Bab 13: A Journey to Connection

As the school bell chimed, students poured into the club rooms, eager for after-school activities.

Adam stood by the exit. Dressed in his usual outfit, dark eyes framed by strands of black hair.

Beside him walked Ani, a bright, spirited classmate whose laughter often cut through the silence. Her friendly nature had always been a refreshing contrast to Adam's reserved aura.

As they made their way toward the train station, Ani looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Adam, why haven't you joined any clubs?"

Adam's lips curved slightly, an amused look flickering across his face. "I just didn't find any club that interested me," he replied, his voice calm and measured.

The answer surprised Ani, who had always assumed that everyone found some club to participate in.

But seeing the firm look in Adam's eyes, she decided not to press further, though she felt there might be more behind his response.

Their conversation drifted from one topic to another as they reached the train platform. Adam's quiet nature and Ani's lively demeanor somehow created a comfortable rhythm.

Once they were seated on the train, Adam suddenly heard a familiar, voice in his ear—Pratham, his AI life form assistant.

"Lord Adam," Pratham's voice was calm yet slightly insistent. "Ask Ani if she knows any good mystery books. I believe a visit to the bookstore this Sunday would be a suitable opportunity for you both."

The suggestion from Pratham amused Adam. He was still adjusting to the AI's strange, almost human intuition. Without missing a beat, Adam looked over at Ani, a faint smile hinting at his amusement.

"Hey, Ani, I'm free this Sunday. Do you know of any good mystery books? I'd like to check some out."

To Adam's surprise, Ani's face brightened, her eyes lighting up. "I'm free too! Let's go together, and I can help you pick one!"

Adam blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't expected her to invite herself along; he thought she would simply recommend a title.

Quickly regaining his composure, he gave a nod. "Alright, let's meet at Futaba train station at 10:00 am."

Ani clapped her hands, her excitement palpable. "Perfect! I love surprises, and a bookstore trip sounds amazing."

As they approached Futaba station, Ani gave Adam a cheerful wave as she stepped off the train. He watched her go, feeling an odd sense of anticipation. But just as he was about to settle back into his seat, Pratham's voice filled his ear once again.

"Lord Adam, you must get off the train immediately and stop Ani."

Without hesitation, Adam dashed to the train door, his rapid movement catching the attention of nearby passengers.

Just as the doors were about to close, he slipped through, landing on the platform. Ani, having just turned back, was surprised to see him standing there, slightly breathless but with his usual composed expression.

"Why did you get off the train?" she asked, a puzzled smile on her face.

Adam chuckled, scratching his head. "Well, I realized I forgot something important," he replied, sounding almost bashful. He then hesitated, hearing Pratham's voice once again, urging him, "Lord Adam, you should ask for Ani's contact information."

The idea made Adam pause. Asking for Ani's number felt strange; he was used to solitude, rarely feeling the need to connect with others beyond practical purposes. But, summoning his courage, he looked her in the eyes.

"So… since we're meeting on Sunday, I'll need a way to find you if there's any change in plans," he began, his voice steady but with a hint of hesitation. "Can I… get your contact?"

Ani's laughter was bright and genuine. "You could've just asked directly!" she teased, reaching for her phone and handing it over to him. They exchanged numbers, their phones beeping in unison with the confirmation.

As she handed back his phone, Ani tilted her head. "You know, the train's already left. What are you going to do now?"

Adam considered his options. "I guess I'll just wait for the next one," he replied with a nonchalant shrug. Just then, Pratham's voice filled his ear once more.

"Lord Adam, you should escort Ani out of the station."

Adam glanced at Ani. "How about I walk you out? It'll give us more time to talk, and I can wait for the next train afterward."

Ani smiled, nodding in agreement. Together, they made their way to the station exit, their conversation continuing in a relaxed, easy flow. For Adam, the simple companionship was unfamiliar yet oddly comforting.

After reaching his house, Adam stepped inside, calling out, "I'm home," though he knew no one would respond.

His parents, dedicated professionals with demanding careers, were often away, leaving the house quiet and still. Rachel, his mother, was a designer, her artistic work requiring intense focus, while his father, Ricky, was an architect known for his meticulous attention to detail.

Because of their work, Adam had grown accustomed to being alone, filling the silence with video games.

Setting his bag down, he walked to the kitchen, his thoughts drifting. "Pratham, I understand how capable you are now. You've been helping me a lot," he murmured, a rare moment of gratitude in his voice. "I'd like to be better—not just in games but in everything."

"Lord Adam," Pratham's voice echoed through the kitchen, a hint of pride in its tone. "It is my honor to assist you in all your pursuits. Whatever path you choose, I will ensure you achieve it."

Adam nodded, feeling a spark of determination he hadn't felt before. "From now on, I want you to guide me—help me make the right decisions, both in my studies and in life. I want to become… better."

"Understood, Lord Adam," Pratham replied, his voice both comforting and resolute. "I have already crafted strategies to enhance your growth. Following these will bring significant improvement."

With a quiet smile, Adam felt reassured. Pratham had become more than just a AI Life form—he was a companion, a guide through the often confusing world of academics, relationships, and life.

For the first time in a while, Adam found himself not reaching for his gaming console. Instead, he sat at his desk, focused on his homework, Pratham guiding him through each problem with patience and precision. The pratham's instructions were clear, efficient, and tailored to his strengths, making the task surprisingly enjoyable.

As he finished, a voice echoed from downstairs. "I'm home!" It was Rachel, back from work. She was a striking woman, with a composed elegance that commanded attention. Her creative spirit was evident in her wardrobe, a fusion of practicality and artistry.

Today, however, she seemed particularly surprised as she saw Adam descending the stairs.

"You're… not playing games?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Adam shrugged, glancing away to hide his slight embarrassment. "Just didn't feel like it today."

Rachel's eyes softened, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. "Are you sure everything's alright?"

Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I'm fine, Mom. Just… decided to change things up a bit."

He excused himself and headed to the kitchen, retrieving a glass of juice for her. Rachel followed, watching him thoughtfully as he handed her the glass.

"Thanks, Adam," she said, her voice filled with both surprise and pride.

To be connected....