The Lost Archives

How beautiful life could be when you had something to look forward to - a job you loved, a car you owned, and maybe even a girl who loved you back. But of course, the universe had other plans for Akira, the 29-year-old who felt like a failure in the eyes of God. "Holidays? For what? You are required to be present here at all cost and file in all these documents before nine, otherwise I'll have you working overtime without a bonus and cut from your paycheck for even asking that ridiculous question," his boss barked, his beady eyes narrowing. Akira gripped the folders tightly, accidentally crumpling the edges as he meekly replied, "Yes, sir." As he exited the room, Akira couldn't help but wonder why God had cursed him with this life. All he had asked for was a mere two days off to reunite with an old friend, but this heartless boss couldn't even grant him that simple request. To him it was just another bad day at work now. "Boss gave you another hard time, Akira?" a familiar voice chimed in. It was Sana, Akira's senior and best friend from the law department. "Told you that dude wouldn't budge." Akira sighed, "I know, I just thought maybe he'd have the heart to hear me out." Sana scoffed, "Nah, dude's an ass. You'd be considered lucky if he gave you an early leave at all." She paused, then added with a playful nudge, "Don't be down, though. I gotchu, darling." "Thanks, Sana," Akira said, managing a small smile. "You're the only woman in my life, apart from her, that makes me somewhat happy." Sana rolled her eyes, but Akira could see the fondness in her expression. "Save the compliments, hero. I know you're just buttering me up. Was the last line necessary, though? Let a woman be happy, and maybe I'll let you take me out instead." Akira chuckled, knowing full well that Sana was more interested in food, the gym, and her cats than any romantic endeavours. "She's coming back, Sana. That's why I wanted this leave - so we could all spend time together." Sana nearly choked on her water, her eyes widening. "Holy s**t, for real? Why didn't she tell me? Does she not love me anymore?" Akira couldn't help but laugh at Sana's dramatic reaction. It was clear she was trying to lighten the mood, and he appreciated the effort. "No wonder you were being so persistent. The love of your life that doesn't even know you have feelings for her is coming back, eh? Man, you're getting old. Just tell her already, so we can all live together like the old days." He looks at himself and then at her and goes, "Old? Me? You sure you don't mean-" Sana glared at him, but Akira knew better than to push his luck. She was right, though. It had been years since they'd all been together, and Akira couldn't wait to see Yumi again. They'd kept in touch through texts and the occasional phone call, but this would be the first time in six years that he'd laid eyes on her. After bidding farewell to his coworkers, Akira headed home, where Sana dropped him off and wished him good luck, telling him to relax. As soon as Akira stepped inside, he checked his phone and saw a notification from Yumi. [Our place, in fifteen minutes. Don't be late, mister.] Akira's heart raced, and he couldn't help the trembling in his hands as he quickly showered and shaved. Maybe he was just excited to see her after all these years. With a deep breath, he headed out, determined to make the most of this long-awaited reunion. Akira arrived at the park on the hilly mountain, a place filled with so many cherished memories. The once vibrant landscape was now a dried-up expanse of grass and scattered bushes, a far cry from the lush flora he recalled. As Akira crossed the gate, he spotted a figure near the sand area. His heart began to race, and he placed a hand on his chest, feeling the violent pounding. He knew it was her, even from this distance. Akira started walking towards the figure, a smile slowly forming on his face. But as he drew closer, he noticed that she wasn't moving, despite his approaching steps. "A..kira," a voice suddenly called out, sending a chill down his spine. Akira quickly turned on his flashlight, aiming it at the figure, and his heart sank at the sight before him. Yumi lay on the ground, blood seeping from a wound in her stomach. "Yumi!" Akira cried, sprinting towards her and dropping to his knees. He carefully tried to pick her up, his voice trembling. "You- this blood- please tell me this isn't real. Oh god, no, no, no, no-" There, in the harsh light of the flashlight, Akira saw the knife protruding from Yumi's abdomen, her body shivering and cold. How long had she been like this? Yumi reached up and gently held Akira's chin, forcing him to look into her eyes. "I...kept my promise...Akira," she chuckled weakly, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. She then grabbed his collar, pulling him closer so he could hear her better. "Sorry- I didn't mean for us to meet...like this, please...for your sake...run away, he's...still here." Akira's mind raced, his thoughts a jumbled mess. 'Police, phone, I have to get help. She's bleeding, blood. Why? Why? What did she do to deserve this?' He felt a growing sense of despair, questioning the cruelty of God. "Please don't speak anymore," Akira pleaded, his voice laced with fear. "I'm- I'm here for you. I called the emergency services; they should be arriving any second now. Please, stay with me, Yumi." Yumi's expression turned sad, yet there was a glimmer of acceptance in her eyes. "Still...the same scaredy cat? God, you...haven't even...changed. I'm...glad, at least I'll...die with no regrets. I even...got to see my champ." Akira could only stare at her, at the beautiful dress now stained with blood, her mesmerising body covered in mud. His heart ached, and he felt utterly powerless. "Don't say that- I- I love you, Yumi," Akira confessed, the words tumbling out. "I'm sorry I should have stayed with you. I tried my best to stay happy, but I couldn't. I watched all your videos and all your performances. I always was the first person to cheer you on. I- Love You with all my heart, so please stay with me and do not close your eyes." Yumi's eyes widened in shock at Akira's words, and she began to tear up, her expression a mix of emotions. She clutched his shirt, her body shaking as she cried. Akira's heart sank, realising the truth. She was not going to make it. Yumi was dying, and there was nothing he could do to save her. Yet, she had not shed a tear until he had confessed his love. "A..kira, you...how can you be so..." Yumi struggled to speak, her voice carrying a sense of regret. "I don't want to die...not after hearing...Why is 'God' so cruel...Akira, I-" Before she could finish, Yumi's eyes widened in horror, her gaze shifting to something behind Akira. As he turned around, a sudden force struck him, and he fell to the ground beside Yumi. He could barely move, his vision blurring, but he managed to keep his eyes focused on Yumi. Her hands reached out, grasping his own, her face etched with fear and desperation. "Akira!" she cried, her voice growing weaker with each passing second. Akira tried to speak, to call out to her, but the words caught in his throat. He could feel the darkness closing in, his consciousness slipping away. 'This is it,' he thought. 'My life is ending even before I get to experience love.' Through the haze, Akira could have sworn he saw a flicker of hope in Yumi's eyes. Maybe, just maybe, she had heard his confession and felt the same way. But now, as the world faded around him, all he could do was hold onto the fleeting memory of her touch. 'Sana,' Akira thought, his heart aching at the fact that his best friend lost two important people of her life in a single day. 'She's going to be devastated when she finds out about Yumi and me.' The darkness consumed him, and Akira's eyes finally closed, Yumi's voice echoing in his mind. He had failed to save her, and now they were both are dead because he was too useless. But just as Akira felt himself slipping away, a familiar sensation washed over him. The warmth, the sounds, the smells – it was all too familiar. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, and he found himself back in his high school classroom, the droning voice of the teacher cutting through the haze.