Akari Hayashi. That is my name. Akari meaning ‘Lights’. It’s funny to me because I am anything but a light. All I think is darkness. I’m not quite depressed though, the dark just fascinates me. Matter of fact, a lot fascinates me. Some strike me as a strange individual, but truth be told, I’m just curious and philosophical. Sure, not the normal Tokyo citizen but that has never mattered to me. Nor has me being a popular high school student, but I seem to be the talk around here now. Is it so wrong to wonder about the world and whether or not there is more after death?

“I’m telling you, what if there is a world on the border between life and death?”

My best friend, Nina facepalms, “Next you’re gonna come up with a theory that proves zombies are real.”

My face lights up, “Oh no, you don’t.” Nina shuts it down, slamming her locker at the thought

“But what if it is possible?” I question out loud to no one in particular.

“Nope, and none of us are going to find out. Especially you.” I sigh,

“Nina, you’re such a buzzkill.”

“For wanting to keep myself alive? Yeah, right. You’re the psychopath here Akari.”

The bell rings and we both grab our chemistry textbooks for the next class, “And don’t blow up the lab with your experiments again. Put your curiosity away for one class.”

Would I be considered a psychopath for wondering these things? Maybe one day they will come true. Then, everyone would have to rely on me for solutions. I chuckle at the thought. Of course,...