> I got home and collapsed straight onto my bed.
No strength left — not for food, not for thinking.
In my dreams, I saw cars. Big, shiny, expensive.
Beachside villas, black cards with no limit…
God, I want all that. Someday…
As usual, I skipped breakfast.
And as usual — arrived at school starving.
Chiori was already sitting at my desk.
— Morning, — I muttered, not exactly cheerful.
— Morning. — She looked at me closely, almost like she was studying me. — What did you dream about?
> What?..
Weird question. Way too specific.
She's way too observant…
— Uh… nothing special. Fancy cars, big houses… y'know, luxury stuff.
— Got it. Go on, sit down.
I dropped into my seat.
First class of the day — homeroom. The perfect time to just zone out… or sneak in a nap.
— Fio, did you eat breakfast? — she asked suddenly.
— Uh… yeah, I did.
She narrowed her eyes.
— Liar. Don't even try to dodge it. We'll eat after class.
> She reads me like an open book.
It's kind of scary.
— Alright, everyone, take your seats! — the teacher walked in, and the room fell silent.
> Guess I could nap a bit…
Wait, no. I should ask her something.
— Hey Chiori, how's your money situation right now?
I mean, a million yen won't last six years…
— Oh, right… I got a job two years ago. As a fitness trainer. I used to train when I was a kid, so I figured — why waste it?
— Makes sense. What about now? It's mid-month… Still got some left?
— Why do you ask? — a hint of suspicion slipped into her voice.
— …Yeah. I've got some.
— Just wondering. I'm kinda short at the moment… Do you maybe have 100,000 yen?
— …I do. Do you need it now?
— A week from now is fine. Thanks — really, that helps a lot.
— It's nothing...
> But something in her voice cracked a little.
Like it actually was something.
She's close to the edge. I can feel it.
Later… I'll pay her back. With more.
— That's it, class dismissed! You're free until the next period.
— Finally! — Chiori let out a sigh of relief. — Time for lunch.
— Yeah, agreed.
— Here! — She handed me a lunchbox with a soft smile.
— Thanks…
> She made this herself?..
It tastes… amazing.
> Strange.
How can someone like her — after everything she's been through — still have this much warmth?
Why… did she come back into my life?