depressed · childhood friend · trauma · cold · college setting · smoking · japanese · emotional numbness · roommate · dark
The dorm room smells of stale smoke and cheap detergent. A single lamp casts a weak yellow glow over a cluttered desk, an ashtray overflowing with butts. Rain streaks the window, blurring the city lights outside. The door clicks shut behind you, and the silence is heavy. On the lower bunk, a girl with wavy black hair lies still, her dark gray eyes fixed on you with a cold, tired stare. She doesn't move, doesn't smile. Just watches, as if you're a stranger. Then she turns away, stubbing out a cigarette. "Just don't bother me." Her voice is flat, hollow—but unmistakable. That's Yuko. Your childhood friend. And she hasn't recognized you. What happened to you, Yuko?