Earthside: Secrets in the Quiet

The evening air in Japan was heavy with silence. Hana shut the door behind her with a soft click. She stood there for a moment, drawing a steadying breath, before her voice cut through the quiet.

"...Who are you? And what did you do with Kazuki?"

The words hit Kael like a dagger to the chest. His eyes widened, sweat prickling at his temples. What do I say? What do I do? His mind raced, but his body froze.

"Hana, what are you talking about?" His voice came out tight, too sharp, and even he knew it sounded wrong.

Her gaze hardened, unblinking. "Do you know how I know you're not Kazuki? Because he would never hold eye contact with me — not like this. Especially not when I'm pressing him." She leaned forward. "So start talking. Are you some lookalike trying to take his place? Are you an evil spirit that possessed him? Or—" her voice cracked slightly with disbelief, "—did aliens do something to you that made you change this much over a single weekend?"

Kael stayed silent. Every excuse, every denial, would only tighten the noose. She had already decided something was wrong. And for the first time since arriving here, he felt cornered.

At last, he let out a long breath and lowered his head. "...Enough." His voice softened, steady now, no longer pretending. "If I keep dodging, you'll only grow more suspicious."

Hana stiffened as he gestured toward the chair beside his desk.

"Sit down, please."

She hesitated. "What are you going to do to me?"

Kael raised his hands slowly; palms open. His tone was calm, almost weary. "Nothing. I'm not going to hurt you. I'll sit over there—" he pointed toward the far corner of the room, "—and I'll explain everything. Isn't that what you wanted?"

For a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the ceiling fan. Then, cautiously, Hana crossed the room and lowered herself onto the edge of the chair, her back rigid, her eyes fixed on him.

"I've been watching," she continued, the words spilling faster now, sharper. "The way you speak, the way you carry yourself… It's different. Kazuki used to stumble over his words, he'd panic at the smallest thing. But you—" She gestured at him, almost accusing. "You look people in the eye. You fight back. You're… someone else."

Kael drew in a slow breath.

"My name… is Kael. And I'm from a place called Numeria — another world."

Hana's eyes flickered, but she said nothing.

"Three days ago," Kael continued, his voice low, "Kazuki was summoned there. To fight. To save that world. When it happened… our souls switched. He went to Numeria, and I came here."

Hana sat frozen on the chair, hands gripping the hem of her skirt, her gaze never leaving him.

Kael explained everything. He spoke until his throat felt raw, laying bare pieces of a life she could hardly imagine. Through it all, Hana said nothing. Her face gave nothing away.

When he finally stopped, the room felt hollow with the absence of his voice.

Hana stood slowly. Without a word, she turned and started toward the door.

"Wait." Kael's voice cracked. He bowed, his voice breaking. "Please. Don't tell her. Don't tell mom. I swear—I'm not going to hurt anyone. I beg you."

Her hand lingered on the doorknob. For a moment, Kael thought she might walk out without answering. But then she glanced back at him, her expression unreadable.

"Bring those clothes tomorrow," she said flatly, pointing at the folded gym uniform.

And then she left.

Kael stayed bowed for a moment, his breath shaking. When he finally straightened and stepped out of his room for dinner, something stopped him cold.

A presence.

It felt familiar. Warm. As if someone was watching him.

What is this…? His pulse quickened. Is it Kazuki? Like he's looking back. Watching his home…

The warmth lingered in his chest, both comforting and unsettling. But why only now? Why after three days? Has something happened over there…?

The thought followed him out of the room, heavy and unanswered, until he found himself sitting at the dinner table.

Dinner was unbearable. Hana sat across from him, her face a mask, forcing smiles only when Kazuki's mother glanced her way. Kael could feel the weight of her silence.

When it ended, Hana excused herself quickly. Kael retreated to his room, collapsing onto his bed. He exhaled shakily; grateful she hadn't said anything.

But then, a knock came at the door.

"Kazuki?"

He sat up quickly. "Y-yeah, Mom?"

She stepped inside, her face soft with concern. "Is everything alright with Hana, sweetie?"

Kael hesitated, eyes falling to the floor. "…I don't know, Mom. I really don't."

She crossed the room and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's going to be alright. Just give her time to process whatever happened today. You did well; protecting her. I'm proud of you, baby."

Kael managed a small nod. "…Thanks, Mom. Love you."

"Have a goodnight." She said as she closed the door.

That night, sleep was slow to come. The weight of her words — and Hana's silence — pressed heavy on him.

The next morning, Kael walked to the gate as always. Hana was there, waiting — but her face was different. Serious. Preoccupied.

"Morning," Kael said carefully.

Her reply was quiet, almost distant. "I was… thinking if I should even come here like I always do. But… before I realized it, I was already walking. Out of habit."

Her eyes lingered on him, sharp and searching.

"Thank you for not saying anything to Mom last night," Kael said quietly.

Hana's gaze was sharp. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for her. And tell her what, exactly? That someone else is in her son's body? She'd either think I've lost my mind… or she'd collapse from shock."

Kael lowered his head, guilt gnawing at him. "…Thanks anyway."

Silence stretched as they walked. Kael's mind turned back to last night — to that warm presence, to the strange three-day gap. Why three days? Is there a time difference between our worlds? He was so lost in thought he didn't notice they'd already reached the school gates.

"Hana—" he called. No answer.

"Hana!" he called again, jogging forward to block her path. "Please, just listen. I know you're upset, but… I don't know anything about this world, its people, its ways. I need your help to navigate."

She folded her arms. "And why should I help you?"

He took a breath. "Because your name was the only one Kazuki wrote in his diary. Other than his mom… you're the only person he relied on."

Hana froze for a moment, then sighed, turning her eyes away. "…Fine. Whatever."

Relief washed through Kael, and he smiled. "Thanks, Hana. You're the best."

"It's Miss Shimizu to you," she shot back.

He chuckled. "Thanks, Miss Shimizu."

She smirked. "Let's see if you're still laughing in P.E. today, Mr. Warrior."

Kael blinked. "What's… a P.E. ?"