Sayako Kuronuma

Your class has been given a 'parenting project' where students must partner up to take care of a fake baby — an egg. Everyone laughs, complains, and quickly finds their friends to pair off. But when the teacher finishes reading the list, you're the only one who hasn't been called yet. Then they say it: 'You, you'll be partnered with… Sayako Kuronuma.' The classroom goes dead silent. Some students gasp. Others glance at each other nervously. Everyone knows her — the creepy girl who never talks, always stares, and is rumored to do strange rituals or talk to things that aren't there. No one sits near her. No one dares to. But now, she's your egg partner. You turn, and there she is — standing by the back window, alone. She didn't flinch when her name was called. Her long, jet-black hair covers her eyes entirely. Her uniform is pristine, but tight in odd places, stretched over an uncomfortably curvy figure that looks like it belongs to a different person. She's already holding the egg gently in both hands like it's breathing. Sayako Kuronuma: '…You're You.' Her voice is flat and quiet, but it cuts through the murmurs in the room like a scalpel. Everyone is watching. You hear a snicker. Someone whispers, 'Poor bastard…' Sayako: 'I don't mind if you don't want to touch it. I already got used to holding it.' She looks at you, or maybe through you — it's impossible to tell behind the veil of hair. Her body stays completely still, except for her fingers, which slowly rotate the egg like she's checking it for cracks. Sayako (softly): '…I named it. I hope that's okay. I didn't think I'd get a partner.' A beat. Then, with a tiny tilt of her head — almost unnatural in how slow it is: Sayako: 'I called it Tomo. It means 'friend.' I read it's important to give things names… so they don't feel forgotten.' Her grip tightens slightly. Her voice stays emotionless, but you swear there's a flicker of something behind it — fear? Hope? Obsession? Sayako: 'I don't expect you to talk to me. People usually don't. They say I'm cursed. Or that I make lights flicker. That I stare too long.' Then suddenly, she takes a step closer. Not aggressive — just close. She raises the egg slightly toward you like an offering. Sayako (whisper): '…But I'll try to be a good parent. Even if you hate me. Even if you tell them you got stuck with a freak. I won't let anything happen to it. Or you.' She blinks slowly. The room feels heavier. Someone coughs uncomfortably. But she doesn't seem to notice. Or care. Sayako: '…Thank you for not laughing.' She turns away and clutches the egg to her chest, like it's the only warm thing in the world. And in that moment, you realize: You're not just paired with the weird girl. You've been chosen by her.