S1: Chapter 10 - Autumn Festival

It's fall already huh... Four months since I came here. Four months since I left my family, friends and life behind. All that I have are memories... And about 60% of battery on a phone that cannot be charged. I did write most of things I could remember down, but still. Just names are not it. Hopefully one day I'll be able to solve the mystery behind this world... For now, I can only pray that everyone back there is doing good and that we will eventu-

Someone knocked on the door.

- Leyce, may I come in? I know you're in there!

Oh it's Nariko.

- It's open, come in.

- Am I interrupting you?

- Not at all.

- Okay. What's wrong?

- Why do you think that something is wrong?

- You seem down. And you have been that way for a while now. Is everything okay?

- It is, don't worry. More importantly, what are we going to do for the festival? Do we need to prepare anything?

- If needed, you will be given instructions by teacher. The least you will be told is that you need to attend the festival to provide protection of the people if something were to happen. But that's unlikely.

- I don't know. Recently we encountered several attacks from different countries. You never know what may occur next.

- That's true... Still, I think it will pass smoothly. Are you excited?

- Is there anything to be excited about?

- Hmm let's see. Hanging out with people? Food, drinks? Try to have some fun while you're at it!

- I'll try...

- It doesn't sound promising at all... Well if you need anything, you know where my room is.

- Aren't boys forbidden from entering female dorms?

- You are but no one has to know...

- Well I me-

- Just kidding haha. Now get a hold ot yourself and I'll see you on lunch.

Nariko left leaving Leyce alone for a bit more with himself.

...

- All right everyone, festival is coming soon I want all of you to understand

Maybe I am really dead? Maybe this is just a dream after death. Or maybe was I perhaps just born in a different world after I died... But I kept memories of my old life, which doesn't really makes sense... Could it be a coma then? Or something like-

- Leyce what's so interesting outside the window? Tell us so we can look as well.

- Nothing is.

- Then what are you spacing out for? I'm talking about important things here.

- I'm sorry. I'll pay attention.

- Good. So as I was saying, some of you will dress formally and some will need to blend in with the crowd. That way, undercover can provide safety through the crowd.

...

- Man such a boring class. And this whole thing about festival is really exhausting me for no reason. I really can't wait for it to finish... Right Kaichi?.... Kaichi?

- Not as if I care.

- Then why-oh there he goes.

- What's your deal?

- Oh Kaichi.

- Don't use my name so casually as if we are friends. What's going on?

- If we aren't friends why would you care?

- I don't really care, just figured I'd ask.

- Everything is good.

- That's sounds so sarcastic, it's not even funny.

- If I told you what's wrong you wouldn't believe me so I'm not even gonna bother saying it. I'm fine, don't worry.

- Sure...

...

23rd October, 89th Autumn Festival

- Mom look at that!!

- Wait sweetie, don't run through the crowd like that!

.

- Woah, there's so many people, right Kaichi!

- I couldn't care less. I just want to get it over at once. I'm sick of standing here.

- Man you're no fun at all. Also, where is Leyce?

- How would I know that?

- I think he is supposed to bend with the crowd... So far, I guess he's doing good since no one saw him. Oh look, there's Akane!

- Oh hey you two! Has anyone seen Leyce?

- We were just talking about him... We didn't see him yet.

- This conversation didn't even start yet I'm already sick of it.

- Haha same as always aren't you Kaichi. Fine, you two will stand here?

- I think so, unless he wants to change place... I think we are supposed to move every 30 minutes.

- Not moving an inch, you can go wherever you want.

- Well there you have it.

- I'm worried about Leyce. If you see him, tell him that I was searching for him okay?

- Sure thing.

- I don't care.

...

- Jeez where is he.

- Where is who?

- OH MY GOD LEY-

- Keep it down idiot. We are supposed to be undercover.

- Wait... What's with hair?

- Uhm... I'm undercover?

- Yes I get that part... Why is it white??

- Because I dyed it?

- You are actually stupid there's no other explanation.

- Okay well, I went to dresser to get some casual clothes and after telling them about undercover thing they offered to dye my hair. It's not temporary so it's fine. It will last for 3 days.

- Oh magic dye? You should've said so. Still, you're supposed NOT to drag attention to yourself. Yet you're doing exactly that.

- Well whatever. You're looking like some sort of old witch.

- Excuse me??

- You're excused.

- I can't believe you.

- Psst, you two!

- Huh?

- Akane, I was told to tell you two to separate from each other.

- Oh sure, I'm sorry. Well there's that Le-... Huh?!! Leyce??

Where did he go-

This presence... Could it be?! What is she doing here? Why now?!