The Legend of Runa

I sent an encrypted message back to him. I hope it helps. His laptop chimed as soon as he finished a song and he peeked at it. With his illuminated face, I saw his expression change. Focused, determined. “Tomorrow I’ll do it.” He said.

The next morning, I hacked into their school’s security system to follow watching him. Their school had immense security over the students to keep tabs on safety and welfare, as they proclaim. These cameras are outside and inside every corridor of the school which are means of authoritarian control and data capture on all students at all times by the UMCI corporation. However I know for a fact that this large corporation that’s basically a shareholder of almost all companies including social media platforms, only wants to keep tab on collecting data!

Anyway, I saw 2 attractive girls by the school gate and Ren walks toward both, pacing himself. I know he’s summing up his courage. Everyone needs to see he’s got lots to offer!

But as soon as he awkwardly approaches them and opens his mouth to invite them to watch his gig, the whole scenario changed. One of the girls intentionally spilled her hot coffee on Ren saying “Whoops! Sorry didn’t see you there, loser.” while the other girl broadcasted it live. I heard more words with giggles and laughter like “How dare you talk to us weirdo?” “You and what band, ants?“

The rest of the crowd gathered and they took out their phones to broadcast live the painful scenario while they all laughed at him and mouthed words like “Loser” “Creep” “Stupid”. Ren ran away towards his moped to escape the humiliation. His face was so red from the hot coffee splash.

Their school’s slogan literally says “Make bullying extinct.”, and yet this behavior is being normalized? What in the world is wrong with these people?

Hurt physically, emotionally, and mentally, Ren took off on his moped. Luckily I had coverage on the street surveillance around their school so I can follow his trail. It was a spur of the moment and reckless of him to do this while it’s suddenly raining so hard! I got to do something! Wait– is that a truck coming at him??

I wasn’t mistaken at all, it was a truck coming at him! He was so emotional and broken that he didn’t see it coming til it was a couple meters in front! He swerved away quickly but lost his balance and was thrown off his bike. I was about to call the paramedics, until Ren moved and laughed, and cried all at the same time. What the heck? I was so worried. I guess he realized how recklessly foolish he was and that he’s just thankful he only got a few bruises!

A few days after Ren’s accident, I decided enough is enough. I want to introduce myself personally. I hacked into their school campus by bypassing their security to recognize me as a student (which I really enjoyed, fairly easy!). I didn’t bother wearing their uniform, my hacking skill is sufficient enough! …Right? Just gotta find where Ren is.

Found him! It was lunch break but he decided to sulk in the library to avoid any chances of him being made fun of again. Silly Ren! I can see he’s dozing off to sleep while unsuccessfully pretending to read a book. I wonder if he’ll be open to make friends with his current state right now. He’s still so broken. Only one way to find out…

He didn’t notice me coming near him and so I sneaked behind him to glance what he was pretending to read. “You know, that book is downright outrageous” I said to catch his attention. He glanced at me as he wakes up. “Hi, I’m Runa.” I greeted.

Ren: “Is there somebody out there… Who feels the same loneliness as I do? Somebody. Anybody…”