Untouched by the Outbreak

As the final bell of the semester rang, signaling the end of another grueling academic term, Ryo Tanaka breathed a sigh of relief. The past few months had been a blur of lectures, assignments, and late-night study sessions, leaving him drained both mentally and physically. But now, with the promise of a well-deserved break stretching out before him, he felt a glimmer of hope in the midst of his exhaustion.

With the semester break ahead, Ryo knew he needed to find a way to supplement his meager income. Tuition fees and living expenses had taken their toll, leaving him with little to spare for luxuries. As he thought about his options, the idea of finding temporary work came to mind—a job that would tide him over until classes resumed.

He pulled out his smartphone and began browsing the web for job opportunities, his fingers moving quickly across the screen as he searched for something that paid decently without requiring a long-term commitment.

"Hey, Ryo! Wanna hang out?" a voice called out from nearby. One of his classmates was inviting him over.

Before Ryo could answer, someone else in the group spoke up, their voice loud and mocking. "Why the hell should we bring him? That guy broke as hell."

Ryo's jaw tightened. He hated them—a group of classmates who lived off their parents' money, able to enjoy life without worrying about bills or balancing school with work.

He turned his attention back to his phone, determined to ignore them as he continued scrolling through part-time job listings.

After what felt like hours of browsing, he stumbled across an intriguing offer: a paid research study at a nearby facility that was looking for volunteers.

The promise of easy money caught his eye. He clicked on the link, curiosity pulling him in. The listing described a clinical trial for a new drug aimed at boosting the immune system and preventing infectious diseases. Volunteers were needed to participate, and compensation would be provided for their time.

Despite his initial hesitation, Ryo couldn't ignore the appeal of the payment. Tuition fees were due soon, and his bills wouldn't wait. It was tempting, the kind of opportunity he couldn't afford to pass up. Ignoring a faint voice of caution in the back of his mind, he filled out the application form online and submitted it.

With a single click, he set his decision in motion, unaware of how much it would change his life.

After submitting the application, Ryo slipped his phone back into his pocket and stood up, stretching his stiff shoulders. As he headed out of the classroom, he took out his wallet to check his cash situation. A quick count confirmed his worry—he had 5,000 yen left or maybe less.Ryo thought.

"Another day with rice, an egg, and miso soup…" he muttered to himself, a sigh escaping his lips. It had become his usual meal, stretching his budget as far as it could go. The idea of anything more filling or satisfying was out of reach for now.

He tucked his wallet back, already planning his route to the cheap grocery store on his way home.

He grabbed a pack of eggs and a few packets of instant miso, then headed to the checkout counter. After paying, he walked out of the store and made his way back toward his rooftop penthouse—his secluded haven perched high above the streets.

The place was simple but spacious, with enough room to give him a sense of privacy and quiet from the bustling world below. The rooftop apartment, or okujō-beya, had become his personal retreat, a sanctuary where he could escape everything and everyone.

As he walked, the thought of a hot meal and some peace put a faint smile on his face. He might not have much, but at least he had his own place to retreat to.

Once he arrived, Ryo unlocked the door and stepped inside. The place was simple but familiar, a comforting escape from the world. Just inside was a modest living area with a worn but comfortable couch, a bed tucked into the corner, and a small computer desk where his laptop sat. To the side was a compact bathroom, barely big enough to fit a shower and sink, and next to it was a narrow space that served as his kitchen.

The kitchen was basic, with just enough counter space for a hot plate and a small fridge. It wasn't much, but it had everything he needed to get by. Ryo set down his groceries, ready to cook up another simple meal.

All he had to do now was wait for a response to his application. In the meantime, he reminded himself, he had his part-time dishwashing job to get through tomorrow. The pay was small and the work tedious, but at least it allowed him to save up enough to cover rent and scrape by on his basic expenses.

He glanced around his small apartment, feeling the weight of his situation. It wasn't much of a life, but he was used to it—working late hours, coming home tired, and repeating the cycle.

Days passed, and Ryo settled into his routine. He woke up early each morning, pulling on his apron and heading out to wash dishes at a busy local diner. With the semester break, he could work longer hours, something he hadn't been able to manage when classes were in full swing. Now, at least, he had the chance to earn a bit more, chipping away at his bills and rent.

Then, one fateful afternoon, just as he was winding down from his shift, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen, and his heart skipped—it was an email from the research facility. The message confirmed that he'd been selected for the clinical trial.

Excitement and a sliver of apprehension tugged at him as he read over the message. It was real. The thought of the extra money set his mind racing with possibilities, yet he couldn't quite shake a sense of unease.

With a newfound determination, Ryo steeled himself for what lay ahead. He was aware of the risks, but the promise of a hefty paycheck outweighed any lingering doubts. After all, how bad could it be? A simple drug trial, a few weeks at most, and then he'd be set to focus on the next semester with his finances under control.

What he didn't know was that his decision to join the research study would set off a chain of events that would change the course of his life forever.

( End of Chapter 1 )