1 The Night Before The Beginning
"As you have chosen, you die."
Limbs broken, organs bleeding, body getting colder and colder, vision bloodied, lungs Failing, heart; no longer there.
—Why?... If at that moment… I would have done things differently… I could have___—
It was Raining. In an unknown surrounding; a dream-like, hazy, dark, isolated place, which his mind could only process as despair, his mind made its last memory.
Only the numbness remained. Nothing felt real as if it was a nightmare.
—A Nightmare! Nightmare! Nightmare! Nightmare! Nightmare! Nightmare! Nightmare!
No thought other than that remained, filled with immense dread his mind repeated the reality it wanted so desperately.
Everything turned Black, only the thought of the dread remained.
"Ghaaah!"
His body was panting and could still remember the glimpse of what he felt. He looked at his surroundings, it was recognizable. Then, to his body beneath the blankets, he was sweating. But; his limbs were there, he wasn't bleeding nor were his organs and lungs failing. As his senses grasped the reality, he sighed, "It was a dream…"
He got out of his bed and turned the lights ON The dread downed with the lights ON; as his body could now clearly differentiate between reality and dream— which felt terrifyingly real.
Coming to senses, he could feel the intense thirst in his mouth left by the restless panting and dread moments ago. A bottle full of water. It was usual for him to keep a water bottle on his table, to his left of bed and below the switch board.
He drank all the water he could as if his thirst was an endless void, and not filling it would kill him.
A moment had passed since that dream, putting the bottle down he breathed deeply. He looked at the watch on his table, it was 3:47.
"Now that's a bad time to have a nightmare, haha~" he laughed sighingly.
A bad dream, horrifying, was surely going to make his sleep insufficient for the next day.
He washed his face and went outside to take a breather, from all this. It was freezing outside; cold breeze flowing, no humans awake, truly a sight everyone should experience. Well if everyone began to experience it then it would ruin it.
—Now that I think about it, it's been a while since I had come to the roof. Guess, the work has gotten into me too much. Gotta keep it calm.
After spending a minute or two outside, he went inside. By that time he had forgotten most about the dream. The dream which felt so real moments ago now seemed like something secondary, as if it was detached from him.
—Man, I don't wanna keep my head outside the blankets.
With his head now cleared he shut the lights off , layed on the bed, put the blankets on, and slowly fell asleep.
***
"Alarm* "
"Umm, damn it… this school should just…", with a will of 'Not to wake up' he woke up. He was again ready to have the same foul mood he always has in any social surrounding.
During his free time, there are very few things he can do while having breakfast; Social media or Friends, and if exceptionally motivated, read any novel, but that is next to impossible.
***
—I think it's about time. It is getting late.
It was a few minute's ride from his house to the school. Some of the few rare alone times he would get outside before reaching the school. But honestly, most of the journey was completed while he was in his own world of thoughts, such as, have I Packed the project properly? Did I lock the house? Which would easily shift to another thought or situation he would imagine himself to be in, too comical to make sense in real life. And in all this mental mess he reached his school.
Parking his bike in the parking lot, He entered the school and went straight to the class.
"Yo! Shin." immediately at crossing his class's entrance door he was greeted by that annoying yet familiar voice.
"Hey. weren't you supposed to be on leave?" Shin replied.
"Well… you know how my mom is… hehe."The boy excused himself, suddenly shifting the question onto Shin.
"Why are you so early today, though? You are the last person I know who would come early. What's up?"
Shin had a habit or even call it on instinctual intention, that was, to always come at perfect time nor too early nor too late. And as a person who liked to avoid unnecessary social interaction and loved his time alone, he always did things that would suit his preferences. Though he was not bad at socialising, it was just that, he himself wasn't sure what term to use, to define himself, 'ambivert' came close but he didn't like it. All in all he was averagely good or even great at socialising depending upon the situation and person.
"While you were Away at taking leaves I was the one who had to handle your share of work, that is, taking care of registrations." He replied in monotone, because he had known the boy— Bobby for a very long time and didn't really bother to adjust his way of talking and went with whatever tone his body default was at the moment.
"Ouu, not again with that tone, have a good sleep at least." Bobby nitpicked his tone, teasing his lack of sleep, still evident in his eyes. Ignoring Bobby's words, Shin put his bag on the chair. Today he was sitting on the last bench of the left first row with a large window to his left.
"So what's the plan today? Got way too much time today." Shin asked, shifting his tone to normal.
To which Bobby replied" Nothing. Could go outside".
Shin, conforming to the Idea proposed, " Okay, But before that I gotta submit this."
Taking the project file out of his bag, he and Bobby headed to the staff room.
***
On reaching the staffroom they could see a new face, not a student, but an outsider who gave an aura of a teacher at sight. Not to cause any embarrassment he went past them without any greetings. Bobby, having the same mind process, did as Shin did and entered the staff room and followed him to their class teacher's desk.
"Good morning sir, here's the project you had asked for. I didn't have much practice with this kind of project so it's kinda Messy, but it should work out."
Shin submitted the project to his class teacher, who was sitting at his desk, playing with his words.
After a brief silence their teacher replied, ''I will see to it, but I think you will be getting a new class teacher this week or so. You need to be regular this week. Got it? Especially you Bobby, don't you dare drop your attendance."
He was an old and well respected teacher, maybe in his 40's. By nature this old man– Mr Maskow was an ideal teacher figure in their school- his teaching methods were old school but he still was open to the idea of new times, and had years of experience teaching physics.
Hearing this Shin asked, "What about your subject, will we be getting a replacement?" To that, before the teacher could respond, Bobby jokingly retorted, "No physics classes now, phwuuu~ ". Intense blood lust! The look Mr Mascow gave him sent shivers down Bobby, he shut up as if he hadn't said anything just now. "No, there won't be any changes in your subject teacher for the most part, it's just that an extra subject has been added in your syllabus and they require special education and experience to teach. Anyways we will let you know more about it later, now you should go, I have work to get done." The teacher informed them of it and left other details for later.
Shin, having lost his lack of excitement—which was still low, got out of the staff room with Bobby. He noticed that the person he saw while entering the staffroom was gone. Now being aware of the fact that there was going to be a big change in his school life made him more attentive to any new thing he could detect in his surroundings.
—He might have been one of the few new teachers. Well, we'll see.
"So you heard him, right? No more leaves for you this week." Shin mocked Bobby as revenge for all the mess he usually caused Shin.
"Damn it, now I regret coming to school."
"It wasn't your choice anyway. Let's go." He started walking and Bobby followed his lead.
"Anyways, what do you think about the new subject?" Bobby asked Shin, seeing his lack of words for it.
"Not much, we will know it before long, no point pondering over small data when you can look for the answer itself." Shin said, elaborating it for Bobby. It was just like him. From the limited information he had and in the context it was given to him it was evident that many students knew the news. And if that was the case then obviously there would be people who would have a lot more information on the subject then he possessed currently. And with this energy conservative mind process he didn't waste his time coming up with pointess assumptions. The place he was headed to was 2 rooms away from his class. Upon reaching his destination, he could see a boy standing in the back of class talking to a group of girls. He without saying any word went behind the boy and smacked him on his back while hanging his own arm around the boy's neck.
"Wenic… How is it going my friend!?" It was Shin who said it. His calm energy less attitude shifted in a second to which Wenic gave a polite yet warm smile. Wenic was yet not much used to Shin's sudden shifts in his attitude, especially, after he started noticing it as he became close with him with time. "Just like you, haha." Wenic replied, usually Shin didn't approach him whenever he was surrounded by people.
So, assuming Shin had something to talk about, "Excuse me girls, I should be going now." He excused himself from the girls and went with Shin to the front of class, near the window left to the teacher's desk.
"You wanted to talk?"
"Yeah kind of, I heard there's going to be a new subject added to our system or something like that. You know something?"
Shin didn't break his character, as he was still surrounded by people, but his tone was more calm and mono than before.
"Yeah, well even I don't know much about it other than it's gonna be more of an experimental subject which is now being implemented in the whole Island. Though, they are referring to it as a subject, it is not actually a subject. Information is so little that I guess we won't be clear on it until who knows when."
"So, even, you are blank on it… didn't you ask someone who knows?"
"Yeah I asked, but they said 'it's hard to explain' even then, from what they could explain, it is going to be some kind of individual focussed thing consisting of different things that will develop and test different parts of humans or something like that."
"So it's being implemented in the whole Ruean, huh?"
"From what I can tell, it was in the experimental phase in sector 1, 2, and 3. But I am not sure it might just be a rumor, who knows?"
"Well, even I have heard of that."
"Oh, it looks like others have come. We will talk about it later, let's go have some chill for now."
"Yeh, Bobby, let's go."
Bobby, who had started talking to a girl when Shin was busy talking to Wenic, replied " You go, I have to go with Sia."
The girl Bobby was talking to–Sia was his sister, Shin hadn't talked to her much or could never even have a proper conversation, he had no idea about her personality. Understanding Bobby's urgency, Shin excused himself.
"Okay see you in Class then."
––He followed the path he had come with and went to his class.
***
This Island– named Rupan was the largest island country in the world, also referred to as Ruean. In the outside world it was also referred to as an island of Seeds. This island had a long history of many eras, from gods, to human, to samura, to ninja, to war, to revolutions, to suddenly being struck by an apocalypse, to a whole country people dieing, to being reborn with a new purpose, to being evolved and gaining the name– The island of seed, Rupan. This country has a very long history.
Currently, Rapan is a special place where students from all over the world come to complete their higher studies. It was the only place where higher level further studies could be done and had a history of producing 80 percent more capable adults than any other system of education in human history, both socially and educationally.
Divided into 11 sectors, at center the biggest sector–sector-9, and around it other 10 sectors. All these sectors were ranked by the quality of results they had produced in the last 40years. Special sectors being sector 1, 2 and 3 respectively. And other ranks constantly changed every two years, it was only the sector 1, 2 and 3 which had remained highest ranked in the results they produced over the last four decades. These special sectors had been a VIP area so other sectors weren't allowed to enter without permission, Even if given the permission, they were strictly supervised by the guide that would be appointed to them. In all, Rupan operated on a very carefully planned and laid system which evolved with society and produced adults who could survive in any kind of modern society. A System which now after 40 years would officially implement all the effective experiments running in different sectors into one. Which would later be said to be the starting point of all.
***
The footsteps echoed through the hall. Still unnoticed in the room filled with chatter. As they got closer the sound got mixed with the ambient of chater. And when everyone was busy chattering, the door slid open.
"Everyone is lively today. Aren't they"
A familiar voice entered the class. On hearing and noticing the presence, which now stood at the teacher's desk, they got to their respective places and after a quick breath greeted back to the teacher.
"Good morning, Sir.,"
"Good morning, to you all too. You might have already heard of it but there is a huge policy shift which is going to be applicable from next month. And there is quite a lot of information to be shared actually. But before that I need to make sure everyone is here."
Mr Mascow, who was in a bright mood today, looked around the class, after confirming that all were present, he started.
" As you all are already aware of the fact that, this country runs on a very complex system which focuses on integrating teenagers with the society in an early stage, to develop outstanding adults for the world. But the perfect ideal this system aims for isn't actually the results it produces. For you may have already heard of this quote, 'Great things are built upon time and effort and many failures.' Which is also true for this island you all live on. I will tell you something, these new changes will bring a great change in this country. It may be somewhat of a revolution if you want to be historical. Anyways, first read this to get you all started with."
As Mascow finished, a bunch of people entered the class, around 5. And started distributing around 1 cm thick hard copies to the students. After they finished with distribution, students had already started reading it just after getting it. After 5 minutes mr Mascow
Started,
" Well as you have read it, you can take all the information in it as official, nothing in it is unimportant. So please go through with it again at your home.
Now, though I would love to say that's all but seriously, it isn't. Other than you all having to adjust for a whole new education system. You all will be getting shuffled with students of other sectors, and depending on that many of you may have to shift your residence. Though, we say it is to happen, but unfortunately, it has already been decided. The decisions are made and cannot be changed unless there is a very valid reason."
"Then sir, from what you said, what is the set criteria for doing this shuffle?"
A girl sitting on the right side of the class, inquired.
"Well of course, knowing that this island is very divided due to the ranking hierarchy of different sectors, we have tried our best to do it in a way which breaks any previous existing hierarchy.
To no longer continue with that old system and evolve is the main motive of these changes. But as for the official method of shuffle we cannot tell you more than the fact that it's not random. Any other questions?"
"No"
The girl was not very satisfied with the answer but let it go. They were used to it, the system rupan operated on was a model of any information on which was to be kept away from the world. Because of it still being in its early stage the country could not deal with any leak of crucial Data. And as the name The Country of Seeds implied, the country stood on the system it had created.
"Ok, I think you all know the process."
"Yes"
"From tomorrow, you all will be seriously busy with shifting or with farewells for those who are unfortunate. The list of people who are assigned a new place along with their new destination. Will be printed on the class board tomorrow. These details will also be messaged to you on your registered phone number.
And for the people, who are to shift. We have already arranged shifting companies for them all. The information about the shifting department will be shared with you. You can deal with the procedures from there on. You are to shift within this week and accounting for other things you all will be given a holiday for a month. Official dates will be informed. If anyone has any doubt from information I have given to you you can ask. I know it could be kind of overwhelming to digest all this in this short of time, but give it time after going home. So any doubt."
"No"
"Ok, I think this is enough information that I can give you. And it's also the end of my part officially. I hope you will adjust well to your new future."
Mr Mascow, looked at the faces of people standing behind him, on his look the people who had previously distributed the hardcopies moved forward. And holding a chalk, he continued,
"These are the people who will officially be responsible for you all till the end of this month. For any information you are to contact them. If you face any difficulty you can contact them. You are to refer to them as your teachers, though these faces might be new for you, they are of the higher sectors. Though the ranking does not stand as per the new system but still for your information."
Mr. Mascow moved behind, giving space for other teachers to take the spot and introduce themselves.
At the same moment, a woman moved forward. "I am Honomi kixz. A well educated person in the field of physiology and health. Though for subjects I teach, there aren't any actually. My role will soon be understood by you all after the end of first phase, so don't need to look at me like that. I think Tachibana Sensei is the only one who can be called your normal teacher here."
A man wearing glasses came forward, and in a monotone shut Honomi Sensei's mouth, " who said you will be taking the lead?" From the looks of it they looked close. To Tachibana Sensei's word Honomi just made a へ like face.
" Well anyways… it doesn't really matter so be it." Tachibana Sensei said, sighing. It seemed like it was normal for them to refer to them this way.
"I just took the lead. It wasn't decided anyways. Well students He is an upper sector director, but now that the system has changed, so has his job. Anyways… Please introduce yourself."
"Just as she mentioned, I am Tachibana kuge. My role and past doesn't matter here so I won't be wasting yours and mine time by talking about it. Now..."
The mood which or any impression the student had seeing the previous interaction between Honomi and Tachibana Sensei became invalid as if it never happened. The tone and voice in which Tachibana Sensei stated the situation. All the previous assumptions were thrown out of the window. There was a huge contrast between how he reacted to Honomi Sensei. The contrast was subtle, the tone was still monotonous but there was authority present behind it. An aura which demanded attention and respect.
Even though an outsider would tell 'he is just speaking in an official manner' to the Contrary this contrast could only be sensed by the people who are being referred to, in this case the students.
"... I think you all are clear on what I explained to you. I think all the details of what you have to do this following month are clear. If there are any complications during this month you are to contact the number which will be provided to you on your phones. Anyone who will be available out of us will be assigned to you, until your compilations are solved. Furthermore, you can remember the names which have been told to you if you would like. With this I would like to end it here. We have already taken an hour or so. We will be leaving now. And yes you will be dismissed after 12. That's all."
Without waiting for anyone's words Tachibana Sensei went outside and was soon followed by Honomi and teachers. Though when they thought they all were gone. Honomi sensei came again into class.
"Ah, I forgot to tell you something, Tachibana has a bad habit of sometimes not mentioning the information he thinks should be obvious. Ok, here."
Honomi sensei took the chalk Mr. Mascow was holding. And wrote a 10 digit number on the board.
"Note this number, if any of us is not available and you have an urgent problem then contact this number. We would send some other person or persons, depending on your problem. Because this month is going to be extremely busy for everyone, it's better to use all resources. Anyways we would not recommend you use this number if you have very serious or official work if you do be sure to inform us. It should not be much of a problem if you are with the right person. Anyways, I should be going now! Take care"
She went just like she came, like an energetic wind. All that remained in class were the students and Mr Mascow; who were still processing what just happened. The energy Honomi Sensei carried was like, if you imagine an ideal young innocent woman and exaggerated the clumsy behaviors. it would paint somewhat of the same picture Honomi radiated to anyone who sees her for the first time.
"Ok, student. I think you all are clear on it now. From now you will be in their care. As for new information, they will be provided to you after you all are done with this month. There's still 45minutes left for the bell to ring. So you all can discuss. And please refrain from going outside, other teachers might still be explaining all this to other students. As for me I have lots of work to finish in the office so I will be leaving now. If there are any issues you can come to my desk."
Mr Mascow left the room and moments after he could not be seen walking in the corridor. All the chatter flooded back to class as the students started running their mouths; all kinds of things were the topic of debate, but obviously it revolved around what happened today and was to come.
***
Shin was sitting on his usual spot while all this took place. From even before the start of class and until now he was sitting there. While pondering over what happened today and making a summary of what is to be expected this month in his head.
Passing by the crowd of students in class Bobby approached him. Shin was doing nothing other than observing others around him out of boredom, or so it seemed.
"Never thought something like this would pop up when we first heard the rumors."
"Same, It seems like we need to prepare for the worst. As the process of shuffling is still unclear." Shin replied to Bobby, standing in front of him.
"Yeah, I too should check my home, if there is something that might need work. If by chance I am the unlucky one."
"Well, the same goes for me. But I don't think there should be much of a problem for me. Anyways, we won't be finding out what's gonna happen to who till tomorrow."
"Yeah, no point getting anxious over it now. I will send you the SS of my notification when I receive it tomorrow."
"Yeah, I will too, if… I remember."
Shin replied, but suddenly becoming aware of his lazy and forgetful nature, he became unsure.
"By the way—"
"Ok everyone here! I have an interesting proposal!"
A loud voice interrupted Shin, not only Shin but the whole class; demanding everyone to pay attention to what it had to say.
Shin, who already had lost motivation to complete what he was about to say, shifted his head towards the source of the voice; The voice belonged to a girl named Alice. The girl had short black hair, her voice had an aura somewhat of a leader, though it was too early to be called that. This girl was the class leader. Her nature, which was very much similar to any outgoing gal, reflected in her voice; at least for Shin it seemed like that.
"I have a great idea! As you know this month may be the last month we might be able to see each other's faces. And we are unsure what might happen to who. So! Let's say a proper farewell. I think there might be one in school. but! Do you really think an official farewell would be satisfying if you are not the ones who got to plan it from start to end!?"
"Yeah, official things would leave a not so satisfying taste in most of our mouths!" A girl, one of Alice's friends who might have pushed the Idea in her head, supported her, pushing others present in the room to share their opinion. A boy spoke,
"Yeah I think that's A good idea, we can even collect money. And then start planning during the free time we might get during this month."
Slowly others also started to agree to it, with words like, "Yeah, we should do it!",
"It would be a one in a lifetime change and occasion.", " But how would we do it?", "It might be hard for people who will be busy shifting." " Um, let's discuss that!", " Yeah Let's start with that, I got a nice proposal for that!", "How about we create a group where we can discuss this." As more and more people started to join In, the voices got more and more indistinguishable.
Shin and Bobby just sat and stood there, respectively, seeing people make a crowd around Alice and her group. People started debating, arguing, agreeing; it could no longer be described by Shin, from outside it just looked like a mess.
To which Shin thought,
—How do people even navigate in that!?
After some time, around 10 minutes, students participating in the discussion calmed down. "Ok everyone, please get back to your seats!"
Bobby had already brought his chair next to Shin's and was sitting on it; Technically, it was not his, but an extra chair back in their class.
"I think we all or majority have agreed to this idea! As for the dates we would decide on that later in the group we will create today. We all will wait for tomorrow and then from them who will have the most free time this month will be given charge on it. So you need not worry for further details. As for funding we will do that on the group later. And yes! Please share the Screen shot of the notice you will receive to us through that group! That's all! Anyone who wants to discuss it and join us is free to remain after school today and we will decide the meeting spot tomorrow in the groupchat! If anyone has any doubt you can ask me after class."
Just as Alice finished giving the details, the bell rang. All students started to get moving from their places; some went and joined their friends from different sections, some remained in class, some went straight out of the class, and all possible things that could happen.
Shin and Bobby, with no reason to stay, got out of the school. They had things to talk about but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. They separated at their stops and went on their way. At Least for Shin it was already fixed, the place he chose to return to without any second thought, his home.
–– The rest of the day would be spent doing the usual stuff he would do regularly; while finishing his pending works so that it won't become a hassle.
***
NEXT MORNING, Bobby Texted him along with the screenshot. Shin was in the kitchen pondering what to have for breakfast, as today was an early morning for him. On sound of the notification he went to check his phone, but to his surprise it was Bobby. He had also been waiting for the Notification. So it was obvious for him to be expecting the notice by now. Anyways, He opened the messaging app through the notification bar and checked Bobby's text, it had a screenshot attached to it. Shin opened it, and it displayed the details of things that were told yesterday. As expected it went in detail to give information on what to do and contact information of teachers supervising it, in case the official number was busy.
Shin
Messaged* "Lemme check mine."
He went back to his home screen and opened his email. There he could see the mail on the top of the unread section; it was the mail he was waiting for.
Bobby* "Don't forget to send the screenshot shot."
Shin on seeing the message pop. And Remembered, he also had to send the screenshot to the group that was supposed to be made.
Shin sent the screenshot to Bobby, and checked his invite request. There was a 5 hours old invite request, he accepted it and got greeted with a mess of screenshots. It seemed like all were In suspense over it. Now that it had been revealed. All were sharing it with no rest and so did Shin.
As Bobby had finished reading the contents of Shin's mail he messaged,
Bobby* "It seems we both are the unlucky ones, lol."
Shin and Bobby made it clear, this month was going to be truly the last in their surroundings they had lived in till now.
Bobby* "Will you be coming to school?"
Messaged* "Well, there is no point going to school, as the only reason anyone would want to go no longer even exists for our class."
Bobby* "anyways it won't hurt to go, just for fun"
Shin had no reason to deny, somehow he would not be satisfied if he didn't go; the feeling you get when you skip something and later get anxious over it if you missed something.
Message* " Fine... you decide the time"
Bobby* " umm, let's see… how about 10!"
Message* "Fine, let's meet at the canteen"
Bobby* "ok, see you there then!"
Shin put the phone down and went back to the kitchen. After preparing breakfast he read the mail he had received
carefully; from what he had read, it was now clear that he had to shift.
After checking the other details, he took another look at Bobby's screenshot then went through some random screenshots shared in the group. What he was looking for was nothing; it was in his nature to look into the information which interested his curiosity. Though, what he was doing now was not out of curiosity, but just plain boredom and hope that he would find something, which he didn't.
He had planned to meet Bobby at the canteen around 10pm. Around 9:30 he left his home. He reached the school's canteen at 10 o'clock sharp.
"Yo! Shin! Here!"
He was looking around, that's when the voice called out to him. On turning to the source of that voice he could see Bobby seated at the table having a coffee.
Shin went to the place he was seated at. And took a seat in front of Bobby's.
"I would have heard you without you needing to scream that loud." Shin complained.
"Now, that wouldn't be fun, would it?"
"So? What's the news." Shin ignored his words with no thought.
"Umm, So first we need to go to class to see how it's going over there. And then some 'socializing' with others, the term you love to use."
"Well, that is not my problem. The word I choose to use is just accurate, with no need to talk about the actions being performed to socialize. Isn't it just unnecessary to go into detail about something." Shin comically replied to Bobby's attempt at poking him with another author like words.
"Another author like—"
"Anyways shall we go now. How long are you planning to play with an already empty cup of yours." to Shin's comment Bobby stopped playing music with his cup and got up.
"Now, obviously! Let's go."
Shin got up and walked out of the canteen and Bobby followed him.
The place was crowded but not on a level that it was hard to Walk, it was more like people were spread all over the campus. Shin noticed it on the way to his class.
On his way, filled with chatter, Shin overheard two girls arguing. There was no reason behind it, in a crowd filled with chatter, it just caught his attention. He couldn't make out the topic of the argument as they passed each other in an instant.
"We are here, let's see what's here for us."
Shin's thoughts were overwritten by the voice. Sound of chatter came back as he became aware that they had reached their destination.
"Yeah"
After checking the boards it was the same things they had received in their phone; but only the Name of people who will be shifting, and their next destination was written there. Shin's class had around 35 students, from them 25 names were written there.
There weren't many students in class, around 7, and Teachers could be seen nowhere. Even when passing by the staff room Shin hadn't noticed any.
"It's the same, but less." Shin whispered to himself.
"Just as you said."
Shin got out of the class and as soon as he was about to leave–
"Shin!" A voice called out his name. Before he could move a girl came running in front of him. Shin hadn't talked much to this girl but she was one of Wenic's friend.
"Hm?"
"Umm, have you seen Wenic?" Not even waiting for herself to catch a breath she asked, not only to Shin but to the person standing behind him, Bobby.
"No we haven't yet. Why?"
This girl was panting and had an anxious look all over her face, she wasn't even trying to hide it.
Seeing her state Bobby interjected, " has something happened?"
The girl looked at him and the words that came out of her mouth–-
***
It was not long before they found themselves looking all over the campus, helping her find Wenic. "Are you sure about it!?" Bobby still couldn't believe it.
They ran all over the campus, " Shin, where do you think he might have followed her!?" Bobby asked him; If the situation gets serious this might get problematic.
"Even I can't think of something this quick, anyways why are we even going together."
"We don't even know where to search, we have literally searched every corner of the campus."
"What if they are already out of the campus?" To the girl's words.
Shin stopped. Collecting his thoughts; he went over all the information he had in his head.
—There might be less time, but searching aimlessly is pointless.
The problem here was, not exactly Wenic, but a girl named Sia, also Bobby's sister. To elaborate what they Heard…
— Bobby's sister had a crush on Wenic, and finally on this day she confessed. Whatever happened after that from her confession to Wenic's reaction to his response, This is the result. After which She ran somewhere. And after sometime Wenic also went missing. Both of them could not be found.
"Does your sister have friends?"
"There's a group she hangs with but she is more of a loner, and a serious one at that."
"Well, if that's the case then we should look for your sister instead, people already don't know her much. From how popular Wenic is, if people saw him then we already would have heard from someone."
"We would have found her when we searched the whole campus."
From what Shin could gather about Sia it was clear that she didn't have many friends, or seemed to be a person who preferred being alone; at least for assumption Shin wanted to go with that.
— There are three places she could be in. First the pool area. Second, the library. And the third, The roof, which doesn't seem to be plausible.
Library was supposedly locked today. The pool area was always locked unless you had the key, but there's a way to go there. Teachers were aware of it but it hadn't been fixed because very few people knew of it and those who knew didn't bother to exploit it, so it wasn't an urgent necessity to fix it, from what he knew.
"Umm, liya? Have you checked the locked places? especially the roof." Shin was a bit confused about her name, but while confirming his memory he asked her.
"No, I have not."
"There is a chance they might be there. But I would like to prioritize, The roof and the pool area. There is a secret way to get into the pool area but, I don't think someone would use that. And another is the roof."
"Well for that, I think we should check the roof. Though the lock there is not broken. We don't need the key either. The lock to the middle staircase is always open."
"Let's try those areas then."
Shin, Bobby and Liya split and searched the last places, which they had not. Bobby went with liya to the pool while also checking the library. Shin went to check the roof.
He didn't know if he would find them on the roof, that would be a way to romcom like. He just wanted to get it done with, with no hope of finding them here. He thought of possible places they could have gone to, especially considering the possibility they might not even be together. Wenic wasn't really a concern but Bobby's reaction to her sister's was what made him seriously think about it. He had no idea about Sia's personality. From what he could tell about her personality from the little as no interactions he had with her, it would be cold, lacking any interest, maybe his forgetful mind remembered it like that; not so reliable.
If he could estimate the time they had spent searching then it would be around 15 minutes. He was thinking of the possible places his sister could be at.
— I wish I hadn't come today. Plus that girl, why does she have to just confess today? And why disappear?
He clearly wasn't enjoying it. just thinking they would have to search—
"Nah, let's not even think about the effort."
He could see the gate which opened straight to the roof—
Shin watched his steps at that sight.
He didn't hope he could find them here but it seemed not so far-fetched now that he had reached here; at least he hoped.
He could hear someone's voices distorted by the wind and distance. He stopped near the door. Sun was hidden by clouds today so he didn't have to worry about his shadow.
He couldn't make much out of the voice his ear could catch from that distance. He hid at the right side of the gate. He could see the faint ambient shadow of a boy. On focusing he could hear the voice of a girl not so far from the boy.
The voices that were still muffled could now be made sense of as he tried to focus on them.
"Why, are you even here then! Just—-"
It seemed like whatever the boy had said had just made the situation more of a mess, to Shin it seemed like that. And now the boy stood silent while the girl's words overwhelmed the air which muffled her voice.
"If you don't even wanna justify yourself, why!? Why are you even here!?
"From the last 20 minutes you!— Haven't said anything new, this, that! I am tired."
Still the boy stood silent, his gaze lowered.
The girl having no words left, calmed herself wanting to go
"Look, I get it, you don't like me, but please try not to make a mess of my life with your sympathy."
Shin could see and feel footsteps coming upstairs. On them just about to reach Shin, he signaled them with his hands to stop. They were none other than Liya and Bobby's.
—Don't come.
Shin could already feel as if the girl had already noticed someone's presence near the door.
He tried his best to tell him to go with just his hands and eyes. It took a moment for Bobby to guess what Shin was getting at. On understanding the situation he Left. Liya on the other hand was just confused. Bobby tried to take her with him but Shin signed him to leave her there.
It seemed like someone was approaching the door Shin was standing at. Bobby went from there as fast as he could.
He understood what Shin meant, it would have been really awkward for her sister, with whom he shared the home with, to talk to his brother normally if he knew about all the stuff personally.
The girl passed by him, she looked at him for a second, but after seeing liya standing down stairs she walked straight down stairs and then to who knows where.
— I hope she walks home or somewhere Bobby can find her.
Shin could still not get the image of the girl who went past him. The aura; could only be described as strong, rough, mysterious. Though that came from a place where he still didn't know much about her; even now. That girl, Sia.
But, shifting his focus to the boy still standing there. Shin didn't try to move before he could no longer hear the footsteps of Sia.
Liya stood there confused as to try to approach Sia or try to confirm if Wenic was here. And She chose to confirm. Well, it wasn't much of a surprise for Shin. Nobody would dare to approach Sia right now, with that look in her eyes; of a wounded lionesses.
Shin followed Liya, who went running to Wenic as her eyes confirmed his presence. He stayed at a bit of distance as Liya was already trying to talk to Wenic about what had happened.
"Ah, it's nothing. you don't need to worry about it."
Shin didn't wanna process whatever liya was asking Wenic. For now he had more important things to worry about, Why was it Wenic who looked more miserable; at least to Shin he looked.
Wenic wasn't crying so far, it was the opposite if Shin must say. From, perspective of Liya or anyone he knew, Wenic didn't even lose a single social point. if Shin put his thoughts in words. Instead it looked Like it was Wenic who acted calmly and didn't try to hurt Sia by saying anything bad in the heat of the moment. That was the image anyone or even Shin would come up with. But he couldn't get an uneasy feeling as to whether it was Wenic who was more hurt here. He would say Wenic's voice at that moment was as if he was trying to mask something shaken up inside him; with a blanket of calm, bright, and kind tone.
"But.."
"It's fine,"
Wenic looked towards Shin, who was standing there, a blank look in his eyes as if drowned in his own thoughts.
"Shin, I think you should stop with that look… Shin?"
Shin heard him, but it took a moment for him to come to the present as he saw Wenic walk towards him.
Wenic put his hand on his shoulder.
"Ahh, Yeah." Shin, at a loss of words.
"So, should we go now? I think It's been pretty messy already."
"Well all thanks to you for not picking up your phone." Shin complained.
"Haha~ that well you already know—"
"What about Sia?" Liya recalled in a worried tone.
"Oh, well, I think It's… well…—" Wenic seemed at a loss of words to properly explain the situation.
"Don't worry about that. If I were you, I would have left that for Bobby and time." Shin interjected.
"Yeah, Shin's right. I think it was me who was responsible for not giving an honest answer."
"Honest?..." Liya repeated his words in an unsure tone.
"Oh, don't to worry about that, it's nothing"
Liya didn't want to say anything rash to upset the mood so she didn't persuade him further.
"Right, I still have some work to finish. Liya thanks for worrying about me but I think we have left something necessary undone."
"Heh? Oh," as it slowly dawned on her, the thing Wenic was talking about, she hurried "I think I will go check it, you can take some rest. But please hurry."
And went past Shin as he slowly saw her disappear as she went downstairs.
"Well I have dragged you into this too. I guess." Wenic said apologetically as he confirmed that Liya was gone.
"Well, no doubt about that," Shin complained. "But just thinking I didn't have to search the whole sector, I feel much better."
"Whole sector?... "
"Don't worry about it. You don't need to act unfazed either, at least for now. I don't know what happened but I hope it's concluded for now." At Shin's words Wenic didn't react any different, but a gentle smile spread across his face
"... about that. Yeah you are right. Well it was surprising for me to. But I hope things will be normal soon." Wenic wanted to say something but hesitated, suppressing his old thoughts he agreed with Shin.
"Well nothing can be done about that for now." Shin sighed, on not getting anywhere with it he decided not to push Wenic further with his words.
"Can't deny that. But it looks Like I won't be able to worry about that anyways," Wenic looked at his watch. " I have got 15 minutes or so. You wanna talk about anything?."
"I don't have anything to ask. And also I don't even know what this got to do with me. " Shin said. There was no point dragging himself into the other's mess. His days that were yet to come were already looking busy this month. "Well, I don't need to consult you or anything. I will go check on Bobby."
"Yeah, I would much appreciate some alone time."
"Take care then."
Shin walked downstairs all the while not noticing Wenic who was sizing him up.
On his way to his class Shin texted Bobby.
Message* you have important things on your plate. I hope you won't be needing my help for now.
And yeah I am leaving the campus right now so if you need anything remember that.
Shin finished what he deemed necessary, otherwise it would have just bugged him in the back of his mind.
He was still walking through the halls of the 2nd floor when a sound resonated in the hall, not crowded by anyone. A ringtone rang, Shin checked his phone which was displaying an incoming call.
Shin accepted it.
"Ah, sorry if you searched for me in school, but I am already outside the campus." Even Before He could speak anything Bobby's voice rang in his ear.
"No one searched for you. Anyways, what's the situation?"
"No worries at least she ain't crying or anything. Talked pretty normally to me. I will give her time. But can you do without me? Let's plan some other time." Bobby joked but in an apologetic tone.
"I don't remember there being a plan anyway. You take care of things there." Disregarding Bobby's poor attempt at not sounding worried, Shin said. " You are her brother. I don't Think I need to say this but. Give her some alone time."
"Oh, you don't need to worry about that, that's why I am only following her."
"I don't know why but I think I need to call the authorities."
"What! No I mean I am not. Look It's better if I don't mess with her. I wanna live the rest of my days peacefully."
"You sound like me. I was just joking."
"Yeah, I will talk to you later. I think I won't be able to talk for now."
"Yeah, carefull."
"Yeah"
Bobby cut the call.
Shin now had two options. First, go straight home, but that would be a waste of all the effort he had put into coming here. And Second was to search for other options.
—No choice but to wander now.
He went halfway to his class but on seeing no new developments, backed off.
After some wandering aimlessly in the campus, he had encountered some people he was on good terms with but they didn't talk much other than some Greetings and things related to the message; such as shifting and other.
And after some more minutes of aimlessly wandering he found himself outside the campus.
"Well, no point looking for options." He said to himself, disappointed in his ability to find even at least one interesting thing.
Shin, now on his bike, which he had picked on his way out of the campus, looked at his phone, and decided not to head home. The weather was not sunny and the day could not be any more perfect to spend outside, he had decided on the place.
The pedal stopped as he reached the place.
"I didn't expect it to be this crowdless."
He thought there would be some people still out there but the whole area seemed empty. He parked the cycle near the parking lot. And started walking in the lane crowded by sakura trees, leafs were still at an early stage of maturing, but before blooming they would not fall;
At Least how that's how it goes in poems.
—The path he walked on was dull.
"That's the spot, here, it looks good."
After walking 600 meter in that passage of Sakura he stopped near a big tree, it was the one tree, no matter when he came, would find most attractive, and most lifeless—when not bloomed.
There were benches at a distance of every 150 metres for people to sit on, who came to visit this site named — Sakura park.
He took the seat, which was just below that tree, under its shadow it rained pink petals; where Shin now sat.
The gentle wind filtered by the trees touched his hair, face and clothes.
It was relaxing, all the tension in his body relaxed as he finally breathed the air.
"Nothing better than this, There is no way I would have been this lucky if not for this day." He thanked himself for coming here.
After confirming his surroundings once again he plugged in his earphones.
***
—————— He was literally half immersed, lost in music, when his phone rang. He opened his eyes as he remembered the meaning of the alarm.
He yawned as he set his mind on the task at hand, that was to get some food.
He walked towards where he had parked his cycle. He had cleared his mind now and cycled towards his home, while also picking some instant noodles from the convenient store near to his place.
"I am home." Said Shin as he opened the door to his house, no one was there, he lived alone– In Rupan; most did.
He went to the kitchen , boiled hot water, poured it in the cup, and left the noodles to get to the appropriate temperature for his tongue.
He went through the msg he had received today and saved the numbers mentioned there. After confirming the number he dialed it and called.
After some seconds of ringing someone picked on the other side.
"Yes, Shifting department speaking. How may we help you."
"It's Shin speaking here, I would like to confirm the process of shifting."
"Yes, I have checked your name, we will call you back in the evening so please look forward to that."
"Yes, Can you specify the time?"
"Expect it around 6oclock."
"Fine"
The call was cut, it seemed they were really busy with the reservations.
Shin looked at the cup noodles which looked ready to eat. "Let's dig in."
—— That evening, he received the awaited call from his shifting department
***
The shifting took about around half a month from registration to the actual shipping. His days were spent planning and getting the shipping company to properly help him pack all his stuff.
Any good or not he had at least now understood how much a human can underestimate its simplicity. But somehow he managed to get it done.
All that was left was for the company to ship and get it sorted in his new place.
The shipping company had already given the date his place would be ready for him to shift in, which was on 21th of that month. But he would not be shifting till 28th since Booby had requested him to, also due to having no more of his things in his original house he was completely not interested in staying there for rest of his days before 28th, So he stayed in a rented room, which surprisingly was way cheaper, like to the level that you could stay there with pocket money level of money, not that less, but still it was way cheaper than what he knew of, it seemed as if the prices were reduced, from what he heard from others conversations.
—Then came night of 28th, the day passed with not much happening and
At 7:00 pm he checked out of his room with his bag; which contained the stuff he had kept with him to spend his rest of the days before today's night.
Moonlight pierced down through the thin clouds in the sky, and a damp wind blew around all the houses around him. The wind reminded him of the pre-spring with a bit of a warm feel, which touched his face as it blew.
He had left his room wearing a black cotton shirt.
Although he didn't want to rush, he had managed to reach the rendezvous point by 7:40 and was now waiting for Bobby to reach.
Booby had messaged him to reach by 8, Did I come too early he thought Nah, it doesn't matter anyways. If he wanted he could walk off to the party, yes, that party. He didn't want to go at first and was planning on shifting on 22's night but Booby seriously begged him to instead leave on 28th, He could have declined but he too hadn't been that serious about moving so soon. And today was the day it seemed the party was going to happen.
So today is the last huh? He thought.
Shin hadn't thought much about it. Or it hadn't really come to his focus. The feeling of The End and Beginning. But It now finally started to dawn on him, the feeling of change, it was certainly a feeling he could clearly distinguish from others.
The feeling was of uncertainty which this new certain change would bring.
In the moment that was how he could describe it; the future didn't need to be an uncertain rollercoaster for all he cared.
"Yo!"
Shin, ignored the voice that came from behind, and started walking towards the party,
"—Oi Shin, wait up." That voice complained as it started walking towards Shin, actually running as Shin was a fast Walker.
As it caught up to it, the owner of the voice, Bobby, said " Well at least It was not me doing the waiting this time." Jokingly.
"Good for you, so anyway, what is the said plan of yours? It seems we are going the opposite way from today." Shin said as he recalled that the place Bobby would be shifting to was sector 8 and for Shin it was sector 1.
"Well can't deny that, and as for plans there are none. Let's see how things unfold."
"So, when will you catch the metro to sector 8 I think It will be pretty far if you leave at 11."
"Oh you don't need to worry, I have brought my car with me, And also, I will be leaving tomorrow. I need to drop my sis to the station after 11."
"Well you sure do have to, my metro also leaves at around 1 o'clock."
"Oh, Btw, I think I can also drop you if you would like"
"Eh? Weren't you going to drop your sister?"
"Oh, well I forgot to tell, actually she also is shifting to sector 1"
"Well that makes sense, just tell me when you plan to leave the party… anyways" Shin wanted to continue with, I thought your sister wasn't the social type, but didn't as he already had some idea as to why.
"—What?"
"No, nothing, we should try to leave before 12 as it's 40 minutes drive from here." said Shin, seeing the estimated travel time on the car to reach the station displayed on the map of his phone.
"Yeah, how about around 11:30?"
Shin saw the time, it was already some minutes past the 8o'clock, and said "Yeah that should be good."
By then they had reached the place where the party was being held; at a glance, Shin could tell that it was rented, but the place sure was large. To describe it with the closest word he could have found at that moment would be A large house with a large garden, the whole place was filled with lights and decorations which shone brilliantly under the night moon.
"I certainly didn't expect this." Booby's mouth leaked his thoughts.
"Well I wasn't expecting anything so there is nothing much I could be disappointed about, but this sure is flashy."
"Let's look for something to eat then!"
"Can't you wait for a moment?"
***
"I think someone said, to wait?" Said Bobby teasingly to Shin; whose mouth was puffed full of cake.
"Mff mmf…" Well that was all he could manage in an attempt to speak, Bobby kept the grin on his face as he saw Shin unable to run his mouth.
After finally swallowing the cake in his mouth, which just refused to go down, stared at Bobby who still had that grin, and said "what?"
"No nothing, just remembered something"
"Well, I said 'a moment', it can also be some minutes."
"Well, that doesn't matter."
"Well that was on you for disappearing just after we came"
"That's not my fault, It seems I have become kind of popular with girls."
"Let's not go there," said Shin bitterly. " Anyway—"
"—It seems someone is going through their popular phase~"
A familiar voice came from behind. And before they could turn to look, Wenic, the owner of the voice, stood right beside Shin.
"It's better if that phase dies down in some gutter"
"Oi, That's harsh! Lemme savor my popular phase~" Bobby complained.
"Anyway, how was the cake? I was the one who was in-charge of it." Wenic posed to them.
"I haven't tried it yet, lemme have some."
"Well, I have had it and lemme say this, why was it so sticky in my mouth!?" Shin complained sarcastically.
"Well, I should have put more effort for my king, this servant will not disappoint next time." Replied Wenic following the Humour.
"Oh there they are" A girl's voice could be heard by them as it pointed to someone's location.
Before Shin could turn towards the voice, as to know who it was pointing towards.
"We had been searching for you."
A group of girls followed the voice, coming closer to where Shin was standing.
"I have been here all this time" Wenic replied to the voice, as it stood in front of them.
"Hey Alice, " said the girl behind the voice to the owner of the voice, Alice.
"—Yeah I know"
Alice, now standing in front of Wenic, followed by some girls, Looked straight into Wenic eyes,
"You want something?" asked Wenic.
"Well, it's… well you know, there is this saying that things should not be…. I mean…—Will you dance with me!?"
The girl, Alice, looked confident, with no hesitation, but all changed as she spoke, And ended up going from confident, to flustered, then to shouting it out loud enough for everyone to hear.
"You…" taken aback Wenic stopped his mouth as he saw all people's attention shifted, on him and Alice, and not to say anything weird, He changed his response gentlemanly "Fine, I will."
Shin, just next to Wenic, thought That's some theatrical scene I am witnessing right now.
***
In the middle of the hall, under the artificial lights of colour, surrounded by the people aware of The Center of The Hall, where, on a soft symphony of violin, two people danced.
—That was how this ball dance began.
People joined in, following the example of the two people who started it all, though It was a man's job to ask for the dance, but the fact how it began was testimony to how young these petals danced under the roof, hiding the sky filled with stars, were.
Meanwhile, a boy, alone in a corner, pastry on his plate, half-watched the said petals dance. With the image of Wenic dancing with Alice still fresh in his mind, thought Was Wenic always this good? Not only that, but the fact that it was a ball dance surprised him.
"That was good, I think I should try it too" Bobby proposed, but,
"Go on."
"I am not joking!!"
"Who said you were joking." Shin's words lacked any basic fluctuations as he delivered his instinctual response to Bobby's Words.
—Well there is no point wasting my time on them, Shin thought, as there was no point wasting time on thinking about their dance.
"Yes. I am not joking" Bobby repeated.
"—What was that?" Shin asked, as he wasn't paying attention to Bobby's words earlier.
"Were you even listening?"
"Half. Anyways you wanna do it, right? Then go find a girl."
"What about you?"
"I will go to the roof."
"Eh, for what?"
"No reason,"
Shin felt the need to go upstairs, which led to the roof, being in this much crowd especially when the atmosphere was of dancing and farewells, was not the ideal place he would like to stay in most of the time.
"Anyways good luck finding a girl."
"Don't forget it's my popular phase."
"It will soon die in some gutter anyways so use it while you can." with that cold encouragement Shin took the staircase.
***
——
He gazed at the moon glancing down at him as a damp wind blew by under the sky filled with stars.
He had been sitting on one of the comfy chairs arranged on the roof. Shin was pitying those people who were missing this, but then while he looked at the moon,
"It has already been sometime. Come to think of it, the sky tonight is the same as that night."
It had been a month ago, more than enough for anyone to forget.
Still He remembered, somehow.
He had forgotten all about that dream, But the state he woke up that night somehow resurfaced.
The moon peeked at him from the clouds, as his throat became thirsty, his body started to——
Vibration of his phone call reminded his body of reality.
He looked at the screen, but before he could pick the call, it was cut—
He checked the time, it was still 40 minutes before they had planned to leave.
He called Booby to confirm—
"You look like a ghost alone here."
A hand reached Shin from behind.
It would be a lie if Shin said he wasn't surprised, but it would be exaggeration to say he reacted like it. It seemed his body had already sensed who it was before its voice even reached his ears.
Without showing any change in his tone, He passed simple, "who did I scare," ,to the voice, "Anyways, what's up? you called."
"Well, I thought you would be lonely, best accompany you." Said Bobby, whom the voice belonged to, As he took the seat vacant in front of Shin.
"How wonderful of you… So how did your popularity phase betray you." Shin's words carried no empathy for his friend.
"The betrayal you talk about never happened." A smirk on Bobby's face as he told Shin his expectations were crumbled.
"I don't wanna talk about it anymore." Said Shin, as if Bobby's words had ruined his whole day.
"Now, I wanna talk about it! Hehe~"
"I better go now." Shin was about to leave, but as he stood from his chair—
"—Wait wait, we should be leaving soon, you ok with that." Said Bobby, as he remembered his reason to come to Shin.
"Well, I don't have anything left to do. How about now? But it's early though."
"Well it's still not the time, but my sister has been bugging me to leave."
"Well that explains it." said Shin, now ready to leave.
"Honestly…"
Bobby sighed before he continued.
"You and Sia, are the only ones I know in my life whom I just don't understand."
"Well you have managed with her this long, so it shouldn't be a problem."
"I meant you also!"
"Don't compare me with the likes of humans," Shin joked before he continued, "all that said I don't know much about your sister, so I can't say on what basis you are categorising us."
"Well it's evident. But if you haven't noticed yet, then it more or less justifies my words."
"I guess I will never know." Said Shin as they had reached the hall downstairs. And their conversation came to brief end as Bobby said,
"— Well, I will go bring my car so you need to wait near the bridge." The bridge Bobby was talking about was near the spot Shin had waited for Bobby, around 500meters.
But before Shin could reply with anything else a obvious question popped in his mind,
"Before that, I'm more curious as to why you didn't bring your car here."
To that Bobby just gave a short reply,
"I have given it for servicing." Shin remembered that the service center was not so far from here.
"So just pick us from here, why walk to the bridge."
"Well, it's hard to turn cars in narrow turns in this area." Booby wasn't that experienced driver and also the turns here would make any driver get annoyed by making it practically impossible to make a smooth turn.
"Yeah, Now that I think about it, the turns are as you say. Fine then. Inform your Sis then, I will be waiting—"
"—Oh I have done it. You can take your time, let's meet in around 30 minutes at the bridge." Bobby informed Shin as he started walking away from Shin.
"And Your Sister? Where—"
"Oh, you find her she should be around here only"
"Wait."
Bobby disappeared as if he didn't hear Shin at all. Somehow Shin felt as if Booby was intentionally annoying him with this.
Shin sighed as he accepted his fate.
"Well it shouldn't be a problem but, I seriously don't like the Idea."
***
It didn't take him much effort to spot Sia, but what did annoy him was the group of people she was with.
"Why do I have to drag myself into that?"
Having accepted his fate he approached her but before he could open his mouth, Someone had already spotted him,
"It's Shin, 'been a long time."
Then Followed by others', they spoke to him as if they shared familiar history; which unavoidably attracted Sia's attention
"Yeah, It certainly has. How is it going!" Shin, with no escape left, accepted the high-fi by that somebody.
"I didn't think you came, but guess Wenic was right." Others also joined in.
"If I had known you were searching for me…"
—I would have never come here. Was what he wanted to say.
"Eh, No one was searching for you." That somebody sarcastically replied.
"That's bad for a guy's heart ya know?" Shin complained to the voice —Girl named Ayano— as others laughed at their interaction.
Ayano, was a childhood friend of Shin, he didn't have problems with her but it was the people who she hung with, she was a total gal even more than her past self, and people she hung with had bad habits getting on his nerves in the past. Though It was 3 years ago, and most of the memories that stuck with him were the bad ones.
After laughing some more, Ayano asked, "Now that I think about it, your voice has changed quite a bit." Other gal friends of hers also agreed, " Well you are right this kid seems to have grown quite a bit."
He didn't remember any of their names, but he was familiar with their faces. Still it had been 3 years and he would not let them control the conversation.
He intentionally didn't replied to them, instead continued with,
"Well all that aside, I would say you all have changed quite a bit also."
Intrigued by Shin's remark— The boy they had a timid image of in their mind who they used to tease 3 years ago. Now taller and with a more grown up diction and aura.— flusteredly asked.
"Like what?"
Shin softly filled their intrigue, " You know there are many things actually, like the way you all carry yourself is more refined. It's like I almost can't remember the past and I want to ask you all your names once again."
At the sudden dictionated reply they found themselves lost. The memories of the past they were depending on to act with Shin had betrayed them, utterly leaving them at a loss of words.
Now flustered, their mind and heart didn't know where to stand and accepted Shin's words.
Shin could see the almost red ears of Ayano on the edge of his vision, also Sia with a somewhat weird expression which he couldn't bother to find words for.
"You… Fine, I think I will start," seeing Shin wasn't joking at all with his eyes and tone one of them gave in, somewhat flustered.
"My name is Kayao, It's a pleasure to meet you my Prince" The girl introduced herself adding a bit of sarcasm at the end.
Others followed here lead,
"I am Niaki and I shall be grateful for this my Prince."
"It's your knight, Mayako, my Prince."
"I don't think that prince thing was necessary…" Shin, after a pause in a more soft manner, imitating a voice worthy of the prince continued, "It's my pleasure to meet you my ladies."
They all laughed at the little performance they had put with there introductions, and while laughing Shin noticed a bit more flustered Ayano at the corner of his eyes,
"Common Ayano, introduce herself." The knight, Mayako, pushed Ayano with her words.
"Ahh, Well but… Childhood friends shouldn't introduce themselves!" Ayano spoke as if it was some kind of unbreakable rule in her books of how not to act; well all that was to not do the embarrassing thing they did just know.
"Well, you have been his friend since childhood. But that shouldn't be an excuse!" Mayano complained, Kayano and Naiki agreed with a synced nod.
"Well, that's true but that's for ladies who have grown. She has been the same for the last 17 years. Well she is 3 years older than me so it should be 20 years by now."
"Yeah that right!" Ayano agreed as if she were proud of something, almost flaring her nose.
"What are you proud of?"
"What" She had completely missed Shin's joke at her.
"Well nothing," as Shin saw the figure of Sia at the side he remembered the reason he had come here for, "Anyways Guys all that aside, I need to get to the station. I will be leaving now."
"Oh, man I wanted to spend some more time together but, I guess we all know how it is. Which sector?"
"It's Sector 1. I should ask for yours as well but sorry I am on time-limit here." Shin Apologized and then looked towards Sia "I think we should be going now."
Sia, who seemed to have a revelation in her mind, replied, "yeah."
"Sia, you two are you going together?"
"You could say that." Shin replied in her place.
"Yeah it seems so." and Sia confirmed with a nod.
"Anyways Ayano, take care."
"Yeah"
"And, It was nice to meet you all after this long, Didn't think you would change this much. Anyways take care, Mayako, Niaki, Kayako." Shin said his final farewell to people he didn't want to get involved with at first, a genuine gesture of goodbye before he walked away from them,
"Sia, all the Best luck over there!" Ayano gave a thumbs up to Sia with a wink, as if trying to imply something.
Sia somewhat understanding what she meant, acted as if she didn't get anything and replied with simple. " Yeah."
—her tone somewhat sounded annoyed at Ayano's hidden implications.
***
The moon was watching from the sky filled with stars as two people walked, the ambient of night and soft wind were the only sound along with the sound of footsteps walking, that gazed at the ears, in the silence.
The silence was broken,
"You are quite a double faced aren't you."
The words that came were just opposite of the beautiful night, cruel.
Shin, who had been silent till now— The type to act extroverted in front of all the strangers but faced with a person who he couldn't categorise—, Complained
"Those are some cold words you spoke!"
"Sorry, I don't have a strong vocabulary. You are weird, that's what I meant to say." The girl, Sia, corrected herself.
"That doesn't hurt any less but I can't deny that."
He knew his whole personality was like day and night. Though most people have this thing where they act differently towards different situations and people. But Shin was an extreme case, according to her.
"Well Bobby said you are kind of… you know… like how do I say it"
"You don't need to say it. I don't trust his vocabulary so please delete all his words about me." Bobby was very bad at explaining people, Shin had learned it the hard way.
"Well I can sympathize with you. He really makes extreme cases of people with his explanations. 'learned it the hard way many times." Sia emphasized especially at the last part.
"That last part sounds like a pretty bad memory."
"Because they are. Anyways I am ready to re-evaluate you, but there are conditions."
"Anything for that." Shin seriously wanted to avoid people having some extreme and weird image of him in their mind, So he didn't even think before accepting.
"You should do the same for me."
"That's all? Well I was already in the process of it, but…" Shin was about to mention the thing with Wenic but stopped, not wanting to ruin the mood.
"What?"
"Nothing, Just thinking how I should go about it."
"Well you are right, you can't just re-evaluate a whole person. Just as no one can change overnight." She spoke softly.
"Yeah, everything takes time." Shin agreed with her.
But after some silence continued,
"But It all starts with the decision to change."
Shin, Who had not yet looked towards the girl walking beside, just bit back, at the silence looked towards the girl.
"That… Did I say something funny?"
"Umm, No No, nothing, it's just… Oh I remembered something funny. Yeah that's it!" The girl who noticed Shin's attention towards her became flustered.
"You didn't need to emphasize it."
"Sorry, it was just, what you said reminded me of something."
"Well, your smile is pretty, so I will forgive that." Shin gave an energetic reply with a thumbs-up and sparkling eyes.
"Are you hitting on me?"
"No! Wait wait! I was just joking!!" Shin, on having his joke backfired, justified himself.
Which brought upon a soft chuckle from the reserved girl in front of him.
Shin lost in her response, suddenly realised,
"I think we have reached the bridge, let's wait here."
"Yeah, there is no point crossing the bridge."
Just as they reached there, in the road practically vacant of any life, the lights of a car coming towards them could be seen from a distance.
"I think that's him." Sia spoke as the lights somewhat reminded her of what they were waiting for.
"You guys didn't wait too long did you?"
Bobby spoke as he stopped his car in front of them.
"Good for me, I took my time. You are 5 minutes late."
"We just got here, anyways it seems your friend here"
"—Yeah I know, Hop in you guys!!"Bobby already knew what she was pointing at. Shin was the only one who had no idea.
"AtLeast, let me speak…" having lost the mood to continue talking to him, she continued with. "Just leave it"
"What?" Bobby teased her with an annoying voice.
"Shut up." With a cold reply she closed the door as she sat in the backseat.
"Hey, that's not how…—"
"She already has earphones on. Let's go already." Said Shin as he sat next to Bobby.
"Yeah I know. onto the journey then!"
The energetic start of the journey by Bobby resonated with his car as it leapt onto the road.
***
"Somehow we are 30 minutes early, but assuming you nearly got us killed in the said journey of yours, I am not grateful at all."
"That's not my fault! It's… " Bobby thought of an excuse but None came to mind that would sound logical.
"—Well there should be another party for you to push the blame on, but there is not."
As Shin And Bobby had one sided debate over whose fault it was, Sia just couldn't bother to remove her earphones as she watched them from behind.
"Let's wait then. Shall we."
Shin put the bag he had been carrying till now— with which he had left the hotel with— as he suggested.
In front of them laid tracks 3 trains had come till now on the other side before the announcement for the train they waited for was made.
"The train to sector 1 will be arriving in 5 minutes. Routing from sector 3 and 2 respectively."
"Hey Sia, wake up. The train, it's here."
"Whaaa~Don't…" Sia who had fallen asleep on the bench slowly woke up as she rubbed her eyes.
Shin, who had gone to bring a water bottle, came not not long after the announcement was made, just before the train stopped in front of them.
"Well, Shin, this is where we part ways."
"It's Goodbye then."
"Sia, Lemme know if"
Sia got on the train with her bag. "—Yeah I know. Don't worry."
Shin, who had put his stuff on the train, came down to say a final goodbye to his friend.
"You know, I better have you not die on the way. So drive carefully." Said Shin as he extended his hand to Bobby in the air. Bobby accepted it with a hi-five.
"Commonly, I am not that bad of a driver…" Bobby complained, before he continued with a warm " But Thanks, I will take care. You too."
"Yeah." Shin got on the train as he said that and waved his hand.
Bobby, as if remembering Something he had forgotten, said, "Oh, I forgot to say this, but Take care of her." He was about to continue with something but the doors closed.
But through the window he saw Shin give a thumbs up.
With a smile he waved them goodbye as the train started moving, the distance grew, and the train slowly became out of his sight.
———And The Night Before Tomorrow Came To an End.
