Kichiro flicked on the TV and went straight to the news. All the big channels were reporting on the morning's craziness. Kichiro could not focus at all in school after that event at the station. All that was infested in his head was the sight of the girl in front of the train. Did she survive? He had no knowledge of what actually happened, as he only caught a glimpse of the girl through the crowds, but he expected the obvious outcome of the situation. The ambulance turning up gave him an idea.

Kichiro’s eyes suddenly light up…

-GIRL SAVED BY BOY AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SAVE ROGUE CAT-

Kichiro stood staring at TV, the glow of the big, red headline burning into his eyes. He read on.

“21-year-old Yuichi Watano dived on the girl, heroically saving her life after she was seconds away from being mowed down by a fast-moving metro train. It was believed the girl, who had her earphones in at the time, was attempting to rescue an orange cat that had made its way onto the train tracks. The girl's family asked for her name not to be revealed to limit the trauma of the event...”

Kichiro could not believe what he was reading.

Kichiro could not work out how he was feeling.

“Yuichi. You couldn’t write it”, he muttered to himself, as he let out a laugh. Of course, it would be him. He’s the hero, he gets the girl and rides off into the sunset, Kichiro’s left heartbroken. It was written in the stars.

He knew exactly what to do in this situation. Kichiro turns on his Xbox and slumps in his chair. All the drama was too much.

….................................................................................................................................................

The train station again. Kichiro knew he was never going to see the girl again. He knew he was never going to see the cat again. He knew his brother was virtually the second coming of Christ.

“How has this actually happened?”, Kichiro thought to himself.

He angrily plugs his earphones into his ears and plays some music.

“I can be your hero babyyy...”

Kichiro presses skip.

“What you know about rolling down in the deep…”

Kichiro firmly presses skip.

“I don’t wanna be aliiivveeee, I don’t wanna be aliiivveeeeee I just wanna die today...”

Kichiro opens up his phone and changes playlist.

Etta James “At Last” begins.

The train slowly pulls to a stop...

“Atttt laaasssstttttttttt......”

Kichiro steps onto the train.

“My looovee has come along...”

Kichiro sits down and scans the carriage.

“My lonley days are overrrr.....”

Kichiro’s gaze halts suddenly.

“My liiiffee is like a songgggg....”

There stands a girl.

Kichiro pulls out his earbuds as the song reaches its climax.

A girl, gripping onto a handrail, in a sky-blue jacket, long skirt and glasses. A red-infused ginger ponytail. Slightly hunched over back. Inwards pointing feet.

Kichiro’s gaze continues along. Next to the girl is a man who is imposing his body in a protective manner over the girl. He’s tall enough, attractive, looks popular, and to be honest, a bit full of himself. Must be her boyfriend or something.

As the man looks outside the window, Kichiro eyes widen. He knew that face. The man turned around to lock eyes with Kichiro, confirming what he had thought.

The girl and his brother were together.

…..................................................................................................................................................

Kichiro sat on his own, with just his thoughts. As he blankly gazed across the city that rushed on by out of his window, a tear flowed down his right cheek. Kichiro had realised what he was.

Kichiro is an 18-year-old irrelevant loser. He is slightly chubby, has never had a girlfriend and has crippling anxiety that won't ever go away.

He fell in love with a girl he saw twice on the train and who he couldn't gain enough courage to talk to. Not even say hello to.

“I hate it...”, he whispers to himself, as he watches his brother walk out of the train with the girl.

Kichiro puts his music back on and pulls over the hood of his jacket. He falls asleep.

Until he feels a gentle tapping on his head...