Too many unfortunate things happened to me today.Mio’s words still echo in my head, refusing to fade.So this is what it feels like to be rejected by someone you’ve loved for so long.This feeling… it’s new to me.“I can say this is a new kind of rejection.”I muttered to myself.That means everything about Mio is over.All the dreams.All the promises.All of it was just gone.The bitterness spreads slowly, sinking deep into my chest.At the end of the day, I can’t force myself into someone’s life. I have to respect her decision and wish for a better tomorrow—even if that tomorrow doesn’t include me.The night sky remains dark, and the rain shows no sign of stopping.I don’t know what I’m supposed to do anymore.I’ve known loneliness before, but this is different.No matter how much I think about it, the hollow in my heart refuses to close.Not immediately.Not the way I want it to.With every step I take, my head feels emptier.Dizziness creeps in.My vision starts to blur.“Are you

It hasn’t been long since Fina left my apartment.Outside the window, the rain shows no sign of stopping. If anything, it’s getting heavier.Curious, I check the news on my phone.An ongoing storm is currently hitting Neo Silicon Valley. According to the report, it won’t stop until tomorrow morning.“That girl is in trouble…”I can’t stop myself from worrying about her.At the same time, another part of me says this is for the best. I’m not even sure I want to see her again.After hearing her story, maybe it’s better if I stay here and don’t get involved in her life any further.Everyone has their own problems.Especially me—someone who has no one.Tomorrow, I still have things I need to deal with. Finding a new part-time job. Finishing school assignments and projects. And most importantly—keeping myself busy and moving on from my ex-girlfriend, Mio.“She’s already grown up. She can take care of herself,” I muttered. “This is her problem. She chose to handle it alone. She left b

Outside New Silicon Valley, far beyond the reach of neon towers and artificial skies, lay the ruins of what was once the European countryside.Five hundred years ago, before the Great Calamity reshaped the world, this land had been fertile and alive. Now, only broken earth and silent stone remained.At its center stood a temple untouched by time—as if reality itself had chosen to avert its eyes from this place.This was a sanctuary for those who despised Neo Silicon Valley.A refuge for those who rejected modern civilization.They called themselves the White Cult.Inside the grand chamber, candlelight flickered against ancient walls carved with unfamiliar symbols. The air was thick with incense and reverence.Dozens of robed figures knelt in perfect silence, their foreheads pressed to the cold stone floor.At the altar stood a young woman clad in pristine white vestments.Her silver hair flowed like moonlight beneath the flames. Her blue eyes, calm and distant, reflected neither warmth

(Nana’s perspective.)The town was alive with laughter and warmth—and I stood at the heart of it.Every morning was the same, but it never grew old. As I walked the cobbled streets toward the schoolhouse, I heard the patter of small feet behind me before I felt their tiny hands slip into mine. Their voices followed soon after, high and bright, filled with unfiltered joy."Teacher Nana! Teacher Nana!"Their faces glowed like the morning sun cresting over the hills. In that light, it was easy to believe that this world was kind.I smiled at them—how could I not?—and squeezed their hands gently as we walked together.I loved them. More than anything, I loved them.I loved their curiosity, their endless questions tumbling from their lips with an urgency that demanded answers. “Why do birds sing, Teacher Nana?” “Why do leaves fall in autumn?” “Do the stars tell stories if we listen hard enough?”I told them yes. I told them that every falling leaf, every star in the sky, every whisper of t

Standing by the fountain, I still couldn’t believe I was here. Amber had invited me on a date. A date? With all the girls in our squad, she chose me? It made no sense.A gust of wind rustled the trees, and I found myself replaying the ridiculous memory from earlier in the week.…“You… Me… Date… Saturday.”Amber’s words hit me like a truck. I blinked at her, processing.“You must be joking. It’s not April Fools' Day, so don’t say something ridiculous like that.” I continued my daily routine of push-ups in our hideout.She crossed her arms. “Are you deaf, idiot? I said we’re going on a date.”I glanced at Amber’s serious expression.Is she serious? I mean, she’s cute, and I’d love to go on a date with a girl like her. But after everything we’ve been through, I hardly see her as just a girl... Maybe this is another test? They’re all girls—maybe she wants to see if I’d make a move on any of them. Well, I’m not someone who falls in love so easily. So the right answer is to reject her.I sh