And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 8 Noah

"Noah, you're packed, right? Don't forget your chargers!" Sophie calls out from the other room, her voice tinged with urgency.

I nod to myself as I double-check my suitcase, making sure my sketchpad is safely tucked inside. That digital pad is my lifeline—a record of memories and ideas, a window into my soul.

"Yeah, I'm all set!" I reply, zipping up my bag and hoisting it off the bed. The weight of it reminds me of the journey ahead—a mix of excitement and nervousness as we prepare to explore Japan.

As I step into the hallway, Sophie gives me a once-over, her eyes narrowing playfully. "You didn't forget to pack actual clothes, did you? Not just art supplies?"

"Very funny," I retort, rolling my eyes. "I am a graphic designer, not a painter."

She grins and grabs her bag. "Just making sure. Let's go meet Jordan. He's probably already at the lobby, and you know how he hates to wait."

I follow her out of the hotel room, our footsteps echoing down the hallway. As we descend in the elevator, my stomach flips with anticipation. This trip feels like a turning point—a chance to create new memories with friends and maybe, just maybe, a chance for something more with Hayes.

The lobby is busy with travelers coming and going, their stories weaving briefly with ours. I spot Jordan's vibrant personality shining through the crowd. He waves when he sees us, his smile wide and genuine.

"There they are! The tardy tourists! What took you so long?" Jordan teases as we approach.

"Noah was triple-checking his luggage, making sure he has every sketchpad and holo-tab he owns," Sophie replies, slugging Jordan playfully in the arm.

"Hey, an artist has to be prepared!" I defend myself with a laugh.

Jordan's expression softens. "No shame in that, my friend. This trip will be full of sights worth capturing. I can already picture the envy on everyone's faces when they see our travel vlog."

I nod in agreement, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of documenting our journey. "Definitely. This trip is going to be incredible."

We make our way toward the exit, weaving through the lobby. As we step out onto the street, the vibrant city of Neo-Shinjuku unfolds before us. Neon lights reflect off sleek, futuristic buildings, and the sounds of traffic and bustling crowds fill the air. It's a world away from the quiet, tree-lined streets of NYD.

"So, the ultra-speed train station is this way," Jordan says, checking the hover-map on his wrist. "We can walk there in a few minutes. Jake is already waiting for us."

I nod, my gaze scanning the crowds. "Yeah, let's do it. I'm curious to see this ultra-speed train. Is it as amazing as you said?"

"Oh, it's next-level," Jordan assures me. "You'll feel like you're teleporting across Japan."

As we walk, my excitement builds, but there's also a nagging sensation at the back of my mind. A sense of being watched. I shake it off, attributing it to my overactive imagination or perhaps the caffeine from the Japanese matcha latte I drank earlier.

We turn a corner, passing a marketplace where vendors call out to us, displaying their wares. The vibrant colors and smells should captivate me, but my unease persists. I feel eyes on me, and my skin prickles as if every hair on my body is standing on end.

"You okay, Noah?" Sophie asks, noticing my sudden quietness. "You seem tense."

I hesitate, not wanting to sound paranoid. "I'm fine, just..." I trail off, searching for the right words. "I can't shake the feeling that someone is following us."