StygianNight

Reina Saeki is a teenage genius obsessed with the mysteries of the universe, spending her days in the quiet of her lab, chasing big questions that most adults can’t even dream of. But despite her sharp mind, Reina has trouble with one big mystery: people. Known as the “Ice Queen” by her classmates, Reina feels more comfortable with science than socializing, often avoiding others and coming across as cold and unapproachable.

That begins to change when her younger brother, Hiro, nudges her to try being a little friendlier. Soon, Reina’s small attempts to connect start drawing a few classmates closer to her—especially Himari, who admires her intelligence; Ayumi, who’s full of energy; and Kaito, a calm artist with a thoughtful nature. Little by little, Reina learns that making friends isn’t as simple as solving a problem. It’s messy, awkward, and sometimes confusing, but it’s also rewarding in ways she never expected.

As Reina’s personal journey unfolds, she realizes that understanding the people around her is just as meaningful as exploring the universe. Kodoku na Uchū no Kodomo is a heartfelt story of friendship, growth, and the challenges of opening up to others in a world that can feel as vast and unknown as outer space.

A Lonely Child of Space

[Scene: Academy Hallway, Lunchtime]

Reina walked through the hallway, carrying a small vial filled with a newly synthesized liquid chemical. It had taken her weeks of careful experimentation, precise measurements, and costly materials to create. She had just confirmed its stability and was heading back to her lab to store it safely.

Everything was going fine. Until—

The impact wasn't hard, but it was enough.

The vial slipped from her fingers.

The clear, viscous liquid splattered onto the floor. Some of it seeped into the nearby sink and immediately disappeared down the drain.

Then, slowly, she turned her head to see the culprit—Masaki, the cooking club president, standing there, looking horrified.

Masaki: "Oh—oh crap! I-I'm so sorry! I didn't see you—"

Reina wasn't yelling. She wasn't even glaring.

It was a look none of them had ever seen before.

Masaki took a step back, swallowing nervously.

Masaki: ("Oh no. I've done it. I've actually done it. I've seen death.")

Reina: (Calm, but with an eerie stillness) "...Do you have any idea what you just did?"

Reina: "That was a chemical that took me weeks to make. It cost me half my funds. And now it's gone."

Masaki: ("Oh god, oh god, oh god—")

Reina: "Not only that… it's now in the drain."

Reina took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, they were still terrifyingly empty.

Reina: "Clean it. Sanitize every part of the sink and the drain. Now."

Masaki: "Y-yes! I-I'll do it right now! Right away! No problem at all!!"

A gentle voice cut through the tension.

The principal of the academy, a kind and elegant woman, had arrived. She observed the situation with a calm gaze, immediately noting Reina's uncharacteristic expression and Masaki's absolute panic.

Principal: "Reina? You look… upset."

Reina: (Still eerily calm) "Masaki spilled a hazardous chemical down the drain."

Masaki: "I-I didn't mean to! I swear! I just—"

Principal: "I see. That is quite serious."

Masaki: ("I'm dead. I'm actually dead.")

But instead of scolding him, the principal turned back to Reina.

Principal: "Shall I call the janitors to assist with the cleanup?"

Reina hesitated. She knew the janitors would be thorough, but she didn't trust just anyone to handle it properly.

Principal: (Smiling warmly) "Of course. I'll make sure they bring the right equipment."

Masaki: ("Wait, she's smiling? Why does it feel even scarier??")

The principal turned to Masaki with a gentle but firm tone.

Principal: "Masaki-kun, I believe you should assist as well. It's only fair."

Masaki: "Y-yes! Absolutely! Whatever it takes!"

Reina simply stared at him for another few seconds before turning around.

She walked off, leaving Masaki standing there, feeling like he had just barely escaped an execution.

Rika (from the side, whispering to Daiki): "I have never seen Reina that pissed off before."

Daiki: "Honestly? I didn't think she could get mad."

Tsubasa: "Masaki, bro, you're lucky to be alive."

Masaki groaned, rubbing his temples.

Masaki: "Someone please just bury me now…"

The Chemical Catastrophe: Masaki’s Brush with Death