1 Chapter 1 - Cliché
As the first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains, illuminating the room with a soft golden glow, Asuka stirred in her bed. It was still early, the world outside shrouded in the hushed embrace of morning. But Asuka had a spark of excitement in her heart, urging her to rise and seize the day. She gently pushed the covers aside and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her feet making contact with the cool wooden floor.
Asuka's eyes wandered to the bed next to hers, where her adorable younger sister, Shiori, lay sound asleep. Unable to resist the temptation, a mischievous smile tugged at Asuka's lips as she leaned over Shiori and poked her rosy cheeks. Shiori stirred, her eyelids fluttering open, revealing a pair of sleepy, innocent eyes.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Asuka whispered, her voice filled with a playful tone.
Shiori blinked a few times, her confusion giving way to a drowsy smile. "Morning, Onee-chan," she mumbled, stretching her arms above her head.
With a tender giggle, Asuka tousled Shiori's hair affectionately before Asuka climbed out of bed, her feet touching the cool wooden floor.
The room was filled with a soft ambient light, emanating from the holographic smart displays that adorned the walls. Asuka's eyes were instantly drawn to the colorful images and information displayed on the nearest panel, showcasing the latest news, weather updates, and even personalized messages. Holographic technology has become an integral part of everyday life in Tokyo, seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape.
She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the pleasant pull in her muscles as she welcomed the new day. With a burst of energy, she made her way to her closet, where her carefully curated wardrobe awaited her. Today, she decided to wear her favorite ensemble, a combination of fashion and comfort.
She picked out a pair of long thigh-high socks, their soft fabric hugging her legs snugly, adding a touch of playfulness to her attire. Next, she chose a flowy miniskirt, the vibrant colors mirroring her vibrant personality. She paired it with a stylish blouse, its intricate patterns evoking a sense of elegance and grace.
With a quick glance in the mirror, she smiled at her reflection, satisfied with her appearance. Her long hair fell over her shoulders in silky waves, accentuating her delicate features.
Walking out of her room into the hallway, Asuka took a deep breath, her excitement palpable as she walked down the stairs of her home. Each step creaked gently beneath her weight, adding a familiar melody to her morning ritual. She reached the bottom of the staircase and rounded the corner, her eyes instantly drawn to the scene before her.
A young girl, around 16, was seated on the couch, her gaze focused on the bright display of the holo-television. A bowl of cereal was nestled in her lap, her mouth agape as she watched the morning news. Her attention was drawn to the screen, the bright images and colors reflecting in her eyes.
"Morning, Sis," Asuka called out, her voice echoing through the living room.
Shiori turned towards her, a smile blooming across her face. "Good morning, Onee-chan," she greeted Asuka cheerfully, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Have you had breakfast yet?" Asuka inquired, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.
"Of course!" Shiori exclaimed, puffing her chest out proudly.
Asuka laughed, smartphone on warm and loving. "I see," she murmured, her gaze turning towards the screen. "What are you watching?"
"The news," Shiori responded, her eyes wide with interest.
Asuka nodded, her gaze fixed on the display. The holographic images flickered, the colors shifting as the reporter's voice echoed throughout the room.
"This is H-TV, your twenty-four-hour news source for all the latest breaking news. I'm Naomi Hōkoku, and this is the morning news. The top story today is the mysterious disappearance of a young woman in Shinjuku Ward. Authorities are investigating the disappearance of a twenty-one-year-old university student, who was last seen at a nightclub in the district. Investigators are trying to piece together what happened after the victim, whose name has not been released to the public, left the club around midnight. So far, no leads have been found. The young woman's family is offering a reward of ten million yen for any information leading to her safe return. If you have any information, please contact the number on the screen."
The camera cut to a live feed of a young woman, her eyes filled with worry and concern
"I just want my sister back," she sobbed, her voice trembling. "Please, if you have any information, please tell us."
Her words tugged at Asuka's heartstrings, evoking a mixture of sorrow and empathy.
"They say the girl was last seen at Club 256, a popular nightclub in Shinjuku Ward," Naomi continued, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Club 256 is a trendy and popular venue in the bustling Shinjuku District. It is well-known for its luxurious interior design and its diverse clientele. The nightclub is owned and operated by an international company and has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Many celebrities and socialites have been spotted at the club, adding to its appeal. However, there has been no information on whether the victim was a regular customer. We will continue to follow this developing story and keep you updated as more details emerge. This is Naomi Hōkoku for H-TV."
With those parting words, the broadcast faded to black, leaving a somber silence in its wake. Asuka turned her gaze towards her sister, who was still engrossed in the news.
"That's horrible," Shiori said softly, her eyes wide with concern. "I hope they find her."
"Me too," Asuka replied, her expression grim.
"Do you think they will?" Shiori asked, her voice hopeful.
"I'm not sure," Asuka admitted, her mind racing with thoughts of the missing girl. "But we can't give up hope. The police are doing their best to find her."
"I guess," Shiori sighed, her gaze returning to the television.
"Hey, don't worry," Asuka reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Everything will be fine."
Shiori nodded, her expression uncertain.
Asuka's attention shifted to the time displayed on the screen, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh no! I'm going to be late!"
Without a second thought, Asuka rushed out of the living room, leaving Shiori to her thoughts. The door slammed shut behind her, the noise echoing throughout the quiet house. Shiori looked up, her gaze wandering to the now empty space.
"Don't forget to close the door on the way out," her voice faded as Asuka disappeared into the distance.
At the drawer, Asuka hurriedly grabbed a smart-umbrella and her bag and ran out the door. It was a rainy morning, the clouds hovering low in the sky, the sun barely visible through the heavy downpour. She held her umbrella close, shielding herself from the elements as she navigated the crowded streets. The air was thick with humidity, the rain falling in large, heavy droplets.
Asuka was thankful for the protection of her umbrella, her clothes stayed relatively dry as she walked briskly through the streets. The rain drummed against the canvas, the noise muffled by the constant hum of traffic. Cars and buses sped past, splashing puddles of water onto the sidewalks. The pitter-patter of raindrops on the metal roof was a comforting sound, its rhythmic beat soothing her frazzled nerves.
The air was cool and refreshing, the dampness invigorating. She breathed deeply, the fresh, clean smell of rain invigorating her senses.
She was thankful for the brief respite from the summer heat, the chill seeping into her bones. Her heart was pounding, her body energized by the crisp air. She felt alive, her blood pumping through her veins. She closed her eyes and let the rain wash away her worries.
Asuka reached the bus stop, a small crowd were already waiting. She quickly took her place amongst the throng, eager to get out of the rain. A few people glanced at her, their eyes filled with curiosity and nosey suspicion. Asuka was used to the stares, but she ignored them, focusing her attention on the task at hand. She waited patiently, the minutes passing by slowly.
Finally, the bus arrived, the doors opening with a loud whoosh. A swarm of passengers disembarked, eager to escape the rain. Asuka joined the crowd, her foot tapping impatiently as she waited her turn. When it was her turn to board, she quickly hopped aboard, finding an empty seat near the front. She sat down, the cushioned chair sinking beneath her weight.
The musty air inside the bus was a stark contrast to the fresh, clean smell of the rain outside. She could smell a mixture of body odors, cigarettes, and cheap perfume. She wrinkled her nose in distaste, but was grateful for the relative warmth and dryness.
Asuka looked around, her gaze scanning the interior of the bus. It was relatively crowded, the seats filled with a mixture of businesspeople, students, and housewives. Everyone was silent, their faces hidden behind their masks with smartphones and tablets in hand. A few people glanced at her, but most kept their gazes focused on their screens.
As the bus began to pull away from the stop, Asuka took out her phone and earphones, her eyes glued to the screen. She scrolled through her feed, the various posts and images flashing by in a blur.
Asuka's mind wandered, her thoughts drifting to the missing girl. She wondered what had happened to her and if she would ever be found. A shudder ran through her as she imagined the horrors the poor girl could be enduring.
Suddenly, Asuka felt something brush against her leg. Startled, she looked down and saw a small hand resting on her thigh. It was a young girl, around eight or nine years old, her eyes wide with curiosity. She smiled shyly at Asuka, her hand gently squeezing Asuka's leg.
Asuka was taken aback by the girl's boldness, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. But the girl's smile was infectious, and she found herself smiling back.
"What's your name?" the girl asked, her voice a soft whisper.
"Asuka," she replied, her voice barely audible above the roar of the engine.
"My name is Yumi," the girl giggled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've never met an adult like you before."
Asuka was unsure how to respond, her mind reeling at the strange turn of events.
"You're so pretty," Yumi continued, her hand traveling up Asuka's leg.
Asuka blushed, her face burning with embarrassment.
"Thank you," she whispered, her gaze fixed on the young girl.
Yumi smiled, her small fingers tracing patterns on Asuka's thigh. "I like you," she said, her eyes filled with admiration.
Asuka was speechless, her heart hammering in her chest. The bus lurched to a stop, throwing everyone forward in their seats. Asuka grabbed hold of the armrest, steadying herself as the bus came to a halt.
She looked down at Yumi, who was still holding onto her leg, her grip tightening.
"We're here," Asuka announced, her voice sounding hollow and distant.
Yumi reluctantly released her grip, her gaze lingering on Asuka for a moment longer.
"Bye, Asuka," she whispered, her eyes twinkling with affection.
Asuka rose to her feet, her mind still reeling from the strange encounter. She made her way towards the door, her heart racing. She stepped out into the rain, her umbrella shielding her from the elements. She turned and looked back at the bus, her eyes searching for Yumi. But the girl was gone, her seat empty. Asuka shook her head, dismissing the strange and whimsical encounter as nothing more than a coincidence. Eerily enough, the rain was suddenly pouring, as though to emphasize the absurdity of the encounter. It was a scene liken to be pulled straight outta a live TV horror cliché or manga!
With a sigh, Asuka turned and walked away, the memory of the strange girl fading with every step. The cold presence indistinguishable from the ambient rain and humidity.
"Hmm, weird..." she murmured, the word lost in the chaos of the crowded streets.
