---
The morning sun spilled golden light through the dusty windowpanes of the bus, streaking across Akira's face. But he didn't blink. His eyes, lined with deep dark circles, remained fixed on the distant horizon. He hadn't slept a second that night.
Beside him, Aarav stirred, yawning as he sat up and stretched. The light warmed his dusky skin as he turned to Akira with a lazy grin.
> "Akiyoma, you're already awake?"
Akira turned slowly to look at him, eyes unreadable.
"You didn't sleep at all?" Aarav asked, frowning at the dark rings beneath his seatmate's eyes. "You look like a zombie, bro."
Akira opened his mouth to answer, but a memory hit him like a crashing wave.
---
Flashback – Midnight Wanderer
The night had been dense with silence when the driver parked the bus by the roadside to rest. Akira had stepped down quietly and wandered into the darkness.
The path had been unlit, the air carrying a strange chill. A faint voice echoed through the stillness, cracked and full of desperation.
> "I'll show them… I'm not a loser… I just need time… They don't understand…"
It was a drunken man, staggering in the shadows. His voice trembled with hurt.
Akira stepped forward cautiously. "Hey… are you okay?"
The man flinched and turned. "Who's there?!"
"I'm sorry," Akira whispered, more to himself than to the stranger.
---
The flashback faded. Akira's expression didn't change.
Aarav, sensing something strange in his silence, waved it off awkwardly.
> "Forget it. Anyway, we've entered Madhya Pradesh now. If things go smoothly, we'll be in Chandigarh by tomorrow morning."
Akira didn't respond at first. Then he murmured, "One more night… just one more like this."
Aarav leaned back and sighed. "Yeah, I know. Sleeping on a bus sucks. But hey, let's get some food before we die of hunger."
The bus halted near a roadside eatery—Thakur Dhaba. It wasn't fancy. No glass doors, no A/C. Just woven charpoys (string beds), metal plates, walls smeared with turmeric stains, and the aroma of spices thick in the air.
> "You travel a lot?" Akira asked, noticing how comfortably Aarav walked inside.
> "Yeah," Aarav replied with a proud smile. "I'm studying pharmacy. Went to Mumbai for an interview with India's biggest pharma company."
His smile faded.
> "Didn't get selected though… My parents are gonna be so disappointed."
Akira's tone dropped. "Parents…"
> "Yeah. But I haven't told them yet," Aarav said, brushing it off. "Come on, let's eat."
---
Meanwhile – Japan
The sunlight filtered gently into Hinata's room, casting soft lines over the messy desk and unmade bed. A knock interrupted the stillness.
Her friend stood at the door. "Hinata? You're not coming to school today either?"
Hinata looked away, her voice strained. "I don't feel like going."
Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back quickly.
> "It's been ten days," the friend said gently. "Still no sign of him?"
Hinata didn't answer. Her heart was screaming—but no one could hear it.
> "Okay… I won't force you." The girl turned and walked away, leaving Hinata alone again.
---
Back in India – Thakur Dhaba
"Here," Aarav said, pointing to a steaming plate. "This is rajma chawal—kidney beans and rice. A north Indian classic."
Akira looked around curiously.
> "We eat with our hands here," Aarav explained, a bit sheepishly. "I know it seems weird to you, but trust me—it's not dirty."
Akira nodded. "No, I just… want water."
Still, he eventually took a few bites, slowly warming to the simple yet flavorful food. Five minutes later, he handed the dhaba owner ₹180 and thanked him softly.
The bus conductor shouted from the road, "All passengers, please take your seats!"
Back on the bus, Aarav leaned into the conversation again, his curiosity growing.
> "So, Akiyoma… what do you do? Where are you from, really?"
Akira answered most of his questions with vague honesty, sidestepping the real horrors.
Finally, Aarav chuckled. "You've gotta have a girlfriend, right? You're too handsome not to."
Akira's face tensed. "Girlfriend…?"
> "Yeah," Aarav nudged him. "C'mon, man."
Akira rubbed his forehead. "I'm… feeling dizzy." He leaned against the window and closed his eyes.
Aarav looked at him, suddenly concerned. "Did I say something wrong…?"
---
Next Morning – Arrival
Sunlight streamed through the window again, brighter this time. The bus had stopped.
> "Akiyoma," Aarav said, gently shaking him awake. "We're in Chandigarh."
Akira sat up slowly, gathering his small bag. As he stepped off the bus, he turned to Aarav.
> "Can I ask you something?"
> "Sure."
> "Is there a place in Himachal where I can go to… be alone?"
Aarav thought for a moment, then his face lit up. "Manali. It's peaceful—almost like Japan. Only sakura trees are missing."
Akira nodded. "Thanks."
> "Come, I'll take you to the bus."
They walked together to the Himachal Roadways counter. Aarav chatted with the conductor briefly and returned.
> "This one goes to Kullu. From there, you'll find buses to Manali. You'll love it."
> "You're not coming?" Akira asked.
Aarav shook his head. "No. I'm heading to another interview. Gotta give it one more shot."
As Akira boarded the HRTC bus, Aarav waved with a smile. "Take care, Akiyoma!"
The bus pulled away. Akira sat near the back and looked out the window as the world blurred past.
A faint smile curved on his lips—cold, crooked, and unnatural.
He whispered beneath his breath, covering his mouth with his hand:
> "I acted well, didn't I…?"
---