The next morning, Forget Calimutan walked to Hoshinari High under a pale winter sun. The hallways buzzed with chatter about summer vacations, new classes, and, of course, the mysterious new transfer student—Aira Velasquez.
Forget kept to his usual path: the far corner of Class 1-3, by the window. He lowered his head and let the noise wash over him. For him, being invisible was easier than being noticed.
Except today, it wasn't.
The First Encounter
During roll call, students whispered about Aira.
"She's so… bold."
"She even remembered his name!"
Forget's hand tightened around the strap of his bag. He hadn't expected anyone to see him—let alone talk to him.
Aira stepped up to the empty seat next to him.
"Mind if I sit here?" she asked.
Forget blinked. No one ever chose to sit beside him. Ever.
"…You don't have to," he muttered softly, lowering his gaze.
"I want to," she said with a calm smile, brushing rain from her hair. "I remember you."
For the first time, Forget's heart skipped a beat. Nobody had said that in years.
Strange Effects
As they worked together on the first assignment, Forget noticed a strange pattern:
Whenever he glanced around, classmates' faces seemed to flicker, blur, or fade like smoke.
But not Aira. Her eyes stayed clear, steady, and focused.
"Why can she see me?" Forget wondered.
A strange unease settled in his chest. Aira wasn't just different—she was dangerous to his secret.
After School
Forget walked home alone, letting the drizzle soak his hair. The streets were empty, save for the occasional student hurrying home.
Then a familiar voice stopped him.
"Forget."
He spun around. Aira was there, holding her school bag. She didn't run from him. She didn't hesitate.
"Why do you walk alone?" she asked.
Forget looked away. Words always hurt.
"I… stay out of the way," he said finally.
Aira tilted her head. "You don't want friends?"
Forget wanted to lie. Wanted to say yes. But deep down, he knew the truth:
"I can't let anyone get close. They'll forget themselves… or worse."
A Whispered Warning
That night, Forget sat by his window, staring at the dark reflection of the classroom outside.
Then he heard a whisper in his mind:
"The closer she gets… the more the past you buried will awaken."
His reflection smirked back—though it wasn't him.
Forget shivered. Something was coming. Something connected to Aira.
Class 1-3 wasn't just a normal class. And he wasn't just an ordinary boy.
To Be Continued...