Sei was the last one to leave the office that day. Well, technically, he didn't leave. Aria and a few coworkers had invited him to dinner after work, but as usual, he declined.
— "I've got to get up early tomorrow," he'd said flatly.
But that wasn't true. He didn't plan to wake up early. He just didn't want to go.
He sat back down at his desk and stared at his computer screen. Something looked off. The screen flickered briefly, followed by a stream of odd code that flashed for a few seconds. He narrowed his eyes.
— "Is the system crashing again?" he muttered.
Just then, his phone buzzed. Leo's name popped up.
— "Sei? Why aren't you home yet?" Leo's voice had that mix of concern and playful sarcasm.
— "Work dragged on. I'll be there," Sei replied shortly.
— "Don't pass out on the couch without even saying hi this time," Leo said with mock annoyance. "I'm making coffee. Hurry up."
After hanging up, Sei glanced back at the screen. The code was gone. As if it had never appeared. He shook his head and shut down the computer.
The next morning, a new face showed up at the office. A pale girl with quiet steps. Her eyes were distant—empty, but deep.
— "Is that the new intern?" Aria whispered as she leaned toward Sei.
— "No idea. Doesn't look like it," Sei said with a shrug.
Her name was Nira. Or so they said. Even she wasn't sure. Most of her memory was gone. She didn't know why she was here or where she came from. But somehow, she felt drawn to Sei.
— "She's as talkative as you are," Aria giggled.
Sei just nodded, his eyes fixed on Nira. There was something… familiar.