"This is your punishment."
I heard a deep, ominous voice echoing around me.
Another voice followed, just as eerie.
"You must fix all of your mess and be responsible this time. Only then will you return to your body!"
A mighty voice boomed like a divine judgment.
I gasped, my heart pounding as I snapped my eyes open. Sweat dripped down my forehead.
"What the hell was that?" I muttered, clutching my chest. "Was I dreaming?"
I glanced around my small apartment, ensuring I was still in the real world. My gaze landed on something horrifying—last night's cake, still sitting on the kitchen counter.
"Arghhh!" I groaned, covering my face. "Why does this damn cake keep haunting me?!"
I shook my head, trying to push away last night's humiliation.
"Okay, today is the 23rd of April. Sunday. My day off. I will just lay back, relax, and—"
"Ugh, who is it?" I groaned, picking up my phone.
"Yo, my bro! How’s the solo life treating ya?"
"You're rude. I’m a sis now," I corrected.
Junpei tch’d on the other side. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. So how is it?"
"Why do you sound like my dad checking up on me?" I teased.
Suddenly, I heard a woman's voice in the background.
"Baby, who are you talking to?"
I could hear Junpei switching into boyfriend mode instantly. "Just my friend, babe. Don't worry~ You're the only one for me~"
The couple continued their sickeningly sweet exchange while I endured the torture on the line.
"Junpei, if you're busy, just hang up," I said flatly.
"Sorry, I can't ignore my girlfriend," he said, sounding way too proud.
"Wow, that's great for you! I'm SO happy!" I faked enthusiasm in the driest voice possible.
Then I ended the call.
I sighed. "Please, for the love of all things holy, let me have a peaceful day off!"
I dozed off again and woke up in the afternoon. My stomach growled.
"Alright, time to get some lunch."
I threw on a hoodie and stepped outside, just planning to grab a quick meal and return home.
But fate had other plans.
While walking back, I spotted a familiar figure—Rin. She was with some friends, but something about her expression felt off.
I narrowed my eyes. "She doesn't seem to be enjoying herself..."
A flashback of the past bullying incident crossed my mind. Was she getting bullied again?
Without realizing it, I started stalking her.
I followed her around. Watching. Observing. Preparing to step in heroically if necessary.
Except… nothing was happening.
I kept waiting for some drama to unfold. But all she did was walk, talk, and go about her normal day.
I blinked, looking around. The sun was setting.
"Wait—WAIT—HOLD ON—WHEN DID IT BECOME EVENING?!"
I felt a wave of existential dread. I had been following her for hours!
I was the weird one here!
"Omg, I’m an idiot," I whispered in horror. "What was I doing this whole time?!"
Before I could make my great escape, Rin suddenly turned around and spotted me.
My soul left my body.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, tilting her head.
I panicked. I needed an excuse.
I asked, "Do you have dinner already?"
Rin blinked, clearly confused as she stared at me.
I could feel sweat forming on my forehead—think, Ryuko, THINK! Panicking, I quickly blurted out, "Ahhh, I was just about to have dinner and accidentally passed by here. Maybe you could recommend me a good place nearby?" I put on my best casual smile, nodding to myself.
Yes. Perfect. What a flawless excuse! No way she'd suspect I had actually been stalking—I mean, following her for hours. I was a genius!
Rin looked a bit confused at first but then nodded. "Sure. Wait, my mom might want to join. I'll ask her."
Wait… wait… what?! My brain short-circuited. I didn’t sign up for this! I was just trying to make a smooth getaway, not get dragged into another meal with Keiko!
After last night’s cake disaster, I definitely wasn’t ready to face her again so soon.
My soul practically left my body as Rin casually pulled out her phone.
Abort mission! Abort mission! But it was too late—I could only stand there, screaming internally, while fate laughed at me.