* Knuckles crack*
Check the schedule: “Marisol: Afternoon shift at 1:20 PM tomorrow.”
It was around 9:30 p.m. The night sky was densely packed with rain clouds pouring down quickly. As she got ready to close for the evening at a local café, a favorite among college students and international tourists, she realized she hadn’t eaten anything all day apart from a small cheese bagel with melted butter that morning. Her morning routine had gradually become unbalanced as she immersed herself in studying for the upcoming final exams. She seized every opportunity to learn, regardless of the time or place, since studying was especially beneficial for her.
She was indeed obsessive about studying, dedicating a lot of time and effort. However, she strongly disliked the concept of going to school merely to earn a degree. Who wanted to spend four years just to receive a piece of paper? The parties were decent, but they didn’t compare to the experience of traveling. This was the reason she transferred to the University of Tokyo last year during her sophomore year.
The scenery there was beyond beautiful. It felt like a dream.
She disposed of the last coffee grounds in the compost bin, which supplied fertilizer for the small garden outside. Then, she went to the back of the store to gather her things. On days like that, she usually brought just her backpack, a water bottle, and a small umbrella. As she prepared to leave, an unsettling urge washed over her, a feeling that someone was watching.
She turned back, only to find no one there.
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