In a divided city, a first-year resident, an investigative journalist, and their neighbor join forces to unravel a web of corruption and secrets surrounding the death of their friend, leading them to confront an oppressive government, uncover dark pasts, and ignite a revolution to expose the truth. [Full summary inside] #1 in edgeofyourseat #6 in murdermystery #8 in queerromance #10 in whodunnit #17 in worldbuilding Featured by @StoriesUndiscovered - April 2023 Featured by @mystery - May 2023 Featured by @crime - June 2023 Total word count: 180K words THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT - IT IS UNDERGOING EDITING.

Dreams of an island under a gleaming summer sun, a city built on the ocean, encompassed by a vast cerulean sea. A city of islanders whose skin embodied the sun, smiles incarnated the moon, and eyes embraced the stars. Their tinkling laughter and rambunctious shrieks resonated through the city of white, and red, and shining gold. Their happiness so palpable it seemed to buzz, bringing the island itself alive with their energy. Akami continuously dreams of a beautiful place, of memories that aren't his, and he ignores them....until he doesn't.

goodbye, my love.