There were countless people.
A loud noise filled the air.
Her vision blurred, and her ears buzzed as if submerged underwater.

“You’re a little late.”

That voice rang out, startlingly clear.

“…Even though you’re late.”

When he grabbed her slender arm and called out to her—
The radiant smile peeking out from beneath the crimson fabric was seared into his memory.

“I’m back.”

Crimson-tinted eyes.
A mischievous smile curling at her lips.

In that moment, he…

*****

Bzzzt—bzzzzzt!!

“…”

The vibration of a phone pulled him out of sleep.

Checking the clock—it was 5 a.m.
…