End of the World (BokuAka) Bokuto x Akaashi

Epilogue: The Beginning

"Suzumeda Kaori?" A soldier called from the section gate, making several heads turn to him. A few meters away stood Kaori, raising her hand.

"Yes? I'm Suzumeda. Do you need anything?" She asked, anxious from the eyes of the people around her.

"They're waiting for you. Are you ready?" He asked.

Kaori paused for a second. Her hands were sweating and her heart was thumping in her chest. She took a deep breath, getting used to the lack of oxygen inside the bunker. She wasn't sure if she was ready, but she had to. She had to get used to being alone.

"Lead the way, sir."

The Kanagawa bunker consisted of twenty sections for the citizens to live, two sections every level deep on the earth. Kaori was placed in section 16, where most of her schoolmates were placed. And even though they were asking Kaori mountains of questions, she just ignored them. They didn't bug her long enough anyway. Kaori had gone through a lot, especially when they asked, "Where's the rest of the volleyball club?"

The gates opened. It was her first time leaving section 16 since the comet last hit the earth two years ago. She wasn't still comfortable with the new environment. Although the bunker had enough resources to sustain about a million people inside, they still struggled to survive with each passing day. It was hard to grow crops, and they had no absolute sunlight. Many people were infected by a disease, and half a year after the comet struck Earth, they quarantined the people to prevent an outbreak.

Outside section 16 was like a military base in the center. There were soldiers patrolling the ground, tents around them for food, clothing, and medication. The government was prepared for this apocalypse, but Kaori despised their plan. It was because of that slot thing, that killed the people that day. It was the reason why Akaashi, Bokuto, and the unchosen people couldn't get into the bunker.

"This way." The soldier said, leading Kaori to his right where a hallway was the line of doors all had signs that said, "Broadcasting Department". They went inside the room on the farthest right. Kaori was greeted to a spacious room with smooth walls, and two chairs at the center surrounded by standing cameras. There she was approached by a short woman with dark olive-brown hair, running down to her chin.

"Hello, Suzumeda. It's nice to meet you. I'm Fumi Enaga. I'm the one who will interview you today." She flashed a smile at Kaori, shaking hands with her.

"Thank you. I know you from tournaments before, you're a sports journalist, right?" Kaori asked. Somehow her heart felt lonely, as she recalled many journalists that would interview Bokuto and the members to Nationals.

"Yes. I say I got lucky to get here. Most of my comrades never got the chance to get picked." Fumi said, lowering her head.

"You're also a Prodigy, huh?" Kaori uttered under her breath. "I really hate this thing. It feels like setting a boundary between the higher levels and the ordinary ones when we're all the same."

"That's why we're here today." Fumi turned to the long lines of cameras, a smile forming on her lips. "We have to show them what you experienced so they'll realize their "Humanity's Prodigies" plan is a bunch of bullshit."

"Is this going to be broadcasted around Japan?"

Fumi gestured for her to sit on the chair, facing each other. "Yes. The five bunkers will receive your statement. This is a great start for a new beginning, Suzumeda. I'm counting on you on this interview."

Kaori gulped before nodding. The director gave the signal to roll the camera. A large projection was shown in the broadcasting room. Kaori saw herself, realizing she looked more nervous than anybody else. The whole country was watching her.