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: Reina's Lab, Late Afternoon]

The faint hum of machinery filled the lab, a steady, familiar sound that usually brought Reina comfort. But today, even that did little to ease the heaviness pressing against her chest.

She sat at her desk, fingers lightly resting on the surface, eyes unfocused. The shattered vial, the lost chemical, the moment it all slipped away—she replayed it in her mind over and over.

The door opened, and Himari stepped inside, carrying a small bag. She closed the door behind her gently, taking in the sight of Reina sitting still, almost motionless.

Himari sighed, walking over and placing the bag on the table before pulling up a chair.

Himari: "I saw your face earlier. You weren't angry, were you?"

Reina blinked slowly, as if the thought hadn't even crossed her mind.

Himari: "You weren't mad at Masaki. You were just… upset."

Reina finally turned her head slightly, meeting Himari's gaze.

Reina: "But… I wasn't actually angry?"

Reina looked down at her hands, her fingers lightly curling against the desk.

Reina: "...Then why did I feel like that?"

Himari: "Because you lost something important to you. And you didn't know what to do about it."

Reina let those words sink in. She had been so sure it was frustration, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized—Himari was right.

The loss of her research. The feeling of helplessness as it vanished down the drain. The uncertainty of what to do next.

Her voice had simply carried that weight on its own.

Reina: "But I didn't want him to get hurt."

Reina: "...I don't know what I should've done instead."

Himari: "That's okay. You don't have to have all the answers."

Reina let out a quiet breath, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

Himari reached into the bag she brought, pulling out a small wrapped package.

Himari: "I figured you'd forget to eat, so I brought snacks."

Reina: ("She really does know me too well.")

Reina hesitated for a moment before taking the package. She unwrapped it carefully, revealing a small, neatly made sandwich. She took a small bite.

Himari: "Of course it is. I made it."

For the first time that day, Reina let out a small, quiet chuckle.

Unspoken Weights, Unseen Wounds