Alter Ego [Karlnap]

Contemplative Reading

4-3 Daydream

"In a book, one could even travel to space," Karl began, "and yet, I'm so confined in this place. When you aren't here, all I do is read, in order to shy away from reality and revel in fantasy. Could it be that you read for the same purpose?" he contemplated.

"Yes, it's much better to lose oneself in fantastic illusions. I'll lend you a book, something different from what you've read so far. Then, when you're done reading, we can discuss it. Why don't you choose which book to start off with? Your wishes are of the utmost importance here."

Three books lied on the desk, 'Side-By-Side Dreamers,' 'The Sirens of Titan,' and 'Harmony.' Sapnap pointed at the first one.

"You've chosen to read 'Side-by-Side Dreamers' by Iori Miyazawa. This is about battling in the land of sleep against sleep monsters. There are some very cute girls in it. Enjoy. Come back when you've finished reading it."

Sapnap chuckled, he wasn't really into girls, and the only boy he had eyes for was Karl. He skipped off to his usual spot in the library to read it nevertheless.
────

"You're finally here. I'd like to hear your thoughts right away... but first, let me verify something, did you read the book I lent you?"

"Of course," Sapnap placed the book on the desk, smiling up at Karl.

"Ah, that's a relief. I'll leave out the details of the story. What did you feel after reading it? Let's discuss for a bit," Karl continued, taking a seat.

"'Side-by-Side Dreamers' is a sci-fi novel dancing in and out of dreams. The land of sleep is an incredible place full of fantastical goings-on. I really feel like I'm dreaming when I read about it. In order to act as a Sleepwalker... one must have a lucid presence in the dream. In other words, they must know that they are dreaming and maintain self-awareness," Karl explained.

"Hey, I wonder... have you ever had a lucid dream?"

Sapnap thought on it, he wasn't really one to dream often, but when he did he usually forgot the contents of it.

"No, I don't think so," he responded.

"Maybe there's a certain predisposition... if only there was a convenient way to learn how. What kind of dream would I want to have if I could control it? I'm sure you know well enough without me spelling it out. The dream content in this book is wonderfully engaging, but... the girls' heartwarming closeness also had me transfixed. I wonder if it was love at first sight between Saya and Hitsuji..." Karl contemplated.

"Meeting in a dream and becoming lovers... the choice they made in the end was just... what if you and I were in the same sort of situation? What I mean to say is... if you had to choose between saving only me... or saving only yourself..."

"I'd want you to be safe! Of course," Sapnap truthfully spoke.

"It is lovely to hear you say that, I appreciate the sentiment. Of course, I'd rather you be saved... what would be the point if only I was to go on living? I'm terrified even to think about a world without you in it. I feel as though I've been dreaming ever since the moment we first met. Or is it the other way around...? Maybe you opened my eyes...?" Karl seemed lost in thought for a while.

"Just as it's difficult to recognize when you are in a dream... I guess it's also hard to recognize reality for reality. Let me know if you want to borrow another book."