Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Just Another Day ❯ Volume Two, Chapter Twelve: Afterglow ( Chapter 12 )

Afterglow

She was one of the lucky ones. She was able to come out of the Exile untouched. But she still wouldn't talk about it. Soon and Hang pretended to be fine. She handled it better than he could.

They met during the tail end of the Exile. She was in another tribe at the time. They were rather well off. Her tribe had plenty of food and water. But with that came the rumors. Where did they get the supplies? Why do they keep to themselves? Everyone avoided them because of it.

Not all of them were so secretive though.

This was eight days before the Exile ended. Soon's tribe was dwelling down. There were only eight members. Even they were losing hope. Soon couldn't take it anymore. He just wanted to be alone.

In the middle of the night, Soon snuck off from the camp. He didn't have a destination in mind. Where was he going to go? It was nothing but sand. He didn't care. He stopped caring a long time ago. It didn't matter anymore. He didn't think it would end either.

Soon pushed it out of his head. No, don't do that. He was here to get away. The boy experienced enough misery as it was.

Suddenly, he paused. Was… Was that… Someone singing?

Soon turned his head. In the distance, he saw a girl walking towards him. He couldn't make out her features. Soon narrowed his eyes.

“Who is that?” he asked. The singing girl grew closer. Soon froze. She looked… beautiful. Where did she get red silk? Her dress swept the sand as she walked. Her singing got louder. The girl's hair blended into the darkness around her. Soon rose to his feet.

“Hello?” he asked. The girl froze in place. Soon stepped out and rubbed the back of his head.

“Yo,” he said with a wave. The girl blinked at first.

“Hello?” she asked. A wind softly howled around them. Soon opened his mouth to speak. Nothing came out.

“Uh… Um… Uh…” he said. The girl tilted her head.

“Who are you?” she asked. Soon gulped and lifted his chin.

“Soon,” he said.

“Huh?” she asked.

“My name is Soon,” the boy said.

“Soon?” the girl asked.

“Yes,” he said.

“Oh,” the girl said. Soon perked up.

“And you are?” he asked. She pointed to her nose.

“Me?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said.

“Oh,” the girl said. “I'm Hang.” Soon finally started to smile.

“Nice to meet you,” he said. Hang stepped forward.

“What are you doing out here?” she asked.

“Not much,” he said. “What are you doing out here?” Hang shrugged and rubbed the back of her head.

“Not much,” she said. Suddenly, a whistle filled the air. The pair looked up.

“Oh…” Soon said. Hang looked nervous.

“I have to go,” she said. He whipped his head around.

“What?” Soon asked. Hang turned and ran off.

“Wait!” he shouted after her. But she was already gone. Soon was left standing alone in the endless sand.

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That marriage was doomed from jump. Still, Soon hung on. He just wanted someone to connect with. Look how that turned out. But now, maybe. Just maybe…

“Good evening,” the professor said on stage. “My name is Sakurai-sensei. Welcome to my lecture.”

Lost Connection