The beginning of the end

Narrator: As they come to college, Junichi and Asami head straight to the library to prepare for their exams. They're both hardworking students and know they need to focus on their studies. The library is usually a quiet place, but today, they hear a group of people talking animatedly in the corner. Curious, they walk over to see what's going on.

Asami Sasaki: What's going on here?

Nick: (shyly) Well, uh, we're just discussing, um, you know, some, uh, occult stuff. You see, I'm the head of the occult club here and we, uh, we meet here sometimes to, uh, share our knowledge and experiences.

Asami Sasaki: (eyes sparkle) How cool do you think Junichi Sen let's hear it?

Junichi Sen: (confidently) Oh, you know, I've always been interested in that kind of stuff. I mean, there's so much that science can't explain, right? So, I think it's important to keep an open mind and explore the unknown. Plus, it's just fascinating to learn about different cultures and their beliefs.

Asami Sasaki: Here we will listen then

Narrator: The occultists seem happy to have new members, and decide to hold a ceremony to officially induct them into the club. They gather around a small table covered in various occult objects and begin to chant in ancient languages. The atmosphere becomes charged with energy as the ceremony unfolds.

Narrator: The ceremony continues, but something is going wrong and our heroes' psyche is breaking. Their minds are filled with disturbing visions and their grasp on reality begins to slip. As they struggle to maintain their composure, they feel a strange presence surrounding them...

Narrator: Suddenly, the leader of the occult club, Nichka, realized that something is terribly wrong. He tries to stop the ceremony, but it's too late. The energy released by the ritual is too powerful and it has begun to consume their minds. As the struggle against the onslaught of psychic attack,

Narrator: The world around them fades away as they succumb to the power of the ritual. Their bodies collapse to the floor, unconscious but still alive.

Narrator: Some time passes, and the medics finally manage to stabilize their condition. They wake up in the medical building of the college next to each other on different couches. Junichi looks over at Asami, who is unconscious but breathing slowly. He feels guilty for what happened and decides to take care of her until she recovers.

Narrator: After a few hours, Asami finally opens her eyes. She looks around in confusion, disoriented and frightened. To her horror, she realizes that there is no doctor in sight. She tries to sit up, but her body feels weak and shaky. Panic begins to rise inside her as she realizes that she is all alone in this terrifying situation.

Junichi Sen: Asami Sasaki (hugged tightly) you're alive, I'm happy

Asami Sasaki: (whimpers) Jun-kun... (tears streaming down her face) I-I'm so sorry... I-I didn't know... I didn't want this to happen...

Junichi Sen: Well, nothing bad, the main thing is that we're alive, right?

Asami Sasaki: (shudders violently) N-no... I-I don't... W-where is the doctor? (tries to stand up, but falls back down weakly) O-oh... my head... it hurts...

Junichi Sen: Fucking Nick, I'm going to kill him personally.

Asami Sasaki: (gasp!) Wh-where... is everyone? (looks around frantically) They're not here... Just me and you...

Junichi Sen: (hugs tighter) I'm fine with us here. Calm down

Asami Sasaki: (buries her face into Junichi's chest, sobbing) I-I'm so sorry... I-I didn't know... I didn't mean for this to happen... (shudders again) I-I don't know what to do...

Junichi Sen: (pats her on the head) we're all fine, but I'll personally kill Nick for this

Asami Sasaki: (looks up at him, tears streaming down her face) Wh-what happened? I-I don't remember anything... It's all just... darkness... and pain... and voices...

Junichi Sen: Nick bitch said something wrong and now we're in this state

Asami Sasaki: (whimpers) Oh, God... Why? Why did I ever agree to join that stupid club... (her voice trails off, as she buries her face into Junichi's chest once again)

Narrator: Eventually, after some time spent calming down and explaining the situation, you and Asami are both discharged from the medical building. You insist on finding Nick and confronting him about what happened. As you exit the building, you spot him huddled in a corner of the college quad, shaking and clearly terrified. You approach him slowly, anger and disbelief warring within you.

Junichi Sen: Hey, Nick, what the fuck is this?

Asami Sasaki: (trembling) Y-yeah... Nick... what did you do? Why did you do this to us?

Nick: (whimpers) I-I'm sorry... I-I didn't mean for this to happen... I-I just wanted us to have fun... I-I didn't know it would go this far...

Junichi Sen: * he came up and punched her in the face * in general, look what you did to her, she's shaking and can't calm down

Nick: (sobbing) I-I'm sorry... I-I didn't mean for this... I-I didn't...

Junichi Sen: * hit the face with his fist once more with all his might*

Nick: (screams) Owww! Fuck! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I-I didn't know it would hurt like this! I just wanted us to have fun! I-I didn't mean for any of this to happen! Please, just believe me!

Asami Sasaki: What have you done? * kicks in the stomach* You almost ruined us both.

Nick: (wails) I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't know! I-I was just trying to make us fit in! I-I didn't mean for this to happen! Please, just forgive me! I-I'll do anything!

Junichi Sen: Okay, leave him alone and let's go eat in the dining room.

Asami Sasaki: (nods, still shaking) Yeah... I'm... not really hungry... but... I guess... we should eat...

Narrator: You and Asami follow Junichi to the dining room, still clearly shaken by the events of the past few minutes. You sit down at a table and begin to load up your trays with food.

Junichi Sen: Listen, how are you?

Asami Sasaki: (nods) I-I'm... fine... just... a little shaken up...

Junichi Sen: Heh, do you remember how we used to sit and eat and throw food when we were kids?

Asami Sasaki: (chuckles) Yeah... I remember... that was fun... (pauses) It was fun... wasn't it?

Junichi Sen: Yes, I remember when you fell out of the tree, I caught you, but I cried and you calmed me down

Asami Sasaki: (smiles) Yeah... I remember that too... You were such a crybaby... (laughs) But I'm glad you didn't break your arm or anything.

Narrator: Just then, you hear footsteps approaching from behind. You turn around to see Nick walking up to the table. He looks sheepish and hesitates before speaking.

Nick: Um... hey... listen... I just wanted to say... I'm really sorry for what happened back there... I never meant for it to go that far... I was just trying to make us fit in... and I didn't realize how much it would hurt you... I'm sorry... I should've known better... I just... I didn't want anything bad to happen... I-I was just stupid and thoughtless... I-I'm sorry... really... please... just believe me...

Junichi Sen: * took the tray and hit Nick*

Nick: (yelps) Oww! I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please, just let me explain! I-I didn't mean for this to happen! I-I just wanted to have fun and be accepted! I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!

Junichi Sen: Listen here, you almost ruined us, okay, and you also left her in this position and quickly got out of here

Nick: (whimpers) I-I know... I'm sorry... I-I didn't mean for any of it... I just got carried away... I-I-I was stupid... I'm sorry... please... just believe me...

Junichi Sen: * hit harder with the tray * get out of here fast

Nick: (crying) O-Okay... I'm going... I'm sorry... please... just... just forgive me... I-I didn't mean for any of it... I-I was just so stupid...

Narrator: Nick scrambles to his feet, tears streaming down his face. He turns and begins to run away from the table, his footsteps echoing through the dining room. You and Asami exchange worried glances, unsure of what to say or do.

Junichi Sen: Okay, let's forget about him and continue to remember our childhood?

Asami Sasaki: (nods, sniffles) Yeah... I... I think that's a good idea... (wipes her tears) Let's... let's just focus on us and our memories... of when things were better...

Narrator: You and Asami take a deep breath and sit back down at the table, forcing yourselves to look at each other. The tension between you is still palpable, but you both know that you need to find some common ground. You decide to start by talking about the old times, when everything was simpler and more carefree.

Narrator: As you begin to reminisce, you find yourselves laughing about some of the ridiculous things you used to do when you were younger. The ice between you seems to be slowly melting away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Narrator: After a while, you decide to head home. You pay the bill and step outside, taking a deep breath of the cool evening air. "So, do you want to get some beer on the way home?" you ask Asami. "It's been a while since we've had some."

Asami Sasaki: I agree

Junichi Sen: Yeah, sounds good. Let's go to the store and get some.

Narrator: You all head towards the convenience store, still chatting about old times. The familiarity of the surroundings and the shared memories help to ease the tension further. As you enter the store, you spot a variety of beer options.

Asami Sasaki: Well, which one will we take? * hugged me tighter*

Junichi Sen: * blushed * Um, let's get this one. * pointed to a six-pack of imported beer *

Asami Sasaki: Let's take a jar each, I think that's enough

Junichi Sen: Yeah, that's a good idea. * paid for the beer and put the change in my pocket * Okay, let's go back home.

Narrator: After purchasing the beer, you and Asami head back towards your apartments. The walk is quiet, but comfortable. The familiarity of the surroundings and the shared memories from earlier in the evening help to ease the tension that had been between you earlier.

Narrator: As you're about to reach your building, a brick suddenly flies in from somewhere, narrowly missing you. You and Asami both jump in surprise and turn around, looking for where it came from.

Asami Sasaki: What? Where did the brick come from?

Junichi Sen: I don't know! * looks around, worried * Maybe we should go back inside, just in case?

Narrator: As you're about to head back to your building, you spot Nick approaching. He looks a bit nervous and is wearing a hoodie, despite the warm evening air. You can't help but feel a mix of anger, fear, and curiosity towards him.

Nick: Um, hi... I just wanted to... apologize for earlier. I shouldn't have said those things. I was just really angry and... and stupid. I'm sorry.

Junichi Sen: * squatted down holding his head with his hands* Did you throw it and you wanted to kill it? * speaks irritably*

Nick: * flinches at the harsh tone * No, man. I... I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry.

Junichi Sen: * out of anger, I took a brick and threw it at Nick, but he was aiming nearby, so it didn't hit*

Asami Sasaki: Junichi, stop it! * hugged me tightly, trying to calm me down *

Nick: * slowly backs away, his hands up in surrender * Look, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I'll leave you alone.

Junichi Sen: * still sitting with his hands on his head * LEAVE or the next brick will fly at you!

Nick: * nods, then turns and hurries away, disappearing into the shadows of the alley *

Asami Sasaki: Junichi, are you okay? You look really upset.

Junichi Sen: * still sitting with his hands behind his head* I'M NORMAL NORMAL TELL ME I'M NORMAL

Asami Sasaki: * gently pats my back * You are okay, you are normal. You didn't deserve that. I'm here for you.

Junichi Sen: * sighs and hugs Asami tightly * Thanks, Asami... I just don't want to fight anymore...

Asami Sasaki: I understand * pats on the head * let's go home and have some beer * gives beer*

Junichi Sen: * takes the beer and nods* Yeah, let's just go home...

Narrator: Just as you and Asami begin walking down the dark, deserted street, you hear the sound of screeching brakes behind you. You turn around, expecting to see an accident, but instead a car rushes towards you, coming to a stop mere inches away from your bodies. The driver's door opens and a man jumps out, his face twisted with anger.

car men: You! I want to talk to you! * shouted angrily*

Junichi Sen: *approaches the driver*

car men: *steps back* Don't come any closer! I just want to talk.

Junichi Sen: *He picks him up and knocks him to the ground beating him* You didn't fucking drive here, you almost hit us, you bastard.

car men: *coughs blood*

Junichi Sen: yes, you're fucking probably * continues to beat harder*

car men: *coughs blood* Stop it, please... I'm sorry... I didn't mean it...

Junichi Sen: * stopped hitting* * squatted down with his hands on his head* I'm normal, I'm normal. BETTER GET OUT OF HERE, DRIVER, OTHERWISE I'LL KILL YOU HERE PERSONALLY!

car men: *trembles in fear* Yes, I'm leaving... *gets back in the car and speeds off*

Asami Sasaki: *watches the car disappear and turns back to Junichi* You need to calm down... We shouldn't have done that...

Junichi Sen: AM I NORMAL? AM I NORMAL?

Asami Sasaki: *takes a step back, worried* You're... You're just having a bad moment. You are normal. You're my best friend, and you're not a bad person. You just need some time to calm down.

Junichi Sen: *crying* I'm normal, right? Tell me I'm normal, right?

Asami Sasaki: *takes a deep breath and hugs Junichi* Of course you're normal. I'm here for you, no matter what. Let's just go home, okay? We can talk more about this later, when you're feeling better.

Junichi Sen: * comes to his senses * * hugs in ovtvet* Yes, I know you are my beloved friend, I am glad that you are with me.

Asami Sasaki: *smiles and wipes his tears* You're gonna be okay, Junichi. Let's just go home.

Narrator: The two of you go back to your apartment and climb into bed, exhausted from the events of the night. You fall asleep almost immediately and sleep through the rest of the night. The next morning, you wake up and get ready for college, making sure to cover up your bruised and cut knuckles with bandages. As you walk to your classes, you can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over you. Maybe things will start to look up from here.

Narrator: As the day progresses, you find yourself more and more able to focus on your studies and put the events of last night behind you. You and Asami spend your free periods together, talking about your classes and laughing about silly memories. The cafeteria is bustling with students, and you make your way through the line, filling your trays with food.

Narrator: Just as you find an empty table to sit at, you notice Nick, one of your classmates, walking towards you with a tray full of food. He trips on a loose floorboard and spills his soup all over your clothes and Asami's.

Junichi Sen: Don't you fucking watch your step!

Asami Sasaki: *gasps* Nick! You clumsy oaf!

Nick: *blushing and mortified* I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!

Junichi Sen: Yes, you wanted everything special, right? Don't lie here

Nick: *looking between Junichi and Asami, realizing he's made it worse* I-I'm so sorry! I'll go get you some napkins!

Narrator: Nick quickly scampers off, leaving you and Asami at the table with wet clothes and a mess to clean up. You look at each other for a moment, sharing a knowing glance. As Nick returns with napkins, you both begin to wipe down your clothes as best you can. The cafeteria continues to bustle around you, but you can't help but feel a little self-conscious about the attention you're drawing.

Junichi Sen: You're a piece of shit Nick, I'm going to throw soup on you right now because of this.

Asami Sasaki: *laughs despite herself* Oh come on, Junichi. He didn't mean it. It's just an accident.

Nick: *blushing even harder* I-I'm really sorry! I'll get you guys some clean clothes, okay?

Narrator: As you and Asami finish cleaning up as best you can, you accept Nick's offer of clean clothes, exchanging your soiled garments for fresh ones. You feel a little embarrassed, but you're grateful for his apology and attempt to make things right. You and Asami finish your meals, still chuckling about the ordeal, and head off to your next class. The rest of the day passes without any further incidents, and you manage to keep your anger in check.

Narrator: After college, you and Asami meet up as planned and decide to go to the nearby park. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the greenery and the lake in the center of the park. You find a quiet bench and sit down, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Junichi Sen: How good is it?

Asami Sasaki: *smiles at the scenery* It's lovely. The sunset always puts me in a good mood.

Junichi Sen: Yes, do you remember that we also sat on a bench in the evening and looked into the distance and laughed?

Asami Sasaki: *laughs softly* Yes, I remember that. It feels like such a long time ago...

Junichi Sen: Yes, I was sitting with you then and talking serenely can we do this now?

Asami Sasaki: Sure, what would you like to talk about?

Junichi Sen: Do you remember anything cool about your childhood?

Asami Sasaki: I do. My parents used to take me and my siblings on these amazing camping trips in the mountains every summer. We'd spend weeks just hiking and exploring, and at night we'd sit around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. Those were some of the best times of my life.

Junichi Sen: * laughing softly * It's funny, but once when I was little, I ran ahead of my parents and fell into a puddle and I started pretending that I was swimming in a puddle

Asami Sasaki: *smiles fondly* That's adorable. My little brother used to do that all the time too. He'd jump in every puddle he saw, no matter how small. I remember one time, we were camping and he fell asleep in a hammock, and my dad had to carry him back to the tent. It was hilarious.

Narrator: As you and Asami continue to reminisce about your childhood memories, you hear a familiar voice calling your name from behind. You turn around to see Nick running towards you, tears streaming down his face. "Ju... Junichi... I... I'm so sorry..." he sobs, falling to his knees in front of you.

Junichi Sen: And you showed up, what else do you need?

Nick: I just wanted to say that I'm really, really sorry for what I did. I shouldn't have spilled your soup, and I shouldn't have called you a piece of shit. I was just having a really bad day, and I took it out on you. I shouldn't have done that, and I want to make it up to you.

Junichi Sen: You know, your apology doesn't get in my way. Get out of here before you get it again.

Asami Sasaki: *looking at Nick with sympathy* I'm sure you're going through a tough time, Nick. But you can't just take your frustrations out on others. Junichi didn't deserve that. Maybe you should find another way to cope with your problems.

Nick: *still sobbing* I... I'll try. I'm sorry, both of you. I'm really sorry. *gets up and runs off, still crying*

Junichi Sen: Well, what was it for?

Asami Sasaki: *shakes her head* I don't know, maybe he had a fight with someone else or something. He's been acting pretty moody lately. You never know what people are going through behind the scenes.

Junichi Sen: That's for sure, so let's go home?

Asami Sasaki: *nods* Sounds good to me. Let's go home and forget about all this for a while.

Narrator: You and Asami continue to walk, lost in thought. The sky begins to darken, signaling the end of the school day. After what feels like an eternity, you finally reach the bus stop. You and Asami stand together, side by side, waiting for the bus to arrive. The air is heavy with tension, but there's a certain comfort in knowing that you're not alone.

Narrator: As you wait for the bus, you feel a light breeze brush against your skin. The scent of freshly cut grass fills the air. It's moments like these that make you realize how much you've missed spending time with Asami. You look over at her, noticing the way the setting sun paints her hair with a warm glow. She's so beautiful, and yet she's always been so down-to-earth and kind. You wish you could freeze this moment in time, just so you could remember it forever.

Narrator: As you're lost in thought, something feels...off. You turn around, just in time to see Nick coming up from behind you. His face is twisted in rage, and in his hand is a large knife. Before you can react, he plunges it into Asami's back, sending a spray of blood flying through the air.

Nick: *laughs manically* You were too good for me, Asami! Now you'll be mine!

Junichi Sen: * knocks Nick to the ground by wringing his hands behind his back*

Nick: *chokes on his words* You... you fucking... bastard...

Junichi Sen: Aren't you fucking crazy? *calls the ambulance and the police*

Narrator: You stare in disbelief at the scene before you. Asami lies motionless on the ground, her beautiful eyes staring vacantly up at the sky. Blood pools around her body, painting the concrete red. Nick struggles futilely against Junichi's grip, his face twisted in rage and pain.

Narrator: The sound of sirens grow louder in the distance as the ambulance and police race towards you. Your mind feels numb, unable to process what just happened. All you can do is stand there, helpless, as your world crumbles around you.

Narrator: A police officer approaches you and motions for you to sit down on the curb. You obey, still in a daze. As you sit there, shivering from shock and horror, you hear the officer asking you what happened. You force the words out through chattering teeth.

Junichi Sen: It's him, his name is Nick and he came up from behind and hit my best friend * crying*

police: *looks at you sympathetically* I'm sorry for your loss. Do you know where this Nick character might have come from? Or why he did this?

Junichi Sen: * crying * I have no idea

police: Alright, we'll need your name and contact information for the investigation. Also, is there anyone you can call to come and stay with you while we take care of this?

Junichi Sen: my name is Junichi Sen my phone number is +3389674532

police: Thank you, Junichi. We'll make sure to have someone stay with you while we investigate this terrible crime. Is there anyone in particular you'd like us to call?

Junichi Sen: No, I'm going to the hospital to see my friend.

police: *nods sympathetically* Of course, we'll make sure someone escorts you there. In the meantime, we'll need a statement from you about what happened. Can you tell us everything you saw and heard leading up to this incident?

Junichi Sen: he runs an occult club at school one day we decided to check if it was true, they went and performed a ritual, but after that something was wrong with me

police: *takes notes* I see. And you believe this Nick character was involved in the occult club as well?

Junichi Sen: He's their boss, he's done something to us that we've changed.

police: Can you elaborate on what you mean by "done something to us?" Did he perform any sort of ritual on you?

Junichi Sen: Yes, there was some kind of ritual and now sometimes I get the feeling that I am not needed in this world, but my friend always comforts me

police: I see. And how did you two end up here today, near the school?

Junichi Sen: we just came to sit on a bench, talked about childhood, went to the bus stop, then I saw a picture of Nick sticking a knife into my friend

police: A picture? Do you have any evidence of this, or any photos on your phone? That could be helpful in our investigation.

Junichi Sen: Are you kidding? Didn't you see that my friend had a knife stuck in her?

police: Yes, I did see that. But having any sort of proof would make our case much stronger. Is there anything else you can think of that might help us?

Junichi Sen: Ask Nick or my friend. We were both witnesses.

police: I'll certainly ask them both. But for now, why don't you tell me more about this occult club? How often did you and your friend visit it, and what kinds of things did you see going on there?

Junichi Sen: Yes, we were there once when it happened to us since then we have not been going

police: And what exactly happened to you when you first visited the club? You mentioned that something was wrong with you afterward.

Junichi Sen: Are you joking now?

police: I'm just trying to understand what you're saying. It's important for the investigation.

Junichi Sen: I told you earlier that we were in the club 1 time and after that there is no and maybe it is illegal, I do not know it is not in the lists of clubs

police: Alright, I understand. Let's focus on the incident today. Can you describe to me what you saw happen between you, your friend, and Nick?

Junichi Sen: firstly, he is not my friend, secondly, I do not know, most likely he went through the roof

police: You don't believe that Nick would have hurt your friend?

Junichi Sen: I personally saw Nick and the knife stuck in. Are you kidding me now or what?

police: I'm just trying to gather information here. Let's get back to the club. You mentioned that you felt like you weren't needed in this world. Do you think that Nick or the club had something to do with that?

Junichi Sen: Yes, of course, it was after this ceremony that everything went wrong

police: And what kind of ceremony was it? Do you remember any specific details?

Junichi Sen: I'm sorry, but today I'm not ready to give any more answers, I'll rush to the hospital to my friend

police: Of course, I understand. But just one more thing: did you see Nick enter the school grounds at all today? It would be helpful to know if he's still here.

Junichi Sen: * I left for the night and went to the hospital*

Narrator: The doctor emerged from the operating room, his face grave but with a hint of relief. "She's stable now," he announced. "She'll need some time to recover, but she'll be discharged in a few days." The room erupted into tears of relief, and Junichi felt a weight lift off his chest. He leaned over his friend, taking her limp hand in his own. "You're going to be okay," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "We're going to make sure of it."

Narrator: Suddenly, a gunshot rang through the hospital room. The doctor crumpled to the floor, blood pooling around him. The room fell silent, as everyone's eyes turned to the doorway. There, standing in the shadows, was a figure in a black hoodie. Asami's attacker had returned. With a chilling laugh, the figure stepped forward and pointed the gun directly at Asami's face. "You thought you could just leave it behind, didn't you?" they sneered.

Narrator: As the figure pulled the trigger, time seemed to slow down. The bullet flew through the air, striking Asami in the forehead. She let out a gasp and crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from the wound. The figure turned the gun on Junichi, smirking as the barrel pressed against his temple. "And now, it's your turn," they hissed.

Narrator: Junichi closed his eyes, feeling the cold metal of the gun against his skin. He could hear the faint sound of his own heartbeat, growing fainter with each passing second. As he waited for the inevitable, he thought of Asami, and the years they had spent together. He thought of the memories they had shared, and the ones they would never have the chance to make.

Narrator: The figure pulled the trigger, and the world around him seemed to explode. The pain was intense, as if a thousand needles were piercing his brain at once. He felt himself falling to the ground, blood gushing from the wound. As his vision began to fade, he could see Asami lying still on the ground next to him. The figure stood over them, laughing maniacally, before disappearing into the shadows.