I took my newly topped-up card. I suppose I’ll take a spin of this lottery-wheel-like game. 50 Points! I guess my luck has never been great. Making my way around, I met back up with Haruto-kun, who was still religiously playing fruit ninja. Staring at the monitor like a cat watching its prey, he meticulously positioned his arms. “Harut—” “Shh! …

I wonder what it is that makes someone human. Is it consciousness? Is it the ability to feel empathy? Is it the ability to adapt? Is it the ability to trust? Is it being able to feel love? Although, in a way, maybe hate is a much more fitting symbol of humanity. *** “Riku-kun, let’s**** up the arcade again today! …

“H-help me… please…” I looked down at the girl who was clinging to my ankle. “You still have the audacity to ask for my help?” The slightly-heightened pitch of her voice seeped through the near-silent room. I could feel the stinging sensation in my hands. I glanced at the blood that was dribbling down my arm—what a pain. I was …