Suddenly, a message popped up.
Who the hell is texting me this early in the morning?
Kori grabbed her phone and checked the notification.
Huh? an email? I never get emails… Who could it be from?
Her eyes trailed to the sender's name.
"Project: Yume Live! Did I… get in?"
With shaky fingers, she tapped the email open.
"I did! I actually got in!"
She reread the words, unable to believe it.
I thought they'd think I was pranking them during the audition… But I made it!
The email continued, detailing the next steps.
"It says my genmates and I will be meeting next week for the contract and strategy meeting…"
Excitement bubbled in her chest, but before she could process it fully—
"Kori! Come down, breakfast is ready!"
Natsuo's voice rang through the house.
"I'm coming! Give me two minutes!" she called back, quickly slipping on her skirt before heading downstairs.
She plopped into a chair at the table, stretching slightly asked
"What's for breakfast?"
"Baked eggs with goat cheese," Natsuo replied as he placed a plate in front of her before sitting down himself.
"Oh! A French breakfast!" Haruka chimed in, taking a bite.
"Whose turn is it to cook tomorrow?" Kori asked between bites.
"It's Haru's. Why do you ask?" Akiko responded.
"I thought it was mine," Kori shrugged.
"Mogu mogu~," Haruka mumbled, mouth full.
An awkward silence settled over the table.
Weird. Let's just eat. It's delicious! I really love it. Did Akiko bake the bread? She's really good at baking… but I'm still traumatized by her cooking.
Natsuo noticed her expression and in a irritated voice.
"What's with that face? I thought you liked my cooking skills. Gosh you're such a picky eater."
To his comment Kori thought
why are you picking a fight, I was just not smiling you asshole. And yes, I like your cooking skills—just not you.
Kori forced a polite smile and replied.
"I was just thinking about something," she replied.
Another silence, But this time Akiko broke it say "Oh, Natsuo, can you drop Haru off? Kori and I are thinking of heading out first."
"Sure," Natsuo replied. "Also, I'll be home late today—I have practice for an upcoming match, So I can't cook dinner today"
"Same, I have work I can't volunteer, So lets get takeout tonight" Kori added.
"You? Work? I'm surprised!" Natsuo scoffed.
"Of course I work. I have a part-time job at a café nearby. I've been working there for two years. It's actually why I moved to this neighborhood."
Kori got up, collecting her plate along with Haru's and bringing them to the sink.
Natsuo blinked. "Wait. You're telling me you chose this place? Not Father?"
"Yeah. That's why it's under my name—I bought it."
Haruka looked up, puzzled. "How were you able to buy this house if Uncle didn't pay?"
"I used my savings. And Dad did pay half of it " Kori admitted.
"But wait—why would you want to live in such a huge house alone?" Natsuo pressed.
Haruka snickered, giving her a teasing look.
Kori sighed. "It's not what you think."
It's exactly what you think, I wanted to get rid of you guys thought to herself.
"Besides, it's not that big compared to our old house and didn't you three tag along anyway?"
"This place has everything—a music studio, a goddamn dojo—" Natsuo started.
"dad payed for the renovation, so I went a little wild with it"
Akiko rolled her eyes. "Kori, Natsuo, stop fighting. And Kori, hurry up."
She stood by the front door, waiting.
"I'm coming!" Kori called, grabbing her bag and running to catch up.
It had been a month since they moved out. How have I managed to put up with those two bastards for this long? At least Akiko isn't a troublemaker like Haru, so I don't have to worry too much.
She sighed as they walked.
Red light, Just my luck agh I'm going to late.
As she was thinking this Akiko gasped.
"Kori! That little girl—"
Kori turned to see what was happening. Then she saw a girl standing in the middle of the road with a truck was speeding toward her. Her body moved before processing the situation.
I need to get to her—but she's too far! she thought
Then—
Time stopped.
Her feet skidded to a halt.
What…?
Everything around her was frozen in place. The truck. The people. Even the wind.
But Kori could still move.
What the hell is going on?
She didn't dwell on it. She rushed forward, scooping the girl into her arms and carrying her to the sidewalk.
The moment her feet touched the pavement—
Time resumed.
The truck zoomed past, missing them completely.
The girl's mother rushed over, her face pale with terror.
Kori turned to her.
"She's fine. No need to worry."
"Thank you so much! You saved my daughter!" the woman said, her voice trembling. "Please, let me repay your kindness—"
Kori shook her head.
"I don't need anything, ma'am. Just make sure she gets a treat—she must've been scared."
The woman nodded gratefully, hugging her child.
Kori exhaled. It's finally over, That was exhausting! but why did I jumped to save her, ah it must have been jealousy of someone younger dying before me.
When Kori was thinking akiko called out "Kori…" her voice was uneasy. "The time… it stopped just now, didn't it?" she added.
Kori froze.
So she noticed it too.
But no one else reacted. The world kept moving as if nothing happened.
Why didn't anyone else notice?
"I… don't know," Kori muttered.
Before she could say anything else—
A shadow loomed beneath Akiko's feet.
A void.
A black hole.
Kori's stomach twisted.
She moved on instinct, reaching for her—
But something was pulling her down too.
She looked down.
Another black hole had formed beneath her feet.
"Oh shit…" she whispered, strangely calm.
Never mind. At least I'm finally dying.
Darkness swallowed her whole.
It's all black. I think I'm losing consciousness.
Finally.