An Other Worlder (1)

Several hours whisked past in a blur. As I gathered my belongings, preparing to embark on my journey to school, I exited my room and embarked upon a solitary walk through the vacant corridor.

"It's been quiet today..." I mused aloud, the words softly punctuating the stillness. The once-familiar cadence of life within these walls seemed to have shifted inexplicably.

I remembered the time when my cousin was still a child. We would often play outside until we're tired. Over time, much like the others, her disposition underwent a subtle metamorphosis, a transformation coinciding with my own affliction of blindness. To clarify, my sentiments towards her remain untouched by animosity. Rather, I suspect her malleable nature might be the root cause—susceptible to the prevailing influence of those around her.

Children are easily influenced, which is why my cousin, who was once innocent, now exhibits a brattish demeanor.

"Speak of the devil..."

Abruptly, my steps came to a halt as I fixed my gaze upon the girl standing before me.

"Well, look who we have here," she quipped, her eyes narrowing in recognition.

Behind my mask, a perplexed expression was concealed, my head tilting slightly in response. "Is there a problem?" I inquired, my tone tinged with curiosity.

Out of nowhere, she hurled a glass in my direction. Naturally, I made no attempt to evade it, maintaining the facade of my blindness.

A resounding splash marked the glass's impact.

"Did I grant you the privilege of speech?" Her voice dripped with a glacial chill as her intent gaze zeroed in on my vague silhouette.

"...." I opted for silence in response.

"Humph!" With that exhalation of disdain, she pivoted, her countenance now turned away from my direction, her form beginning to recede into the distance.

Once her presence had fully dissipated, I extracted a cloth from my pocket, meticulously wiping away the remnants from my face.

"Annoying brat."

...

..

.

Some time later, within the academy's confines, I occupied a seat toward the rear of the classroom, my solitude my sole companion. Oblivious to the instructor's lecture unfolding before me, I maintained a facade of attention, my masked visage focused seemingly on the front.

"Ah... When might the opportunity to depart this realm present itself?" As my predominant concern occupied my musings, I scratched the back of my head in a mixture of irritation and contemplation.

"If only portals existed within this world... Such gateways could facilitate my journey to the other realm, where my alternate fragments are currently plotting their path."

When will they locate the elusive portals?

Riiing-!

Engrossed in my ruminations, the school bell's chime eventually resonated, signifying the conclusion of today's class.

"It's time to go..." Rising from my seat, I gathered my belongings, methodically packing them. I then departed, bound for the city. Mindful of evading areas where William might be lurking, I ensured a safe passage, ultimately removing my mask once beyond the school's confines.

"Hey there, lad!"

Upon reaching the city, a familiar voice called out to me from behind. Before I could even react, a hearty slap landed on my back, prompting a sudden fit of coughing.

"Must you always do that, Jack?"

Turning my head to the side, I narrowed my eyes in a frown at the man before me.

Black hair and warm brown eyes defined his appearance. Tall and lean, he possessed a subtle, observable muscular build beneath his shirt.

"Oho? Are you certain you wish to address me in that tone?" Jack's response carried a cheeky grin, an audacious challenge of sorts.

Bemused by his comment, I regarded him with a mixture of confusion and amusement.

With an unabashed grin, Jack extracted an object from his bag, extending it toward me.

"This... Ah!!?"

My initial inclination was to refuse, yet my recognition of the item altered my course.

It was the limited-edition action figure of my favorite character from the gacha game!

Eagerly, I accepted the action figure from him, hoisting it triumphantly into the air. "Thank you so much!" My smile expanded as I shifted my attention back to Jack.... Now, I feel really bad for the kid I murdered last week.

His reply was nonchalant. "No need to mention it. My girlfriend is the one you should be thanking."

"Ah... Miss Olivia?"

"Indeed. She happened to notice your elation when you managed to pull that character. So, upon spotting the action figure, she promptly procured it as a gesture of gratitude for your assistance the other day."

"I understand... I'll express my gratitude to her when the opportunity arises," I replied. "Perhaps tomorrow would be suitable, as I've a prior engagement with someone today..." I sighed deeply, the frustration palpable.

Amusement danced across Jack's features as he observed my demeanor. Propping his chin in his hand, he scrutinized me with an expectant glint in his eyes. "...A date, perchance?"

"I don't have a girlfriend."

My response was swift and unequivocal, leaving no room for doubt.

He regarded me in a prolonged silence before patting my shoulder in a consolatory manner. "Fret not, should you ever require counsel concerning matters of the heart, know that I stand ready to assist."

"As I've reiterated, I do not have a-"

My protest was cut short as he withdrew, punctuating his departure with a thumbs-up. "Until next time, lad!" His declaration preceded his swift pivot, signaling his departure.

"....."

Following a brief silence, I pivoted and resumed my stride.

Nestling the action figure within my bag, I exhaled audibly, a manifestation of my ongoing vexation.

As for the individual I'm scheduled to meet with today?

She happens to be the same girl who saw me murdering someone.

"How troublesome..."