2.Where am I?

The laughter froze. Even the air felt heavier. Haruka was standing there, arms crossed, eyeing them like a teacher catching students after they shattered the classroom whiteboard.

!!!

Visitors began to stare, especially since all five girls were now kneeling awkwardly on the ground, heads bowed, trying to explain themselves in the most ridiculous way.

Haruka:

"Whose brilliant idea was this outlaw field trip?"

Instantly—like a synchronized choir—the other four pointed straight at Himari.

Himari's eyes flew open, scandalized:

"Me? After all I've given? After all I've sacrificed?! I thought we were family… not backstabbers!"

Yui whispered to Katrina:

"I swear she's been rehearsing this monologue at home…"

Mai replied flatly:

"Obviously… she's just missing the fake tears."

Haruka closed her eyes slowly, inhaled deeply, then said:

"Alright… after today, the five of you are officially banned from planning anything without a legal guardian present."

Sabrina muttered under her breath:

"But it would have been a good plan if Himari hadn't ruined it…"

And just like that, the adventure ended—not like any ordinary trip… but a beautiful mess that only happens when your best friends have the heart of kids and the soul of a chaotic sitcom.

•••

20:33 PM

As the car glided gently down a long, quiet road, the cool breeze brushing against their faces, Katrina sat browsing the photos on her phone—random moments, yet warm snapshots of their chaotic day at the amusement park. Her finger stopped on one image of Himari hugging Yui—cheeks nearly squished together. Himari's smile was pure and innocent… while Yui's expression was pure confusion, mouth slightly open like she'd been ambushed.

Katrina (light chuckle):

"Yui, in this pic you look like someone just declared war, not hugged you."

Yui (softly grumbling):

"Wasn't it war? It was a trap! I swear I lost feeling in my cheek…"

The next photo showed Katrina standing confidently while Sabrina lounged behind her, arms draped over Katrina's shoulders, flashing a proud victory sign as if she'd just won a global award. Katrina, below, mirrored the peace sign but with a sarcastic expression like: "I'm just the model here."

Sabrina (quietly, looking at the picture):

"This one needs to be printed and hung above my bed… or Katrina's desk. A daily reminder of who the real leader is."

Katrina (dryly):

"My 'leader'—who lost three times in a row at the shooting game today? For sure…"

A soft round of laughter rolled through the back of the car. Then came the next photo—Mai and Haruka, quietly smiling, as if they were the only sane characters in a movie full of lunatics.

Then… the big one. Chaos, in one frame.

Yui's nose and one eye were comically close to the lens. In the background, Himari and Sabrina were wrestling over hair like it held some kind of magical power. Haruka looked at them with a "why am I the only adult here" expression. And Katrina and Mai? Mai was holding a bag of chips while Katrina begged for one—completely unfazed by the disaster behind them.

Mai (in her usual deadpan tone):

"Lucky I was far from the frontline…"

Himari (up front, driving with the pride of a champion):

"But the pic turned out great, right? Like… stylish chaos. Make it aesthetic."

Haruka (arms crossed, watching the road with exasperation):

"Eyes on the road, you idiot."

Himari pouted. Sabrina laughed.

The car continued on its way, the full moon glowing above like a lantern in the sky, stars twinkling gently. It was like a watercolor painting—calm, soft, and still—after a day filled with screams, laughter, and chases. There was no music playing…

But the laughter, the looks, and the snapshots were enough to create a melody they'd never forget.

As the car quietly slid along the dimly lit road, beneath distant streetlights, Katrina sat in the back seat, head tilted toward the window, eyes scanning the passing houses as if searching for something lost in the shadows. The breeze tousled her golden-blonde hair, but her face remained still—features lost in thought, drenched in a heavy silence.

Sabrina, sitting next to her, had noticed. She leaned in slightly, cautiously, as if afraid to disturb Katrina's daydream.

Sabrina (softly):

"Kat… What's wrong? You're spacing out like you saw a ghost or something."

Katrina shook her head, eyes still fixed on the window.

Katrina (quiet, husky tone):

"It's nothing…"

That "nothing" was packed with everything.

Sabrina's gaze didn't fool her—Katrina knew her well, and understood there was something swirling in her head… and that she just needed time.

Sabrina (sighs, then with a forced smile):

"So, do I have to pry it out of you? Fine… I won't bug you. But you know…"

(Suddenly throws her arms around Katrina in a tight, unexpected hug)

"If you don't snap out of that daydream… I swear I'm never letting go. I'll force you to marry me."

Katrina raised an eyebrow and let out a soft, sarcastic laugh. But she didn't resist the hug. In fact, she melted into it quietly, resting her head slightly on Sabrina's shoulder.

Katrina (with a small smirk):

"Is that a threat… or are you confessing your feelings?"

Sabrina (chuckling):

"Both. Who says I can't mix friendship and intimidation?"

Katrina (mock serious):

"Weird… I always thought violence was your love language."

Sabrina:

"Really? Want me to strangle you right now? 'Cause I totally can."

Katrina laughed again, that soft little laugh she didn't share with many people… but Sabrina always knew how to bring it out.

Katrina (muttering):

"Sometimes you're so annoying… but like, in a comforting way."

Sabrina (confidently):

"I know… and I love being that. For you."

At that moment, time seemed to pause a little. The car rolled on, the breeze played with their hair, and the sky prepared for a calm night.

Katrina, despite everything, felt a warm ease settle in her chest.

She hadn't said what was bothering her…

But Sabrina's hug, her dumb-smart comments, pulled the anxiety a few steps back.

And so… the conversation went on. As always.

Light. Sarcastic. Intimate.

Exactly how friendship should feel—like family.

•••

While Katrina and Sabrina were still chatting, Yui chimed in and clumsily threw herself into the hug, turning it into a messy, giggly group squeezed in the backseat.

Katrina laughed with them—until something tugged at her chest. A sudden, sharp twist of dread.

She blinked several times and tried to shake it off.

Katrina (murmuring to herself):

"No… no… just my imagination."

But before she could chase the thought further…

Another laugh from Yui snapped her back.

And Katrina's mind suddenly jumped—

Back to the amusement park.

One moment in particular…

---

In her memory, the lights were vivid and colorful. Laughter filled the air.

Yui, Mai, Himari, and Sabrina were all sprinting through the crowd, giggling like maniacs, trying to escape Haruka, who chased after them furiously after they tricked her in the haunted house.

Katrina had been running too—but then, suddenly, she stopped.

Her sneakers landed square on a glowing patch of neon light.

She slowly lifted her head and looked around…

Five kids darted past, balloons in hand, laughing.

Mothers chatting with each other.

Fathers carrying toys and snacks.

And people in cosplay outfits, spreading joy.

But what caught her eye…

A tall man—with silver hair streaked in faint blue—talking to a shorter girl with a high ponytail of brown hair, strands of blue falling loosely from it.

They looked… not of this world. Like cosplay—but no.

There was something off about them. A weird familiarity.

Katrina stared at them, frozen.

But then her friends' voices yanked her back—

"Katriiiina! Come on before Haruka catches us!"

She looked back at the pair one last time—their faces still unclear. Just a lingering sense, a strange whisper in her head.

Then she ran to rejoin her friends.

---

Back in the present, the car moved along quietly.

Katrina gasped lightly, like she had just awoken from a dream.

She glanced at Yui and Sabrina—both had noticed the change in her face.

Yui (softly, concerned):

"Kato? You alright?"

Sabrina (leaning in):

"Girl, you look pale… did you remember something?"

Katrina blinked hard, then shook her head.

Katrina:

"Just an old memory… I don't know why it came back right now."

But the answer wasn't the full truth.

Something inside her felt… off. A blend of nostalgia, curiosity, and fear.

She forced a smile.

Katrina:

"Don't worry. I'm fine. But if I space out again—give me a good jolt, okay?"

Sabrina (mocking):

"Oh no, I'm keeping you in my lap for five extra minutes every time it happens!"

They all burst out laughing again as a soft breeze danced through the car, and night fell gently on a day they'd never forget.

---

At exactly 8:45 PM

The mood inside the car was cozy—a mix of chatter, teasing, and easy laughter.

Katrina sat quietly, arms crossed, her eyes fixed on the road ahead with a strange, solemn focus.

Then… it hit.

A wave of unease. Strong. Unexplainable. Like something had shifted.

The world outside didn't feel right anymore.

She snapped her head up—face tense, eyes wide.

Katrina (anxious whisper):

"Himari… pull over. Now."

Himari (confused):

"Huh? Why? What's wrong?"

Katrina (fidgeting in her seat):

"This isn't our road… we're not supposed to be here… something's wrong… I don't even think we're in our world anymore."

Silence.

The girls' faces turned from confusion to concern.

Sabrina quickly slid into the front seat beside Katrina, gripping her shoulders gently.

Sabrina (softly, calming):

"Kat… breathe. Maybe you're just stressed. We're all here, it's fine."

But Katrina wasn't fine.

Her breath came fast and hard, eyes darting around the street like she was searching for something invisible.

Katrina (nearly choking on the words):

"It's not fine… I feel it… the same feeling I had back at the park… those two… the man with silver and blue hair, the girl with the ponytail… I didn't see their faces, but… I know they're not right… I felt it."

Yui leaned forward, her expression serious.

Yui:

"Katrina… are you sure you saw them? Did you see their faces?"

Katrina (shaking):

"No, but I felt them. Like they were a mistake. Like they didn't belong in this world…"

Before anyone could respond, Himari let out a gasp.

A faint yellow light was blinking on the dashboard.

Himari (shocked):

"The icon… turtle mode?! The car… it's not working!"

She twisted the wheel in panic—but the tires skidded, metal groaned—

Then, BAM—the car slammed into the guardrail with violent force.

Screams.

Glass shattered.

Hearts raced.

And then—

Silence.

In that silence… only Katrina's heartbeat remained.

Fast. Loud. Terrified.

She didn't pass out. She was there.

And in her mind, just one thought:

"Everything here is wrong."

The air was filled with blaring sirens and flashing lights, chaos echoing all around.

But above Katrina… the sky remained calm. Still.

As if it didn't know a disaster had just shattered the earth below.

Katrina lay sprawled across the cold asphalt, her body heavy with pain, her blood mixing with the dirt.

Her eyes, half-lidded, stared up at the heavens…

A full moon sat high on its throne of stars, offering her silent comfort.

Katrina (in her head, breathing heavily):

"The sky… why is it so beautiful? I should've admired it when I was okay… not like this…"

She turned her head slowly, barely able to move…

Her hand brushed against the ground—

Then she gasped sharply, stifling the sound when she saw Sabrina, her closest friend, soaked in blood.

Her face was tilted to the side, hair stained red… her body motionless.

Katrina (hoarse voice):

"S-Sabrina… Sabr… Sabrina!"

She dragged herself forward, ignoring the stabbing pain in her ribs.

Her eyes widened as she saw Yui too—

Her jacket was torn, unconscious.

Katrina (voice trembling):

"Yui… Yui, p-please… wake up…"

She scanned around for the others—and froze in horror.

Mai and Haruka were collapsed near the car, their faces pale, bodies covered in wounds.

Katrina (sobbing in fear, shaking her head):

"No… not like this… not you guys… we won… we were just laughing… why?!"

Her eyes flicked toward the car—

Inside, Himari was still strapped in her seatbelt, her head leaning to the side, shards of glass covering her face.

No movement. No sound.

Katrina didn't give up.

She bit her lip hard and reached into her pocket with shaking hands.

Her phone—cracked, broken—but still barely alive.

She pulled it out, turned on her side, and placed it gently on the ground.

The first name in her contacts list popped up:

"Mama ❤️"

With trembling fingers, she tapped "Call."

The wait wasn't long.

Mother's voice (panicked, desperate):

"Katrina?! Katrina, my baby, what happened?! Where are you?! Are you okay?!"

Katrina couldn't answer right away.

Her lips were shaking, her nose was stuffed, her tears fell for the first time—like she hadn't cried since birth.

She sobbed like a child, her voice choked.

Katrina (weeping, struggling to speak):

"M-Mama… there was a crash… we… the girls… they're not okay…"

Mother (screaming):

"Oh God… oh my God! Katrina, listen to me! Don't go quiet, talk to me! I'm on my way to you, baby—don't be scared—I'm with you… don't hang up!"

From the other end, Katrina could hear her mom yelling:

"Call an ambulance!! Send the location now! Katrina's in critical condition! Hurry!!"

But Katrina's vision was blurring—everything around her was fading into fog.

The sounds grew faint… her body is heavier…

Yet somehow, she could still hear her mother's whisper through the chaos:

"I'm coming, my love. I won't leave you. Just talk to me… a few more seconds, please!"

She knew time was running out. Her eyelids were growing heavier.

And just before she gave in…

She whispered with cracked breath, pure from the heart—for the first time:

"I love you, Mama… and I love Dad… and my sisters…

Thank you… for everything."

Then…

She closed her eyes.

Mother (screaming through the phone):

"Katrina!!! Katrina!!! Noooo!! Don't hang up!! Talk to me!! KATRINAAAAA!!"

But Katrina… was gone.

She didn't reply.

Yet fate still hoped this wouldn't be the end…

And the sky… remained beautiful.

Cruel.

But beautiful.

•••

In a pitch-black void with no trace of light… Katrina existed.

No walls.

No ceiling.

No floor.

Just an endless, suffocating darkness.

She tried to open her eyes—

But they didn't respond.

It felt like they'd been sewn shut with invisible threads.

Not painful… but strange. Paralyzing.

She tried to move her hand. Her leg. Even a finger.

But her body was like stone.

Cold.

Still.

Lifeless… yet alive.

> "What's happening…? Why can't I move? Where am I?!"

She screamed inside her mind—

Her voice echoed like someone lost in a deep well.

Then she began to hear it…

Sounds.

Faint and distant.

As though they came from behind a closed door.

Soft crying.

Broken. Hesitant.

Growing louder… until she recognized it.

It was her mother's voice.

> "Katrina… Katrina, please wake up… don't leave me like this…"

Her voice was fractured, shattered like glass under a child's foot.

Then came another voice—her father's.

> "Larissa, please… don't cry. The doctor said they're trying…"

But his voice wasn't strong. It was raw—like he'd already cried for hours, and was only speaking now to keep his wife from collapsing.

Katrina realized, all at once.

The smell—

That metallic tinge mixed with disinfectant.

The sound of machines.

Breathing tubes. IV drips.

A hospital room.

She was in a hospital.

But why?

When?

She didn't know.

She couldn't remember.

All she felt was the terrifying stillness inside her own body—

And the life buzzing around her that she couldn't touch.

Then…

Someone entered.

Fast footsteps.

The whisper of a white coat.

A doctor.

> "Doctor! Why won't she wake up?! Why won't my daughter wake up?!"

Her mother's voice—sharp and broken, like a knife.

Silence.

Then the doctor answered.

His tone professional, but heavy with sorrow:

> "She's… fallen into a coma. A deep one. The duration… we can't be sure.

Maybe two months… maybe more."

Katrina froze inside.

She wanted to scream.

> "I hear you! I'm right here! I'm awake! Don't leave!!"

But no sound came.

Only her mind.

Her soul, trapped in a prison of flesh and nerves.

She felt her mother's footsteps draw near again.

Her sobs as she clutched Katrina's hand.

> "Katrina… my little girl… please, come back to me…"

Every word sliced through Katrina's heart.

She wanted to cry back.

To beg.

> "Mama… I'm here. Don't cry. I'm okay…

Just help me get out… Mamaaaa…!"

But again—

Nothing.

No voice.

No movement.

Then…

She felt it.

That strange sensation—

As if sleep was crawling up the back of her head, dragging her deeper into the dark.

> "No, no, no… nooo! I don't want to sleep! Please, someone… hold on to me…!"

She fought.

She tried.

But she failed.

Everything disappeared.

No sound.

No smell.

No feeling.

As if the world had closed its final door on her.

•••

In the depths of vast space—where no sound exists but the whispers of distant stars—beauty floats in every direction. Colors blend like an eternal painting: deep blues melting into pale purples, shooting stars dancing like they're writing poems in the void, and galaxies glittering like lost jewels in a sea with no end. The scene was enchanting, like a living dream—like a place no human should ever witness.

Then suddenly… a whisper. Not from outside, but from deep within the mind.

"Where am I?"

To be continued…