Blue Sky

Every person is a world of their own. Our feelings are the result of our memories, and no one can feel noting they haven’t experienced.

A gentle warmth flows across my skin. I know what it is. It wants me to wake from my dreams. The sounds grow clearer, little by little.

???: "No one likes the taste of cold eggs."

I hear a familiar voice in my left ear.

???: "Just a little longer..."

My own voice comes out groggy.

???: "So, you're not getting up at all, huh?"

She's right. If I get up, she'll leave. I want them to stay a little longer. Otherwise, I'll have to start another dull day. I feel them lean closer. Something like human skin touches my cheek—but I know it's not human.

???: "If you don't get up, I'll make you."

She laugh. Leaning toward my ear, she blow gently, and I squirm. "Hey!" I mutter, before opening my eyes. Our gazes meet. Her eyes are a gray tinged with blue, while mine are brown. A few strands of her straight black hair fall across her forehead. Her lips curve into a faint smile.

???: "Please, just five more minutes."

???: "You'll be up in two minutes, Aozora-kun. No negotiations."

I nod in agreement to what she say. Turning toward the window as she leaves, she says, 'Day begins.' As the darkness on the window slowly gives way to the morning light, my eyes try to adjust to the brightness.

Yokaste is the name of the android living in my house. She takes care of everything in the house, including waking me up. Without her, I would probably starve or die in a mess. It’s obvious she’s not human, yet sometimes, I find myself doubting it.

Yokaste: "Don’t forget to wash your face—you look terrible."

Then she exits the room.

I get up from my bed and head to the bathroom. When I reach it, I hear the mechanic door open. I step in and lean toward the faucet. Without me moving, the water gently begins washing my face. The soft feel of the water is relaxing. Everything is quick and easy, just like usual. My face is clean now, so I can go eat. 

I head to the kitchen, where Yokaste is busy with something, as usual. She has the body of a mature woman but moves as swiftly as a young girl.

Aozora: "Good morning."

Yokaste: "Good morning, Aozora-kun."

I approach the table. When I touch a button, a chair slowly unfolds. A plate with an egg is on the table. I pick up the fork, and the morning news starts behind me.

A hologram of the morning news anchor appears in front of the wall. The broadcast starts with today’s date: November 3, 2103. Then they move on to current topics. She mentions changes in the education system. There’s a debate over whether space programs are too advanced for elementary students. 

Concerns of the 22nd century...

Yokaste leans slightly against the table, resting her chest on it while crossing one leg behind the other. She looks at me.

Yokaste: "Aren’t they pushing the new generation too hard?"

Aozora:"Everyone will struggle at some point in life."

Yokaste: “You’re so unfeeling.”

She rests her chin in her hand and smiles faintly.

Aozora: "Am I? I think it’s just realism." I reply while chewing my egg.

Yokaste: "Don’t talk with your mouth full!"

She exclaims, pretending to scold me. I know she’s not serious.

The egg is warm and delicious—Yokaste made it just the way I like it. I don’t have much of an appetite, so I eat only a little. Some bread and water accompany the egg.

Once finished, I know I need to get ready for school. My clothes are already laid out on my bed—probably Yokaste’s doing. I should thank her before leaving. After getting dressed, I grab my shoulder bag, which holds the books I packed last night.

As I head for the door, I call out to Yokaste.

Aozora: "Thanks for the clothes."

Yokaste: "It’s my duty, you know that."

Aozora: "I know."

Yokaste: "Aren’t you forgetting something?"

Aozora: "You do remember I’m 20 now, right?"

She purses her lips, like a mother realizing her child has grown up. But she’s not my mother—just...her.
I scan my card to open the door.

Yokaste: "Have a good day, Aozora-kun."

Aozora: "You too, Yokaste-san."

And with that, I step outside.

The first thing I notice in the yard is how sunny the day is. Not a single cloud in the sky.

I remember a history lesson about the lengths people went to see the sun like this again.

I walk over to my motorcycle. I’d bought it with my allowance the year I got into university. Sitting on it, I start the engine, which gives off a deep, satisfying hum. Slowly, I head out onto the road.

In 2103, humanity lives under a unified political structure. Population is low, and prosperity is high, so there’s no poverty. Once you’re of age, you can establish your life with ease. With a scholarship from your school, you can afford a home and meet all your needs. I did the same, moving into a house near campus. 

Yokaste has been with my family since I was born, and she didn’t want to leave me alone when I moved away from my father. Maybe she was afraid I’d be alone and waste away.

The area around the university is filled with student residences. On the way, I pass other students—some driving, others walking hand in hand, wanting to prolong their time together. If you happen upon a cosy spot, you might even catch a couple sneaking a kiss.

I catch a glimpse of the Neoli River to my right, and there are small dots of people picnicking on the banks of the river.

After passing a few faculty buildings, I reach my faculty. I park the motorcycle and walk to the entrance, where a sign reads, “Neoli University, Faculty of Law.” 

Yes, this is my school. Just as I’m about to enter, I hear a voice behind me.

???: "Hey, Aozoraa! Aozora, can’t you hear me?"

Aozora: "I can, Hayato-kun. Probably the whole faculty heard you, too."

The one shouting my name, drawing every eye to us, is Hayato Asahi. He insists he’s my best friend, though I’ve never actually confirmed it.

He has light blue eyes and nearly orange hair, and he’s tall—probably over 6’2”. As a member of the school’s basketball team, he’s quite muscular. Next to him, I look pretty thin.

Hayato: “Don’t exaggerate, man. Are you sulking because of your bro?”

Aozora: “Please don’t say that out loud, Hayato-kun. I don’t want people knowing I associate with you.”

Hayato: “What do you mean by that? Aren’t I your best—no, your VERY best friend?!”

A group of people passing by laugh at Hayato’s shouting as they walk away. I place my hand on my face and sigh internally, thinking, Workday has begun.

Aozora: “Come on, let’s get to class, Hayato-kun.”

As we walk toward the classroom, Hayato can’t help but keep talking.

Hayato: “Hey, Aozoraaa, we’re second-years now. You know what that means—we’ve got to meet the newbies!”

Aozora: “You go ahead. I have no such intention.”

Knowing Hayato, by "newbies," he’s undoubtedly referring only to the girls.

Hayato: “Man, Aozoraaa, if you keep this up, you’re going to finish school as a loner! Be a little more outgoing—girls don’t like shy guys.”

He stops in front of me with a smug expression after delivering his advice. I slowly look him up and down before smirking.

Aozora: “I see. You must be very experienced in this field.”

His proud expression falters.

Hayato: “Well, you know, I—”

Aozora: “How many girlfriends have you had? I should have written it down somewhere.”

I pull a notebook from my coat pocket, open to a blank page, and show it to him.

Aozora: “Ah, yes, here it is.”

Hayato stares at it, visibly deflated.

Hayato: “You’re so heartless, Aozoraaa.”

He pretends to cry as we walk toward the classroom. On the way, we run into a few of Hayato’s friends. Their personalities are no different from Hayato’s—overly energetic and always looking for fun. They’re the type of people I can never get along with, yet for some reason, they’re always around me.

After giving them a nod of greeting, I leave Hayato with them and head to the lecture hall. It’s a large room that can seat about 200 people.

As always, I sit in the third row, right in the middle. If you sit in the front, your neck hurts from looking up. If you sit in the back, you can’t hear the teacher. Under these conditions, the third row is the optimal spot.
I place my bag on the desk and take out my textbook. Setting a slim tablet on the desk, I press the touch button. A hologram appears, indistinguishable from a real book.

I open to the section from the last class and begin reading slowly. I haven’t even been at it for long when I hear my name again.

???: “Good morning, Aozora-kun.”

Aozora: “Good morning, Class Rep-san.”

???: “If it’s not a problem, may I sit here?” she asks, gesturing to the seat beside me.
Aozora: “Go ahead.”

Keiko Mari, the class representative, has dark, night-black hair and deep green eyes. She was also the top student in our class last year. I came second. The day the rankings were announced, she approached me as I was looking at the list. At first, I thought she came to gloat.

Mari: “Your score is the same as mine. If I weren’t the class representative, we’d be sharing first place. I think it’s unfair.”

I was surprised. I hadn’t expected her to be so modest.

Aozora: “It’s not a big deal; it doesn’t matter to me.”

Mari: “But…”

She hesitated for a moment.

Mari: “…by the way, my name is Mari.”

Aozora: “I know, Class Rep-san.”

At that moment, I was about to turn and leave, but she called out to me.

Mari: “What’s yours?”

I realize I forgot to introduce myself. I'm not rude, but I've never been especially polite, either.

Aozora: “Aozora. Sorry, I forgot because I was distracted.”

Mari: “It’s okay, Aozora-kun. Nice to meet you.”

She had a calm smile on her face, as soothing as a gentle rain. That’s how I first met Mari. Before sitting down, she adjusts her skirt.

Mari: “Aozora-kun, what did you do during the break?”

Aozora: “I reviewed this year’s curriculum. I also spent part of the break at my dad’s office.”

Mari: “You really work hard, don’t you?”

Aozora: “Not as much as you, Class Rep-san.”

Mari: “Are we still so distant that you call me that?”

Aozora: “I think it’s more appropriate to address you this way.”

Mari: “Suit yourself. By the way, the Representative Committee has its first meeting today. Each representative is allowed to bring a guest. I wanted to ask if you’d come with me.”

Aozora: “I don’t have any intention of joining the committee, Class Rep-san.”

Mari: “But the committee needs people like you—hardworking and disciplined.”

Aozora: “I’m sure you can find plenty of others like me.”

Mari: “Or maybe I can’t. To be honest, Aozora-kun, most of the people interested in joining the committee aren’t suited for the job. They either don’t do their work properly or waste time. The committee is fed up with it. That’s why we representatives decided to invite people we think are capable. And I want you to come.”

I really had no desire to join the committee. School was just a stepping stone for me, and I didn’t want to spend extra time on anything unrelated to that goal. However, after thinking it over, I realized I was curious about how the committee operated.

Aozora: “If you insist, I’ll come, but only as an observer.”

She smiles brightly.

Mari: “I promise, you’ll just be an observer.”

And so, we reach an agreement. By the end of the day, I’ll attend the meeting. I decide to use this as an excuse to avoid spending time with Hayato and his group after school. As expected, Hayato grumbles at first.
Hayato: “Oh, come on, Aozora, live a little for once!”

But when he hears I’ll be going with Mari, he doesn’t push further.Hayato: “Heh, I see.”
Aozora: “I don’t know what you think you understand, but it’s not what you’re imagining.”
Muttering to himself,
Hayato: “So, you like smart and serious girls, huh?

Then, raising his voice.

Hayato: “Go get ‘em, champ!”

Seriously, his brain only works for basketball and girls.

I head to the committee meeting with Mari. On the way, my wristwatch buzzes with a call. I see Yokaste’s name on the display. I tap to answer, and a hologram forms in my hand before I bring it to my ear.

Aozora: “Yes, Yokaste-san?”

Yokaste: “Ah, hello, Aozora-kun. Sorry to bother you.”

Aozora: “What’s up?”

Yokaste: “It’s nothing important. I just wanted to ask what you’d like for dinner.” She asks me this every day.

Aozora: “I might not make it back for dinner. You can eat without me.”

Yokaste: “Do you have something important?”

Aozora: “I’m attending the committee meeting with the Class Rep-san.”

Yokaste: “Ah, the Class Rep-san… You mean Mari-chan.”

Aozora: “Yes, her.”

Yokaste: “Oh my, is Aozora-kun abandoning his dear Yokaste for the beautiful class representative? How will I survive alone without the man of the house?”

Her voice carries a mock sadness, as if she’s pretending to be heartbroken.

Aozora: “Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s just a meeting.”

Yokaste: “I understand, Aozora-kun. Every young man has his needs. Even someone like me, an old lady, can grasp that. Have fun, you two!”

With that, she ends the call.

Ah, that woman…

When the call ends, I realize we’ve already arrived at the committee room. Mari looks at me with questioning eyes.

Mari: “Is something wrong?”

Aozora: “No, let’s go.”

Mari knocks on the door and scans her card. The door opens, and we step inside.