Chapter 1
Chapter 1: I’m Nice, What’s it to you?
The evening air was cold, a sure sign December was settling in. In a quiet corner of the Riley neighborhood’s car park, Kuro stood across from his longtime crush and best friend, Luna. Her hands were tucked in her jacket pockets as she listened to him confessing his long time crush on her, her expression is uncertain and she hesitates at first, before finally getting the courage to tell him.
Luna: “Look, Kuro, I… I don’t know what to say.” She sighed, her gaze drifting away. “I know this is hard to hear, but I just… don’t see you in that way.” She bit her lip, glancing back at him. “I’d like to stay friends, though. If that’s okay.”
For a moment, Kuro stared down at his shoes, as if his laces held answers. He forced a smile, a faint shadow of sadness in his eyes.
Kuro: “Yeah… yeah, of course. Sorry for putting you in a weird spot.” He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess I’ve made things kinda awkward now, huh?” He managed a polite smile. “Take care, Luna.”
With a small bow, he turned and walked away, hands stuffed deep in his pockets. The biting chill of the evening seemed to cling to him, trailing behind as he left the park.
As he wandered the streets toward home, he passed a couple sitting close beneath a tree, whispering and laughing. Shooting them a quick, judging glance before looking away, muttering under his breath.
Kuro: “Seriously, can’t even talk to a girl without getting shut down… And then she acts all polite about it.” His words grew venomous as he continued, a harsh whisper only the empty street could hear. “Has she even looked at herself in a mirror? Rejecting me like she’s better than everyone. Typical hot bitch”
He reached his neighborhood, where his neighbors—many of whom had already formed opinions about him—watched him pass with wary eyes. A few whispered among themselves.
Neighbor 1: “Did you hear he never even apologized to Mrs. Lois for ruining her backyard?”
Neighbor 2: “Can’t believe he has the nerve to show his face around here.”
A few others merely glanced his way and looked down, almost as if ashamed on his behalf. Kuro ignored them, his shoulders stiff as he strode into his house. Once inside, he dropped his keys on the counter and went straight to the kitchen, ignoring his cat, Yuyu, who trailed after him, meowing softly.
Kuro: “Not now, Yuyu. Go entertain yourself or something.” He nudged her gently away with his foot, turning back to the stove to heat up a pot. Taking out a cigarette, he lit it from the burner, exhaling a long, heavy breath as he watched the pot come to a slow boil.
As he waited, he pulled out his phone and opened Twitter, scrolling until a post caught his eye—a friend’s engagement announcement. His friend Nick had posted a photo of himself holding his girlfriend’s hand, her ring sparkling, with the caption: “Just proposed to this cutie, and she said YES!”
Kuro’s jaw clenched as he stared at the screen, debating whether to like the post. Finally, he locked his phone and tossed it aside, letting his head sink into his hands.
Kuro: “Why does everything go right for everyone but me?” His voice was low, bitter, and edged with frustration as he looked over at Yuyu, who had curled up nearby, her golden eyes half-closed as she dozed. He reached out a hand and gave her a slow, absentminded stroke along her head.
Kuro: “Women are all the same,” he mumbled. “Only a few of us have a shot with them anyway, some of us just...don't”
The pot on the stove was close to boiling over, but he barely noticed, his thoughts drifting back to Luna, to every other rejection, to the weight of being overlooked. A few moments passed before he stirred the pot with a sigh, but something wet splashed onto the simmering surface. He wiped his eyes, realizing he’d started to tear up.
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Beyond all known realms, Life watched him, reclining in a vast, empty white space. They leaned forward, peering down at Kuro’s struggles, and let out a weary sigh.
Life: “This guy… Doesn’t he get it? How many hints do people have to give him?” They rested their chin in their hand, tapping their fingers thoughtfully. “Maybe I should pay him a visit. Could use a reminder that he’s not exactly the victim here…”
They glanced around the endless white void and rolled their eyes. “Then again, he’s not the only human on my list. But…” Life stretched, contemplating. “Maybe this one’s worth a little personal touch.”
They drifted back into the empty silence, considering whether Kuro was ready for a reality check that might just change everything.…
