Chapter 1 - Death

"A life without fun factor is a boring one."

I live with that motto in mind. What's there to life if you didn't enjoy it? The fun factor is where it gets interesting. What I dislike the most is being bored with nothing to do. As much as I love to procrastinate, I didn't want to simply stare at the wall when I could be reading manga for the rest of my free time.

Just like any other day, I went out to play some arcade games with one of my close friends. There's an arcade center near our high school just a few minutes of the walk where we often hang out when school's over—it's our favorite spot. 

While I would often be seen playing an arcade game on my own, my friend on the other hand could be seen trying to hit on girls at every moment but was flatly rejected on the spot. I understand from the point of view of a growing teenager with high hormones, but if I were to choose whether to date or just spend time playing games, I'd pick the latter.

Sure, you might say dating could be fun, but I disagree. There's nothing fun in paying for everything each time you go on a date. Why not share the bills you say? You would be made of fun behind your back if you were to suggest that to their face. And yes, I concur that not all girls are like that, but most definitely are. Especially those of my age.

Why do I sound so sure of it? That's because my friend once dated this cheerleader girl from the neighbor school, and he would often complain to me during his visit to my apartment saying how he had always spent his money on dates, meanwhile, she didn't spend any at all. 

Maybe he did talk to her about it, which was when I accidentally overheard the same girl gossipping about it with her friends when I was doing groceries, I was indignant but managed to rein my anger back and simply walk away. It was fortunate the girl didn't know I'm a friend with her ex-boyfriend, or I might just slap her there.

Either way, that's one of the reasons why I would rather not date if possible. Just thinking about that girl makes me feel irritated, but after a good round of arcade games, I eventually forget about it all. 

This guy, Nakamura Kazuto, is a great guy if one ignores his lame way of flirting whenever a girl entered his sight. I knew him when we were small kids, we did plenty of small pranks against other kids—traumatized their childhood just like any other kids out there. 

We talked about casual topics whilst occasionally recall of our experience as a child on our way home when our path was diverse so we parted ways in a goofy way as we laughed. 

At that time, I would never have thought that I'd met such a terrible fate while my mind was occupied with nonsensical stuff. When the traffic light goes red, I immediately stride forward and cross the road with a sense of security. 

I had lived in this neighborhood since I was a baby, so I can be considered as local. I knew how law-abiding these people are. It's very peaceful around this area as there had never been any accident happening on this street. Perhaps, I may have trusted people a tad too much. As a result, I couldn't dodge in time when I saw a truck speeding toward me. 

It feels like time slowed down. I could clearly see the panicking face of the driver as he tried his best to stop the tragedy from happening, unfortunately, it's already too late for that. When people often said you would see your life flashing before your eyes when you were on your last breath—I didn't believe them back then. But now that I experience it myself, I knew it wasn't a mere joke.

It's like watching a movie of your life but every scene only lasts a few seconds, yet the importance of each memory left a deep impression on me. My life isn't always all fun and dandy, I'm sure everyone would've least experienced a bit of hardship in their life so I don't think mine is any different. But I'd say dying at a young age is a bit unfortunate. 

There's a lot more to see in the world that I've yet to experience. Maybe even dating isn't so bad after all. That was my last thought before the truck crashed into me, sending my body flying across the road like a dirt rag with blood splattering all over creating a gruesome painting. 

Ah, no good. I could tell crystal clear it wasn't just my bones that break. The pain was so great that I almost lost consciousness. No, I can't close my eyes yet. I need to keep my eyes open despite the pain I felt all over my body, even now I could barely feel anything from my hands. 

The pedestrian's screaming, I could feel it tearing my mind. Was there any need to be so loud? I'm the one that was getting run over but the way they scream as if they are in my place...sheesh. 

Is it getting to my head now? In my blurry sight, I saw something like a portal appear in the clear sky. No one seems to notice what I was looking at. Maybe it's just as I expected, it's all in my head. I...suddenly can't breathe. What the hell. 

Why is...a person coming out of that strange portal? Ah, is that it—this is the Death Reaper that appears to take me to the afterlife. I guess death isn't so lonely after all.

Cough! Cough!

No good, I think something is wrong with my lungs. Is this it? I tried my best to stay awake as long as I could, but even then, I think my time is almost up. 

Man, to think I'd die while still a virgin. I guess this is karma for me who looked down on romance. If there's a next life, I'll try dating and see it for myself if it's worth the misery that comes with it. But for now, let me...rest for a bit.