Chương 30: The Journey to Ani's Home

The Journey to Ani's Home

Adam sat in his usual place in class, only half-listening as the morning lessons went by.

His mind lingered on the voice message he'd received from Ani earlier, her voice softer and more vulnerable than usual.

Hearing her like that had surprised him, and despite his usual composure, he had felt a blush creep up his cheeks.

He quickly lowered his head, avoiding any curious glances from his classmates.

Just as he tried to regain focus, their homeroom teacher entered the room.

"Class, Ani won't be attending today," the teacher announced. "She's feeling unwell."

Adam watched as the news spread through the room, sparking a chorus of disappointed murmurs.

Ani was well-liked among her classmates, her bright personality making her absence felt deeply.

A few students turned toward Robin, a boy known for trying to gain Ani's favor.

"Hey, Robin! Weren't you with her yesterday? Didn't you help her out?" one of them called out, prodding him.

Robin, visibly flustered, defended himself. "Of course, I did everything I could to help her! I made sure she was alright."

Before more teasing could erupt, the teacher raised a hand to silence the room, returning everyone's attention to the lesson.

Seated just behind Adam, Leo leaned forward, a knowing smirk on his face. "So, you knew she wouldn't be here, didn't you? That's why you looked so down this morning."

Adam wanted to respond to Leo's jab but restrained himself. He knew that turning around would only get him caught by the teacher.

With a faint sigh, he kept his gaze forward, biding his time until the lunch bell finally rang.

At lunchtime, Adam's close friends Eric, Carl, and Leo joined him, noticing his distracted demeanor.

Eric nudged him playfully. "We've been watching you since morning, man. You kept glancing at Ani's seat. Guess we should've known she wouldn't show up."

Adam gave a small shrug but remained silent, picking at his food.

Just then, they heard Robin's voice again, louder than necessary as he regaled his friends with exaggerated tales. "Did you know Ani called me early this morning? She told me she wouldn't be coming."

A few of his friends gave him dubious looks, clearly skeptical of Robin's story. One of them laughed, "Oh really? Show us her number, then. If she called you, prove it!"

Robin hesitated, suddenly defensive. "She told me not to share her number with anyone," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably under their scrutiny.

Most of the students rolled their eyes, dismissing him.

Adam let out a quiet sigh, feeling both exasperated and slightly amused by Robin's antics.

Turning to Eric, he murmured, "Let it go. No need to bother with him." With that, Adam picked up his lunch and walked away, finding a quiet spot to eat in peace.

As he finished eating, a question nagged at him. "Pratham," he whispered to his AI assistant. "Has Ani sent any new messages?"

"No, My Lord. There's been no message from Ani," Pratham replied calmly. Adam, trying to push his worry aside, continued eating, though the thought of her lingered at the back of his mind.

Pratham's voice chimed in again, more insistently this time. "My Lord, given Ani's condition, perhaps you should visit her at home. It might help ease your worry."

Adam's fork clattered against his tray as he choked slightly, startled. "Visit her… at home? Are you serious?" he stammered, feeling his heart race at the thought.

"I already have her address, if you're interested," Pratham replied coolly, his practical tone betraying none of the excitement Adam felt building up inside.

Adam took a steadying breath, torn between his curiosity and hesitation. "Fine. Just load her address on my device."

It felt strange to be so anxious over a simple visit, but he shook off the feeling, making his way back to class with Pratham's suggestion still on his mind.

The final bell rang, signaling the end of classes. As Adam gathered his belongings, Leo approached him, eyebrow raised. "So, what's the plan now? Are you going to see Ani?" Leo asked, his voice low but teasing.

Adam paused, surprised by how perceptive his friend was. "What? No—why would I?"

He turned to finish packing his bag, but Leo wouldn't let up.

"Come on, I can get you her address if you need it," Leo said with a grin. "If you're serious about visiting her, that is."

Adam laughed, patting Leo's shoulder. "Thanks, but I've got her address already." Leo looked at him, stunned. "You've been full of surprises, Adam," Leo replied, chuckling. "Well, best of luck!"

With a nod, Adam slung his bag over his shoulder, giving Leo a small wave before heading out of school and toward the train station.

Adam boarded the train, feeling his heart pound as he watched the cityscape pass by. "Pratham," he murmured, "pull up Ani's address on my phone." Within seconds, the address appeared on the screen, and Adam confirmed his destination.

After a short journey, he arrived at the bustling Futaba Station, weaving through the crowd and making his way toward Ani's neighborhood.

As he walked, he noticed a small bakery on the corner with an array of pastries displayed in the window.

An idea struck him, and he entered, picking out a small cake with delicate icing.

He hoped it would cheer her up, though the thought of facing her family made his palms sweat.

What would he even say to them? "Hello, I'm here to check on Ani because… well… I'm concerned about her?"

He shook his head, laughing nervously. But despite his apprehension, he continued down the winding streets, finally reaching the address Pratham had provided.

The house was charming and modest, with a small front garden. He approached the door, clutching the cake in one hand, and steadied his nerves.

Taking a deep breath, Adam raised his hand and knocked, awaiting the answer that would change everything, He has decided that he won't be scared anymore.

To be connected.....