Chapter 3 – This Isn't Just a Dream… Right?
Ren sat frozen, his eyes still on Airi. The warmth of her cheek still lingered faintly on his fingertips.
Ren: (thinking)
She's real. Sitting right next to me like nothing ever happened.
But I saw her crying... by the road. That empty look in her eyes.
Why was she like that?
His mouth opened slightly.
Ren:
"Airi… that day, why were you—"
He cut himself off.
Ren: (thinking)
No... not yet. She doesn't know. She hasn't been through that.
Only I came back.
Airi tilted her head, watching him with quiet curiosity.
Airi: (thinking)
He's acting strange. More spaced out than usual.
Did he dream something weird or what?
She smirked lightly.
Airi:
Maybe staying up late playing those RPGs finally scrambled your brain. (she tries to say it playfully but looks away for a second)
Ren let out a short breath, somewhere between a laugh and a sigh.
Airi: (thinking)
He's staring again… But something feels different.
Like he's thinking too hard about something he's not saying.
She waved a hand in front of his face.
Airi:
Hello? Don't tell me you're still half-asleep.
Ren:
You ever feel like… everything around you is too perfect to be real?
Airi:
Okay, philosopher boy. That's definitely the RPGs talking.
Was there a talking cat in your dream too?
Ren: (smiling faintly)
Maybe.
Airi:
Seriously. You're not this quiet. Now I'm starting to worry.
Did someone swap your brain with a normal person's?
The bell rang above them, cutting through the moment.
Chairs screeched as students started to pack up.
Ren: (thinking)
Seven years ago. This really is the past.
And she's still right here, smiling like always.
He glanced over at her as she zipped up her bag.
Ren: (thinking)
If I do something now… maybe everything won't fall apart like before.
Airi:
Come on, dummy. Lunchtime. Or are you planning to nap through it too?
Ren:
No, I'm coming.
They walked out together, Airi chatting about something he barely processed.
And even though everything felt familiar… Ren knew deep down that nothing would ever be the same again.