Yusuke's school life was lonely, but his colony was a different world. Here, he wasn't just the quiet, nerdy kid—he was part of something bigger.
The colony had around 10 to 12 kids of different ages. Among them were two seniors, Takumi and Haruto, who were in 11th grade and acted as the "big brothers" of the group. Then there were the two sisters—Akari, a 9th grader, and Mei, who was in 5th. A boy named Daigo, who was in 7th grade, often tried to act like the leader among the younger ones.
The rest were younger kids, including four little girls who sometimes joined their games. Yusuke wasn't sure why, but whenever he played with them, he felt a different kind of happiness—something innocent and pure, like childhood was meant to be.
Out of all the games they played—tag, dodgeball, racing—there was one they never got tired of: Hide and Seek.
The Colony's Playground
Their colony was the perfect playground. Narrow alleyways, parked scooters, trees, and—most importantly—the old wooden building.
The two-floor structure was abandoned long ago. Once a community hall, it was now a dusty, creaky hideout for the kids. The broken wooden stairs, the empty rooms, and the attic filled with forgotten junk made it both terrifying and thrilling. It was their ultimate Hide and Seek battlefield.
Every evening, right after school, the kids gathered in front of Yusuke's house.
"Who's the seeker today?" Haruto asked, cracking his knuckles.
"Not me!" Daigo quickly backed away.
"Yusuke should do it!" Akari smirked.
Yusuke sighed. "Fine. But next round, someone else."
He leaned against the wall, covering his eyes.
"One… two… three…"
The sound of hurried footsteps filled the air as everyone scattered. Some ran toward the old wooden building, while others hid behind walls, trees, or inside parked auto-rickshaws.
The Thrill of the Chase
"Forty-eight… forty-nine… fifty! Here I come!"
Yusuke opened his eyes and scanned the area. Everything seemed quiet, but he knew better.
He started moving, checking the usual hiding spots. Behind the bushes? Nothing. Near the park? No one.
Then, a tiny giggle slipped from behind a parked cycle.
"Found you, Nao!"
The little girl pouted but ran back to the base.
Next, Yusuke turned toward the wooden building. He knew most of the older kids liked hiding there.
Creeeak…
The wooden floor groaned under his feet as he stepped inside. Dust floated in the air, making the dim light look hazy. He climbed the rickety stairs, his ears sharp for any movement.
Then—"Gotcha!"
"Aghh! Damn it!" Daigo groaned as Yusuke pulled him out from behind a wooden cabinet.
One by one, he found the others—Akari, Haruto, Takumi—until only Mei was left.
"Where is she?"
The group gathered near the base, puzzled. They searched again—behind doors, under the stairs, even on the roof. Nothing.
Then, suddenly, a voice came from above.
"Looking for me?"
Everyone turned. Mei was perched on the wooden railing of the second floor, grinning.
"How did you get up there?!"
She laughed and slid down a thick wooden beam, landing perfectly. "Secret."
Everyone groaned in defeat.
The Best Days
Every evening was the same—laughter, shouts, and endless games. Sundays were even better, with no school to interrupt their adventures.
For Yusuke, these moments were precious. In school, he was just a quiet nerd. But here, he was one of them—laughing, running, and living in the moment.
And for the first time in his life, he felt truly happy.