“…hmm?” I opened my eyes slowly.

The rough ground covered with thick grasses can be felt all over my body. Trees blocked the sunshine, making it very comfortable for me.

WAIT, …where am I?

***

Kyoto, March 28th 2020. I entered my new apartement with some shopping bags. Air condition, language, and the scenery here is so brand new for me. It felt strange, because I haven’t accustomed to this country.

“Ara, Haruya-kun, you just bought new tools for your home, right?”

“Hahah, Indeed, I really need a lot of stuffs.”

“It must be hard, hahahah. Well, if you need something, you can ask me anytime.”

“Thank you very much, Takada-san.”

She’s an auntie living next door. She’s kind, but I must not ask for her help. I just want to do things by myself.

By the way, I am Watamachi Haruya, I came from Indonesia few days ago. My parents are japanese, but this is the first time I went to Japan. And not just for holiday, I am here to start my brand-new life.

My appearance... I am tall, my hair is black, I always use a T-shirt covered with a dark-colored jacked and a jeans. Yeah, I am the best on that set.

Thank goddess, my new life is working pretty well for now. I rent a simple 6-tatami apartement, of course with my own money. Just working as freelance illustrator make me enough money to move into this tatami country.

Heheh… I admit it, I am proud of myself.

*trrr....

Ah, someone chatted me.

Haruya! :D

How about today?

I really can't wait to meet you XD

I smiled happily as replying the massage.

Finally, I am able to meet my best friend for years in person. Just being an online friend will never be enough for us.

Kanami, it’s her name. We met in a social media, and somehow get along pretty quickly. Our friendship’s story is long, and I can ensure if we know each other very well, even too well to be called a friend. She’s already like a sister to me.

Hmm... I'm a bit nervous now. Our closeness

Yup

Ok

When? Where?

---------------------------------

Hmm... Let's see...

10:30, Kouin Park, how's that?

--------------------------------

Ok

Kouin Park, it's really just one building to the left from my apartement.

Well, she could be my first acquaintance to know my new address. Of course, because she is one who searched for this place for me.

Really, Kanami very thoughtful. My apartement is very close to various kind of shops, though a bit far from the station. No problem, I won't really need and don't really want to use trains that often, after all.

The Contrary, Kanami told me that her apartment is just in front of the train station. It's because when she was still in highschool, her school is a pretty long trip even with train. Even now, her workplace still acquires her to use train. That's why, she really enjoys staying there, though the rent is more expensive.

...

I took a deep breath, then release it while closing my eyes.

It's as if we were still playing a FPS game together last night, and now I am here, In the same land with her. I can't do anything but feeling happy right now.

Yeah, I've been through a lot of things. This is the time for me to start a new life.

"Ah, It's 10:22, maybe I'll go now"

After going downstairs my apartment and walking a little, the promised park can be seen. There's still no one there, just an empty pair of swing, accompanied by a see saw. I sat on the swing and waited for Kanami.

We often hang out in a discord group that I make, which in the end is filled just by me and her. Watching movies together, or just chatting 'till morning. Seriously, with that kind of relationship, I am very nervous now, not forgetting that she is so damn pretty.

It is unfortunate that because of some condition, she couldn't continue to a university and must work, just like me.

She's just a waitress at a sushi restaurant, but I heard that the salary is good. At least more than enough to make a living.

It reminds me, I must search for a new job too now. The living expenses here is more expensive than how it was in Indonesia. Moreover Indonesian customers are really stingy, which forces me to decrease the price. Even by working all day, I won't be able to save money. As a male, I must save money to ensure the life quality of my family in the future.

I hope Kanami has some information about jobs. Well, I must meet her first for now.

...

Second by second

Minute by minute

Why hasn't she come yet? As I know, Japanese are renowned for their punctuality.

Strange... did I go to the wrong place?

*Trrr...

Ah, she chatted me again

...Haruya...

Sorry, I am a bit late, 5 minutes, ok? heheh...

What's wrong with that "..." thing? She seems far less energic now. Did something happen to her? Sigh... I will know 5 minutes from now.

Without knowing, this is where everything started

"Hm?" A small piece of light glows in front of me. It's floating while getting bigger and bigger.

Fatamorgana? This is very strange. How's this even possible? It feels like I am hallucinating. My curiosity raised, and I came nearer to the light, trying to put my hand in it.

*DEGG

W-what!? I can't move!?

Yeah, It's just like in the movie, where time suddenly stops, and everything turned hollow. The light, seems not affected by that, glowing even stronger, turning everything into pure white, without any trace of shadow.

...I lost my conciousness...