Aria and Kai went to school today—there was a program being held. Although they didn't participate in any event, they were there as spectators. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying themselves, but Aria felt a little off.
Oh, and one thing—despite having his own powers, Kai was always a bit careless and lazy about using them...
Aria sat there in the event hall, visibly worried. Tomorrow was her 16th birthday. She kept thinking about the old woman from her dream (mentioned in Episode 3). But what really annoyed her was how carefree Kai looked in the middle of everything.
Aria snapped, "Don't you ever worry about anything? How are you always so relaxed?"
Kai chuckled, "Oof, I guess I should be worried… sorry."
He added with a grin, "But you always overthink everything, Aria. Sometimes, you just need to breathe and let go, you know?"
Aria turned her face away and muttered, "Let go? Kai, do you even realize what might happen tomorrow? That old woman said something will change, and I have no idea what… It scares me."
Kai's smile faded. He became more serious.
"I know, Aria. I know you're scared. But if worrying could fix things, you and I would've solved everything by now."
Aria fell silent for a moment. Then she said, "You're never even serious about your powers, Kai. You never take any real responsibility."
Kai took a deep breath and said,
"Maybe I'm scared, Aria. Maybe I laugh so much just to hide it. But I'll try. For you—for us."
Aria lowered her eyes and whispered,
"I'm scared too… But I don't want anyone else to feel the fear I do."
Just then, the sound of the school program interrupted their conversation—laughter and joy echoed all around them.
Yet, deep inside, both of them were haunted by a quiet, growing uncertainty.
What will happen next?