The sun warmed the top of a young boy's head as he sat on the porch steps, his small legs dangling over the edge. A few feet away, his mother knelt in the grass, gardening gloves snug around her hands. She looked up at him, and a soft smile creased the corners of her eyes.
"Look, Ari," she whispered.
She held out her palm. A ladybug crawled slowly across the fabric of her glove. She leaned closer, the scent of lavender and soap drifting toward him in the warm air.
The sky darkened in an instant.
A thick, black leg dropped from the roof, the size of a tree limb. Stiff, needle-like bristles scraped against the wood of the porch. Another leg followed. Then four more, hooking into the siding.
The porch groaned under the weight. Its body lowered into view, multiple eyes catching the light in flat, oily circles. His mother didn't move. She remained on her knees; the smile still fixed on her face.
Above her, giant mandibles opened slowly. Wet. Black. Clear liquid dripped onto her shoulder. They snapped shut around her waist.
Ari jolted upright, breathing heavily. Sweat clung to his skin, soaking his shirt and cooling rapidly against his chest.
…A dream…
The sharp, repetitive beeping of his alarm cut through the silence from the table beside his bed. With a heavy sigh, he reached over and shut it off with a sharp click, then collapsed back onto the mattress, staring at the ceiling.
I feel like skipping today… It's not like anyone would notice.
He turned to his side and pulled the blanket over himself. Slowly opening his eyes, he saw a portrait of his mother smiling as she held him in her arms. Her face never left his memory—her soft smile, her lingering warmth.
He took a deep breath, eyes barely open, as he dragged himself out of bed. He straightened the sheets and fluffed his pillow, forcing his sluggish limbs through the routine.
Moving on autopilot, Ari trudged to the bathroom and took a long, steamy shower, as if the water could wash away the exhaustion clinging to him. After drying off, he dressed in his school uniform, tying his tie loosely around his collar before heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. He barely tasted the food as he ate in silence.
Once finished, he noticed a small note resting on the counter, his father's rushed handwriting scrawled across it:
Going on a business trip. I'll be back in two weeks. Stay safe. — Dad
Ari crumpled the note in his hand. His expression was empty, showing no surprise at all.
"My old man really is busy with work, huh?" he muttered.
He tossed the paper into the trash, slipped on his shoes, and shut the door with a light thud. His footsteps were slow, his bag hanging loosely off one shoulder. His mind drifted, and a familiar bitterness surfaced in his thoughts.
Ever since I was a kid, I despised insects and arachnids—anything crawling under the phylum Arthropoda. Venomous little freaks that could injure or even kill you.
My mother was a victim. A spider bite stole her life, her allergy suffocating her before help could arrive. No one was there. No one knew until it was too late.
Ari stood at the railway, waiting for the train to pass.
It was a spider… but ants are the ones I hate most. They build nests in the house. They swarm food the moment it's left out. They bite without warning, and the pain lingers. No matter how many you kill, they always come back. As a kid, I drowned their nests with the garden hose. It gave me a strange sense of satisfaction.
Ari sighed as he turned down the road leading to his school.
Funny, though. My name is Ari Igurashi. And "Ari" literally means ant. I've always thought that was kinda weird.
Just as he crossed an intersection near a convenience store, someone tapped his shoulder lightly. A bright feminine voice greeted him from behind.
"Good morning, Ari."
He turned his head slightly, his dull eyes settling on a girl with green eyes and brown hair tied in a ponytail. A smile was on her face.
"Oh, good morning, Keiko."
"You look as gloomy as ever. If I'm not too careful, I might end up like you," she said with a light chuckle. "Is everything alright at home?"
As they walked side by side, Keiko held a finger to her chin, trying to recall.
"Come to think of it, I haven't visited in a while," she said.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little tired, that's all."
He yawned to make his point as they continued walking.
"What's with that tone?" Keiko sighed, then smiled. "Well… that's just like you. Listen, you really should sleep more. Seriously. It's important to get proper rest, okay?"
"I'll try," Ari said, waving his hand lazily.
"Anyway, see you later. I'm running late for a meeting."
Keiko tapped him lightly on the back before jogging a few steps ahead, her hands clasped behind her back. She turned with a smile, then took off, her ponytail swaying in the gentle breeze as she moved further down the street.
Keiko Matsuoka. The most popular girl in our school. One of the best tennis players in Japan, and vice president of the student council.
Sometimes I wonder… why does someone like her waste her time talking to me?
Ari lowered his gaze to the cracks in the pavement, memories of her smile and the fireworks festival flashing in his mind.
We've been friends since childhood. Our parents worked at the same company, so it just kind of happened.
Even as she grew more popular, she never turned her back on me. She always found time.
When I skipped school, she'd show up with notes. When I shut myself away, she'd knock on my door just to check in. Sometimes she even came over to cook—or just talk, like we used to when we were kids.
Sure, there's no chance she feels the same way I do. But even so… at least I'm this close to her.
The school gates came into view. Just as Ari stepped forward, footsteps rushed toward him. Before he could turn, he was surrounded.
"Ari, you don't mind if I talk to you for a minute, right…?" a familiar voice sneered.
Ari turned, his dull eyes landing on a red‑haired boy. His hand tightened on the strap of his bag, trembling slightly.
And then there are these guys… the ones who can't accept that Keiko isn't into them.
Without waiting for a response, the group lunged at him. A fist slammed into his ribs, another into his stomach. Ari gasped, the air knocked from his lungs. Before he could slump forward, a boot caught his face, sending him sprawling.
They didn't stop. Kicks rained down, fast and merciless. The thud of shoes against his back, his arms, his legs. Ari clutched his stomach, coughing, vision blurring as drool slipped from his mouth.
"I just don't get it." The boy dragged a hand through his hair, jaw tight. "Who does Keiko think she is, rejecting me after everything I've done?"
He let out a short, irritated breath. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, but his eyes stayed cold.
"Well… I guess that's to be expected." His voice lowered. "There are already rumors going around. People say they've seen her on weekends, meeting older guys in the city."
He leaned forward slightly, hands resting on his knees.
"So maybe she'll only give in for the right price."
"You take that back…"
Ari's fingers curled into his palm, dirt pressing into his skin as he forced himself to look up. His eyes were red, unfocused.
"Keiko is nothing like that, you bastard. What do you know about her, Goto Hirasuma?!"
His voice cracked as he shouted. Goto didn't respond immediately. He stepped forward, the sole of his shoe pressing against Ari's cheek and forcing his head sideways against the pavement.
"Know your place, you pile of trash."
Goto shifted his weight, grinding his shoe harder against Ari's face. Ari's jaw tightened. His teeth pressed together as pain shot through his cheek.
"Don't even bother trying to act tough," Goto continued, voice low and steady. "I know your little secret."
He crouched slightly, bringing his face closer.
"You think I don't know what happened in junior high? How you were bullied every single day?"
Ari's face drained of color, eyes widening in shock.
"I heard all about it… how you wet yourself, how you'd lose your mind. It's hilarious. And of all people, just our luck that you enrolled here."
The group let out low chuckles, shifting their weight from foot to foot.
"What does Keiko see in a plain, pathetic loser like you? Why would she even bother looking your way?"
"I buy her chocolates, roses—hell, I even bought her tennis rackets. But she rejected them all. And for what? To hang around garbage like you? It's really starting to piss me off!"
Goto lifted his foot from Ari's face with a slow, deliberate motion. He straightened, pressing his hands into his pockets, and turned away. Finally, Goto called off the others.
"Alright, that's enough. I think we've roughed him up plenty. Don't want to get in trouble with the disciplinary committee now do we?"
He leaned down, eyes cold and unblinking, boring into Ari's swollen face. "Listen carefully. Stay away from Keiko. I mean it. If you don't, this will happen every single day, just like in junior high. Ignore this warning, and the only thing you'll ever feel is pain. Let's go. I'm sick of looking at your disgusting face."
They walked off, shoulders relaxed, laughing as they disappeared towards the school, leaving Ari bruised, bloodied, and gasping on the ground. Ari held his head low and slammed his fist against the ground, tears blurring his vision.
Damn it… why…
That bastard Goto. Who does he think he is? Keiko isn't someone who would go for a guy like him—just because he's the captain of the soccer team, or because of his history with other girls.
It's happening again… just like junior high.
Memories of the locker room came crashing back—fists slamming into his gut, laughter echoing around him. He remembered clutching his stomach in pain, eyes dimming, light fading. And after they were done, he would push himself up, body aching, wobbling with every step.
I can't… take this anymore…
Then he noticed Keiko walking in, talking to one of her friends. He straightened his posture quickly. She caught sight of him, smiled, and waved. He forced a smile in return and waved back. But as she moved out of view, his expression fell, gaze dropping to the ground.
I can't let her know about this…
If I can just endure this until graduation, maybe… maybe we can be together in high school.
Nothing's changed… why… why am I like this…
His lips trembled.
Please God… someone help me. I can't take this anymore.
I like Keiko. I always have. But I don't even know if she likes me. Is she just being nice because I told her about my situation back then? Was all that pain worth it? Or was I just clinging to unrealistic expectations?
If being near her is the reason I have to suffer like this… maybe I really should just walk away.
Ari pushed himself up, uniform dirt-stained and crushed. Every movement was stiff, muscles aching as he slowly climbed onto the compound.
Meanwhile, Keiko sat in the classroom, unease tightening in her chest as she glanced at Ari's empty desk.
It's already lunchtime… Ari hasn't shown up to any of our classes today. Did something happen to him?
"Keiko… why do you even bother with him? He's always so quiet and gloomy. Honestly, it's kind of creepy sometimes," one of her friends said shrugging.
Keiko shook herself from her thoughts and turned to her friend.
"What do you mean? Ari and I have been friends for over a decade. Isn't that reason enough to care?" Her voice was firm, unwavering.
Her other friend leaned back slightly, frowning.
"I guess… but still, be careful around him. He always seems… unpredictable, like he's thinking about something no one else can see."
"C'mon, guys. Don't talk about him like that. Ari's a good person. If you actually got to know him, you'd understand."
Her friend giggled knowingly.
"Oh… I get it now. You like him, don't you? That's why you've been rejecting all the other guys… even Goto."
Ari stood just outside the door, hand on the handle, frozen. Their voices carried clearly through the thin classroom walls. Keiko hesitated, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, but her answer came quickly.
"Me and Ari aren't like that. We're really close, and I care about his wellbeing—but not in a romantic way or anything."
Ari's chest tightened painfully, breath uneven. He gripped the door handle and stepped inside slowly, each movement stiff and aching. His face was bruised, and his nose still bled faintly. As Keiko turned, her eyes widened in shock. She hurried toward him, classmates whispering around the room.
"Oh no… Ari, what happened to you?!" She reached for his cheek, but Ari slapped her hand away.
"I'm fine… don't worry about me."
"How can you say you're fine when you're covered in bruises? Come on, let me take you to the infirmary and get you checked out." Keiko reached for him again, worry etched on her face.
"I said I'm fine! Just… leave me the hell alone!" Ari shouted, voice cracking, fists tightening at his sides.
Keiko stood frozen, confusion in her eyes. "Ari… what's gotten into you?"
"This is all your fault! If I… if I hadn't been so close to you, I wouldn't be getting beaten up by every guy you've ever rejected, just like in junior high!"
Her eyes widened, hand pressed to her chest.
"So… the ones who did this to you were—"
"It doesn't matter anymore. You always knew how I felt about you, but you kept dragging me along like I was some pet."
"Ari…" she whispered, taking a hesitant step forward.
He turned his head away, eyes closed. "Just… stay away from me. I mean it. I don't want anything to do with you anymore."
Tears slowly slid down Keiko's cheeks. She wiped them once with her sleeve and fled the classroom.
"Keiko, wait!!" one of her friends shouted, running after her.
Her other friend glared at Ari, voice trembling with anger.
"You're such a jerk, Ari. Keiko's the only one who's ever cared about you. No matter what anyone said, she always stood up for you… but I guess she was wrong about you."
She stormed out, leaving Ari alone. The other students whispered and cast judging glances his way, their eyes sharp and curious. Ari clenched his fist, fingernails digging into his palm, jaw tight. He breathed in slowly, trying to steady the storm of frustration and shame inside him.
He spent a few minutes at the infirmary, getting patched up, and was sent home early due to the severity of his injuries.
Ari walked down the road leading away from school, shoulders heavy.
I'm glad I got to leave early… I really don't want to see her again today.
A flicker of guilt crossed his eyes, even as he tried to push the feeling down. As he walked, his shoe sank into a soft mound of dirt. Looking down, he saw dozens of ants swarming over it, crawling in every direction.
Frustration and anger boiled over. Without thinking, he kicked the nest, sending dirt and ants flying in every direction.
How does it feel to be weak… defenseless? he thought, his chest tightening. He stomped again, crushing tunnels, scattering the tiny creatures.
How does it feel to lose everything you worked so hard to build?
The ants retaliated, swarming his legs, biting with tiny, sharp pinpricks of pain. The sting only fueled his rage. He yanked a water bottle from his bag and poured it over the nest, drowning the tiny creatures in a torrent of water.
I'll destroy you… until nothing remains.
A sudden screech of tires and a blaring horn pierced the air.
"Hey, kid! Get the hell outta the way!" the truck driver shouted, losing control of the vehicle.
Ari turned just in time. The truck barreled toward him. It hit. Heat spread through his chest—not pain, but a strange, almost peaceful warmth. His ears rang, light blinding him. Time slowed. He thought of Keiko… of his mother… of how tired he was. Then—nothing.
His vision faded to black.
He found himself floating in an empty void. Ahead, a blurred white silhouette hovered, faintly glowing.
"Hello…" Ari whispered, stepping forward hesitantly, arm stretching toward the figure.
"Ari…" a calm, familiar voice replied, carrying a warmth that made his chest tighten.
Ari's eyes snapped open. He gasped, hands pressing into the cool soil, grass brushing against his hair as he adjusted to the sunlight.
Above him stretched a vast blue sky, clouds drifting slowly, their edges glowing in the filtered sun. The wind brushed his face, carrying the scent of damp earth and dried leaves. Towering trees swayed gently as he took in his surroundings.
"Where… where am I? Is this the afterlife?" he whispered, disoriented. He pushed himself upright, the grass cool beneath his feet, and stepped out of the forest onto a dirt path. "This place… it looks really strange."
A strange tingling twitched above his head. He lifted his arm to touch it—and froze, eyes widening in shock.
"What… my hands… they're brown, and it feels like armor."
A shimmering pond reflected his image. Ari staggered toward it, staring in horror.
"What the hell? Why are there antennae growing out of my head? I… I look human, but… I look like an ant too. No way…" He took a trembling step back, body tense.
No. No, no, no, no! You've got to be kidding me!
A panicked scream tore from his throat, echoing through the forest canopy of this strange new world.