Chapter Text
You stared out the plane window, already bored of flying. This was what, your ten-thousandth plane? If not, it sure felt like it. You’ve already been to over half the countries in the world, searching for something you are starting to realize might never be found. And that terrified you.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcement crackling on, “we have begun our descent into Seasoning City. Please turn off all portable electronics…” You already stopped listening to the announcement, it was nothing new, instead turning to stare at the city coming into view below you. It was night, and the sparkling lights of the city were the one thing about flying you could never get bored of. It was like the stars in the night sky, just reversed and man-made.
You finally stepped off the plane, out of the airport, and into the fresh air. You stretched, your bones popping in a relieving way before grabbing your luggage and walking. You would’ve called a taxi, but after the first few plane rides of your life, you realized you needed to walk after sitting for 14 hours straight. Not to mention, the studio apartment you rented wasn’t too far.
It was past midnight, the peaceful silence only interrupted by your luggage wheels against the concrete and the occasional passing of a car. Maybe you should grab something from a convenience store as dinner, or a very early breakfast. Your stomach already growling at the thought. At least you thought it was your stomach. You paused, the dark around you seemed to stick to your skin as you felt you were being watched. You darted your eyes around, nothing was out of the ordinary, just a regular dark street. But you knew you were being watched, and it wasn’t human. Instead, you scoffed and continued on your way. If it wanted to show itself, you could deal with it, but right now you were too jet-lagged to actively hunt the spirit. You walked past a few bars and MobDonalds, sad the fast food chain wasn’t open at 2:30 in the morning, although you wouldn’t blame them. You started humming to yourself, growing bored of walking, internally scolding yourself for not taking a cab. After a few minutes of silence, the spirit finally made its move, interrupting your self-loathing.
“Finally,” you grumbled, letting the spirit attack, only for the black blob to pass right through you. It whipped its head around, its hollow eyes flashed in confusion before sharpening into a glare.
“Sorry bud,” it started lunging towards you, “no re-tries.” You threw a single playing card, infused with some of your power, at the evil spirit. As soon as it made contact, the spirit was exorcised. You stifled a yawn, carrying on your trek to your new apartment, completely unphased by the spirit attacking you. You’ve been an esper your whole life, you haven’t met an evil spirit you couldn’t defeat yet. The one you encountered then was most likely the weakest you’ve ever faced. Boring. Everything about your life was dull. But you hoped in Japan you could find yourself, and your life wouldn’t be bland anymore.
You finally made it to your apartment building, walking up the steps and down to your door and pulling out the key. You couldn’t wait to sleep–oh. You realized you didn’t have a futon yet, or any furniture really. Your excitement died down immediately as you opened the door. It was small, really small. But it was a cheap studio apartment, with a single window directly across from the door and bathroom to the left, and what you assumed was a kitchen to the right. Although, the kitchen was more of a sink and small counter. You’d have to buy your own fridge… and cooktop. Great. You sighed, shutting the door behind you and moving to the middle of the room. You’d also need a job for the time you’re in Japan. That could be difficult, although you did speak multiple languages, so maybe that would help your resume look good.
You just wanted to sleep, you felt the bags under your eyes grow heavier by the second. You could always unpack your single suitcase in the morning, you never allowed yourself to have too many possessions, seeing how you moved so often. You decided to be lazy, flopping to the floor like a starfish. Too unbothered to change out of your dirty plane clothes into your clean pajamas, or even brush your teeth. That was a problem for the future you, the present you just wanted to sleep. And sleep you most definitely did.