It was slightly chilly. After all, it was still very early, and I was on my way to school.
There were plenty of ways to get there, but like many people or maybe unlike them, I preferred walking.
The distance didn't bother me much; as long as I woke up early, I always arrived on time, walking at my own pace.
The morning calm didn't bother me either. The streets were mostly empty.
I often wondered what the world must have looked like at each turning point in history. This district, even this entire city, sometimes felt so monotonous.
It was hard to put my feelings into words, but this place seemed to lack originality.
Clean streets, bright lights, aerial roads, towering skyscrapers, everything seemed designed for efficiency.
I didn't really mind, but I couldn't help thinking about it.
Down here, the sky wasn't even visible.
My eyes could only admire the skyscrapers and hear the layered hum of voices at each level, as if the sky was being pushed further away.
And to think that some people have never even seen the sky…
That's sad.
I was wearing my uniform: a black suit with a long matching coat that kept me warm.
The bag in my right hand held my things, just some notebooks and a laptop.
Sometimes, I'd come across a few early risers on the way, each carving their own path through this fortress of metal and glass.
Whatever I thought of it, I had grown used to living here.
A few years ago, we lived near the border.
But because of my personality, and a few incidents, we had to move.
I don't regret it. Whether here or there, nothing really changed.
Still, there were small things I liked.
I'd made a lot of friends, and there was even a girl I liked.
The current me was really different.
As my mother used to say, people change depending on their environment.
According to her, anything can trigger change: those around you, their habits, what you learn.
The factors aren't limited; it can be anything, from the smallest thing to the greatest events in life.
Whether they affected me or not, everything I've lived through made me who I am today.
While my mind wandered through a stream of random thoughts, a car sped by.
I heard the soft purr of its engine. It was a luxury car, and it caught my attention immediately.
As it approached, it slowed down. A spark of excitement rose in me, because I knew who was inside. It was one of my friends. It was nice to see her again this morning.
The car stopped right beside me, like a signal for me to open the door.
Looks like I'd have company again today.
I opened the door and greeted the person inside.
"Good morning, Esiah. How are you?"
"Still walking to school again today? I told you, it's not such a great idea to do that so often."
I scratched my cheek awkwardly before sitting down. We both sat in the back seat.
Of course, there was nothing forcing me to walk. I just did it because I could.
I could've taken transport, but Esiah didn't seem to like that.
Then again, maybe she actually enjoyed this little routine, our morning encounters, walking or driving together.
Or maybe she was just worried; lately, there'd been quite a few unsettling incidents.
Esiah often came by car, which hinted that she came from a wealthy family.
Owning a car wasn't just expensive; maintaining it and paying the taxes was even worse.
And with so many fast transport options, owning one felt unnecessary.
That's one reason we didn't have one. After moving here, it didn't make much difference anyway. For Esiah, though, it was probably about safety.
The car was spacious and comfortable.
As I was thinking about how to respond, she took out two cans from a mini-fridge and handed me one.
I wondered if drinking something sweet this early was really a good idea.
The car started moving again.
"Well, we'll be on time again today," I said, opening my can. "And honestly, I like walking. I also enjoy running into you and sharing the ride together."
"I see…"
Esiah fell silent. There were days like that.
Ye Zyun Esiah, my classmate, and someone I really liked.
Since my transfer, we'd gotten to know each other and formed a quiet friendship.
I couldn't say I really knew her, but I was definitely curious to learn more.
She had transferred at the same time as me.
A very beautiful girl my age, her appearance was striking.
A graceful figure, long black hair that she clearly took care of, and dark eyes full of quiet depth.
If you had to list examples of "cold beauty," she'd certainly be one of them.
Her calmness was part of her charm. The kind of person who never rushed.
She was wise and intelligent, even if not particularly athletic, but who cared?
Esiah was talented, and one of the top students at GM.
Today, she wore a formal outfit: a blazer and a skirt that reached her knees.
In a way, we were similar.
She was considerate, so neither of us would ever disturb the other.
That's why these moments existed.
After the greetings, silence.
And it all felt perfectly natural until one of us finally had something to say.