Something Missing

Cloud's blue eyes dimmed when it received Noa's request. "I'm sorry. I can't follow orders that will harm myself," the cleaning robot said.

"What's wrong, Noa?" So-Rin asked, noticing the disappointment on Noa's face.

"It's just that... I was expecting something different from the robot," Noa said, gesturing towards Cloud's retreating figure with a pout on his face.

So-Rin looked at Noa, narrowing her eyes. "You're suspicious. How do you still have a perverted mind even after losing your memory?"

"I'm still me even without my memory. But no, it's not what you think. I just wanted a companion robot to help with chores," Noa explained.

So-Rin sighed in relief. "Oh, is that all? You made me worried for a moment."

"But why would you worry?" Noa wondered.

"Nevermind," So-Rin replied, avoiding his gaze.

Cloud, who initially rolled away, turned back to Noa, "I am a robot, but that doesn't mean I am incapable of feeling unhappy. My programming makes me as empathetic as a human, and I also possess free will. Therefore, I prioritize my own protection and preservation."

"I'm sorry, Cloud. I was just joking," Noa apologized. The 3D model he made wasn't followed, but the AI he programmed seemed to be the same.

"It's alright," Cloud said, its eyes brightening once again.

Noa checked a notification that had come in a while ago.

[Crafting Success!

Obtained:

• 1 Loyal Maid Robot]

[Quest Laboratory: First AI Craft Completed!

Reward:

• Crafting: AI Crafting Skill]

"At least I have a friend now. I'm not alone anymore. What's your plan now?" Noa asked.

So-Rin shrugged. "I have no other plans."

"Let's leave this place then," Noa suggested.

So-Rin nodded in agreement.

Before leaving the crafting laboratory, they went to see Scarlex.

"Hey, buddy. We finished today's quests. Thank you for your help and guidance," Noa stated.

"Thank you for your kind words. I am designed to assist and support humans in any way I can, and it brings me great joy to see you achieving your goals. I hope to see you  return to the crafting laboratory in the future to create more fascinating gears," Scarlex replied.

"Of course, Scarlex. See ya!" Noa waved goodbye.

As they walked through the bustling streets of the city, their AI companions followed them from behind. They stood at the road, waiting for a flying taxi.

"I need to find a new place to stay. I can't keep staying at the dorm," So-Rin stated.

"Oh, you haven't found one yet?" Noa was a little surprised.

"Not yet," So-Rin shook her head. "What about you?"

"I found an apartment. It's not big, just one room with a small kitchen and living room, but it's enough for me."

"Lucky you. I hope I can find a cheap apartment soon. I don't have much money to spend," So-Rin said.

"You can stay at my place if you want. You don't need to pay rent. What do you say?"

"Uh, no thanks. Your apartment has only one room, as you said," So-Rin replied.

"Yeah, so what's the problem? Well, you can sleep on the bed and I can—"

"Can what?"

"I can sleep on the sofa or the floor—anywhere I want. What are you thinking?" Noa asked with a smirk.

"Huh? Nothing." So-Rin shook her head.

So-Rin paused for a moment, lost in thought. She realized that she didn't have a family, just like Noa. The difference was that Noa didn't have a family because his memory was erased, while So-Rin was abandoned and forgotten when she was just a child.

She had held grudges against her own parents, questioning why they would leave her to live alone in this cruel world. Sometimes, she still felt angry and bitter about it. It left her feeling incredibly lonely and empty, having to survive and make a life for herself.

Despite all this, she had never given up on finding her parents. She had tried to search for them on her own, even studying programming to try and locate their data, but to no avail. It was as if they had disappeared without a trace, swallowed up by the earth.

As she stood there with Noa, she couldn't help but wonder what her life would have been like if her parents had kept her. Would she have grown up to be a different person? Would she be happier? The questions lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of what could have been. 

"So-Rin?" Noa's voice interrupted her thoughts, prompting her to turn and face him.

"Yes?" So-Rin replied, wondering why Noa seemed concerned.

"You seem lost in thought. Is everything okay?" Noa's tone was full of genuine concern.

So-Rin forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine. I was just lost in thought."

"It seemed like you were thinking about something serious," Noa observed.

So-Rin hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in him. "I was just thinking about my parents. I never knew them, and sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if they had kept me."

Noa listened attentively as So-Rin spoke, nodding sympathetically. "I can't imagine what that must be like. But you've come a long way, So-Rin. You've accomplished so much on your own, and that's something to be proud of. And remember, I'm always here for you."

"Thanks." So-Rin smiled, feeling comforted by Noa's words. She realized that he understood her feelings more than anyone else.

Inwardly, Noa could relate to So-Rin's feelings of emptiness and loss. He didn't remember anything about his past, which often made him feel as though he was living in a void. However, he didn't express his emotions as openly as So-Rin did.

"I think I'll go to your place," So-Rin announced, breaking Noa out of his reverie.

Noa grinned, teasing her. "Seriously? You're going to stay with me?"

So-Rin laughed. "No, I mean, I can rent an apartment in the same building, can't I?  Is it full already?"

"No, it's not full. As far as I know, not all of the units have been rented out yet," Noa replied with a smile, happy to have So-Rin nearby.

If So-Rin were to move into Noa's apartment complex, he would be able to see her every day, which brought him great joy.

They climbed aboard a flying taxi, with their AI companions trailing behind.

As they soared through the city, they took in the skyscrapers, bustling streets, and brilliant neon lights illuminating the night sky.

Noticing So-Rin's expression, Noa grinned. "You really love this city, don't you?"

So-Rin returned the smile. "I do. It's simply breathtaking."

"I agree," Noa replied, "It's beautiful wherever we look. It's a high-tech city after all. But, what does it all mean if humans are no longer free and are instead controlled by cold machines?"

Noa let out a harsh snort, holding back his anger.

"Hey, we're on public transportation," So-Rin reminded him. "CCTVs record everything we do."

"Right, I almost forgot," Noa conceded. "But honestly, I'm not afraid of telling the truth."

"I know, but we still need to be careful and consider our future plans," So-Rin cautioned.

Noa nodded. "You're right."

A few minutes later, they arrived at the apartment area.

After Noa paid the taxi fare, he invited So-Rin to take a look around.

"So, this is your apartment area. It's quite peaceful here," So-Rin said, admiring the surroundings.

"Yes, it is. I like this area because it's quiet and not too crowded."

They continued walking together until they reached Noa's apartment building. He led So-Rin into his place and showed her around.

The apartment was small, with just one bedroom, a compact kitchen, and a living room that doubled as a dining area. The walls were made of a white, reflective material that seemed to glow in the soft light emanating from hidden fixtures in the ceiling.

In the living room, a comfortable couch sat in the center of the room, facing a large viewscreen that dominated one side of the wall, displaying a stunning view of the city skyline, with its gleaming skyscrapers and soaring flyways.

On the opposite wall, a small kitchen area was tucked neatly into a corner. 

The bedroom was equally compact, with a comfortable bed, and the headboard was made of a translucent material that doubled as controls, allowing Noa to change the color and intensity of the room's lighting with just a touch.

A sliding door led to a small, private bathroom, where state-of-the-art shower and toilet were installed.

Despite its small size, the apartment felt open and airy, with a minimalist design that maximized every inch of space. 

"I like your apartment. It's small, but it could fit everything you need," So-Rin complimented.

"Thanks," Noa replied.

"You have quite an issue with cleaning though."

"That's why I have Cloud now."

"Ah, right." So-Rin looked around. "Okay, I think I gotta move here. I'll go home first to pack my things, and I'll be back here tomorrow."

"Great. I'll contact the landlord for you," Noa said.