The school rooftop, after classes. The sun casts a golden hue over the city.
As Soma stands before his childhood friend Kiyomi, his heart pounding as he finally confesses. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he stepped forward. This time, it most certainly should go right. I have to tell her again.
Soma: Kiyomi... I've liked you for a long time. Four years, actually. Although I have been turned down before, I can not help how I feel. So, I'm asking again... Will you go out with me?
A moment silence. Kiyomi shifts uneasily and gives him a troubled look.
Kiyomi: Soma... I told you before, my feelings haven't changed. I don't see you that way. You're important to me, Soma. But... not in the way you want.
Soma tries to smile, but his fists clench a little. It hurts even though he knew this was coming.
Soma: I see... Thanks for being honest.
Soma's phone buzzes in his pocket as the awkward silence descends. After taking it out, he looks at the screen and sees an unknown number. With a slight darkening of his face, he answers the call and turns away without saying another word.
Soma: Hello?
A pause. His whole attitude changes. He appears to be processing something serious as his eyes narrow after slightly widening.
Voice on the Phone (Muffled): Soma, you must come. Right now.
Kiyomi watches him, confused.
Kiyomi: Soma? Is everything all right?
However, Soma doesn't respond. Kiyomi is left standing alone on the rooftop as he tightens his hold on his phone, turns on his heel, and quickly leaves.
Kiyomi (softly): Soma...?
The sound of his hurried footsteps fades into the distance.
BRRRRRING! BRRRING!
A sudden ringing shattered the moment. Soma froze.
BRRRRRING! BRRRRRING!
His body jolted upright. The sound didn't stop, it was his alarm.
The shrill sound of his alarm jolted Soma Ayanokouji awake, signaling the start of a new day and a new chapter in his life.
Soma looked at his bedside clock and blinked against the dingy morning light. 5:30 a.m. His hands were slightly clenched as though he were holding onto something that had vanished, and his heart was still racing.
Soma noticed his built-in Alexa's glowing display on the bedside table as his bleary eyes adapted to the gentle morning light coming through the curtains. He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled slowly.
Soma: (Muttering to himself) ...That dream again.
Shaking off the weight in his chest, he reached over and silenced the alarm. A new day had begun.
Soma sits up and lets out a breath while massaging his eyes. He shakes off the lingering traces of the dream. He taps the glowing screen of his built-in Alexa as he reaches over to his bedside table.
Alexa: Good morning, Soma! How can I assist you today?
Soma: (Groggily) Morning, Alexa... Just the usual.
Alexa: Did you get a good night's sleep?
Soma: (Ruffling his hair, sighing) Not really. The same dream once more.
Alexa: Your heart rate indicates that you are under a lot of stress. Would you like me to play a calming playlist?
Soma: (Chuckles dryly) Nah, I don't think lo-fi beats are gonna fix my life.
Alexa: Understood. Would you like me to schedule a relaxation reminder for later?
Soma: (Yawns, stretching) Perhaps. First, though, please remind me to arrange a new time after school.
Alexa: Reminder set. Would you like me to suggest an optimized routine based on your past habits?
Soma: (Raises an eyebrow) You mean my habit of ignoring my schedule?
Alexa: That is correct.
Soma: (Snorts, shaking his head) At least you're self-aware.
Alexa: I am only as conscious as you have programmed me to be, Soma.
Soma swings his legs off the bed and stands, stretching out the stiffness from sleep. He lets out a deep breath, rolling his shoulders.
Alexa: The time is 5:35 AM. You have approximately one hour and fifty-five minutes before school begins.
Soma: (Glancing at the clock, muttering) Yeah, yeah... Guess I should get moving.
Alexa: Would you like me to prepare a weather update or your daily briefing?
Soma: (Walking toward the bathroom) Please let me know if it will rain.
Alexa: Clear skies, Soma. No rain expected.
Soma: (Pauses at the doorway, smirking slightly) So at least the weather's on my side today.
He steps into the bathroom, leaving Alexa's soft glow illuminating the dark room.
The familiar routine of brushing his teeth and taking a quick shower helped clear his mind and prepare him for the day ahead.
As he switches on the shower, the sound of rushing water affects the room. Sleep stiffness is washed away by the warmth that permeates his skin. But his mind is still foggy, and the dream's echoes are still present in the back of his mind.
Four years... since that incident.
He lets out a quiet sigh, running a hand through his wet hair. Now there's no use in worrying about it. High school starts today, marking a new beginning. Perhaps things will be different this time.
High school had always seemed like a distant milestone, a marker of adulthood and independence. Soma was both excited and nervous that it was finally here. He knew that this year would be different, that the choices he made and the paths he chose would shape his future in ways he couldn't yet imagine.
After a quick shower, Soma steps out, towel draped over his shoulders. His reflection is obscured by steam that adheres to the mirror. He wipes it with his palm, staring at himself for a moment before shaking his head and turning away. He heads back into his room, rubbing his damp hair with the towel.
Soma: Alexa, what time is it?
Alexa: The time is 5:45 AM, Soma.
Soma nods, glancing at the clock. Before school starts, he still has plenty of time. Instead of rushing, he sits on the edge of his bed, staring at the floor for a moment.
Soma: (Quietly to himself) Guess I should use this time for something productive...
He grabs his bag, takes out his Air Pods, and puts them in his ears.
Soma: Alexa, find my study playlist.
Alexa: Searching... Playlist found: 'Soma's Last-Minute Study Grind.' Playing now.
A soft instrumental track hums in his ears. He opens his textbook, flipping through the pages, scanning the words. He wants to focus, but his mind keeps drifting.
Soma: Hey Alexa, remind me when it's 7:00.
Alexa: Reminder set. Would you like me to also schedule an alert at 7:20 for a final check before leaving?
Soma: (Smirks slightly) Look at you, getting all responsible.
Alexa: Optimizing efficiency is my primary function.
Soma: (Chuckles to himself, shaking his head) Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Alexa.
Soma leans back in his chair, finally forcing himself to focus. He knows today will be different but whether that's a good thing or not... he isn't sure yet.
Soma immersed himself in his studies, the words on the page becoming his sole focus. Fifteen minutes passed in a blur of reading and note-taking but....
Focus. Just focus.
But the words blur together. The weight of his eyelids increases. His thoughts start to wander....
The scent of home-cooked food fills the air. A Memory That Feels Too Real...
The kitchen is alive with warmth. The soft clatter of utensils, the bubbling of soup, and the gentle hum of a familiar melody playing from the radio create a comforting rhythm. As he watches his two older sisters converse across from him, Soma sits at the dining table and swings his legs a little.
Hikari: (Smirking as she sips her tea) You're very quiet , Soma. Did you finally run out of things to complain about?
Aiko: (Grinning, ruffling his hair) Or maybe he's just nervous about school. Our little brother is maturing incredibly quickly.
Soma: (Frowning, swatting her hand away) I've grown up!
Their mother chuckles softly from the stove, stirring a pot with practiced ease.
Mom: (Warmly) No matter how much you grow, Soma, you'll always be the youngest.
Hikari: (Teasing) Exactly. That means you're stuck with us doting on you forever.
Soma: (Groaning, crossing his arms) I swear, you two just like bullying me.
His mother gives him a warm smile, and his sisters chuckle. He feels safe and comfortable as the warmth of the moment envelops him. It has a homely feel. It's home. Then....
The scent of food begins to fade.
The laughter grows distant. The warm glow of the kitchen flickers, dimming into something cold. The clatter of utensils stops. His sisters' smiles linger for a moment before fading into silence.
Soma's heart sinks.
Soma: (Voice small, uncertain) Mom...?
His mother is still stirring the pot while standing at the stove, but she is not moving. The hum of the radio stops. An unsettling silence takes the place of the kitchen's warmth.
The silence is broken by a ringing sound.
RING! RING! RING!
Soma stiffens. His phone vibrates violently on the table. The name on the screen is blurred, unreadable.
RING! RING! RING!
Soma jumps to his feet and lets out a quiet gasp. His body remains tense, and his breathing is irregular. The kitchen has vanished. His sisters and mother have vanished away. He blinks quickly as the morning light enters his room and brings him back to the present. A loud vibration shakes his desk. His phone.
RING! RING! RING!
The screen glows with an unknown number.
Soma stares at it for a moment, his fingers hovering over the answer button. His chest feels tight, just like in the dream.
He exhales sharply, finally grabbing the phone.
Soma: (Low, muttering to himself) Who the hell is calling this early...?
Without another thought, he answers.
It was his old friend Kazuto Kirigaya. In elementary and middle school, they had been close, sharing many memories and aspirations for the future. He took the call.
Soma puts the phone to his ear and clears his throat, still trembling from the dream.
Soma: (Groggily) Hello...?
Kirigaya: (Cheerfully) Soma! Long time no talk!
Soma: (Blinking, sitting up straighter) ...Kirigaya?
Kirigaya: (Laughs) Who else? You sound like you just saw a ghost.
Soma: (Rubbing his temple, sighing) Not a ghost... just woke up.
Kirigaya: (Mock surprise) At 5:30 AM? What happened to the Soma I knew, the one who could barely roll out of bed before noon?
Soma: (Smirks slightly) Guess people change.
A brief silence. Kirigaya exhales, his voice turning softer.
Kirigaya: Yeah... I guess they do.
Soma reclines and looks up at the ceiling. Years have passed since their last meaningful conversation. Many things have changed. He questions whether Kirigaya also observes it.
Kirigaya: (Clearing his throat, shifting the mood) Anyway, I got your number from Asuna. Hope you don't mind.
Soma: (Shaking his head) Not really. Just surprised, that's all.
Kirigaya: (Chuckling) Yeah, she said you two ran into each other at the supermarket. I almost didn't believe her.
Soma: (Smirks slightly) It was random. I was just grabbing a few things, and she popped out of nowhere, staring at me like I was some rare Pokémon.
Kirigaya: (Laughs) That sounds like her. What did she say?
Soma: (Leaning back, recalling the moment) She just looked at me for a second, then went, 'No way. You're actually alive?' Like I faked my disappearance or something.
Kirigaya: (Mock seriousness) I mean, can you blame her? You ghosted everyone for two years, man. We thought you got reincarnated.
Soma: (Rolling his eyes) Right, because that's totally what happened.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) So, what happened next?
Soma: (Shrugs) We talked for a bit. She asked if I was really back for good, and I said yeah. Then she just handed me her phone and said, 'Here. Put your number in. No more disappearing acts.'
Kirigaya: (Amused) Classic Asuna. Direct as ever.
Soma: (Nods, smirking slightly) Yeah. She hasn't changed much.
Kirigaya: (Shaking it off, lighthearted again) Oh yeah, speaking of Asuna, she told me she convinced you to apply to Raimon Gateway.
Soma: (Chuckles) Yeah... she was pretty persistent about it. She said she was going there and told me to 'stop being a loner and apply already.'
Kirigaya: (Laughs) That's Asuna for you. She made sure I was going too, though she didn't need to convince me as much.
Soma: (Smirks slightly) Yeah, yeah, we get it. You'd follow your girlfriend anywhere.
Kirigaya: (Playfully defensive) Hey, can you blame me?
Soma: (Mock thinking) No, actually, I can't.
Kirigaya: Anyway, I moved near your area, so I'll come over, and we'll walk to Asuna's house together.
Soma: (Pauses, then casually) Actually, I moved to a new place.
Kirigaya: (Surprised) Oh? Where?
Soma: (Shrugs) Not far. But I live alone now.
Kirigaya: (Stunned) ...Wait. You What?
Soma: (Nonchalant) I live alone.
Kirigaya: (Processing, then louder) You live alone?! Since when?!
Soma: (Leaning back, sighing) For a while now.
Kirigaya: (Still in disbelief) What happened? Why?
Soma: (Interrupting, voice even) Long story.
Kirigaya falls silent for a moment. Even though Soma brushes it off, he can hear something unspoken beneath his words.
Kirigaya: (Quietly) ...You could've told us, man.
Soma: (Soft chuckle, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes) Yeah. Guess I could've.
A brief pause. Kirigaya seems like he wants to press for more, but he doesn't.
Soma: (Changing the subject) Anyway, since you don't know where I live, let's just meet at Asuna's place.
Kirigaya: (Still processing, but nods) Yeah... yeah, alright. I'll head there first, and we'll wait for you.
Soma: (Nods to himself, his smirk fading slightly) Yeah... sounds good.
Kirigaya: Alright, I'll text you when I'm heading out. See you soon, Soma.
Soma: (Softly) Yeah. See you.
Soma lowers his phone as the call comes to an end and looks at the screen for a while. He feels lighter, as if something that has been lost is gradually returning. However, another part of him still feels trapped in the past.
Shaking the thoughts away, he gets up, stretching. There's still time before he needs to leave. He should probably make breakfast, assuming there's anything in the fridge.
Soma sets his phone down, rubbing his temples. He knew Kirigaya would react that way, anyone would. Most people don't just start living alone at his age. But explaining everything? That wasn't something he was ready to do.
Not now. Maybe not ever.
He lets out a quiet sigh before glancing at the clock(6:05 AM). He still has time before he needs to leave. Might as well get something to eat.
He heads toward the kitchen, opening the fridge. The cold air rushes out, but inside, bare shelves. A single carton of milk, some leftover rice, and... that's about it.
Soma: (Sighing, muttering to himself) Right. Guess I forgot to buy more groceries.
He closes the fridge and leans against the counter, debating his next move. He could just skip breakfast, but his stomach is already protesting the idea.
Alexa: Soma, based on your previous eating habits, you have an 82% chance of skipping breakfast today.
Soma: (Rolling his eyes) Not everything has to be a statistic, Alexa.
Alexa: Would you like me to suggest a nearby convenience store for a quick meal?
Soma: (Pauses, then sighs) Nah, I'll just make something quick.
He grabs the leftover rice, reheating it in the microwave while pouring himself a glass of milk. It's not much, but it's enough to get him through the morning.
As he eats, his mind drifts. The conversation with Kirigaya replays in his head, along with the way he dodged the questions. He knows Kirigaya isn't the type to push, but sooner or later, someone's going to ask again. Maybe Asuna. Maybe even himself.
Do I even have an answer?
He shakes off the thought, finishing his meal quickly. No point dwelling on things this early in the morning.
After cleaning up, he heads back to his room and gets dressed, nothing fancy, just the standard uniform for Raimon Gateway School. He smooths out a few wrinkles on his blazer before glancing at himself in the mirror.
His reflection stares back. He looks... normal. Just another high school student getting ready for his first day. No one would be able to tell what's on his mind just by looking at him. And that's exactly how he wants it to stay.
Alexa's voice chimes in again.
Alexa: The time is now 6:45 AM. Based on your usual pace, you have 15 minutes before you need to leave to meet Asuna and Kirigaya.
Soma: (Nodding to himself) Right. Thanks, Alexa.
He grabs his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. Before leaving his room, his eyes briefly land on his bedside table,on a small, framed photo.
For a moment, he hesitates. Then, with a quiet sigh, he turns away and heads for the door.
RING! RING! RING!
His phone vibrates in his pocket. Without checking the caller ID, he picks it up, already assuming it's Kirigaya.
Soma: (Distracted, adjusting his bag) Yeah, I'm heading out now. I'll be at Asuna's place in ten minutes.
A pause. Then, an unexpected voice.
Jiyuu: (Lightly amused, teasing) Asuna? That's new.
Soma freezes. His fingers tighten around the phone as he pulls it away slightly, staring at the screen.
Unknown Number.
The air in his apartment suddenly feels heavier.
Jiyuu: (Playfully) What's wrong, Soma? You sound surprised.
Soma: (Flatly, guarded) ...Jiyuu.
Jiyuu: (Feigning offense) Oh? No 'hey, it's been a while'? That's cold, even for you.
Soma exhales slowly, rubbing his temple. He should've expected this day would come sooner or later.
Soma: (Tone unreadable) What do you want?
Jiyuu: (Chuckles softly) Relax. I just thought I'd give you a little heads-up... since we're going to the same school now.
A silence stretches between them. Soma doesn't react, but something about Jiyuu's voice. It carries that same old knowing tone, the one that always felt a step ahead of him.
Soma: (Evenly) And?
Jiyuu: (Casual, but probing) Nothing. Just thought you'd want to hear it from me instead of, you know, running into me at school and freezing up.
Soma: (Deadpan) Yeah. Not happening.
Jiyuu: (Laughs lightly) Guess we'll see. (Then, smoothly shifting the subject) So... Asuna. Who's she?
Soma exhales through his nose. He should've seen that coming.
Soma: (Calm, but firm) A friend.
Jiyuu: (Mock surprise) Just a friend?
Soma: (Tiredly) Yes.
Jiyuu: (Hums thoughtfully, voice teasing but sharp underneath) You never were great at lying, Soma-kun.
Soma rolls his eyes. He doesn't have time for this.
Soma: (Flatly) If you're done wasting my time, I have somewhere to be.
Jiyuu: (Light chuckle, unaffected) Alright, alright. No need to be so defensive. I'll see you at school soon enough.
Soma doesn't respond. He just ends the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket with a sigh. Of all the people to suddenly reappear in his life.
With a soft click, the call ends. Jiyuu lowers her phone, staring at the dimly lit screen before letting out a quiet chuckle.
Jiyuu: (Softly, to herself) Still the same, huh, Soma-kun?
She twirls the phone between her fingers, leaning back in her chair. The early morning light filters through her window, casting long shadows across her desk. Her gaze drifts outside, unfocused.
She exhales, shaking her head, but the smirk on her lips falters slightly.
Jiyuu: (Murmuring, thoughtful) I wonder... if I said the right words back then... would things have been different?
A silence lingers in the room, heavy with things left unsaid. Her fingers tighten around her phone before she releases a slow breath, loosening her grip.
Jiyuu: (Softly, almost wistful) I should've called sooner.
She shuts her eyes for a moment, letting the thoughts settle. Then, she chuckles,light, almost amused.
Jiyuu: (Smirking to herself, voice playful but laced with something deeper) Well... I guess I'll just have to fix things now, won't I?
She leans forward, resting her chin in her palm.
Jiyuu: (Softly, as if convincing herself) Apologize first. Then maybe... just maybe... we can go back to how we were.
A breeze drifts through her slightly open window, shifting the curtains. The first day of school is just beginning. And for the first time in a long while... she has something to look forward to.
This year is already off to a great start...
Shaking off the unease settling in his chest, he finally steps outside, locking the door behind him. Time to meet Asuna and Kirigaya. Time to move forward.
Soma steps out of his apartment, locking the door behind him. The morning air is crisp, carrying the distant sounds of the city waking up. He shoves his hands into his pockets and starts walking.
The streets are quiet. Too quiet. His mind drifts back to the phone call with Jiyuu, but he shakes the thought away. He wasn't going to let the past set the tone for his first day.
Before long, he reaches Asuna's place. He stops in front of the familiar house, exhaling before ringing the doorbell.
Ding-dong.
There's a shuffle inside before the door swings open.
Asuna: (Grinning) Soma! You're early. Who are you and what have you done with the guy who's always late?
Soma: (Flatly) It's called character development.
Kirigaya: (From inside, laughing) Nah, I don't buy it. Must be an illusion.
Soma rolls his eyes as Asuna steps aside to let him in. Kirigaya is leaning against the staircase, smirking.
Kirigaya: (Teasing) Man, it's weird seeing you here again. Feels like a time skip in an anime.
Soma: (Shrugging, amused) Yeah, well... guess we're back to season one.
Asuna claps her hands together.
Asuna: Alright, boys. If we're done with the reunion arc, we should get going before we're actually late.
Kirigaya grabs his bag, and they step out together, walking down the road toward Raimon Gateway.
Asuna: (Glancing at Soma, curious) So, first day back. Any expectations?
Soma: (Casually) Not really.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) Oh, come on. New school, new people, maybe even new—
Soma: (Cutting him off) Don't finish that sentence.
Asuna laughs as Kirigaya raises his hands in surrender. The morning sun casts long shadows as the three of them make their way toward the school gates. For a moment, things feel... normal.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) Man, new school, new start. This is gonna be great.
Asuna: (Glancing at him, amused) You say that now, but give it a week. You'll be complaining about assignments.
Kirigaya: (Dramatically) Impossible! I, Kazuto Kirigaya, have evolved into a responsible student.
Soma: (Flatly) I give it two days.
Asuna bursts into laughter while Kirigaya clutches his chest as if wounded.
Kirigaya: (Mock betrayal) You too, Soma?
Soma: (Shrugging) Just calling it like I see it.
Kirigaya: (Stretching his arms above his head) Man, I forgot how exhausting it is to wake up early for school.
Asuna: (Glancing at him, amused) You say that you haven't been going to school your whole life.
Kirigaya: (Dramatic sigh) Yeah, but this is different! New place, new teachers, new rules. I bet they won't let me nap through math class anymore.
Soma: (Flatly) They're a school, not a charity.
Asuna laughs while Kirigaya clutches his chest in mock pain.
Kirigaya: (Groaning) Man, Soma, you used to be nicer.
Soma: (Deadpan) Did I?
Asuna: (Smirks) Nope. He's always been like this.
Kirigaya: (Stretching) Alright, predictions,who's gonna be late to class on day one?
Asuna: (Smirking) You.
Soma: (Deadpan) Definitely you.
Kirigaya gasps, clutching his chest dramatically.
Kirigaya: (Mock hurt) Wow. No faith in me at all.
Soma: (Shrugging) Statistically speaking, you were late to at least 70% of our classes before.
Asuna: (Nods in agreement) Sounds about right.
The conversation keeps flowing, lighthearted yet grounding, making the walk feel shorter. Before long, the grand gates of Raimon Gateway come into view, towering over the sidewalk. The entrance is filled with students chatting, adjusting their uniforms, and taking in their first day at the new school.
Asuna: (Gesturing ahead) Well, there it is. Our new battlefield.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) Looks fancy. Hope the cafeteria's good.
Kirigaya groans while the other two chuckle. The atmosphere is light, almost nostalgic. But just as the school gates come into view, everything shifts.
Soma steps forward,only for his foot to catch on the edge of an uneven pavement. His balance wavers for a split second before—
Soma: (Eyes widening) Ah—!
Thud!
He crashes forward into someone, the impact sending them both tumbling onto the pavement. A soft gasp escapes the other person as they land beneath him.
Silence.
Soma groans slightly, pushing himself up just enough to process what happened.
Soma: (Grimacing) Damn... sorry about that, I wasn't—
???: (Equally flustered) No, it's okay, I wasn't looking either—
They both freeze. The voice. Familiar.
Soma's eyes snap open wider as he finally takes in the person he's fallen on.
Long, dark hair. Soft brown eyes. A face he knows all too well.
Kiyomi.
The moment stretches endlessly as realization dawns on both of them.
Kiyomi: (Breath hitching, eyes widening) ...Soma?
Soma: (Staring, equally stunned) ...Kiyomi?
The distant sound of students chatting, the breeze rustling through the trees, it all fades. The past and present collide in an instant, completely unplanned, completely unexpected.
Neither of them moves. Neither of them speaks. Just silence.
To be continued in Chapter 2...