The Encounter

It was 29th June 3083 when I started noticing Rito. 

We had been neighbors for over 3 years now, and our parents had been friends even before that. Yet, our encounters were limited to brief exchanges at family dinners and avoiding each other on the streets. I was always tied down by my own self-consciousness, so I never had the motivation nor the gall to initiate a conversation with Rito. Interestingly, he also refused to start a conversation, and I had always relied on LucidLife to dispel the awkwardness.

However, it was different this time on the train ride to school.

A typical day involved the familiar ritual of losing myself in various fictional worlds within LucidLife, but before I could switch it on today, Rito caught my eye. Rays of light streaming through the windows illuminated the gentle contour of his features, as if God was signaling me to look. His jet-black hair and fair skin radiated a familiar allure, and his broad shoulders were made apparent with the fit of his uniform. For the first time, I noticed how his soft aura conveyed a strangely commanding presence.

Rito was leaning against the rear wall of the train carriage, fully engrossed in his book. Seeing someone read a book was a rare occurrence, given that everything you could possibly imagine could be experienced, created, and known using LucidLife. LucidLife was the physical manifestation of human creativity, and books seemed lacking in comparison. Yet, the intrigue of his unusual act had made him incredibly attractive, and I couldn't help but stare.

Rito noticed my gaze, and I flashed a smile at him out of embarrassment. He appeared amused as he smiled back, then returned to reading his book. I immediately averted my gaze to the blue patches of sky, attempting to avoid the unease I felt. He noticed I was staring!!! Did I look stupid? Was that why he was smirking? He must think that I am smitten with him, which I am, but he doesn't need to know! I attempted to catch a glimpse of him without him noticing. Oh boy, he is hot. He must be popular. I swiftly turned on LucidLife.

LucidLife was a microchip implant that could be easily controlled with mental intent. It also had the ability to seamlessly integrate with the real world, so what was going on in my mind experientially would not be expressed outwardly. Additionally, real-world interactions occurred as part of the LucidLife reality, so my real-world interactions would not be affected either. My parents took me to get the implant at 5, and it had been an integral part of my life ever since.

Rito closed his book and looked up at me with a warm smile. In a swift motion, he stood up and moved closer to me. My heart pounded in time with his footsteps.

"Is this the first time we've ever talked to each other properly?" Rito remarked, gently grabbing the handrail above me.

"I guess so." I couldn't help but notice his towering and magnetic presence. It felt oddly protective. As he came closer, my attention was drawn to his familiar yet distinct scent. It was one of those smells that one could only describe as "Rito".

"You have a unique scent." I blurted without thinking. I can't believe I said that, but it's fine. This is my imagination anyways.

Rito appeared to be slightly taken aback by my comment, but quickly regained his composure. He laughed in disbelief, "Wow. I can't believe you just said I smell bad."

"I didn't mean that!" I retorted shyly. Okay, no. I didn't like his line. Let's do it again.

Our eyes met. I was drawn in by the warm sparkle in Rito's eyes as he chuckled, "You've never shown this weird side before."

"What do you mean by weird??" My cheeks flushed red in embarrassment. "It was an accident...what I meant was..."

"You have a strangely cute reaction to things."

I looked away bashfully. "Thank you."

Realizing that he had been a bit too candid, Rito got flustered, "I didn't mean it in a weird way!"

I giggled, "It's okay, I don't mind being called cute."

Rito leaned in closer, his gaze soft yet intense. We locked eyes, neither of us saying a word. I doubt I would be able to do this without shaking in real life, but at least I'm confident enough in my fantasies. 

The space between us began to shrink along with the unspoken anticipation that filled the air. He was incredibly close, but it felt wrong to continue further with this scene. Romance is best savored with subtlety and a slow development.

"The next stop is Kagiei station."

"You're getting off at the next station, right?"

"Yes." I wanted to continue the conversation, yet we stood in silence, our gazes averted from one another for a full minute before the train finally came to a halt. I could not think of a scene that felt right.

"This is Kagiei station. The doors are opening. Please watch your step when you get off."

"See you." I gave him a little wave as I stepped out of the train car.

"See you around, Miyu." He replied lightly.

My heart continued to race even after I exited the train. Rito. His elusive yet tender allure lingered in my mind. His appearance. His build. His presence. I was so caught up in my own social self-consciousness over the years that I had failed to noticed how irresistibly attractive he was. Why could he be so handsome? I wondered why he suddenly seemed so appealing out of nowhere. Was it the book? Have I always been blind? Was I too absorbed in LucidLife before?

I kept spiraling in a whirlwind of emotions. That encounter, albeit imaginary, had sent a jolt of electricity through my veins. I felt as if the unspoken bond we had for years had suddenly ignited into a breathtaking romantic chemistry. I didn't want to look back. I didn't want to meet Rito's gaze. I didn't want to break this incredible tension.

I knew I had to experience it again. And I could...with LucidLife.