Chapter 5: A Glimmer of Hope

Rei's life had become a monotonous cycle of absorbing others' pain, leaving him emotionally drained and increasingly isolated. His classmates noticed his withdrawal, but none dared to approach him, sensing his inner turmoil.

One afternoon, as Rei sat alone in the school courtyard, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Mind if I join you?"

Looking up, he saw a girl with short black hair and a gentle smile.

"I'm Mei Nakamura," she continued, "I noticed you sitting alone and thought I'd keep you company."

Rei hesitated but nodded, grateful for the unexpected company.

Over the next few weeks, Mei made a concerted effort to befriend Rei. She invited him to study sessions, included him in group activities, and often sought him out during lunch breaks. Her attention was a balm to Rei's loneliness, and he began to open up, sharing fragments of his struggles—though he kept his supernatural ability a secret.

Mei's presence brought a sense of normalcy to Rei's life. She encouraged him to participate in class discussions, join extracurricular activities, and reconnect with his peers. Slowly, Rei began to feel a glimmer of hope, believing that perhaps he could find a way to manage his burdens and lead a more balanced life.

However, as Rei's trust in Mei deepened, he remained unaware of her true intentions. Mei had her own reasons for befriending him, reasons that were far from altruistic.