The morning alarm rings, striking my inner ear.

"Yes, I am aware that I like her. But it's still impossible because I'm only an ordinary person and she's... a top idol," lamented after recalling the dream.

That was what came to mind and caused me to overthink every day before going to school and meeting him. Aside from overthinking, this is not the first time I've had a dream like that, albeit it doesn't happen daily.

The most important thing is I am thrilled for the first day of high school, and I try to motivate myself, "Okay, time to get ready and hurry to go to school with my mediocre life."

I got out of bed, went to the bathroom to shower, and brushed my teeth before eating breakfast of the bread I bought last night and heading to school.

I checked the contents of the bag again. "Mmm... the books are there. The pencil case is there. Then... the harmonica appears. The uniform is full. Tie, check. Check the belt. Oh, hat! However, I had already packed it in the bag. The remainder of the money is in the wallet."

I moved my finger to press something in the air. Then a menu page opened, linking to my profile and identity. Indeed, this government program necessitates implanting a chip in the brain prior to commencing junior high school.

I pressed the bus ticket button and selected a ticket from the 'public transport' menu. After that, I closed the screen and went to school in the city centre.

As I walked to the bus stop, it dawned on me. "The ticket is ready, and the proceeds from last week's freelance are plenty for the next few weeks. Time to listen to my favourite songs while going to school as usual."

While walking to the bus station, which was close to my house, I turned on the music and adjusted the level. I did this to enhance my ability to hear and interact with others while enjoying the music. I listened to music throughout the travel and arrived at a bus stop close to the school.

I proceeded towards the city centre, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and electronic billboards promoting various products and brand ambassadors. However, a single billboard featuring a gifted young vocalist who was half human and half deer caught my attention.

While glancing at Nako's face on the large electronic billboard, I whispered to myself, "..... Nako.".

I remained still, staring at the electronic sign before walking again and repeating in my brain, "Yes, that's right! She is Nako. Nako is a teenage vocalist with a beautiful voice. She has a delicate voice, and when she sings, it seems like she's whispering. She is my favourite artist, and my song playlist consists of songs she sings."

I walked back to the school. This year, I started high school. A public school accepted me under a scholarship program that provided free contributions to government initiatives.

I arrived at the school. I went to the classroom designated by the school by electronic communication. When I entered the classroom, there were only a few students because the school bell hadn't yet rung.

I took the third seat from the front, near the classroom door. I tried to get to know them individually till the school bell rang. I then re-examined the situation. It came out that two people were late for the first day of school.

I was still wondering who will sit next to me later. Hopefully, it isn't someone I know.

"Hmm...?!" I was astonished by those who arrived late. I realised I recognised someone from one of them...!!!

I told myself, "I must be dreaming right now. Why am I meeting her now? But I hope it's not her; please not her god!"

They sat in the empty seat next to me and one elsewhere. When she was already seated. She asked me one question. "Oh, hi. Do you still remember me?"

I believed this individual was acting familiar. "I've never met her, yet it appears... I'm acquainted with her. I hope it is not her."

I tried to change the subject, "Ahaahaa—it seems you've got the wrong person..."

She responded, "It appears not... our homes were in the same neighbourhood back then. And we used to hang out sometimes."

I said with nervous chuckles, "Hmm—sorry. But you've met the wrong person in the past."

She also grimaced and attempted to convince herself. "... but you're Susu, right?"

"Damn, she still remembers it; what a jerk," I told myself.

I made a sarcastic expression after, because it was his childhood nickname. "She was the same age as myself. We were childhood friends when I was still living with my parents, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I remembered... or maybe not."

After talking to myself, I said to her, "Yes, that was my nickname back then. But, since we were childhood friends, you can call me by the same nickname."

She was surprised because her observation was accurate. "Honestly, I was shocked because you were unique and completely different right now, especially in terms of your physical look," she said. "Are you still keeping yourself away?"

I sighed, my displeasure rising.

I replied sarcastically. "Oh, those rumours again. Hey, hey, listen. It's not that I isolate myself, but I'm not very sociable because I have 'Asperger's syndrome.' When my parents took me to a psychologist, the doctor informed me that I had 'Asperger's syndrome' in the past. I was astonished and wondered what to do next."

Then she wondered about my story, "Is there any medicine or therapy, such as rehabilitation?"

I remained sarcastic and angry, responding while taunting him, "Gosh, just like before. You seem unaware of the importance of sensitivity when interacting with others. No wonder no popular guys want to be with you, haha."

She chuckled loudly as if we were best friends. "You're annoying, huh? Just like usual with me, haha."

Before the class began, we both began joking and using informal language as if we were old friends.

She then mentioned something remarkable about this school. "By the way, did you know that top artists or singers have attended and chosen this school? I mean they have special schools for them. I mean government...."

I was somewhat taken aback by what he said and said, "Oh really? Sorry, I did not know about that."

We wanted to discuss the news more in depth. Teachers calling her to join a group based on the number of students attending class.

"That's okay. We will chat again during the break. After this, we're going to take a 'tour' around the school; today is orientation for new students," she said.

I said, "That's correct. Our attendance or enrolment is different. If I recall correctly, you were there before me, right? I mean 'alphabetic.'"

She answered the teacher's directions before speaking with me and departing.

She nodded and said to the teachers, "Yes, that's correct. Oh, the teacher called me. I'll go first. Bye."

I said, "Okay, okay, take your time," before she left.

I waited for my turn to be called before entering the other group queue and parting ways with her.

I and my group left the classroom and began walking in accordance with the attendance list.

I followed my group around the school. They showed us the rooms in order, starting with the lower class and ending with the principal's office.

My group was about to return to class. We passed one of the groups from another class. But I noticed one person whom I appeared to recognize.

I tried to turn my head to look at her. Believe it or not, I felt she was turning her head and looking back at me, thinking, "Oh, no way. She must be gazing directly behind me at someone or something."

After that, my group and I returned to the classroom and took our seats on the chair.

She, the girl seated beside me, greeted me upon my return and sat on my bench. "Yo, how was it? Is there a place or building that piques your interest? Perhaps you've viewed the extracurricular room and decided on your interests?"

I said, remembering, "There is no room or place. Also, I've never decided on an extracurricular or talent-related interest. I have been working as a freelance writer of articles. You know I'm really busy writing articles. which is Novella"

She was stunned by my words. "How did I know about all of that? Darn it. Have you forgotten the last time we met and had a candid conversation like this? You never informed me of any news about you, stupid!"

Thinking back, I replied, "Yes, that's correct. But, yes, I've been writing articles and short stories for a children's and adolescent magazine for quite some time now. Indeed, the magazine's low sales significantly affect my writing income, as I receive payment per article. Therefore, I am unable to participate in any extracurricular activities that you have selected."

She was immediately aware of it and ignored the extracurricular activities. "In the future, I will search for your name and read your writing in the magazine. But I know which magazine..."

I responded, "Well, thank you very much, Katia."

She simply nodded and smiled. Soon after, a teacher arrived; after the 'tour' around the school, the introductions between kids and teachers began. The teacher presented themself as an art teacher and then became our homeroom teacher.

Following the introduction, there were no lessons on the first day. The government's policy is that all schools, without exception, do not open full-time on the first day.

Before heading home, several students were still getting to know one another. Some went to other classes on purpose to get to know the students in other classes.

"So, Miko... do you want to go home with me?" Katia asked me.

Katia remained silent for a moment. Katia's face appeared slightly flushed. "Do—don't misunderstand!" she exclaimed, appearing to be contemplating something embarrassing. "I mean, do you want to go home to your parents' house or to your apartment? Your parents informed me that you are now renting a one-bedroom apartment in a location far from home. Is this all true? I'm calling you Miko like everyone else out of respect."

I was astonished to learn that Katia had requested me to accompany her home.

I instantly asked when I noticed the oddity in Katia. "Katia, are you suddenly ill? It's unusual to hear you ask me to go home with you in the past. You always left me behind. Right now, I'm no longer planning to return to my parents' house." I replied, surprised by Katia's change in conduct.

After waiting for Katia to respond for what felt like an eternity, I finally started to speak, "...hmm, yeah, but you're right too." I've been renting an apartment for a long time because I was able to do so through freelance and government assignments. Therefore, it's likely that our paths to home will diverge. By the way, take care on the road. See you."

Katia remained silent for a long time and eventually went home alone after I left her.

I headed towards the train station and removed my cellphone from my jeans pocket. "Katia was being absurd earlier, yeah. But never mind. Time to listen to Nako's song again on my cellphone playlist, hihihi."

I played the song "Hold My Hand, We'll Fly Away ~ Hope Embrace, A Brand New Day!" from my phone's playlist.

All the way home, I played Nako's song with the title 'Lift from Falls'.

I arrived at the train station. I saw someone I knew in another carriage on the same train. I ignored her and sat in the seat near the entrance. Throughout the ride, I appreciated the music, and without realizing it, I became exhausted and fell asleep due to fatigue.

.....

I'm not sure how long I slept or where I ended up. A female wearing the same school uniform as me woke me up.

She directed me to the window to view the name of the station. I was astonished to see that I had already arrived at the last station. I panicked and got off the train to wait for the train traveling the opposite way.

Before the train door closed, I heard footsteps from behind. I was surprised to see the woman following me out of the train. I thought her residence was near the last stop station.

However, she did not move after getting off the train; instead, she stood near me, as if she were waiting for the same train as me. I ignored her again and did not care. In my heart, I thought, "Honestly, right now I'm a little curious about the mysterious girl."

Her mask and hat obscured her head and face, making it impossible for me to see or identify her. I kept trying to think optimistically until the train from the opposite direction arrived, about 8 minutes later.

The girl and I got back together. I chose a spot near the entrance so that I could immediately find a seat while it was still calm. I tried not to sleep so that I wouldn't miss the station I was heading to. The girl stood in front of the train doors. She positioned herself directly beside my seat.

I began to wonder whether she was intending to take me to a forbidden area where young guys were still sold as teenagers to satisfy the appetites of adult ladies, as reported in the news!

Following this incident, I regretted my decision not to accompany Katia when she went back to my parents's home.

I began to feel terrified, and wild thoughts flooded my head, exacerbating my worry. I decided to ignore the girl until we arrived at our destination station.

When I arrived at my destination station, I felt a sense of urgency. I fled the train as soon as possible and rushed to the apartment. I looked behind me. Then I noticed her walking after me.

Both the mysterious girl and I moved fast in the same direction.

When I arrived at my apartment, I walked straight to my room and shut the door hard.

I paused to recover my breath before peeking out the front entrance of the room through the small door hole. After feeling safe, I unlocked the apartment door and looked down the hallway.

I looked around the hallway, but I didn't see the girl or anyone else. I lay down on the bed and lean my luggage against the bed next to me.

I couldn't tell who the girl was. I thought she was a government spy! If that were indeed true, it would be devastating.

However, I felt it was impossible. Considering the project was exactly what they desired, even though the payment was late, it was still paid, even though it was much past the due date. I did not file any complaints against the current government. I didn't write anything negative about the administration and was very vocal in my favor for the current government, aka a buzzer with a reasonably excellent pay.

I was certain it wasn't them... yes, right! I have to be positive. All day, I attempted to keep myself occupied and distracted with my usual activities until I went to bed to prepare for school the next day.

I awoke the following morning. However, the situation that occurred after school yesterday continued to concern me. I attempted to keep myself busy before heading to school by taking a shower, preparing and eating breakfast, and organizing school equipment and supplies.

"Don't let me skip school because of something stupid like yesterday's anxiety, Miko!" I attempted to urge myself.

I ordered another train ticket from the screen that appeared in the air, just like yesterday. My routine will now be as follows, which is optimal for me.

My family does not hold me back or bind me now. I have the freedom to decide who I am, what I believe, and whether or not I have a soulmate.

I entered the classroom and sat on the bench, just like yesterday. Katia had not revealed herself. I assumed she would arrive almost immediately, perhaps even yesterday.

The school bell would ring in around ten minutes. I was still thinking about what had happened yesterday and trying to ignore it.

As I wait for the bell to ring, I peruse news articles about scientific and technological advancements, which could potentially serve as a source of inspiration for my future development of instruments and technology. One such example is the introduction of chip implants a few years ago. Could this serve as a plot point for my upcoming novella when I read articles on the computation clouding?

I persisted in reading and immersing myself in the text until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey! So, if you are a human, don't let yourself always be in a daze. Come, go talk and socialize, socialize!" Katia giggled as she patted my shoulder.

I stared and said, "Oh, Katia. I'm not surprised that you're astonished in that way."

Katia makes fun of me, saying, "Booohooo—who surprised you, silly? I never intended to make you surprised. People should not be so serious. It will be difficult for you to find a mate. Chit-chat and fool around for a bit like I was saying."

I was angered by Katia's mocking, "You didn't look in the mirror, foolish! I was in reading anyway. Not in a daze."

I remained silent for a minute after responding to Katia's mocking.

"Was she always so cheerful and sociable like this? It appears that she used to be bashful or silent sometime in the past. Sometimes she preferred to go home alone rather than invite me like yesterday," I reflected, recalling memories of the two of us when we were younger.

I was thinking about something other than yesterday's events and how we were in the past. The bell rang, bringing me back to my senses.

Finally, the teacher arrived, and class began. Katia will be my deskmate starting today. The teacher had already arrived, and class was about to begin. We examined lessons that were not heavy or had not yet reached the core or main of the lesson. It serves the same purpose as warming up before an exercise session.

Katia frequently spoke with me in class, but I often disregarded her, and the teacher punished us both. Even when I remained silent, the teacher's punishment had an impact on me.

The lunchtime bell rang. This is in accordance with the explanation of the orientation and schedule that was presented yesterday. The break lasts 30 minutes twice. We've also been studying all day starting today. The school days accord to the standard, which is only four days. School runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Katia turned to me and said, "Hey, Su -- I mean Miko, may I call you Miko starting today? What I mean is I want to appreciate you for trying to change yourself, like I said yesterday."

I gently replied, after taking a long breath, "It's up to you. But it's excellent that you've realized not to tease me all the time."

Katia shook her head. "As I guess. That is definitely how you will respond. But accompany me right now to somewhere, COME ON!"

"Hey Kati—! Wait, hold—...!!!???" Katia grabbed my hand before I could continue speaking and struggled back.

During our walk, I had a conversation with Katia, saying, "I haven't decided whether I want to come with you or not."

Katia responded, "Oh, come on, let's eat together in the canteen..." Katia continued, ".... I'll treat you today."

I responded enthusiastically, "TREAT?! I will come."

Katia chuckled when she heard my remark.

Katia let me go once we arrived at the canteen to get lunch and drinks. After that, I searched for an empty seat. I looked but couldn't find a seat in the canteen.

Katia reappeared with two Gundam Boti stuffed with chicken and beef marinated in seafood seasonings, one can of black Sew, and one bottle of mineral water.

Gundam is a type of grain, primarily known for its chocolate color. And black Sew and other species of Sew are grasses that may be used to make nutritious drinks and are high in antioxidants, which help the body eliminate toxins through urine.

I've always liked black Sew, which is bitter but beneficial for the body because it's made from young grass that's dried and then dipped in water for a few minutes. The water eventually turns dark or blackish and tastes harsh. The taste is similar to Cohee, but it has a significantly different bitter taste.

After Katia returned, I apologized to her, "Oh sorry Katia, I didn't get a place for us to eat."

Katia shrugged her shoulders, her hands full of food and drinks. "Well, it can't be helped; the school cafeteria is always full."

We glanced around. Finally, we noticed someone leaving the table and chairs. We neared the location. We sat down and placed the food and beverages on the table.

"I finally got a place, haha," Katia exclaimed, relieved.

Katia's response elicited a nod from me as I opened and consumed the plastic bread bag. Katia and I focused on eating our meals since we were hungry.

We were in the middle of our meal. A bunch of folks entered the cafeteria. They turned out to be a bunch of students from another classroom.

Katia and I watched them. I looked more closely. I saw someone I recognized well.

I asked Katia to confirm whether my estimate was correct.

"Katia, is that Nako? That's the artist you mentioned yesterday, as far as I recall."

I looked at Katia. Katia's expression was uncomfortable, and she simply nodded while eating and drinking.

I just said 'oh' since I didn't want to make Katia any more furious.

In my heart, I was pleased since I had met and even attended the same school as my idol. But I didn't want to make my idol "disgusted" with my actions, so I attempted to remain calm. Besides, there was Katia, who despised him for reasons I didn't understand.

We finished our meals and drinks. We returned to the classroom, ignoring the gathering of artists and their "Nako" artist.

We split before entering the classroom because Katia needed to use the restroom, while I went directly to class. Before the lesson, I read a book for the upcoming class. Katia arrived a few minutes later and took her seat right away. She appeared calm and quiet until the bell for the following class rang.

This differs from the class before the break. Katia was now quiet and did not speak with me until the bell for the next break rang. During the second break, Katia chose to leave the classroom and not say anything to me.

During the second break, I decided to purchase drinking water from the machine that displayed the hologram window screen in front of me.

I then went to the men's restroom before entering the classroom. While waiting for the bell to sound for the next lesson, I read the news about advancements in applied technology.

Katia finally returned shortly before the bell sounded. However, Katia remained mute and did not speak to me. Since we met my artist or idol and her entourage, Katia has been silent and has not spoken to me once. I don't really care about Katia's significant adjustments.

I honestly don't remember anything about Katia when we were younger. Was she truly an emotional person who experienced 'mood swings' from the beginning?

My interactions with Katia were similar to those in class before the second break. "I should talk to Katia before going home."

The bell rang. I tried to speak with her, "Katia, are you—"

Katia responded instantly before I asked, "O-oh, hello Miko. Oh, that's okay. I can get home by myself. Don't worry,  ahaha..." Her face flushed again, exactly as it had when she requested me to accompany her home from school yesterday.

Katia delivered an answer that appeared to avoid me, chuckled a little, and then quickly left.  I believe Katia has recognized that our home is now a different place.

I promptly left the classroom and walked to the train station to return home.

When I arrived at the station, I waited for the train. Unfortunately, I had subconsciously assumed that this would happen again today. The strange girl who came yesterday has reappeared, and she is now standing right next to me.