1 The Receiving End of a Joke

I'm so exhausted.

Sitting in front of my computer at university, the weariness seeps into my bones as I hammer away at the keyboard. The monitor's glow casts eerie shadows across the empty classroom, a reminder of how late it truly is.

The deadline for my computer project hangs over me like a looming storm cloud, and time is slipping away. But I can't afford to stop—I have to finish it. My little sister is waiting for me at home, relying on me to care for her, so it's a race against time.

"Hey, kiddo. Are you done over there?"

The voice startles me, pulling me away from my screen. I glance up to see the school guard standing in the doorway, looking impatient.

"Ah, just a little longer, sir. I'm almost finished with my project."

"Well, make it quick. I'll be closing up soon."

I nodded at the guard, turning my attention back to the screen. The pressure weighs heavily on my shoulders as I compel myself to complete the task at hand. Time ticks by relentlessly, each second feeling like an eternity as I work to meet the deadline.

"There, done."

With a sigh of relief, I saved the project file to my USB and shut down the computer. Then I gathered all of my stuff and slung my bag over my shoulder, fatigue weighed heavily on my body. Once ready to leave, I approach the guard, impatience etched on his face.

"About time. Let's go."

"Yes."

Following the guard, the classroom is now bathed in dimness, the only sounds are the soft hum of the fluorescent lights and our footsteps echoing through the empty halls as he leads me to the exit.

As we finally made our way out, the guard locked the door behind us, signaling the end of a long night.

"Take care of yourself out there, kiddo."

"Yeah, you too, sir."

After leaving the guard, I step into the chilly night air, feeling a shiver run down my spine. It's quieter than usual, the streets empty and the only signs of life coming from the distant glow of streetlights.

Ah right, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Hiroki Yamamoto, I'm just a twenty-year-old university student majoring in computer science. I usually caught up with a bunch of assignments, responsibilities, and the occasional late-night project-making.

Anyway, I'm making my way home, with each step feeling like a struggle against the weight of the world. My thoughts drift to my younger sister who's waiting for me with her innocent smile and trusting eyes. I can't let her down now.

Ring! Ring!

Speaking of which, she's calling me on the phone.

Click.

"Hello, brother bear speaking~"

"Where were you, bro?! Don't you know what time it is?!"

This loudmouth of a younger sister is Kaori. She's quite the worrywart, always looking out for me ever since our parents perished when we were younger. It's been just the two of us living together, navigating life after their passing.

"Sorry, Kaori. Had to finish up a project at school. I'm on my way home now."

"Okay, just be careful. Also, could you buy me some food, I'm hungry."

I smiled, thinking of a good joke to retort.

"Sure, hungry. I'll fetch you some curry and boba tea."

"Grrr—" she grumbled, probably not happy with my response. "You know what, bro. I hope you can see what it feels like on the receiving end of that joke. It's annoying." 

Hearing her reaction, I felt a shiver in my spine. It seems I've gone too far, compelling myself to apologize to her.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Kaori. I—"

Beep! Beep!

Lost in thought, I failed to notice the muffled sound of horns until it was too late. Suddenly, a blinding flash of light fills my vision, accompanied by a loud screech of tires and the horrible crunch of metal.

Skrrt! Crash!

Afterward, pain shoots through my body as I'm thrown to the ground, spiraling my world out of control.

"Brother, are you there? I heard a crash just now! Hello?!"

Hearing Kaori's voice, I tried to reach for the phone next to me but my limbs won't move and I couldn't use my voice to call for help. Shortly, darkness creeps into my vision, threatening to swallow me whole.

And then, everything fades away.

--------------------------------------------

Regret floods my mind as darkness envelops me. I couldn't help but hear the worried voice of my sister echoing in my ears. I should have been more careful of myself, and more attentive to the dangers lurking in the night.

If only I had paid closer attention to my surroundings... if only I had not focused too much on the phone while crossing the street. Maybe then, I wouldn't be lying on the ground, broken and helpless, unable to reassure my sister that I'm okay.

Sigh... What will happen to her now? Who will take care of her in my absence? Guilt gnaws at my insides, knowing I've let her down, and failed in my duty as her older brother.

I still remember the last thing she said before this happened.

"You know what, bro. I hope you can see what it feels like on the receiving end of that joke. It's annoying."

Her words linger in my mind, haunting me as I slip further into the darkness, consumed by regret and the weight of my mistakes. If only I could go back in time, I would accomplish things differently... but it's too late now. All I can do is hope that somehow, she'll be okay without me.

The receiving end of the joke... What does that mean?

As I mull over that thought, a sudden burst of light sears through the darkness, momentarily blinding me. The world around me shifts, and I feel a strange sensation as if I'm being pulled away from the pain and regret.

Instinctively, I close my eyes, allowing the light to wash over me. However, as soon as I open them again, I find myself in a different place altogether.

Instead of a cold pavement street, I'm now surrounded by the warmth of an elegant-looking room. The ceiling is adorned with intricate wooden beams, and the walls are decorated with delicate silk tapestries and sliding doors, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese house.

The scent of incense fills the air, and I can hear the faint sound of a gentle breeze rustling through the paper screens. Confusion swirls in my mind as I try to make sense of my new surroundings. Where am I? How did I get here?

My eyes widen in shock as soon as I notice a group of unfamiliar people wearing traditional Japanese clothing. They seem quite huge, towering over me in a way that sends a chill down my spine.

I try to speak to them, but no words come out of my mouth. Instead, I let out babbling noises, my voice sounding softer than I remember.

Wait, something is not right here.

I look at myself, my limbs looking smaller and more delicate than they used to be. Panic grips my chest as I realize I'm no longer in my adult body anymore. Instead, I'm an infant—helpless, vulnerable, and utterly confused.

How did this happen? What kind of bizarre twist of fate led me to wake up as a newborn?

Just as I am apprehending these thoughts, the people talk to each other in a language I can't comprehend, but something about their conversation catches my attention.

"Ayaka..."

Hearing the name resonates within me as if it was mine. Wait, am I Ayaka? But that's a girl's name. Does that mean... I'm a girl now?

Time seems to stand still as the realization sinks in. My name is no longer Hiroki instead it's Ayaka—a newborn in a mysterious world, with my past life becoming a distant memory. As I gaze into the people's eyes, a profound sense of uncertainty and curiosity fills me, prompting me to ask myself.

Is this what you meant by being on the receiving end of a joke, Kaori?