NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter 1: Prologue
As I waited to cross the pedestrian crossing, I had a strange premonition.
It had been a while since I finished work early, and although I was walking through the spring-like night streets with a somewhat festive mood, something felt off…
Before I knew it, there were no cars or people in sight.
Just cherry blossom petals dancing in the deserted town.
This street usually had little traffic, and perhaps it was just a coincidence.
But once you notice it, the road you’re so used to seems entirely different.
The pedestrian crossing, the traffic lights, everything in front of me feels deceitful and unreliable.
In that moment, even the slightly lukewarm spring air and the fluttering cherry blossoms seem ominous.
Anxiety swells up, and eerie delusions flood into my mind one after another.
Will I see eyes staring at me from the crack in the sky if I look up?
Will I see myself at the moment of death if I look back?
Will the ground disappear in front of me, leaving me to fall endlessly…?
Usually, I would dismiss such childish fantasies as nonsense, but now they feel terrifying.
The signal turned green.
Just crossing this less than 6-meter-wide pedestrian crossing, yet I become anxious, fearing that making a wrong move could lead to irreversible consequences. The anxiety of something that shouldn’t happen overwhelms me.
Goosebumps cover my whole body, and sweat pours out in copious amounts.
But it’s okay.
Because I’ve experienced this premonition many times before.
The first time was at my elementary school graduation ceremony.
After finishing all the events, receiving my diploma, and holding on desperately because I needed to use the bathroom, I hurried to the restroom.
After relieving myself, feeling completely relieved, I walked alone through the empty hallway, and suddenly, I had a bad feeling.
At that time, to escape that feeling, I focused on the feeling of the paper of the diploma I held in my hand and walked without thinking about anything else.
By the time I returned to the gymnasium, the unpleasant premonition had completely disappeared, but my diploma had become damp with sweat.
Since then, every few years, I would suddenly experience this sensation.
At such times, just like with my diploma, I would focus on senses other than sight, especially on weight and texture.
By doing so, I would try not to think about unnecessary things.
After that, as long as I walked carefully and slowly, everything would be fine.
Gradually, the world would stabilize, and I would regain a sense of security, feeling that everything was as solid as usual.
I just have to do the same thing this time.
For example, with this ridiculously large and heavy bag.
I feel the straps digging into my shoulders.
It contains thick drawings, stationery, a water bottle, and some snacks.
Turning my left wrist, I feel the presence of my wristwatch.
I bought it when I was getting used to my job.
Despite my low salary, I pretended to be fancy and splurged quite a bit.
I confirm the smooth feel of the sapphire glass with my right thumb.
The sax blue shirt is made of linen, with a unique texture.
I fasten the buttons of my jacket by feel and loosen the navy knit tie slightly.
Now, let’s start walking.
Everything will be fine at this pace.
Consciously walking as usual, cautiously but not unnaturally, I slowly move forward.
Halfway through the pedestrian crossing in the blink of an eye.
It’s already okay.
That unpleasant premonition has now faded.
Then, I suddenly look down.
My shoelace is untied.
Oh… what a mess…
I should’ve not looked.
Of all times… Could it be… no way…
The intensely unpleasant premonition returns rapidly.
And it’s much stronger than before.
For now, the important thing is to decide whether to tie my shoelace or cross.
But is such a thing really important?
This shouldn’t be a big deal.
My thoughts are becoming more and more disorganized.
My heart is pounding.
My heart is beating faster and stronger than ever before.
Goosebumps cover my whole body. The strange sweat won’t stop.
…For now, let’s calm down and tie my shoelace.
Thinking so, as I bend down, the resistance of the ground disappears.
And the next moment, I lose all the sensations I had in my body.
Instinctively, I look up, but there’s nothing there anymore.
My consciousness also ceases to exist there.
And when I come to, I’m sitting alone in the wilderness.