Gods Death Game we Play, For freedom

The skies were clear and beautiful, as if to say, "I am the brightest and will always be like this forever." But then the clouds gathered, slowly covering the brilliance... before the rain came. No, it was a storm.

It was the last class before everything began. I still remember the peace of watching us four grow together. The classroom buzzed with energy, everyone chatting about their plans and reminiscing about the year. The cherry blossom tree outside shed its petals, drifting gently to the ground, while Yuki, Hiriko, Tomoki, and Yumi sat quietly, flipping through their notes as the final class of the year came to an end.

Yumi, the always bubbly and cheerful one, twirled a pencil between her fingers, her brown eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, guys, let's not be sad. We've spent the whole school year together. Come on, let's hang out on the roof!" she suggested, her voice full of energy as she tried to brighten the mood. It was classic Yumi—always looking for a way to lift everyone's spirits, no matter the situation.

Hiriko, usually the serious and reserved one, still looked grim, his gaze fixed on the worn-out edges of his textbook. But finally, with a deep sigh, he nodded. He knew he couldn't resist Yumi's enthusiasm for long. Meanwhile, Tomoki's grin stretched from ear to ear as he sensed an opportunity for some fun.

"Hell yeah, let's make the most of our last day! Hiriko, you've got to come with us," Tomoki declared, giving Hiriko a firm pat on the back, a gesture that was equal parts encouragement and gentle shove.

Hiriko scowled slightly, his shoulders tense. "You know why I'm not exactly thrilled about this," he muttered, casting a sidelong glance at Yuki, who was busy pretending not to notice.

Never one to miss an opportunity to tease, Tomoki leaned in closer, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. "Oh, come on, Hiriko. You can't just hide in your own gloom. Besides, I promise we won't make fun of you when you finally admit you're a total nerd." He flashed a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying himself.

Yuki, ever the pragmatic yet secretly soft-hearted member of the group, looked up from her notes and smirked at Tomoki. "Don't be mean, Tomoki! But Hiriko, you should come. We've all been through so much together this year, and it won't be the same without you." Something was reassuring in her voice, the kind of tone that often made people listen without realizing it.

Hiriko sighed, feeling the weight of their expectations. The three of them had been through thick and thin this year, and he knew he'd regret it if he didn't join them for what could be their last moment together before life pulled them in different directions. "Fine, I'll come. But don't expect me to be all cheerful like you guys."

Tomoki threw an arm around Hiriko's shoulders, practically dragging him toward the door. "That's the spirit! We'll get some fresh air, maybe even see the sunset. Who knows, Hiriko, maybe you'll finally crack a smile."

As they made their way to the door, Yumi lagged behind for a moment, gathering her things. She then darted after them, her ponytail bouncing with every step. "Hey, don't forget about me!" she called out, a playful pout on her face as she caught up to the trio. Despite her small stature, Yumi had a way of making her presence known, and her energy was infectious.

As they climbed the stairs to the roof, Tomoki sighed dramatically, the earlier excitement in his voice tinged with a bit of mock despair. "Is this really the end? I don't want my school days to end like some sad guy who never even got a date."

Yuki smirked, glancing at him with a teasing glint in her eye. "You know, Tomoki, you're kind of a weird dude. No wonder no one's ever going to date you."

Tomoki clutched his chest in mock pain, stumbling up a few steps for added effect. "Ouch, Yuki, that hurts! But seriously, with looks like mine, it's only a matter of time before someone sweeps me off my feet."

Yumi joined in, laughing as she grabbed the back of Tomoki's shirt to keep him from tripping. "Yeah, right! Tomoki, you're more likely to trip over your own feet than get swept off them."

Tomoki threw up his hands in defeat, still grinning. "Alright, alright, I get it. I'm doomed to a life of tragic loneliness. But hey, at least I've got you guys to keep me company."

Hiriko, who had been silently enduring their teasing, finally spoke up as they reached the final flight of stairs. "Tomoki, if being with us is your consolation prize, then your life is more tragic than I thought."

Yumi giggled, nudging Hiriko with her elbow. "Don't be so harsh, Hiriko. Tomoki's got his charm. Somewhere. Deep down."

Tomoki pretended to wipe away a tear, his grin widening. "See? At least Yumi gets it. Deep down, I'm a hidden gem."

Yuki shook her head, unable to suppress a smile. "You're impossible, Tomoki."

As the group finally reached the rooftop, they pushed open the heavy door and stepped out into the open air. The view was breathtaking—the entire city spread out before them, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. The breeze was cool and refreshing, carrying with it the scent of the blooming cherry blossoms from the tree below.

They all stood for a moment, taking in the scene. The laughter and banter from just moments ago faded into a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. It was a rare, perfect moment—one that they knew would stay with them long after this day ended.

Yumi broke the silence first, her voice soft as she spoke. "I'm really going to miss this... miss us." She leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's been a crazy year, but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Tomoki nodded, surprisingly quiet as he joined her at the railing. "Yeah, it's been something, hasn't it? Even with all the madness, I'm glad we had each other."

Yuki, ever the practical one, adjusted her glasses and leaned on the railing beside them. "We'll still have each other. Just because school is ending doesn't mean we're saying goodbye. We'll find ways to stay connected."

Hiriko, who had been standing slightly apart from the group, finally moved closer, his usual reserved demeanor softening. "You're right, Yuki. But it's not going to be the same. We won't be here, together, every day."

Tomoki, sensing the shift in the mood, nudged Hiriko with a grin. "You're not getting all sentimental on us, are you? Come on, man, spit it out."

Hiriko swallowed hard, his heart pounding as he reached for his bag. His hands trembled slightly as he fumbled with the zipper, finally pulling out a single, delicate rose. The others watched in silent curiosity as he turned to face Yuki, his expression unreadable.

"Yuki..." Hiriko began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know I can't hide it anymore." He held the rose out to her, his voice unsteady but determined. "I love you. Will you be my valentine and dance with me at the school farewell?"

The rooftop fell silent, the teasing and laughter forgotten as Hiriko stood there, heart in his throat, waiting for Yuki's response.

Yuki, wide-eyed and utterly taken aback, stammered, "BRO, what? You never... damn, I never thought you would actually say that." She stared at the rose, her mind racing to catch up with the situation. The moment quickly turned awkward for all four of them, a heavy silence falling over the rooftop as they processed what just happened.

Yumi, who had been standing to the side, tried to stifle a giggle but failed miserably. "Oh my gosh, this is like something out of a drama!" she whispered excitedly, her eyes darting between Yuki and Hiriko.

Then, suddenly, Tomoki broke the tension. "Am I the only one seeing this?" he blurted out, his voice tinged with confusion. Both Yuki and Hiriko turned to stare at him, the weirdness of the situation growing by the second.

"Are you mocking us, Tomoki?" they both shouted, their synchronized reaction showing just how in tune they were with each other.

But Tomoki wasn't paying attention to their outburst. His eyes were wide with fear and confusion as he stammered, "No... not you guys. Am I hallucinating?"

Before anyone could respond, a screen materialized in front of them, hovering in the air with an otherworldly glow. The message on it was clear and terrifying:

"The gods have chosen everyone from the age of 16 to 25 for this test!! TO PREPARE FOR FUTURE WAR."

"What the hell is this? Is it a prank?" Tomoki asked, his voice trembling as panic set in. "Where are you guys? Help me!"

As the screen flickered, another message appeared: "Either fight or die."

Tomoki's heart raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. "What is this? I don't want to die! What about my friends?" His thoughts spiraled, fear gripping him. Suddenly, a voice that seemed to come from nowhere echoed around him, cold and detached. "I said all of your age group will be there, didn't I? The location, I won't reveal."

"What warfare are you talking about?" Tomoki cried out, desperately trying to understand.

"Modern warfare, you idiot. We're not living in the Stone Age," the voice replied, its tone dripping with condescension.

Before Tomoki could react, the screen in front of him changed, offering two options. In bold letters, it read: Choose your weapon. Below, two choices appeared:

Knife

CZ 75

Tomoki stared at the options, his mind racing. The CZ 75 was a classic, a pistol made almost entirely of steel, known for its reliability and weight. Despite its heft, many hunters and sport shooters preferred it for its external hammer, which allowed for precise control and safe handling even when loaded.

Before he could make a decision, the world around him seemed to blur and shift. The rooftop, Yuki, Hiriko—everything vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold, empty void. The only thing that remained was the screen in front of him, now glowing a deep, ominous blue.

Tomoki floated in the void, utterly alone, with nothing but the screen and the two weapon options staring back at him. The choice was his to make.