『CHAPTER I』║ A New Opportunity ║『PART 2』

Sora remained on the rooftop for half an hour after the painful rejection. The sun was beginning to descend on the horizon, casting a golden light over the city of Tokyo. To him, however, the world seemed to have lost all its color. The cold evening breeze seemed to whisper to him in a cruel language he could not understand.

Sitting on the edge of the rooftop, Sora tried to process what had just happened. His mind was blank, like an empty canvas, while his heart felt like an icy stone in his chest. Shiori's words echoed in his head, repeated and distorted by pain and confusion.

Finally, he stood up, feeling the weight of sadness and defeat in every step he took. He headed for the stairs, resolutely taking the path back to the reality that had been so cruel to him. He didn't know what to make of his feelings, but one thing was clear: Shiori's rejection had changed everything.

As he left the high school and walked toward his apartment, Sora felt like a stranger in his own world. Every face he passed seemed alien, every sound, distant. The sky darkened, and with it, his hope and determination seemed to fade. Sora walked with slow, heavy steps, feeling each thump of her heart like an echo in her chest. 

The light from the streetlights was beginning to flicker on as she neared her destination. However a railroad crossing stood between him and his apartment, the rising barriers lowered with a metallic sound, indicating that a train was about to pass. Sora stopped along with other people waiting on the platform, all of them with an expression of resigned patience on their faces. The wait seemed endless to him, each second dragging on like an eternity.

As Sora tried to distract her mind from the emotional agony, her gaze strayed to the figure just ahead, on the other side of the barriers. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the person standing there. It was Shiori.

She was standing with a thoughtful expression on her face. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the others and the approaching train. Sora felt a pang of surprise and confusion to see her in that place, he remained motionless and heart racing. Shiori's presence on the other side of the barriers made him question whether he should approach her or simply ignore her. The seconds passed slowly and the distant sound of the train became more and more evident. Looking at Shiori from a distance, Sora was torn between doubt and the desire to approach.

─ Should I say something to her, or just let her go? ─ he thought, with the train getting closer and closer.

It was then that he saw Shiori take a step toward the caution barrier, crossing it without the slightest sign of stopping. Shiori's figure advanced with determination and an aura of desperation in her posture. Her movements were slow but steady, as if she was ready to face the oncoming train with speed.

Sora felt a jolt of panic run through her body. ─ No! ─ she thought in despair. Unable to bear the thought of what was about to happen, his mind cleared from the confusion and focused solely on Shiori's figure.

─ Shiori, stop it! ─ shouted Sora in his mind, while the barrier was still down and the train was getting closer and closer. With no time to think, Sora made a desperate decision. He ran towards Shiori with all his might, ignoring the danger posed by the speeding approaching train.

Time seemed to slow down as Sora moved forward, his mind filled with only one idea: Save her! As he neared her, he sensed that the train was only a few feet away. With a cry of desperation, he pushed Shiori out of the line of the train, hoping to save her from what would be a fatal fate.

However, the train was already too close. Despite his best efforts, Sora could not escape the train that was hurtling toward him. In an instant, reality turned gray and the deafening noise of the train enveloped everything. Sora felt a sharp pain and a sense of despair as he ceased to exist.

Shiori, stunned and teary-eyed, watched in horror as the tragedy unfolded before her eyes. Despair and regret mingled in her expression as she watched Sora, who lay on the ground, severely injured. The train continued on its way, leaving behind it a trail of devastation.

The scene became a whirlwind of chaos and tears. Shiori knelt beside Sora, her face pale and her hands trembling as she tried to help him. Sora, with an expression of pain and resignation, looked at Shiori with his last vestiges of life.

─ I'm sorry... I... didn't mean for this to happen. ─sighed Sora, her voice weak and breathy.

Shiori, with tears in her eyes and palpable anguish, gripped Sora's hand tightly, whispering words of regret and sorrow.

─ I'm sorry, Sora...I'm so sorry.

The lights of the station faded into the background as Sora's world slowly faded away. In that last instant, as life slipped away from him, the pain of rejection and despair mingled with the relief of having done the right thing, to save his beloved.

. . .

In a cold and desolate place, Sora opened his eyes, only to find the infinite darkness surrounding him. Little by little, his body seemed to fade away, as he struggled to comprehend his surroundings. He tried to scream with all his might, but only silence answered him.

The silence was absolute, broken only by the echo of his thoughts. Sora, shocked and confused, screamed at the top of his lungs in a desperate attempt to understand his situation.

- Why do I still feel my body?! -his voice echoed in the void, but there was no answer, only the echo of his own words. The cold became more intense, and despair grew in his chest.

As he tried to analyze the situation, a question formed in his mind, almost like a whisper of doubt: Wait! Wasn't he dead?

- Is this... death? -he wondered, his mind in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Slowly, a small light began to enter his eyes, dispelling the darkness. As the light intensified, Sora felt a warm sense of peace and tranquility, very different from the cold and despair before. In that instant she saw an infinite white landscape, with nothing around her. The place conveyed an absolute calm.

Suddenly, he turned his head and saw an old man in a white but very bright attire. The figure of the old man was indescribable, radiating a serenity and wisdom that Sora had never experienced before.

- Where am I? Also, who are you? -Sora asked, his voice soft and trembling.

The old man smiled with patience and wisdom, his eyes reflecting infinite calm.

- You are in the "Third Heaven", Sora," said the old man in a soft and deep voice.

Sora felt a shiver run through her body. The old man's words echoed in her mind.

- What? -Sora thought, unable to fully process what she was hearing.

The old man continued, his tone serene and full of understanding.

- "Besides, I am the one you call 'The Creator,'" he said, his words laden with unwavering certainty.

Sora gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. A million thoughts swirled in her mind, trying to find a logical explanation.

- What!!! -Sora exclaimed, her voice full of disbelief. - You're kidding, right? You can't be God, because God doesn't exist. It's just a belief that the ancestors invented in order to explain the origin of the universe.

The old man looked at Sora with an expression of deep understanding and compassion.

- The vast majority of human beings do not believe in me. But I exist and I am very real. -said the old man, his eyes fixed on Sora.

Sora was silent, trying to take in what the old man was saying. His thoughts were intertwined with memories of his life, his doubts and his beliefs. He was a rational young man, always looking for logical and scientific answers to the mysteries of life. And now, here he was, standing in front of a figure who claimed to be the Creator, in a place that defied all logic and human understanding.

- If you really are the Creator," said Sora slowly, searching for the right words. - Then why am I here, what is the purpose of all this, why did I have to die like this?

The old man kept his gaze serene and responded with a voice full of wisdom and compassion.

- You are here because your sacrifice was an act of pure and selfless love. Your life in the earthly world is over, but your spirit has much to learn and understand. In this place, you will have the opportunity to explore the depths of your soul, to find answers to your questions and to discover the true purpose of your existence.

- And Shiori? -Sora asked, his voice cracking. - Is she well?

The old man nodded, his expression calm.

- Shiori is alive, thanks to your brave act. Her path still continues in the world of the living.

Sora felt a tear roll down her cheek, but it was not one of sadness. It was a tear of acceptance and understanding. As she gazed at the white landscape and the kind face of the old man, she began to feel that, although her earthly life was over, she sensed that something new was to come.

- Here, in heaven, you will have the opportunity to observe and understand the impact of your sacrifice, and perhaps find a way to make peace with your own heart. -said the Elder in a soothing voice. - Or well, I would like to say so, but I have other plans for you.

- Other plans? What should I do now? -Sora asked, his voice full of determination.

- I know you're a shy and antisocial boy, and that's why you've had a very boring life. But, even though I have a bad record of you, I would never have imagined that you would sacrifice your life for a girl who rejected you. -said the Creator.

Sora lowered his head, feeling a mixture of shame and sadness. Remembering Shiori's rejection still hurt, but his determination to save her had been instinctive and sincere.

- Well... Even though she rejected me, I didn't want her to die in front of my eyes," Sora replied in a trembling voice.

The Creator nodded, his eyes shining with a warm, serene light.

- Well, that is why I have made a decision," he said, his tone taking on a tinge of solemnity.

Sora looked up, her eyes full of curiosity and hope.

- What? What do you mean? -she asked, trying to imagine what the Creator might have decided.

The Creator smiled, a smile that radiated wisdom and love. -I have decided to reward your decision and courage.

- Y... How would I do that? -Sora asked, her voice reflecting a mixture of anticipation and doubt.

The Creator raised a hand, and suddenly, the white landscape began to change. Images of unknown worlds, full of wonder and mystery, appeared before Sora's eyes.

- To begin with, you have two choices," said the Creator, his voice echoing in the air. - The first is to reincarnate in another world, and you will start your new life from scratch.

Sora stared at the images, fascinated and astonished. Fantasy worlds, with magical creatures, vast landscapes and unimaginable adventures unfolded before him. It was a chance to start anew, to leave his dull and timid life behind and live an existence full of excitement and discovery.

- And what is the second option? -Sora asked curiously.

The Creator gestured, and the images faded away, leaving the white, peaceful landscape again.

-The second option is to return to your previous life, with a second chance to live it in a different way," the Creator explained. - You will be able to resume your life from the moment you were hit by the train, but with the knowledge and experience you have gained up to this point. However, there is a problem.

Sora frowned, feeling a knot of worry form in his stomach.

- Problem? What problem? -she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

The Creator paused, as if carefully choosing his words.

- You will be reincarnated as a girl," he finally said, his voice steady and serene.

- What, why a girl, I'm a man! -Sora exclaimed.

- I can only transform your body, but not your personality," explained the Creator. It would be useless for me to give you a perfect body if you continue with that attitude.

Sora tried to assimilate what the Creator was saying, but the words seemed to make no sense.

- However, if you reincarnate as a woman, you will experience new things. And I have a feeling that your attitude and personality will change. Besides, no one will be able to recognize and discover that you were Kuroi Sora. -continued the Creator, his tone full of wisdom.

Sora remained silent, trying to understand the logic behind the proposal.

- But why me, I don't think I'm the first person to meet God. -He finally said, his voice reflecting a mixture of curiosity and desperation.

- You're absolutely right, you're not the first. Many people before you decided to be reincarnated. -said the Creator.

Sora felt a spark of hope, but also a shadow of doubt.

- But none of them succeeded in fulfilling the one condition, so they simply disappear and no one remembers them. -Said the Creator, his voice taking on a tinge of sadness.

Sora felt a shiver run down her spine.

- What do you mean they disappear and no one remembers them? -she asked, her mind racing with questions and fears.

The Creator paused.

- There is a condition for being reincarnated into your world," he finally said, his voice filled with a gravity that made Sora feel the weight of his words.

- Condition? What? -Sora asked, his voice trembling.

- No one must discover that you were once Kuroi Sora, otherwise I will erase your existence from all who knew you," said the Creator, his voice grave and serious.

I'm a little afraid of disappearing. ─ thought Sora, feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach. ─ But at the same time, I'm very curious to know what happens after my supposed "death".

Sora took a deep breath, making a firm decision in her mind.

- I choose the second option, I will reincarnate as a girl. This time I will take advantage of all the time I wasted in these 17 years," she said, her voice full of determination.

The Creator nodded, his expression showing approval and respect.

- It's your decision, and I respect it.... -He said in a voice that resonated with wisdom and understanding, "Since you will be a girl, I will have to give you a new name.

The Creator stood thoughtfully for a moment, his eyes shining with an eternal light.

- I know! Your name will be Miyuki Shiro," he announced with a smile.

Sora, now Miyuki, nodded slowly.

- Well, it sounds pretty good," she said, testing the new name on her lips.

The Creator continued, his tone full of generosity.

- Also, I'll gift you some money so you can start this new life," he said, extending his hand towards Sora.

- Thank you very much for everything, but why are you giving me so many gifts? -asked Sora.

The Creator smiled with a fatherly warmth.

-Have you forgotten already? Today is your birthday, and as the father of all human beings, it is my duty," he replied.

Sora was deeply moved by the realization that it was his birthday.

-Remember, Sora, this is a new opportunity for you. Seize every moment and live with an open heart," said the Creator, his voice ringing with quiet authority.

Sora nodded, feeling renewed hope and purpose.

-I will, I promise," she said, her voice firm and full of determination.

The Creator reached out his hand, and as he touched Sora, a bright light enveloped her, filling her with comforting warmth. The celestial landscape began to fade, as he sensed that his new life was about to begin. The calm white world disappeared, giving way to a new reality.

. . .

Sora awoke slowly, his senses disoriented. He opened his eyes and found himself looking up at the sky, he was sitting, resting on a tree trunk. Turning his head, he realized he was in a temple near his apartment.

- What... What happened to me? -Sora muttered, trying to focus his vision.

She looked around, noticing the traditional architecture of the temple.

Suddenly, memories came back to him all at once. He remembered the accident at the train crossing, and how he had died saving Shiori. He also remembered the old man who claimed to be God and who had offered him a second chance.

-Wait, I didn't die! -he exclaimed. - Besides, why did I dream of that old man who claimed to be God?

He stood up suddenly, and that's when he noticed something different.

- Why does my voice sound higher? -she said, putting a hand to her throat. 

- And why do I have breasts? -She looked down and saw that her body had changed drastically. Her hair was long and silver-colored, and her figure was clearly feminine.

- Now I understand... It wasn't a dream, I really was reincarnated as a girl. -He said, still in shock.

She got up slowly, wobbling a little as she tried to get used to her new body.

- Although it may not seem like it, I'm finding it very difficult to control this new body," he thought aloud.

Suddenly, he remembered something important.

- God promised to give me money, but where is it? -he said, looking around.

He began to look around the temple, checking every nook and cranny. Finally, he noticed a small bulge in his trouser pocket. He reached in and pulled out a wad of bills.

- What's this bulge in my pants? -he wondered. Ah, it's the money. Let's see how much he gave me so I can "survive".

He quickly counted the bills and his eyes widened in surprise.

- 3,000,000 yen! What do I need so much money for?! -he exclaimed, in disbelief.

Digging deeper into his pockets, he found his cell phone. He turned it on and saw that the date and time were the same as before the accident.

- It's Friday... No time at all has passed while I was talking to God! -he said, surprised. - It's as if it all happened in an instant.

He took a moment to process everything. He knew there was no point in complaining, as the gift and this new opportunity he had been given, was a light in his life.

- Well... I'd better not complain, as this will benefit me a lot," he said, putting the money and cell phone away carefully.

As he looked around, he felt a whirlwind of emotions. The life he had known was behind him, and now he faced an uncertain future with a heart that beat with a mixture of hope and determination. Her past, with all its wounds and memories, had been left behind in the sky, and now she had a chance to start anew in a world that, though familiar, was also completely new to her.

- This is the moment," she murmured to herself, her words filled with quiet resolve. - From now on, I am Miyuki Shiro. This is my chance to reinvent myself, to seek a life that is truly my own.

She stood up and walked to the steps at the entrance of the temple, where the evening light filtered through the trees. He surveyed the city stretching into the distance, an ocean of lit buildings and streets that seemed to promise endless possibilities. Every corner of the city seemed to be filled with the promise of adventure, challenges and experiences he had never known before.

- My new life begins here," he continued, his voice now firmer and full of determination. - I want to do something with this opportunity I have been given. I want to live every day with passion, to learn from every experience. This time, I'm going to seize every moment.

Next Chapter:

"ADAPTATION: A Step Into The Unknown."