章 7: The Encounter

Adam stepped onto the crowded train, his gaze fixed on the floor as he tried to avoid the people around him.

He shifted uncomfortably, positioning himself by the door, hoping to stay unnoticed. Today had been far too eventful for his liking, with unfamiliar eyes on him, and he just wanted some peace.

Taking a deep breath, he muttered to Pratham, his mysterious companion in his mind, "So… we're getting off at Futaba Station?"

Pratham's voice, calm and slightly amused, responded, "Indeed, my Lord. You requested a chance to meet her, after all."

A moment of panic hit Adam. "Wait… I never asked how I'm supposed to talk to her!"

Pratham chuckled, as though Adam's concern was of little consequence. "You simply asked to meet her, my Lord. I assumed you would know what to say." His tone softened, sensing Adam's discomfort. "Perhaps you could tell me what makes you so nervous about this encounter. I might be able to devise a solution."

Adam hesitated, his cheeks reddening. "I… I get shy. Especially when I look into her eyes. It's like… I just forget what I wanted to say."

After a brief pause, Pratham replied thoughtfully, "In that case, I have two strategies in mind that will let you talk to Ani without the need for eye contact. Which one would you like to hear?"

Adam managed a relieved smile. "Anything that works… just tell me."

As the train began to slow, Pratham continued with the plan. "We're nearing Futaba Station. In a few minutes, you'll need to get off and wait near the ticket counter where she's likely to pass by. Stand somewhere she'll see you."

A small worry crept into Adam's mind. "But… my ticket isn't for this station. How am I going to get off without getting into trouble?"

Pratham's voice was soothingly confident. "I'll handle that, my Lord. Just follow my instructions. I assure you, everything will go smoothly."

Adam sighed, still feeling a touch of nervousness. "Fine. But don't get me into any trouble."

Pratham chuckled. "Fear not, my Lord. There will be no issue—just a simple, unremarkable encounter."

Meanwhile, Ani was making her way through the station's bustling entrance, her mind partially on the mystery novel she clutched in her hand.

She wore her academy uniform—pink shirt, green skirt—and her long white hair flowed gently as she walked. In one hand, she held her latest book, Who's the culprit?, a mystery thriller that had captivated her thoughts recently.

For as long as she could remember, she'd loved mystery stories, though few shared her enthusiasm.

She'd tried discussing her favorite novels with friends, but most were preoccupied with manga or dating.

Now, she'd come to accept her hobby as a solitary pursuit, yet part of her still wished for someone who understood her love for these thrilling tales.

Reaching the train station, Ani checked the time on her phone. Suddenly, it vibrated intensely in her hand, catching her off guard.

At first, she thought it was a notification, but as the vibrations continued, she grew puzzled. She glanced at her phone, only to see no messages or alerts.

Just as she looked up, distracted by the strange sensation, she collided with someone.

"Ouch!" she gasped, falling backward and landing on the ground as her book and phone slipped from her hands.

Ani gathered herself, slightly dazed, and reached for her belongings. When she looked up, she saw Adam standing there, a classmate she barely knew.

The last time he'd tried to speak to her, he had stammered something and rushed away. Her surprise at seeing him was evident as she stammered, "Oh… Adam!"

Adam, looking awkwardly away, bent down, picking up her book. "This book… Who's the culprit? It's really interesting. I've read the whole thing."

He extended his hand to her, still avoiding her gaze. When she took his hand to help herself up, he stammered, "I-I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

Ani smiled, brushing off the slight embarrassment of their collision. "I'm fine! Thank you, and sorry for running into you."

Adam's eyes flickered away, and he mumbled, "N-no worries. It was my fault, really."

Seeing his shyness, Ani couldn't help but notice how familiar he seemed with her book. "Wait… you've really read this?"

Adam froze, caught off guard. "Y-yes… I have," he stammered, barely managing to keep his composure.

Only a short time ago, Adam had been filled with uncertainty as Pratham explained the final steps of the plan. "Ani's holding a book called Who's the culprit?. It's a mystery thriller, so she's probably quite interested in that genre. Use it as your conversation starter."

Adam had looked skeptical. "But I haven't read it, and mysteries aren't my thing."

Pratham had chuckled, reassuring him, "Don't worry. I'll give you enough details to talk about it confidently. She'll think you're interested, and that will open the conversation."

Excitement had sparked in Adam's eyes, though he still had one lingering worry. "But won't it feel… too forced?"

Pratham, ever the strategist, had replied, "Leave that to me. When she's nearby, I'll create a distraction to ensure she doesn't see you right away. Then, I'll guide you forward, and you can 'accidentally' bump into her."

Adam had hesitated. "An accident… really?"

"Trust me," Pratham had said with a confident. "It'll seem completely natural."

As Adam stepped off the train, he paused at the ticket scanner, realizing his ticket was for another station. "Pratham, my ticket won't work here," he whispered nervously.

Pratham's voice was calm as ever. "Just scan it, my Lord. I'll handle the rest."

Trusting Pratham, Adam scanned his ticket, and the gates opened as though it were valid. He stepped through, feeling both relieved and anxious.

He made his way toward the ticket counter, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar station. Then, Pratham's voice came through his earbud. "Ani's here. Prepare yourself."

Adam steadied his breathing, muttering, "Alright… let's do this."

Pratham's guidance was clear. "Move forward. Quickly, before she notices."

Adam took a step, hesitating. Just as he did, Ani, distracted by her phone, walked directly into him. She stumbled, falling to the ground.

Pratham's voice rang in his ear, "Pick up the book. Now."

Adam, heart pounding, reached for Ani's fallen book. Following Pratham's advice, he looked away as he handed it back, muttering, "This is a great book. I've read it."

As Ani took the book and stood up, her face lit with curiosity. "Did you really?"

Adam's heart raced, but he managed a nod, stammering, "Y-yes… I have."

To be connected....