Oh geez, I'm running late...
"Attention passengers, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay. The next stop is Iwatodai Station," the intercom announced over the faint rumbling of the train.
We're almost there. I really, really hope the school will still accept me. I mean, the delay wasn't my fault!
I was standing at only four feet and ten inches, clinging onto a passenger bar with both of my hands. The metal bar came out of a near right angle from the beige wall to the similarly colored seat. My luggage, small in size and having a handle to pull it by, sat beside me, right by the beige seat. At the speed the train was going, it almost felt like I would have fell onto the floor if it weren't for me clutching tightly on the pole with both hands.
Great, just another reminder of how small I am. At least, it doesn't matter any more. I'm safe as long as no one knows the secret.
Despite my reassurance, I still frowned. The news of the young man's suicide, which caused this delay, played over and over in my head.
Suicides happen all the time, but when one happens so close to me. It just feels weird. And, it's really sad that he took his own life.
I sighed and held my head down in defeat before looking up at the moon, which glimmered in the night sky. It was nearly full, with only a sliver of darkness on the left-side.
I'm having a bad feeling about this.
My father used to work in Iwatodai, around 10 years ago. I still remembered the few times he had me play around with the code for his projects.
The reaction on his face when I managed to make it slightly more efficient with my little touches.
This made my frown disappear as a smile grew on my face instead.
Moments like those were the only times I ever enjoyed the company of someone else in real life. Well technically, even most of that happened over the internet, since Iwatodai is pretty far from my hometown of Sapporo. Speaking of which...
My hazel eyes drifted towards the skyline of Iwatodai. It consisted of mostly modern buildings, with skyscrapers dominating the horizon. This was despite the city having a relatively small population for its density.
This city is practically a company-town.
The Kirijo Group built Iwatodai from a small town starting from decades ago. It was the very same company my father worked at a decade ago. In fact, the laboratory he worked at was in the very same island as the school I'm transferring to: Tatsumi Port Island. In fact, the school was built right at the site of the laboratory.
The frown which plagued my face before returned, as my eyes stared at the floor beneath.
All before he left the company.
He never told me the specifics, but he apparently left due to personal disagreements with management as well as wanting to work closer to home. My mother truly was pissed at him that day. Even after an explosion destroyed the entire laboratory only months later, she still resented him for sacrificing a well-paying prestigious job. Things only got worse when he was blacklisted from potential jobs all over the tech industry.
I need to stop thinking about this. Things are already terrible enough as they are. I don't need a recap of all the crap I had to deal with.
I shook my head before drifting my thoughts elsewhere.
Those girls at the airport had really cute stuffed animals? Trinkets? I don't really know what to call them, but I definitely want some for myself. Do they sell them around here?
My head then looked up slightly, as I watched the silvery, nearly full moon loom brightly over the well-illuminated city. Between the moonlight and the city's light pollution, the sky almost had a navy complexion, as if it were early evening.
It definitely doesn't feel like it's around 11:30 PM. Well, maybe at the summer solstice back home. Maybe...
Still, I felt a little unnerved staring at the moon. Something just felt unsettling about it. The goosebumps I felt made me shiver a little, while my little hands squeezed tightly on the metallic pole in front of me.
Yesh, calm down. It's just the full moon. What? You're scared of werewolves? I know I'm scared of...many things, but I shouldn't be scared by astronomical phenomena. I feel really stupid for this.
The train soon approached what I could only assume was Iwatodai Station. Near it was a building which matched what I saw in the photo of the place. It had a modern design which had both brick and glass parts. A prominent 'W' engraved on the all-brick cube was laid atop of the tall building in an odd angle, not even being aligned with the roof.
Before I could pay more attention to the landmark, the view was completely blocked as the train dove right into a tunnel, replacing the night sky and the building with darkness.
After a brief moment of darkness, the sight beyond the train's windows lit up to reveal the inside of the station. Sleek, silvery pillars reflected the white and blue hue of my train back to me, while the intercom announced, now with an automated voice instead of that of what I presume to be the train conductor, "Iwatodai, Iwatodai. This is the final train bound for Tatsumi Port Island."
Finally.
The vehicle slowly came to a screeching halt, which caused me to lean slightly. It didn't help that I had to cling onto my small luggage as well as the passenger bar beside me.
My eyes shifted to my left to see the other passengers. Right beside me was a man wearing a blue jacket, who was apparently texting somebody on his mobile phone.
Perhaps, I should send a message to dad. He must be really worried about me with the delay.
I sighed before taking out my PDA right as the man beside me closes his flip-phone.
I have to go all the way to Iwatodai City, and this tragedy has to happen. Not to mention that my dorm and the school are probably going to be anal on me about this, at least until I explain myself. I wouldn't be surprised if the school doesn't care. Schools in this country crush your soul...
Opening my email, my fingers could only type the first word as the door opened, and the few passengers who were on the late train scrambled to get out. The guy in the blue jacket walked as fast as he could out of the train, powerwalking right past me.
Geez, everybody must be desperate to get out after the delay. Well, I'm just as rushed as everyone else, so I understand where they're coming from. I should save the emailing for when I'm out of the train.
So, I grabbed my luggage and exited the train with only a few steps, since I stood pretty close to the door.
The train station, like the rest of the city, was kind of generic but functional. The charcoal gray floor had yellow lines, probably used both as safety warnings and to organize passengers during busier hours.
Well, the delay is a good thing honestly. I hate busy, crowded places. It either is too chaotic or things are so strictly controlled that you have no freedom. Now, I can cross the yellow lines and not give a single crap!
A slight smile grew on my face as I first crossed the yellow lines.
Maybe, I should walk along them.
I then followed the yellow lines away from the train, while the intercom announced, or perhaps announced again considering that the message would only make sense if said in the context of the previous one, "Please make sure you board on time for departure."
I headed towards one of the sleek pillars in the station. I stood with my back facing it as I brought up my PDA, returning to the task of typing a message to my father.
"Hey dad, I'm at Iwatodai Station," I typed into my PDA before pressing the send button.
That should reassure him.
Across the room and beyond the ticket checkpoint, a green screen depicting a twelve-hour clock was set at 11:44 PM, the same time as shown on the top-right corner of my PDA's screen.
Almost midnight. This is really bad. I barely would have time to sleep, let alone set up my stuff.
I dragged my small luggage with me, passing through the checkpoint and the electronic clock. Beyond it were various signs pointing to other routes that go through the station. A message stating the arrival of my train scrolled from right to left. Of course, the intercom continued to repeat the same message as before.
Suddenly, a middle-aged janitor walked into my view from the side. He was wearing a brown hooded jacket with puffy sleeves which made his hands look tiny. A turquoise cover adorned the jacket, while a black backpack hung on his back giving him a slight slouch. His somewhat wrinkled face, partially covered by the gray cap he wore underneath his hood, had an eternal, stoic frown. Contrasting the miserable image, a jingly version of 'It's a Small World' played from the grey cart he was pushing, before the music faded away as he wandered farther and farther away from me.
Wow, that is the face of a man who has his soul crushed. I feel sorry for him. Still, I wonder what higher-up actually thought just playing cheerful music would improve work morale. It just adds insult to injury, and probably would end up making the poor guy hate it. I definitely don't see him ever enjoying a vacation to Disney World after that.
I shook my head before continuing my way out of the station, making sure that my feet don't bump into the luggage I was dragging around. Every step I took made a tapping sound on the tile floor which echoed through the eerily empty train station. A couple who had been in the train with me were enjoying themselves, laughing with joy. This made me frown a little.
I'm going to be alone forever because of who I am, aren't I?
My eyes stared down momentarily to glance at my black skirt, which reached down to my knee.
My school uniform...Well, this is a first. Wearing a girl's uniform. I can't believe Gekkoukan actually allowed me to get away with this.
Before I could think more on my life situation, a vending machine suddenly caught my attention, with various drinks being offered.
I'm parched. Maybe, I should grab some iced tea?
I shook my head.
No, I already am late enough.
Actually, I guess I could just pull of an all-nighter and just wander around school like a zombie for my first day. It'll be a great way to restart my sleeping schedule. I don't think I could keep sleeping late. Not with how early school starts.
I smiled as I approached the vending machine.
I'm not getting my desktop until a week later anyways. I can't wait to see my dad again.
My hand dug into my school jacket, which had the same hue of black as my skirt, only to take out a few coins.
It has been forever since I used coins...
I pushed each coin into the coin slot, which clicked as the money was accepted.
Everything about this is strange. Apparently, someone important, perhaps someone from the Kirijo Group, offered me specifically free accommodation. My dad was looking really reluctant about it, but my housing situation is a bit unsure. I mean, property prices are ridiculous in this country. So, having a free place to live in is an offer we couldn't refuse.
My index finger pressed on the button underneath the bottle of iced tea, causing the machine to rumble as the bottle was dropped onto the pick-up compartment. I then crouched a little as I opened the compartment and took the chilly bottle out.
Why was he so reluctant though? I guess it might just be bad memories or perhaps an issue with the Kirijo Group?
Opening my lemon-flavored iced tea, I began to drink from it while tugging my luggage behind me.
Ah, I was thirsty as hell. Wait, would the denizens of hell really be that thirsty if they exist? I mean, I don't think demons and punished souls require water to survive. Well, succubi and incubi do require souls to survive, but souls aren't liquids or any kind of matter for that matter.
I then shook my head as thoughts about the former flood my head.
I should stop. This is reminding me of the time I actually tried to ascertain whether Godzilla could support his own weight if he existed. I guess I could make Youtube videos based on this sort of thing. Hypotheses about fictional things. It would really make my channel explode.
The exit of the monorail station consisted of two escalators flanking a series of stairs. At the end were three signs, two of them being white with 'Monorail Station' printed in cobalt blue and in both Japanese and English. The center sign, beneath a schedule board for the upcoming departures and arrivals, was the same, but with 'Do not walk up the down escalator, and vice versa' printed in green and Japanese.
I thought that was common sense.
I dragged my luggage onto the down escalator and stood still as it took me and my luggage down. My eyes shifted to the side as I saw graffiti plastered all over the staircase, with chalk of all things, as well as a can of soda that was just sitting there.
Well, that's a first. Usually, people try to keep things neat in this country. I really don't know if this is a good or bad sign. Well considering it's just one can and some chalk, I guess it's just the work of some kids.
When I reached the bottom of the escalator, I took a couple steps forward to leave it behind, my luggage having a slight bump. I then proceeded to whip out my PDA to see the directions to the dorm. "11:48 PM," I muttered to myself, "Maybe, I should race to get to the dorm before midnight." Beyond the escalators, there was a strip mall, with stores lined along it.
"Apparently, I have to go through a strip mall first," I explained to myself before gulping a little, as the eerie atmosphere of the night began to set in. The only light was that of the streetlamps, the windows of some of the buildings, and the nearly full moon which shined ominously in the night sky.
"W-What am I scared of? B-being attacked during the night by the Chalk Graffiti Gang? Werewolves emerging from the full moon? I s-shouldn't be scared of silly superstitions, r-right?" I tried to reassure myself.
You are scared of the dark though. Especially, when there's no one around.
This made me quicken my pace. My luggage's wheels rolled and bumped along first the tiles and then bricks of the grounds surrounding Iwatodai Station.
This is why people treat you as lesser. You are weak.
My hands, however delicate they are, tightened their grip around the handle of my small suitcase. Despite the presence of the occasional person, often a partygoer, I only felt more and more anxious.
All by yourself outside. Where people can attack a weakling like you anytime. You should have stayed home and kept to your usual life of video games and internet hijinks.
I tried to calm myself down by drinking more of the iced tea, before it failed, making me throw away the beverage in the least environmentally friendly way possible.
It takes only one drunk partier to ruin your life. Of course, I didn't anticipate that I was going to arrive at midnight! Stupid train delays!
After stopping by a trash can, I was rushing through the strip mall. There was an octopus-themed fast food place and a used bookstore, but I cared little for those at the moment. All that mattered was me getting to the dorm as fast as possible. The occasional bits of laughter I heard only made me run faster.
I don't know if they're having fun or laughing at me, but I'm having none of it! I want to be out of here! I want to be home!
Then, I caught glimpse of what would be my home for this school year. It was a peculiar building, having an old-fashioned, early 20th century architectural style yet being relatively new from the apparent lack of aging on the bricks. I both stared up at and approached the building, while my fear slowly dissipated.
Nothing...happened. Besides a few people maybe laughing at me. Did...Did I really get worked up over nothing? Was I really that much of a weak coward?
Yet another frown grew on my face as I was in front of the old-fashioned building, which stuck out like a sore thumb among the sleek modern buildings surrounding it. I climbed up the porch steps, lifting the little luggage onto each step.
Well, at least I like the building I'll be staying at. It feels rather refreshing considering how depressingly bland a lot of the modern buildings in Japan are. I guess I've always felt like I never belonged here...
My hand went into my school uniform jacket to take out my trusty PDA, just to check the time.
11:58 PM. The batteries are half-full. I haven't ran that fast or consistently in a long time. I still remember when everyone made fun of me when I finished the mile run in around fifteen or sixteen minutes. Or, when I barely reached the girl's standards in gym, even after trying my best to work out. Before I worked out, I couldn't even pass those standards.
I pressed the button on the dorm building's intercom. "Uhm, anyone there? I-It's Chihiro Fujisaki," I introduced myself.
For a few seconds, there was a tense silence.
Maybe, I should ring again. I hope I didn't spook them by coming so late.
"Oh, it is you, Fujisaki-san," an oddly stoic and mature female voice noted before saying, "Allow me a moment to reach you. A fellow student will be answering the door on my behalf. I apologize for the slight delay. I thought the circumstances involving your train's schedule would delay you until tomorrow."
Wait?! She's the one apologizing to me?! And, she knew?! I mean, I guess it wasn't my fault that I'm late, but why is she being this understanding? Usually, the staff at schools are less merciful when it comes to tardies. Imagine how they'd react to me arriving at midnight.
"Thank you," I responded.
"You're most welcome," the womanly voice replied.
This feels really awkward.
The door opened to reveal a girl who definitely was that fellow student and not the source of the mature voice on the intercom. She seemed to be an average school girl, if it were not for her complete disregard for the school dress code. The rather short miniskirt and pink sweater jacket made her attire look completely different from the school standard, with only the red ribbon and shirt resembling mine.
Is she even a student at my new school?
Her neck length hair was similarly hued to mine as well, perhaps slightly darker and browner, while her eyes were of a similar color.
I wonder if it's natural like mine. That would change the dynamics completely.
We looked at each other awkwardly, blinking. I gulped on my throat as I struggle to open my mouth.
"So, uhm...Welcome to Iwatodai Dorm...Chihiro Fujisaki? That's your name, right?" the girl greeted me.
Well, I'm not the only one feeling awkward. But, how should I respond? I mean, it's so late, and I'm not used to having one-on-one conversations with people I don't know.
"U-uhm, yes. My name is Chihiro Fujisaki," I answered as I walked inside, my hands fidgeting with each other anxiously.
I hope that's the right way to answer it.
"Cool. My name is Yukari Takeba. Nice to meet you, Fujisaki-san," the girl said before offering a hand to shake mine with.
Was that a genuine cool or sarcastic one?
"Nice to meet you, Yuka-I mean Takeba-san!" I said, reaching out to shake her hand before freezing it in place.
Crap! I usually talk to most of my online friends by mentioning their usernames or first names without this honorific shit, since they aren't Japanese. Fuck! Why does everyone dye their hair and confuse me on this?! Okay, always focus on the facial features and use the honorifics. After all, the last thing I need is more attention on me.
"O-oh! You're not-" Yukari tried to say before she was interrupted by the same mature voice from before.
"Enough," the voice ordered before revealing itself to be a woman with long red hair. "Fujisaki-san is a new student who has a... special set of circumstances. I negotiated with her father and offering his daughter free accommodation for the school-year was one of the things I negotiated with him. That is all that needs to be said on the matter."
The redhead stood at half a foot taller than me. Her face was practically half-covered with her side-bang. She wore something that looked like a cross between office attire and a school uniform with a white blouse, a black skirt that goes down to just above her knees, and similarly black knee-high boots which had high stiletto heels.
She knows? At least, she seems very willing to keep the secret, and I guess it was necessary to share it with her so she can accommodate it. Maybe, this woman will help smooth my transition. Though, what is she getting from this? From keeping me here for a year? I hope there isn't some sort of catch to all this.
The one thing that terrified me more than this though was that I wanted to dress like her.
I mean, maybe sans the high-heels. I don't think I can handle wearing heels. Wait, what am I thinking?! I'm not supposed to-
The lights went out immediately afterwards.
