Alternate Liberation

The late morning sunlight streamed through the classroom windows of Akira's international school, a lively place filled with students from diverse backgrounds. The school's modern architecture was designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding greenery, creating a vibrant yet tranquil atmosphere. Students formed bonds through activities and lessons that fostered creativity and collaboration.

Akira entered the classroom with his backpack slung over one shoulder, a single earphone still plugged in as soft music from his playlist played. Mei—or Nichapath Wongpreecha—his childhood friend, looked up from her desk and waved at him.

"Akin! You're here!" Mei greeted him with her familiar gentle voice.

"Late again, aren't you, Kiki?" Jin—or Chonthicha Suksombat—the group's lively spirit, teased with a mischievous smile.

"Not that late," Akira replied with a light laugh.

"Akiii!" Win—or Tanawin Sukcharoen—called out with a chuckle. "I was about to call and drag you out of your house!"

"No need to worry that much," Akira replied with a wide grin, feeling warm inside as he stood among his friends.

"Just don't forget yesterday's practice plan," Non—or Anon Wiriyasan—the group's serious strategist, chimed in while jotting something down in his notebook, his tone focused.

"Wouldn't dare forget," Akira replied with a shrug as he settled into the seat beside Mei.

The room buzzed with the cheerful chatter of his friends, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Jin scooted closer to Mei, teasing Non, who remained engrossed in his notes.

"Non, aren't you taking this a bit too seriously?" Jin asked, laughing.

"If we're going to do it, we have to do it right," Non replied with determination.

"That's true," Win added. "But imagine if we snagged the top prize—it'd be so awesome!"

As the group continued their lively banter, a faint whisper echoed in Akira's mind. It was soft, like a distant call. "Akin..."

Frowning slightly, he glanced at Mei. "Mei, did you just call me?"

"No, I didn't," Mei replied with a smile. "Why?"

"Nothing... never mind," Akira said, brushing off his confusion.

The lunch bell rang, prompting students to head toward the cafeteria. However, Akira's group chose their usual spot beneath a large tree in the sports field.

Mei opened the lunchbox she had prepared, revealing beautifully arranged rice balls.

"I made rice balls today. Try some, Akinn. You too," Mei said, offering the food to her friends.

Akira took a bite of one and nodded appreciatively. "Mmm, this is great. Your cooking never fails to impress."

"It's so good, it's like it's from a famous restaurant!" Win added as he grabbed another piece.

"Thanks," Mei said with a shy smile, her face lighting up with joy.

As they enjoyed their meal, the faint whisper returned in Akira's mind. "Akin... come here..."

Startled, he glanced around but found nothing unusual.

"Are you okay?" Mei asked, noticing his distraction.

"Yeah, just thinking about something," Akira replied, trying to act normal.

After lunch, the group began discussing their gaming practice for the evening. Non pulled out his notebook, explaining a new strategy while Mei and Jin contributed ideas. Win listened intently, nodding along.

"I think we should invade the enemy jungle early on," Mei suggested.

"If we do that, we need to time it carefully to avoid losing momentum mid-game," Akira added seriously.

"This plan looks solid," Win remarked. "But what if they counterattack?"

"If that happens, we'll need to fall back and regroup," Non replied, sketching a new path on the map.

Jin pulled out a Polaroid camera and snapped a picture of the group. "Come on, let's take this. For when we don't have moments like this anymore," she said, handing the photo around.

Akira stared at the picture in his hand, feeling the deep bond of friendship that tied them together.

"We're the best, aren't we?" Win said, smiling.

"Absolutely!" Akira replied with a wide grin.

Though the moment was filled with laughter, the whisper in Akira's mind still lingered, faint yet insistent. It felt like something—or someone—was calling him toward an unknown destiny.