Why Crysty Wouldn’t Have Done It

-“Good, I got my hands on some free time.” Reef says, as he walks by one of the areas that require cleaning. “Today we don’t have to clean. I wonder if they wanted to give us some free time since it has become radicalized or perhaps because they want to reassess the strategy?” He thinks to himself. He recognized that he already cleaned there once before. This was the spot where he met Mr. Blue for the first time.

“Crysty, you would’ve loved him.” He says out loud. He notices a glass cup laid on the floor next to the trash can. He picks up the cup and holds it firmly. He remembers seeing Mr. Blue drinking from such an old fashioned cup. “Would you have approved of the littering?” He asks. He then reaches to put the cup in the can. He suddenly comes to a stop. “Maybe you would’ve?” He considers. “But Crysty would’ve never. “Oh, crysty... You were too good... To deserve any of this...”

3 years ago. Year: 2297. The final year of middle school for Reef, Crysty, Angelica, Arney and Albert in “Artisan”. Crysty walks to school with Reef.

-“So the thing is...” Crysty looks embarrassed.

-“What are you so flustered about? You look like an anime girl!” He says and starts laughing.

-“What?!” She then slaps him on his shoulder multiple times. “Well, actually, you are right. I’m cute and beautiful just like an anime girl.” She then closes her eyes but opens one of them to stare at him as if waiting for him to “agree or else”.

“Reef!” She yells at him since she does not get a response. “AGREE OR ELSE!”

-“I don’t disagree.” Reef says with confidence and a charming smile, seemingly happier than any other time he’s ever been since joining as a student in Artisan.

Crysty gets flustered in a similar manner to how he used to get, as he spoke to her when they just met on the first day of school and in the beginning of their relationship.

“What did you want to say?” He tries to break the ice.

-“Oh, yea! I wanted your voice to record a new song!”

-“Like we usually do?” He infers as to see if there’s a different occasion.

-“Well, kindda, but this time it’s going to be very different from my usual style.” She starts explaining. I want more drums and for you to join in with rap or something... Haha I haven’t decided on all the details but you can see how it’s actually different, right?”

-“Yea.” Reefs agrees. “But you know me, anything you want - I’ll do.”

Crysty blushes and seems really happy. She avoids eye contact, but slowly reaches for his hand. He lets her grab his hand and matches the tightness of his hold to hers. He looks at her as she still avoids eye contact and he smiles. They keep walking to school.

At 15 years of age, Crysty has managed to gain massive following on social platforms as she uploads consistent musical content. While maintaining her school life in artisan and her relationship with her friends who support her and even participate in the making of her content and music - she was the first one to effectively accomplish her dream of becoming a famous musician. In class, she usually gets the treatment of a celebrity, and nobody messes with her and her friends since students fear of hurting their own status.

-“Hey Crysty! How are you? You look so gorgeous.” Sophie says as she sees Crysty and Reef enter.

-“Thank you! I love your hair!” Crysty replies.

Both of them sit and Reef whispers to her: “You are so good at this.”

-“I know.” She replies with a bit of a smirk.

The other three show up, going straight to Reef and Crysty. -“Reef!” Arney yells as he grabs Reef’s head, stealing most of the attention with his large figure and presence. -“Hey you two!” Angelica says. -“Good morning guys.” Albert adds.

-“Is that a new haircut Albert?” Crysty notices immediately.

-“Yes! Would expect nothing less of you to notice so quickly.” Albert replies. His stance and overall figure shows a lot of style and confidence.

-“Crysty!” Angelica calls out. “Your new song you had me sing with you blew up completely!”

-“I know!” Crysty replies. “Did you see the comments? They all practically worship your art in the background. The top liked comment explains you also participated in the singing by one of your biggest fans.”

-“But isn’t that a comment by you? Which you also pinned?” Angelica asks.

-“And I’m your biggest fan!” Crysty yells in a cute manner and hugs her.

They hug each other for a good few seconds, as the teacher enters and asks for quiet in order for class to begin. Everybody is obediently preparing in their sit as class starts per usual.

At the end of class, the group tries to figure out if they have enough time to go to a coffee place.

-“Me and Reef have two hours open every Friday, but they say our musicology class may be canceled today, so if you want to even catch a movie or do something fun for the weekend, we are all up for it, right Reef?”

-“Hell yea! But what’s your schedule? We can also just go for a coffee now and do something later in the evening.” Reef answers.

-“Me and Arney have history class in an hour so we could just join you guys for a coffee, although I don’t think a single one of us drinks coffee.” Albert says.

-“I drink coffee sometimes.” Crysty says. “My dad always drinks coffee so I made it a habit to drink some of his. Ever since I was little I kept stealing sips of coffee without him knowing.”

In futuristic Japan, coffee in small dozes is allowed for consumption to underage children. Alcohol, however, has become illegal to consume at any age since the working place revolution of 2150. In an attempt to get rid of Japan’s exploitative companies, newer western rules of conduct were adapted, along with certain changes in policies and cultural push for overworking habits. As one of the notions to drink after a day of work being immediately connected to work culture, it was judged to be more nourishing to overwork concepts, rather than actually condoning relaxation after work. One thing led to another and eventually society has judged drinking to be none beneficial and even harmful, symbolizing demerit of old times.

-“Honestly, can’t put a price on hot chocolate drink.” Arney says. “Who even needs coffee?”

They all have a little laugh about the image of a muscular man pledging faith to a hot chocolate drink.

-“Sure!” Angelica agrees. -“You said it.” Reef approves. Albert and Crysty laugh a bit more. They take their bags and walk to the coffee shop.

While on their way, Angelica turns to Crysty and whispers: “Crysty, I finish school early every Friday. But... I can use the time for drawing and then wait for Albert and Arney to finish their day.”

-“Don’t you want to catch a movie with us?” Crysty replies.

-“It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I want the two of you to be alone with each other.” Angelica explains quietly.

-“Ohhhh.” Crysty understands.

-“Besides, I will join whatever we all decide on doing tonight, so you make sure to pick either something scarry or romantic.”

Just like how online services offering movie-streaming - did not destroy the cinema industry, the future didn’t bring about it’s defeat either. However, most cinema have adapted to 3D technology that doesn’t require any special eye gear, while any old fashioned cinemas are considered a vintage artistic experience.

-“Got it... And we can all watch something vintage together with Albert and Arney too since they will also appreciate the...”

-“Or karaoke or something, it doesn’t matter...” Angelica cuts in the middle. “We will find something to do later, just make sure to have him all for yourself until then. Remember, Horror or Romance! Both is also okay!”

-“Yes mam!” Crysty answers with a smile.

As they almost reach the coffee place, they hear a loud announcement from one of the public television screens on the top of a building, showing an interview of Professor Bluefield Goldman speaking about a new platform that supports A.I technology: “OnLineHere Inc. have purchased the rights of usage of our core A.I Technology. They have created a platform that learns from artists and offers a variety of tools for uploading content. Admittedly, I didn’t know that was their direction before selling the rights. I just hope the tools they offer will be of relevance to the artist themselves and will not take away opportunities from them.”

Crysty looks incredibly uncomfortable.