heartache || alice in borderland

chapter two

I decide to follow them and look for food. I'm too scared to be on my own. I used to always tell myself that if I was in a situation like this, I would be fine alone.

"Turns out you don't for sure until you experience it."

-

"This looks good." I say, picking up canned fruit. "Hope it's not rotten."

I glance at Shibuki and Karube. Shibuki smiles. "And I'll have this."

"A pot?" I ask.

"Portable stove." She nods.

"Ah. Right!" I smile. "Ehh... do we have enough?"

"Sure we do." Karube says.

"Okay! Let's leave?" I ask.

They nod.

-

Sitting at a table eating with strangers feels odd, but somewhat comforting.

"What were you all doing before everyone disappeared?" Shibuki asks.

"We were in the bathroom, talking in the same cubicle." Says Chota.

We all pause. Weird... But I dismiss it.

"I was back at my apartment with my friend Aoi. We had just went shopping, and were putting away our clothes." I explain.

"Is your friend here somewhere?" Arisu asks.

I shake my head slowly.

Shibuki inquires. "You're from America, right?"

I nod.

"Do you think people in America are gone and forced to play games too?" She asks.

"I... don't know. But I hope not. My parents are there." I reply.

"What about you?" We ask Shibuki. "What were you doing?"

"Eh?" She pauses. "Work."

We all nod.

-

After our meal, I follow Karube and Arisu outside while Shibuki tends Chota's leg.

"Are we going to do another game?" I ask.

"Yes." Karube answers. "Maybe we'll find a doctor for Chota."

I nod. "I'm ready. Arisu?"

He nods.

-

We head to a huge apartment building where many people are circled around.

A man with a hat approaches us. "Excuse me, just what is this? Game?"

Karube interrupts. "Newbies will only hold us back."

I sneer at his rudeness and step forward. "It's a game where you fight for your life. We don't know anything else, though."

"Thank you." He replies at my weak but somewhat solid explanation.

That similar automated voice begins. "Difficulty: Five of Spades."

I spot two girls who appear to be friends. I approach them.

"Sorry to bother, can I ask how you both came here together? I was with my friend before everyone disappeared, but my friend isn't here."

They glance at each other. "W-we don't know. Maybe it's because we were in the same room."

I nod. "I see. That may be true. My friend was in the other room, you see..." I sigh.