The last bell of the day had rung and, for many, that meant freedom. For Yoshi, it meant danger. No sooner had the metallic sound reverberated through the corridors than he was already packing up his things, clutching his books to his chest and exiting the classroom with the speed of a fugitive. He waved to no one. He didn't look at anyone. He just ran straight to his dormitory.
Once inside his room, he locked the door, took off his shoes, lay down on the bed and closed his eyes tightly.
-Please... be there, Haruka," he murmured.
When he opened his eyes, he was first greeted by the familiar darkness of his room. He blinked several times, puzzled. Usually, when he was pulled into the world of shared dreams, he appeared directly in the school. But this time, the dream world had thrown him into his bedroom.
The air was thick, too quiet. Every detail was identical to reality, but with an almost unnatural stillness.
He left the room cautiously, walking through the empty corridors of the academy until he reached the doors of the main building. The wind blew with an icy intensity, but without sound. As if the whole world was holding its breath.
He entered the school, moving towards the infirmary with quick but careful steps. He didn't want to miss the opportunity. If Haruka really had returned to this dream world, then he had to talk to her now.
But just as he turned down the corridor leading to his destination, he stopped dead in his tracks.
There they were.
Haruka.
And next to her... Charlotte.
They both looked at him at the same time. The first in surprise, the second with an indecipherable expression.
-You... -Haruka muttered in a tone of mixed confusion and tension. Are you here again?
Yoshi held up his hands, showing no aggressive intentions.
-I didn't come here to hurt you. I just want to talk. Please listen to me.
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. Her gaze pierced him, icy.
-Talk? With what face do you dare to ask that? -he said, taking a step forward. Don't think this disguise you've created will change anything. I recognise you. Your essence is the same.
-I'm not him... -Yoshi tried to say, his voice cracking, "I'm not who you think I am. I swear!
-Stop it! -You expect me to buy into this charade - that you've suddenly been reincarnated into another body, or that you have a split personality? Is that what you expect me to believe?
Yoshi looked at Haruka. She didn't say anything, but she didn't move away either. Her expression was one of internal struggle.
-I would hate someone like me too... if only I had the memories you have," said Yoshi, his voice trembling. But if I could show you what's in my mind, what I really feel... you would understand that I'm fighting something I didn't ask for.
-Your words don't erase what happened," Charlotte said softly. Her tone had softened, but it was more dangerous than ever. They don't erase what you did. Or what you made us feel. That... will never go away.
And then, before he could continue, a horrible echo broke the tension.
Slow footsteps. A harsh, distorted laugh. Disgusting.
Yoshi blanched.
-No... it can't be now...
Charlotte looked at him, frowning.
-What...?
-Go away! -Yoshi shouted, gesturing for them to move away.
And without further explanation, he turned and ran away.
The presence behind him intensified with every step.
-Wait! -cried Charlotte. But it was not a plea. It was an order.
She also started running after him. Haruka, hesitating only for a second, followed her.
The three of them advanced through the endless corridor of that world that was beginning to distort. The lights began to flicker. The walls trembled as if they were made of flesh and not stone.
But still yoshi did not stop. His only option was to run. And pray to wake up... To wake up before that thing got to him.