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Untouched by the Outbreak

Chapter 1: Chapter 1 - Fateful Decision

The final bell of the semester echoed through the lecture hall, a sound Ryo Tanaka had been waiting to hear for weeks. He slumped forward, resting his head on his folded arms. It's over. Finally.

The past few months had felt like an unrelenting marathon. Late-night study sessions that blurred into early morning classes, projects that demanded more from him than he could give, and exams that left him wondering if he'd even passed. The pressure had been immense, suffocating at times. And now that it was done, all he could feel was the weight of exhaustion sinking deep into his bones.

Students around him shuffled out of their seats, chattering excitedly about plans for the break. Ryo remained still, letting their voices fade into the background. He should've felt a rush of relief—no more deadlines, no more tests—but instead, there was only numbness. His grades were the least of his concerns now.

He finally stood and packed his bag with slow, deliberate movements, the once-familiar routine feeling distant and detached. As he stepped into the chilly evening air, the campus was already emptying out, students hurrying toward their homes or to meet up with friends. A part of him envied them—the ones who could relax, the ones who didn't have to worry about money.

Ryo's thoughts returned to his own situation, the same worries that had plagued him all semester. His part-time job barely covered rent, and tuition had drained whatever little savings he had. The stack of unpaid bills on his desk at home wasn't going anywhere. No luxury of a break for me.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and began walking toward his apartment, the low hum of stress following him with each step. Every semester felt like this—crushing, inescapable pressure. But this time, it felt heavier, as though something was shifting beneath the surface, and he couldn't shake the dread building in his chest.

As he passed a group of students laughing and talking excitedly about their upcoming plans, Ryo's pace slowed. It had been so long since he'd felt carefree like that, his only concern being what movie to watch or where to hang out. College had drained him not just of time and energy, but of joy.

Back in his cramped apartment, Ryo dropped his bag on the floor and collapsed onto the worn couch. He stared at the ceiling, mentally replaying the semester. He hadn't failed anything—at least, he didn't think so—but there had been no victories either. It was just… survival. And now, even with classes over, survival was still his only goal.

Pulling out his phone, he scrolled mindlessly through messages. Nothing new. No one asking him to hang out, no one checking in. A few classmates had invited him to study groups earlier in the semester, but he'd pulled back, too overwhelmed to invest in friendships or socializing.

Ryo's stomach growled, pulling him out of his thoughts. He hadn't eaten since this morning, but the thought of cooking felt like too much effort. Instead, he grabbed the half-empty instant noodles from his cupboard and slumped back onto the couch, mindlessly slurping away as the TV played some rerun in the background.

The break should've felt like a release, but the gnawing anxiety wouldn't let go. He needed to find a way to make ends meet during the time off, or he'd be buried in debt by the time the next semester started. Maybe I can pick up more shifts… or maybe something else. The idea circled his mind, not yet fully formed, but growing.

Hours later, when the sky outside had gone dark and the apartment was quiet, Ryo lay in bed, staring at the glow of his phone. His mind drifted between thoughts of freedom and the unavoidable burden of finances. The pressures were always lurking, always pulling him back down to reality. As he closed his eyes, he wondered if there was a way to break free from it all, just for a while.

Unable to shake the thought, Ryo reached for his phone and pulled up the web browser. He began to scour the internet for job opportunities, his fingers scrolling aimlessly through countless listings. Each offer seemed either inadequate or overly demanding, a stark reminder of his financial predicament.

After what felt like hours of fruitless searching, he stumbled upon a listing that caught his eye. The headline read: "Paid Research Study – Volunteers Needed." Intrigued, Ryo clicked on the link, his curiosity piqued by the promise of easy money. The listing described a clinical trial for a new drug aimed at boosting the immune system and preventing infectious diseases. Volunteers were needed to participate, with compensation provided for their time and cooperation.

The prospect of a quick and substantial paycheck was enticing. Ryo read through the details, noting that the study would require only a short-term commitment. Despite his initial hesitation, the allure of financial relief was too tempting to ignore. With tuition fees looming and bills piling up, the chance to earn some extra cash seemed like a lifeline.

He hesitated for a moment, a flicker of doubt passing through his mind. What if there are risks? But the thought of facing another semester weighed heavily on him. After a few more moments of contemplation, Ryo filled out the online application, sealing his fate with a single click.

Days passed, and Ryo tried to push thoughts of the research study to the back of his mind. He focused instead on enjoying his break from college, even though the anxiety about his financial situation lingered in the background. The weeks went by in a blur of restlessness and fleeting moments of relaxation.

Then, one fateful afternoon, an email notification popped up on his phone. Ryo's heart raced as he opened the message from the research facility. The email informed him that he had been selected to participate in the clinical trial. Excitement and apprehension warred within him as he read the details. The thought of a generous paycheck and the end of his financial woes momentarily overshadowed his worries.

With a mix of determination and anxiety, Ryo prepared himself for the upcoming study. He knew there were risks involved, but the promise of substantial compensation outweighed his concerns. After all, what could possibly go wrong? With a final glance at the email, he set his mind on the upcoming trial, hopeful that this might be the break he so desperately needed.

As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts were filled with a new, tentative hope. This opportunity might just be the chance to escape the crushing weight of his financial burdens, even if only for a short time. Little did he know, the decision he had made would set in motion a chain of events that would change his life forever.