Never alone

An alarm started beeping.

Tin… tin… tin…

Kasumi groaned and rolled over in bed.

“Ugh… already morning?” he muttered. “I didn’t sleep enough…”

…
“I told you it wasn’t worth staying up late, scrolling through TikTok for hours.”

Kasumi closed his eyes tighter.

“I wish you could’ve stopped me.”

…
“I won’t. It benefits me to see you tired.”

Kasumi got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. He splashed water on his face and slowly lifted his head.

His reflection stared back at him — pale skin, dark circles, empty eyes.

But he wasn’t alone.

Someone was standing in the corner of the bathroom.

Kasumi didn’t turn around. He never did.

“So… you’re never going to leave me alone,” he said quietly.

A soft laugh echoed behind him.

…
“No. Not until I take control of your body.”

Kasumi gripped the sink. His hands were shaking.

He avoided the mirror.
If he looked again, the corner would still be occupied.

He left his apartment in a rush and barely made it to the university.

Kasumi stared at the board, his mind heavy.

I hate school, he thought.
When will this ever end?

…
“You really think all of this matters?” the voice whispered.
“Look at them. Wasting twelve years of their lives just to end up with a small monthly salary. This world is broken.”

Stop, Kasumi begged silently.
Please… just shut up. I need to focus.

The voice laughed.

“Kasumi,” the teacher said sharply,
“You’re late. And you’re not paying attention. Answer the question.”

Kasumi froze.

“I— I’m sorry, sir. I was thinking about—”

“Answer the question.”

Kasumi swallowed.

“C-can you repeat it? I’m really sorry.”

…
“Hahaha. Completely powerless.”

“I—”

The bell rang.

Break time.

Kasumi rushed out of the classroom, his face burning with embarrassment.

In the hallway, he looked to the right — a couple kissing.
To the left — a group of friends laughing together.

…
“Look at you. No friends. No girlfriend. Pathetic, isn’t it?”
“But don’t worry. Everyone you see smiling is just acting. Do you really think this world is happy?”

Kasumi clenched his fists.

I don’t know…
Is being alone really better than being with someone?