"Ahh!!" I shouted.
It was just a dream… but it felt so real. I glanced at my
hands, pinched myself, and—yup—it was just a dream. I laughed a little and
checked the time.
"OH, I'M LATE!!"
Panicked, I rushed to get dressed. My mom was cooking
breakfast in the kitchen, while my sister lay sprawled out on the sofa.
"John, you overslept! Are you playing games all
night again?" my mom scolded.
I darted into the kitchen, grabbed a slice of bread mid-run.
"Can't answer your question mom—gotta go!!" I
yelled over my shoulder.
She gave me that classic mom glare.
"Look at your sister. She's been sick for three
days, and I haven't been able to go to work because I'm taking care of her.
Your father won't be home until late."
Before I could reply, my sister piped up with a pout.
"Mom, I'm old enough to take care of myself. Stop
treating me like a kid!"
I sighed and tried to calm Mom down.
"Don't worry, Mom. I promise I'll take care of
Ani," I said, giving her a reassuring smile.
She nodded, her expression softening. With that, I grabbed
my bag, shouted a quick "Bye!" and headed off to school. It wasn't
far—just a short walk from home.
As I stepped outside, I checked my phone.
"What the… 2014??" I muttered, blinking at the
screen. "It's supposed to be 2019."
My heart skipped. "Did I just… go back five years?"
Memories of the dream surged back—the truck, the strange
light, that out-of-body moment. Maybe it wasn't a dream after all. Maybe some
god gave me a second chance. If that's true… then I can be with Suchi. She's
technically my girlfriend now.
Still running late, I hurried toward the school gate—when
suddenly, a girl collided into me.
"Oh! Sorry—I didn't mean to bump into you!" she said,
flustered.
"No, it's oka—"
Then we locked eyes.
For a split second, the world paused. A spark. My heart
raced like it was trying to break out of my chest. I could feel it—she felt the
same. Her cheeks turned pink, her eyes wide with surprise. She scooped up her
bag and bolted.
"Sorry!!" she called out, disappearing around the
corner.
I sighed and muttered to myself.
"Who was that girl, anyway? She's wearing our uniform,
but I've never seen her before. Must be a new transfer student."
I tried brushing off the thought, but the strange feeling
she left behind still buzzed in my chest. What was that spark…?
I hurried to school and made it to class just in time.
Thankfully, the teacher hadn't arrived yet. I slumped into my seat with a sigh
of relief.
"I hope Suchi still remembers me…" I whispered,
clutching my bag tightly.
Around me, my classmates buzzed with excitement—someone
mentioned a new transfer student. I barely listened… until the teacher walked
in with a bright smile.
"Okay class, today we have a new student joining us. Come
on in!"
Everyone gasped.
It was her. The girl I bumped into just minutes ago. My
heart skipped again as she stepped forward with a cheerful grin.
"My name is Akane Mariko. Nice to meet you!" she
announced.
I shot up from my chair in shock.
"YOU?!"
She froze—eyes wide—as she pointed right back at me.
"YOU AGAIN?!"
Chapter 2 ended