They say the early bird gets the worm.I say the early bird probably hates itself for waking up that early.
Name's Amano Sora — seventeen, third year, professional procrastinator, and certified expert in making it to class right before the bell. This is my last year here at Misaki High, and honestly, I can't wait to be free. School's fine and all, but it's like living inside a loop — same faces, same lessons, same complaints about cafeteria food that never improve.
Ren Takashi's here too. Yeah, that Ren — the calm, polite guy everyone somehow likes without him even trying. We've known each other since kindergarten, though we were never close enough to be called best friends. More like… friendly acquaintances who occasionally share nods and "yo"s in the hallway.
He's got this peaceful energy that makes you feel like your own life is way too messy. And maybe that's why Rika Aizawa — his girlfriend — always looks so at ease around him. She's beautiful, sure. Smart? Debatable. Scary when angry? Definitely. And I… might have a tiny crush on her. Not that I'd ever admit it. Or understand why.
Anyway, the day started like any other. I dragged myself into class wearing my usual grey jacket over the uniform because buttons and formality aren't my thing. Daigo Shun was already there, laughing like he'd just heard the best joke in human history, while Riku Kamishiro was using his phone as a mirror again.
"Morning, losers," I said, sliding into my chair.
Daigo grinned. "You're late. Again."
"Time's an illusion," I replied, stretching my arms behind my head. "Besides, arriving fashionably late increases your personal mystique."
Riku snorted. "Mystique? You look like you got mugged by your own alarm clock."
"Harsh words from someone who flirts with his reflection," I shot back.
That earned a laugh from Daigo, who clapped Riku on the back hard enough to make him glare. The three of us went back and forth for a bit — arguing about dumb things like which anime character could win in a fight or whether pineapple belonged on pizza.
Spoiler: it doesn't.
Then, like a storm cloud with twin ponytails, Mei Tachibana arrived.
"YOU!" she barked, pointing at me like I'd committed a federal crime.
I blinked. "What did I do this time?"
"You borrowed my eraser last week and didn't give it back!"
I tilted my head. "Are you sure? I distinctly remember giving it to—"
"Don't lie to me, you grey-jacketed slacker!"
Ah yes, Mei Tachibana — the tsundere embodiment of caffeine and chaos. She was always yelling at me, and yet, she'd still share her notes when I forgot to write something down. Which was… confusing.
Daigo was already laughing under his breath. Riku smirked like he was watching a live drama.
"Relax, Tachibana. I'll buy you a new eraser," I said, hands raised in surrender.
"Hmph. As if you could afford one," she huffed, crossing her arms and turning away, cheeks slightly pink.
Classic Mei.
Before I could tease her further, our homeroom teacher slid the door open. "Alright, everyone, settle down. Take your seats."
Perfect timing. I stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Sensei, can I go to the restroom real quick?"
He gave me the look — the one teachers give when they know you're probably not coming back soon — but he sighed and waved me off. "Fine. Make it quick."
"Always do."
I slipped out of the classroom, walking down the hall with the usual lazy pace. My reflection in the window looked like a ghost of someone pretending to care. I chuckled under my breath, used the restroom, washed my hands, and stared at the sink for a second.
Just another Tuesday.
When I came back, the hallway felt… quieter.
Too quiet.
The kind of silence that presses against your ears until you start hearing your own heartbeat.
I reached the door to 3-G and slid it open.
Empty.
Every desk was there. Bags, books, jackets — everything. But no people.
Not a sound. Not a voice.
The clock on the wall still ticked. 8:43 a.m.
I frowned, stepping inside. Maybe they'd gone to the gym for something? A sudden drill? But I would've heard the announcement.
I opened the next classroom door down the hall — 3-F.
Full. Students laughing, chatting, everything normal.
"What the hell…" I whispered, looking back toward my own classroom.
Empty again.
A cold prickling ran down my neck. I walked to the center of the room, the floor creaking faintly under my shoes.
"Ren? Daigo? Rika?" My voice echoed strangely, like it bounced back slower than it should have.
That's when I saw it.
At the far corner — near the teacher's desk — a figure stood.
Black. Still.Not quite tall, not short either.Their shape shimmered, like static on a dying TV screen.
I squinted, trying to make sense of it. "Hey… you lost or something?"
No response.
It tilted its head — a small, sharp motion.
Then the world cracked.
I didn't even have time to scream. The air bent, the floor twisted, and something — something — yanked at my skin like invisible hands were dragging me inside out.
My vision tore apart, blinding white and deep red swirling together. I could see things — shapes, colors, eyes, stars — things no human was meant to understand.
The pain burned, but so did the light.
And then—
I fell.
Fell through nothing, through everything, until there was only silence again.