Bye Bye Yesterday (Volume 1)

In the following days, Natasha's plan unfolded exactly as she had proposed. Victor Heckleberg, once basking in wealth and all its pleasures, now found himself restrained on a cold, unyielding lab bed, beginning his grim new life as a specimen for experimentation.

Meanwhile, his father, Christopher Heckleberg, leveraged his close connections at MVIDIA, successfully securing the usage of the latest unreleased Android model, KA11. The former government official intended to use the advanced android to compensate for his son's absence.

The KA11 model was nearing its final stages of development, with an official announcement just around the corner. Among its groundbreaking features was its unprecedented ability to flawlessly replicate human movements, a feat previous models struggled to achieve. Additionally, the ease of production meant MVDIA could manufacture over a hundred units in different shapes and sizes within an hour.

Creating an android that replicated his son's appearance proved simple. However, replicating lifelike facial expressions and movements posed a challenge. Fortunately, juvenile anonymity laws required minors to obscure their faces in public or during court appearances, typically with a hood or rucksack. Using this legal loophole, Christoper concealed the android's face with a rucksack, allowing it to walk from the police van to the courtroom unnoticed. 

The court proceedings were held behind closed doors, with the judges who were close associates of Albert Forbury and privy to the truth. The verdict was first shared with the victim, who wept tears of joy, and then publicly announced. The android stand-in for Victor Heckleberg was subsequently transported to a prison facility, confined in isolation away from ordinary guards.

Justice was served, though not in a way the world would have expected.

"..."

Kaito and Natasha, meanwhile, relished their middle school days, often finding themselves the subject of teasing over their unique bond.

More than friendship, but not quite love.

They cherished each other's company, sharing lunches, taking a stroll through the school garden, or studying side by side in the school library for the final exams. 

For Natasha, Kaito was a myriad of vibrant colours, painting over the grayscale monotony of her life. Unlike others, who pursued her for her wealth, status and beauty, he radiated sincerity, free of ulterior motives. She even welcomed the false dating rumours surrounding them, which kept other suitors at bay.

For Kaito, Natasha was a companion who accepted him as he truly was. She respected his decision to forgo the iVision implant and understood the shared pain of being abandoned by a parent. For the first time since his mother's passing, Kaito rediscovered joy and began to genuinely enjoy life again.

"..."

Two years passed in a blind. From the fateful winter afternoon to countless hours spent preparing for final exams, Kaito and Natasha had grown inseparable. They both aspired to attend Little Angels Academy, a prestigious high school, and their efforts bore fruit, they aced their exams with flying colours.

Yet, one question lingered between them...

What was their relationship?

"..."

On their last day of middle school, they both walked toward the gates together, taking in the familiar sights one last time. The nostalgia was bittersweet as they reflected on the memories they had made. Suddenly, Kaito stopped, his eyes meeting Natasha's with an expression of unease and hesitation. 

"What's wrong, Kaito?" Natasha asked, tilting her head in concern.

"Natasha, I-I..."

She already sensed what he wanted to say. A sudden warmth rose to her cheeks as she braced herself for the words.

"I..."

Their bond had transcended the limits of friendship, yet it wasn't quite love. Both had wondered if they should take the next step, but fear always held them back. 

What if it doesn't work out?

What would happen to our current relationship?

"..."

"I'm looking forward to spending time with you in high school!" Kaito finally blurted out, cursing himself internally for his lack of courage.

Natasha, sensing his struggle, felt her own excitement waver. She hesitated too, unsure where to risk their bond by confessing her feelings. 

Both understood they were standing in the middle of a crossroad, their feelings were undeniable, yet fear kept them from taking the next step forward.

With a faint smile, she replied, "Yes, I'm looking forward to it, Kaito.

"..."

From afar, the Headmaster watched the scene silently. Lifting his gaze to the heavens, he thought of his late wife.

"Anne, should I give them a little push?" He mused aloud.

He paused, reflecting on the weight of his words, before chuckling softly, "But I suppose that would ruin their special moment, wouldn't it?"

Smiling warmly, he whispered to himself, "I'll simply watch their relationship blossom from afar."

"Natasha, Kaito... I wish you two the very best."