Chapter Text
Hakuno always woke up early, she never remembers whatever dreams she had, but her headaches always made events seem to be a bit of a blur. She could barely even remember her morning routine, just always finding herself walking to school. When she try to recall what season it is, she start to get so dizzy she almost pass out.
The normal stuff you’d see at school, like the hustle and bustle of her classmates by the entrance. It hasn’t changed.
It never changes. Like a time loop, the exact same identical events occur.
Pushing the thought, her field of vision fizzles.
Today, Again today, there’s a crowd of students milling in front of the school gate, and more are being directed that way. As to what’s going on, there’s a boy in a black uniform in front of the school gate. Sleek black hair, sharp yet forgettable face.
He’s my friend/as I recall. He’s Issei Ryuudo/as I recall.
Hakuno remember this from the first time. When Issei notices her looking at him, he pushes through the crowd.
"Good morning" Issei declares. "Lovely weather, don't you think?"
He gives Hakuno a quizzical expression. "Hmm? Why do you look so surprised? We announced at last week’s assembly that this month the student council would strictly enforce school rules."
I already know this. I know it. I already know what happens. It’s happened more than once. Hakuno thinks to herself.
"First, let me check your student ID." Issei says "I shouldn’t need to remind you, but it should be on you at all times."
Hakuno felt nauseous. It wasn't the Something dodgy for Breakfast kind of sick but closer to the I've caught a disease and I'm going to die kind.
The worst kind.
It's this world. Hakuno realised as she felt her stomach lurch. It's repeating itself over and over, I'm going to throw up!
Issei didn't seem to notice Hakuno's distress."Now for the uniform inspection. …Collar, check! Pant hems, check! And your socks… check!"
I want him to get out of my way. I want this repetition to stop.
Hakuno pushes him aside and goes forward. She's not nice about it, either.
"Next is the contents of your bag… Notebooks, textbook, pencil box! Not even a whiff of contraband. Your nails are evenly cut, and your haircut is sensible. Indeed, quite remarkable. You’re a model Tsukumihara Academy student."
Most disturbingly, he keeps on talking loudly, even though he’s facing no one.
As afternoon passed, Hakuno's anxiety and headaches had only worsened. The moment she had exited her last class, her feelings of unease had only intensified.
Down the corridor, she spotted a pale ,petite blond boy in red. Hakuno instantly recognised him as Leo, the new transfer student. She couldn't help but feel a wave of humiliation wash over her as she did this. It wasn't as if she had spoken with him before, he simply held an air of authority. He held a noble, almost royal complexion and military composure. But it seemed someone else was trailing him, one of her classmates. A distinctly generic individual.
Hakuno began to ponder to herself. The more I think, the more I realize that Leo isn’t the only anomaly I’ve come across while on campus. There are other things that seem…off…as well.
A pregnant pause filled the air.
It’s becoming clearer now. There are people who shouldn’t exist. Students that mysteriously vanish. This fabric of reality is coming unravelled.
As Leo walked and talked with this nameless student, Hakuno's curiosity had peaked and decided to pursue the two. Remaining a healthy distance of course. After a few minutes had passed, she had met the two at the end of a hallway. She could just about here the last of their conversation around the corner.
"The air of detail is quite impressive." Leo said, his voice having a well mannered sense to it. "Even the air is most substantial. If that’s the case, then this world is in some ways more real than the real world it represents. How about you guys? What are your thoughts on this?"
You guys?
For a moment, Hakuno thought she was included in that comment. However, Leo begins speaking to her classmate, seemingly obvious to her presence.
"Greetings, I believe this is the first time we've had a conversation." Leo gaves Hakuno a smile with no hostility. However, she had the suspicion that there is something malicious behind his smile.
"Attending school wasn’t half-bad. I’ve never had the opportunity to go to one before now. In that respect, this has been quite an interesting experience… However, the time for fun has come to an end. I did not come here to play at being a student. No matter how enjoyable the detour, eventually one must return to their appointed path. And for me, the time to do so has arrived… Farewell"
With those final words, Leo turns his back on her.
"No, that is not quite right. I don’t think farewell would be accurate in this situation. For reasons that I cannot explain, I have the distinct feeling that we will see each other again. So I guess that I should use the more congenial, 'See you later.' Well, it’s time for me to move on. I wish you the best of luck."
Leo said as much, even going so far as to look in my direction…
For some inexplicable reason, Hakuno was not surprised that Leo knew she was spying on him. She was trying to get things straightened out in her mind when Leo had disappear. The student who is following him also disappears after touching the same spot on the wall.
At the same moment he vanishes, her vision distorts and the shock threatens to overwhelm her.
What is going on here…?
I wonder if this place is the source of my unease…
Like him, Hakuno placed her hand on the wall, expecting to be drawn in.
I see now that the way to the truth, to why I have these feelings, begins right here…
I want to know.