∅:Kouta Horiuchi

Honkai.

It has become a common fact... not completely, but in circles that are beyond the reach of public opinion. This has become a common thing if they are involved or active in the problems they face in this world filled with Honkai.

Say, what is Honkai anyway? Honkai is the embodiment of humanity's destruction along with the progress they have made, as if creating an independent world to continue to move on its own. The more humans advance in their technology, the stronger and more powerful Honkai develops. It's as if it's a force of nature, which will always haunt humanity.

However... rather than resigned and surrendering, humanity refuses to remain silent and does nothing and tries to fight back. By researching and utilizing Honkai itself, they managed to deal with the natural disaster for some time being. Before they finally realized what kind of power they were trying to pick a fight with.

And again, refusing to accept crushing defeat. Even if the current civilization is destroyed, they have prepared traces and provisions for the next generation. Humanity will always find a way to win against Honkai, whatever the cost.

But as you know, everything is neatly arranged. From the struggles, deaths, and even the efforts made by everyone in facing Honkai, it is like a narrative story. Which has been structured by an invisible force that belongs to the universe, everything is perfect from beginning to end.

However, the Universe that Honkai inhabits is never ready for an anomaly born from nothing to be involved in the narrative that has been created on this world stage.

This soul is very unique, because it is not bound by any natural laws. But decided to get involved, as a result of the soul's actions. This would create an entity that, again, is not bound by the laws of nature. So that he can change the destiny that has been determined, to become uncertain.

So... what kind of story, and ending will be determined... by the anomaly?

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"Kouta? Wake up Kouta." A familiar voice woke me up along with a light shake of his hand that I could feel directly from my shoulder. Opening my eyelids, orange light attacked my retina, making me blink several times before my eyes finally managed to adjust to the sunlight that I accidentally stared at.

Not long after that I straightened my body to a sitting position and rubbed my eyes, only to see the figure of my friend who woke me up. While covering the sleep that came out of my mouth, I could only ask weakly. "Hikaru?"

"Kouta..." He said in disbelief.

Horiuchi Kouta... That was my name. A teenager with messy black hair and navy blue eyes. I was just an ordinary student who had lived and gone to a school in Utashinai for as long as i could remember.

And this is Hikaru Kobayashi. A shy student who has striking characteristics which has been mentioned above, such as red hair and green eyes. And... he's my friend. What else can I say about it other that? He is Man? He is indeed a Subject? Living organisme? Human?

"Dude, did you fall asleep again after I left you at lunch time? The class already been dissmised, you know?" He said, snapping me from my own thought. And making me look around the classroom, and found out that it was just the two of us in this empty classroom.

"I want to say I'm not, but it's too late if I say that after looking at my current position eh?" I said flatly.

Looking at him again, he just chuckle at my behavior and said, "Let's go home then, you must be tired after checking the final exam results, right?"

"Huh? Ah, yeah? I mean... Let's go home..." I responded, before getting up from my comfortable position. Stretching my whole body, then after that I faced my friend with a serious look on my face. "But before that, come on. Let's clean up the classroom first before we leave the school."

"What are you talking about? The classroom is already clean, and besides... today is not your job to clean the classroom, you know?"

"I see... Alright then. Come on." Taking my bag, Hikaru and I finally left the classroom and walked out of the school. While walking I let out a sigh of exhaustion only to got a another chuckle from my best friend again.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just... it feels like just yesterday we knew each other. And tomorrow we will prepare to receive our graduation diplomas before finally everyone will... you know? Go to the school of their respective dreams or choices and pursue the profession they desire. Meeting new friends and ending up graduating again and pursuing the life they dream of."

"And here I find my best friend sighing, as if nothing major will happen in the future." He shook his head as if he couldn't believe my behavior could be this relaxed, at this current time.

"And here I thought I was an overthinker. I guess the world really likes to prove me that im wrong if given any chance at certain amount of point. Huh?"

Walking through the city, my friend stopped and laughed at what I just said, "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" I asked and still didn't get a response.

"I'm sorry... I sometimes forget who I'm talking to, you know? I often get carried away. Too... carried away."

"...And you're here thinking I'm the one with the problem? Relax, dude. You don't need to dramatize all things that happen, okay? After all, I already said it, didn't I? That deep content wasn't created for you."

"Hehe, yeah. I think you have a point, I don't need to burden myself with a lot of unnecessary thoughts. I guess a lot has changed huh? For the past three years."

"That's pretty rude of you to think I'm still in my fake emo phase."

"But is there anyone to blame?"

"No, no one is to blame."

We exchanged jokes like that during our journey to each other's homes until the end "I think this is where we will part ways... But before that... I want to ask you about something." Hikaru stopped and was now the one looking at me seriously.

"What's wrong? It's not like you usually look at me with that look."

"After graduating from Utashinai junior high school, where will you go?"

"Me? I don't know, maybe you could tell me first before I give an answer."

"Personally, I will go to high school in Osaka. Of course after I discuss my choice with my parents. As for you?

"I don't know... Maybe... Chiba Academy?"

"Heh, it's natural for you to say that. Considering that you are the first overall winner in terms of grades, achievements, and I also heard that you can answer all the super difficult questions that many students can't answer."

"And by the way, it's not just a rumor anymore. But the general fact that... the super difficult question is given to find excellent students who will later be given a free scholarship to study in Chiba. By Raiden Ryoma himself for crying out loud!."

"You know what? When you think about it, it's all pretty excessive coming from you. I know sometimes I like to boast my ego whenever someone compliments me like that, but today? I feel like I need a break from all this 'Star of All Stars' related matters. Besides, we're going on holiday after this so maybe it can be considered as an addition. To... You know? We can talk another time before we finally start going our separate ways."

"Ah yeah, I'm sorry. I got carried away again, I forgot we could still meet even though we've graduated. And I forgot that you're tired today, but you still haven't answered the question, so are you..."

"Yeah, Hikaru. I'm going to Chiba Academy, after all I don't have much to do right? So why not aim for higher education altogether, don't you think?"

"Well... You make a good point. I guess that's it for now, see you man. Be careful on the road."

"You too, may safety bless you buddy."

"You too, pal."

Before we really parted ways, we did our signature fist bump that we took from a certain sword related anime show before finally going to our respective homes.

"See you tomorrow." Hikaru said before facing back after I replied to his words.

"Yeah, see you." And just like that, Hikaru. The red hair and green eyes teenager could no longer be found in the line of my sight amidst the bustling city. As in the same time, I also returned to my own house.

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"I am home." I said after opening the door, only to be answered by the quiet sound of the house I lived in. Ignoring this, I turned on the house lights and entered the living room.

Heading to my room to put my school bag away, I went to the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator for anything I could eat tonight. Deciding what I would consume, I prepared the ingredients and started cooking. Preparing dinner for myself.

After preparing the dinner, I prepared a plate to eat all the food I cooked. Remembering that there was only me in this quiet house, I ate all the food on the table. After eating, I immediately clean the dishes so I don't have to think about cleaning them tomorrow.

It was already evening, and i turned off the living room lights. Went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. Next, I went to my room and laid myself on the bed while looking at the "Star of the Stars of the Stars" poster that I stuck to the ceiling of my room.

Drowsiness finally came and made me fall asleep, ending the day as usual.

The Next Day

Waking up very early in the morning, at exactly four o'clock, he started the day with a glass of water. Then he got out of bed and took a shower, cleansing his body and eliminating the drowsiness from just waking up.

After showering, Kouta is seen wearing his usual underwear. He often wore black boxers and a white t-shirt as underwear, then he looked in his wardrobe to look for a formal shirt that he had prepared long before his graduation.

You can see a black suit with a red tie and black trousers that are a little bigger than his original size but still suit him nonetheless. He prepared the clothes on his bed then left it to make a breakfast, as it was quite rare for him not to do morning exercise. However, that is understandable considering that today is his graduation day.

So he didn't want to add to the burden on himself considering that this event took a long time and was also tiring, so in the end he prepared himself according to what he had scheduled.

Returning to the kitchen again now in the morning, Kuota cooks the portion of food he didn't finish last night which he deliberately saved for the breakfast this morning. He ate his food as usual on a cold morning, and drank a glass of warm tea to start his day.

After eating and washing the dishes again, Kouta prepared himself by wearing the suit he had prepared earlier. Carrying the things he needed, now he will get his graduation certificate before finally going on a long holiday to prepare for his departure to Nagazora.

It was five o'clock, hmm... it was quite rare for Kouta to waste his time like that. However, he still prepared himself earlier than the others, considering that his graduation ceremony wouldn't start until 7 o'clock. Wearing his black loafers, he looked at his house which was quite dark before finally leaving and locking his house.

Knowing that he was 2 hours earlier than the others, Kouta still decided to come and spend his time waiting for the other students to arrive. And seeing that the ceremony building looked empty, he took his seat and fell asleep again as usual, waiting for someone.

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It is now approaching seven o'clock, and the hall is now starting to fill with many students and parents that are watching their children who will soon graduate and move on to high school. Still with Kuota sleeping, a tap on his shoulder made him wake up and see Hikaru who was sitting next to him.

"Good morning." Hikaru greeted gently to his friend who had just woken up, Kouta looked around as usual before looking at Hikaru.

"Good morning. Has the event started yet?"

Before they had time to answer their friend's question, Hikaru and Kouta were immediately distracted by the sound of an announcement saying that the graduation ceremony would begin.

Hikaru and Kouta looked at each other, who couldn't help but sigh. The graduation ceremony began, and it could be said that everything went smoothly without any problems. Everyone who had received their graduation diplomas ran into the embrace of their parents, including Hikaru, who we could see that he had succeeded in making his parents proud.

Everyone except Kouta who was standing alone, with no one accompanying him. All alone, standing with no one. And no one to visit and come to Embrace him.

Seeing how he himself didn't have a parent figure to come to visit his graduation, he just sighed heavily and left the room. Hikaru from the corner of his eye could see his best friend leaving without saying a word, so he couldn't help but face his parents.

"Um... Mom, Dad, I just remembered that I left something behind at school. So if it's okay with you, I'll go home alone."

Those words just now sparked controversy, but his mother, who saw how her son was acting, could only agree to his request. "Make sure that when Mom calls you, you have to go home, okay, dear?"

"Okay mother! Thanks, see ya!" With that, Hikaru chased after his friend.

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Kouta is now seen in the school garden, sitting on a park bench casually. He stared at the sky blankly, As usual. Was he always like this every day? Yes, it's always like this. Every single day.

Kouta always finds himself not finding anything interesting in life, is this the effect of depression? Because from what he knows, depression can also result in numbness about things and loss of interest.

Suddenly, a voice called out to him from a distance. Turning his head, Kouta found Hikaru who was currently running towards him. Confused, Kouta asked. "Why did goes out of your way, to find me? Weren't you with your parents earlier?"

"Ah... If that's the case... I actually asked permission to stay for a while because I said that I had left something behind. So I told them to go home first. Why?"

"You lied to them just to meet me? I should be the one asking why... you did that?"

"There's no particular reason... but you looked lonely so I wanted to come to you. And at the same time I wanted to say... etto..."

"Just roll your tongue and spit it out." Kouta asked impatiently.

"Like this?" Hikaru innocently did exactly as he was told, by rolling his tongue and then spitting.

"I don't really mean it literally... I mean just tell me straight away. Kouta said with sweat drop from his head.

"Thank You."

"?" A big question mark appeared above Kouta's head hearing Hikaru's statement just now.

"Because you want to be my first friend, and accompany me all this time. I... really don't know what else to say."

There was a silence between the two of them where Kouta was silent for a while, Hikaru worried he had said the wrong thing. But nothing prepared him for Kouta to laugh out loud. Hell, this was probably the loudest he had laughed in all the three years he had known with Kouta.

Kouta wiped the tears that came out of his right eye with his index finger, after his laughter subsided. The feelings of emptiness that was haunting him earlier disappeared and he looked at Hikaru with his blue eyes, looked at him calmly and then sighed softly.

"Hikaru, that's funny. I didn't lie and I didn't mean it in a bad way, because if I'm being honest... I didn't do much to deserve your thanks. But if you insist, you're welcome." Kuota smiled gently at his friend unlike the usual.

Suddenly a girl's scream was heard not far from them, panicked. Kouta and Hikaru hurried to look around them, only to see a pair of girls who had been in the bushes from earlier peeking at them talking. More precisely... they were peeking at Kouta who had been sitting on the park bench with a daydreaming expression.

With one holding her friend who fainted from seeing Kouta's smile just now, the fainted girl was seen bleeding from her nose. And the other one who was holding her friend tahu had fainted with a dramatic expression.

"Tch..." Kuota couldn't help but click his tongue, and Hikaru couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "I'm having my moment, you know..."

"Come on, Star of the Stars of the Stars. You have to be responsible~" Hikaru teased his best friend, which made Kouta sigh heavily.

"Friend." Kouta said sarcastically, followed by Hikaru who finally sat next to him. "Since we have time, I want to ask... How is it?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Do your parents agree with you going to Osaka?"

"Oh, you mean THAT. It's actually much better than what i plan on, I'm also going to Chiba Academy you know?"

"Really? But wait a minute... doesn't that mean you have to-" Before he finished speaking, Hikaru confirmed Kouta's question.

"Yeah... I had to leave my parents and live with my grandparents. It's not that I hate them... but you know, right? I wasn't willing to leave my parents. Even though they don't mind as long as I can uphold education, I'm so used to living with them that...!" Surprised, he saw Kouta already patting his back and putting on a reassuring face.

"I'm sure they don't really want you to leave their laps either, but they know that you have to be able to grow on your own and take care of yourself. And their intentions are good, so just trust the process," said Kouta wisely.

Smiling to see that his friend's attitude had returned to normal, Hikaru, who initially looked down, smiled slightly and then reassured his heart.

"Thank you Kouta, really... from the bottom of my heart."

"And I said, you're welcome." They shared a moment of bonding between their friends. Which if other people saw it, they would think that they were siblings playing with each other.

After his problem was resolved, now Hikaru was the one who asked "What about you? I know you're going to Chiba, but... what are you going to do after all of THIS."

"I will cancel the house contract I have here and live in the apartment in Nagazora."

"Ok. I see how it i- Wait... you're moving out today??? After the ceremony!?!?"

"Yeah... Why? Is there a problem?"

"No i mean... Nevermind." Hikaru had a lot of questions until he finally remembered he was talking to Kouta, so he closed his mouth.

"About a month from now... We'll meet again at Chiba Academy, So I want to ask... are you ready to face the most prestigious academy in Japan? Buddy?"

In the old Hikaru's mind, he would have said that he definitely couldn't. However... Hikaru stood up then threw his fist in front of his body towards Kouta. Saying "Do I need to answer that, when I have a partner like you?"

Seeing Hikaru's fist, he gave Hikaru a small chuckle first before giving him a fist bump while saying loudly "You're right, partner. There's no need to."

The two friends looked at each other and were determined to achieve their dreams, either way providing motivation for Kouta. And giving Hikaru confidence, they really are good friends if you look at it.

After sharing their bonding moment of friendship, a ringing sound came from Hikaru's pocket. Kouta understood what he meant, and it wasn't like before. Now he smiled at his best friend "Looks like it's about time."

Hikaru was a little hesitant at first before Kouta assured him "It's okay, the most important thing is to take care of yourself buddy." Kouta said positively encouraging his friend.

"Take care Kouta, see you." Haruto said before he turned around and picked up the phone and walked away from Kouta, Kouta sat again alone.

Knowing that he no longer has a need for this school. Finally he returned to his house.

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"Okay... I'm motivated, let's do this quickly." He said after he saw the empty house. He can be seen now wearing a white t-shirt and trousers, preparing boxes, bags and suitcases for his move. Quickly, he put all the books he had and other items such as clothes and daily necessities into a cardboard box.

Continuing with the first few days' necessities that he needed in Nagazora, he put these necessities into his suitcase and bag. Like the novel book series and his favorite clothes. After that, he thought about whether he needed all the furniture in his house, which would soon be sold.

After consideration, he only brought a photo frame, and several forms of his achievements such as diplomas and trophies that he had in a cardboard box protected with bubblewrap. Satisfied with the results of his work, he looked at his house once again.

Looking back at the memories he had spent with his home, and smiling before finally with a steady heart. He will sell this house, and move to Nagazora. And it's a decision that shouldn't be easy, but not for Kouta.

He was already preparing to move to Nagazora, now it was time to head to Nagazora itself.

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It seems that Kouta was successful in selling his house, as seen from the expression on his bittersweet smile. Not going to lie, he definitely also feels sorry for selling the house he has lived in for a long time with many memories spent there. But what can you do? Besides, he didn't want to spend his money on a house contract that he wouldn't necessarily live in while he was away in Nagazora.

Putting that aside, he was now on his way to Nagazora. It took several hours to travel, but at least what he had to think about was not the length of the journey. But when he arrived. Sighing tiredly, he looked at his handphone which showed that it was already afternoon.

He couldn't help himself from laughing a little, this was his first time moving around independently. So it's quite strange considering he's just teenager who has just graduated from junior high school. But whatever it was, he remained focused on his journey until he finally arrived at Nagazora train station.

The passengers, including himself, rushed out carrying their respective luggage. And if you could say that, only Kouta was a little excessive in carrying his luggage. You can see two large bags that he uses front and back, and also a suitcase in his hand.

As for the cardboard box carrying the items itself, it was brought by Kouta's acquaintance. "Jeez... You really brought all this to your new apartment?" Asked the female figure who was carrying all Kouta's boxes.

"Yep, and it's not like me to sell this thing. This is a man's sacred property you know Hanabi-san?" Kouta said to the black haired woman with red eyes beside him.

This is Furuya Hanabi, one of Kouta's acquaintances that he knew while he lived in Utashinai. They were part-time colleagues at a fast-food restaurant in the food sector near Kouta's former house. Just a simple information for this 27 year old woman.

The woman looked at her part-time co-worker in disbelief."Men's sacred items? What the hell is that? Does this box contain adult magazines?"

"Bold of you to assume that i would have that kind of thing." Kuota said while looking at the woman with a curious look. "I'm not interested in things like that Hanabi-san, besides... for what? Wasting my money on magazines filled with women who throw away their self-worth? Pass."

"Wow, I can't believe that coming from a kid who just graduated from middle school."

"Yeah... yeah... can we focus on getting my things to the apartment first?" he said impatiently.

"Sure, of course." With that, they arrived at the parking lot and looked for a ride they can use to get to the apartment that Kouta will decide to live in.

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"There, it's all done." Furuya Hanabi placed the last cardboard box in front of the door. "It will costs one thousand yen."

"Really? Asking orphans for money, scary~" said Kouta in a weak, playful tone.

"Come on! Kouta, that was just a joke."

"Like the existence of my parents? Yeah, no thanks. There are jokes you'd better not throw right in front of my face." Kouta said unpacking his belongings and arranging them in his new apartment.

"Okay Kouta, that's really dark. I think I'll go back to Utashinai now. If you don't mind?"

"Yeah... I don't mind." Kouta said indifferent. But before the woman completely left his apartment, Kouta turned around, calling the woman. "Hanabi-san! Thank you." Kuota bowed.

The woman looked at Kouta in surprise before finally letting out a giggle, and stroking her favorite boy's head. "Take care of yourself okay? See you later."

"Okay Hanabi-san, see you later." And with that, the woman closed the door to the apartment. Leaving Kouta alone in his new apartment.

After Furuya Hanabi left, Kouta went back to cleaning and organizing his new apartment. And... he arranged all the things he brought, until night fell.

"Oof! I'm tired." Said the young man lying on his back on the sofa in his living room. After adjusting his sitting position, he looked around his new apartment.

You could say he was quite lucky, considering that a lot of furniture had been prepared for the class of apartment he lived in. Like the sofa he is sitting on now, there is also a TV, kitchen equipment, cupboards, shelves and simple things like carpets.

Kuota finally went to his new bathroom and as usual washed his face and brushed his teeth before finally going to sleep. Lying on his bed, he saw an empty ceiling unlike his old house where he had plastered certain narcissistic posters.

He thought about the cost of renting the apartment he lived in and the money he had. It looks like he would look for another part time job tomorrow, not like that wasn't his choice but it couldn't be helped, right?

Drowsiness enveloped Kouta, and he felt helpless after a tiring day. Finally, Kouta ended his day with a good night's sleep in Nagazora City...

"What a naive child... Do you think fate will be kind to someone like you?" A mysterious voice whispered to Kouta who was already asleep, he laughed at the boy's optimism. "Enjoy it while it lasts." The voice didn't say anything much, as it was disappeared along with the shadows of the night.

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