The classroom noise returned.
But something about it felt… wrong.
Distant.
Like it didn't belong to him anymore.
Kael couldn't move.
His eyes were locked onto Airi.
—How many times do you think you've died?
Her voice echoed in his mind.
Over and over again.
—That's not funny… he said, his voice barely steady.
Airi tilted her head slightly.
—Do I look like I'm joking?
No.
She didn't.
That was the problem.
Kael swallowed.
His throat felt dry.
—Then explain it.
For a moment, she said nothing.
She just watched him.
Like she was measuring his reaction.
Judging it.
—You always ask that first, she finally said.
A chill ran down his spine.
—Always?
—Yes.
She stood up slowly.
Her chair scraped softly against the floor.
No one reacted.
No one even looked.
It was like the world had dimmed.
Like everything else had become irrelevant.
—Every time you come back… you're confused.
She took a step toward him.
—Every time you deny it.
Another step.
—And every time…
She stopped right in front of him.
—You die again.
…
Kael's heart pounded violently.
—That's… not possible.
Airi didn't react.
—It is.
—No, it's not!
His voice rose.
A few students glanced at him.
Only for a second.
Then they turned away.
Like nothing mattered.
Like nothing was real.
Kael clenched his fists.
—If I died… then why am I here?
Airi leaned closer.
—Because you reset.
…
Silence.
—Reset…?
She nodded.
—That's what you call it.
His thoughts spiraled.
—And you remember?
—Yes.
—Every time?
—Every time.
…
Something inside Kael cracked.
—Then tell me…
His voice trembled.
—What happens next?
Airi smiled.
That same unsettling smile.
—You panic.
…
His breathing grew heavier.
—Then?
—You try to survive.
—And?
—You fail.
…
Cold.
Everything felt cold.
—How do I die?
For the first time—
Airi paused.
Just for a second.
But Kael noticed.
—You really don't remember, do you?
…
She stepped even closer.
Too close.
—Good.
…
Kael's body stiffened.
—Why…?
Airi's eyes darkened.
—Because this time…
She leaned near his ear.
Her voice barely a whisper.
—I want to see how long you last.
…
Kael's mind raced.
—Who kills me?
Silence.
Airi didn't answer.
Instead—
She smiled.
Slowly.
—You'll find out.
…
The bell rang.
Sharp.
Loud.
Breaking the moment.
The classroom came back to life.
Students stood up.
Chairs moved.
Voices returned.
Like nothing had happened.
Like everything was normal.
But it wasn't.
Kael stood there, frozen.
His heart still racing.
His thoughts spiraling out of control.
—This isn't real…
He grabbed his head.
—It can't be…
—You said that last time too.
…
Kael froze.
Slowly, he turned back to Airi.
She was already walking toward the door.
—Wait!
She stopped.
But she didn't turn around.
—Then tell me one thing!
His voice shook.
—Can I survive?
Silence.
For a moment, she didn't move.
Then—
She spoke.
Without looking back.
—You never have.
…
And then she left.