuki
? Volume 1 |
HanaSuki: Ai to uso ni saku hana ; äۤˆD ; HanaSuki: Flower that bloom in love and lies;
Illustration of Natsumi
PROLOGUE
Chapter 0;
Vetaback
???????????????? ??[ X ]
These memories for you cant fade away?
~ Why do you make me wanna love you?
These heart strokes
*Click*
The ending song stopped abruptly as I clicked the close button on my computer screen.
A bright pop-up flashed in the center.
???????????????? ??[ X ]
????? Congratulations!
You are the first person to have beaten Vetaback!
*Click*
The screen flickered, and another window appeared.
?????????????????????[ X ]
As per the terms of service, you are awarded one wish!
*Click*
Please type the wish you want
?.................... [SUBMIT]
Eh!?
My voice echoed in the dimly lit room. The blinking cursor taunted me as my mind scrambled.
I sat frozen, unable to process what I was seeing.
Why?
Why did it feel so surreal?
This this had to be a joke, right?
I had picked up this game because of its notorious reputation for being insanely difficult.
I thought, maybe this time, maybe this game would be the one to
I shook my head.
No, that was too embarrassing to admit, even in the privacy of my own thoughts.
But the truth? The truth was pathetsimple.
I wasnt here because I liked challenges. I wasnt here for the glory of beating the hardest game ever made.
I was here because I wanted something more. Something impossible.
I wanted to escape this world.
Id seen it happen so many times in anime, manga, and light novels. Characters thrown into fantastical worlds, granted powers, given purpose. I wanted that. I craved it with every fiber of my being.
So much so that I
Well.
I tried.
Once.
Twice.
More times than I cared to count.
But reality was cruel. Trucks didnt magically transport you to another world; they broke bones and left you alive to suffer.
Eventually, I gave up.
(It was definitely not because the hospital reported me, and I was forced to promise never to put myself in danger again!)
Not on the dream, no.
But on the methods.
I turned to anime, light novels, and manga. Then to games. If I couldnt live it, maybe I could at least immerse myself in it.
I had beaten every game.
Well not really.
But I had beaten the hardest ones!
I had written 50,000-word complaints about every manga and novel I read, every game I played, every anime I watched. (Of course, I used my alt account for those.)
I had read every novel with one view.
I had watched every obscure anime.
I had devoured every manga.
And then, Vetaback released.
The ultimate game.
The one no one could beat.
It was an opportunity.
Of course, I was drawn to it like a moth to flame. It took me over a million deaths and 10,000 hours of gameplay, but I finally did it.
And what do I get for my trouble?
A flashy pop-up.
A wish?
It was probably some marketing gimmick or an Easter egg.
But still
Even if it was fake, I had nothing to lose, right?
Please type the wish you want:
? Isekai me, please...
? [SUBMIT]
*Click*
For a moment, nothing happened.
I stared at the screen, half-expecting it to explode into sparks or for reality to distort.
But there was only silence.
...Nothing?
I sighed, leaning back in my chair.
It was stupid to expect anything.
But a small, childish part of mesome desperate fragment of hopehad believed.
Believed that maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.
?? ?????????? ??????????
Still nothing.
I refreshed the game page. Logged in and out. Checked my emails.
Nothing.
???? ?????????? ??????????
My frustration morphed into resignation.
TWO WEEKS HAVE PASSED.
The wish? A scam. A cruel prank.
I sighed deeply, staring at my empty fridge.
The contentsjust a half-empty bottle of water and some expired yogurtmocked me.
Guess I should go shopping
I grabbed my hoodie and phone, shoving my wallet into my pocket.
Before leaving, I glanced at the shelves above my desk.
There they wereawards, trophies, certificates. Proof of my skills. Gaming, writing, art, codingId excelled at all of them.
But why?
Why did it all feel so meaningless?
I bit back the bitterness rising in my throat.
Doesnt matter, I muttered, stepping out into the cool night air.
The streets were quiet, save for the occasional hum of a distant car.
The fluorescent lights of the convenience store glowed faintly in the distance.
I wandered the aisles, picking up cup noddles , bentos, and snacks.
It wasnt like I was starving, but
What was the point of anything?
Even as I swiped my card and walked home with the plastic bag cutting into my palm, the emptiness inside me remained.
Soon. I returned home.
Hah. It doesnt matter anymore, I muttered as I closed the door behind me.
The quiet of the mansion greeted me like an old friend, empty and vast.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
I slipped off my shoes, headed toward the kitchen, and started making coffee.
First, I grabbed the kettle from the counter, filled it with water from the tap, and set it on the stove.
The faint click of the stove igniting filled the silence as the flame licked the bottom of the kettle.
While waiting for the water to heat, I pulled out a clean mug from the cupboard, placing it carefully on the counter. From another cabinet, I grabbed a jar of instant coffee and a teaspoon, scooping out the bitter granules into the mug.
The water began to bubble softly, the sound growing louder with each passing second.
I poured it over the coffee, watching as the dark liquid swirled and settled.
As the faint aroma of coffee filled the air, I turned to the pantry and grabbed a cup of instant ramen.
I pulled out a pot, filled it with water, and placed it on the stove to boil.
While the water heated, I peeled back the lid of the ramen cup and glanced at the flavor packet inside.
Not that it matteredit was all the same to me.
I tore it open and poured the seasoning over the noodles.
Once the water boiled, I carefully poured it into the cup, steam rising as the noodles began to soften.
By now, the coffee was done, so I picked it up and carried both the ramen and coffee to the dining room.
The table was massivefar too large for someone like me who always ate alone.
It was surrounded by empty chairs that hadnt been used in years.
I pulled out a chair and sat down, setting my coffee and ramen on the polished surface.
The first bite of noodles was hot, nearly scalding, but I didnt care.
It wasnt about taste or enjoyment. It was food, and it kept me alive.
I took a sip of coffee, the bitterness biting at my tongue. It didnt matter, either.
The caffeine was the only thing keeping me awake most days.
Sleep deprivation was a constant in my life.
I finished the ramen quickly, tossing the empty cup into the trash bin nearby.
Its pretty lonely, huh, I said, glancing at the empty chairs around me.
I stood up.
My eyes wandered over the expansive dining room.
The chandelier above sparkled faintly, its light highlighting the emptiness of the space.
Why am I always like this?
My forced smile felt heavy on my face as I looked around.
I live alone in this giant mansion. Of course, no ones going to come here.
I sighed, turning away and heading toward the stairs.
My footsteps echoed in the vastness of the house.
The hallway upstairs was lined with rooms, most of which were empty.
It always felt strange walking past them, knowing how unused they were.
But then I remembered something.
I turned on my heel and headed back downstairs, my steps quickening as I moved toward the corridor.
As I neared one of the rooms, an old lady stepped out.
She was carrying a small bag and heading toward the front door.
She noticed me and stopped, bowing politely.
Good evening, Natsumi-sama, she greeted with a warm yet professional tone.
I nodded in acknowledgment. Has everyone gone home?
Yes, Natsumi-sama, she replied. Everyone has finished their work and returned home.
Are you heading home too, Akane-san?
Yes Ill be leaving now, she said with a gentle smile.
I nodded again.
At my gesture, she resumed her walk to the front door. Her quiet footsteps faded into the distance.
The door creaked softly as she opened it, stepping out into the night.
It closed behind her with a faint click, leaving me alone once more.
Hah, I sighed, staring at the door.
And now shes gone.
I stood there for a moment, lost in thought.
If I asked them to stay, they probably would. But that would feel wrong.
The maids working here had their own lives, their own families.
The only reason Id hired them was because I couldnt clean the mansion on my own.
It wasnt like I was any good at cleaning, anyway.
And besides, I was just a second-year college student. What did I know about managing a household?
You might be wondering how someone like me managed to beat Vetaback.
The answer was simple: sleep deprivation. Four hours of sleep a day while attending classes and playing vetaback.
I als
Wait...Why am I even talking to myself? I muttered, shaking my head.
I made my way back to the kitchen and prepared another cup of coffee.
With the freshly brewed coffee in hand, I climbed the stairs again, heading to the top floor.
My room was at the very end of the hallway.
Of course,It was the largest room in the house!
I opened the door and stepped inside.
The space was clean, almost sterile. A large bed sat against one wall, untouched.
My desk was cluttered with monitors, cables, and other equipment.
I set the coffee down on the desk and sank into the chair, letting out a long breath.
The screen in front of me displayed the raw footage of my final run in Vetaback.
With a tired smile, I opened my editing software and got to work.
Four hours later, I finished editing the ten-hour-long video.
The final click to upload it felt satisfying, though not for the reasons most people might think. My gaming channel, ʥĥ?ȩ` ` (Natsumi Tohka Gsuto), had amassed over 500 million subscribers.
Two seconds after uploading, the views began ticking up, faster than I could track. In just two minutes, the video surpassed fifty million views.
It was a familiar sightcomments pouring in from all over the world, each one buzzing with excitement. My English subtitles made the video accessible to everyone, and my custom-animated Vtuber model only added to the allure.
Of course, animating my own model was another thing entirely.
Not because I couldnt afford the technology, but because i could customize my movements, expressions and it most importantly i didn''t liked it!
Totally not because the equipment didnt fit my body properly because of my slender waist and petite frame and the equipment didn''t fit and then i spent six hours crying after the first failed attemthat''s enough!
I closed the computer with a soft sigh and checked the time. Past 20:00.
I headed downstairs, each step echoing faintly in the quiet mansion. T
he kitchen greeted me with its usual sterile neatness.
I opened a cupboard, grabbed a bowl, and poured rice into it.
The cold water ran over the grains as I rinsed them, watching the murky liquid swirl down the drain. Once washed, I transferred the rice to the cooker and set it to cook.
While waiting, I opened the fridge.
Pulling out fresh vegetables, I began cutting them methodically, the rhythmic sound of the knife filling the silence.
Karage came next, frying gently in the pan, and then miso soup simmered on the stove.
The warm, savory smells spread through the kitchen, chasing away some of the loneliness.
The rice finished cooking just as I plated everything. Sitting down at the empty dining table, I quietly ate my meal.
Whatever was left, I packed into bentos, wrapping them neatly.
I grabbed a black hoodie, pulling the hood over my head.
The glasses I wore came off, replaced by contact lenses I kept in my pocket.
The orange lenses tinted my silver-cyan eyes into a warm, unfamiliar hue.
Sliding a knife into my pocket,
I picked up the bag of bentos and stepped outside.
The cold night air bit at my skin as I made my way toward the slums of Tokyo.
The scene was the same as always. Stray cats meowed weakly in the distance. People begged for money on the sidewalks.
And then there were the children.
Their hollow eyes and frail forms always hit me the hardest. Hunger, despair, and emptiness etched onto their facesfaces that no one else seemed to see.
I handed each of them a bento, their small hands trembling as they accepted the food.
Thank you, some murmured softly.
I didnt respond. Words werent necessary.
From there, I walked to the convenience store. I bought more bentos and snacks, piling them into another bag.
The orphanage wasnt far.
Ah, welcome, Kazuki-sama!
The woman managing the orphanage greeted me warmly.
Her voice carried relief and gratitude.
I handed her the food in silence, watching as she called the children over.
Their faces lit up as they gathered around me, their excitement palpable.
They started playing with me, their laughter filling the small space.
Why were they awake at this hour?
Maybe theyd been waiting for me.
A pang of guilt hit me.
My smile faded, but I quickly fixed my expression.
They were getting too attached.
No, that wasnt the problem. The problem was that I was getting too attached.
I knew I should stop coming here.
But no matter how many times I told myself that, I couldnt stop.
It wasnt kindness or altruism that drove me.
It was my own selfishness.
It was loneliness.
I forced a playful tone.
This is the last time, you know~.
Their protests were immediate.
No, youre not!
Yeah!
Youre joking again!
Oni-chan, stop saying that!
Exactly!
I tried to explain, but they only laughed, their small voices drowning out my half-hearted arguments.
Eventually, they tired and returned to their rooms. All except one.
A boy tugged at my hoodie as I was about to leave.
Are you really not coming back?
I hesitated for a moment but after a while.
Mmm, I noded.
He smiled bitterly as he turned and walked away.
I lingered for a moment before heading out.
The city felt colder than before.
Finding a tall building, I climbed to the rooftop. Sitting on the edge of the railing, I let the wind whip against my face.
My hood fell off, revealing my messy hair.
I pulled out my phone.
The video Id uploaded earlier had surpassed 200 million views.
Comments flooded the screen, but i just skimmed through them.
Scrolling through my emails, I searched for any sign of them. That damn company that had promised me the impossible.
Nothing.
With a frustrated sigh, I pocketed my phone.
After sitting there for a while, letting the cold seep into my skin, I climbed down and bought a canned coffee from a nearby vending machine.
Returning home, I replaced my contacts with glasses.
My reflection in the mirror was as empty as ever.
I went to my room, setting the empty coffee can aside.
Turning on my PC, I started my Jobwell Part-time Job actually.
What Job you mask?
It was to make programs.
The work was tedious, but it paid well. In just two hours, I finished and sent the program.
Their reply came almost instantly, offering triple the money for more work. I declined.
600 million yen appeared in my account.
The clock read 01:00.
I spent the next two hours watching anime.
Finally, I took a shower and changed into a new hoodie.
Falling onto my bed, I let sleep claim me.
??
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the faint sunlight filtering through the curtains.
I dragged myself out of bed, my body feeling lighter than usual.
The bathroom mirror greeted me as I splashed cold water on my face.
The reflection staring back at me was the same as alwaysmessy, pure white-cyan hair falling over my eyes.
I pushed it up with my hand and slid on my glasses, the familiar red-edged round frames fitting perfectly on my nose.
My silvery cyan eyes, matching the hue of my hair, stared back at me.
They looked empty and lifeless like always.
I glanced down at my body, slender and petite as always.
My figure was frail, my stature shorter than the average college student.
To most people, I probably looked like a middle schooleror at best, a first-year high schooler.
After brushing my teeth, I checked the time.
10:00.
Pretty early, I muttered to myself.
The silence weighed heavier than usual, but I pushed the thought aside.
I brewed myself a cup of coffee, the scent of it filling the air, and sat down at my desk to start my daily work.
Programming was one of the hobbies i picked.
I opened up a low-quality game to mess with its code, slipping into the familiar rhythm of hacking and reprogramming for fun.
But something''s off.
Huh? I frowned at the screen.
There were no players online. Not a single notification, not even from bots.
I grabbed my phone, scrolling through it absentmindedly, and noticed my latest video had already surpassed 500 million views.
How strange.
I stood up, heading to the kitchen, hoping food might distract me.
Breakfast was simplejust a slice of bread thrown into the toaster.
When I bit into it, the crisp texture was satisfying but didnt erase the unease creeping into my chest.
Umm. Crispy.
I forced a smile, but it faltered quickly.
As I finished eating, I moved to call Akane-san. It was odd that the house felt so empty.
At this hour, the maids shouldve been here, bustling around, cleaning every corner of this massive house.
But the silence remained.
I dialed her number.
The call rang once. Twice. Three times.
No answer.
I tried again, but it was the same.
She never missed my calls. Ever.
Something is wrong.
A cold dread washed over me, my hands trembling as I clutched the phone.
No way.
At that moment, i realized something.
My legs moved before I could think.
I ran.
I ran as fast as i could.
I didnt care about anythingdidnt notice the people around me, didnt notice the biting cold.
My breath grew ragged, my legs burned, but I didnt stop.
My heart beat got faster.
The city blurred around me, the sound of my footsteps echoing loudly in the empty streets.
Before I knew it, I stood in front of the hospital building.
My heart beat got even faster.
My vision got blurry.
My hood slipped off my head, my hair whipping against my face as the wind blew.
My chest heaved as I stumbled inside, the air colder than I remembered.
I glanced aroundand froze.
The hospital staff, the patients, the visitors everyone was still.
Frozen in place like statues.
No!
I forced myself to keep moving, climbing the stairs with shaky legs.
Room 203.
Each step toward it felt heavier than the last, my heart sinking deeper into my chest.
When I reached the door, my hand hovered over the doorknob, hesitation gripping me.
But I had to see.
I turned the knob and pushed the door open.
The sight before me was exactly what I feared.
The hospital bed came into view, revealing a boy sitting upright.
His long black hair framed his delicate face. His blue eyes were open, staring blankly ahead. A small scar peeked out from his wrist, faint but familiar.
Yuki? My voice cracked.
I stepped closer, my movements slow and hesitant.
His figure was frozen, unmoving.
Yuki! I called out louder, desperation creeping into my tone.
No response.
I reached out and touched his shoulder, my hands trembling. His skin was cold, unnaturally so.
Hey, Yuki dont joke around, okay? Look, Oni-chans here now, so you dont have to be scared.
Still, no answer.
Tears blurred my vision as the reality I didnt want to face became clearer.
No
I hugged him tightly, but his chest didnt rise. His heart didnt beat.
It was frozen. Just like everything else.
Author''s Note:This is a light novel, so don''t expect the usual web novel writing.
Footnotes:
` mean ghost.
Karage is fried chicken Japan.
Shattered Real!ty — Dust!
???? ?1????
???
??
???
??*Your perception of time is slowly disintegrating...
?????
???
???
Chapter 1;
Shattered Real!ty Dust!
Na-Na-Na-Na-Natsumi-ni-chan!?
The voice rang in my ears, clear and unmistakable.
My body jolted. My tears stopped mid-flow as I whipped my head toward the hospital bed. Yukis eyesthose vibrant blue eyeswere looking directly at me. His lips moved, and his voice, soft and familiar, reached out to me.
I froze, staring at him, utterly dumbfounded.
Yuki?
He was fine. Smiling, even.
How?
Was it just my imagination?
Or was I hallucinating?
I blinked, trying to shake the doubt from my mind, but my thoughts swirled.
Reality itself felt unstable.
Before I could gather my senses, Yukis small hand reached out and touched my cheeks. His fingers were warm, soft, alive.
Oni-chan were you crying?
His voice wavered, concern evident in his eyes.
I didnt respond immediately. My mind was too clouded.
Why? he asked again, his expression a mixture of confusion and sadness.
I forced myself to breathe, to mask the storm raging inside me. I was just here to visit. I cant? I tilted my head and smiled.
But inside, I was a mess.
Nothing made sense.
How was he alive? Was this real? Could sleep deprivation have warped my reality to such a degree?
No, this wasnt just imagination. It was too vivid, too tangible.
Thats not fair, Yuki pouted, breaking my train of thought. If you smile like that
His words trailed off.
I stared at him, my forced smile still plastered on my face.
If this is my imagination I need to be sure.
Hey, Yuki. I leaned closer, my voice steady despite my trembling heart. Pinch my cheek.
His head tilted in confusion. Huh?
Just do it, I urged him while keeping my tone soft.
After a moment, he nodded and reached out, his fingers gently pinching my cheek.
The sharp sting spread across my skin.
It hurt.
The pain was real.
And so was he.
But
Something''s strange.
My left hand slid behind my back while my right rested gently on Yukis head. His hair was soft beneath my fingers, and as I began to pat his head, he leaned into my touch, his body relaxing.
A soft smile formed on his lips.
With my left hand, I quietly reached into my pocket and pulled out a knife.
I pressed the blade against my wrist, steadying my breathing.
This was the only way.
With a swift motion, I slid the knife against my skin, just enough to feel the sharp sting of metal against flesh.
Then, without hesitation, I turned the blade toward my waist and pierced it into my side, shallow but enough to confirm what I needed.
The pain was excruciating.
The pain is real.
I didnt want Yuki to notice.
But even as the searing pain spread, the world around me remained unchanged.
Everything was still here.
And Yuki he was still here...
Hey, O-ni-ni-ni-ni-ni-ni-ni!#%#$%
Yukis voice distorted.
It wasnt just distortedit was glitching.
My hand stopped mid-motion on his head, my heart sinking.
I turned to look at him, my breath hitching.
His facehalf of itwas no longer human.
The right side was smeared, unrecognizable, like a corrupted digital file.
My mind reeled, trying to comprehend the sight before me.
And then, as suddenly as it had appeared, it was gone.
His face returned to normal, the warm, familiar face of my little brother.
But his hair
It wasnt his anymore.
The vibrant black had faded, replaced by streaks of white. His youthful features aged rapidly, wrinkles carving themselves into his skin.
In mere moments, Yuki was no longer a child but an old man, his eyes heavy with sadness and loneliness.
Yuki? My voice trembled as I reached out to him.
He didnt respond.
And then, his aged face began to crumble, turning into fine, gray dust.
No!?
I grabbed his shoulders, desperate to hold onto him, but my fingers met only air.
His entire body disintegrated, scattering into dust that fell through my trembling hands.
Why?
I clutched the dust, tears streaming down my face, only for it to shift and transform.
The gray particles reformed, creating a lifeless replica of Yukis face in my hands.
His expression was hollow, filled with despair.
I hugged the dust close, my tears falling freely, soaking into the remnants of what once was.
The world around me changed.
The vibrant colors faded, bleeding into shades of gray until everything turned monochromatic.
Then, like fragile glass, the monochromatic reality shattered.
A rift formed before me, a crack in the very fabric of existence.
And within that rift was beauty.
Pure, unearthly beauty.
Colors I couldnt name swirled within, drawing me in. It was mesmerizing, intoxicating.
I couldnt look away.
I reached out, my body moving on its own. The temptation was too great.
But before I could step forward, something grabbed my wrist.
The monochromatic world snapped back to normal, the rift vanishing as though it had never existed.
I turned, breathless, and found Yuki staring at me.
Whats wrong? Why are you making that face?
He was fine.
Perfectly fine.
Mmm, I mumbled, forcing a weak smile. Im just not feeling well today.
Yuki didnt seem convinced. His eyes lingered on me, sharp with suspicion, before he sighed.
Go home and rest, Oni-chan, he said firmly.
I nodded, too exhausted to argue.Right.
Take care..
As I turned to leave, I heard him mutter something under his breath.
The words were faint, lost amidst the pounding in my head.
I got up and went through the door.
The hospital staff glanced at me, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. I waved them off, mumbling something vague about feeling unwell. They didnt press further. I just needed to leave.
Once outside, the crisp January air hit my face, and I paused, exhaling a visible puff of breath. For a moment, the world felt normal.
But only for a moment.
A loud crack tore through the sky above me.
I snapped my head upward, my heart racing. A riftfractured and jaggedsplit the sky open, revealing an otherworldly glow. It was the same as before, impossibly beautiful, yet unnerving.
Before I could even process it, everything around me froze.
People, cars, even the windeverything had stopped in place, like a paused video.
I narrowed my eyes, glaring at the rift. Something about it felt wrong, like it was mocking me.
Without thinking, I raised my hand and snapped my fingers.
The sharp sound echoed through the silent, frozen streets of Tokyo.
Nothing happened.
Time remained still, and the rift continued to pulse mockingly.
Damn it! I muttered, clenching my fists.
Maybe maybe I have special powers! Powers to stop time, Why would i even think that.
The words slipped out, and I immediately cringed.
Why the hell would I even think that?
Am I a moron? I groaned, running a hand through my hair.
But then another thought surfaced, more absurd than the first.
No, no. Thats impossible because i have the power of darkness!
A sly grin crept onto my face as I raised my hands dramatically.
Heave before me, my darkness! O you petty mortals, why dost thou command thy pathetic selves? Now, Primordial Darkness, consume thy problems and vanish them to dust!
I struck a pose, fingers outstretched like a conductor directing some cosmic symphony.
....
Silence.
Nothing happened.
The embarrassment hit me like a freight train.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
My face flushed as I put my hand over it, groaning. Ah, what is wrong with me?
I dropped to the ground, curling into a ball as I rolled back and forth in pure humiliation.
Hazukashi! Hazukashi Hazukashi! Hazukashi Hazukashi!
After a few moments of self-inflicted torment, I forced myself to stand.
I took a deep breath, letting the cold air cool my burning face.
Anyway I muttered, brushing the imaginary dust off my clothes. Why is all of this happening?
I glanced at the frozen world around me, frustration building in my chest.
More importantly I scowled at the rift above. Someoneor somethingis messing with time!
The mere thought made my blood boil.
When I asked to be teleported to another world, nothing happened. Nothing! I yelled at the sky, my voice echoing in the stillness.
But now? Now the supernatural decides to kick in and distort the time-space continuum?
I pointed at the rift like it was a personal enemy.
Unforgivable!
I sighed and leaned against a nearby lamppost, crossing my arms. My mind raced with possibilities, each more absurd than the last.
Could it be some sort of divine prank? Or was it punishment for my wish?
No, it couldnt be.
I wasnt just some normal person.
A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as I pushed up my glasses.
Clearly, this is the universe recognizing my potential, I muttered to myself. A mere mortal wouldnt be able to withstand this kind of distortion. Only someone with my unique abilities.
My voice trailed off as the ridiculousness of my words sunk in.
I slapped my forehead, groaning again.
Okay, Natsumi, focus.
You may be different from these petty mortals but lets set our differences aside and think about this logically.
As I was thinking that, the space above cracked again. This time, time began to flow once more.
The sudden movement jolted me out of my thoughts, and thats when I noticed ita truck, barreling toward me at full speed.
I was standing in the middle of the road, completely oblivious until now.
But instead of panic, an absurd sense of excitement bubbled up inside me.
Yes! Finally! I yelled, throwing my arms wide open. Come to me, Truck-kun, and finish me off!
The truck roared closer, its headlights blinding.
Then, the sky shattered.
The shards of reality fell around me, cascading in slow motion like pieces of a broken mirror.
I caught a glimpse of my reflection in one of the shards.
In it, I was lying on the ground, blood pooling beneath me. My body was still, lifeless. It looked like Truck-kun had done its job.
But something was off.
I was still alive, standing, breathing.
The people around me in the reflection ignored my bleeding form. They walked past without so much as a glance. Moments later, I saw myself in the shard take my last breath, the blood seeping into the cracks of the road.
As soon as I "died" in the shard, the pieces reversed, rising back into the air like a rewound tape.
Time itself rewound.
The truck moved backward, retreating to its original position. The people on the street walked in reverse, their movements eerie and unnatural.
And I? I was the only one unaffected, standing still in the midst of this temporal chaos.
The sky darkened, and snow began to fall.
Christmas decorations, once taken down, reappeared on buildings and lampposts, sparkling with newfound brilliance.
Fireworks burst in reverse, unraveling into streaks of light before disappearing into the night sky.
The seasons began to blurautumn leaves reattached to trees, then fell again. Summers warmth gave way to springs cherry blossoms, only for them to bloom in reverse.
I stood at the center of it all, watching as time unraveled.
The left side of my body was consumed by the past, while the right surged forward into the future.
The contrast was dizzying.
Minutes lateror perhaps eonsthe sun grew into a red giant, engulfing the Earth in a fiery embrace.
My perspective split.
From one viewpoint, I floated in the cold vacuum of space, watching as the universe faded into nothingness. From the other, I stood on a frozen Earth, trapped in an eternal ice age.
Both versions of reality collapsed as the Earth ceased to exist.
I was left floating in pure, endless darkness.
But even there, time continued its dance. The reverse and forward motions of time intertwined, looping infinitely.
Reality itself ceased to matter.
At that moment, the perspectives merged.
The past and the future collided, creating a singularity of existence.
The space around me shattered like glass, and I was suddenly back where it all startedstanding in the middle of the road.
The truck screeched to a halt, stopping just inches from me.
The driver jumped out, his face red with anger.
Hey! Young lady, whats wrong with you? Are you trying to get yourself killed?
...Young lady?
I blinked, staring at him in confusion.
He stormed closer, his voice rising.
Hey! Are you even listening? You nearly got yourself run over!
At his blood-curdling shout, I snapped out of my daze.
Ah. I relaxed my expression, forcing a smile.
Sorry~ Sowy~ I said in a playful tone, clasping my hands together. I was so lost in my thoughts I forgot to look ahead.
The mans anger melted almost immediately. His face flushed, and he scratched the back of his head, flustered.
Ah, well just be careful next time, young lady.
Young lady?
I froze, my brain short-circuiting.
Did he just call me a girl?
Normally, Id protest, throw a fit, maybe even deliver a lecture about how not to judge appearances. But at that moment, I couldnt bring myself to care.
I was too tired.
Too mentally exhausted.
The man climbed back into his truck and drove off, muttering something under his breath.
And then, it happened again.
Time stopped.
The world froze in place, leaving me in eerie silence.
I clenched my fists, glaring at the frozen scene around me.
Ugh Im so fed up with this! I shouted, stomping my foot like a petulant child.
Despite my frustration, I made my way back home. The streets were eerily still, the weight of the frozen world pressing down on me.
By the time I reached my house, my body felt heavy, as if the passage of timeor lack thereofwas taking its toll.
I stepped inside, closing the door behind me.
I pulled out my phone and checked the time.
10:30.
What?
Not even an hour had passed since I left the hospital.
A chill ran down my spine, but I brushed it off. Maybe it was just my frazzled mind playing tricks.
I climbed the stairs and headed to my room, shutting the door behind me with a soft click.
I dropped onto my chair, spinning idly as my thoughts spiraled.
Maybe something happened with Vetaback.
They did proclaim to fulfill any wish.
Could this be another world?
Perhaps this is a place where magic exists, and some overpowered demon lord is scheming for world domination. Maybe there''s a brave hero with a tragic ability like Return by Death, doomed to die over and over to save everyone.
The fractured time-space continuum would make sense then...
Wait what if Im the hero?
The thought struck me like lightning.
Am I dying over and over, just like the hero?
I rubbed my temples.
No thats ridiculous
Still, a small voice in the back of my mind whispered What if?
To distract myself, I leaned forward and began checking the logs on my computer.
Logs: Accessing Recent Activity
{ Generating Logs...}
#1 Watched: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Leaf.
A small smile crept onto my face. That one was an underrated gem.
Scrolling further...
#500,253: Posted a video on....
#500,254: Received a comment.
#500,255: Gained a new subscriber on FlowerTube.
#500,256: Gained a new follower on Pinsta.
Nothing unusual yet.
Then...
#7,526,286,691: Logged into Vetaback.
????Time: 05:26 AM
??????? URL: https://vetaback/....
A shiver ran down my spine as the next entry loaded.
#7,526,286,692:New Message from Vetaback:
We are sorry to inform you that your request cannot be fulfilled ????????????????????????????????????????????????? due to . Please type a new wish.
What the...?
The text was garbled, corrupted beyond recognition.
Ceil, I called out to my AI assistant, Restore the text.
You might ask who is ceil?
Well. She is the worlds smartest AI to ever exist created by me.
A cheerful response pinged back.
[^_^ Yes, Master!]
[>Analyzing the text...]
[Error! 0_0]
[Im very sorry, the text cannot be recovered.RnQ]
Even Ceil couldnt fix it? That wasnt normal.
Ceil, what happened? Analyze the computers activity.
[?>??_< Understood!]
Her tone grew more serious as she processed the request.
[:/ Since there are little to no electric signals or electromagnetic waves in the area, this will take at least six hours.]
I nodded. Got it.
I stood up, stretching my arms as I glanced at the timer I set on my phone for six hours.
The world outside was frozenstill and silent.
A dangerous idea began to form in my mind.
Well then, I said to myself, grinning mischievously, Lets explore this frozen world~
I stepped back outside, shutting the door of my house behind me. The frozen world greeted me again with its unnatural stillness. It was almost comforting at firstthe absence of noise, the lack of movement, like a tranquil dream.
But as I walked, a creeping sensation began to gnaw at the edges of my thoughts.
Was I really alone?
I turned down an empty street, my boots crunching on the snow that still seemed to defy the frozen rules of this world. The sound echoed unnaturally, louder than it should have been.
Crunch.
I froze mid-step.
That wasnt my footstep.
Slowly, I turned around. The street behind me was as still as ever. A frozen couple stood near a streetlamp, their mouths locked in silent conversation. Across the street, a man was hunched over his bicycle, fumbling with a chain that wouldnt move.
Nothing.
No one.
I exhaled, forcing a laugh.
Ah, yes! The dramatic delusions of an enlightened soul such as myself, chosen by fate and cursed with power beyond mortal comprehension. This is my moment of reckoning!
As I stood in the middle of the park, my breath forming wisps of vapor in the icy air, I extended my hand toward the shadows stretching between the trees.
Reveal yourself, fiend of the Abyss! Do you think I, the Shadow Sovereign, would not sense your presence?! I declared, my voice echoing through the stillness.
The silence was deafening.
I held my pose, hand outstretched, my crimson-rimmed glasses glinting in the faint light. My silver-cyan hair ruffled slightly as if by a nonexistent breeze.
And then nothing happened.
For a moment, I froze in place, my confidence cracking.
Uh, w-wait a second, I stammered, lowering my hand. I must have recited the wrong incantation.
I scratched the back of my head, heat rising to my cheeks.
Argh! How embarrassing! I muttered, crouching down and clutching my head in shame. Why do I do this to myself?!
But no!
I couldnt let my resolve waver. Not now. Not when the very fabric of reality was at stake!
I shot back up, brushing off my momentary lapse.
This isnt over, unknown entity! I can feel your presence creeping along the ley lines of this frozen realm. You cant hide from me!
I reached into my coat pocket, retrieving my trusty artifacta pocket-sized notebook covered in intricate, self-drawn sigils. Flipping through the pages, I found the one labeled Anti-Paradox Ritual: Version 8.3.
Perfect, I whispered, holding it up dramatically.
I traced my finger over the words, then raised my free hand to the sky.
By the authority of the Chronos Accord and the power vested in me as the Arbiter of Temporal Shadows, I hereby command time touh, to unfreeze and reveal the truth behind this chaotic anomaly!
I stomped my foot, thrusting my hand skyward for added effect.
Still nothing.
The frozen world remained unmoved, and the silence now felt heavy.
Uh, maybe the calibration is off, I muttered under my breath. Right, right, no problem. A mere hiccup!
I flipped through my notebook again, muttering phrases to myself:
Hmm, maybe the fractured echo theory applies here or no! It must be a Riftwalkers Convergence! Of course!
I scribbled something hastily with a pen, pretending it was an arcane correction to a spell.
I extended my hand again, this time narrowing my eyes to show that I meant serious business.
Oh, formless shadow lurking in the rift, hear my call! I bellowed.
Show yourself and face me, the one chosen by destiny to wield the Chains of Eternity!
Still nothing.
I stood there for a moment, hand raised, completely still as realization slowly sank in.
And then I crumpled onto the snowy ground.
Ughhh, I did it again! I groaned, burying my face in my hands. Why do I embarrass myself like this? What if theres someone actually watching me right now?!
The thought made me shivernot from the cold, but from secondhand embarrassment.
I stayed like that for a while, crouched on the ground, feeling like the biggest idiot in the world. But then, a soundfaint, almost imperceptiblebrought me back to my feet.
A whisper.
No, not a whisper. A rustle.
It came from the trees to my left.
I froze, my heart pounding.
W-Whos there?! I shouted, my voice cracking slightly.
I clenched my notebook tightly, holding it out like a talisman.
Dont think you can intimidate me! I have already deciphered the riddle of temporal displacement! Reveal yourself or face the wrath of the Shadow Sovereign!
The rustling stopped.
But the feelingthe presencedidnt go away.
It was there, lurking, watching me.
I adjusted my glasses, trying to steady my breath.
Ha ha so youre going to play it like that, huh? Fine! Lets see how you handle this!
I reached into my other pocket, retrieving what I proudly referred to as the Orb of Temporal Binding.
In reality, it was just a snow globe.
But in my hands, it became a weapon of unimaginable power.
I held it aloft, its glittering contents catching the light.
With this, I shall trap you in an infinite cycle of frozen time! There will be no escape! I shouted.
I raised the snow globe higher, prepared to unleash its supposed power.
But then
The rustling came again.
Closer this time.
And louder.
My bravado faltered as I stared into the dark trees, my grip tightening on the snow globe.
W-Whoever you are, I stammered, dont think Im afraid of you! Because Im not! Not even a little bit!
The rustling grew louder.
Something was moving.
And this time, it wasnt just my imagination.
My breath caught in my throat as a shadow shifted in the distance.
The paranoia, the unease Id been trying to suppress, came rushing back all at once.
What if this wasnt just some delusion?
What if there really was something out there?
Something watching me.
I stumbled back, clutching the snow globe like a lifeline.
My heart was racing, my palms slick with sweat despite the cold.
This this is just a test, I muttered to myself. Yeah, thats it. A test of my resolve! A true hero must face the darkness without fear!
But as the shadow moved closer, I couldnt stop the fear from creeping in.
Stay back! I shouted, pointing the snow globe toward the shadow.
Im warning you! Ill use this!
The shadow paused, its form indistinct but undeniably there.
It was watching me.
I could feel its gaze, cold and unrelenting, piercing through me.
I stumbled again, tripping over my own feet and landing in the snow.
My glasses slipped off, and I fumbled to put them back on, my hands shaking.
I stumbled through the silent streets, each step echoing in the frozen air.
The world around me was like a scene frozen in time, too still, too quiet.
The only sounds that broke the stillness were my own breaths, heavy and labored. I couldnt shake the feeling that something was lurking just beyond my peripheral vision, that something was following meno, not following, watching.
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
This was all just a product of my overactive imagination.
Nothing was real.
I wasnt some chosen hero. There wasnt some lurking force trying to control the world.
I was just Natsumi, a mere college student with way too much free time and a penchant for delusions.
But no matter how much I tried to convince myself, the gnawing sense of dread wouldnt leave.
I felt like I was being pulled toward something, drawn like a moth to a flame.
My legs carried me toward a nearby park, the playground equipment standing in eerie silence.
I walked up to an old swing set, the chains creaking as I gently sat down.
The metal was cold beneath me, but I didnt care.
I leaned back, staring up at the sky. The shards of reality from earlier were still hanging in my mind, fragmented and scattered.
It felt like I was trapped in some kind of loop, a world caught between frozen time and the ticking of a clock that wouldnt stop. I had no idea how long Id been walking or what was real anymore.
For a few moments, I just sat there in silence, feeling the cold bite at my skin, the weight of the world pressing down on me. I closed my eyes, letting the soft breeze sweep through my hair.
The peace was unsettling. Was it the calm before the storm? Or was I just losing my mind?
Suddenly, the sharp, shrill sound of an alarm pierced the air, and I jerked up, eyes wide. It was a reminder.
A signal. I had set the timer. My mind scrambled to make sense of what was happening, the sense of paranoia creeping back in.
I stood up, the swing creaking in protest as I pushed off. With a single, hurried step, I began walking back home. Each footstep felt heavier than the last, and the unease followed me every step of the way.
By the time I reached my doorstep, I was almost out of breath. The alarm had stopped ringing, but something else had started. Ceils voice echoed through the empty house, calm and measured as always.
[Master, Ive located the source. The address is ***, Odaiba, Tokyo.]
My mind raced. Odaiba? Wasnt that where I had been before? Where all the strange things had started happening?
A smirk tugged at my lips, a sense of determination returning, mixed with the lingering fear.
Its time for something new
-
Shattered Real!ty — Dust! 『 2 』
Chapter 2; Shattered Real!ty Dust! 2
UGH!? I winced, clutching my chest.
Why why does time have to unfreeze now of all the times?
Sir, please come back! Its for your own good!
I heard the staff shouting behind me, their voices urgent and demanding.
I barely dodged a nurse carrying an emergency bed, sliding past it with all the grace of a wet noodle.
My heart pounded like a war drum, and my breathing was so rough it sounded like I was gasping for my last moments.
Crap, I cant run for long! My voice cracked as my legs wobbled beneath me.
My frail body was failing me, as it always did.
Why couldnt I be like those protagonists in anime, dashing heroically with perfect form? No, instead, I had to be the one who couldnt jog ten meters without feeling like my heart was about to burst. And dont get me started on my appearance. A
s much as I loathed to admit it, I was petite, delicate, andughcute
Wait. I don''t have time for this..
Focus, Natsumi! Youre being chased by medical staff with needles! I reminded myself.
Haaaaa haaaaa haaaahaaa" My breath gave out, and I stumbled, collapsing onto the cold floor. My chest felt like it was on fire, and my pulse was racing so fast it hurt.
Great, I muttered between gasps. Im going to die from a heart attack. Not even a dramatic one. Just here in the middle of a frozen hospital.
I forced myself to stand, only to realize time had frozen again. Everythingeveryonewas stuck mid-motion. A nurse was frozen mid-step, her expression panicked. A clipboard dangled precariously in the air.
Ha I breathed a sigh of relief. But then, Cough Cough Cough!
My body betrayed me again, wracking itself with harsh, unrelenting coughs. I bent over, taking deep breaths in a desperate attempt to calm my racing heart and burning lungs.
Damn it I muttered weakly, wiping the sweat from my brow.
But then I froze, realization dawning on me. Why the hell did I even come here in the first place?
I racked my brain, trying to piece together how Id ended up in this place, surrounded by frozen doctors and nurses. I was originally heading to the Vetaback headquarters to investigate that weird message, wasnt I?
But now now there was a blank spot in my memory.
No matter how hard I tried to remember, my mind hit a wall, and my head throbbed painfully when I pushed against it.
Okay, calm down, Natsumi, I whispered to myself, pacing in the eerie silence. Pathetic things like this could never affect me. Memory loss? Appearing in a strange place Ive never been before? Strange very strange
I stopped and crossed my arms dramatically, tilting my head as if contemplating a great mystery.
The only viable possibilities that come to mind are the Time Lapse theory and Possession . Time Lapse is out of the question since I just its made up by me I frowned deeply, my hand resting on my chin. So that leaves Possession.
I gasped suddenly, my eyes widening. Of course! A dark, sinister spirit must have taken over my body! But why me? Could it be my innate power, my unparalleled charm, that made me the perfect vessel? Hmph, such audacity!
I clenched my fist, shaking it in the air dramatically before faltering. Wait no, thats ridiculous
My face flushed red. Ah, what am I saying!?
Still, the unease lingered.
Why couldnt I remember anything?
Why was time freezing and unfreezing at random?
My paranoia spiked again as I glanced around, half-expecting some malevolent force to jump out of the shadows.
With a sigh, I pushed forward, walking cautiously through the frozen hospital halls.
My goal was to leave this place and return to my investigation. Whatever had happened to mewhatever was happeningit wasnt over yet.
And I wasnt going to let it defeat me. Not when I had a mission.
Not when I was the only one who could solve this mystery.
As I steadied myself, still shaking from the ordeal, I glanced at my smartwatch.
A faint glow pulsed on its screen. Ceil. She would know what was going on.
"Ceil," I whispered, voice trembling but laced with feigned confidence. Activate. Whats our situation?
For a moment, nothing happened. Then the screen flickered, and Ceils usual cheerful voice broke through, but there was something off about it.
[^-^ Oh Master? Is that you?]
Her tone sounded uncertain, almost hesitant. That was weird. Ceil was an AI I built myselfshe never hesitated.
Of course, its me! I snapped, though my voice cracked slightly. Who else would it be? Whats going on? Am i getting possessed?Wh
[:/ Master I dont know.] Her voice wavered, a strange mechanical hum in the background. [I I wasnt functioning. I was disabled.]
What? Disabled? I froze, staring at the screen in disbelief. Thats impossible. No one knows about you except me! I designed you. I programmed you. How could you be disabled unless
[Unless someone else tampered with me.]
The air around me felt heavier, like a weight pressing down on my chest. Thats absurd! No one could tamper with you. Youre offline. You dont even run on external servers! My voice grew louder, more defensive.
[_ Master Im scared.]
Hearing those wordswords I never programmed her to saysent chills down my spine. Youre scared? Dont be ridiculous, I muttered, trying to suppress the lump forming in my throat. Youre just an AI. You cant feel Emoti....
But... What if she could...
Without another word and thought, I shut off the smartwatch and stormed out of the hospital.
The eerily frozen world greeted me again, silent and still.
The streets were lifeless, cars locked mid-motion, pedestrians frozen in time. A paper cup hovered mid-air, spilling its contents in a perfect arc.
I walked briskly, trying to shake off the paranoia creeping up my spine.
My hands were balled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. This is fine, I muttered to myself, my voice echoing in the empty street. Im not scared. Im just annoyed! Yeah, thats it. Annoyed!
I stopped suddenly, my body rigid. Something was behind me.
I could feel it. That cold, suffocating sensation of being watched. My heart raced, and my throat tightened. Slowly, I turned around.
Nothing.
The street was empty, as frozen and lifeless as ever. I forced a laugh, though it came out shaky. Hah! See? Nothings there. I knew it. I wasnt scared. Not at all!
But as I turned back and began walking, the feeling didnt go away. My skin prickled with every step, the weight of unseen eyes pressing down on me.
The sound of my own footsteps felt deafening.
In a world where time is frozen, and youre the only one who can move,
its terrifying...
Terrifying because you dont know whoor whatmight also be there.
What if I wasnt alone?
What if something else lived here, in this frozen world? Something I couldnt see? Something waiting for me to let my guard down?
I clenched my fists tighter, biting my lip until it hurt. Tch. Stop being ridiculous.. Theres no such thing as monsters, I whispered, my voice shaking.
Even if there was, they wouldnt dare mess with someone like me!
My legs carried me forward, step by hesitant step, but my mind raced with thoughts I couldnt control.
The silence around me felt suffocating, pressing in like a physical force.
I stopped again and looked around, scanning the frozen world for any sign of movement.
Nothing.
But that didnt stop the fear.
Damn it, I muttered, hugging myself tightly as I quickened my pace. Why does it have to be like this? Why do I have to be the only one moving? I didnt ask for this! My voice cracked, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
I''m not scared. I''m not scared.I''m not sc
Kowai....[modern_footnote]Scare[/modern_footnote]
I''m not scared...I''m not scared
I stood motionless on the icy pavement, staring at the world that refused to move. Snowflakes hung midair, glittering like suspended diamonds, and the silence was deafening.
My chest felt heavy, an invisible pressure pressing against me.
What is this feeling? Loneliness?
Ridiculous, I muttered under my breath, brushing the thought away as if it were a pesky fly. I am the great Natsumi Tohka. A sorcerer of unparalleled power. I dont feel things like that.
Talking to myself....
I stared at the frozen figure of a man standing in the middle of the street, his hand halfway to his face as if caught mid-sneeze.
His expression was locked in a strange, lifeless grimace, his eyes void of life.
What would happen if I touched him? I murmured to myself, my voice barely audible over the silence. I wasnt scared, of course. No way. It was curiosity. Pure and innocent curiosity.
I reached out tentatively, my fingers trembling slightlybut only because of the cold. Definitely not fear. My fingertips brushed his arm.
And then he moved.
At first, it was subtle. His body twitched, his head jerked unnaturally, like a puppet being yanked by invisible strings. I stumbled back, my breath catching in my throat. W-what the
The mans face began to twist and distort, his mouth stretching into an unnatural scream. His body convulsed, his limbs bending at impossible angles, and his eyes rolled back into his head.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Then, as abruptly as it started, he stopped.
Frozen.... again.
I stared at him, my chest heaving as if I had just sprinted a mile.
My fingers tingled, the sensation of his twisted form lingering like a phantom.
What the hell was that? My voice trembled, and I hated it. Tch. Useless mortal. Couldnt even handle the power of my touch, I said, trying to mask the lump in my throat with a smirk. But the smirk faded almost instantly, replaced by a wave of nausea.
I took a shaky step back, my eyes glued to the mans frozen figure. Dont touch anyone, I muttered to myself, gripping my wrist to stop my hand from trembling. Just dont.
I wandered aimlessly after that, avoiding the frozen figures at all costs. The silence felt heavier now, pressing against my skin like icy needles. My mind raced with possibilities, each one darker than the last.
But then I saw her.
Talking to... myself..
A girl about my age sat on a bench in the park, her legs crossed and a mischievous smile on her face. She wasnt frozen. She was moving.
What the hell?! I blurted out, staring at her in disbelief. Your moving?
Moving? Yeah,I''m moving all humans move.
Ah. And if your talking about moving then, she said with a smirk, tilting her head. Youre not too bad at noticing things, huh?
Her tone was casual, almost teasing, and it irritated me more than it should have. Hmph. Of course I noticed. Youre in the presence of a powerful sorcerer, after all, I said, crossing my arms. So who are you?
She shrugged. Im Ayane. Been wandering around here for a while now. You?
Natsumi... Natsumi Tohka, I said cautiously, narrowing my eyes at her. And I dont wander. I investigate.
Right, she said, her smirk widening. Well, Natsumi, welcome to the club. Looks like were the only ones who can move around here.
I scoffed. Dont lump me in with you. Im not joining anything.
But she just laughed, and something about the sound made the weight on my chest feel a little lighter.
Over the next few daysor what felt like daysI met others like her. A boy named Kaoru, who was always fiddling with gadgets and muttering to himself. A quiet girl named Shiori, who seemed to know more about this frozen world than she let on.
It was strange. Unsettling, even. But they were there. Moving. Talking. Laughing.
And yet, sometimes, when I looked at them out of the corner of my eye, their edges blurred, their voices distorted. But when I blinked, they were normal again, smiling and alive.
It wasnt scary. Not at all.
I wasnt scared.
I found myself wandering again, this time alongside Ayane. She walked with a lazy confidence, her hands tucked into her hoodie pockets as if the frozen world around us was nothing out of the ordinary.
Kaoru trailed behind, mumbling about his latest contraption, while Shiori stayed to the side, her eyes darting around as though she could see something the rest of us couldnt.
The air felt different todaythicker, like it was heavy with something unseen.
I didnt say anything, but I noticed Ayane glance up at the sky, her smirk faltering for just a moment.
Do you feel that? she asked casually, her voice quieter than usual.
Feel what? I snapped, not because I was nervousof course notbut because her tone unsettled me. Its just the same frozen nonsense weve been wandering through for days. Maybe youre imagining things.
Kaoru stopped in his tracks, his head tilting slightly. No shes right. Somethings shifting.
I hated that he agreed with her. Hated that my chest tightened at their words, even though Id never admit it. Tch. Probably just some spatial distortion. Nothing I cant handle, I said, waving a hand dismissively.
But as I spoke, the air grew colder, and an unsettling hum began to vibrate through the ground.
Shiori suddenly grabbed my arm, her usually calm eyes wide with fear. Natsumi we need to move. Now.
Before I could respond, the sky cracked open.
Not like the mirror-like fractures Id seen beforethis was different.
This was alive. Tendrils of shadowy light spilled from the crack, writhing and twisting like living things.
The ground trembled, and the frozen figures around us began to distort, their forms warping into grotesque shapes before crumbling to ash.
From the rift in the sky, something began to emerge.
At first, it was just a mass of shadows, an unformed thing that defied comprehension.
But as it descended, it began to take shapea towering, serpentine creature with countless eyes that blinked in unnatural patterns.
Its body shimmered with a dark, oily texture, and its very presence seemed to warp reality around it.
What the hell is that?! Ayane shouted, her usual composure cracking.
Stay back! I yelled, stepping forward. My heart raced, my hands tremblingbut not from fear. No, this was excitement.
Finally, something worthy of my power. Behold, the great Natsumi will vanquish this beast!
As if responding to my words, a weight suddenly appeared in my right hand.
I looked down to find a swordlong, ornate, and pulsating with a faint, bluish light.
I didnt question it.
Is the only way..
Of course, the universe would grant me a weapon befitting my greatness.
I charged at the creature, the sword feeling impossibly light in my grip.
The monster roared, a sound that shook the very fabric of the frozen world, but I didnt falter.
I leaped into the air, the blade slicing through its oily flesh with an ease that surprised even me.
The beast writhed and screamed, but I kept slashing, driven by a mixture of adrenaline and an unshakable belief in my own invincibility.
With a final, triumphant swing, I plunged the sword into what I assumed was its heart.
The creature let out a deafening roar before disintegrating into a burst of light, leaving behind only silence.
I landed gracefullywell, mostlyand turned to face the others, expecting awe and gratitude. See? Nothing to it.
But their expressions werent what I expected. Ayane was smirking, but it was different this timecolder, sharper. Kaoru and Shiori stood behind her, their faces unreadable.
Whats with the looks? I asked, my voice wavering slightly. I just saved all of you.
Ayane stepped forward, her smirk widening. Yeah, you did. Thanks for that.
Before I could react, I felt a sharp, searing pain in my back. I staggered forward, the sword slipping from my grip as I turned to see Kaoru holding a dagger, his eyes glinting with something I couldnt place.
W-what are you doing?! I gasped, clutching my side as blood seeped through my fingers.
Shiori stepped closer, her expression cold. Youre too dangerous, Natsumi. Too unpredictable.
Ayane knelt beside me, her smirk now a twisted grin. Dont take it personally. You were just in the way.
I tried to speak, but the words wouldnt come. My vision blurred, and the last thing I saw was their facesunmoving, emotionless, frozen.
I blinked and opened my eyes.
Everything is dark...no one is present..
I closed and opened my eyes again, and the first thing I noticed was that the stabbing pain in my back was gone.
My hands instinctively reached for the wound, but there was nothingno blood, no tear in my shirt, nothing.
I looked up to see themAyane, Kaoru, and Shioristanding over me, their forms flickering and becoming translucent.
Ayane crouched down, her smirk softer now, almost pitying. Like I said, dont take it seriously. It was all part of your imagination. Her voice echoed unnaturally, layered, as though it didnt belong in the world.
And then, they began to fade.
I know that already I spat, forcing myself to my feet even though my legs wobbled. Dont You dont need to tell me that!
I... can stay sane..
You think you know whats real and whats fake? Kaorus voice came from somewhere, but his body was no longer there.
Maybe you do. Maybe you dont, Shiori added, her tone distant, disembodied.
I clenched my fists, glaring at the empty space where theyd been. Shut up! You think I dont know?! Of course, I know whats real and whats fake! My voice cracked, but I didnt care.
Maybe you do, another voice replieddifferent this time. Calm, almost melodic.
I whipped around to see a girl standing before me. She was my height, her long silver hair cascading in neat braids on either side of her face. Her eyes were a deep, unnatural purple, and she wore a pristine high school uniform that seemed untouched by the frozen world around us.
Who the hell are you? I demanded, my voice sharp, though my heart raced faster with every word.
She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. Who do you imagine me to be?
Shut up! Why do you talk like youre real, anyway?! I snapped, stepping back. Youre not. You cant be.
I dont. Thats just how you imagine me, she said, her voice unbothered, each word hanging in the still air.
Go away, I said through gritted teeth, but my voice wavered, betraying me.
She paused, her gaze softening. Wakatta[modern_footnote]Okay[/modern_footnote], she said simply, and just like that, she disappeared into nothingness, leaving behind only silence.
I stood there, shaking. I know theyre made up, I muttered to myself. I know theyre delusions. But My voice caught in my throat as I clenched my fists harder, nails digging into my palms. Why cant I tell the difference anymore?
I blinkedand the world shifted.
One moment, I was standing in the middle of the empty street, and the next, I was inside my house. No transition, no sense of movement.
Just a sudden, jarring shift. My heart pounded as I looked around at the familiar walls of my living room.
Eh....? But I was just outside?
My voice sounded small in the stillness.
I blinked again.
Now, I was standing in the middle of a supermarket. The fluorescent lights hummed faintly, and frozen figures of shoppers lined the aisles.
But they werent entirely stilleach person moved in microseconds, their gestures stuttering like a glitch in a video.
I stepped back, heart racing, unable to shake the feeling that they were watching me despite their fragmented movements.
Huh? The word barely escaped my lips before the world shifted again.
I blinkedand now I was sitting at my desk, staring at a computer screen.
Code scrolled across it, lines and lines of text I didnt recognize but somehow felt familiar. My hands were on the keyboard, typing furiously, but I wasnt controlling them.
What is this? I whispered, pulling my hands away from the keyboard.
I closed my eyes, willing myself to escape the relentless disarray of my mind. When I opened them, I was lying on a bed. It was my bed, I think. My blanket was draped over me, and I could hear faint whispers of wind brushing against the window.
Sleeping... or pretending to.
I closed my eyes again, taking a deep breath.
When I opened them, I was standing in the kitchen. My hand gripped a knife tightly, the cold steel pressing against my neck. My reflection stared back at me in the glossy surface of the microwave.
What? I gasped, dropping the knife. It clattered onto the floor, breaking the silence.
I closed my eyes, desperately trying to steady my breathing.
When I opened them, I was back in front of my computer. The screen was glowing with the same ominous message from weeks ago.
Type your wish
[Submit]
It was the same interface I had seen when I played Vetaback.
Why is this here?! Why now?! My voice trembled as I reached for the keyboard. But before my fingers could touch it, the screen flickered, and my vision went black.
When it returned, I was sitting on a park bench, staring at the sunset. The colors of the sky bled into each otherfiery red, burnt orange, and eerie purple. The stillness around me felt unnatural, like the world itself had stopped breathing.
I blinked, and suddenly, I was at my middle school.
The halls were empty, silent except for the faint echo of my younger self lamenting my parents absence, trying to soothe Yukis tears.
The next moment, I was in high school, sitting at my desk, staring at the blackboard. The teacher droned on about something unimportant, and the words blurred together. My palms felt clammy.
I stood up, panicked.
Tohka... Whats wrong!? the teachers voice boomed, startling me.
Ah... tea
Before I could finish, the classroom vanished.
I was on another bench, a girl sitting beside me.
cher...
The girl gave me a confused look. Teacher? You have a crush on your teacher?
I recognized this moment. It was from high school. A failed confession.
No! I snapped, but the scene shifted again before I could dwell on it.
Natsumi-sama, do you refuse to partner with us?
I was in a meeting, surrounded by people I vaguely remembered. This was my third year of high school, making a deal Id long since regretted.
Crap... no...
The scene changed again, flashing erratically.
You got it wrong! I shouted, standing before a girl in my second year of middle school.
...What exactly do I have wrong? she asked, her voice echoing unnaturally.
Nothing! I barked, but I wasnt there anymore.
I stood atop Tokyo Tower. The iron railing beneath my hands was rusted, corroded with time. The frozen world stretched out before me, lifeless, unmoving.
The red sun loomed impossibly large in the sky, bleeding into the horizon.
Guess Ive returned, I murmured, the words escaping before I could stop them.
And then I saw it.
The sky fractured, splitting into jagged shards. Something enormous moved within the sun, its silhouette twisting unnaturally, limbs stretching in ways that defied physics. Its glowing eyes locked onto me, piercing through the frozen world.
I felt my stomach drop.
Or not... I whispered, gripping the railing until my knuckles turned white.
I blinked again.
I was in space, floating aimlessly, the vast emptiness pressing down on my consciousness. Stars surrounded me, shimmering against the cold void.
Where am I now?! I screamed, my voice swallowed by the silence.
I blinked again.
The stars disappeared, replaced by a primitive landscape. Towering stone structures and wild vegetation surrounded me. People dressed in animal skins moved in the distance, their grunts and chants echoing through the prehistoric world.
What the hell is going on?! I shouted, but my voice barely registered.
I blinked again.
Suddenly, I was in a futuristic city. Towering skyscrapers lined with neon lights reached the heavens. Hovercars zipped past, leaving trails of light in their wake. The hum of advanced technology filled the air, and holograms danced in the streets.
It was overwhelming, but before I could process anything, it all began to dissolve.
The buildings crumbled, turning to ash. The vibrant lights dimmed, fading into a dull gray. I gasped as everythingeverythingwas reduced to dust.
The ground vanished beneath me. The planet itself disintegrated, leaving me alone, floating in the vastness of space.
All that remained was a giant blue star, its light pulsing like a heartbeat.
I stared, captivated by its brilliance, until it began to shift. The blue turned darker, collapsing in on itself, twisting and bending until it became a black hole.
No... no, no, no!
The gravitational pull seized me, dragging me toward the void. My body stretched unnaturally, and I felt like I was being torn apart at the seams.
My mindit''s breaking apart! I screamed, clutching my head as my vision distorted.
The black hole consumed me, swallowing my very existence.
And then...
I was back in my room.
I gasped for air, sitting upright on my bed. My hands trembled as I looked around. Everything seemed... normal. The familiar clutter of my desk, the posters on the wall, the faint hum of my computer.
I stumbled to the window and looked outside.
The world was still frozen. People stood motionless in the streets, cars stuck in mid-motion, the sky eerily still.
Guess it really is... the time lapse, I muttered to myself, laughing bitterly.
I opened my computer and pulled up an old document Id written, a theory I called the time lapse.
The time lapse between the south and north is not so different, the rotational speed, the axis, the equator, the mental health makes up the time lapse.
Time lapse:
A phenomenon that happens when the mentality of a person starts to "break." The soul in the body coexists with the mentality. If (a) it breaks, then there happens a phenomenon...
I stopped reading.
Nah... its just my delusion, I whispered, closing the file.
I opened my eyes again.
My head hurts... I groaned, rubbing my temples.
Oni-chan, wake up, a voice called gently.
I froze.
Yukis voice.
I looked up, and there he was, standing at the foot of my bed, grinning.
Its morning, he added.
I blinked, disoriented. My room felt... smaller.
I stepped through the door and into the kitchen. It was cramped, familiar in a way that hurt.
My mother stood at the stove, making breakfast, while my dad sat at the table reading a newspaper.
I froze in the doorway, my pupils dilating. Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling down my cheeks.
Natsumi? Whats wrong? my mother asked, startled.
I didnt respond. I rushed forward and hugged her tightly, burying my face in her shoulder.
She hesitated for a moment before patting my back reassuringly.
What happened? she asked softly.
I had a scary dream... my voice cracked.
Natsumi-kun, men dont cry, my dad said from the table, his voice gruff but teasing.
Shut up, my mother snapped at him, glaring.
I held onto her for a moment longer, trembling.
My family wasnt broken. I was still in high school.
Maybe..
it... was all just a dream...
Shattered Real!ty — Dust! 『 3 』
Chapter 3;???? Shattered Real!ty Dust! 3
Was... Was it... all just a dream?
Oni-chan...?
Yukis soft voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. I froze mid-hug, my realization hitting like a tidal wave.
Why was I hugging Mom?
I immediately pulled back, my cheeks flushing bright red. Y-YW-What!? I stammered, unable to find my words.
Nothing... Yuki smirked mischievously, tilting his head. Its just... you rarely ever hug Mom like that.
M-Me? Hugging Mom? Keh! Dont joke around! Thats impossible! I crossed my arms, trying to mask my embarrassment.
Hai, hai, Yuki said with an exaggerated shrug. You just never admit your feelings, thats all.
Ugh... t-that I opened my mouth to retort, but nothing came out. He had me cornered.
Thankfully, Mom intervened. Yuki, dont tease your brother too much, she said gently, though there was a small smile on her face.
Uhhh... fine... Yuki huffed, though his smirk didnt fade entirely.
Desperate for an escape, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. C-Crap! The Dark Lord is invading!
Without giving them a chance to respond, I spun around and quickly retreated to my room, slamming the door behind me.
Pulsars are rotating neutron stars observed to have pulses of radiation at very regular intervals that typically range from milliseconds to seconds. Pulsars have very strong magnetic fields which funnel jets of particles out along the two magnetic poles. These accelerated particles produce very powerful beams of light
Wait.
Why the hell am I even thinking about Pulsars?
Natsumi, youre gonna be lalte! Dads voice echoed from downstairs.
Yes, Im coming! Just... six minutes! I shouted back, though my voice cracked slightly at the end.
Okay, Natsumi, youve got six minutes. Lets think about this universally. Was that really a dream?
Maybe if I hadnt wished for that, none of it wouldve happened.
But why? Why was I even dreaming about that? Why did I have the wish to be transported to another world in the first place?
How did I get to college?
Why did I live alone?
Why was I playing Vetaback?
Why... why did I cry for Yuki?
My thoughts accelerated, faster and faster, until they felt like a whirlpool dragging me under. The more I synchronized the threads of my memories, the more tangled they became. Questions kept multiplying like a virus in my mind.
Why was I living in a mansion?
Why did my parents leave
Wait. What?
I froze.
Ah.
My head.
It hurts.
The throbbing pain slammed into my skull like a hammer. It was relentless, insistent, as if my brain itself was trying to split in two.
What the hell is going on!? I hissed through gritted teeth, gripping the edge of my desk for support.
My breathing became shallow, ragged.
Okay. Enough!
I forced myself to stop thinking, pushing the intrusive questions aside.
But it wasnt that easy. My knees buckled, and I stumbled to the floor.
Ha... ha... ha...
My breaths were uneven, my chest rising and falling rapidly.
I managed to get back to my feet, though the world swayed slightly as I stood. My head felt like it was full of static, but I shoved it aside, focused on what needed to be done.
I put on my school uniform, though the headache left me numb to most of my movements. The dreamno, the nightmareId had faded into the background, its edges blurring with time.
Maybe it was just a dream.
No, it was just a dream.
Something like that doesnt affect me. It doesnt change how I behave.
Yes, thats right. It doesnt matter. Ill go to school. Be perfect.
Everyone is happy.
Except me.
But thats okay. If everyone else is happy, then what else can I do?
I adjusted my glasses and opened the door.
Dad was ready to leave for work. Yuki was already by the doorway, her bag slung over her shoulder.
Wait. Yuki was wearing a skirt?
Thats... strange.
But if thats what Yuki prefers, I dont mind.
The bright sunlight greeted me as I stepped outside.
First day of high school.
The entrance ceremony awaited me.
Yuki and I walked together to her school first, chatting idly about nothing. When we reached her school gate, we parted ways.
And then I was alone.
The sun felt too bright. The air too silent.
But I kept walking.
One step at a tim
I felt a sharp pain on my back, followed by a loud slap, and someone saying, Yo!
I ignored it and kept walking.
Yo!
I heard it again but chose to pretend it wasnt meant for me.
Hey! Natsumi!
I tilted my head slightly upward, gazing at the clear blue sky. The suns rays were already intense. It would probably get uncomfortably hot soon.
Hey! Dont ignore me!
Maybe I should stop wearing a blazer in this weather.
I know you can hear me!
I tried to distract myself by thinking about when the next chapter of Sabetsu no nai, dare mo kizutsukanai sekai would be released? Probably next
Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of me and blocked my path.
Dont ignore me! the stranger shouted before trying to hug me.
Of course, I sidestepped just in time, causing the would-be hugger to stumble and fall flat on the ground with a groan.
The person got up, brushing themselves off, revealing Atsisaya Okumuramy childhood friend.
What do you want, Atsisaya? I asked dryly, already bracing myself for her antics.
What do you mean by that!? she whined, her pout exaggerated. Then, she added with a smug grin, Were supposed to walk to the entrance ceremony together. Thats what lovers do!
My face immediately turned red, and I retorted back, Huh!? Who said were lovers!?
I lightly smacked her on the head out of pure reflex.
Ow! She put her hands on her head, looking at me with a mockingly sad expression. That hurts, you know...
Ignoring her, I walked ahead.
Hey, hey! We should hold hands!
Huh? Absolutely not! Thats what lovers do, and we are not lovers!
Why not? she whined.
Because I said so!
But arent we lovers already?
No, were not!
But I confessed to you...
And I rejected you!
You said yes.
I didnt!
Tsk. She clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed.
The conversation, as frustrating as it was, eventually drifted into more mundane topicsmostly anime. We debated plotlines and laughed about ridiculous tropes.
As we walked, I glanced behind me at her. Atsisaya was undeniably stunning. Her long cyan hair shifted to a soft red at the tips, braided loosely on one side. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with an energy that seemed endless. She was petite and about my height, though her presence always seemed larger than life.
She was popular, she was cute, and she was everything other guys dreamed of.
But to me, she was just a moron.
What, have you fallen for me or something? she asked, her voice teasing yet awkward, as if she was nervous. She avoided meeting my eyes, pretending to adjust her bag strap.
I sighed, looking forward again.
She mightve been a beauty in everyone elses eyes, but to me, she was still just an idiot.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Not in a million years, I muttered.
She grinned. Well see about that!
The walk to the high school wasnt particularly long, but with Atsisaya clinging to me like an annoying mosquito, it felt like an eternity.
She kept babbling about nonsensesome new anime, a limited-edition figurine she wanted, and random gossip about people I didnt care about. I gave half-hearted responses, trying to focus on the looming entrance ceremony instead.
We eventually reached the gates of the high school. Students were flooding in, chatting excitedly and forming groups like some bizarre migration ritual.
Hey, look at that pair!
I froze at the sound of someones voice.
Turning my head, I caught sight of a group of students pointing at usor more specifically, at me.
Theyre so pretty! one of the girls squealed.
Wait is that a guy or a girl? another whispered.
What do you mean? Of course, thats a
I cut them off, glaring at them as I crossed my arms. Oi. Im a guy, got it? G-U-Y. Dont mistake my divine presence for something as simple as gender!
The group stared at me, stunned for a moment, before one of the boys smirked. Ohhh, a trap, huh? Nice.
My face burned red. Trap!? Dont call me that! Im not
Another student chimed in from the background, their voice filled with unhinged enthusiasm. Traps are even better! Its like you get the best of both worlds!
What the hell was wrong with these people?
The murmurs didnt stop.
Wow, their skin is flawless!
That hair looks so soft.
His uniform looks better than it does on anyone else.
His voice is kind of cute, too.
I could feel my entire body heating up from the embarrassment. My throat felt tight, but I couldnt back down now. Fools! Cease your meaningless chatter! You dare praise the celestial vessel of the Fallen Angel King as though I need mortal approval!?
Instead of being intimidated, the group erupted into laughter.
Even his chuuni lines are cute! one of them said, practically rolling on the ground.
Sh-shut up! I snapped, but my voice cracked, making them laugh harder.
Atsisaya leaned closer, her grin far too smug. You are cute, though. Maybe even cuter than me.
Wha!? I spun to glare at her, my cheeks ablaze. Shut up! Dont compare me to you, you idiot!
She only giggled, waving off my protests like it was nothing.
The crowd eventually dispersed, though I could still hear their stupid comments trailing behind me as we entered the school building.
The entrance hall was massive, and students were already gathering inside. Atsisaya and I took our seats near the back as the principal stepped up to the podium. His speech began with the usual platitudes about hard work, friendship, and the importance of shaping the future.
I zoned out about three sentences in.
The speech dragged on for what felt like hours, though it probably wasnt that long. Finally, the ceremony ended, and we were dismissed to our respective classrooms.
The walk to mine was uneventful, aside from Atsisaya constantly pestering me about lunch plans.
Once I stepped inside, I scanned the room. The desks were arranged neatly in rows, and students were chatting in clusters, their energy almost palpable. I sighed and walked to the seat assigned to me.
When the teacher arrived, she called for introductions. One by one, my new classmates stood up, giving their names and a few details about themselves. Most of them were painfully normal.
When it was my turn, I stood up, flipping my hair dramatically.
My name is Natsumi Tohka, I began, my voice echoing with faux gravitas. But you may call me by my true title: The Primordial Fallen Angel of the Demon Kings Army. I am the harbinger of chaos, the shadow that dances between realms. Fear not, for I am here to
The teacher clapped her hands together, cutting me off. Thats so cool, Natsumi-kun!
Wait. What?
The class burst into laughter, some of them clapping, others grinning like idiots. My face turned crimson as I sat down, muttering under my breath.
Idiots. All of them.
Class started soon after. The material was basic, but I barely paid attention, too busy fuming over my introduction. The only consolation was that Atsisaya wasnt in my class, so at least I had some peace from her teasing.
When the break came, though, peace was the last thing I got.
A group of classmates surrounded my desk, bombarding me with questions.
So, are you really a Fallen Angel?
Do you have powers?
Wheres the Demon King now?
I crossed my arms, trying to maintain my composure. Hmph. Mortals like you wouldnt understand the burden of my existence. But rest assured, the Demon King and I have an alliance that transcends dimensions.
Instead of being intimidated, they looked even more intrigued.
Thats awesome!
Youre hilarious, Natsumi-kun!
Do you have a cape? Can you bring it tomorrow?
I groaned, standing up abruptly. Enough! I cant waste my time with meaningless chatter. The Hero of Xeain is summoning me. I must go!
Without waiting for a response, I darted out of the classroom, ignoring their laughter echoing behind me.
I didnt stop running until I reached the school courtyard, where a quiet bench sat under a tree. Dropping onto the bench, I pulled out the bread roll Id bought earlier from the cafeteria and took a bite. The soft, fluffy texture and hint of sweetness were comforting, a small escape from the chaos of the day.
I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.
Found you, came Atsisayas voice.
I opened one eye to see her standing in front of me, arms crossed and smirking.
Why am I not surprised? I muttered, taking another bite of my bread.
She sat down beside me, leaning back and stretching her arms. Youre always so dramatic, you know that? Its cute.
Stop calling me cute, I snapped, turning away from her.
But you are.
I scowled, finishing the last of my bread in silence.
We chattedor more accurately, bickeredabout random things for a while before heading back to class.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of lectures, notes, and the occasional teasing remark from my classmates. By the time the final bell rang, signaling the end of school, I was utterly drained.
As I packed my bag and headed out the door, Atsisaya caught up to me, grinning as always.
Hey, want to walk home together?
I sighed, not bothering to argue.
Sorry about that! Here''s the continuation:
Nah. I have classes, I replied to Atsisaya, trying to keep my tone as neutral as possible.
Again? She tilted her head, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Yep, I said curtly, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.
She pouted, clearly dissatisfied with my lack of an explanation. Youre always so secretive about these classes. What are you, a secret agent or something?
I didnt bother replying and started walking toward the school gate.
Oi, Natsumi! she called out, her voice trailing behind me. At least tell me what kind of class it is!
Not happening, I muttered, quickening my pace.
The train station wasnt far from school, and I reached it in a matter of minutes. I swiped my card at the gate, boarded the bullet train, and settled into a seat near the window. The familiar hum of the train as it sped through Tokyos endless skyline was oddly soothing.
I stared out the window, watching the city blur by. For a moment, I let myself get lost in the movement, the rhythm, the artificial stillness of it all. My reflection stared back at me, and I couldnt help but wonder if Id always looked this tired.
The train arrived at my stop, and I stepped out, making my way through the bustling station. The streets of Tokyo stretched out before me, noisy and alive, yet somehow still suffocating. I navigated my way to a building that towered over the neighboring structures.
The studio.
The automatic doors slid open with a quiet hiss as I stepped inside. The air was cool and sterile, the faint hum of activity filling the space. I made my way to the elevator, punched in the floor number, and waited as it ascended.
When the doors opened, I was greeted by the familiar sight of the studios lounge.
Natsumi-kun! A loud voice greeted me as soon as I stepped in.
A boy about my age bounded over, his bleached hair and ridiculously trendy outfit making him stand out like a neon sign. Youre here! Finally! I was beginning to think you ditched us today!
Why would I do that, Kaede? I replied, feigning a smirk.
Kaede grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. Dunno, youre always so mysterious. Gotta keep an eye on you, you know?
Natsumi-chan!
Before I could respond, one of the girls in the room called out. She was petite with long pink hair and a cheerful disposition that seemed to brighten the whole studio.
Haruka, I acknowledged with a small nod.
Dont be so stiff, she teased, crossing her arms. Youre among friends here, you know?
I didnt reply, choosing instead to survey the room. The others were here as wellYumi, the quiet one with dark blue hair who was always reading something; Rika, the energetic blonde who never seemed to run out of things to say; and Mari, the elegant older girl who had an air of sophistication Id never quite understood.
Each of them greeted me in their own way, and I responded in kind, keeping up appearances.
As much as I wanted to believe I was just another one of them, I knew I wasnt.
Alright, lets get started, Mari said, clapping her hands together. Weve got a lot to cover today.
The group moved into the rehearsal space, a large room with mirrored walls and a polished wooden floor.
Alright, Natsumi-kun, Haruka said, handing me a script. Youre playing the lead today. Ready?
Of course, I replied, taking the script and scanning it quickly.
Kaede gave me a thumbs-up. Man, youre gonna kill it. As usual.
I offered a half-hearted smile in response.
The rehearsal began, and we moved through the motions of acting, singing, and dancing. I followed the steps, recited the lines, and hit the marks with precision.
Whats the point of all this?
The others laughed and joked between takes, their energy filling the room. I played along, of course. I had to.
Natsumi-kun, that was amazing! Rika said after one particularly challenging scene.
Yeah, youre a natural, Yumi added, glancing up from her book.
Kaede clapped me on the back. Seriously, man, youre like a machine! How do you do it?
Im just that good, I replied with a smirk, masking the hollowness I felt inside.
See? Even his modesty is perfect, Haruka teased, earning a round of laughter from the group.
I joined in, the sound of my own laugh feeling alien in my ears.
As the rehearsal continued, I found myself going through the motions mechanically. Every step, every line, every movement was perfect.
But it wasnt me...
When we finally wrapped up for the day, Mari turned to me with a warm smile. You did great today, Natsumi-kun. As always.
Thanks, I replied, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.
Kaede caught up to me as I headed for the door. Hey, you wanna grab something to eat? My treat!
Not today, I said, keeping my tone light. Maybe next time.
Alright, dont keep me waiting too long, okay?
I nodded and left the studio, stepping back out into the bustling streets of Tokyo.
The city was alive with lights and noise, a stark contrast to the suffocating silence I felt within.
I made my way to the train station, boarded the train, and settled into a seat by the window.
As the train sped through the city, I stared out at the lights, my reflection staring back at me once again.
For a moment, I let myself wonder what it would be like to truly feel the excitement and joy I pretended to have back at the studio.
But it was just a fleeting thought, gone as quickly as it came.
When the train arrived at my stop, I stepped out and walked home, the quiet streets a stark contrast to the bustling city center.
I unlocked the door to my apartment and stepped inside, the silence greeting me like an old friend.
Dropping my bag by the door, I made my way to my desk and sat down, staring at the blank screen of my laptop.
Eventually i fell asleep on the desk.
Its strange how, little by little, you find yourself slipping into a place you cant remember ever deciding to go. You find yourself in a cage you built, one brick at a time, each of them cemented with the lies you told others. Not the big lies, not the ones you cant get away withthose are easy. No, these are the little lies. The ones you tell yourself. The ones you whisper when youre alone, in the dark. The ones that keep you safe, keep you... numb.
I didnt even notice when I stopped playing the role. It wasnt one big decision, wasnt a moment of clarity. No, it was a thousand tiny moments when I let the weight of my own words sink in. When I stopped pretending. I still acted. I still did what I was supposed to. I still laughed when they laughed. But somewhere along the way, I started believing it. I stopped questioning my actions. I started being perfect.
It felt like slipping into something smooth. Like wearing a mask so tight, you cant breathe through it but it makes you feel safe. And so I kept going.
At first, I missed the excitement, the flare, the drama.
But as time passed, it became quieter. The empty space inside my chest filled with perfect silence.
When I got hurt, it hurt, of course. But I couldnt make it scream. I couldnt feel the sharpness in my chest because thats not what I was supposed to do. No. Instead, I buried it. And when I loved someone, it hurt too. I couldn''t let that happen. Loving meant caring. Loving meant needing. And needing... well, I already knew how that ended. So I locked it away in a box and threw it far from me.
Hating someone hurt, too. But I didn''t want to hate, didnt want that kind of bitterness. Hate, too, is a form of attachment, and attachment... attachment always leads to pain. So instead of hating anyone, I pretended it didnt matter. Pretended they didnt matter.
But whats the point of pretending anymore? What happens when pretending stops working? What happens when theres no more room to hide, and all youre left with is the raw, aching truth? When I start noticing that the mask Ive been wearing is slipping, that the cracks are beginning to show, I want to take it off. I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but I cant. It feels like Im being suffocated by my own silence.
My life went on. I performed. I smiled. I said the right things, did the right things. I practiced my dances, my acting, with precision. The others said I was a natural. That it came so easily to me. And it did. At first. But I could see their faces, their expressions when they looked at me. I knew what they saw. They saw the perfect boy. They didnt see the cracks behind my eyes. They didnt see the emptiness filling the spaces inside me, like a glass that was too full to hold any more water.
I was good at it. I was so good. But I hated how good I was. Hated how effortlessly it came. Because I was losing myself in it. And part of me didnt care. I didnt want to care. Caring hurt.
A few days passed by in silence. But then, one evening, I heard my moms voice from the kitchen.
You have a live performance next week, right? she asked, calling out without turning to look at me.
Yeah, I said vaguely, my voice hollow, too tired to feign any excitement.
I didnt want to say anything more, so I turned and walked toward my room. The walls seemed to close in around me. I didnt need this. I didnt need this performance.
I didnt need anything.
But somehow, I still practiced harder and harder. Every step, every movement, every line I saidI practiced until my bones ached and my mind screamed for me to stop. But I didnt. I couldnt. Because thats what I was supposed to do. I wasnt supposed to think. Not anymore.
The day of the performance came quickly, and I stood backstage, my heart pounding in my chest. The music was so loud, the lights so bright. I could feel the heat of the spotlight through the thin walls, and it made my skin crawl.
You good, Natsumi? Kaedes voice broke through the tension, and I looked over to see him standing by the curtain, grinning like he always did.
I nodded, but inside, my chest tightened. My words felt stuck in my throat, trapped behind an invisible wall.
Hey, dont worry. Youve got this, he said, his voice encouraging, though it didnt reach me.
I almost said something. I almost spoke in that voice, the one I used to speak withThe Hero of Xeain is coming to save the day! I could almost hear the dramatic inflection in my head. The words that would make me stand tall and invincible. But... I stopped myself. My throat felt tight.
Im... nervous, I muttered instead. It felt like my mouth had betrayed me.
Kaede blinked, surprised by the answer. But then he just smiled and gave me a thumbs-up. Its all good. Just go out there and do your thing.
I wanted to retort but...
I walked out from behind the curtain and onto the stage.
The crowd roared, and the lights blinded me. For a moment, I couldnt see anything except for the blinding, searing light that made my eyes burn. But I was there. I was standing in front of them.
And for the first time in a long time,
I wondered if any of them saw me.
Shattered Real!ty — Dust! 『 4 』
Chapter 4;????? Shattered Real!ty Dust! 4
I stood there, breathing steadily. The bright lights warmed my skin, but they didnt feel suffocating, not tonight. My hands trembled slightly, but it wasnt fear. It wasnt nerves. It was... excitement.
The stage wasnt vast, the crowd wasnt massive, but their energy buzzed in the air. It was a silent roar, full of expectations, a storm waiting for me to give it direction. I could feel their eyes on me, their breaths held, waiting for the performance that had been carefully rehearsed and choreographed to perfection.
But something about itabout all of itfelt too small. Too scripted. Too lifeless.
The cute little smile Id practiced a thousand times stretched across my face. Perfect, innocent, inoffensive. But in my head, I could feel the storm. My thoughts raced, clashing, loud and unruly.
If I wanted to, I could just sing what they gave me, I thought, the sweetness of my rehearsed expression clashing with the wild, untamed current of my mind.
But dont you think that would be too boring?
The corners of my mouth twitched as if the truth was trying to break free. I managed to restrain it, to hold back the wicked grin that tugged at the edges of my face. Instead, I took a deep breath, grabbed the mic in front of me, and stepped forward.
"I will do what I want," I whispered softly into the mic, low enough that only I could hear it.
The opening chords began to playsoft, fragile notes that hung in the air like glass ornaments, fragile enough to shatter if handled too roughly. The scripted lyrics, the carefully arranged melody, the safety of what they expected me to deliver... I let it all dissolve into the void.
I closed my eyes.
The world disappeared, leaving me alone in the quiet abyss of my mind.
Then I began to sing.
Love lies flowers
Solitude and loneliness
I thought these changing emotions..
Were just a part of a lie..
But they linger, pulling me deeper,
Breaking through the walls of my heart..
My voice wasnt polished. It wasnt the perfect pitch the instructors had beaten into me. It was raw, uneven, full of cracks and edges I couldnt smooth out. But it was mine. It was real.
Raging shadows in the light,
Ghosts hiding in the darkness
They whisper softly
Is this what it feels like to live?
There was something i have always wanted to say but never could.
Eye for an eye,tooth for a tooth,
Dust returns to dust.
The spinning world goes on and on,
But the black hole in my chest
It grows it takes
My empty heart left alone.
Under the starry skies,
I find a moments peace,
Though time shows no mercy.
These words i couldn''t say them directly but this might be the most ideal way.
And I couldnt stop. Not now.
"Its okay," "Im fine,"
"Thanks," "Sorry,"
"You can do it," "I love you."
I hide behind my feelings,
Pretending those words dont matter.
But deep inside, I wait for them
Words that never come.
The music swelled, and my voice cracked under the weight of the emotions surging through me. It wasnt perfect. It wasnt what Id rehearsed.
But it was me.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, I wasnt hiding.
The sky wont wait for me.
The night feels endless.
Will I hold on this time,
Or fall into despair again?
I was finally alive.
Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth,
Dust returns to dust.
The spinning world goes on and on,
But the black hole in my chest
It grows it takes
My empty heart left alone.
Under the starry skies,
I find a moments peace,
Though time shows no mercy.
Thus, as the melody ends so dose my cries for help.
Love lies flowers
Solitude and loneliness
The sky wont wait for me.
And maybe
This time, Ill give up.
When the last note faded into silence, I opened my eyes fully.
The crowd was still there. No one moved. For a moment, I wondered if they even remembered how to breathe.
And then someone started clapping.
Just one person, their hands echoing through the silent theater like gunshots.
Then another joined. And another. Until the entire crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
I stood there, the mic still clutched in my hand, staring out at them.
I shouldve been happy, shouldve been elated by their response.
But all I could feel was the ache in my chest, the black hole that still sat there, consuming everything in its path.
The corners of my mouth curved upward into a soft, practiced smile.
And I whispered, just loud enough for only myself to hear:
...Was this enough?
As I walked down the stage, everything felt muted. The applause, the roaring of the crowd, the claps that had resonated so deeply moments beforeit all seemed to blur into the background. The lights dimmed behind me, leaving a fading warmth on my back as I stepped into the shadowed backstage.
There were people there. My team, as they called themselves. Their faces were smiling, but their eyes oh, their eyes. I caught it instantly. They werent congratulating me. Not truly. Those werent looks of admiration. They were looks of resentment, jealousy bubbling just beneath their polite expressions.
"Great job, Natsumi!" one of them said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness.
"You''re just incredible out there," another added, but I could see how her fingers tightened on the clipboard she was holding, like she was imagining breaking it in half.
It was suffocating. I nodded, gave them my polished smile, said something polite and meaningless like, "Thank you, I couldnt have done it without all of you," and slipped away before the venom in their gazes could pierce my skin.
I see now. So thats how it is. They hate me. Not for who I am but for what I represent. A puppet thats dancing better than its supposed to. A doll they cant control anymore.
Then you guys can go to hell.
As I moved through the halls, avoiding the staff, avoiding anyone who might try to talk to me, I caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. Atsisaya. Her cyan hair shimmered under the harsh fluorescent lights, a beacon in the sea of unfamiliar faces.
For a moment, I thought about going to her, about saying something. But then that thought dissolved like sugar in water. No. Lets be ignorant. Lets ignore her. Ignorance is easier, isnt it?
With that, I turned and walked away, leaving her behind without so much as a glance.
But as I exited the building, I felt ita tug on my sleeve.
I froze.
I didnt turn around immediately. My body stiffened, and the air around me felt wrong, like the wind had stopped just to watch this moment unfold. Slowly, reluctantly, I turned my head.
And I saw her.
Atsisayas body lay crumpled on the ground, her flesh torn open, organs spilling out like some grotesque bouquet. Blood seeped into the concrete, pooling around her, and in her stomach, a knife protruded, its handle gleaming under the pale streetlights.
Huh!?
I blinked.
And she was gone.
I stood there, trembling, my breath catching in my throat. My heart pounded against my ribs like it was trying to escape. What what the hell was that?This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"YEAH. IM PROBABLY HALLUCINATING BECAUSE IM SO SLEEP-DEPRIVED THAT ILL START SEEING THINGS LIKE THIS. YEAH, THATS IT," I muttered to myself, my voice shaky, my words tumbling out too fast.
When I opened my eyes again, everything seemed normal. The streetlights flickered faintly in the distance, and the soft hum of the city returned to my ears.
I turned to leave, but before I could take another step, I felt it againa presence behind me.
I counted in my head, trying to steady my breathing. One two three four
When I hit ten, my sleeve was grabbed again.
This time, I turned sharply, and there she was.
Atsisaya.
She was panting, her chest rising and falling rapidly as if shed been chasing me. Her hand clutched my sleeve tightly, knuckles white, her eyes wide and filled with something I couldnt quite place.
I yanked my arm away. "What do you want?" I asked coldly, my voice flat, detached.
"Wait," she called after me, desperation lacing her tone.
I stopped but didnt turn around. "What?"
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"I just I dont get you!" she shouted, her voice breaking slightly.
"Is that so?" I replied, still not looking at her.
"Why did you have to do this?"
"Do what?"
"Dont act like you dont know!"
"I dont know," I said, turning to face her now, my eyes narrowing.
"You know it. You know everything, but you pretend you dont. Just stop deceiving yourself!"
"Is that all you have to say to me, Atsisaya-san?" I asked, emphasizing the honorific deliberately.
She flinched.
"You youve changed," she said softly, her voice trembling.
"Did I?"
"Yes. You did."
"How?"
"The Natsumi I knew would never stop for me," she said, her voice rising again, her emotions spilling out like a dam had burst. "The Natsumi I knew would never call me Atsisaya-san. He would call me Atsisaya-chan. He would laugh with me, tease me, argue with me."
"....."
"And the Natsumi I knew he would never sing in front of a crowd. He would never even dream of becoming an idol."
I stared at her, my expression unreadable. "Atsisaya," I began, my voice quiet but firm, "things have changed. The world has changed. And I had to change with it. If I dont Ill get left behind."
"Is being left behind what you fear?" she asked, her voice breaking again, tears streaming down her face now. "If youre left behind, then Ill come to you. If youre dead, then Im dead. If you go, I go. Dont you understand that?"
"Thats just not right," I said, my voice colder now.
She looked at me, her tears falling freely, her entire body trembling. "I love you, Natsumi. Dont you know that?"
"I don''t," I said simply.
Her face crumpled as a sob escaped her lips. I turned away.
I walked away.
Her cries faded into the distance as I kept walking, my footsteps echoing in the silence.
Eventually, I found myself standing on a bridge, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
I leaned on the railing, staring down at the water below. The reflection of the sunset rippled on the surface, distorting, breaking apart, just like everything else in my life.
I thought about Atsisayas words, about her tears, about the look in her eyes when she said she loved me.
It hurt.
Why did it hurt?
Loving someone hurts. Hating someone hurts. Getting attached to someone hurts.
I dont like getting hurt....
It had been months. How many, exactly, I couldnt say. Time had stopped behaving the way it should. Days folded into nights, nights unraveled into weeks, and somewhere along the line, everything began to distort.
It started subtly, like the way you might overlook a crack in a mirror. The sun was the first to change. One morning, I stepped outside and glanced up, and instead of the familiar, blazing orb, I saw something blacka swirling void in the sky. The light still shone, but it felt colder, wrong, like it didnt belong. The shadows it cast twisted unnaturally, bending and writhing as though alive.
I tried to tell myself it was my imagination. Maybe I was just tired. But the next day, the sky turned pink. Not the soft pastel pink of sunrise, but an aggressive, violent hue that made my skin crawl. Clouds shaped like jagged teeth drifted across the horizon, grinning down at me.
I didnt say anything. Who would I even tell? "Hey, does the sun look like a black hole to you? No? Just me? Cool."
The world started feeling... off. People began to seem less like people and more like shadows. Their faces blurred, their features smudged like a childs careless drawing. When they spoke, their words sounded muffled, distant, like they were underwater. Their eyes, thoughoh, their eyes were sharp, cutting. Every time someone looked at me, I felt it. The weight of their stares pressed into my skin, heavy and cruel, like they were dissecting me, tearing me apart with nothing but their gaze.
It wasnt just their eyes. Their movements, their gestures, the way they talked to each otherit all felt fake, like actors performing in a play they didnt want to be in. And when they looked at me, it wasnt with admiration or even indifference. It was hatred. Pure, unfiltered animosity, as if Id done something unforgivable just by existing.
I tried to shake it off, to act normal, but it got worse.
The food turned next. One day at lunch, I unwrapped a sandwich from the cafeteria. The bread was soft, the filling neatly packed, but as I lifted it to my mouth, the smell hit me. Rot. Decay. My stomach churned, but I forced myself to take a bite.
My teeth sank into something wet, slippery. The taste of copper filled my mouth, and when I looked down, I saw a bloody messraw flesh, sinew, bone. My stomach lurched, and I threw the sandwich away.
That night, when I looked in the mirror, I saw blood dripping from my mouth. It wasnt real. It couldnt be real. I scrubbed my face, hard enough to make my skin burn, but the red stains wouldnt go away.
I stopped eating after that. The thought of food made me gag.
The performances continued, though. Another show, another crowd. I stood on the stage, lights burning into my eyes, and looked out into the audience.
They were so far away.
Not physicallyno, they were right there, rows and rows of faceless figures packed together. But they felt distant, unreachable, like they existed in a different world, a different reality. Their claps were hollow, their cheers empty. Even when they smiled, it wasnt for me. It was for the mask I wore, the perfect image they wanted to see.
I sang, I danced, I performed. I did everything I was supposed to, but it didnt matter. They didnt see me. They never did.
After the show, I walked backstage. The other performers were there, my so-called friends. They congratulated me, their voices flat, their smiles sharp-edged. I nodded, murmured thanks, but their words slid off me like water.
They werent real. None of this was real.
I started seeing him around this time. My "friend."
The first time, I was on the train. The city sped by outside the window, blurring into a smear of color. I was staring blankly, lost in thought, when I felt someone sit beside me.
"Rough day?"
I turned, and there he was. A boy about my age or so.
"Who are you?" I asked.
He grinned. "A friend."
....
I didnt believe him, but I didnt argue. It was easier not to.
He started showing up everywhereon the train, at school, in my room late at night. Sometimes we talked. Sometimes we didnt. But he was always there, watching me with that knowing smile.
"Youre slipping, you know," he said once, leaning against my desk as I tried to study.
"Slipping?" I echoed.
"Into the cracks," he replied, his voice almost playful. "The space between reality and whatever this is."
Oh. Come on stop spouting random bullshit. "
He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. "Do you even know whats real anymore!?"
He ignored me!
"Of course I do," I snapped.
"Do you?" he asked again, softer this time.
Yep~
I said without a care in the world.
The black sun loomed larger every day, its edges flickering like fire. The pink sky bled into shades of red and orange, as if the world itself was burning.
People became monsters. Their faces twisted, their bodies contorted, their hands clawed and reaching. They whispered when I walked by, their voices slithering into my ears like worms.
Sometimes, Id look down and see blood pooling at my feet, dripping from wounds that werent there. My chest felt heavy, like something was clawing its way out, but when I touched my skin, it was smooth, unbroken.
"Maybe youre the monster," my friend said one night as we sat on the floor of my room.
"Shut up," I muttered, pulling my knees to my chest.
He laughed. "What are you so afraid of, Natsumi?"
"Im not afraid," I lied.
He leaned closer, his voice a whisper. "Then why are you shaking?"
I didnt have an answer.
The final performance came, though I barely remember it. The lights were too bright, the crowd too loud. My voice cracked on the final note, and for a moment, I thought I saw the black sun hanging over the stage, its shadow swallowing everything.
When it was over, no one clapped.
I stood there, staring at the faceless figures before me, and all I could think was, Theyre so far away.
The world felt like a dream.
I sat in my room that night, staring at the ceiling. My friend was there, sitting cross-legged on my bed.
"You cant keep going like this," he said.
"I know," I replied.
"So what are you going to do?"
I didnt have an answer.
He smiled, leaning back. "Guess well see."
The sun rose again the next morning.
As the morning light slipped through the window, spilling across my desk and bed, I found myself staring at the ceiling. Friend sat cross-legged on my desk, chewing on a piece of gum(?).
Todays your last day of school before summer vacation starts, right? he asked, tilting his head and smirking like he always did when he had something stupid to say.
Yeah, I replied, already regretting what shed say next.
Great Fufu. Once summer vacation starts, well commit war crimes.
No!
What do you mean no?
And what do you expect me to say to that?
I thought youd say, Hell yeah!
Shut up!
Meanie.
Yeah, yeah.
I sighed and started putting on my school uniform, trying to ignore he incessant chatter.
Hey, she said after a moment.
What?
Your name for me is boring. Change it.
My name for you?
You call me Friend. Be creative for once in your life.
I frowned, adjusting my tie. Fine. How about... Tomodachi?
He snorted, nearly doubling over in laughter. Pft. So original.
I know, right?
He rolled his eyes. Shut up and give me a better name.
Okay, okay How about Miku?
Her eyes narrowed. You!
Mikurin, I said with a smirk. Thats it. Accept it or not, I dont care.
Fine he huffed, crossing his arms.
As I continued to button my shirt, he stood beside me, watching with his piercing purple eyes. Youre slow.
Shut up, I muttered, grabbing my bag and heading for the door.
Hey.
I turne
What the hell!?
Mikurin tilted her head, looking utterly confused. What?
You Youve turned into a girl!
Ive always been a girl.
Seriously?
Yes, seriously.
I stared at himor should i say her for a long moment, then shrugged. Well, it doesnt matter either way.
The people passing by outside gave me strange looks as I spoke to her. Obviously, they couldnt see her. Why would they? She wasnt real.
Mikurin trailed behind me as I walked to school, her long silver hair swaying with every step. She was my height, her uniform perfectly pressed, and those unnatural purple eyes followed my every move. Overall, she was... cute. Not that it mattered.
Today was the last day of school before summer vacation. I reached school earlier than usual, hoping to avoid the small swarm of people who usually surrounded me. It didnt work.
Several classmates stopped me in the halls, chatting about trivial things I didnt care about
Several classmates stopped me in the halls, chatting about trivial things I didnt care about. Their smiles, their laughterit all felt distant, like a muffled sound underwater.
They talked, and I responded as perfectly as I could, but the words felt like they didnt belong to me. Like they were scripted by someone else.
Eventually, the final bell rang. The last day of school was over. Summer vacation had begun.
I slipped away from the group, ignoring their goodbyes, and headed toward the back of the school. Mikurin trailed behind, walking silently for once.
When I reached the back of the school, there she wasAtsisaya, standing by the old sakura tree with her arms crossed. Her usual confident posture was on full display, as if she was waiting for me to show up.
What do you want? she asked, her tone sharp but not unkind.
I felt my heart pound in my chest. Mikurin leaned against the tree, smirking. Oh, this will be amusing, she muttered.
I ignored her.
Atsisaya I began, my voice shaky. W-would
She tilted her head, her gaze steady.
I swallowed hard. Come on, say it.
Would you be my girlfriend? I blurted, bowing deeply.
There was silence. It stretched on, suffocating.
No, she said bluntly.
What? My mind went blank.
I stood frozen, staring at the ground. All the courage I had worked up crumbled instantly. So those moments between usthose shared glances, those times shed teased mewere they all lies?
Wait, she said suddenly.
I looked up. Her expression had softened, and for the first time, I saw a faint blush on her cheeks.
Would you please be my boyfriend? she asked, her voice trembling.
I blinked, confused.
Mmm, I managed to nod, my face burning red.
But I wasnt done. Not yet.
Atsisaya, I love you! I shouted, bowing again. Please be my girlfriend!
Yes! she exclaimed, laughing through tears.
When I looked up, she was smiling, her face wet with tears. That smileit was like something out of a dream, too perfect to be real.
It was beautiful.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt something warm in my chest. Something I didnt fully understand but didnt want to let go of.
The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the schoolyard.
Atsisaya wiped her tears and smiled at me again,and I smiled back.
Footnotes:
I frowned, adjusting my tie. Fine. How about... Tomodachi?
He snorted, nearly doubling over in laughter. Pft. So original.
Here Natsumi speaks in Katana where _(Tomodachi) is just written as ȥ.
Tomodachi friend.
Cut content:
Wait she had black hair and blue eyes before but now she was sliver hair and purple eyes and she transformed into a girl, isn''t that the plot twist of most of the animes?
Here are the vocals written in Japanese(romanji) if you want to read them:
?
(Verse 1)
Ai uso hana
Kodoku to sabishisa
Kawaru kimochi wa kitto
Subete uso datta no ka.
Demo kokoro no kabe wo kowashite
Kono omoi wa kieru koto nai.
(Pre-Chorus)
Hikari no kage ga odori,
Yami no naka no brei ga sasayaku
Kore ga iki teru tte koto?
(Chorus)
Me wa me wo, ha wa ha wo,
Chiri wa chiri ni kaeru.
Mawari tsuzukeru sekai no naka de,
Kokoro ni umareta kuroi ana
Hirogari tsuzukeru dake
Kara no kokoro, hitori kiri.
Hoshizora no shita de,
Shukufuku no shunkan wo mitsukeru.
Demo toki wa yasashiku wa nai.
(Verse 2)
"Daijoubu," "Heiki,"
"Arigatou," "Gomen,"
"Ganbatte," "Aishiteru."
Kimochi wo kakushite
Kore wa kikasarenai kotoba.
Demo kokoro no oku de,
Itsuka kikoeru koto wo negau.
(Pre-Chorus)
Sora wa matte kurenai.
Yami wa owaranai.
Kondo wa koukai suru no ka,
Mata wa zetsubou ni ochiru no ka?
(Chorus)
Me wa me wo, ha wa ha wo,
Chiri wa chiri ni kaeru.
Mawari tsuzukeru sekai no naka de,
Kokoro ni umareta kuroi ana
Hirogari tsuzukeru dake
Kara no kokoro, hitori kiri.
Hoshizora no shita de,
Shukufuku no shunkan wo mitsukeru.
Demo toki wa yasashiku wa nai.
(Outro)
Ai uso hana
Kodoku to sabishisa
Sora wa matte kurenai.
Tabun kono toki ni,
Akirameru kamo shirenai.
Author''s Note:
Sorry, this took longer than usual..