"Just how— How did he manage to beat me again?", Subaru grumbled in frustration, slumping on his bed as he stared at the ceiling with a controller in his hand. The room was dimly lit, anime posters were adorning the walls, and the unmistakable sound of a game over screen echoed faintly from the TV and the faint hum of his console filled the otherwise quiet space.
"I swear, he must be using some kind of cheat code or something!" His eyes darted to the screen where his rival's character reveled in victory. Subaru had trained endlessly, pouring hours into perfecting his skills, yet every time they faced off, he found himself at the mercy of the opponent's relentless onslaught. It made no sense!
"Maybe I need a new strategy," he thought aloud, staring up at the ceiling as if it held the answers he sought. "Or maybe I should just quit altogether." But deep down, he knew the thought of giving up felt more painful than the losses themselves. It would be just another failure in his life.
"I mean, come on! I've studied all the strategies, practiced every combo! I've even got my special moves down to a science! So what gives? Am I cursed or something? Is this some divine punishment for my gaming sins?" Subaru let out an exaggerated groan.
"But quitting? No way, I can't just throw in the towel! That's not my style!" He bolted upright again, determination flickering like a candle's flame. "I'll find a way! I just need to—"
The sound of his stomach grumbling interrupted his train of thought. Subaru paused, placing the controller on his lap. "Okay, okay, maybe I should eat something first before I strategize. Gaming fuel, right?"
With a sigh, he pushed himself off the bed his gaze fell on the window reading the soft glow of the streetlights outside. It was late, and he realized that he had lost track of time yet again.
"Did I game all the day again?" Subaru muttered, scratching the back of his head. "I guess it's instant ramen for dinner again." He chuckled at the thought, knowing it was becoming something of a ritual.
He shuffled towards the closet, where hanged his beloved cheap athletic wear. He quickly changed into his outfit, feeling a little more human.
His gaze locked on the school backpack that lay in the corner of his room, his thoughts immediately swirled into a mix of complex emotions. His brows furrowed as he sighed. "Maybe tomorrow it will be the day..." He lied.
Subaru made his way towards the kitched, his feet dragging slightly with fatigue. As he entered the kitchen, his sight fell on the drawer where he stored his instant ramen—
"Ah, right. I ate it yesterday!" he exclaimed, smacking his forehead with a sigh. "Guess it's back to square one."
He looked at the clock, which was hanged on the wall. 10:47 PM. The second-hand shop was still opened till the midnight, which meant he had a slim chance to grab something from there if he hurried.
"Alright, ramen emergency mode activated!" he muttered, quickly slipping on his worn sneakers. He grabbed his wallet from the counter, however before he could head out the front door, a female voice called out from the living room.
"Subaru? You missed the dinner again." A voice laced with concern startled Subaru in his tracks. The voice that he would recognize among the billions of other voices. He turned to face the soft voice, belonging to his mother, Natsuki Naoko.
"Uh, yeah... I kind of overslept... again" he added sheepishly. Disappointment.
His mother stood in the doorway, arms crossed but a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Subaru," she sighed, a mix of understanding and exasperation in her tone. "You need to take care of yourself. Staying up all night playing games is bad for your health."
Subaru didn't dare to look into her eyes, due to the shame and guilt that washed over him. It felt suffocating. He made them worry about him again, if he wasn't such a failure... "I know, I know... I am just going out to get some ramen," he said quickly, trying to deflect the conversation. He shifted his gaze from the floor to the kitchen counter, avoiding the disappointment etched on his mother's face.
"Ramen at this hour? You know that's not a proper meal," Naoko replied, exhaling softly as she stepped into the kitchen. "Can't you at least have something healthier? I made green peas with rice if you're hungry. It's much better than instant noodles."
"No way I am eating these green little things!" Subaru scrunched his face in distaste at the mention of green peas. To him, they were the embodiment of everything unappetizing in the realm of food.
Naoko raised an eyebrow. "The last time you mixed it with mayo, you said it wasn't half bad."
Subaru grimaced at the memory. "That was a total fluke. I was feeling adventurous that day!"
"Yeah, and I lost an appetite for an entire week." Naoko teased, shaking her head.
"You better better come back before the midnight or I will have to call cops to find you." Naoko half-jokingly said.
"Yeah, sure..." Subaru stepped out of the front door, however he caught the glimpse of his mother voice as she called after him. "And Subaru. Take care."
Subaru halted his feet for a moment, his eyes widening slightly. Finding himself at a crossroads of emotions, Subaru felt a twist of guilt in his stomach. His mother's concern always tugged at his heart, a stark reminder of the promises he had made to himself to be better, to be a better child, a better son. And what became of him? A guy, who locked himself away from the outside world? Who drowned his sorrows in reading manga and playing video games? What is he doing with his life?
But as quickly his eyes widened, they narrowed back as he closed the door behind him, leaving no words behind.
As Subaru made his way towards the convenience store, he couldn't help but recall the moments which led him to this very moment.
Yes. His childhood. The time he truly shined. He was often referred as the prodigy child. He used to win contests and ace every test. He was the best at everything, as expected from his father's child, Natsuki Kenichi. Teachers praised him, friends admired him and other parents envied his parents – he was the prodigy, the one with endless potential. He was definitely his son. His pride.
But as the time passed, things began to change drastically. He was no longer the best at everything. The more he tried to maintain his reputation as his son, the more he stumbled. Grades slipped, friendships faded, more contests lost. He recalled the accolades, the trophies that seemed to pile up one after another—the pride he felt when he brought them home, the way his father's chest puffed up with each recognition. "That's my son," Kenichi would say, as if Subaru was a perfect reflection of him. It used to fuel him, that sense of pride and responsibility. But now, it felt like a shackle, a weight pulling him into obscurity.
Slowly, some thoughts started creeping into his mind. What's the point of having the highest grades or being the fastest in marathon when I can make people laugh? He thought it was much cooler, wasn't it?
However, that lightness was short-lived.
He remembered how it started. It all started with harmless jokes and silly antics, small bursts of laughter in the classroom that felt so freeing. But as he leaned more heavily into humor, the stakes rose—the pressure to be funny and entertaining became overwhelming. Suddenly, it wasn't just about making people laugh; it became a desperate need to validate himself. If he wasn't the best at academics or sports, he could at least be the class clown, right?
As the jokes grew bolder and more reckless, he found himself stretching the boundaries of acceptability. Fun turned into foolishness, and what began as laughter often ended in confusion or discomfort. He became known as the class clown—not the prodigy anymore, but the kid who could make everyone laugh, regardless of the consequences.
As the time passed by, more people around him grew up and discovered their own paths, their own hobbies, but Subaru seemed to fade into the background. People moved on and the next thing he knew, no one was around him anymore.
This is when Subaru have finally come to the truth - there was nothing special about him. From then on, he decided to be more restrained and quiet, trying not to stand out.
This is how his middle-school went. By the time he had transitioned into high school the façade had become even harder to maintain. The stakes were higher; everyone around him was shaping their futures, preparing for college, and Subaru felt as if he were still stuck in place. He tried to make any friends, but all his attempts felt futile.
And one morning, he just felt not going to school anymore. Skipping days turned into weeks, then months.
Playing video games and reading manga became his escape, a way to drown out the whispers of inadequacy that echoed in his mind—"You're not good enough," "You'll never be anything like your father," "Look at how others are moving forward while you're stuck here." The more he lost, both in games and in life, the deeper he sank into this cycle of self-deprication.
"You are definitely his kid!"
Subaru's thoughts were interrupted by the light of the convenience store shining brightly. He blinked, shaking off the weight of his memories as he approached the doors. As Subaru walked into the convenience store, the familiar sight greeted him. The shelves were stocked with snack foods, instant meals, sugary drinks and manga books.
His eyes caught a specific series of manga—isekai. He picked it up from the shelf and started flipping the pages. He would often imagine himself being summoned into an alternative world, where he would have to save the world from their demon lord with a cute heroine accompying him. His eyes caught a certain scene in the manga.
"Ah, I see. This is where they suck you in." He said as he flipped with an amused expression. He put it back before moving to the next shelf, filled with various sets of food.
His eyes locked into an intense stare between Muso, Tempeh and Natto. After pondering a bit, he soon picked up his soon-to-be meal.
"Nah, Natto." He said before something piqued his interest. He looked up and saw a couple passing by the window, happily chatting with each other. The sight caused him to frown. He picked up some random potato chips and made his way towards the cashier.
"That would be 367 yen, sir." Cashier looked expecantly at Subaru.
Subaru reached into his wallet, fishing out the coins as he gathered the correct change. However, he noticed something.
"Oh, a grooved-edged ten coin." He believed, that this coin brings luck to its owner, so he decided to keep it as a charm and hand the cashier other coin.
The cashier gave a nod as Subaru turned to leave, plastic bag in hand. He walked out of the convenience store, feeling the cool night air wrap around him. He glanced up at the stars twinkling in the night sky before moving forward, trying to cross the road. Just then, he started feeling weird for some reason.
A shadowy hand. A shard-clawed hand, coated with nothing, but shadow and darkness was cutting out through the space as it was reaching towards Subaru. A weird force of wind ran through the world, almost swirling around him with an intense energy. Subaru halted mid-step, a chill creeping up his spine as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Subaru glanced around, trying to understand the uncomfortable sensation washing over him. "This is must be because of my late gaming hours..." He said as he rubbed his eyes, but the view began to change, he struggled to open his eyes at the sudden brightness.
"You are not ready..."
But as the sudden brightness appeared, it quickly disappeared leaving the familiar sight of the convenience store and crossroad in front of him.
"That was weird... Whatever..." Subaru shook his head, trying to dispel the lingering disorientation. "Must be the lack of sleep," he muttered, gripping the plastic bag more tightly as he stepped back onto the sidewalk, the time almost hit midnight.
He stepped into a suspiciously dim lighted alley, as he tried to find a shortcut back home. As Subaru walked further down the dimly lit alley, an unfamiliar figure blocked the exit. Subaru halted his movement, his body tensed.
"What a boy doing so late in a place like this?" the figure asked, looking menacing.
Subaru's heart raced as he instinctively took a step back. He recognized the clothing, it was a biker. He heard the rumors of them savaging and robbing people, but he would never expect to encounter one right now.
"Lost, kid?" the biker taunted. "I can help ya to get back home"
"I—uh, I think I took a wrong turn," Subaru stammered, trying to sound confident despite the tremors creeping into his voice. "I'll just be on my way." He quickly turned around, intending to sprint back the way he came. However it was blocked by another two bikers.
"Not so fast! You owe us something for your little detour into our territory." The biker stepped forward, blocking Subaru's path.
"I—I really don't have anything," he stammered, trying to keep his panic at bay.
The biker took a menacing step closer. "You got cash in that wallet of yours, don't ya? Hand it over."
Subaru felt his hand instinctively clenching the corner of the plastic bag that contained his snacks. "Look, I'm just trying to get home! I didn't mean to intrude—"
Before he could finish his sentence, the biker lunged forward, reaching for him, and Subaru instinctively ducked, throwing the plastic bag at him as he turned and bolted down the alley, into an abandoned building. He could hear the biker cursing behind him.
However, he realized his blunder. The building had no emergency exit. It was only one way out. Subaru cursed under his breath as bikers closed in.
"Honestly, kid, I didn't want to harm ya... but now you've made it personal." The biker sneered while brandishing a metal pipe. "I am going to wipe that cocky attitude right off your face."
Subaru's eyes widened in horror as they saw them approaching. There was no way out, they blocked the only exit. Subaru felt something shift inside him—an instinctual need to survive. However It was shortly cut by a sudden jolt of pain in the ribs, knocking the breath from his lungs as he fell to his knees on the cold, damp floor of the abandoned building. He gasped for air, the shock coursing through him as he instinctively curled in on himself, trying to shield his body from any further blows
"Look at him, just a scared little rat," one of the bikers mocked, before delivering another blow that sent Subaru sprawling to the ground. The cold concrete scraped against his face, and panic surged through his veins. He felt weak and helpless. However. something snapped in him. Even if it felt futile, even if he was outnumbered, Subaru refused to give up.
With a burst of adrenaline, he lunged forward, using his shoulder to crash into the nearest biker, sending him sprawling backward. The element of surprise worked in his favor. But the victory was short-lived.
"Nice try, kid," the biker hissed, yanking Subaru back and delivering a punishing punch to his face, knocking him to the ground once more. Stars danced in Subaru's vision as pain shot through his skull. But the bikers did not want to stop their assault now.
Bikers were stomping, kicking him relentlessly. Subaru writhed on the cold concrete floor, each blow sending shockwaves of pain radiating through his body. He instinctively curled into a ball, trying to shield himself, to make himself smaller.
It hurts.
It hurts so much.
Memories of his childhood flooded his mind, and with each blow, they reminded him who he once was. The child who was cherished, praised, and believed in. Back then, he believed he could do anything, that every challenge was just another stepping stone to greatness. When he was his son.
"Pathetic."
Why is it happening to me?
What did i do wrong?
The memory of his first loss flashed in front of his eyes, the day he first realized he wasn't invincible. It was a simple school competition, a marathon. He had trained hard, fueled by the thrill of winning. But one stumble, one miscalculation during the race, and he had lost.
"We are going to mess up your face, that your mother wouldn't even recognise you."
Please, stop.
Am i going to die?
But it didn't stop there. After the first loss came another one and then another one. Slowly, he was losing the sense of who he was. In moments like this, he would go home, feeling the weight of disappointment squeezing his chest. His father, Kenichi Natsuki, was the image of achievement to him: a scholar, an athlete, and a respected figure in the community. He wanted so desperately to be the son his father could be proud of, the son whose accomplishments would make Kenichi beam with pride. He could almost hear his father's voice echoing through the years. "You're going to be amazing, Subaru. Just like me. You can do anything."
"Get up, is it all that you got?"
I am scared.
I am scared of dying.
But what if he couldn't? What if he was just destined to be a failure? What good was it to be the son of such greatness when he couldn't even stand up for himself? He'd filled his life with distractions—gaming, manga—but the truth was glaringly apparent: he felt like a coward. When faced with adversity, his first instinct was to hide away, to escape into digital worlds far removed from his own. He wasn't a hero—a strong character who faced challenges head-on. He was just Subaru: a kid who couldn't even defend himself from a pack of thugs.
"Is this really what I've become?" he thought as they continued to kick him. "A failure that can't even protect himself? A shadow of who I'm supposed to be?"
In a blink of death, Subaru realised the harsh truth. It was his own fault for pushing himself too hard and for trying to live up to an impossible standard. He had spent so much time trying to carve out a path that reflected Kenichi Natsuki's glory. But somewhere along the way, he had lost sight of who he really was. Who was Natsuki Subaru really?
He could almost hear his mother's voice then, soft and encouraging. "Subaru, you don't have to be perfect to be special. You can be yourself."
"You're going to be amazing, Subaru. Just like me." The echo of Kenichi's words rang in his ears, but now they felt different.
What if being amazing didn't mean living up to someone else's standards? What if being himself was enough? He didn't need to be Kenichi's perfect son; he just needed to be Subaru. Natsuki Subaru.
"I'm Natsuki Subaru," he thought fiercely, even as he struggled to reform himself in the moment.
"Enough!" Subaru roared. With a sudden surge of adrenaline, he pushed through the throbbing ache resonating from his ribs and face, propelling himself upward in one swift movement.
For all the doubts and failures, the insecurities that had plagued him since childhood, he was not merely the shadow of his father's expectations. He was Natsuki Subaru. Flaws, failures, and all. And he wouldn't let anyone—especially not a bunch of thugs—define who he was.
"Hah!" he gasped, but there was no fear in his voice now; only the primal instinct of survival. He swung his fist blindly but fiercely, catching the nearest biker in the jaw. The element of surprise had shifted, however it wasn't enough.
"Get him!" one of the bikers yelled as they lunged toward him.
"Back off!" Subaru shouted, the adrenaline coursing through his body.
Subaru sidestepped the biker lunging at him, leveraging the momentum to elbow him in the ribs. The biker grunted in pain, staggering back as Subaru turned his focus to the others.
The other biker swang his metal pipe, aiming at his head but Subaru managed to block the attack with a desperate, instinctive move, raising his arm just in time. The impact sent a jolt of pain shooting through his arm.
The second biker, followed the suit, swinging his metal pipe around, but this time, Subaru didn't have time to block or dodge. The metal pipe connected with force against Subaru's shoulder, a sharp pain radiating through him. He grimaced, fighting back the urge to collapse, insteas he backed away.
"Stupid kid," one of the bikers hissed, stepping closer as his companion groaned, clutching his ribs.
Subaru pressed himself against the wall, trying to catch his breath. Pain shot through his body as all three bikers regained their composure.
"Seems like the brat got more than it shows." Biker sneered.
The sudden sound of the door slamming against the ground echoed through the building, pulling Subaru's attention from the fog of pain that clouded his mind. The bikers paused, their attention shifting toward the source of the noise. Suddenly losing all interest in Subaru.
A figure in a balaclava mask stood in the doorway. The imposing figure moved with confidence, their footsteps echoing through the building.
"Another kid? Is this kindergarten now?" the biker with the pipe sneered, trying to regain control over the situation. "Are you trying to play some sort of hero? Get lost kid, or you'll just end up like him."
"I am just a Stylish Ruffian Slayer." The balaclava man declared confidently, his voice deep and resonating with authority. He took a step forward, and the glare in his eyes was sharp enough to cut through the tension in the air.
"Stylish Ruffian Slayer, huh?" the lead biker scoffed. "You think you can take us all on by yourself? You must be crazy."
The balaclava-clad figure straightened. "Crazy is just a word used by the uninspired," he said, his voice oozing confidence. "I am the darkness that rises to end the night. I am the Stylish Ruffian Slayer."
Subaru blinked, momentarily taken aback by the man's theatrics. Was he for real? Here he was, being ganged on by a pack of bikers, and this guy was delivering a monologue straight out of a shonen anime. The bikers exchanged uncertain glances.
"Alright, if you want a show, you're going to get one!" the lead biker shouted, swinging his metal pipe with all his might toward the Stylish Ruffian Slayer. But the masked figure sidestepped effortlessly. Before Subaru could fully comprehend the unfolding scene, the balaclava man retaliated, delivering a swift kick to the nearest biker, sending him crashing against the wall with a grunt.
"Whoops," the balaclava man murmured, sounding more amused than alarmed. "Did I break it?"
The dynamics in the abandoned building shifted completely, with the Stylish Ruffian Slayer taking control of the fight.
"Get him!" The lead biker, clutching his side as he stood up, shouted, his comrade launched another assault.
Subaru watched in awe as the balaclava-clad man wove a series of swift counters, each one landing with a satisfyingly loud thud. "Is this really happening?" Subaru muttered to himself, leaning against the wall, trying to process the situation.
The remaining bikers, emboldened by their numbers, tried to overwhelm him, but one by one, they fell to the ground, groaning in defeat. Suddenly, the lead biker charged forward again, swinging his pipe with reckless abandon. Subaru felt his breath hitch as he watched the Stylish Ruffian Slayer prepare to evade. However, a loud metallic clang resonated within the walls of the building.
"What the—" The leader yelped in surprise.
The balaclava man, now wielding two crowbars, has blocked the blow effortlessly, He looked almost playful, like he was enjoying the challenge rather than seeing it as a fight for survival.
"You movements are sloppy, you have no technique, no finesse," he mused, dodging another wild swing from the lead biker. "A warrior without technique is merely a child throwing tantrums in a playground."
Stylish Ruffian Slayer executed an impressive spinning kick that knocked the pipe out of the lead biker's hands. The weapon clattered to the ground, and the biker stumbled back, eyes wide with surprise.
"What… who are you?" the biker stammered, scrambling to regain his composure, however the biker smirked for some reason.
Before balaclava man could respond, the third biker, recovered, swung forward, trying to seize the opportunity. Just as Subaru thought the Stylish Ruffian Slayer might be caught off guard, the mysterious figure spun around, almost dancer-like in his movements. He sidestepped the incoming attack, grabbing the biker's arm and using his momentum to flip him headfirst to the ground.
"What the—" Subaru gasped, a mixture of awe and disbelief surging through him.
The remaining bikers, now visibly shaken and uncertain, exchanged nervous glances. They seemed to lose their bravado, realizing they were outclassed.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…" one of them muttered, slowly backing away, fear evident in his eyes.
"You cowards!" The leader barked at them, before picking up the metal pipe and charging at the Stylish Ruffian Slayer with a renewed fury.
The balaclava-clad figure simply adopted a relaxed stance, almost as if he were preparing for a dance rather than a fight. "This will be over quickly," he said, completely unfazed.
With a swift movement, he ducked lowed, delievering a blow to the biker's knee, dislocating it with a sickening crack. The biker cried out in agony as he crumpled to the ground, his weapon forgotten.
With a finishing blow, he delivered a blow with his crowbar that sent the leader biker sprawling onto the floor, with blood leaking out of his head.
"That's why you should wear helmets," the Stylish Ruffian Slayer quipped. The other bikers, having taken in the scene, were already scrambling away, fleeing the building in a panic
Subaru, still reeling from the whirlwind of the fight, pulled himself up to a seated position against the damp concrete wall. He could hardly believe his eyes. Who was this person? The impressive display of strength was unlike anything he'd ever witnessed.
"You... you just took down a group of bikers! How did you—?" Subaru said, his voice shaky.
"Let's just say I know how to handle myself," the man interrupted, before casually inspecting the now-unconscious biker. "You should learn to stay out of dangerous places like this."
Subaru could not help but feel a rush of gratitude. "Thank you for helping me," he said, trying to muster what little courage he had left. The adrenaline was still surging through his veins, amplifying his emotions. "I... I thought I was done for."
The man did not reply as he now disappeared behind the door, leaving Subaru alone with his thoughts.
Subaru sat in stunned silence as the echoes of the earlier chaos faded into the distance. The thudding of his heart began to slow down, and he let the adrenaline seep away. Each breath felt heavier as he wrapped his arms around his knees, lost in a haze of confusion and disbelief. Who was that guy? How did he just waltz in and clear out a bunch of violent bikers as if it was nothing?
Subaru pushed himself off the ground slowly, wincing as pain shot through his ribs. He glanced back at the doorway where the Stylish Ruffian Slayer had vanished. With a determined sigh, he stepped out of the abandoned building and into the night, letting the cool air hit his face. He did not feel that chill of fear he had encountered earlier. Instead, he felt alive, invigorated. But first of all he felt gratitude. Gratitude for giving him another shot at life, for saving his life, and now he would try to amend things, to start the life from zero. Would things really change? He felt a weight on his shoulders—a mixture of dread and determination. He realized that he did not have to repeat the past. With every step, he made his way back toward home.
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Upon arrival to his home, he was glad to know that his parents fell asleep and he wouldn't have to worry them about his conditionas he quietly slipped through the front door. Subaru walked to his room and collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on his limbs. He still felt pain lacing through his body, but it was slowly fading away.
"Tomorrow," he vowed softly to the stillness around him. "Tomorrow, I'll wake up and I'll begin anew—no more hiding, no more running. I'll try to do better. My life starts tomorrow from zero!" He said as exhaustion overwhelmed him, pulling him into a deep sleep.
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"Su-u-u-ubaru! Might I come in?" Subaru's morning started with his father barging into his room.
"You already barged in, why do you ask for permission?" Subaru groaned, rubbing his eyes and struggling to sit up.
His father, Kenichi Natsuki, raised an eyebrow. "You really should clean up in here. It looks like a tornado hit."
"Anyway, I have come here to ask you." Kenichi said as he flashed a cocky grin. "Do you want to go for a walk outside, to have a nice father-son talk?"
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Subaru didn't know, but this "father-son talk" would be his turning point. He poured his heart out to his father that morning, all his doubts, insecurities and fears that had been hunting him for so long. His father listened intently, listening to his son and paying attention to every his word. As Subaru was done talking, you would expect a father to comfort or encourage him, however he did something, that would only Natsuki's family do.
He smacked Subaru head.
And not once.
But three times.
And pretty hard too
Then he proceed to scold Subaru about even thinking that his parents would hate or abandon him just because he hit a few bumps in the road.
"Do you think I haven't failed? Hah! Let me tell you about the time I also stumbled during the regional marathon. I fell flat on my face!" Kenichi laughed heartily, and Subaru blinked in confusion. He never imagined his father would share such a moment. "And I didn't win a single academic contest until junior high. It's a part of life—losing, learning, and growing stronger from it."
Subaru heard the words he wanted to hearm he expressed all the thoughts he wanted to express.He broke down into tears as his father hugged him. And he knew for a fact—he didn't failt them, he still could change for better.
So the day after Subaru decided to attend the high school for the first time in months. It was then Subaru's future began to shift for better.
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2 months later.
"Haaaa... I think it's over now." Subaru sighed, as he sprawled on the desk in the classroom. Two months have passed since then and a lot of things have changed now.
"Is Subaru-kun ready to leave now?" The soft voice of his classmate pulled him out of his daze. Subaru raised his head, blinking a few times to clear the remnants of his thoughts. His eyes fell on Mei, his first friend—a gentle girl with a warm smile, who had a way of making even the most mundane part of the day feel just a bit brighter.
"Give me a moment, Mei-Mei." A nickname he had given her during their early interactions. It had stuck. Mei giggled.
"Are you really okay?" she asked, her brows knitted with concern as she stepped closer. "Subaru-kun seemed a little lost there."
Subaru waved his hand, brushing off her concern. "Just thinking about…everything," he replied, modestly. "You know, school, life, the universe... Standard Natsukis stuff."
Mei tilted her head, eyes searching his. "Well, if it's about school, Mei will help you study for the upcoming test. We'll ace it together!"
Mei's cheeks got warmer for some reason. "Although Mei believes Subaru-kun is already doing well on his own!"
Subaru's cheeks flushed slightly at her words. "Yeah, well, I've had some practice lately—a real crash course in not being a total loser," he said, trying to deflect attention from his embarrassment. "But having a cool study partner like you will definitely make it easier."
"Oh, Subaru-kun can be so silly," Mei giggled softly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Are you ready to leave now?"
"Okay, let's go then, Mei-Mei!" he said, throwing his backpack over his shoulder with renewed vigor.
As they stepped outside the classroom, the warm afternoon sun greeted them, casting a warm glow on the school's hallways.
"Ah, the sunlight! It's like a blessing from the heavens!" Subaru exclaimed dramatically, stretching his arms wide, the warm glow on the sunlight fell on him, filling him with an unexpected sense of energy.
Mei chuckled, her laughter light and melodic, making Subaru smile in response. "Subaru-kun should bask in the sunlight more often! It suits you."
"I'm not sure if I shine as brightly as the sun, but I'll take it!" Subaru responded with a grin, playfully striking a pose. Their laughter echoed through the schoolyard as they made their way towards the gates.
However, Subaru stopped mid-step, hearing a melodic sound of piano playing softly in the distance. The sound was both elegant and beautiful.
"Do you hear that?" Subaru asked, titling his head towards the source of the sound.
Mei's ears perked up, her expression shifting to one of curiosity. "Yes! I can hear it, too! It's beautiful."
"Moonlight Sonata... It has been playing every evening since I remember. It's so enchanting," Subaru said.
Mei nodded, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "I wonder who plays it. It sounds so… magical."
"Right?" Subaru agreed, as they continued walking along the sidewalk, the sound of piano disappearing behind them.
"I hope Subaru-kun didn't forget about the lost bet? You owe me a treat!" Mei asked.
Subaru chuckled. "Yeah, I remember! A treat it is. Just let me know what you want, and I'll make it happen."
"Hmm…" Mei tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes lit up with opportunities. "How about the cafe that just opened up down the street?"
"Sounds perfect!"
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The next morning quickly arised, as Subaru was walking alongside with Mei once more as they made their way to school. The sun was bright, the sky a brilliant blue, and a light breeze rustled the leaves.
"Subaru-kun didn't spend entire night playing video games again?" Mei asked playfully.
Subaru chuckled, feeling a lightness. "Nope, just a solid eight hours of sleep!"
"Wow, Mei is impressed!" Mei said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Is this a new Subaru-kun? The one who prioritizes sleep over gaming?"
"Just a temporary upgrade," Subaru joked
Their banter was interrupted by a car approaching the gates. Subaru knew who it was, as he have seen that car every morning. A raven-haired girl with black eyes emerged from the car. Aura of education and confidence surrounded her as she made her way to school. Her name was Akane Nishino, a popular and the top student in their grade—an actress. She was the embodiment of the perfect student: intelligent, talented, and always composed.
Her presence alone captured the attention of many students as she stepped out. Subaru couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity.
"Wow, she's stunning," Mei whispered, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Yeah," Subaru replied, feeling the familiar knot of inadequacy twist in his stomach. "She's always amazing, huh?"
"Subaru-kun can be amazing too!" Mei chimed in. "You've worked hard, and your grades are way up!"
"Thanks, Mei," he said, trying to smile, even as the doubts crept back in.
As they reached the lockers, Subaru casted a quick glance to Mei. "Mei, i'll catch up to you, you can go ahead. I just need to grab something from my locker."
"Okay, I'll see you in class!" Mei said cheerfully, giving him an encouraging smile before heading down the hall.
Subaru opened his locked and rifled through the backpack, changing his shoes. To his left side, another student approached and dropped his bag with a heavy and metallic thud, which caused Subaru to jump slightly. He looked up just to see his classmate—Minoru Kageno, an unremarkable student with a talent for nothing but keeping to the background.
Subaru slightly narrowed his eyes, assesing the bag that Minoru had dropped. It was unusually bulky, as if it were filled with more than just books or supplies, before regaining his composure.
"Good morning, Minoru-san." Subaru greeted him.
"Good morning, Subaru-san." Minoru greeted him back, without even looking at him.
Minoru continued to fumble in his locket, still not making eye contact, as if he was lost in his own world. Subaru couldn't help but notice the way Minoru seemed to blend into the background. Whenever Subaru asked people about Minoru, the response was usually a mix of indifference or confusion. As if no one really knew anything about him.
But what about Subaru? Well, Subaru didn't know anything about Minoru neither. They only time they talked was near the lockets every morning and occasionally in the school hallways. But he always looked distant to everyone around him. It was almost as if he was determined to remain invisible.
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A few days passed and this time his teacher called him with a unexpected request.
"Good evening, Natsuki Subaru. Thank you for staying back after class." Subaru's teacher leaned against his desk.
"Uh, sure, sensei. What's up?" Subaru replied, a little nervous but curious.
"I am sure you have heard of your classmate, Minoru Kageno. He hasn't been coming to class lately, causing some concern among the faculty regarding his well-being. I wanted to ask if you might consider reaching out to him."
Subaru blinked, taken aback. "Me? Why me?"
"Multiple students have reported that you are among of a few, who stay in touch with him." his teacher explained, a warm yet serious expression on their face.
"I mean. I can try, I guess. But I don't really know him that well. It was just small talks at the lockers." Subaru replied.
"That's alright. Just a simple reach-out might encourage him to come back," the teacher replied. "If he grew sick, he should have at least informed us that he wouldn't be coming to class."
"Okay, I'll see what I can do," Subaru said, nodding slowly.
"Great, thank you for your help." Teacher handed him a piece of paper with an address written on it. "It's his address, it is recommended that you visit him as soon as possible."
Subaru looked at the paper, before his eyes widened in mild surprise. 'That's the opposite direction of my house! And that far?!' He sighed, shoved the paper in his pocket. 'Mom, Dad. I might be a little late today.'
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Subaru appoached quite a modest house, its exterior simple and unassuming. He felt a mix of nervousness and determination wash over him. He stepped up to the front door and hesitated, his heart racing. What if Minoru didn't want to talk? What if he even hated Subaru for interrupting his solitude? But then again, the last few months had taught him something important—that opening up to someone could be a lifeline, and perhaps Minoru needed the same right now.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked softly on the door, the sound echoing in the still air. There was silence for a moment... Nothing.
He knocked again, but louder this time. No response.
"Don't tell me he is not home... I made a long way here for nothing," Subaru mumbled to himself.
He peeked through the windows, but the view was blurry due to the curtains drawn tightly. Subaru exhaled deeply. "Maybe he is just asleep, I should probably come tomorrow, but much earlier." He turned around and walked away, back to the sidewalk.
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"Ah, man! It's almost midnight! I should have taken a taxi or something." Subaru muttered, shaking his head as he walked back down the quiet road. There were no houses nearby, only a road with cars occasionally passing by to his left and a forest to his right.
"Why he lives so far away?" he pondered, kicking a small stone off the pavement.
"I promised Mei that we would visit a cafe and enjoy our time!" he grumbled to himself, but decision was made, he shifted his focus back to finding his way home.
However he halted his steps as realization hit him. "Wait... It wasn't just a normal chit-chat with Mei... She definitely meant it as date! Goddamn it!" Subaru felt frustration rise within him, and he couldn't help but groan. "I can't believe I forgot! Of all the things to screw up!"
He sighed, calming himself. "No worries, i'll make it up to her. Maybe I can buy her something nice... or plan out another date... ugh, if I ever get home!"
The night air grew cooler and a light breeze began to rustle the leaves overhead. The sight of another car approaching pulled Subaru back to reality as he continued along the road.
However something caused him to stop his steps—a flicker of a male voice pierced through the night air, drawing his attention. Subaru halted and glanced to his right, where the nearby forest bordered the path.
The voice grew louder, as it was rapidly approaching him, finally he could understand the words.
"MAGIC! MAGIC! MAGIC! MAGIC! MAGIC! MAGIC!" The sight of Minoru caught Subaru's attention as Minoru lunged at him, sending both of them tumbling to the road. Subaru, momentarily stunned, stared up at the crazy boy.
"What the hell—"
However, none of them saw the truck approaching them till the very last moment.
"AHHHH—"
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"Claire always wanted a little brother, but two? She will be overjoyed!"
Subaru heard a voice. Manly voice. Hus eyes were adjusting to the lighting as he felt he was being in someone's arms. He saw a bald man hovering over him with a goofy smile. Next to him was an infant and above them was a woman who was holding them.
"But something isn't right..."
The moment those words left the mouth of the man, other infant started crying.
Wait. An infant? And the unknown language, I don't understand it. Could it be? Reincarnation? I... Died? All those memories? All those new friendships? My parents? My life? When it all just started to improve? Just like that?...
As the first baby was crying loudly, the second one joined him as well, for a completely different reason.