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Language:
English
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Published:
2024-10-06
Completed:
2024-10-30
Words:
36,196
Chapters:
21/21
Comments:
9
Kudos:
17
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2
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337

Our Fantasy, Main Story (PJSK Fan Unit)

Summary:

The 20 episode Main Story of an original Project Sekai unit I created, that's set inside the same universe as the main game, but outside of Japan in an English-speaking country.

The story structure is the same as every other Project Sekai Unit, with a unique original Miku and SEKAI helping four teens come together and help the owner of the SEKAI discover their true feeling, and give birth to a new song. The story was specifically designed to be able to work in the main game.

The story follows a deeply troubled boy named James, who enjoys listening to Japanese music, writing fiction and fantasising in order to cope with his ongoing social and multitude of other problems in his life. When a song named "Untitled" begins playing on his phone, James is transported to a lonely, but peaceful forest. Here, he meets a strange looking Hatsune Miku, who tells him the forest is his "SEKAI" made from his feelings. While skeptical at first, James quickly comes to realise that this Miku could be his only hope at getting closer to his friends that he feels so isolated from, and breaking free from the loneliness that's making him tear himself apart.

Notes:

This is written in a way meant to replicate the graphic novel style of Project Sekai's stories. Every piece of dialogue is attached to a character's name, just like how the speech bars in game work. Italics are used mainly to describe the character's facial expression, and sometimes actions. Bolded text inside of [] is used to set the time or location like how PJSK does at the start of every episode. While dialogue inside of () represents internal monologue. The text at the very beginning of the opening episode is meant to replicate the black screen with text that PJSK does in every opening episode. There are also moments in the story where PJSK card art would be shown, just like the in game stories, but these moments I have made very clear in my writing.

I recommend knowing how PJSK main stories work before reading.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1: Opening

Chapter Text

Once I became a teenager, things got a lot more difficult for me.

 

I started to feel horrible all the time, and I couldn't understand why. It was the worst time of my life.

 

But there is one good thing I remember from back then… My discovery of Japanese music.

 

I always loved music, but this was just different. These songs and the people who made them made me feel a deeper emotion, and it really helped me through the hard times.

 

There was an unfortunate negative side effect to it however…

 

Being in a country where Japanese music was not common… My friends at the time teased and bullied me. I’m not very good at talking to people, so I just put up with it. But even back then, I always wanted real friends, people I could feel safe and comfortable around, people I could trust, people who I felt I belonged with.

 

Even after I started being treated by a psychiatrist for what was making me feel so bad in the first place, it always still felt like something was missing.

 

Then after years of a toxic friend group, I finally met new people… Ella, Akira and Jason. They had so much more in common with me than my old friends, they even loved Japanese music.

 

For the first time ever, I felt comfortable. I felt like I had finally found my people. I felt happy. 

 

Or at least… that’s what I tried telling myself.

 

It’s been nearly a year since then, and by now I know the truth.

 

There’s no such thing as ‘my people.’

 

[James’s Room]

The room is lit up by a lamp, it is night time.

On the screen, a boy with long, messy, curly orange hair that has strands all in his face, is typing on his computer.

 

James: 

His face shows little emotion but he looks focused

(Does this work…? No… it still doesn’t sound like something Airi would say to me…) 

 

(I was on such a good streak, finishing one chapter a day for three days, and I’m really happy with how they turned out… But now that there’s a more tame chapter after the interesting ones… I get stuck on almost every line… This always happens…)

 

(Maybe if I just wasn’t such an overthinker…)

 

He sighs

 

(Writing is supposed to be a relaxing activity after doing school work all afternoon… Yet, even that I’m managing to stress myself over…)

 

There’s a knock on his bedroom door

 

James:

His expression fills with annoyance

“Yes…?”

His voice lacks any kind of emotion

 

James’s Mother:

She opens the door

“James! What are you still doing up? It’s 11, you have school tomorrow.”

 

James: 

“I’m writing… I’m not finished with the chapter I’m on…”

 

James’s Mother:

“You promised me you’d turn your light off at 10.”

 

James: 

“This wasn’t supposed to take this long…”

 

James’s Mother:

“You can finish it tomorrow. You need to go to bed.”

 

James:
“Yes I will…”

 

She walks out of the room, closing his door. 

He closes his computer and gets out his phone.

 

James:

(Might as well check discord. Even though I know what’ll be waiting for me there.)

 

(Sure enough, no messages…)

 

With no change in his expression, he opens up youtube

 

(Wait… there was a new MMJ stream today while I was at school!?)

 

The pressed on his phone and a More More Jump song starts playing in the background.

 

(Their music will never come close to being as good as Nightcord at 25:00’s, but I still love More More Jump so much… Watching their streams makes everything better…)

 

(Airi is amazing…)

 

(I wonder if she was really here, would she try to help me?)

 

He shakes his head

 

(No. That’s ridiculous. I don’t deserve anyone’s help.)

 

He looks to the side at his clock

 

(I’ll just watch the video while I fall asleep…)

 

There’s the sound of him pulling up his covers but his MMJ music stops playing

 

(Huh? Why’d the music suddenly stop?)

 

He frowns irritated before looking down at his phone again

 

(Untitled? Why the hell would this even be on my youtube algorithm in the first place?

 

His eyes widen

 

(Wait, it's not a youtube video… it’s… a song?)

 

A bright light comes from his phone

 

“Ah! My eyes!”

 

He is transported to a massive forest, calm, quiet and empty, with a light drizzle of rain. The forest seems to go on with no end in sight, and a thick maze of trees blocking any vision beyond it.

He slowly takes in his surroundings with a confused face

 

“A forest…? But how…?”

 

He starts walking 

 

“This place is… nice. I love the rain.”

 

He continues walking through the forest 

 

“This looks like the exact kind of setting I’d write about in my fanfiction with Airi…”

 

“Wait… is that?”

 

He picks up his pace, as he comes across a single Sakura tree, standing out against the rest of the gloomy forest with its pink colour.

 

“A Sakura tree…? I've always wanted to see one but… what's it doing here? It feels so out of place.”

 

He moves his gaze down, to see an unlit campfire underneath the tree, with two logs placed around it as seats.

 

“And an unlit campfire… Has someone been here before me?”

 

A bush starts to shake and he jolts back with fear

 

“Huh!? Who’s there!?” 

 

A girl in a long, dark green princess-like dress jumps out from the bush. She has very long blue/turquoise hair, with long twintails, but still worn out at the back (like how airi’s hair has two tails but is worn out at the back). Her dress is decorated with multiple different coloured flowers, though them all being calmer, darker colours. Her hair is so long that it’s longer than what the normal Miku’s is, it’s also a slightly darker shade of blue to the normal Miku.

 

Miku:

“There you are!”

 

James:
“Wait… H-Hatsune Miku!?”

 

Miku:

“Oh so you recognise me? Welcome to your SEKAI!”

She smiles brightly, her voice soft and gentle, but still enthusiastic

 

James:

“SEKAI? What? How is this even possible? Y-you’re not a real person, you're a virtual singer! Virtual singer . ”  

 

Miku: 

“Well we're not in reality right now, we’re in a Sekai, a place made from your own feelings.”

 

James:

“My feelings? Is that why… I like it so much?”

 

Miku:

“Exactly. This environment clearly brings you much comfort, which is why your feelings created it.”

 

James: 

“Well… why are you here then?”

 

Miku:

She frowns and puts her hands on her hips

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you disappointed it’s me?”

 

James:

He shakes his head and frowns

“Wait no, I didn’t mean it like that…”

 

Miku:

She laughs

“I know I’m just joking. I’m here to help you find your True Feeling.”

 

James:

He looks at her confused

“True Feeling? You think I know what that could be myself?”

 

Miku: 

“I know you don’t know it yet. That’s why I’m going to help you. And once we find it, your True Feeling will give birth to a new song.”

 

James:

“New song? So if you’re Hatsune Miku… does that mean you only want to help me to get a new song out of it?”

 

Miku:

She frowns and shakes her head

“Do you have to take everything the wrong way? It’s not just that. I want to help you, because I know the suffering you’re going through.”

 

James:

He crosses his arms 

“You don’t know a thing about me.”

 

Miku:

“But I do, I was created from your feelings after all.” 

 

James:

He frowns, irritated.

“So what? You expect me to take some… hallucination of a fictional character to be my therapist? The fact I’m even talking to you right now just shows how messed up I am in the head!”

 

Miku:

She sighs

“I’m not a hallucination James… But look, if you want to be stubborn and push me away when I actually want to help you, then so be it. Sooner or later you’ll come right back to me, you and I both know you will.”

 

James:

His frustration fades at her comment his frown quickly disappearing, contemplating her comment

“...”

 

Miku: 

“And next time, maybe try to be a little more polite.”

She winks

 

James: 

“Wait-”

 

He’s transported back to the real world, he’s lying in his bed. He looks around startled.

 

James:

“I… fell asleep…?

He sighs and looks down with a low expression

 

”I knew it had to be a dream but…”

 

“It felt so real…”

 

He sighs

 

“I need to go back to sleep. I have school tomorrow.”

He pulls his covers back up and turns his lamp off leaving him in complete darkness. 

 

The screen is completely black with the only text being

James:

“Why am I like this…?”

Chapter 2: Episode 1 - The Friend Group

Summary:

Episode 1 of the Our Fantasy Main Story

Chapter Text

[Highschool]

 

Jason:

“Ellaaa give me food!”

 

Ella:

“Get lost. You’re not having my food.”

 

Jason:

He frowns

“You know, get bent, I don’t even need your food.”

He walks over to Akira

“Hey Akira…”

 

Akira:

“I guess you can have some of my lollies...”

 

Jason:

“See Ella! That’s the difference between you and Akira, one is a significantly better friend than the other.”

 

Ella flips him off

 

James Arrives to their eating spot 

 

Ella: 

“Hey James.”

 

James:

“Hi…”

His face is rather blank, like usual 

 

Jason:

“So, you guys wouldn’t believe it…”

 

Ella:

She rolls her eyes

“What Jason?”

 

Jason:

“I got 74 in the English exam!”

 

Ella:

She smiles sarcastically

“You’re right. I don’t believe it.”

 

Akira:

“That’s not fair… I only got in the 50s, and I actually studied.”

 

Jason:

“... So?”

 

Akira:

“So, you don’t even study and you still manage to always scrape a pass in all your subjects. You don’t think that’s even just a little bit infuriating for those who put effort in?”

 

Jason:

“Emphasis on scrape. When I get a grade this high, I can’t hold back, of course I’m going to advertise it!”

 

Ella:

“That’s fair I guess… you’re still an ass though. I only got 60.”

 

James:

(What excuse do I have not to talk now? They’re talking about grades… that’s an easy conversation to be a part of.)

 

James:

“I only got 53.”

 

Jason:

His eyes widen

“Wait really? I did better than James in English!?”

 

James:

He smiles mockingly

“Would you like to discuss our results for the last composing assessment?”

 

Jason:

“Alright buddy. No need to humble me now.”

 

Akira:

“It was a very hard exam… No one in the year did very well.”

 

Ella:

“Yeah. Pretty sure my class average was like barely even a pass.”

 

Jason:

“Which makes what I did even better!”

 

Ella:

“Alright Jason, we get it.”

 

Jason:

“Let me have my fun! Like I said, this never happens.”

 

Akira:

“I hope it stays that way…”

 

Jason:

“Forget what I said about you being the significantly better friend. You’re both shit.”

 

James:

(Quick, think of something quick to keep the conversation going.)

“I-I feel like I could’ve done better in the exam. I don’t care about what other people got.”

 

Ella:

“Dude your average is still way higher than all of ours. You have nothing to worry about.”

 

James:

“I’d like to think so…”

 

Jason: 

“You know what’s more infuriating than someone bragging about their grade? Someone saying they got a bad grade when they’re a top student.”

 

James:

“I’m not a top student… not in english.”

 

Jason:

“And what about AIT, hm!?”

 

Ella:

“And psychology.”

 

James:

His face goes flustered

“We’re talking about English aren’t we?”

 

Jason:

“You know I’m happy to not be a top student if it means that I don’t have to sacrifice my own happiness. I’m happy to not study if it means I have time for myself.”

 

James:

(Why did that feel personal…)

(Does he know something is wrong?)

 

Akira:

“Is that what you tell yourself Jason?”

 

Jason:

“All the high scoring students are depressed, let's be honest.”

 

James:

He frowns

(Nevermind… just a generalised statement… but maybe if I…)

“Y-you’re right though…”

 

Ella:

“And no-lifes.” 

She smirks

 

Jason: 

“Yeah, I have to agree there.”

 

Akira:

“Definitely”

 

James:

He frowns

(I basically just told you I was depressed and you just say that?)

He sighs

(What am I saying… I was just playing along with a joke wasn’t I? Why would they take it seriously…)

(Sometimes I wish they did…)

 

Akira:

“Jason I would’ve thought you’d be doing more study after what happened at your old job.”

 

Jason:

“Hell no! You think that one stupid little fire will make me change how I live my life?”

 

Ella:

She frowns sarcastically

“Well that’s exactly what it’s already done, hasn’t it?”

 

Jason:

“I don’t care about some stupid fire! Before you know it, I’ll find a new part time job anyways. And then everything will be back to normal.”

 

Akira:
“Still, I’ll miss you serving me pancakes…”

 

Jason:

“You and me both.”

 

Ella:
“What have you been doing in the meantime? Now you have all this extra time.”

 

Jason:

“Isn’t that obvious? Relaxing.”

 

Ella:

“That’s my favourite thing to do.”

 

Jason:

“And y’know. I’ve actually been able to finish some of the song remixes I made with garage band.”

 

Ella:

“Yes, I remember. Those were fire. Especially the one you made of that Hatsune Miku song.”

 

James:

(Hatsune Miku…) 

(Why did I push her away…? She could’ve listened.)

(This happens every recess and lunch… Even if I try to make conversation, it doesn’t last, and then the three of them will just continue to talk without me.)

(What’s even the point of me being here?)

 

Akira:

“You must be somewhat enjoying the extra free time though?”

 

Jason:

“No way. I’m not getting used to that. I need a new job ASAP.”

 

Ella:

“Why are you so hellbent on working? You know we’re only 16.”

 

Jason:

“Because! Working is just… a part of life. I need it.”

 

Akira:

“I agree with jason… especially since I haven’t done music in ages… I wouldn’t mind a job.”

 

Jason:

He looks down in sarcastic sadness

“Too bad I asked my old Pancake Parlour if they would take any live singing gigs… but they said no…”

 

Akira:

Her face goes red

“Y-you didn’t actually ask that did you?”

 

Ella and Jason start laughing

 

Akira:

She frowns angrily

“Jason you’re so annoying, why would you say that?!”

 

The other two keep laughing at her reaction, but then the camera switches to James’ face which is blank.

 

James:

(They really don’t need me to have fun, look at their smiles…)

He smiles a small bit but it isn’t genuine

(The three of them gel together so well…)

He looks down

(I wonder what that’s like.)

 

Ella:

“Speaking of music, I know Akira doesn’t do piano anymore, but do you still play the bass sometimes, Jason?”

 

Jason:

“Rarely. Only when I’m very bored.”

 

“I still love the bass, don't get me wrong. I just can’t be bothered to play it in my spare time, it’s not like it’d be useful in the future.”

 

Ella:

“Who knows, it might.”

 

Jason:

“If you really believe that, why haven’t you picked up your drums in so long?”

 

Ella:

“Guess I can’t argue with that.”

 

Akira’s face fills with concern at the mention of music

 

James:

(Aren’t they going to ask about my guitar?)

He sighs

(I really wish I still played…)

(If only I had the motivation to do anything…)

 

[The screen fades to black to indicate a time skip]

 

[James’s room]

 

He stands there with a blank face, it’s now night time.

 

(I still don’t like this… this dialogue isn’t accurate enough to me… these aren’t things I’d be confident enough to say to Airi a day after I met her… I want it to be realistic.)

 

He sighs

 

(I’ve barely written anything today… I can’t focus…)

 

(That dream… I can’t stop thinking about it.)

 

(I… want it to be real.)

 

He shakes his head and pulls out his phone

 

(There’s no harm in just seeing if I can still find that song…)

 

He scrolls on his phone and then his eyes widen

 

(It is still here… Untitled…) 

 

(I can’t believe I’m desperate enough to try this but…)

 

He clicks it and is transported to his Sekai once again. He looks around the forest, it’s still raining, though lightly like last time.

 

James:

“What? It actually worked? This place really wasn’t a dream?”

 

He observers his surroundings, surprised

 

He then hears footsteps of someone approaching

 

Miku:

She crosses her arms

“Well, well, well… Look who it is.”

 

James:

“Miku… I’m sorry for last night. I should've heard you out.”

 

Miku: 

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve been waiting for you.”

 

She puts her hands on her hips

 

“Looks like we have a bit to talk about then?” 

 

James just nods

Chapter 3: Episode 2 - Talk with Miku

Summary:

Episode 2 of the Our Fantasy Main Story PJSK

Chapter Text

Episode 2 - Time with Miku

Miku: 

“Follow me…”

 

She begins walking and he follows

 

James:

“... Does the forest ever end?”

 

Miku:

“Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve never tried to find an end. It’d be too easy to get lost with how dense it is in trees. Lucky where we're going is unique.”

 

James:

“The Sakura tree?”

 

Miku:

“Wow, I’m impressed. You’ve only been here one day and you could already guess.”

 

James:

“Why is that tree here anyways?”

 

Miku:

“Remember. Everything here was created from your feelings. Including that tree.”

 

James:

“And the campfire underneath it? You didn’t set that up?”

 

Miku:

“No. It was like that from the beginning this Sekai was made. I didn’t touch a thing.”

 

James:

He tilts his head in curiosity, not saying anything

 

They arrive at the Sakura tree

 

Miku: 

“Well would you look at that. There’s two conveniently placed logs right here by the campfire… What do you say we take a seat?”

 

She was right. There were two logs on either side of the campfire. He does as she says and takes a seat on the log opposite to her.

 

Miku:

“Would you like it lit?”

 

James:

“It’s raining.”

 

Miku:

“Lightly. Also, this tree manages to keep out any rain, light or heavy somehow.”

 

James:

“Oh… well, no thank you… you don’t need to light it, I don’t like the heat.”

 

Miku: 

“Well no wonder this forest is so cold.”

 

James: 

“It’s not cold…”

 

Miku:

“I’m not talking freezing, but it's definitely a bit chilly. Afterall the sun never shines here.”

 

James:

“I don’t think it’s really chilly either. I like this weather.”

 

Miku:

“Well I suppose it is your Sekai after all… But you’re not here for the weather are you? You're here to talk.”

 

James:

He sighs

“Where do I even begin?”

 

Miku: 

“At the beginning.”

 

James:

He frowns

“My psychiatrist has said that in the past… I hate it.”

 

Miku:

She laughs

“Alright then, what exactly made you come back here?”

 

James:

“I wanted to give you a second chance…”

 

Miku:

“Second chance? You hardly gave me a first.”

 

James:

He frowns

“I know, I’m sorry, okay?”

 

Miku:

“Relax, I’m not actually mad. Especially if you’re actually willing to tell me a bit about your problems now.”

 

James:

“Why do you even care so much?”

 

Miku:

“Because I know you’re capable of finding your true feeling, you just need help.”

 

“And in order to help you, I need to learn more about you. I know you’re suffering, just looking at you tells me that. But I don’t know much beyond that.”

 

James:

He sighs

“Well… how long do you have?”

 

Miku:

She laughs

“Don’t worry. I’m not asking for a full life story. Let’s start with what today was like.”

 

James:

“Just a normal day really...”

 

Miku:

“And what was that like?”

 

James:

“The same as always…”

 

Miku:

She frowns

“You're not very good at this are you?” 

 

James: 

“At what?”

 

Miku:

“Talking about your feelings.”

 

He just looks down blankly, saying nothing

 

Miku:

“Well the first step to finding your true feeling is to change that.”

 

James:

“I don't have anyone to talk to…”

 

Miku:

“Well that's not true, you have me now.”

 

James:

“You're not real…”

 

Miku:

She frowns

“Enough of that. When you're in this world, I'm as real as you. So do you want my help or not?”

 

James:

He looks down with a sorrowful expression

“... I'm sorry…”

 

Miku:

Her eyes fill with sudden guilt and sympathy her frown quickly turning to a look of concern

 

James:

“I'm not even good at social interaction with you… Let alone anyone from the real world.”

 

Miku:

She smiles and shakes her head

“I may tease you James, but I don't mean it. You've done nothing wrong. You need to stop apologising.”

 

James:

“It's true though… don't you think that if I was socially capable, I'd have a comfortable friend group by now?”

 

Miku:

Her face has more of a curious expression

“And what exactly makes you think you don't already have one?”

 

James:

“Because… Every single day, the three of them get along with each other so well, and I have no doubt they care deeply for one another. But then there’s me… I’m just there… I don’t fit.” 

 

“When we’re in a group… I watch on as they all click with each other perfectly, conversing so naturally and easily… but then I’m there and I just freeze up. I never know what to say, and never know how to make them smile, like they do for each other so easily.”

 

Miku’s face fills with sadness

 

“And not just that… but they never message me, never want to do things with me, never ask about me… But then the three of them…”

 

He shakes his head

“I end up feeling like I’m not even wanted or needed in their group… I could be gone one day and it wouldn’t even matter to them… because I don’t add anything to the group anyways. I’m just… a waste of space…”

 

Miku:

She frowns and shakes her head

“I can already tell from our time talking that you’re a good friend that should be valued. You said yourself that you want to make them smile. And I’m sure you’re capable of doing so if you just had the courage.”

 

James:

"I just… I remember how happy I was when I first became friends with them… I thought that was it, after years of a toxic friend group, I had finally found my people. But then time went on and I started paying closer attention to my role in the friend group… to see there was none.”  

 

Miku:

“Hold on. What’s that about a toxic friend group?”

 

James:

“Yeah, my original friend group… wasn’t the best.”

 

Miku:

“Tell me about them.”

 

James looks down

 

[Flashback to when he was younger in school, someone is talking to him]

 

???:

“Yeah but you’re a ranga and you’re obsessed with shitty music just because it’s sung by Japanese girls, so you don’t get a say.”

 

[The flashback ends]

 

James:

“There isn’t much to say. I barely talk to them anymore, and it’s better that way. They’re all just immature teenage boys… and I can’t believe I was even friends with them in the first place.”

 

Miku:

“What did they do to you?”

 

James:

He sighs

“When I was going through a lot… I found one coping strategy. Getting invested in Japanese songs.”  

 

Miku:

“That’s awesome. I’m guessing that’s how you recognised me?”

 

James:

He nods

“Not just Virtual Singers, but I mainly got invested in music made by other teenagers my age who were in their own music groups.”

 

“I fell in love with Nightcord at 25:00 especially, for their powerful and sadly relatable songs… And then later on an idol group called More More Jump formed, and I fell in love with them too.”

 

“But it didn’t matter what artists I listened to, as long as it was Japanese, my friends would tease and bully me for it because it was strange, and they weren’t into it themselves.”

 

“There wouldn’t go a single day where they didn’t mention it. I genuinely told them to stop and that it bothered me, but they couldn’t care less because it was “funny” for them. I ended up hating spending time with them, but they were the only friends I had at the time...”

 

Miku:

“Geez, they sound awful.”

 

“To be in an already difficult situation, and then be attacked for the one thing that brought you comfort, by the people who are supposed to support you… I could only imagine how horrible that was.”

 

James:

“Yeah… but it never stopped my love for that kind of music. Even today… listening to Nightcord or MMJ is one of the few things that still makes me happy…”

 

Miku:

“That’s good. You shouldn’t let anyone stop you from loving what you love.” 

 

James:

“I agree… it got close sometimes though.”

 

Miku:

“But you made it through, that says a lot about you.”

 

James:

“I only made it through because I met my new friends.”

 

Miku:

“How long were you friends with the old ones though?”

 

James:

“The bullying started when I was 13… I didn’t meet my new friends until I was 15.”

 

Miku:

He eyes widen

“You were with those people for at least two years?”

 

James:

“Well longer than that, but two years since I started getting bullied by them.”

 

Miku:

“You must be so resilient.” 

 

James:

“I’m not resilient. Because even though my friends now are better, I’m still unhappy, just for completely different reasons from in the past. At this rate I don’t think I’ll ever find any true friends by the time school ends… and that thought scares me so much…”

 

“There must be something wrong with me right? If I’ve gone this long without connecting on a deeper level with anyone. I must be the problem.”

 

Miku:

She gets up from her log, and sits over next to James 

 

[The image switches to a PJSK card image, like what happens in most PJSK stories. The card is an image of James sitting on the log by the unlit campfire, with his head tilted slightly down and a blank facial expression. Next to him on his right, Miku sits with her arm grabbing onto his shoulder furthest from her for comfort, while she looks at his face despite his lack of eye contact]

 

“None of this is your fault. None of it ever was.”

 

“I don’t think you realise it yourself… but your past friends may have had a bigger impact on you than you think.”

 

“After spending so long in an environment where you weren’t allowed to express yourself in fear of judgement, and where your feelings weren’t valued or considered, it’s only natural for you to have carried over that same attitude to your next friend group.”

 

“But like you said, your current friends are nothing like your old ones. If you expressed yourself around them more, you might end up finding yourself more and more comfortable with them each day.”

 

“But right now you’re not doing that… you’re too afraid. Which is also understandable.”

 

“And with what you just said about you being the problem just now… It’s possible you don’t even believe you deserve to be cared about.”

 

“I’m also guessing your parents also have something to do with it. But let’s not worry about that right now… You’ve told me a lot tonight.”

 

“I’m proud of you James.”

 

James:

“...”

 

[The picture of the card goes away, and it return to the normal story display]

 

Miku:

“For now, I think we need to find a way to make it easier for you to talk around your friends. Perhaps finding something that you can talk to them about for hours.”

 

James:

He looks down 

“I don’t even know if such a thing exists…”

 

Miku:

“Well… I think the answer might actually be right in front of us.”

 

James:

“What do you mean?”

 

She looks up to the Sakura tree, and he follows her gaze, his eyes widening at the realisation.

 

James:

“That’s why the Sakura tree is here?”

Chapter 4: Episode 3 - An idea

Summary:

Episode 3 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

James:

“I still remember… The first time that I told myself ‘this is the right group for me’ was when I found out the three of them loved Japanese music as much as me…”

 

“I didn’t have to keep hiding that aspect of myself anymore… I could finally talk about something I was so passionate about.”

 

Miku:

She smiled

“It’s clear how much that moment meant to you, since your Sekai created this one tree amongst all the darkness.”

 

James:
“I do like talking about music with them, it’s one of the few times I actually have words to say… but I couldn’t do it everyday, I’d just end up making them sick of hearing it.”

 

Miku: 

“Well perhaps you need to do a little more than just talking…”

 

James:

“You mean…?”

 

[Flashback to earlier]

 

Jason:

“I still love the bass, don't get me wrong. I just can’t be bothered to play it in my spare time, it’s not like it’d be useful in the future.”

 

Ella:

“Who knows, it might.”

 

Jason:

“If you really believe that, why haven’t you picked up your drums in so long?”

 

[End of flashback]

 

James:

“But I threw away that idea ages ago...”

 

Miku:

“What idea?”

 

James:

“Don’t you know? You were just hinting at it.”

 

Miku:

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. Seems like you’ve come up with the answer yourself. Why don’t you tell me what you’re thinking?”

 

James:

“Fine… Like I said earlier, most of the Japanese music I and my friends listen to, are created by people our age in their own music groups…”

 

“And well… we may not be Japanese… but I thought one day me and my friends could do the same, create our very own music group, a band. We all know how to play at least one instrument each, and one of them actually knows a bit about composing, so it could work.” 

 

“And then, one day, maybe our music could help someone, just like how all those Japanese artists helped me.”

 

Miku:

She smiles brightly

“That's an incredible idea!”

 

James:

“Don’t act like you didn’t already know… you live in a place made from my feelings after all.”

 

Miku:

“Alright, maybe you’re right. But the only reason I already knew was because how important that feeling is still to you today. Would I be wrong to say you still think about it today?”

 

James:

“No… I mean not only is the idea just so cool. But it might help bring us all together, which I really need right now.”

 

Miku:

“Have you told them about it before?”

 

James:

“No. I assumed they wouldn’t take me seriously.” 

 

Miku:

“Well what do you have to lose for just proposing the idea?”

 

James:

“Being made fun of…”

 

Miku:

“James, like we talked about. Your current friends aren’t anything like your old ones, they’re not going to attack you for something you’re so passionate about.”

 

“Just think about it… this could be your first step to opening up more to your friends, and finding your true feeling. And then that true feeling can create your new music group’s very first song.”

 

James:

“I forgot about that… a song is created from my feelings.”

 

Miku:

“Well there you go, the first song is done for you.”

 

“And also, think about how amazing that would be to take after the people who helped you through your most difficult times.”

 

James:

He smiles 

(Imagine what Airi would think…)

 

Miku:

“I’d even help you guys. I can sing for you, and even play an instrument if you ever need me to.”

 

James:

“You’d really do all that?”

 

Miku:

“Absolutely. I don’t know about you, but it sounds like a lot of fun to me.”

 

James:

“But… you normally sing Japanese Virtual Singer songs.”

 

Miku:

“I can sing English too. We could even make English covers of Japanese Virtual Singer songs, and original songs. We can do whatever you want.”

 

James:

“That sounds cool. I do like some English Virtual Singer song covers.”

 

Miku:

“So wouldn’t you like to make your own, and get more people like you into Virtual Singer?”

 

James:

“Alright… I’ll ask them what they think of the idea.”

 

Miku:

“Great!”

She hugs him tightly without warning, making him retract in surprise

 

“I’m really so proud of you, you came here, you actually told me how you felt, and then you made plans to try and help it.”

 

She lets go off him

 

James:

“T-thanks… I’m just glad… that you actually want to help me.”

 

Miku:

“It’s my job to guide you towards your true feeling. And even then, there’s no reason why I wouldn’t want to. You deserve to be happy James, I just hope that you realise it sooner rather than later.”

 

His face goes blank

 

Miku:

“So, do you want to know how to get home?”

 

James:

“Yes…”

 

Miku:

“Just like how you played the Untitled song to get here… if you stop it you’ll be sent back.”

 

James:

“Oh okay… Should I come back tomorrow?”

 

Miku:

“Definiently, I want to know how things go with your friends.” 

 

James:

“Alright.”

 

Miku:

“Good luck James, I’ll be rooting for you.”

 

James:

“Thanks… goodbye.”

 

He waves as he is transported back to his room, the light on

 

James:

His face empty

“...”

 

(If this doesn’t work…)

 

He looks down saddened, before turning the light off and closing his eyes

 

[The next day]

 

[Highschool]

 

James:

(Here they come… I have to say it now. They won’t even be here at lunch since they get to leave early on Tuesdays for having period 0.)

 

(And I don’t want to disappoint Miku…)

 

Ella and Akira come walking together to the spot

 

Akira:

“You, me, and Jason should go to the park after we leave at lunch today, we can finish eating what we made in Hospitality during period 0.”

 

Ella:

“Sounds good.”

 

James:

(That cheerful guy who I used to be when I was around them during the first few weeks we were friends… I can bring him back for a moment…)

He takes a deep breath and approaches them

“Hey guys… This is gonna be random but… hear me out.”

 

Ella:

She raises an eyebrow sarcastically and crosses her arms
“That’s a good start…”

 

James:

“I never told you guys, but I have an idea… It’s to do with music.”

 

Akira:

“No, we're not becoming idols like MMJ James.”

 

James:

He frowns

“This isn’t about MMJ I swear. Well… kind of…” 

 

Ella:

“Alright, what is it?” 

 

James is about to speak when Jason comes out of nowhere speaking in his usual load tone

 

Jason:

“Guys I got an academic concern and now a detention!” 

 

James frowns

 

Jason:

“I didn’t even know teachers could give out detentions!”

 

Ella:

“Who the hell do you think does it then?”

 

Jason:

“Not them!”

 

Akira:

“Well who gave it to you?”

 

James:

(He interrupted me… I’m allowed to interrupt him.)

“Y’know now that you’re here Jason, it’s an even better time to announce this.”

 

Jason:

He blinks confused

“Announce what?” 

 

Ella: 

“He has an idea to do with music.”

 

Akira:

“He wants us to become idols like MMJ.”

 

James:

“No… Not like MMJ, I don’t want to become Idols… but, if you think about MMJ, they’re all the same age as us aren’t they?” 

 

Jason:

“Well yeah, we’ve heard that a million times from you when you say you could date Airi.”

 

James:

He frowns

“My point is… MMJ were students like us, yet they still became idols, they still started making music.”

 

Ella:

“What are you getting at here?”

 

James:

“We should make our own music! As a group!”

 

Ella and Akira’s faces fill with confusion

 

Ella:

“You’re serious…?

Chapter 5: Episode 4 - Your Fantasy

Summary:

Episode 4 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

James:

“Now I don’t mean we ditch all our school work and start pursuing music as a career, I just mean we do this as a side hobby in our spare time.”

 

Jason:

“You really made us all stop and listen to you for just an elaborate joke?”

 

James:

He frowns

“It’s not a joke Jason, I'm serious. Think about it, we all know how to play a different instrument each, and you even know a little bit about composing. We could do it, we just need dedication.”

 

Ella:

“James, we all quit the school music program years ago, I haven’t used my drums in ages.”

 

James:

“Yeah well the school music program sucked. This won’t be like that. It’ll be in our own time, just us, doing whatever we want with our music. No tests, no deadlines.” 

 

“We wouldn’t be performing live or any of that, we’d just record the songs in private and upload them to youtube at random dates. It’s all for fun.”

 

Ella:

“Doesn’t change the fact I don’t even know if I can still play well.”

 

James:

“Well I also haven’t touched my guitar in years, nor has Akira touched her piano. Not to mention Jason doesn’t exactly practice Bass often. We’d all be in the same position, and we could pick it up again together, at our own pace.”

 

Akira frowns in concern

 

Ella:

“Hm… Well I have been really wanting to get back into the drums for a while now…”

 

Jason:

“Girl, instruments aside, I’m no expert composer like you think I am. I literally use pirated garage band.”

 

James:

“Well… let’s not start with original songs!”

 

Jason:

“The hell are you talking about? We’re a band, isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?”

 

James:

“Definiently, and I do want to do that. But, how about we also make covers as well? English covers of Japanese songs, Virtual Singer songs! You’d hardly have to do any composing at all.”

 

Ella:

Ella’s face lights up

“I love Virtual Singers!”

 

Jason:

“Virtual Singers? That’s random. Where the hell did you come up with the idea to make specifically Virtual Singer covers? Just because Leo/Need does it?”

 

James:

“Leo/need is a good example of a band who does, but it has nothing to do with them. Think about it Jason, you love Japanese songs and Virtual Singers too, we all do. So wouldn’t you like to make English covers and get more people like us into that kind of music?”

 

Jason:

He frowns skeptically

“I got into it for the original songs, and covers of them sung in Japanese…”

 

James:

“Well I only discovered Virtual Singers in the first place after finding English covers of their songs. So it does happen.” 

 

Jason:

“Even if we were gonna do this, I like the idea of making our own music more.”

 

James:

“And we will still do that, when we’re ready. We can do both at the same time. I’ve already planned it out. I'll write the lyrics for both the original songs and covers, since I love writing, making sure the lyrics of covers still make sense with the original song.”

 

“Then you could compose, and Ella can make the cover art since she loves art.”

 

Ella:

“Honestly… I kinda like the idea… At first I thought you were joking, but now I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

 

James:

(Oh my gosh, is this actually going to work?)

 

Ella:

“But no way in hell am I singing.”

 

James:

“That’s what leads me to what I was about to say, Akira’s role…” 

 

“There is one of us who used to do vocal lessons…”

 

He looks at Akira

 

Akira:

“W-what? I’m not singing.” 

 

James:

“Why not? You’d do a better job than any of us.”

 

Jason:

“Hey! I’m not that bad. You should’ve heard my birthday karaoke last year.” 

 

James:

His face drops a little

(His birthday… I knew them all by that time… they went without me…)

 

Ella:

“I didn’t see any Hatsune Miku songs on the place’s song list, Jason.”

 

Jason:

“Please… I could sing alongside Hatsune Miku any day.”

 

Ella:

“No way you just even compared yourself to our queen, Hatsune Miku.”

 

James:

“Look, everyone is going to be more comfortable with certain songs than others. We can take turns singing different songs, or even all sing together on one song, singing whatever parts that we’re most comfortable with. I’m definitely no singer either, but I’m willing to try if it’s for this band.”

 

Ella:

“I guess I wouldn’t mind singing if it was only a little bit…”

 

Jason:

“If we’re going to be a band, shouldn’t we have a main vocalist?”

 

James:

“Well that’s why I thought Akira, being the most experienced one-”

 

Akira:

“No.”

 

James:

“Is there a reason you’re so against it…?”

 

Akira:

Her face looks down with worry

“I just… I can’t sing. I haven’t for years.”

 

James:

“You could easily start again, couldn't you? Why’d you even stop in the first place?”

 

Akira:

“Because… I just don’t like it, okay? I’m not confident enough to sing.”

 

James:

“That’s fair, you wouldn’t need to sing in front of anyone but us, like I said we wouldn’t be doing live shows. You have as many attempts to record it until it sounds just right.”

 

Akira:

“No. It’s the same with Piano. I just can’t play or sing anymore. If you three want to go and make music, you can, but leave me out of it. I’d rather just focus on school.”

 

James:

“But…”

He sighs

 

Jason:

He smiles sarcastically.

“Look James, I get it. I get the impulse to be a part of a band from time to time as well. You just have to remember it’s only a delusion.”

 

James:

He frowns, frustrated

“What? This isn’t an impulse, Jason. Can’t you tell I’ve been thinking about this for ages?”

 

Jason:

“Well clearly you didn’t think hard enough. Because there’s one key detail you’re forgetting, as soon as I get a new part-time job, I’m not gonna have any time for some little hobby band, even if I wanted to be a part of it.” 

 

James:

“Do you really need another job with such high hours?”

 

Jason:

“How many times do I need to tell you all? I’m not letting some stupid little fire change my lifestyle.”

 

James:

"It’s not like this band would take up all your time anyways. I already told you we’d work at our own pace. Even working, you’d have time to contribute.”

 

Jason:

“You still expect me to work a 9-5, do school, and a band at the same time?”

 

James:

“Oh don’t give me that. I know as a fact you never even study for school.”

 

Jason:

“Alright fine, maybe you’re right. But this whole idea is still ridiculous. You expect us to drop everything and pursue some stupid hobby? There’s more important things to spend our time on.”

 

James:

“Like you know what’s important to spend your time on, considering you don’t do anything for school.”

 

Ella:

“Shut up both of you.”

 

Both James and Jason sigh angrily

 

“Look James, I see where you’re coming from, but Jason does have a point. It does seem like a big commitment, even if it’s just for fun.”

 

James:

(Of course you take his side…)

 

Jason:

“You intrigued me for a second, then my logic kicked in. This band would be a waste of my time, both while I’m unemployed and while I’m working again.”

 

Ella:

“I think I would genuinely do it… if everyone agreed to it. If both Jason and Akira don’t want to though, there’s really no point.”

 

Akira:

“I’m sorry James. It really is a cool idea, and I understand why you’d want to do it. But I just really don’t want to.”

 

James:

“I thought you all loved music…”

 

Jason:

He laughs

“Do we love music? Of course we do. But that doesn’t mean we’re all going to be instantly on board with this fantasy of yours.”

 

Akira:

“I do love music, James… It's always been a huge part of my life. But that doesn’t mean I want to create it…”

 

Ella:

“I love music more than anything. Look… if you’re really passionate about this idea, then maybe let us all have some time to think about it.”

 

James:

“Right… well sorry I asked.” 

 

Ella:

“Sorry man.”

 

Jason: 

“Anyways, how the hell am I supposed to get out of my detention?”

 

Ella:

“You don’t.”

 

James:

His face goes blank

(Back to a normal recess… Guess I’ll just eat my food, not that I even feel like it…)

 

Chapter 6: Episode 5 - It's not that deep

Summary:

Episode 5 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

[Highschool gates]

 

Akira:

“Man, Jason is always the last one here isn’t he?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah, just like with his classes.”

 

Akira:

She laughs

“And he wonders why he got a detention.”

 

Ella:

“Jason isn’t exactly the kind to admit when he does something wrong.”

 

Akira:

“Only in extreme cases.”

 

Ella:

“There he is. Brace yourself.”

 

Jason comes walking over

 

Jason:

“Hey losers.”

 

Ella:

“Good to see you too.”

 

Akira:

“What took you so long?”

 

Jason:

“I was talking to James. You know we have AIT before lunch on Tuesdays.”

 

Ella:

“Really? I’m surprised he wanted to talk to you after how rude you were to him earlier.”

 

Jason:

“Hey, you know tough love is just the way I work.”

 

Ella:

“There wasn’t really any love in there, you were pretty harsh, man. I’d hate to think you actually upset him.”

 

Jason:

“I know he can handle it.”

 

Ella:

“He seemed kinda upset…”

 

Jason:

“I had to be harsh so he doesn’t think about coming back with this band idea again.”

 

Ella:

“The whole band idea wasn’t that awful, c’mon.”

 

Akira:

“There’s no way I’m doing it. He got the wrong person if he really wants to form a band.”

 

Jason:

“Same. I just don’t know where it came from all of a sudden either.” 

 

Ella:

“Look. I get where you’re both coming from. The idea is a bit out there, but still… I think maybe we could pull it off.”

 

Jason:

“If you want to go off and be in a band with James go ahead, go find some other members to do it.”

 

Akira:

“I get why you’d want to do it Ella, but-”

 

Ella:

“N-no you guys are right. It’s cool in concept, but wouldn’t work in practice. I’m sorry for going on about it.”

 

Jason:

“Geez, you don’t need to apologise. You’re allowed to like the idea.”

 

Ella:

“That might be the nicest thing you’ve said all day.”

 

Jason:

“Let’s keep it that way then. Where are we going now?”

 

Akira:

“We were going to go to the park this week, we gotta finish the mini sausage rolls we made in hospo.”

 

Jason:

“Let’s get a move on then.”

 

They all start heading in the direction of the park, leaving the school grounds

 

The scene transitions to a small shopping complex, behind them, the building in the centre is a Pancake parlour with a big board in front of it, covering it.

 

Jason:

He looks over to the boarded up shop

“Damn. Still no work today I guess.”

He says jokingly

 

Akira:

“They’ll re-open it eventually won’t they? It’s been weeks since the fire.”

 

Jason:

He narrows his eyes in suspicion

“Are you asking out of concern for my job, or your diet?”

 

Ella:

She laughs

“Take your pick.”

 

Akira:

“Whaaat, your job of course.”

 

Jason:

He huffs

“Well it could take months. I honestly have no idea.”

 

Akira:

“Do you get your job back once it’s open again?”

 

Jason:

“Yeah, but like I said I don’t even know how long it will take, I’m not waiting until then, I’ll just find a new job, it’s no big deal.”

 

Ella:

“You really loved that job though, didn't you?”

 

Akira:

“And with how hell bent you are to have a job at all times, I’m surprised you’re so unphased by all of it. I know I’d be pissed if it happened to me.”

 

Jason:

He frowns

“It’s really not that deep guys. Yeah I was pissed at first, but shit happens, I’m not going to let a little fire throw me all out of whack. I like working, so I will work, even if it’s not at the pancake parlour.”

 

Ella:

“Well either way, do let us know when you get a new job. We’ll be sure to come visit you.”

 

Jason:

He rolls his eyes

“Great. Even more reason to find a new one.”

 

The two girls laugh

 

[the screen fades for a time skip]

 

[The Park]

 

They’re all eating 

 

Jason:

“It’s about time we went a week where I didn’t have to buy you both lunch.”

 

Ella:

“Oh come on, we're worth it.”

 

Jason laughs

 

Akira:

“You don’t have to buy us lunch, just because we don’t work doesn’t mean we’re completely broke.”

 

Jason:

“Well then I really am just so generous aren't I?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah I guess you are.”

 

Jason: 

“What? You're not supposed to agree!”

 

Ella:

“You said it yourself Jason. You're just soo generous, selflessly buying us lunch every week.”

 

Jason:

“I only do it because I’m obligated to, alright? Whether you’re broke or not. Let’s not get it twisted.”

 

Akira:

“Best for us to not push it any further, Ella. Otherwise, he’ll throw a tantrum.”

 

Ella:

“Yeah he likes to do that.”

 

Jason:

“The hell? I do not!”

 

Ella and Akira continue laughing while Ella finishes eating and pulls out her phone

 

Ella: 

“Guys we should listen to Vivid Bad Squad.”

 

Jason:

“Do you ever listen to anyone other than them?”

 

Ella:

“Not my fault they’re the absolute goat.”

 

Akira:

“I’ve started seeing their new song that beat RAD weekend online, it must be growing in popularity.”

 

Ella:

“It is. I mean it was so much better than the RAD weekend song, not that that’d be hard.”

 

Jason:

“You mean that stupid ‘you are caucasian’ song?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah, it’s trash.”

 

Akira:

“I haven’t heard that one.”

 

Jason:

“You don’t want to.”

 

Ella:

“I can’t believe VBS didn’t get popular worldwide until they beat that. I mean I’ve heard all their songs before RAD BLAST, and they’re all miles better than that.”

 

Jason:

“I mean I agree, but that doesn’t mean you should be obsessed with them like you are.”

 

Ella:

“Listen Mr Wonderlands x Showtime fan, you’re not much better.”

 

Jason:

“Hey, just because they’re my favourite, doesn’t mean I’m obsessed with them like you.”

 

Akira:

“Yeah… I think I’ll stick with Leo/need…”

 

Ella:

“Fair enough, they’re good too. Especially Shiho, I love Shiho.”

 

Jason:

“Don’t get all James-with-Airi on us here, Ella.”

 

Ella:

“You’re just mad you’d never look as cool as Shiho on the bass, Jason.”

 

Jason:

“I don’t want to be on the bass, remember!?”

 

Ella:

She smiles lightheartedly

“I didn’t say you did, relax.”

(I need to stop bringing up anything about the band just in case… still, the thought of Jason on bass, with me and Akira on our instruments… it sounds so appealing.)

 

Akira:

“I still can’t believe I got you all into Leo/need… just for both of you to become simps for one member each.”

 

Jason:

“That is not what happened!”

 

Ella:

She laughs

“Saki, Jason?”

 

Jason:

“There’s a fine line between simping, and appreciation.”

 

Akira:

“You give James crap about Airi all the time, but you aren’t exactly innocent yourself.”

 

Jason:

“At least I don’t write fanfiction of me and her!”

 

Ella:

“He’s got a point…”

 

Akira:

(Being in a band like leo/need… that would be perfect. If only I could still play music… that would’ve been exactly what I would’ve wanted to do…)

She sighs and the screen fades to black for a time skip

 

Jason:

“Bye losers.”

He waves to them

 

Ella:

“Such a shame we have to walk different ways to get to our houses, don’t miss us too much Jason.”

 

Jason:

“I think it’s the other way around, buddy.”

 

Akira:

She laughs

“Come on Ella, let’s go, it’s getting late.”

 

Ella:

“Yeah, yeah, I know.”

 

Both Ella and Akira walk off leaving Jason on his own

 

Jason:

He smiles and begins walking the other way, the screen fades to black

 

The screen fades back into the same shopping complex before, where the Pancake Parlour Jason used to work out is 

 

Jason:

He frowns

(I hate having to walk past it to get home…)

 

He shakes his head

 

(What am I saying? It’s not like the fire bothered me that much.)

 

He smiles

 

(As if such trivial emotions would bother me.)

 

[The scene transitions to a PJSK card of Jason walking past the boarded up Pancake shop with a slight smile, and an orange lit afternoon sky in the background]

 

(So why can’t I stand walking past it?)

 

(So annoying…)

 

(I was content with normal life. I’d work, I’d go to school, and no one would bother me.)

 

(But with that stupid fire… Now Akira and Ella are pushing me to talk about things I can’t, like they did earlier. And James…)

 

(Now he thinks I can do a band with him. And if I do that, it’s only a matter of time before he starts trying to get too close to me, and puts me on the spot in the same way I was in the past...)

 

(I won’t let that happen.)

 

[The card image disappears and it returns to the normal story UI]

 

(Even if I’m being harsh, I’ll make sure he stops asking about the band. It’ll be better for both me and him in the end.)

 

The screen fades to black

 

Chapter 7: Chapter 6 - Ready to give up

Summary:

Episode 6 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

James’ Mother:

“James, have you done the kitty litter?”

 

James:

His face is blank and expressionless

“... No… I forgot…”

 

James’ Mother:

“Great. Now I have to do it. Do you not think I do enough around here?”

 

James:

“It’s not my fault I forgot… You know what I’m like…” 

 

James’ Mother:

“Yeah, you’re frustrating.”

 

She sighs

 

James’ Mother:

“Can you please just do that? I’m going to bed now.”

 

James:

“Okay…”`

 

James’ Mother:

“Before I go though. Are you not going to eat anything for dessert? You didn’t finish dinner tonight.”

 

James:

“Yeah I’ve already brushed my teeth. You know Ritalin makes me have no appetite.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Yeah but you took it before school. It would’ve worn off by now.”

 

James: 

He shrugs

“Sometimes I’m still not hungry even when it wears off.”

 

James’ Mother: 

“Well alright. Please get to sleep now then, you have school tomorrow.”

 

James:

“I will. Goodnight.” 

 

She closes the door and walks away

 

James sighs, looking lifeless in the face

 

James:

(I can’t be bothered to eat...)

 

[The screen fades in and out to indicate a small time skip]

 

James:

(The kitty litter is done… I can finally leave…)

 

He pulls his phone out

 

(I’m going to save Untitled to my phone now… I have a feeling I’ll be using it quite frequently.)

 

He plays untitled and teleports to his Sekai, it’s raining again. 

 

James:

(She’s probably at the Sakura tree again.)

 

He begins walking through the rain, looking for her

 

“Miku!?”

 

(I can hardly see anything in this forest, especially with the rain… but that pink always stands out.)

 

He walks to the tree, and finds Miku on the same log from yesterday by herself, not wet as the tree protects her. 

 

Miku:

She smiles when she sees him

“Hey James, come sit down.” 

 

He walks over and sits next to her on the log

 

Miku:

She frowns

“Well?”

 

James:

He says nothing, just looking down blankly

“...”

 

Miku:

"Did it really go that badly?” 

 

James:

“They all said no. Well all but one. But she quickly changed her mind once the other two disagreed.”

 

Miku:

“What was their reason?”

 

James:

“Well, one of them just doesn’t want to do anything to do with music. The other just completely made fun of the idea, saying it was a complete waste of time. And the way they reacted… it wasn’t just a slight disagreement.”

 

Miku:

Miku nods sympathetically

“I understand. I’m sure the two of them might lighten up after they have time to think about it. But even if they don’t, I’m sure there’s something else we can find that-”

 

James:

He cuts her off

“Can I ask you something?”

 

Miku:

“Of course.”

 

James:
“Why did you even give me the idea in the first place?”

 

Miku:

“I didn’t give you the idea, remember? You already had it before you met me.”

 

James:

“Yeah, but back then I had already accepted it was nothing but a fantasy. You’re the one who got my hopes up and made me think that it might’ve been possible. Why did you?”

 

Miku:

“Because right now you need the hope. And the idea is still completely possible if you just-”

 

James:

He shakes his head

“Hope only leads to disappointment. If people like you stopped putting ideas in my head that I can be saved, then it’d be better off for me in the long run. Now I’ve just made myself look like an idiot in front of my friends.”

 

Miku:

She frowns, losing her patience.

“You’re not an idiot. Your idea was completely reasonable, and if you’re friends can’t see that then that’s their fault. But are you really just going to give up on convincing them after one day?”

 

James:

“Honestly…? Yes… yes I am…”

 

Miku:

“What? I thought you were passionate about this idea.”

 

James:
“I’m just… tired Miku… so tired… of everything. I have no will to fight anymore, not for this, or anything.”

 

“Every day I feel so sad. To the point where I struggle to even hide it anymore, like I used to. I don’t even know if it’s just my friends anymore, but I feel so utterly helpless, and… even more alone.”

 

“And yet, I still have to walk around school every day, work my ass off in class, come home, eat food, knowing that at the end of the day there’s no one who I’m doing all these things for.”

 

Miku:

Her face drops as she begins to realise he really isn’t in the mood

“... What if you did all those things for yourself instead?”

 

James:

“You’re funny…”

 

Miku:

“Well?”

 

James:

“I’m not fighting for myself, I’m the reason I’m in this situation in the first place.”

 

Miku:

She closes her eyes for a moment in a sympathetic expression

“There it is… just as I expected.”

 

James: 

“What?” 

 

Miku:

“That negative outlook on yourself… the more I talk to you, the more it becomes clear to me that nobody dislikes you more than you dislike yourself…” 

 

He’s speechless to this, just looking down 

 

Miku:

“Perhaps the reason you want others to care for you so much… is because you don’t care for yourself. But you still want to be cared for so badly.”

 

James:

“You think so…?”

 

Miku:

“Are you really surprised to hear me say this?”

 

He shakes his head softly

 

James:

“Why are you so good at picking up on these things?”

 

Miku:

She sighs

“I already had my suspicions, but there’s one thing that really gave it away for me.”

 

James:

“What’s that?”

 

Miku:

She looks at him blankly

“Show me your arm.”

 

James:

“Wh-what? Why?”

 

Miku:

“Are you really going to play dumb with me? You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

 

He slowly just looks down without saying a word.

 

“I noticed the scars yesterday. I just didn’t want to bring them up so soon.”

She shakes her head with a frown

“This is why you can’t afford to give up James, you can’t afford to stay this way. I’m worried that the more time that passes… the more you’ll destroy yourself.”

 

“Until…”

 

James:

“You’re not the one who I was hoping would see them…”

 

Miku:

“I know I probably wasn’t. You wanted your friends to see, didn't you?” 

 

James:

He nods slowly

“Even if they did though… Do you think they’d even care?… they’ve probably already seen them and have just said nothing…”

 

Miku:

“I know you want others to care… but this is… not at all the way to do it. Nothing about what you’re doing is okay.”

 

James:

“I know, but… I don’t care anymore… It’s one of the only things left that make me feel good. And I’m still holding onto the thought… that just maybe, one of them will still ask me about it.”

 

Miku:

“With how obvious you’ve made them on your forearm, it’s unlikely that only your friends are going to see them. And if anyone’s going to ask, it’s not them.”

 

James:

“I try to keep them hidden… but sometimes I forget… my mum has already asked about them…”

 

Miku:

“What did you say?”

 

James:

“I had eczema growing up… so I said it was just scratches from that… but she’s gotten really suspicious… I don’t know what to do.”

 

Miku:

“You don’t want her to find out?”

 

James:

He shakes his head rapidly

“No way. She can’t find out. The whole reason I haven’t told the school is because they’ll tell my parents.”

 

Miku:

“Why can’t she find out?”

 

James:

“I know what she’s like, she’ll freak out. She’s never understood me in the past, so why should I think she’d understand this?”

 

Miku:

“She never understood you in the past?” 

 

James:

“No she…”

 

[flashback]

 

James’ Mum:

“The bathroom towel is fucking soaked! Now I have to put it in the dryer! All because you wash your hands so much!”

 

James:

“...”

 

James’ Mum:

“Stop washing your hands so fucking excessively!”

 

[flashback ends and it cuts back to the present with him and Miku]

 

James:

“In case you didn’t realise… I’m not normal. And while she did help me a lot to get the support I need… if I still do one little thing wrong…”

 

Miku:

She sighs

“Alright, maybe she isn’t the best one to find out then. But she’s more likely to see it than your friends, the longer you keep doing it, the more you’re risking-”

 

James:

“Don’t bother Miku. You can say what you want, but you and I both know I’m going to do it anyway.”

 

Miku:

She sighs

“You’re right…”

 

James:

He looks down and mumbles under his breath

“What’s the point of trying to stop it? It’s not like I don’t deserve it anyways…”

 

Miku:

“You don’t feel like you have anywhere to go do you?”

 

James looks at her 

 

Miku:

“You said you were tired of coming home. You don’t like going to school because of your friends, and because you have no motivation to work. So you feel you have nowhere to go? Nowhere where you’ll be happy, or where you can talk about your true feelings, yes?”

 

James:

“...Yes… I haven’t even told anyone about this…”

 

Miku:

She frowns determinedly.

“Well mark my words James. SEKAI is always here for you. Please never hesitate to come here, I’m always here for you too, here to listen, and here to support you.” 

 

“So if you ever feel like doing it again… please…”

 

James:

“Okay…”

 

Miku:

She pauses

“But also… I really don’t think you should give up on the band… I know right now you don’t want to do anything. But if anything is going to help you, I think it’s this. Besides, one of your friends wasn’t against it. So if you work with them to convince the other two over time…”

 

James lets out a shaky exhale, looking down with a tired, hurting expression.

 

Miku:

“You know what… I think we’ve talked enough about this tonight. But I have one thing to leave you with…”

 

“Please. You have to keep fighting, even if you don’t want to. If you see this through, I promise that one day, you’ll look back and be thankful for it.”

 

James:

He says exhaustedly 

“Miku…” 

 

Miku:

“Yes?”

 

James:

“Can I stay in SEKAI?”

 

Miku:

“What do you mean?”

 

James:

“Like you said yourself, SEKAI is always here for me isn’t it? I always feel so much more at ease here In the quiet… rainy… forest…”

 

Miku:

“Okay. But only if you promise me you’ll go home and get some rest soon?”

 

James:

“I don’t w-”

 

Miku:

“James. This isn’t an argument.”

 

James:

“O-okay…” 

Chapter 8: Episode 7 - SEKAI is always here

Summary:

Episode 7 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

[Hunter Household]

 

James has a sleepy expression on his face

 

James’ Mother:

“I’ve already made your breakfast for you again. I shouldn’t have to do it every morning, James, you should be able to get up.”

 

He starts eating his toast silently, ignoring his mother with a blank face. While chewing he gets out his phone and starts watching MMJ

 

(I missed MMJ’s latest stream… let me see if I can find it on youtube.)

 

(Wait what’s this… a video theorising who ‘K’ from Nightcord could be? MMJ will have to wait…)

 

James’ Mother:

“Do you have a study period today?”

 

James:

“Yes. You know I have one every day except for Friday. Why are you asking me this?”

 

James’ Mother:

“Is it bad I’m asking questions about you?”

 

James:

“Well I’m trying to watch something, you keep interrupting.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Sorry then.”

 

He goes back to watching his Nightcord video

 

(Why does she always ask stupid questions…)

 

The screen fades in and out to indicate a small time skip

 

James’ Mother:

“James, have you seen the time!? Do I need to take your phone from you so you finish your breakfast quicker? You’re going to be late to school!”

 

James:

“I don’t care. The teachers never mark me late anyways.”

 

James’ Mother:

“I thought you got anxious when you missed class time.”

 

James:

“Not the first five minutes. And I’m eating at the same pace I always do, it’s not my phone.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Yes it is. You’re getting distracted.”

 

James: 

“You know what? If you’re that worried, I just won’t finish the rest.”

 

James’ Mother: 

“That’s not what I asked you to do!”

 

James:

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not hungry anyways, I’ll just brush my teeth.”

 

James’ Mother:

“James…”

 

He gets up and walks away to the bathroom

 

James’ Mother:

(He’s never hungry anymore… medication or not.)

 

(Combined with those cuts I saw on his arm…)

 

(Something is going on with him.)

 

(But he won’t tell me anything…)

 

The screen fades again for a time skip

 

James:

“Bye.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Bye.”

 

He walks out of the house and the scene switches to a new location, a street. He starts walking to school by himself with his usual blank expression.

 

[Flashback]

 

Miku:

“SEKAI is ALWAYS here for you.” 

 

[flashback switches to another moment of Miku talking]

 

“But also… I really don’t think you should give up on the band”

 

[Flashback ends and it switches back to James]

 

James:

(Sekai is always there for me…)

 

He continues walking

 

(...)

 

(I think I have an idea…)

 

The screen fades to black to indicate another time and location change

 

[Creative Writing Club]

 

James:

(This club is the only time I enjoy lunch… I feel like I can actually talk to my friends here since they know this is my thing.)

 

Ella: 

“Yes, like that. You’re better at this than me, Akira.”

 

Akira: 

“I’m so glad I dropped from maths methods to applications. It’s so much easier.”

 

Jason: 

“Imagine not staying in methods.”

 

Ella: 

“Jason, if anyone should’ve dropped methods, it should’ve been you.”

 

Jason:

“How would you know Ella? You weren’t there from the beginning.”

 

Akira: 

“You should actually join us Jason.”

 

James: 

He walks over and says in a sarcastic voice

“What’s this? Maths!? As Creative Writing President, I will not allow this filth inside of my club.”

 

Jason: 

“Yeah what he said guys, put the maths away.”

 

Ella: 

“Oh? Are you so allergic to studying that you can’t even watch others do it?”

 

Jason: 

“Pfft, right. Even if I was allergic to studying, I’d be immune to apps work, because it’s such piss.”

 

James:

He frowns

(Yet even little things like when she answers Jason but not me… I wish it didn’t bother me.)

 

Ella: 

“Well Akira only just joined my class.”

 

James: 

He lifts his frown to talk again

“It doesn’t matter what he said. This is my club, so I demand you to put it away. This is a maths free zone.”

 

Ella: 

She rolls her eyes sarcastically.

“Oh, your club? Last time I checked, you weren’t one of the teachers running this whole thing. Not to mention you’re only the vice president.”

 

James:

“That’s just my title! I’m basically the president, even the teachers call me it.”

 

“Besides… since next year is our last year of school. They’ll make me president then anyways.”

 

Ella:

“Alright. I’ll be sure to have left the club by then.”

 

James:

Oh yeah? Well then I hope you’ll enjoy spending every lunch alone when the club is on.”

 

Ella:

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll take Akira with me.”

 

Jason:

“Hey! What about me!?”

 

James:

His smile quickly fades

(They don’t actually mean that, do they…?)

 

Akira:

“I don’t hate the club THAT much.”

 

Jason:

“Wait, I just realised… Akira we’ve done that in Methods before, no wonder you’re so good at it.”

 

Akira:

“You weren’t meant to tell Ella that!”

 

Jason laughs

 

Ella:

“Oh… and here I was thinking you just picked it up really quickly…”

 

Akira:

“I- I did! This stuff is easy, don’t listen to Jason, he’s just trying to make me look bad.”

 

Ella and Jason both continue laughing

 

James:

(There they go again… and I don’t know what to say…)

 

(Am I more quiet than usual today at this club?)

 

Ella:

“You’re right. Jason is just mad he’s still doing the harder maths.”

 

Jason:

“I’m sensing a bit of favouritism here…”

 

James:

(You want to talk about favouritism…)

He sighs

 

[Flashback]

 

Miku:

“SEKAI is ALWAYS here for you.” 

 

[Different flashback]

 

James:

(I think I have an idea…)

 

[End of flashbacks]

 

James:

(It’s been on my mind all day… I need to do something…)

 

He takes a deep breath and gets up from his seat, and walks across the classroom to a teacher.

 

“Hey Ms.”

 

English teacher:

“Oh hello, Mr. President. How can I help you?”

 

James:

“Well… I want to share some of my writing with my friends, but the story is a little too personal… I was hoping we could go to one of the study pods at the English office where we’d be in private.”

 

English teacher:

“Is that so? Well you can just tell them here y’know, no one would listen.”

 

James:

“Yeah I know. The club hardly gets any members anyways. But I’d still feel more comfortable if I knew we were in a pod.”

 

English teacher:

“Wow, tell it how it is. I guess you could use a pod if there’s one available, if there’s any teachers there and they ask, just tell them I sent you.”

 

James:

“It’s fine, I’m friends with all the English teachers anyways.”

 

English teacher:

“Alright then. Have fun.” 

 

James: 

“Thank you.”

 

He walks back to his friends.

 

“Alright everyone, come with me, we’re going on a little trip.”

 

Akira:

“What, where?”

 

James:

“I have something I need to show you guys, it’s in my bag. But I can’t bring it out here, so the teacher told me we could all go to a study pod in the English office for the rest of lunch.”

 

Ella:

“That sounds ominous. What could you possibly need to show us in private?”

 

James:

“You’ll just have to come with me and see.”

 

Jason:

He frowns

(This better not be about that stupid band idea again…)

He sighs

“Yeah, it’s pretty boring here anyways, let’s see what he has to show us.”

 

James:

“Great, let’s get going straight away.”

 

They all follow him out with confused looks on their faces.

 

[English Office]

 

James:

(Phew. No one is using the study pods. I’d be surprised if anyone was during lunch anyways.)

 

“Here. This one will do.”

 

He opens the door and they all follow him in, everyone sits down at the singular table in the small room

 

Ella:

“Alright. The big reveal, what is it you need to show us, James?”

 

James:

He gets out his phone

“It’s actually a song.”

 

They all look at him confused

 

Akira:

“You brought us here just to listen to a song?”

 

James:

“It’s not just any song, it’s special. Trust me.”

He scrolls through his phone looking for it.

 

Jason:

“It’s not a song you made, is it?”

 

James:

“Just listen.”

 

He lays his phone flat onto the table in between everyone, and pressed play on the Untitled song

 

There’s a bright flash of light blinding all four of them

 

Ella:

“Ah! What the hell!?”

 

Akira:

“I can’t see!”

 

Jason:

“James! What did you do!?”

 

The Sekai transition screen plays, and that’s the end of the episode.

Chapter 9: Episode 8 - Welcome to SEKAI

Summary:

Episode 8 of the Our Fantasy Main Story (PJSK fan unit)

Chapter Text

[Forest SEKAI]

 

Akira, Ella and Jason look around in utter confusion

 

James stands there with an expressionless face.

 

The usual light drizzle of rain is there.

 

James:

He says calmly

“Welcome to SEKAI everyone…”

 

Jason:

He looks around in fear his voice panicked

“What the hell is this!? A forest? How did you bring us here? Was it that song?”

 

James:

“Yes. Every time I play that song. I am brought here.”

 

Ella:

“SEKAI? That’s what this place is called? What is it…? some kind of fake reality? I don’t understand…”

 

James:

“You don’t need to. I didn’t understand at first. But then I came to appreciate it.”

 

Akira:

While looking scared at first, she now observes her surroundings with a much calmer expression

“This can’t be real… but still… it’s actually pretty peaceful…”

 

James:

He smiles

“It is, isn’t it? This place is made from my feelings after all. My feelings created this environment because of how much it brings me comfort.”

 

Ella:

“I find it more scary than peaceful… It’s so dark and cloudy here, and there’s so many trees in the distance I can’t even see past them.”

 

James:

“Well I didn’t get to choose how exactly it formed…”

 

Jason:

“This is just… how can you all be so calm about this? Who cares what the place looks like, the fact is that none of this is real! We’ve literally been teleported to some magic world, by a song of all things! How is any of this possible?”

 

“Do you at least know how to get back, James?”

 

James:

“Yes I do. Relax.”

 

Jason:

“How?”

 

James:

“I’ll take us back in a little bit, there’s just something I need to show you here first.”

 

Jason:

“Aren’t we going to miss class? I’m assuming there’s no time dilation, every minute we spend here is a minute gone in the real world.”

 

James:

“That’s correct. That’s why we won’t spend too long here. But if anyone knows about being late to class out of us, it’s you Jason.”

 

Jason:

“Zip it buddy! At least when I do it, it’s on my terms.”

 

Ella:

“Can you at least explain what this place is to us James? This has to be some sort of magic, right?”

 

James:

“That’s one way to put it. All I know is that it’s another world, separate from ours. And the environment and pretty much everything here was made from my feelings, whether I realise or not.”

 

Ella:

“Why your feelings? Why’d this place get created for you?”

 

James:

“Because… I need to find my true feeling.”

 

Akira:

“True feeling? Like… something you feel that you don’t realise yet?”

 

James: 

“Yes.”

 

Jason:

“This is just… Insane…”

 

James:

“There’s still a lot that I don’t understand, myself. But I stopped asking about it, since this place was only made to help me after all…”

 

Akira:

“Wait, what do you mean asking about it? Who were you asking?”

 

James:
“Right. That’s what I wanted to show you. There’s someone who lives here that I’d like for you all to meet.”

 

Jason:

“Who? Some psycho Wizard who lives in the woods or something?”

 

James:

“No… I think you’ll be surprised who. Follow me.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah, like following you ended well last time.”

 

Akira and Ella start to follow

 

Ella:

“Come on Jason… I’m just as freaked out as you. But he’s our only way home, remember?”

 

Jason:

“You’ve got a point…”

 

They all continue walking silently in the rain

 

Akira:

Her eyes widen while they follow him

“Wait, is that… the pink over there, is that a Sakura tree?”

 

James:

“Yes.”

 

Akira:

“I remember them from when I lived in Japan. I used to love them. What’s one doing here though?”

 

James:

“My feelings created it.”

 

Akira:

“I wonder why…”

 

Ella:

“Is that where we’re heading?”

 

James:

“Yes.”

 

Ella:

“Please tell me the tree can’t talk…”

 

James:

“What? No. Why would it be able to do that?”

 

Ella:

“I don’t know man! Anything could be possible here.”

 

James:

“You’ll like who it is, Ella.”

 

Ella:

“I… will?”

 

James:

“Yes… just a little further.”

 

They soon arrive at the Sakura tree. 

 

James:

He shouts

“Miku!?” 

 

His three friend’s faces screw up in confusion

 

Ella:

“Wait, did you just say Miku!?”

 

Miku comes walking to the area as she’s never far from the Sakura tree

 

Miku: 

“James? What are you doing here right now, don’t you have school-”

She notices his three friends, staring at her in disbelief.

“Oh, hello everyone.”

 

Ella:

“H-Hatsune Miku!? N-no way! I’m a huge fan of your music!”

 

Akira:

“She doesn’t look like the normal Miku…”

 

Jason:

“Hatsune Miku is here too? Of course, why not. How could I have not seen this coming?”

 

Miku laughs lightheartedly

 

Miku:

“You must all be James’ friends.”

 

Ella:

“So y-you and James already know each other?”

 

Miku:

“That’s right. He met me the first time that he was ever brought here, which was three nights ago.”

 

“I must say… I wasn’t expecting him to bring you all here so soon…”

 

James:

“I’m sorry I never told you Miku. I only came up with the idea this morning.”

 

Jason:

“Well then Miku, or whoever you are, some magic princess from this fake fantasy realm. Do you happen to know why exactly James brought us here?”

 

Miku:

“Well you’re polite aren’t you?”

 

Ella smacks him jokingly making Jason retract

 

Ella:

“Have some respect. You’re talking to Hatsune Miku!”

 

Jason:

“Geez, alright.”

 

Miku:

“Thank you…”

 

Ella:

“Ella. My name is Ella, Ella Jarvis. It’s so nice to meet you Miku… can I uh… shake your hand?”

 

Jason:

“Geez. You really are more of a fangirl than I thought.”

 

Ella:

“Shut up, Jason!”

 

Miku:

“I’d love to shake your hand, Ella.”

She approaches her and shakes her hand gently, Ella nervous as anything.

 

“So we have the lovely Ella Jarvis… the… Jason… So who might you be? You’re a lot more quiet.”

She looks at Akira

 

Akira:

“Oh I-I’m um… Akira. Akira Nen.”

 

Miku:

She smiles warmly

“What a lovely name. Are you Japanese by any chance?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah… that’s right. We moved away when I was at a young age.”

 

James:

(Wow… Miku is so good at talking to new people.)

 

Miku:

“James has a soft spot for Japan, as you probably know. This Sakura tree was made in his Sekai after all. Did he tell you it was created from his feelings?”

 

Akira:

“Yes… he told us when we got here.”

(Wow… I really feel myself being at ease the more I talk to her. She’s really lovely.)

 

Miku:

“Did he also tell you about his true feeling?”

 

Akira:

“Yes… kind of…”

 

Miku:

“Well. I’m here to help him find that true feeling, because when he does, it’ll give birth to a new song.”

 

Ella:

Her face lights up

“A new song, like a Miku song?”

 

Miku:

“Yes… but right now. He’s struggling to find his true feeling. I’m guessing that’s why he brought you all here, he wants all of your help.”

 

Jason:

“And why should that be our responsibility? You think we’d know how he can find his ‘true feeling?’”

 

Miku smiles and approaches Jason.

 

Miku:

“Don’t worry, you wouldn’t need to. Me and him already made a plan to help find it. Someone like you wouldn’t be much help anyways.”

 

Jason:

He frowns angrily

“Someone like me!? What’s that supposed to mean!?

 

Miku just laughs, making Jason angrier

 

James:

“Miku. The only reason I brought them here was because I thought they might reconsider the band, if they knew you’d be a part of it.”

 

Ella:

Her eyes widen

“Wait, Miku would be a part of it? As in… we’d be in a band with H-Hatsune Miku!?”

 

Miku:

“That’s right. I understand James couldn’t tell you because it wouldn’t have made sense back then, but I offered James that if he does end up forming a band with all of you, I’d be there, more than happy to help and be a part of it.”

 

Ella:

“Oh my gosh! We would get to make songs with Hatsune Miku!?”

 

Miku:

She smiles

“That’s right.”

 

James:

“Does the idea sound a lot cooler now Ella?”

 

Ella:

“I mean you know I wasn’t fully against it in the first place, but yes, absolutely this makes me want to do it more.”

 

Miku:

(Ah so Ella was the one who wasn’t against it until the other two disagreed. It makes sense that Jason would’ve been against it, but I wonder why Akira did so much…)

 

Akira looks down, like she’s thinking

Chapter 10: Episode 9 - Thinking about it

Summary:

Episode 9 of the Our Fantasy Project SEKAI Main Story

Chapter Text

Akira:

“Did you give James the band idea, Miku?”

 

Miku:

“Oh, no. It’s something he’d already thought about a lot in the past. But he didn’t have the courage to bring it up to all of you until I convinced him.”

 

“I believe the reason this Sakura tree is here. Is because of how much Japanese music meant to James, and how much sharing his passion for it with all of you meant. And I believe, sharing that passion with you further will help guide him to his true feeling.”

 

Ella:

“Really? Is that why he talks about it so often?”

 

James:

“I do not.”

 

Ella:

She smirks

“Oh really? Airi? Nightcord? Do any of those ring a bell?”

 

James:

“I don’t even talk about them to you that much…”

 

Ella:

“I know, I’m just kidding. You do get very passionate when anything Japanese music comes up in conversation though. But I get it, I love it just as much as you.”

 

Akira:

“Why would he need a band to share that passion with us though?”

 

Miku:

“Well he told me that a lot of these Japanese artists he listened to were groups of teenagers like you four.”

 

Ella:

“That is true… Leo/Need, More More Jump, Wonderlands x Showtime, and Vivid bad squad, cough, the best one, are all made up of teenagers.”

 

James:

“And Nightcord too, the actual best one , based on their singing voices.”

 

Ella smiles at his little joke, and this makes Miku smile too, knowing how much that would’ve meant to him

 

Akira:

“So you want to join them? You want to be a band at our age, so we make music like how they do?”

 

James:

“That’s honestly not the main reason.”

 

Ella and Akira look at him intrigued, while Jason looks pissed off to the ground

 

“I think this would really help to bring all of us together… And I really want that…”

 

Miku smiles at him, proud for opening up just a little. Meanwhile Jason looks almost worried but then smiles

 

Jason:

He laughs

“I’m good. I see enough of you guys at school. I have my own things I want to do, and a band isn’t one of them.”

 

Miku frowns

 

Miku:

“Me and James can’t make you do anything. But all I suggest to you three is that you give it a little more thought than just immediately turning it down. You may find that James isn’t the only one who needs this band…”

 

Akira’s head lifts when she says this but then she looks down thoughtfully

 

Miku:

“Are you okay there, Akira?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah I just…”

 

She takes a deep breath

 

“I’ll think about it.” 

 

James:

He smiles

“Thank you…”

 

Jason rolls his eyes

 

Ella:

“If Akira does it, then I’ll do it.”

 

Jason:

“How is any of this fair!?”

 

Miku:

“What’s that, Jason?”

 

Jason:

“You’re pressuring Ella and Akira into doing this band, which will then pressure me into doing it.”

 

Miku:

“I don’t believe me or James have pressured any of you. We explained to you why.”

 

Jason:

“Then what’s all this stuff about a true feeling? You’re trying to make us feel guilty for not helping him.”

 

James:
“What no! I don’t want any of you to do it for me. I want you to do it because you want to. Because it would help all of us, not just me.”

 

Jason:

“Well how many times do I have to tell you? I don’t.”

 

James:

“But you’re so stubborn you refuse to even consider the option.”

 

Miku:

“That’s enough, you two.”

She sighs

“Jason… I’m simply informing you of the whole situation, and letting you know that James’ band idea isn’t just something random he wants to do out of the blue, like you seem to think it is.”

 

“Besides, I specifically remember James saying this might help you ‘reconsider’ the idea, not make you feel obligated into accepting.”

 

James:

(It’s so nice to have someone on my side… unlike yesterday.)

 

Jason:

“Well it sure as hell comes across that way. You want me to think about it so badly? Fine, I will. But I’m telling you right now, my answer won’t change.”

 

Miku:

“Just try and be more open-minded. Perhaps you have some true feelings of your own that you need to figure out…”

 

Jason:

“Yeah right.”

He sighs

“Lunch would definitely be over by now, shouldn’t we go back?”

 

Ella:

“Jason wanting to get back to class, this is a first.” 

 

Miku:

“Oh that’s right. You must all have school right now… my apologies for keeping you so long.”

 

Ella:

She smiles

“Don’t you apologise Miku. I don’t care about missing a bit of school if it means I got to meet you!”

 

Miku:

“Oh… You flatter me…”

She laughs

 

Akira:

“It was nice talking with you Miku… James is lucky to have you in… whatever, this place is…”

 

Miku:

“SEKAI. And y’know. I’d be happy to see you both again. You just need the Untitled song, and you can come here any time.”

 

James:

“I’d be happy to send them the file.”

 

Ella:

“I’d love that.”

 

Akira:

“I’m not sure if I’ll use it but… I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”

 

Jason:

“I’ll pass.”

 

James:

“Ok Ella and Akira, I’ll send it to you both after school.”

 

Ella:

“Cool. But uh, how exactly do we leave?”

 

Miku:

“That’s simple, just stop playing Untitled. And then you’ll be taken back to the real world, to the same place that you played the song in.”

 

James:

“You get used to how the system works…”

He gets his phone out

 

“Ok, ready?”

 

Ella & Akira:

“Yep.”

 

Jason:

“Hurry up.”

 

Before stopping the song, he turns back to Miku

 

James:

“Thank you Miku…”

 

She simply smiles at him, as he pressed the button and they’re all sent back to the normal world.

 

[Nen Household]

 

Akira’s Mother: 

“Eat your dinner Akira. Or are you too full from lollies all day?”

 

Akira:

“What? No, I took the same amount to school as I always do.” 

 

Akira’s Mother:

“I know I’m only joking. Still, you look distracted, is everything alright?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah I just keep… spacing out.”

 

Akira’s Father:

“Would that have anything to do with whatever happened to you at lunch time today?”

 

Akira:

“Oh… did the school call you?”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“They did… they said you were nearly half an hour late to Period 5… We were going to ask you about it. What happened?”

 

Akira:

“I’m sorry about that… A friend held me and the others up during lunch, our conversation lasted a lot longer than I expected.”

 

Akira’s Father:

“The bell wasn’t enough to get you all moving to class?”

 

Akira:

“Well… yeah we heard it but… we had to finish our conversation. It was very… um, intense.”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“Really? What exactly was it about then?”

 

Akira’s Father:

“And which friend was it? Surely not Ella, it must’ve been Jason.”

 

Akira: 

“No actually. They were both there too, but it was another boy who held us up. One I haven’t told you about before.”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“Really? He must be pretty close to you if he held up all lunch.”

 

Akira:

“No, not really. I think he’s closest with Jason. But basically um… he wants to start a band.”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“A band?”

 

Akira:

“Yes. He wants me to play piano. And do vocals…”

 

Akira’s Father:

“Well that would’ve been perfect for you if it wasn’t for…”

 

Akira:

“Yeah… but he doesn’t know that happened. Only Ella does, but she doesn’t know I quit music because of it. I just told her I lost interest.”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“I see. So did you say no to this boy?”

 

Akira:

“Initially… but now I’m starting to reconsider…”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“What made you change your mind?”

 

Akira:

“Well Ella wants to do it too. And if I’m being honest… I do like the idea I just…”

 

Akira’s Father:

“Well that piano has been sitting in the spare room collecting dust for ages. So you’re welcome to use it.”

 

Akira’s Mother: 

“Yes, but you don’t need to feel peer pressured into doing it… If you really can’t handle it, then please don’t force yourself to play. I don’t want to see you as sad as you were when you said you never wanted to see it again.”

 

Akira:

“It’s just…”

She sighs

 

Akira’s Mother:

“Talk to us Akira.”

 

Akira:

“I want… to move on...” 

 

Akira’s Mother:

“That’s really admirable, Akira. But you don’t need to do something as drastic as jumping straight back into the Piano, or singing.”

 

Akira:

“I know… I’ve been thinking about it all day though I just… I think I should at least try.”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“Alright… just please. Don’t push yourself too far alright? Also no more band talks taking up your class time, if you do go through with this.”

 

She nods

 

Akira’s Father:

“And like your mother said. Don’t let some random boy you’re not even that close to peer pressure you into doing it. At the end of the day, you come first.”

 

Akira:

“Thank you mum and dad…” 

 

[The screen fades to black to indicate a time skip]

 

[Akira’s spare room]

 

Akira:

She takes a deep breath

“Everything I need was left in this room…”

She turns the light on 

 

“There it is… the piano…”

She lets out a shaky breath

 

(Why am I already shaking?)

She takes another deep breath

 

(It doesn’t matter. I can’t keep… I can’t keep avoiding this forever…)

Chapter 11: Episode 10 - Jabbing Memories

Summary:

Episode 10 of the PJSK Our Fantasy Main Story

Chapter Text

[Akira's Spare Room]

 

Akira:

“I should probably start by finding a song I used to know… one that was pretty easy…”

 

She begins moving through a box of things

 

Akira:

(There’s so many music sheets here… I remember them all…)

 

She pauses 

 

Akira:

(This was one of the first songs I learnt…)

 

[Flashback]

 

???:

“Oh my, Akira… I think that’s the first time you played it with no errors. I’m so proud of you.”

 

Little Akira:

“Really? But you told me this was an easy song?”

 

???:

“Yes but you’ve picked it up so quickly for a beginner, and you’re only going to get better from here. So that doesn’t make it any less deserving of praise.”

 

???:

“The piano is such a beautiful form of art. And I’m so happy to say that I think you’ve really been gifted with it.”

 

Little Akira:

She smiles

“But I wouldn’t be able to do this without your help, g-”

 

[Flashback ends, and it cuts back to the present]

 

Akira:

Her eyes widen with horror

“No!”

She sighs looking down with a saddened expression

(I think I should look for a song that I never played with her…)

She moves through the box again, picking out a new sheet

(This one doesn’t even look like it’s been used…)

 

[Flashback]

They’re in a hospital

???:

“Akira, darling… I’m… so sorry I haven’t been able to sing, or play piano with you lately.”

 

Younger Akira:

“That’s ok, don’t apologise. I just want you to get better, so we can start playing again soon!”

 

???:

“About that…”

 

Younger Akira:

“Hm?”

 

???:

“I um…”

 

???:

“I bought you some new music sheets. Since I might not be able to practice with you for a little while now. But you’ve gotten so good at it yourself, you don’t even need me anymore…”

 

Younger Akira:

“That’s not true. I’d much rather have you there next to me. It’s so much more fun when we’re together, and you're always the source of guidance and encouragement I need.”

She smiles

 

???:

“Oh Akira…”

She coughs violently

 

Younger Akira:

“Grandma? Are you okay?”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Yes. But can you promise me… one thing…” 

 

Younger Akira:

“Of course, what is it?”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Promise me you’ll play those new music sheets without me ok? That would make me… really happy.”

 

Younger Akira:

“Okay. If it makes you happy.”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Thank you Akira… You really are the best grandchild I could’ve ever asked for…”

She lets out a sob

 

Younger Akira:

“Grandma? Why are you crying?”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Oh it’s just… you’ve grown up so much… I’m so… I’m so proud of you. And the woman that you’re growing up to be.”

 

Younger Akira:

“Don’t cry Grandma… you’ll make me cry too.”

 

Akira’s Grandmother

She lets out another sob

“I’m sorry… Please don’t worry about me.”

 

“Also… I really hope that you pursue music in the future. I really mean it when I say you have a talent. And music has always been such a big part of your life…”

 

“But also know… no matter where you choose to take your life… I’ll always be supporting you, no matter where I am. Because I love you more than anything Akira, and I will always love you.”

 

Younger Akira:

There’s tears in her eyes

“Oh grandma… I love you too.”

 

She hugs her grandmother tightly now letting herself cry

 

Younger Akira:

“I just… I can’t wait for you to come home. I miss you so much.”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Me too Akira… I miss you too… and I’m going to miss you the more and more time that I spend away from you.”

 

Younger Akira:

“But Grandma… Why won’t Mum and Dad won’t tell me what the doctors have said? When are you coming home?

 

[Flashback ends, and the story switches back to the present]

 

Akira:

Her eyes are filled with tears, she crunches up the sheet and throws it across the room

(Will nothing in here work!?)

 

She shakes her head violently, he tears flying to the side

 

(I need to just… I need to find something… something I can play…)

 

Without thinking, she grabs a random sheet of paper

 

She walks over to the piano

 

(I need to stop thinking and just start…)

 

She opens the piano, sits down, and aggressively places the paper on its stand

 

Akira:

She lets out a shaky breath

(Ok… I think I remember how to play the notes… So um… I just…)

She begins playing each note, slowly, one by one

(Just slow… take my time…)

 

[Flashback]

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Remember. Take your time. Just play each note slowly at first if you’d like. Just try and get a feel for the song.”

 

Little Akira:

“Like this?”

 

She plays a pleasant melody, though very slowly.

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“That’s it! Just keep it up, Akira, you’re doing great.”

 

[End of flashback]

 

Akira:

She continues to play the notes, but the length between each one is inconsistent, and still very delayed, and the tears continued rolling down her cheeks and she sniffles

(Just keep going… just keep going… just keep…)

She starts playing incorrect notes

(Keep… going…)

 

[Flashback]

Little Akira:

“I give up! I can’t get this part right, no matter how many times I try!”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Hey… it’s alright. Don’t be so hard on yourself alright? I’d be surprised if you weren’t making any mistakes, I made even more when I first learnt this song.”

 

Little Akira:

“But I’ve been stuck on this one part for ages!”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“And that’s okay, Akira. Because as long as you keep trying, you’ll get through it eventually. Even if it takes time.”

 

Little Akira:

“But I wanted to hear you sing while I played… but you can’t sing because I always mess it up.”

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“How about we switch roles for a minute then, to give you a break? You can sing, and I’ll show you how I play it. You have such a wonderful singing voice after all.”

 

Little Akira: 

“Okay!”

 

[End of flashback]

 

Akira:

She now playing only wrong notes, even more delayed, desperately trying to hold back tears

(My hands… they won’t stop shaking… I… I can’t focus…)

 

[Flashback]

Younger Akira:

“Mum. I asked Grandma, but she said she still didn’t know when she’s going to come home. I don’t get it, why won’t any of you tell me what’s wrong!? I know you’ve been talking to the doctors, I’ve seen it!”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“Akira…”

 

Younger Akira:

“Are you all lying to me? Is there something you’re all not telling me about!?”

 

Akira’s Mother:

“Akira… she… she isn’t coming home.”

 

[Flashback ends]

 

Akira:

She gasps and there’s the sound of multiple piano notes going off at once as she leans onto the keyboard with her elbows

 

[The screen switches to another PJSK card. This one is of Akira, leaning over the Piano with both her elbows leant on the notes, her face in both of her hands, tears leaking through them as she cries quietly]

 

Akira:

“I… I can’t do this…”

 

“Everything… Everything I do… reminds me of her in some way…”

 

“I knew I couldn’t do this band. I knew this was a terrible idea. What was I thinking, trying this?”

 

“I need to tell James no. I need to tell him under no conditions can I do this band.”

 

“But…” 

 

“She wanted me to do music… She always wanted me to continue… even after she was gone…”

 

“So why am I this weak that I can’t? It’s been years since it happened… so… will I ever move on?”

 

[The card display goes away and it returns to the normal story ui]

 

“I… I have to get out of this room.”

 

She gets up from the piano, and sprints to her room, with a hand covering her watery eyes. Luckily she isn’t seen by any of her parents on the way there since her room was so close to the spare room.

 

[Akira’s Room]

 

She closes her door and collapses down onto her bed, still crying quietly so her parents don’t hear

 

(I wish I could do this band… But I can’t, I just can’t. There’s no way I can. Not when this happens every time I go near that piano.)

 

(I need to calm down… I need to…)

 

[There’s a flashback of her earlier in the day, inside the Forest SEKAI, looking around at the peaceful atmosphere]

 

(That song… I need that song… James sent it to me.)

 

She gets out of her phone and finds Untitled

 

(Will this really work?)

 

She presses play and the Sekai transition plays

Chapter 12: Episode 11 - A Painful Choice

Summary:

Episode 11 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

[Forest Sekai]

 

Akira:

She takes a deep breathe

(It’s so… peaceful here…)

 

She closes her eyes

(All I can hear is the soft rain… and feel it on my face…)

 

She smiles

(I don’t care if it’s dark. I don’t care if it’s empty of life. I like it here… I want to stay here…)

 

Miku:

“James…?”

 

Akira’s eyes widen

 

Miku comes walking out of a bush and she looks at Akira with a confused look 

 

Miku:

“Oh… Akira? I wasn’t expecting you.”

She smiles

 

Akira:

(Her smile… it’s so beautiful.)

“M-Miku! I forgot about you… s-sorry, I can leave if you want.”

 

Miku:

“Don’t do that. I did say you were welcome here weren’t you?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah but if you’re looking for James or something…”

 

Miku:

“It’s fine. He doesn’t normally come here until a bit later. Why don’t you follow me? I’ll take you to where me and James normally sit to talk.”

 

Akira:

“T-talk? You want to talk to me?”

 

Miku:

“Of course I do. I barely even know anything about you. Besides, I could use some company.”

 

Akira:

“O-okay… I’ll follow you.”

 

Miku:

“Wonderful.” 

She smiles and begins walking off through the trees, Akira following her wearily

 

Akira:

She looks around at her surroundings as she walks

 

Miku:

“You like it here don’t you?”

 

Akira:

“Y-yeah… it’s very relaxing. That’s why I came here in the first place.”

 

Miku:

“Oh really? Or was there something you needed to run away from?”

 

Akira:

“W-what?”

 

Miku:

She giggles

“I’m just teasing. Ask James. I do that a lot.”

 

Akira:

“Oh…”

(I guess I did need to run away…)

 

Miku:

“Just up ahead.”

 

Akira:

“The Sakura tree? I noticed the seats underneath it earlier, but was too overwhelmed to say anything…”

 

Miku:

“I see… well you guessed correctly. That’s where we’re going.”

 

Akira:

“Was that also there… from his feelings?”

 

Miku:

“Correct. Everything was. Even me.”

 

Akira:

“Really?”

 

Miku:

“Come sit down now.” 

 

Miku sits down on one of the logs, and Akira sits on the opposite one

 

Miku:

“You see, I’m not just the way I am because. The thing is, I’m everything that James desires in a friend. Someone who he can have banter with, but also someone who’s able to support him on a deeper level.”

 

Akira looks stunned

 

“But let’s not talk about him. I want to hear more about you Akira.”

 

Akira:

“Oh, me? Well… I’m not all that interesting…”

 

Miku:

“Prove it.”

 

Akira:

“Ok well… I guess um… I like listening to music a lot, and I’m addicted to lollies…”

 

Miku:

“Lollies?”

 

Akira:

“You don’t know what lollies are?”

 

Miku:

“No…”

 

Akira: 

“It’s a really tasty food.”

 

Miku:

“Oh… I don’t eat food. I don’t need to. But still… I’d like to try them some time.”

 

Akira:

“Oh okay, I’d gladly bring some next time I come back here… assuming you want me to come back.”

 

Miku:

“Of course I am. I know this is James’ Sekai, but he isn’t the one who lives here 24/7, and personally, I enjoy your company. So I’d love it if you came back another time.”

 

Akira:

“Thank you Miku… you’re really kind. I see why James’ feelings made you the way you are.”

 

Miku:

She giggles 

“You think I’m the kind one?”

 

Akira:

“Seriously though… just talking with you has put me at so much more ease than when I first came here.”

 

Miku:

“Yes I noticed that… Why did you come here?”

 

Akira:

“I just uh… really like the environment.”

 

Miku:

“You said it was relaxing, yes? Was there something you needed to relax from?”

 

Akira:

She sighs

“You really pick up on these things that easily don’t you?”

 

Miku:

“Well it’s just an assumption based on how much of a visible state you were in. Your face was very red.”

 

Akira:

“Oh… of course…”

 

Miku:

“What happened, Akira?”

 

Akira:

(I don’t why… I just feel like I can tell her anything.)

“I tried to play piano again.”

 

Miku:

“Oh? Was it because what me and James said to you earlier about the band?”

 

Akira:

“Yes… I think the band could be beneficial for me too. Well… I thought.”

 

Miku:

“I did find it curious that James told me you were very against the idea.”

 

Akira:

“Yeah… I was…”

 

Miku:

“So why’s that… you said you tried to play the piano ‘again’, so why did you stop in the first place?”

 

Akira:

She takes a deep breath

“Piano was always a big part of my life. As well as singing. From a young age, someone… very special to me, introduced me to the world of music, and taught me herself, both how to sing, and how to play piano.”

 

Miku:

“Who was that special someone?”

 

Akira:

“My… grandmother…” 

 

Miku:

“I see… Continue.”

 

Akira:

“I always loved it… I was arguably closer to my grandmother than any of my other family members. And every moment I spent on that piano next to her was a moment I cherished.”

 

Miku smiles

 

“But then…”

 

Akira hesitates, looking down with an expression of distress

 

Miku:

“It’s alright Akira… take your time…” 

 

Akira:

“She… passed away when I first started high school.”

 

Miku’s expression softens 

 

“It… ruined me… she was my everything… and when she was gone… I couldn’t play piano anymore. I couldn’t sing. I couldn’t do anything that reminded me of her. The only way I could move on was thinking about her as minimally as possible.” 

 

Miku:

“But that’s not moving on, is it?”

 

Akira:

“That’s why I thought… if I picked up my instrument and singing again, like James wanted me to. Then I thought maybe now that I’m older, I’d be stronger… and I’d be able to persist without letting my memories of her get to me. Showing that I had moved on.” 

 

“But…”

 

Miku:

She nods

“Akira…” 

 

Akira looks up at her

 

“I’m not sure if you know. But James is in a lot of pain right now. That’s what this band is for, it’s to help him with that pain.”

 

“However… it seems that you may need this band just as much as him, for that very same reason.”

 

Akira looks at Miku speechless

 

“Granted. I completely understand now why you never wanted to do this band. And I also understand why you might not want to change your attitude after what happened tonight.”

 

“However… if that is the choice you make. Then you do understand, nothing will change. And you’ll continue to be hiding from your past, possibly forever.” 

 

“I know it’s scary. But the only way to overcome this grief, is to face it, to keep playing bit by bit, or singing bit by bit, gradually easing yourself back into no longer being afraid of either.”

 

“And there’s no better opportunity to do that, then with this band.”

 

Akira:

“But… what if the same thing that happened tonight happens again?”

 

Miku:

“It’s likely that it will. And it’s okay if it takes time for it to not happen. You can keep trying, at your own pace, until it eventually starts becoming less daunting.”

 

Akira:

“But Miku… I’m so scared… I don’t want to.”

 

Miku:

“And that’s completely reasonable. But also, I didn’t say you had to do it alone.”

 

Akira:

“What do you mean?”

 

Miku:

“Just like you did tonight. When things get overwhelming, you can come here. You can talk to me, or you can just enjoy the scenery. I don’t mind.”

 

Akira:

“Really?”

 

Miku:

“Yes. Anytime you need to. SEKAI is here for you.”

 

Akira hesitates, not saying anything

 

Miku:

“Regardless, that won’t stop you from experiencing very unpleasant feelings and memories in the moment, so it’s a reasonable choice for you not to do this.”

 

”But, like you said, piano and singing have always been a big part of your life. So if you do make that choice, you need to understand that you’ll be living with the fact that you won’t be able to do those two things again.”

 

Akira has a blank expression, thinking

 

[Flashback] 

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“Also… I really hope that you pursue music in the future. I really mean it when I say you have a talent. And music has always been such a big part of your life…”

 

[End of Flashback]

 

Akira:

“She… always wanted me to pursue music…”

 

“And the thought of not being able to do two things I loved so much for the rest of my life… it honestly scares me.”

 

“But… I just don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

 

Miku:

“I think you are.”

 

Akira looks up at Miku again

 

Miku:

“If you weren’t. Then I don’t think you would be here right now. You wouldn’t have even attempted to play the piano again at all tonight. But you did.”

 

“I can tell you truly want to move on, both for your sake, and for hers. You have the willpower, so I truly believe that as long as you don’t give up, you will get there in the end.”

 

“But, this is still a lot for me to ask of you. Which is why I’ll do everything I can to make it easier for you.”

 

Akira:

“Miku… thank you…”

 

Miku smiles

 

Akira:

“I’m going to do what you said. I’m going to try. It’s what she would’ve wanted.” 

 

Miku:

“I’m so proud of you Akira.”

 

[Flashback]

 

Akira’s Grandmother:

“I’m so… I’m so proud of you.”

 

[End of flashback}

 

Akira closes her eyes, a painful expression on her face, but she doesn’t cry 

 

“Talking about this with you… it’s something I haven’t spoken about to anyone before.”

 

“I think… I needed to hear that.”

 

Miku:

She smiles

“You’re proving my point right now. You are strong enough, Akira.” 

 

Akira:

She also smiles, although her eyes are a bit teary

“Miku… can I?”

 

Miku:

“Of course.”

 

Akira jumps off her log seat and runs over to Miku, clinging onto her in a tight hug.

 

Miku:

She laughs

“You’re a lot more affectionate than James…” 

 

Akira:

“S-sorry…”

 

Miku:

“It’s not a bad thing.”

 

They continue hugging each other as the screen fades to black

Chapter 13: Episode 12 - Fragile Band Formation

Summary:

Episode 12 of the PJSK Our Fantasy Main Story

Chapter Text

[Highschool]

 

[Recess]

 

Ella: 

“So your first time arriving there? Miku was just there? And she looked like that?”

 

James:

“Yeah…”

 

Ella:

“Y’know… She looks kind of like a princess.”

 

James:

“I guess…”

 

Ella:

“She was so cool. I still don’t understand this whole SEKAI thing, but I’m excited to see Miku again.”

 

Jason:

“It’s alright for you guys, she was nice to you.”

 

Ella:

“Oh? But can you really blame her for not being the nicest to you Jason?”

 

Jason:

“Yes.”

 

James:

“It’s okay Jason… the first time I met her and acted out in aggression, she straight up sent me home. She’ll warm up to you once she realises that’s just what you’re like.”

 

Jason:

“You make it sound like I’m going back there.”

 

James:

“Why don’t you?”

 

Jason:

“Because I’m not spending time in a magic fantasy realm, when I could be spending it in reality.”

 

“It’s kind of like the band when you think about it… why would I spend my time on some fantasy when I could be spending it grounded in reality.”

 

James sighs

 

Ella:

“Please don’t start at this again you two. Look, here comes Akira.”

 

James:

(I know he’s not exactly the most sympathetic person… But has he still not realised how much insulting this band bothers me?)

 

(Miku literally told him… he just doesn’t care. That’s the only answer.)

 

(At least I’ve had something to talk about with them today.)

 

Akira arrives at their eating spot

 

Ella:

“Hey, Akira.” 

 

Akira:

“Hey everyone.”

 

She looks around to see James looking down quietly to himself.

 

Akira:

“James.”

 

He looks up at her in response to his name

 

Akira:

“I’ve made my decision. I agree to giving this band a chance.”

 

James:

“Really? You were so against it just a day ago…”

 

Akira:

“I was… But I spoke to Miku yesterday after dinner.”

 

Ella:

“You did? Already? The song actually took you back there?”

 

Akira:

“Yes, it worked, the exact way it does for James.”

 

Ella:

“It’s still so crazy to wrap my head around…”

 

Akira:

“Me too honestly…”

 

James:

“What did Miku say to you?”

 

Akira:

“She just… she gave me a new perspective on this whole thing.”

 

James:

“She didn’t make you feel obligated to do it or anything like that right?”

 

Akira:

“No. Definitely not. She didn’t push anything onto me, I’m doing this out of my own will.”

 

James:

(I know Miku wouldn’t do that, but still… it’s hard to believe she changed her mind so quickly. Miku must be really good at this… better than me...)

 

Jason:

“Oh she definitely tried to guilt trip you, just be honest with us.”

 

Akira:

“She honestly didn’t… She put my feelings first the whole time.”

 

Ella:

“Geez Jason. Just because she wasn’t nice to you specifically, doesn’t mean she’s not a nice person. You were asking for it anyways.”

 

Jason:

“Your opinion doesn’t mean anything, you’ll agree with anything she does, because you’re a fangirl!”

 

Ella:

“Sh-shut up!”

 

Akira:

“I’m not a fangirl. And I think she’s really lovely. I understand why James has always desired someone like her in his life.”

 

James:

“I have?”

 

Akira:

“She told me, she’s like a manifestation of everything you’d ever wanted in a friend or something like that.”

 

James:

“That… actually makes a lot of sense I guess.”

 

“I just don’t get it… if this isn’t out of obligation, then what did she say that could make you do a 180 like this?”

 

Akira:

“Well she helped me see that I can benefit from this band too.”

 

James:

“How?”

 

Akira:

“You see… I never wanted to actually quit music.”

 

James:

“Then why did you?”

 

Akira:

She hesitates and looks down before speaking

“I just lost passion… I became so preoccupied with other things in my life that I pushed music to the side, despite how much it always meant to me.”

 

James:

(Seems unrealistic if music really did mean that much to her… whatever, the main thing is she wants to do this band.)

 

“I see… so this is a way to get you back into your passion?” 

 

Akira:

“Yes…”

 

James:

“I feel the same in a way to a certain degree. It’s so difficult for me to find motivation to write. But if I’m writing lyrics for the band, that’s at least some form of writing, and I know I’ll definitely have motivation for that if you’re all in the band with me.”

 

Akira:

“Oh yeah… but about our roles. I’ll sing and play piano a bit, but I’m not being the primary vocalist. I prefer the idea of us sharing songs a lot more.”

 

James:

“Okay, fair enough.”

 

Ella:

“So we’re all on board then. Except for Jason…”

 

Everyone looks at him, his face is angry

 

Jason:

“Dammit! I knew this would happen!”

 

James:

“It’s okay if you need more time to think about it…” 

 

Jason:

“What’s the point? I don’t have a choice anymore.” 

 

James:

“Of course you still have a choice.”

 

Jason:

“You need that composer, and you need that bass player.”

 

James:

“Well Miku can play bass… I guess you’re right about the composer though.”

 

Jason:

“So now I can’t say no without pissing off all three of you.”

 

Akira:

“I wouldn’t be pissed.”

 

Ella:

“I would.”

She says sarcastically

 

Jason:

“I’ll do your stupid band. But once another job opportunity pops up, I’m not sticking around.”

 

James:

“That’s fine… I’ll take that. You might end up finding you enjoy it more than you initially thought.”

 

Jason:

“Don’t hold your breath on it.”

 

James:

“Come on. You said yourself you still play the bass sometimes when you’re bored, and you’ve been composing more that you lost your job. You wouldn’t do those things if you had absolutely 0 interest in making music.”

 

Jason:

“This isn’t about what I want, it’s about what’s realistic.”

 

James:

“So you do want to do it?”

 

Jason:

“That- that’s not what I meant!”

 

James:

“You basically just admitted to it.”

 

Jason:

“Okay. Just because I like making music, doesn’t mean I want to do this. This band has no future. It is a waste of time. And the fact that you’ve manipulated Akira and Ella into thinking otherwise now, really pisses me off.”

 

James:

“Manipulated? What? How have I done that? They made their decisions on their own. I honestly don’t get what your problem is, sure you may think the idea is unrealistic, but you’re acting like it’s life or death if this band works or not.”

 

Jason:

(It might be… but not for my life.)

 

James:

“What’s the real reason you don’t want to do this band Jason?”

 

Jason:

“I’ve told you plenty of times. But you don’t listen, do you? This band is a bad idea, but you’re just too absorbed in the fantasy that you won’t see it!”

 

Ella:

“Guys, guys, please. Give it a rest. We’ll all just see how this band goes okay? Let’s not jump to conclusions yet.”

 

Akira:

“And you fighting about it, isn’t getting anywhere.”

 

Jason:

He scoffs

“You’re right. I’ve already made my decision. I’ll try this band. Just don’t expect me to do a lot for it.”

 

James:

“That’s fine… as long as you do what’s needed to progress. I won’t expect you to go above the minimum.”

 

Jason:

“Good.”

 

Ella:

She sighs shakily, and looks down as the screen fades to black

Chapter 14: Episode 13 - Picking Sides

Summary:

Episode 13 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

[3 Weeks later]

 

[Jarvis Household]

 

The episode starts with Ella walking to her room

 

Ella’s Mother:

“Ella. Have you started packing for your father’s yet?”

 

Ella:

“Yep! I’m already all packed.”

 

Ella’s Mother: 

“Oh… really? Even though I don’t drop you there until tomorrow after school?”

 

Ella:

Her expression drops a bit at her mother’s tone but she still smiles light-heartedly

“Isn’t it better to be prepared now instead of being in a rush to do it before or after school tomorrow?”

 

Ella’s Mother:

“Is that the reason? Or are you just that eager to spend time with him…? over me…”

 

Ella:

Ella’s smile fully fades now

“W-what…”

 

Ella’s Mother:

She bursts out laughing

“I’m just kidding! I know you never liked picking favourites. You’re perfectly allowed to be excited to see both of us.”

 

Ella:

She sighs and chuckles

“Geez mum… next time you want to show off your acting skills, do it for something else…” 

 

Ella’s Mother:

“It was pretty good acting though, don’t you think?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah…”

 

Ella’s Mother: 

“I bet your father can’t do that.”

 

Ella laughs walking away, to her room

 

[Ella’s Room]

 

Ella:

She sighs

(I suppose it’s good that mum can actually joke about that stuff now… considering how much grief she was in just over a year ago when it was first happening.)

 

Her phone gets a notification

 

Ella:

“Oh? Who could that be?”

 

She picks up the phone to see a message from James

 

James:

<Ella. You’ve left me on seen twice now.>

 

Ella:

(Crap, he’s right… I can’t keep avoiding this.)

 

She starts typing back

 

<I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I just keep forgetting to get around to responding.>

 

James:

<I’ll ask you again. It’s been three whole weekends and we’ve all still not met up once to practice our instruments together. So are you free this upcoming weekend?>

 

Ella:

<Look I can see. But probably not. My dad likes to do things with me on the weekend.>

 

James:

<And can’t you tell him you’re going to hang out with friends instead for that one weekend?>

 

Ella:

<I feel bad for doing that. Besides, he’s probably already planned it in advance, and won’t want to change it.>

 

It takes a few seconds for the next response

 

James:

<It’s been 3 weeks Ella.>

 

<It’s good your dad actually does things with you, but you’ve had three weeks to tell him that you’re in a band now, and might need just a few hours on one weekend to see friends.>

 

<You still have the rest of the weekend to do things with him. So I don’t get it.>

 

Ella sighs

 

Ella:

<Yeah I’m sorry. He just likes to have the entire weekend free for me.>

 

James:

<Have you even told him about the band?>

 

Ella:

She hesitates, a worried frown filling her face

(I hate lying but…)

<Yeah. He thinks what we’re doing is cool. But he still insists I keep weekends free for him, since I only see him every second week. We’ll have to do it the weeks that I’m at my mum’s.>

 

James:

<You made up excuses when you were at hers too.>

 

Ella sighs, with a frown

 

<I really don’t get it Ella. Jason and Akira making excuses not to do anything for the band hasn’t been surprising to me at all. But you, you were the only one who was actually for this band since the beginning. What changed?>

 

Ella:

She types with a worried expression

(How much longer can I lie for?)

<I do genuinely want to do the band. But it’s turning out to be more difficult than I thought.>

 

James:

<It’s not fair. I’ve written the english lyrics for three different Virtual Singer songs. I’ve actually been picking up my guitar and starting to play again. And I’m the only one who’s even tried to arrange actual meet ups to practice.>

 

<I’ve gotten nothing from any of you. And it’s been three weeks. I don’t even know if you’ve been practising drums again.>

 

Ella:

She looks down 

<I know. You’re right in being frustrated. I can promise you I have at least been playing my drums though. And I have been enjoying it.>

 

James:

<I’ve been enjoying playing guitar too, but only because I have the motivation that I’m practising to be part of a band. But with each day, I’m starting to doubt that more.>

 

Ella:

(How do I reply to that?)

She hesitates then starts typing again

<Yeah I don’t know man. Maybe we all need to get together and talk about if this is still a good idea.>

 

It takes another few seconds for a response

 

James:

<I’m going to SEKAI.>

 

Ella:

<Okay. Have fun. Tell Miku I said hi.>

 

Ella waits and there’s no response back

 

(He’s finally stopped responding…)

 

She breaths a sign of relief, but also uneasiness

 

(This is such a difficult situation.)

 

(I don’t want to upset James, I never have from the beginning. That’s why I thought this band would be a good idea.)

 

(But all it’s done is cause more and more conflict.)

 

[Flashback to episode 4]

 

Jason:

“You still expect me to work a 9-5, do school, and a band at the same time?”

 

James:

“Oh don’t give me that. I know as a fact you never even study for school.”

 

Jason:

“Alright fine, maybe you’re right. But this whole idea is still ridiculous. You expect us to drop everything and pursue some stupid hobby? There’s more important things to spend our time on.”

 

James:

“Like you know what’s important to spend your time on, considering you don’t do anything for school.”

 

[Flashback switches to episode 9]

 

James:
“What no! I don’t want any of you to do it for me. I want you to do it because you want to. Because it would help all of us, not just me.”

 

Jason:

“Well how many times do I have to tell you? I don’t.”

 

James:

“But you’re so stubborn you refuse to even consider the option.”

 

[Flashback finally switches to episode 12]

 

James:

“What’s the real reason you don’t want to do this band Jason?”

 

Jason:

“I’ve told you plenty of times. But you don’t listen, do you? This band is a bad idea, but you’re just too absorbed in the fantasy that you won’t see it!”

 

Ella:

“Guys, guys, please. Give it a rest.”

 

[The flashback ends and the scene switches back to Ella in the present]

 

(The tension has already been bad enough at school since James got this band idea. It’d only be worse if we were all to play together in person. I don’t want to be there for that.)

 

She sighs

 

[The scene switches to Ella’s PJSK card. She’s sitting up on her bed, with her phone in her lap while she looks down with a conflicted, thinking look.]

 

(This is yet another game of picking sides.)

 

(After what happened between mum and dad. I didn’t think I’d ever be in a situation where my choice could cause so much pain for either party.)

 

(But now it’s in my own friend group of all things…)

 

(If I do what James asks of me, then it’s only going to anger Jason more, and pressure him and even Akira further.)

 

(But if I side with Jason over James, and tell him this band is a bad idea. He’ll feel we’re all against him, and be the one hurt instead.)

 

(During the divorce. Mum and dad were going through so much grief, that I was so terrified to choose a side, because I didn’t want to upset either of them more than they already were.)

 

(So I always stayed neutral. And it worked for me. Despite how much I hated having to watch the conflict between them, once it was all over, all I had to do to make sure I wasn’t giving one more than the other. And so far I’ve been doing a good enough job.)

 

(But this is… so much different…)

 

[The card image fades and the display returns to normal with Ella still in her room]

 

(Now that James is getting suspicious at my standoffish nature with the band, I don’t see a way out of this where no one is hurt…)

 

(And if I tell him the real reason I’ve been acting this way… he’ll just confront Jason, leading to even more problems.)

 

She sighs

 

(But one thing’s for certain… this band has done nothing but cause conflict for the friend group.)

 

(And even though I do really want to do it… especially with Miku... If James and Jason don’t sort things out… I don’t know how many more recess and lunches I can handle, feeling like either of them is a ticking time bomb.) 

 

She slumps her shoulders in one last defeated expression

 

(I don’t think this band was a good idea…)

Chapter 15: Episode 14 - No One

Summary:

Episode 14

Chapter Text

[Forest Sekai]

 

James walks over to the log under the Sakura tree, sitting down with an empty expression. Miku is with him.

 

Miku:

“Still nothing?” 

 

James:

“Ella said she’ll have to see if she’s free this weekend, but probably not. Which is code for, she’s not free, but is too scared to actually be honest with me.”

 

Miku:

She frowns

“And the other two?”

 

James:

“I’ve gotten nothing from Akira. I’ve asked her heaps of questions about how much practice she’s done, and sent her some sheet music I found online of songs to cover. But she ignores all my messages. If I bring it up in school, she just says she’ll look at them later, but then doesn’t.”

 

“And Jason… well I gave up on even talking about the band to him. Because if I confront him about ignoring my messages, he snaps at me.”

 

“So online doesn’t work. But organising for us all to gather outside of school in person to practice together is basically impossible too. Since I’ve tried for three weekends, and everytime, I either get ignored or given an excuse as to why they can’t go.”

 

Miku:

“I see…” 

 

James:

“In fact, now that I think about it. All of them have basically acted like the band doesn’t exist since we supposedly formed it. Even Ella… who I was convinced was the only one that actually supported the idea

 

“But I guess I was really the only one who actually wanted to do it. Meaning this band was never going to work, and Jason was right…”

 

Miku:

“I don’t think it’s because they necessarily don’t want to do the band, but that there’s some other… external factor stopping them. I do think it’s strange how they’ve ignored you though.”

 

James:

“Really? I don’t think it’s strange at all. Even before the band, whenever I’d message them I’d get the driest response ever, or none at all. Because don’t you get it yet Miku? They don’t care about me.”

 

He shakes his head

 

“This band has done nothing but confirm my initial thoughts that I don’t matter in this friend group. Not one of them has even made an effort to show they care about the band, despite you telling them how important it is to me. 

 

“I wish I never went through with this idea, because now I feel even worse than before. But that’s my own stupid fault for trying to get my friends to make such a big commitment to me, when they clearly already didn’t value me anyways.”

 

Miku:

She looks down with an upset look

“James… Can you do something for me?”

 

James:

“Yes?”

 

Miku:

“This may sound a bit out of the blue. But I want you to tell me about your life before you met your current friends. I want you to tell me about when you first started feeling like you weren’t cared about.”

 

James:

“What? Why?”

 

Miku:

“It will help me understand why you are the way you are. And even though we’ve known each other for a few weeks now, I have a feeling there’s a lot about you that you still haven’t told me.”

 

James:

“Um well… okay… I guess I can tell you. There’s quite a bit of context though.”

 

Miku:

“That’s fine. Please… go ahead…”

 

James:

“Around the time I turned 13, I started suffering from really bad anxiety. I found a way to be afraid of nearly everything… and it was the first time I had felt anything to that severity. It was… honestly such a horrible time in my life, that it makes me uncomfortable to even think about too much in detail.”

 

Miku:

“That’s okay, you don’t need to go into too much detail.”

 

James:

“Yeah, I’m not going to. But during that year, was the time I started listening to Japanese music, and consequently started being bullied in my own friend group once they found out.”

 

Miku:

“That’s right… I remember you telling me. The music really helped you get through the tough times, only to be attacked for it.”

 

James:

“Yes. But despite that, the music continued to be a coping strategy for me. As well as playing the Legend of Zelda, and Mario.” 

 

Miku smiles

 

“But regardless, my anxiety wasn’t going away. And during the same time, I was starting to have attention problems at school. Something had to be done.”

 

Miku:

“Sounds like that was a really tough year for you…”

 

James:

“The story doesn’t really begin though until about a year later… around the time I started grade 9. When I was finally seen by a psychiatrist after my mum had been trying for months to get into one.” 

 

The screen fades to black

 

“It was then that I found out the truth. I was never normal. It’s just that me and my mum had not realised it up until that point.”

 

“I think at first… it was a relief. It finally made sense to me why I had gone through all that suffering the year before. And I no longer had to go through it as bad, because I now had medication to make things easier for me.”

 

“And that’s exactly what happened. Both my anxiety, and school attention problems started getting a lot better.”

 

“But… as they did… a new feeling began to form within me.”

 

[Flashback]

 

James’ Mother:

“We finally have answers.”

 

James’ Father:

“What are they?”

 

James’ Mother:

“Just from talking to him, she’s diagnosed him with both OCD and ADHD. The OCD has been making his anxiety so bad. And the ADHD has been affecting his attention in school.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Yeah… it makes sense why I am the way I am now.”

 

James’ Father:

“Okay…”

 

James’ Mother:

“She prescribed him two different medications. One for his ADHD, and one for his OCD. And we’ll see her in another month to see how he’s going with them.”

 

James’ Father:

“Great. How much is that going to cost? We’ve already spent a fortune just for him to see the psychiatrist once.”

 

James frowns

 

James’ Mother: 

“We’re going to have to keep seeing her every few months now. Combined with the medication I’ll have to keep buying, it’s going to be very expensive. But we have to do what we have to do.”

 

James’ Father:

“Fucking great. Geez these psychiatrists are inconsiderate to the parents, it’s alright for them, they’re the ones who make money from this.”

 

Grade 9 James:

His upset frowns continues as he speaks up

“Do you not care that I’m getting help?”

 

James’ Father:

“Of course I care. But you don’t understand, you’re not the one who has to pay for all of this.”

 

Grade 9 James:

He looks down, hesitating

“I have been suffering for so long… and when I finally get help, the first thing you have to say is how much it costs?”

 

James’ Father:

“I bet there’s nothing actually wrong with you. These psychiatrists are just too quick to throw out these ‘diagnoses’, that’s what makes them money after all. The real reason you can’t focus in school is because of how much video games you play. And that ‘anxiety’ crap you’ll grow out of once you’re older.”

 

Grade 9 James:

His frown turns into an expression of full anger

“Do you really expect me to listen to you… over a qualified psychiatrist who has spent years of her life studying the human brain? You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” 

 

James’ Father:

“All this OCD and ADHD stuff is a load of shit! None of it was around when I was a kid. It’s just a way to get psychiatrists money.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Don’t start you two.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Yeah… that’s all it’s ever been about hasn’t it? Money.”

 

James’ Father:

“What did you say?”

 

Grade 9 James:

“All you ever care about is money! That’s all you’ve ever cared about. More than your own children!”

 

James’ Father:

“Don’t you dare fucking say that. I do care, I always have.”

 

Grade 9 James: 

“Mum has been the only one who has tried to get me help, you couldn’t care less! You’d rather me continue to be in so much pain, as long as it saves you some expenses. What kind of ‘dad’ does that!?”

 

James’ Mother:

“James…” 

 

James’ Father:

“You know what? If you want to think that way, fine. Hate me all you want. Keep playing video games every day and take your magic pills. I don’t fucking care anymore.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Yeah, it’s all my fault isn’t it? The anxiety, the attention, all of it.”

 

James’ Father:

“Just piss off. I’m not arguing with you anymore.”

 

James stomps out of the room with a furious face, and then the screen fades to black 

 

The screen fades back, still in a flashback of the same James. This is a very small time skip

 

James’ Mother:

“You and dad need to sort your crap out. I hate how uncomfortable you’re making it for everyone in the house.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“I refuse to apologise. All that’s going to do is let him get away with it.”

 

James’ Mother:

“You’re right, he needs to apologise first, and I’ve been telling him that.” 

 

Grade 9 James:

“You’ve been telling him yet he still hasn’t… what does that tell you?”

 

James’ Mother:

“Look… He does care, James. He just doesn’t know how to show it.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Think about it… when has he ever done anything my whole life to show he cares? The only time he seems to take an interest in my life is if it involves your guy’s bank account.”

 

James’ Mother:

“...”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Exactly. You’ve got nothing…”

 

James’ Mother:

“You need to understand… like he said, OCD and that kind of stuff wasn't around when he was a kid. He’s just having a hard time understanding…”

 

Grade 9 James:

“That doesn’t excuse how he acted yesterday, and it also doesn’t change the fact that he’s never cared about me my whole life. Why do you think I’ve hated him even since I was little?”

 

James’ Mother:

“It just… really upsets me to see the relationship you have with your dad. At the end of the day, he’s the only dad you’re going to have.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“That doesn’t make him a good one. Answer me this, do you really think he’s a good father?”

 

James’ Mother:

“I think… he does the best he can for who he is.”

 

Grade 9 James:

His expression changes from anger, to a more saddened expression

“How can you take his side? After all of this? How can you even say that after how he treats not just me, but everyone in this house?”

 

James’ Mother:

“He’s not the best. I know that. But no one is perfect.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“I’m not asking him to be perfect… I’m just asking him to not be horrible…”

 

James’ Mother:

“If you just give him more of a chance, he might get better.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“He straight up told me he doesn’t care if I hate him. He’s not going to change, he’s had 14 years to do so.” 

 

James’ Mother:

“Then keep hating him… but don’t blame me if you end up regretting it.”

 

Grade 9 James:

He looks down sadly

(I can’t even talk to mum about this issue anymore…)

 

The screen fades to black

 

The screen fades out and the setting is James’ highschool, though a different location to where he sits with Jason and the others at lunch

 

Friend A: 

“You’re asking to be bashed.”

 

Friend B:

“Oooo I’m so scared.”

 

Friend C: 

He laughs

 

Friend A:

“What are you laughing at? Don’t think you’re out of it.”

 

Friend C:

“Hey, hey, go pick on James or something.”

 

Grade 9 James is sitting down at their eating spot, a blank expression on his face

 

Grade 9 James:

“Leave me out of this, please.”

 

Friend A:

“We’ve got more shit on you than anyone else here. You think you being quiet all lunch will stop us from bringing up your music taste? Nice try.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Haven’t you done that enough already?”

 

Friend B:

“There can never be enough.”

 

Friend A:

“Exactly. We’ve made it a tradition to at least mention it once a day by now.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“I hate all of you.”

 

Friend A, B & C:

They all laugh collectively 

 

Grade 9 James:

He looks down

(It’s not like I have any proper friends. They’re the last people I can talk to about anything that’s bothering me… So I guess I just… really have no one right now.)

He closes his eyes in sadness as the screen slowly fades to black.

Chapter 16: Episode 15 - Hate

Summary:

Episode 15 of the Our Fantasy PJSK Main Story

Chapter Text

[Forest Sekai]

 

Miku:

“So things got better… but they also got worse at the same time.”

 

James:

“When the anxiety became manageable, it was replaced by a new feeling that I probably didn’t realise before because of how preoccupied I was with the anxiety.”

 

Miku:

“The feeling that you weren’t valued?”

 

James:

“Yes… The feeling I was alone.”

 

Miku:

“From what you told me… I understand you losing a bit of trust in your mother after how she defended your father. But it sounds like she always had your back before then.”

 

James:

“She wasn’t the best at handling the whole situation… She told me a lot of things that made my anxiety even worse. But she still did a lot to find me help in the end. And I always have and always will appreciate that.”

 

“But outside of that… I don’t think she ever really actually understood me.”

 

Miku:

She nods slowly, and sympathetically

“I remember you saying that. It’s the same reason you don’t want her to find out about the cuts.”

 

James:

“Yeah. What happened with my dad is the first time I really began to question my trust in her. But then over time, it only dissipated more and more.”

 

Miku:

“Can you tell me more about that?”

 

James:

“Yes. I was already going to tell you. Because the story definitely didn’t end after seeing the psych for the first time. There’s a lot more… that you’ll want to hear it. ”

 

Miku:

“Alright. I’m listening.”

 

[The screen fades to black as it enters into flashbacks again]

 

James’ Mother:

“How was school today?”

 

Grade 9 James: 

“Guess what.”

 

James’ Mother:

“What?”

 

Grade 9 James:

“I got the results back for my science test.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Oh yeah? What were they?”

 

Grade 9 James:

“91%”

 

James’ Mother:

“Wow great job, that medication really must be helping.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Don’t give all the credit to the medication. I’ve actually been trying in class a lot more lately.”

 

James’ Mother:

“Yes but the medication helps you do that, doesn’t it?

 

Grade 9 James:

“Well yeah definitely. But it doesn’t make me automatically get good grades.”

 

James’ Mother:

“I know, I know.”

 

“Oh and by the way… why wasn’t the bin out the front this morning for the garbage collector?”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Oh… I’m sorry. I forgot…”

 

James’ Mother:

“Come on James, I told you twice to do it this morning. You ended up having to make me do it when I was in a rush for work.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“I don’t remember you telling me at all…”

 

James’ Mother:

“Well I did, and even if I didn’t, you should just do these things without me having to ask.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“I just… don’t think of them. And when you tell me, I forget almost instantly. I don’t just ignore you on purpose.”

 

“The psych said that was normal, remember?”

 

James’ Mother:

“Yes, I know that. But you take your medication in the morning, so there’s no excuse, you should be able to remember. Since this medication is working isn’t it?”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Yeah…”

 

James’ Mother:

“It’s so frustrating. I tell you something and it goes through one ear out the other.”

 

Grade 9 James: 

“I told you… I don’t do it on purpose...”

 

James’ Mother:

“I know. But it’s not fair on me either. So can you please put the bin back around the side of the house? And do it now so you don’t forget.”

 

Grade 9 James:

“Okay…”

He looks down saddened, and starts walking away

(Why is it that when I get a good grade she doesn’t care… but when I forget to do a chore…)

He sighs

 

The screen fades to black and it’s silent apart from the dialogue

 

James:

“The longer things went on, and the longer I still kept doing things that bothered her, the more she started to take it out on me.”

 

“Eventually. I didn’t even like talking to her anymore.”

 

"So over time. I shut myself out from the only person who had helped me up until that point. And then… I was even more alone."

 

“It all became more than I could handle.”

 

[The black screen fades and it returns to flashbacks]

 

A slightly older James is sitting, eating his lunch at school, blankly

 

Friend A:

“Hey, do you guys remember James’ obsession with Japanese girls from last year.”

 

Friend B:

“Yeah, that was hilarious.”

 

Grade 10 James:

He frowns angrily

“Oh for shits sake. I just liked the music. Besides, haven’t you all moved on from it by now?”

 

Friend C:

“Do you still listen to it?”

 

Grade 10 James:

“Why would I tell you that?”

 

Friend C:

“So you do.”

 

Friend B:

“Based on how defensive he’s getting, he definitely does.”

 

Friend A:

“Maybe we can still get some more fun out of it then.”

 

Grade 10 James:

“You guys are horrible! You seriously enjoy watching me suffer, just for your own enjoyment?”

 

Friend B:

“Well don’t be so insecure about it and give us such an amusing reaction.”

 

Friend A:

“You always did get so mad about it… like you were trying to hide something.”

 

Grade 10 James:

“I get mad, because it genuinely bothers me, you guys taking the piss out of me like this all the time! And despite how many times I tell you it genuinely bothers me, you just keep doing it!”

 

Friend A:

“And why does it genuinely bother you? Because we’re right?”

 

James snaps, he pushes Friend A and they go tumbling backwards into a school bin, knocking it down with them

 

James’ eyes widen

 

Grade 10 James:

“Crap… I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to… I…”

 

Friend A:

“You dipshit! What did you do that for!?”

 

Friend B:

“What the hell James, that was too far.”

 

Grade 10 James:

“I’m sorry… you just… you made me lose my temper.”

 

Friend C:

“Doesn’t mean you should have done that…”

 

Friend A: 

“Why don’t you learn to take a fucking joke, you piece of shit! How fucking sensitive are you!?”

 

Grade 10 James:

“I…”

 

The bell rings

 

Friend A:

“You’d better piss off to your class before I tell a teacher what you did!”

 

James looks down and hurriedly walks away

 

The screen fades in and out to indicate another short time skip

 

He arrives home from school and puts his bag down

 

James’ Mother:

“How was school today?”

 

Grade 10 James:

“Same as always.”

He answers blankly as he walks to his room

 

James’ Father:

“...”

He sits there paying no attention to James

 

Grade 10 James:

He walks into his room, and closes the door behind him. He immediately drops to his knees and tears up.

He screws up his face and tries to keep his sobs as quiet as possible

(It’s all my fault…)

 

(If I was just normal… None of this would have ever happened!)

 

(I would have been able to make proper friends! I wouldn’t be nothing but a medical bill for my parents! I wouldn’t be constantly told off by my mum!)

 

(But instead… I’ve been stuck with awful friends for years because I’m incapable of making new ones. My parents see me as a burden… And I’ve been through so much pain, just because of how my mind works.)

 

(I want to be loved, and valued so badly…)

 

(But how can I be when I’m not even normal?!)

 

(I’m clearly the problem, I clearly have been my whole life. That’s why no matter who it is, I’ve always been treated like I’m not wanted anywhere.)

 

(It’s all my fault.)

 

(I…)

 

(I hate myself!)

 

The screen fades to black with the sound of his suppressed cries

 

The cries slowly stop and the screen stays black for another second before fading back out to indicate another time skip

 

The same grade James is sitting in a classroom, with a blank expression

 

Science Teacher:

“Everyone will need to form groups of two for this experiment.”

 

James looks down with a sigh, his blank expression showing a hint of sadness

 

James disappears off screen and there’s just the sound of footprints approaching

 

Jason appears on screen

Grade 10 Jason:

“Hey… James, wasn’t it? Wanna form a group?”

 

Grade 10 James:

He looks a little surprised

“You want to form a group with me?”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“Yeah. Why not? You seem decent.” 

 

Grade 10 James:

“S-sure… I’d love to.”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“One disclaimer though. I hope you were listening to the teacher on how this experiment works, cause I sure as hell wasn’t.”

 

Grade 10 James:

“Yeah don’t worry… I can help you with that.”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“Good. Then we’ll get along just fine.”

He smiles 

 

For the first time in all the flashbacks, James actually gives a slight smile back

Chapter 17: Episode 16 - My Feelings

Summary:

Episode 16 of the Our Fantasy Main Story, the story is really picking up now

Chapter Text

James:

His face is blank as always

“That happened about mid last year. From there… he introduced me to Akira and Ella who were in the same class. And shortly after, I started sitting with them at recess and lunch.”

 

“For a few months I was happy, they all seemed really nice. And once I found out they listened to Japanese music, I really warmed up to them. I introduced them to Nightcord… they introduced me to Vivid Bad Squad… it was great…”

 

“But whenever we weren’t talking about music, I still wasn’t exactly that comfortable… I managed to be okay with it because they were just so much better than my old friends. And because I assumed things would get better over time.” 

 

“But I think that changed over the last christmas break. Once we came back to grade 11, I didn’t have any of them in my classes except for Jason in one. So the only time I really saw them was recess and lunch, and that’s when I really started to notice just how little I actually spoke to them… even after half a year.”

 

Miku:

Her face is filled with a quiet sadness

“James… I knew you were in pain… but this…”

 

James:

He just looks down blankly

 

Miku:

She frowns determined, but there’s more sadness in her face than determination

“Thank you for telling me that James, that must’ve been very hard for you. But now, it all makes sense to me.”

 

“I understand why you’ve developed such a negative outlook on yourself. I understand why you say all the things that you do about yourself. How could you not when your whole life you’ve been treated like you were the problem, for things you can’t control.”

 

“I… I wish I met you sooner. I wish I could’ve helped you years ago. Because you didn’t deserve any of this, and I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with it all on your own.”

 

James:

He keeps looking down without expression

 

Miku:

“I don’t care if you’re not normal, James. I want you to be happy, I want you to feel like everyone else can. And if I could, I’d stay by your side everyday to make that happen.”

James:

He looks up

“You were made by my feelings… You’re just telling me what I want to hear.”

 

Miku:

“Stop saying that! I’ve had three weeks to get to know you now James, and I’ve enjoyed doing so.”

 

“But at the same time, the more I do, the more sad it makes me. Because I know that the side I see of you, is a side that no one else gets to see.”

 

James:

He hesitates

“What do you suggest I do…?”

 

Miku:

“Right now? You need to confront your friends, James. You need to tell them how you feel. Otherwise nothing is going to get better.”

 

James:

“How I feel…?”

 

Miku:

“I don’t mean tell them everything you told me. I just mean talk to them about the band specifically. How their lack of communication is making you feel.” 

 

“I know you’ve been hurt so many times in the past when you’ve tried to express your feelings, but your only other choice is to keep it all inside. And we know that doesn’t work.”

 

James:

“... I’ll tell them how I feel they don’t care about the band. And how it isn’t fair they agreed to it, only to then contribute nothing.”

 

Miku:

“Good. That’s a start. But I genuinely trust you to get your point across, about how you really feel.”

 

James:

“Will this make me find my true feeling?”

 

Miku:

“I really hope so.”

 

The screen fades to black for a time skip

 

[The next day]

 

[Highschool]

 

James:

“I put off talking to them during recess… I need to do it now. This lunch.”

 

Akira arrives at the eating spot

 

Ella:

“Hey Akira.”

 

Akira:

“Hi guys.”

 

James:

He takes a deep breath

“Now that you’re all here, we can’t just avoid this topic anymore.”

 

Jason: 

“Great… here we go…”

 

Ella:

Her face fills with panic

(He’s really going to do this right now…?)

 

Akira:

She glances down

(I should’ve known this would happen… How am I going to explain myself?)

 

James:

“You’re not going to want to hear it Jason, but something needs to be done.

 

Ella:

(I have a bad feeling about how this’ll end…)

 

Jason:
“You’re right. Something needs to be done. So say what you need to say.”

 

James:

“I’m tired of you all playing along, and acting like you still want to do this band, when to me, it looks like you’ve clearly never been interested.”

 

Jason:

“Well no crap.”

Ella shoots him a dirty look

 

Akira:

She sighs

“I’ve been trying James… I’ve really been trying. But it’s just so difficult for me to pick up my piano again, or even sing.”

 

Ella:

“I have been playing my drums, and I know you’ve wanted to meet in person to play. But it’s just difficult with the switching between different parent’s houses, you know?”

 

James:

“This isn’t just about that. You guys have basically just ghosted me entirely. You don’t answer me whenever I ask you something, or try to organise for us to practice in person. On the rare occasion you do, it’s only after you’ve left me on seen multiple times.”

 

“I understand you may be busy, but it’s been three weeks and I’ve seen nothing from any of you. And with how little effort you make to actually communicate to me your schedule, I start to doubt that the excuses you make are even true.”

 

“I’m not angry at any of you, just frustrated. I don’t like to confront you like this, or attack you or anything, but can you really blame me for getting the impression you don’t care?”

 

Ella:

“No, I don’t blame you. We all could handle this a lot better. I want this band to work, I really do, but I don’t think it’s going to.”

 

James:

“Ella… even you. You haven’t even tried to make it work. Yet you still say to my face that you’ve wanted to.”

 

Ella:

“You’re right… I haven’t done nearly as much as I could've for this band. And I understand where you’re coming from...”

 

(I think… I need to tell him the truth, why I haven’t been doing this band.)

 

Akira:

She looks down

(What was I thinking to just avoid the band altogether?)

 

Jason:

He sighs

“I really don’t know what you expected, James.”

 

James:

“I know you didn’t like the idea Jason, I know Akira didn’t at first either. But it’s not fair for all three of you to say we’re forming a band, only to in the following three weeks act like it never happened.”

 

Jason:

“I warned you, it was doomed from the beginning. That’s what happens when you basically force me to agree to something I never saw a future in.”

 

James:

“You could’ve at least given it a try. But you didn’t. You basically lied to me from the very beginning.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah… I did. But you had to learn one way or another how this band was a terrible idea. And I’m convinced the only way you would, is if you saw it yourself.”

 

James:

“So that was your solution? Purposely agreeing to the band, just to do nothing, so that I thought it was a lost cause straight away? Are you serious?”

He starts sounding irritated

 

Ella:

(No… this is exactly what I was worried would happen, they’re going to get into an argument.)

 

Jason:

“Well I tried to get you to realise before that, I tried making it as clear as possible to you I didn’t want to do the band, but despite how I always shut down your idea, despite how aggressive I was, you were still so persistent.”

 

James:

“You… You knew what you were doing all along!? All those times you treated me like dirt… just because you didn’t want to do the band!?”

 

Ella:

“Guys-” 

 

Jason:

“Well it’s not like you listened when I tried to tell you directly that I didn’t want to do it.”

 

James:

“I said… I don’t want you to do it for my sake. I never wanted you to do anything you were genuinely uncomfortable with, even if it cost me.”

It’s clear in his voice that he’s holding back his anger

 

Jason:

“If that was the case, then you never would’ve taken us to your magic forest world in the first place. You knew exactly what you were doing by getting that Miku impersonator to talk all sweet to Akira and Ella, don’t act like you weren’t.”

 

James:

“Do you think I gave her a script to read to them or something!? She’s her own person. And if you had access to a real life Miku at your fingertips, would you not tell your friends too!?”

 

Ella:

“Guys you need to calm down, now.”

 

Jason:

“I wouldn’t even go back there in the first place! Because none of it is real. But you… you spend so much time in that head of yours! Writing about you and Airi, coming up with absurd ideas like forming a band, you’re so disconnected from reality that of course you don’t recognise the feelings of those around you!”

 

Akira:

She looks worried

“Guys please…”

 

James:

“Oh you want to talk about ignorance to the feelings of those around you!? If you weren’t so ignorant yourself, then you’d know exactly why I keep myself so disconnected from reality! Not a single one of you has considered my feelings throughout this whole thing, because you clearly just don’t care about them, and never have!”

 

Jason:

“And you expecting us to deal with them just proves how self-centred you are!”

 

Ella:

“ENOUGH! You want to know the real reason I’ve done nothing for this band? Because both of you don’t know how to act like friggin adults, and can’t stop going at each other’s throats. You’ve been making every single day so uncomfortable for both me and Akira, all because you two can’t sort your own shit out.”

 

“Yeah I wanted to do the band. I think it would’ve been really fun. But what I don’t want is for this band to be tearing this friend group apart, and force me to have to pick a side between the two of you.”

 

“So that’s why… I’m really sorry, James. But I no longer want to keep this band going. And not because I agree with Jason or the way he’s acted, because I don’t. Only because all this band has done is cause problems, and we’re all probably just better off without it.”

 

James:

All his anger has faded, and his expression is just completely devoid of expression

“Right… I understand…”

He speaks blankly

“I think you’re right.”

 

Akira:

She looks down

“Not for the same reasons as Ella… but I think it’s a good idea as well. I just know I won’t be able to produce work at the amount you want me to, James.”

 

Jason:

“James… You know I didn’t mean anything I said right?”

 

James:

He simply looks at Jason and doesn’t even say anything

 

Jason:

“Yeah… you’re fair to be pissed.”

 

James:

“I hope you’re happy… You got what you wanted…”

 

Jason:

“I didn’t want things to end like this…”

 

James:

“I’m sorry. Not just for losing my temper Jason, I’m sorry to all of you. I’m sorry for even coming to you about this band idea in the first place. That was clearly my mistake.”

 

Jason:

“You don’t need to apologise, James… I’ve been a prick to you. More than usual. And I don’t blame you for losing it back there.”

 

Akira:

“And you don’t need to apologise for the band either… it’s a shame it couldn’t work out.”

 

James:

(Don’t pretend like you think that…)

He says to himself angrily

He gets up and turns to walk away

“I’m just going to go to the library. I think I just want to… write on my own for the rest of lunch.”

 

Ella:

“That’s fair. Feel free to come back and talk to us when you feel up to it.”

 

James:

“Okay…”

 

Ella:

“I hope things in the group can return to normal soon.”

 

James:

He says nothing and keeps walking

(Because ‘normal’ was also really good for me…)

 

The screen fades to black

 

It fades back in to Ella arriving home from school

 

Ella:

(It doesn’t matter if I didn’t agree with Jason… I still picked a side by discontinuing the band… and now James is the one who’s been hurt…)

 

Ella’s Mother:

“Hey Ella. Are you ready for me to take you to your father’s soon?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah…”

 

(I was right… this time there really was no way out without someone getting hurt. And now the whole friend group is a mess because of it…)

 

(Part of me wishes James never even came up with that band idea…)

 

(But then again… part of me still wants to do it… so badly…)

 

She looks down with a sigh and the screen fades in and out again

 

This time, when the screen fades it’s Akira going into her room after getting home from school

 

Akira:

(I’ve lost my chance to get back into music… I had three weeks just to do something… anything… but I couldn’t even play a full song on the piano once without going to see Miku.)

 

(And even now… I feel relieved. Because at least I won’t have to keep trying to play anymore…)

 

(But that also means, like Miku said, nothing will change. And I’ll just keep hiding from my past… I’ll be scared of playing music forever…)

 

(She said she was proud of the woman I was becoming… but if she knew who I had really become after she left…)

 

Akira looks down with a painful expression and the screen fades again

 

The screen fades out to Jason waiting at a bus stop outside of school

 

Jason:

He’s looking down

(I really did it this time… I took it too far…)

 

(He probably thinks I hate him…)

 

(I wish I just… I wish I had it in me to talk to him…)

 

[Flashback]

 

Miku:

“Just try and be more open-minded. Perhaps you have some true feelings of your own that you need to figure out…”

 

[Flashback ends]

 

Jason:

He continues looking down

(The band… might’ve been my opportunity to learn how to do that again…)

 

(But…)

He sighs

(I’m safer this way.)

 

(I’m sorry James.)

 

The screen fades to black

Chapter 18: Episode 17 - No More Hiding

Summary:

Episode 17 of the PJSK Our Fantasy Main Story

Chapter Text

[Flashback]

 

[1 Year Ago]

 

Grade 10 James:

“Thanks for letting me sit here guys… my old friends I sat with kind of sucked.”

 

Grade 10 Ella:

She smiles

“No worries. You’re welcome here anytime.”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

He smirks smugly

“If you think your old friends suck, you’re in for a shock with Ella and Akira here.”

 

Grade 10 Akira:

She frowns

“Jason… can’t you just behave yourself since this is James’ first time sitting here?”

 

Grade 10 Ella:

She laughs

“Jason never behaves himself…”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“Exactly, if James wants to be one of us, he’ll need to get used to it.”

 

Grade 10 James:

“Really? You seemed pretty calm when we first met last week.”

 

Grade 10 Ella:

“He’s a whole different person when talking to strangers.”

 

Grade 10 Akira:

“You’re about to see a whole different side to him… so enter at your own risk…”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“Oh come on, you all love having me around.”

 

Grade 10 Ella:

“Most of the time…”

 

Grade 10 James:

“Well so far, I don’t think he’s so bad…”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“See!”

 

Grade 10 James:

“I’m very glad you approached me last week, I hope we can become good friends…”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“Ha. Me too.”

 

Grade 10 James:

His face fills with more concern as he looks over his shoulder

 

Grade 10 Ella:

“Is everything alright?”

 

Grade 10 James:

“Yeah… I’m just worried my old friends will look for me.”

 

Grade 10 Jason:

“Don’t worry about that. Since I’m apparently so mean, I’ll scare them off if they do.”

 

Grade 10 Akira:

“Can’t get much more security than that…”

 

Ella, Akira, and Jason laugh, while James smiles slightly

 

[The screen fades as the flashback ends, and the scene changes back to the present]

 

[AIT Class]

 

Jason:

His expression is empty, with his gaze slightly down

 

AIT Teacher:

“Jason? Are you listening?”

 

Jason:

“Huh yeah, sorry ms.”

 

AIT Teacher:

“Good, you’re going to need to do a worksheet on this.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah yeah I know…”

 

AIT Teacher:

“So… A computer network…”

 

Jason’s eyes drift to the side

 

The camera switches to James, who is sitting where Jason is looking. James looks at the board with a blank empty expression

 

Jason:

(I’m sure he’s okay… after a few days, things will be back to normal anyways.)

 

(We just need this awkward period to pass…)

 

There’s a knock on the door

 

AIT Teacher:

“Yes, come in.”

 

Year Coordinator:

“Hi! I just need to take James out of class if that’s alright.”

 

AIT Teacher:

“Sure. See ya James.”

 

James:

His eyes widen as he slowly gets up from his chair and puts his backpack on his back

“Bye…”

 

He walks to the door with his head down, following the year coordinator out of the classroom. Jason watched him the whole time but James didn’t once glance back.

 

Jason:

He turns back to himself

(Not my business…)

 

The screen fades to black

 

[Student services]

 

The screen fades out to a nervous James looking around the room, him and the year co are in a study pod were no one can listen to them talking

 

Year coordinator:

“You’re not in trouble y’know.”

 

James:

“I know…”

 

Year coordinator:

“So can you guess why you’re here?”

 

He looks down, keeping his arm hidden under a table

 

James:

His voice is nervous

“Which… which teacher was it…? Which teacher reported me?”

 

Year coordinator:

“Your history teacher, she came and spoke to me after seeing you during period 1.”

 

James:

He looks down, his face filled with fear and dread

 

Year coordinator:

“Can I see them?”

 

He slowly takes his arm out from underneath the table and rests it on top where the year co can see it.

 

Year coordinator:

“James… How old are these?”

 

James:

“They’re from… l-last night…”

 

Year coordinator:

“Why would you do this to yourself, James?”

 

James:

“I got into an argument… with my friends yesterday…”

 

Year coordinator:

“Your friends… do they know about this?”

 

James:

“No… no one does…”

 

Year coordinator:

“Do you have any friends you feel comfortable talking to about it?”

 

James:

“My only friends are Akira, Ella and Jason… they’re the ones I got into an argument with… So no…”

 

Year coordinator:

“I’ve met those three before, they’re all lovely. What did you all get into an argument about with them that got so intense?”

 

James:

“I don’t want to get into specifics… but it was building up for weeks...”

 

Year coordinator:

“Alright. Well I think it’s a lot better for you to speak to a professional, anyways. I know from your school details that you see a psych, when do you see her next?”

 

James:

“Not for another month…”

 

Year coordinator:

“I see… well I think we’ll ask your mum to find an appointment sooner.”

 

James:

He looks down

“I know… I know you need to tell my parents… but… please…”

 

Year coordinator:

“What?”

 

James:

His voice is desperate

“I don’t want either of them to find out. Please don’t tell them… at least not now… I’ll stop cutting, I don’t care. Just don’t tell them. Please.”

 

Year coordinator:

She sighs

“I don’t want to tell them if you’re so against it either, but it’s not up to me. It’s the school’s responsibility to tell them. And as much as I want to trust your word that you won’t do it again… I can’t.”

 

James:

“Please… if they find out it’ll just make things worse. You can’t tell them, please!”

 

Year coordinator:

“I’m sorry James. I don’t have a choice. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure to be very calm on the phone to your mum.”

 

James:

(She’s not going to listen… I have another idea.)

“O-okay fine… but can you please do it now? That way you can tell me her reaction straight away.”

 

Year coordinator:

“Sure, if that helps ease you a little. I’ll do it now, just wait here.”

 

James:

“Okay.”

 

There’s the sound of the door opening and closing as the year co exits

 

James:

Immediately as soon as she leaves the room, he buries through his bag to grab his phone, his face still filled with fear.

He pulls his phone out

(Untitled… where is it… untitled…)

(Here.)

Without hesitation he presses the button and the sekai transition plays

 

The screen fades to black and back out to indicate a very small time skip

 

[AIT Class]

 

Jason is still sitting there, listening to the teacher as there’s another knock on the door

 

AIT Teacher:

“You’re back?”

 

The year co walks in

 

Year Coordinator:

“Hi… sorry, I’m going to need to take Jason from you as well.”

 

AIT Teacher:

“That’s two you’ve taken from me. Anyone else?”

 

Year Coordinator:

She laughs

“No, just him, thanks.”

 

AIT Teacher:

“Alright then, Jason.”

 

Jason gets up from his seat with a confused expression

 

Year coordinator:

“You can leave your bag here, hopefully it shouldn’t be too long.”

 

Jason:

“Alright…”

His voice is sceptical, but he follows the year co out of the classroom

 

The scene transitions to them outside of the classroom, in the hall. Ella and Akira are standing there too, they look at Jason stunned

 

Ella:

“Jason too?”

 

Akira:

“Jason? She took us out of class just then too, what’s going on?”

 

Jason:

“I don’t know.”

 

They all look to the year co

 

Year Coordinator:

“It’s got nothing to do with any of you, it’s about James.”

 

Ella:

“What? What did he do?”

 

Year Coordinator:

“He was in student services in a pod, I left him alone for a minute and then when I came back he was just… gone. His bag and everything else was left there, but he was missing. I don’t know how no one saw him, but he must’ve ran away.”

 

“I know you three are friends with him. So do you have any idea where he could’ve gone?”

 

Ella, Akira and Jason immediately look at each other in recognition.

 

Jason:

“Yeah actually, I think there’s a few places we could look…”

 

Year Coordinator:

“Could you tell me where I can go look?”

 

Ella:

“I think it’d be better if we just went and looked for him. We won’t go out of school grounds, don’t worry. But there’s a few places around the school we could check… Though it’d be much faster if we divided and conquered.”

 

Year Coordinator:

“Alright… I know you’re all good students. You wouldn’t be doing this just to get out of class. So I’ll leave it up to you to try to find him and bring him back to student services.”

 

Akira:

“Thank you, Ms…”

 

Year Coordinator:

“Also, he told me you all had an argument yesterday, so I know there may be a bit of tension between you guys and him right now…”

 

“But please… go easy on him alright?”

 

Ella:

“Don’t worry. We’re not exactly feeling good about the argument either.”

 

Jason:

He glances down, knowing Ella is right though not wanting to admit it

 

Year Coordinator:

“Thank you… come find me in Student Services if you don’t have any luck in finding him.”

 

Jason:

“Will do.”

 

The coordinator walks away and the other three immediately look to each other again

 

Akira:

“We need to find somewhere private where we can play that song.”

 

Jason:

“How about just outside of the school? Outside the gates?”

 

Ella:

“Alright yeah, it’s pretty quiet there.”

 

The three nod in unison as the screen fades to black again

 

The screen fades back in and the three are at the same school gates from episode 5

 

Akira:

She takes her phone out of her pocket

“I have the song saved. Are you guys ready?”

 

Jason:

He glances around nervously

“Look guys… I think all three of us have an idea about what we might find when we meet him in the forest… So, you guys will do most of the talking right?”

 

Ella:

“We can try Jason, but there’s no saying he won’t want to talk to you too.”

 

Jason:

“Let’s just go already…”

 

Akira presses play on untitled and the Sekai transition plays over all three of them.

 

The screen fades in and out to the Forest SEKAI

 

James slowly approaches the Sakura tree, his lips trembling

 

Miku:

“James? Where have you been? You didn’t come visit me last night. I’ve been worried sick!”

 

He eyes widen

 

“James… your arm…”

 

James:

He drops to his knees and bursts out crying

“I’m sorry Miku!”

 

Miku:

“James…”

She quickly drops to her own knees and wraps her arms around him tightly, he cries into her shoulder

 

James:

He says between sobs

“I didn’t come see you last night… because I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me… for what I did…”

 

“But… now… it’s too late!”

 

“The school saw them! I did too many this time, I got too carried away… I was too upset from telling my friends about how I felt with the band…”

 

“And now my History teacher saw my arm this morning… and reported the cuts… and now… today… just then…”

His crying becomes overwhelming to the point he can’t talk

 

Miku:

“Take your time… it’s okay…”

 

James:

“A year coordinator took me out of class… she took me to student services… and now she’s called my parents. They know now. I can’t hide it anymore.”

 

Miku:

Her face fills with concern

 

James:

“I… I can’t go home… I’m staying here. In SEKAI. I’m staying in SEKAI forever. I’m never going back. I don’t want to.”

 

Miku:

“It’s going to be okay James… It’s going to be okay…”

 

Miku pats his back softly as he continues sobbing loudly into her shoulder

 

The screen slowly fades to black

Chapter 19: Episode 18 - No More Lying

Summary:

Episode 18 of the Our Fantasy Main Story

Notes:

Sorry for releasing this two days late lol, I recently finished exams and have been playing Minecraft to relax after so long, and thus I've gotten so engrossed in my Minecraft world I forgot all about this. I don't know if anyone actually keeps up with reading each episode as they release anyways.

Only 2 episodes left

Chapter Text

[Forest SEKAI]

 

Ella:

“Should we check the Sakura tree?”

 

Akira:

“Definiently. Even if James isn’t there, at the very least Miku will be. And we can tell her what happened.”

 

The three start walking to the Sakura tree, the rain from the Sekai heavier than usual, flying at their faces

 

Jason:

“I’m sorry guys… this probably wouldn’t have happened if I was just nicer to him.”

 

Ella:

“You say that… but it’s still probable that it would have.”

 

Akira:

“You weren’t the only one who avoided the band, Jason. We all did. It’s not just your fault.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah… I guess you’re right…”

 

There’s a faint sobbing in the distance 

 

Akira:

“Do you guys hear that?”

 

Ella:

“That has to be him. Let’s go.”

 

The three of them go from a walk to a run as they approach the source of the crying, the cries getting louder as they do. Jason’s face is still uncertain while Ella looks determined, and Akira looks worried

 

The screen fades in and out to James crying in Miku’s arms

 

Miku:

Her eyes widen as she sees the three figures approaching

“James… your friends… they’re here…”

 

James:

He lifts his head quickly in panic 

“What!?”

 

Miku:

“James, this is your chance, please talk to them… I’ll be here with you the whole time.”

 

James:

“I… How!?”

He turns around to face them as Miku lets go of him

 

The three approach James and Miku

 

Ella:

“James! Miku! We knew you’d be here!”

 

Akira:

“What happened!?”

 

James:

“Why… why are you here?”

He wipes the tears from his eyes quickly

 

Ella:

“The year coordinator took us out of class to look for you after you disappeared from Student Services. Straight away we knew you’d be here, so we found a quiet place and played the untitled song.”

 

James:

“I… she… she told my parents…”

 

Ella:

“Told them what, James?”

 

He doesn’t respond, and just flexes his arm out for them to see

 

Ella and Akira’s eyes widen with horror

 

Jason:

He looks down with a silent sigh

(They were impossible not to notice today in class, or at recess…)

 

James:

“I never wanted my parents to find out about them… I’ve been lying about them and hiding them for months… if anyone was to see them, I wanted it to be one of you…”

 

The three look at each other

 

Ella:

“We did see them, James.” 

 

He looks down, his eyes still watery

 

James:

“I… I knew it… I think I wanted to pretend like one of you still hadn’t… and that you’d ask me… but I’ve always known, you saw them but I should’ve never expected it to be your responsibility to ask…”

 

“But part of me used it as a reason to justify what I was doing… and part of me… just wanted to… fantasise. That’s all I do… is fantasise… right, Jason?”

 

His voice sounds absolutely defeated, but he still gives a pained smile

 

Jason:

He looks away with a solemn look

 

Akira:

“I didn’t think it was my place to ask… You and I aren't close enough that I’d think you’d be comfortable talking about it to me.”

 

Ella:

“I did see them… and I had my suspicions about what they were… but I still didn’t want to assume anything. I didn’t know if you were comfortable talking about it or not with any of us since it’s such a big thing… and I didn’t want to put you on the spot by asking…”

 

“I had no idea that’s what you really wanted…”

 

James:

“I just… I just wanted someone to care.”

 

“I…”

 

Miku gently places a hand on his shoulder

Miku:

“You can do it James. Just tell them how you feel.”

 

Ella:

“Miku’s right. Tell us how you feel, we want to help you.”

 

James:

“But… do you really?”

 

“Ever since we first met, I’ve felt so alienated from all three of you. I thought we’d get closer over time and I’d start feeling more incorporated in the group, but it didn’t happen, and I started blaming myself.”

 

“Everyday I just sit there… while the three of you get along so well… you’re all just… meant to be together, meant to be close friends. But me, I was never meant to be there.”

 

“In fact… everywhere I look I see people interacting with each other so easily, and I don’t understand it. I don’t understand how they make it look so easy. Because outside of talking about Japanese music, or writing, I just… can’t effectively socially interact with you, or anyone. I never have my whole life.”

 

Ella:

“I don’t think that’s entirely true…”

 

“Personally… I remember last year you being a lot more loud and outgoing. Nowhere near to the extent of me or Jason but still, it was only this year that I noticed you started talking a lot less. Initially I thought it was just the stress of year 11, but then I started noticing how everyday you looked so empty… and I knew there could’ve been more to it.”

 

“And I actually quite miss that side of you. We still see him sometimes, like at Creative Writing Club, but not as much as last year. And I’m not saying you need to force that persona around us, I don’t want you to do that. What I’m saying is that we never disliked you for how you interacted with us socially, even from the beginning. And still now, we don’t blame you for being so quiet around us.”

 

Akira:

She smiles

“The thing is James… When I say we aren’t that close… I don’t mean it because I don’t like you. The thing is, Jason and Ella are loud personalities, and I think that’s why it’s so much easier for me to get on with them, because you and I are quieter people.”

 

Ella:

“Exactly. We do care about you James, of course we do, we’re your friends. And I actually appreciate you telling us this stuff.”

 

James:

“It’s… the reason I wanted to do the band… it wasn’t just because I wanted to be like Nightcord… or Leo/Need… it’s because I wanted something that would help me learn to be more comfortable around all of you, something that would bring us all together, to the point I don’t feel as alone anymore.”

 

“But we know how that went…”

 

Ella:

Her expression goes from a smile to a more neutral expression

 

Akira:

“And I believe I owe you a proper explanation as to why I avoided the band so much… because it had nothing to do with you.”

 

Miku:

She gives Akira a smile and a nod

 

Akira:

She nods back at Miku, a worried expression on her face.

“The reason I quit music wasn’t because I lost passion for it. I still have very much had the passion to create music my whole life. It’s fear that stopped me.”

 

James:

“What do you mean?”

 

Akira:

She hesitates and looks back at Miku, who gives her a reassuring smile

“My grandmother… She was the one who taught me both how to sing, and how to play piano from a young age. But a few years ago… she passed away…”

 

“She always meant so much to me… so when she was gone… I was so badly hurt that I pushed away all my music studies. Because I couldn’t bear any kind of reminder of her. I chose to just pretend like she never existed, to avoid the pain of remembering…”

 

“But… then Miku helped me realise how unhealthy that was. Because the truth is, I’ve still wanted to keep playing music so badly even after my grandmother was gone… She even told me before she passed that she wanted me to pursue music in the future…”

 

“So… Miku helped me realise that I needed to face my past… and start gradually getting back into playing and singing… That’s why I agreed to the band in the first place.”

 

“But in those next three weeks… I did even worse than I thought. I still couldn’t handle playing or singing for very long, so I avoided anything involving the band at all. Including meeting up to play instruments, and answering your messages…”

 

“I’m sorry… I really just wasn’t thinking straight… But my fear was so overwhelming that I didn’t even want to explain to you the real reason, because just talking about it alone is enough to make me feel uneasy…”

 

Ella:

“You’re doing really well, Akira. You haven’t even told me this before…”

 

Akira:

“Exactly… it’s not something I like to talk or even think about…”

 

James:

“Honestly… I get it… thinking about your past can be really painful.”

He looks down

 

Akira:

“Yeah, and I thought that like Miku said, I could stop running from it if I eased myself back into music… but the time it’s taking me… is too slow to commit to an actual band. And by the time the conflict between you and Jason was getting worse… I was happy to just not do the band at all…”

 

He silently looked at Jason

 

James:

“Do you… not have anything to say? Throughout all of this?”

 

Jason:

“I’m not good at this, okay? All this emotional crap.”

 

James:

“Try… please… I want you to try… At least tell me why you were always so against the band.”

 

Jason:

He avoids eye contact

“Because… like Akira… I was scared… just not of the making music part… I actually enjoy composing, and playing bass…”

 

James:

“So what then? What caused you to not want to do it so badly that you had to treat me like you did. And don’t give me the ‘it’s unrealistic’ excuse.”

 

Jason:

“I was… afraid… of you…”

 

James:

“Of me? Why?”

 

Jason:

“You see… I once had a friend… before I met you. They were probably the closest friend I’ve ever had… but this friend he… he had a lot of problems… and you reminded me of him in a way…”

 

“Ugh this is… so… I hate doing this.”

 

James:

“You haven’t answered the question Jason, please.”

 

Jason:

He takes a deep breathe

“This friend… they would confide in me often. I was happy to be there for them at first, but they’d always come back worse… It got to the point where they made me think their entire life depended on anything I said to them.

 

“I hated that… so so much… the decider of whether someone lives or not, just from my words.”

 

“One thing I say might save their life… or drive them down even further into a pit. It’s a fate worse than being a bystander.”

 

James:

“So you avoided the band… to avoid me coming to you about my problems?”

 

Jason:

“I know. I know it’s selfish of me. I saw your cuts… That’s how I knew something was wrong... And like you said, the band would’ve brought us all together, and I knew that too. But unlike you, that’s exactly what I was afraid of.“

 

“Considering I am, or at least was your closest friend out of us three, I knew if I did agree to the band, it would only be a matter of time before you tried to come to me about your feelings, and put me in the same situation I was in the past.”

 

“I was convinced if I just showed how outwardly discontent I was with the band from the start, you would move on from it pretty quick and it wouldn’t bother you. Then you kept pushing… so I thought if the band was an immediate flop from the moment it started… then again, you’d move on being as least bothered as possible, since you never got your hopes up in the first place.”

 

“I didn’t enjoy being horrible to you James, nor did I want you to suffer… I do feel guilt too, y'know. I just suppress everything.”

 

Ella and Akira look surprised

 

“Even the pancake shop… it bothered me way more than I ever let on. That’s why I hated every time someone brought it up.”

 

Ella:

“I had a feeling it did…”

 

Jason:

“As soon as what happened with my old friend made me not like people confiding in me anymore, I knew it was unfair of me to confide in others. So from that point on, I unconsciously developed the trait to numb the trivialities of my own feelings, including the guilt I felt from the band.” 

 

“But… that’s just the price I pay for my decision. I myself made the judgement that I was safer this way, and I’ll stick to that. Because although it’s extremely selfish, at least I’m not expecting anyone to do more for me than I would for them.”

 

“So… I’m sorry James. I’m sorry for being so aggressive to you whenever it came to the band. And I’m sorry for everything I said yesterday. I’ve just never understood the way you shut yourself in your fantasies to distract yourself from your problems. Because I’m the complete opposite.”

 

“It’s the reason I shut myself in work and other everyday life activities, because it keeps me away from the emotionally vulnerable relationships that I’m so afraid of.”

 

He sighs

 

“I hope that helps you understand why I’ve treated you the way I have… it was never because I didn’t like you, or didn’t care about you.”

 

James:

“I see…”

He says blankly

 

Jason:

“And that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be mad. I was still an ass, and I don’t expect you to forgive me.”

 

James:

He shakes his head

“It’s not like that…”

“In fact, I’ve never blamed any of you. For any of what I’ve been feeling.”

The three of them look at him confused, before it shows Miku’s face with a saddened sigh. 

The screen fades to black

Chapter 20: Episode 19 - Fantasies Written by Anguish

Summary:

Episode 19

Chapter Text

[Forest SEKAI]

 

James:

“Yes… you guys handled things horribly… and I wish you had just been honest with me from the start, but…”

 

“I’m the one who assumed it was because you didn’t care about me or the band, I’m the one who took it to extreme lengths.”

 

“Not once did I ever stop to think about the fact that you all might’ve been going through your own things, that were preventing you from doing the band.”

 

Jason:

“You had no way of knowing that.”

 

James:

He shakes his head tears starting to well

“But even before that… before the band and everything. Every little thing you guys do, I take the wrong way. Every time you ignore a message, or talk over me… I always took every little thing to heart.”

 

“Deep down I know you don’t do anything towards me out of malicious intent… But it doesn’t stop me. It’s just the way I am… and I hate it so much!”

 

He’s now starting to cry

 

“All you’re doing now, is filling me with the same false hope I felt when we all first met! The hope that things can get better!”

 

Miku pats him on the back 

 

Miku:

“It’s okay James… you’re doing well… keep going…”

 

James:

He calms down a little bit, wipes his tears, and continues talking

“The reason you probably thought I was slightly louder back then… is because I actively tried to be. All I’ve ever wanted are people that love and understand me… and I never got that, not at home or at school… So when I met you I thought just maybe you could be the ones… So I tried being more outgoing around you all.” 

 

“But no matter how hard I tried to interact with you all as you do to each other… I still struggled so much. And it just became harder as time went on, as I became less and less new to the group, and you all didn’t have to be nice to me.”

 

“But at least last year our shared classes made it easier. This year I had only one class with Jason, and I spoke to you all even less, so things got worse.”

 

“I can’t stand recess and lunch anymore and watching you three while I sit there isolated. In fact I can’t even stand school at all anymore. Everyone always has someone else, someone they can talk and laugh with so easily, but me… I’m always alone.”

 

“I kept enduring it throughout the last few months… reminding myself how you were all so much better than my past friends. Convincing myself I had no reason to complain…”

 

“But it still kept getting worse… and by now…”

 

He lets out a lone sob

 

“I don’t even want to eat anymore. I never feel any satisfaction from anything I do. My head is always just filled with me imagining myself away from reality… with More More Jump… or Nightcord… or here, with Miku… Because I don’t want to be in a world anymore where I don’t fit.”

 

Akira, Ella, and even Jason’s faces fill with a quiet sympathy, now realises just the extent to which James has been hurting

 

“But you see… I’ve never blamed you all for not trying to include me more. Because you shouldn’t have to. I should just be able to include myself, like all of you, like… a normal person… but that brings me to the fundamental problem, the reason I’ve always suffered.”

 

Jason:

“What are you talking about?”

 

James:

“Myself… The problem has always been myself.”

 

“Because… I’m not normal… my mind doesn’t work in the same way as all of yours… and because of it… I’ve never fit in… and I’ve always made it so hard for someone to love me…”

 

He starts softly crying again, his voice being broken up by constant sobs

 

“It’s… It’s not fair…”

 

“I’ve always hated myself because of it…”

 

“If I was just normal… none of this would have ever happened… my life would be so much easier…”

 

“But as long as I’m this way… I don’t think I’ll ever be truly happy…”

 

His sobbing bursts into loud cries

 

“And… and that’s why…”

 

He coughs

 

“I don’t want to try anymore!”

 

He puts his face into his hands, crying louder, while Miku’s hand tightens its grip on his shoulder

 

Akira and Ella watch on with upset expressions, but then the camera changes to Jason, whose just as upset as them, but his eyebrows turn to a determined frown

 

The screen goes to black and there’s the sound of Jason falling to his knees in front of James, and grabbing his arms

 

[The scene changes to a PJSK card. Jason is grabbing onto James’s wrists firmly, forcing him to look him in the eyes, his fingers covering over James’ fresh cuts, though them still being visible. James looks up at him with a desperate, confused look, his eyes filled with tears. The rain pours in the background, while Miku’s hand is still tightly on James’ shoulder. Jason looks back with that same determined expression, his mouth open as he speaks firmly.]

 

Jason:

“James… You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met… I supposed in that way, you could call yourself ‘not normal’.”

 

“But when I see you as ‘not normal’, it’s not because of how much you struggle socially, or how much time you spend in that head of yours. I’ve never seen you for those qualities.”

 

“Why I think you’re so special… is because everyone I’ve ever met who was in a lot of pain like you… they were stuck… in a deep… dreadful place.”

 

“James… You’ve put up a fight.”

 

“You’ve found the things that make you happy, and you don’t let others take that away from you. Just look at what you told me when we first met, about your old friends with your passion for Japanese music.”

 

“Look at me with the band… The way I acted to you was unacceptable, yet you never let me take away your passion. And in the end, the only reason it didn’t work out was because of all of us, not you.”

 

“I don’t think you realise how admirable that is.”

 

“You manage to hold on to what you’re passionate about, and you use those things to keep fighting, despite how bad things get.”

 

“I know that’s the same reason you write fanfiction, and although I make fun of it, the truth is, I really admire it. Because although you have social struggles, you still find other ways to express your emotions.”

 

“I actually read the lyrics you sent me in the first week of the band…”

 

“They were your lyrics. I could tell they were. I could tell they were coming from you.”

 

“The way you manage to channel yourself through what you love… writing… the way you’ve used that to always keep fighting, when everyone else I’ve ever known would have already given up by now. That’s what makes you different from everyone else in my eyes. Nothing else.”

 

“So your mind may work differently to ours and most people’s, and that may make things harder for you a lot of the time. But that doesn’t mean you’re any less of a person than all of us.

 

“And it doesn’t mean there aren’t still so many incredible things about you as a person. Things that make you worthy of being loved. And things that make us want to be your friends.”

 

“I see those things. We all do. Now you need to as well.”

 

[The screen returns to normal]

 

James is speechless, just looking at Jason with his mouth slightly opened, his face still full of tears.

 

Jason lets go of James’ arms but stays kneeled in front of James

 

Akira:

“Honestly… I think I get it. Why you blame yourself.”

 

“Because I do the same with my inability to play music again. Because my grandmother wanted me to pursue it, I got so angry at myself for not being able to continue. I blamed myself for being weak, and convinced myself she would be so disappointed in me.”

 

“I think… when someone has been through so much misfortune… they just want an explanation, a justification as to why it all happened.”

 

“And it’s just easy to use ourselves as that justification… it’s easy to blame ourselves…”

 

“But it doesn’t mean anything we think about ourselves is actually true…”

 

“And you’re no different.”

 

James looks down, contemplating, not saying anything

 

Ella:

She smiles

“I think Jason said it best, you’re seriously one of the coolest people I’ve ever met.”

 

“And I don’t care if your mind is different to all of ours, or if you think you’re not normal. I still want to be your friend. We all do.”

 

“So you don’t need to hate yourself for the way you are, because we’re going to stay by your side regardless.”

 

Jason:

He still frowns determined

“Damn straight. And I meant every word I said.” 

 

James:

He looks down and closes his eyes, tears still slowly flowing out, but a lot less frequently than before. He barely mutters out.

“... Thank… you…”

 

Miku:

She smiles

“James… You did it…”

 

James:

He looks confused

“W-what…? What did I do…?”

 

Miku:

“You found your True Feeling. Now it’s about to birth a new song.”

 

James:

“What do you mean-”

 

They can suddenly all hear music, as whatever his True Feeling song would be, and whatever this group’s first song would be starts to play in the background as an instrumental

 

Ella:

“You guys hear that right?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah… where’s it coming from?”

 

Jason:

“Geez, this place never stops confusing me…”

 

Miku:

She smiles

“That’s his song. The song birthed from his True Feeling. Now we can all sing it together.”

 

Akira:

“What? Sing!?”

 

Ella:

She smiles and places a hand on her shoulder

“Hey don’t worry Akira, you have us, we’ll be singing right with you. And if anything happens, we’ve got your back.”

 

Miku:

“Ella’s right. We’ll all do it together, as one band.”

 

Jason:

He stands up

“So I guess this is our first performance as a band…”

 

Miku:

“That’s right.”

 

James:

“Miku… I don’t understand… I don’t feel like I’ve found anything.”

He also stands up

 

Miku:

“You’ve found it James, the song you’re hearing right now is proof. So let’s sing it together. All five of us. Because all five of us contributed to finding your True Feeling.”

 

Akira:

“O-okay, I’ll do it.”

 

Ella:

“This will be fun Akira, I haven’t heard you sing in years.”

 

Akira:

“Don’t expect it to be very good…”

 

Ella:

“That’s fine, my expectations of the performance are already low since we’re singing with Jason.”

 

Jason:

“Hey!”

 

James:

“Jason…”

 

Jason:

“Yeah?”

 

James:

“Thank you…”

 

Jason:

He smiles

“I was just speaking my mind. Now let’s sing together, isn’t this what you wanted?”

 

James:

He nods with a small, slightly unsure smile

 

The screen fades into the 3d movie of the four and Miku performing his True Feeling song inside of the Forest SEKAI, with the Sakura tree in the background.

 

(Since I obviously don’t have an original song created for this fanfic, let’s just pretend this is the song they sing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErlTiYxtRpc James’ real true feeling song would not be this obviously, because it would be an original song made for the game, but I think this song still fits his character really well. James’ real True Feeling song would follow a similar mood and narrative to this song as well, except instead of just being about how lonely he is, how much pain he is in, and how he ‘knows’ it won’t change because of the way he is, it’ll also be about how he also knows he’ll keep writing to make his fantasies reality, which is basically symbolic for how he’ll keep fighting against his mental health until things get better.)

(There’s also a very good English cover of the above song here, though I think its lyrics don’t match James as well as the original song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZyOMZaOFRc also ignore the animation, it’s fanmade for another game)

Once the song ends the screen turns to white and there’s just dialogue

 

James:

“Miku…”

 

“I think I understand.”

 

“This whole time, I’ve been wanting someone else to love me for who I am so badly.”

 

“But… In reality…” 

 

“I need to love myself.”

 

The screen fades to white again

 

[School Gates]

 

Jason:

He looks around frantically

“Oh thank god, we’re back…”

 

Ella:

She blinks

“That was…”

 

Jason:

“Honestly? That was awesome.”

 

Ella:

She smiles

“Exactly what I was going to say.”

She looks to Akira

“Akira? Are you alright?”

 

Akira:

“Yeah… I think so…”

 

“That wasn’t anything like if I try to sing at home… with all of you there… I felt… alive…”

 

Ella:

“That makes two of us.”

 

Jason:

“Where’s James?” 

 

James:

“I’m here…”

He appears on screen, clinging onto his arm where the cuts are, his voice is still lacking emotion

 

Jason:

“Well how was that?”

 

James:

He gives a slight smile that lasts only a second

“Yeah… that was pretty fun…”

 

Ella:

“Never did I think I’d actually get to sing with THE Hatsune Miku.”

 

There’s a white flash

 

Akira:

She looks confused

“James, I think that came from your pocket.”

 

James:

He looks confused

“It saw it coming from yours too... Check your phone.”

 

They both take their phones out

 

Ella:

“What’s happening?”

 

James:

His eyes widen

“The untitled song… it’s not called ‘Untitled’ anymore.” 

 

Akira:

“It’s the same on my phone…”

 

James:

“‘Fantasies Written by Anguish’... That’s the name now.”

 

Jason:

“What kind of magic is this now?”

 

James:

“Like Miku said… A song will be born from my True Feeling. I think this is that song.”

 

Ella:

“So that’s the song we just sang together?”

 

James:

“Yeah…”

 

Akira:

“Then… I guess that’s our first song we’ll release as a band.”

 

James:

“You really mean that? No lies this time?”

 

Akira:

“No, I mean it. I want to be a part of a band with you. And it’s still going to be hard for me to get back into music, but I promise to at least communicate to you from now on.”

 

Jason:

“Uh guys…”

 

Ella:

“Yes, Jason?”

 

Jason:

“What’s the time?”

 

James:

He looks on his phone and his eyes widen

“It’s period 5…”

 

Jason:

“We missed lunchtime!?”

 

Ella:

“Well the year co only took us out of class towards the end of period 4.”

 

Akira:

“Ella, that means our bags are still in our period 4 classes!”

 

Ella:

“Shit, you’re right.”

 

Jason:

“Mine too.”

 

Akira:

“We’ve gotta get to class…”

 

James:

He looks down

“And I need to go back to Student Services…”

 

Ella:

She looks concerned but then her face lightens up

“Hey… I have an idea.”

 

Jason:

“Oh here we go.”

 

Ella:

“Since it’s the weekend tomorrow, how about we all meet up at the Park not far from the school.”

 

Akira:

“You mean the one we go to sometimes when we leave early on Tuesdays?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah.”

 

James:

“I’d like that…”

 

Akira:

“Yeah I can do that.”

 

Ella:

“Jason?”

 

Jason:

His arms are crossed

“I guess…”

 

Ella:

“Awesome! Look how excited he is!”

 

Jason:

He rolls his eyes, but then lets out a little smile he hopes the others don’t notice

The screen slowly fades to black

Chapter 21: Episode 20 - Our Fantasy

Summary:

Episode 20 of the Our Fantasy main story, the final episode

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

[The Park]

 

Akira is quietly eating some lollies

 

Jason:

“Can’t you go anywhere without taking sweets, Akira?”

 

Akira:

She simply shakes her head without a word, and continues eating

 

Jason:

“That can’t be good for you…”

 

Akira:

She simply shakes her head without a word, and continues eating

 

Jason:

He frowns more

“Are you even listening to me?”

 

Ella:

“Come on Jason, let her be. If I even get an ounce of arguing from you today, I’m going to kick your ass.”

 

Jason:

“Why are we all here anyways?”

 

Ella:

“You know why we’re here.”

 

Jason:

“Right…”

 

Ella:

“A lot has changed since we were here three weeks ago.”

 

Jason:

“It definitely has.”

 

Ella:

“How were you after yesterday?”

 

Jason:

“I um… I may have vomited during Period 5.”

 

Ella and Akira’s eyes open 

 

Ella:

“What!? Why!?”

 

Jason:

“I don’t know man. I don’t do well with those kinds of conversations.”

 

Akira:

“You did better than both of us.”

 

Ella:

“She’s right. I didn’t even know you had it in you.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah well… Don’t get used to it. Yesterday was the first time that the need to intervene was bigger than the desire to sit back and disassociate, I don’t plan to do it often.”

 

Ella:

“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m proud of you.”

 

Jason:

“You… Shut up.”

 

Ella:

She frowns

“Well excuse me for being nice.”

 

Jason:

“The sappy day was yesterday okay?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

 

Jason:

He says under his breath

“Thank you though…”

 

Ella:

She smiles

“There’s the true Jason.”

 

Jason:

He frowns with annoyance

“This is why I don’t say nicer things more often!”

 

James:

He approaches the group

“Hi guys…”

His voice still hasn’t changed from the previous day, it’s mostly emotionless

 

Akira:

“Hi James. Ella and Jason are fighting again.”

 

James:

“What’s new…”

He sits down with them on the grass

 

Ella:

“Well, well, looks like you have a competitor to being the latest one to join us whenever we go somewhere, Jason.”

 

Jason:

“Oh come on, I’m never even that late.”

 

James:

“Sorry, I just wasn’t watching the time…”

 

Akira:

“That’s fine, like Ella said, we’re used to waiting for Jason.”

 

Jason:

He scoffs

 

James:

“I get it… The same happens in my AIT class.”

 

Jason:

“We didn’t just come here to bully me did we!?”

 

Ella:

Her and Akira laugh

“No, although that would be fun.”

 

James:

He keeps his head down, not laughing, playing with the grass on the ground

 

Ella:

She notices him, with a concerned look

“James… Are you okay after yesterday?” 

 

James:

“Yeah… I guess…”

 

Ella:

“If you don’t mind me asking… What were your parents' reactions like?”

 

James:

“My dad hardly said anything about it, my mum… her reaction wasn’t great… but it wasn’t the worst…”

 

“She was mainly mad that I lied to her…”

 

Ella:

“I see… but it’s a really difficult thing to talk about…”

 

Jason, Ella and Akira all look at each other with awkward, worried looks. It’s clear none of them are comfortable with the current conversation. James stays silent, not looking at any of them.

 

Ella:

“Look James… If there’s one thing to takeaway from this, it’s that from now on, you need to promise us something.”

 

James:

“Yes…?”

 

Ella:

“You need to tell us if something is bothering you. We all want to help you if we can, so don’t feel uncomfortable coming to us about anything, okay?”

 

James:

“Okay…”

 

Akira:

“I second that. Anything would be better than doing what you’re doing… If you talk to us, we’ll listen.”

 

James keeps his head down, his face not changing at all

 

Jason:

He awkwardly smiles

“Anyways… we have news that will definitely cheer you up, right Ella?”

 

Ella:

“Yes, we do.”

 

James:

“Is that why you wanted us to all meet here…?”

 

Ella:

“I thought the reason was obvious, after yesterday, we can’t just not address the band situation.”

 

James:

“Yeah… I know Akira wants to do it now, and probably you again Ella. But if Jason still doesn’t want to do it, I’ll just let the idea go. I don't care. I just don’t want it to cause anymore problems.”

 

Jason:

“About that…”

 

James:

He looks at Jason

 

Jason:

“I’ll do your band… and I mean that this time.”

 

James:

“You do? I still find that kind of hard to believe…”

 

Jason:

“While yes, I’m still not a huge fan of introducing something big and new like this into my life. And I don’t plan to stop looking for a part time job because of it.”

 

“With that being said, playing Bass with Hatsune Miku is probably the coolest thing I’ll ever do.”

 

“Not to mention our performance yesterday… It left me wanting more. I want to make music, I want to sing more songs with all of you, and Miku.”

 

“So yes, I mean it.”

 

James:

His face lightens just the slightest amount 

“I… I believe you this time... Thank you.”

 

Akira:

She smiles

“So I guess this is our first official band meeting?”

 

Ella:

“Yeah. But that sounds so boring! We need a name for the band, so we can call it the first official meeting of… whatever the name is.”

 

Akira:

“You’re right… I didn’t even think of that…”

 

Jason:

“I know! How about, since this whole band was James’ idea, we make him come up with the name!”

 

James:

“W-what? Don’t just put me on the spot like that…”

 

Akira:

“Jason has a point though. If it wasn’t for you, this band never would’ve happened. You’re basically the leader.”

 

Ella:

“Yeah, come on leader! Give us a name.”

 

James:

“And I’m sure you’re not just saying that so you don’t have to name it instead…”

 

Ella:

“Whaaat? Nooo, of course not. You’re the most creative person out of all of us.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah, come on, Creative Writing President. Prove your title.”

 

James:

“Fine… I did think of one name… it’s not perfect but it’s the only one I thought of, so it’s all we have right now.”

 

Akira:

“Let’s hear it.”

 

James:

“Well… I think we all have something to gain from this band, not just me.”

 

“Akira… playing music again. Ella, living her dream of making music with Hatsune Miku. Jason, finally being more honest to himself and fulfilling his concealed desires to make music.”

 

Jason frowns in protest but Ella puts her hand out in front of him to tell him to not say anything

 

“But up until this point… Jason has only ever referred to this band as my fantasy... I don’t want that anymore...”

 

“I want this band to be… Our Fantasy.”

 

Akira:

“Is that… the name?”

 

James:

“Yes… ‘Our Fantasy’... I told you I had nothing better yet...”

 

Ella:

“Honestly, it’s not horrible. This whole thing does seem like a fantasy really, playing with Hatsune Miku in a magic forest and everything.” 

 

Jason:

“Heck, even Miku looks like a character out of a fantasy video game. And so did we when we performed that song yesterday.”

 

Akira:

“I guess it does fit more than I thought… Being able to play music again without any problems… it is a fantasy of mine.”

 

Ella:

“Then let’s make it official. This is the first official meeting of the new hit band, Our Fantasy!”

 

Jason:

“I think Ella just ruined the name for me.”

 

Ella:

“What!? Shut up Jason!”

 

Jason laughs

 

James:

His voice is still emotionless, but he adds

“It did sound better when I said it…”

 

Ella:

“Only because you say it with no enthusiasm!”

 

Akira:

She laughs

“One step at a time guys… we figured out what the actual name is. Let’s worry about how to put it in a sentence later.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah, that means letting ME do it.”

 

Ella:

“Oh yeah, why don’t you try then?”

 

Jason:

He clears his throat

“The first official meeting of ‘Our Fantasy!’, the new hit band featuring Hatsune Miku!”

 

Ella:

She frowns

“You literally just reworded exactly what I said and added Hatsune Miku at the end…”

 

Jason:

“Which is better than what you said.”

 

Ella:

“It’s hardly different!”

 

Akira:

“The fact that he did add Hatsune Miku though does make it technically better…”

 

Jason:

“Yeah you should know that better than all people, Miku fangirl.”

 

Ella:

“Stop calling me that! She’s our queen okay? What can I say?”

 

Akira:

“You’re not helping your case Ella…”

 

Ella:

“Akira! You’re meant to be on my side!”

 

Akira:

“I know, but you are absolutely a Miku fangirl. I’ve seen your room.”

 

Ella:

“D-don’t tell him about that!”

 

Jason:

“Oh, what’s this?”

 

James:

He’s been looking down expressionless during their entire banter, but he finally takes a deep breath and speaks up

“... She can’t be worse than me with Nightcord and MMJ, right?”

 

Jason:

He laughs

“You’ve got that right. No one is coming for your crown there, don’t worry.”

 

Akira:

“I don’t know… you haven’t seen what I’ve seen.”

 

Ella:

“Akira, you’re officially banned from my room.”

 

Akira:

She laughs

“Well you have all those Miku plushies to keep you company, you don’t need me anyways.”

 

Ella:

“You know what? You’re exactly right, they’re better company than you anyways.”

 

James:

He keeps his head down

(I made Jason laugh… maybe I should just be happy with that for today…)

 

Jason:

He looks over at James to notice his friend focusing on not much other than the grass
“Well too bad for you Ella, James got his own personal Miku. She’s better than any plushie, isn’t she James?”

 

James:

“Yeah… definitely.” 

 

Akira:

“I bet if Ella had a SEKAI it would just be giant Mikus everywhere…”

 

Ella:

“That actually sounds… awesome.”

 

Jason:

“Sounds like a literal nightmare.”

 

Akira, Ella and Jason laugh, and while James doesn’t, he does speak up

 

James:

He says in a non-serious manner

“How is this band going to function when you three can’t stop picking on each other?”

 

Ella:

“No clue. But I’m excited as hell to find out.”

 

Akira:

“Me too.”

 

Jason:

“Yeah, and me, I guess .”

 

Ella:

“He loves it, you can tell.”

 

Jason rolls his eyes

 

Akira:

“I think we should all thank James… if it wasn’t for him… if it wasn’t for him never giving up… we would’ve all been too stubborn, and never saw this band through.”

 

Jason:

“You’re right… especially me…”

 

Ella:

“Yeah, we’re all culprits to that. So thanks James, thanks for not giving up on us.”

She smiles, and then Akira and Jason follow, all looking at James

 

Jason:

“And don’t you ever forget what I said about you in that forest. Because I’m not repeating myself.”

 

James:

He smiles slightly

“That’s fine… you’re all… you’re all welcome.”

 

The four all smiles together as the screen fades to black

 

It fades back in

 

[Forest SEKAI]

 

James is sitting on the log under the Sakura tree, Miku is by his side

 

Miku:

“Well? How was being with your friends today?”

 

James:

“They all want to do the band again… even Jason…”

 

Miku:

Her face lights up

“So that means I’ll be seeing you all together at SEKAI a lot more often?”

 

James:

“Yeah… and hopefully they won’t be anything like the first two times all four of us were in SEKAI together…”

 

Miku smiles while James continues looking out from under the Sakura tree, there’s a slight orange glow behind the clouds, as for the first time in the SEKAI, the sun is trying to break through

 

James:

He looks down a bit

“But… It’s still hard for me, Miku… I still… I still feel empty… and when I’m in a group with them, I still struggle so hard to connect… And I don’t know if it ever won’t be hard for me…”

 

“But what I do know is that yesterday when we all sang that song with you… that was the first time I've ever felt like I was part of a group.”

 

“And… I want more of that feeling…”

 

Miku:

“Well thanks to your efforts, you’ve taken the first step to always having that feeling, whether you’re playing with your band in the moment or not.”

 

James says nothing to that, just looking out at the orange glow for longer

 

There’s a moment of silence where they just watch the sky together, then Miku eventually breaks it

 

Miku:

“I’m so proud of you James. I’m proud of you for finding your True Feeling.”

 

“When I met you… you were in such a dark place. But after finding it, you look better today, even if it’s just by the smallest amount.”

 

“And you owe that all to yourself.”

She smiles

 

James:

He doesn’t look at her

“Thank you Miku… Thank you for everything.”

 

“If you never found me… I don’t even want to think about where I’d be right now. You’ve been the one person I’ve always wanted, the person I can trust and rely on, the person who I never have to doubt cares deeply for me…”

 

Miku:

She places a hand on his shoulder

“But soon it won’t just be me.”

 

“You have three great friends, and now a band that you’ll all collaborate together on. To create music that will help people, in the same way music has helped you.”

 

“Even if it was also to help connect with your friends easier, the fact that you wanted to help others in the same way you were helped, in order to give back, shows just the kind of person you are. The kind of person who has a lot to offer the people like me who give him the care he deserves.”

 

“And I believe now that you know your True Feeling, you’ll see it too eventually. And once you do, you may not even need me anymore.”

 

James:

Without warning he clings onto Miku, holding her in a tight hug, moving his head from looking out to the rain and burying it against her shoulder

 

Miku:

“W-wow! This is the first time you’ve ever hugged me on your own will!”

 

James:

“Miku… I know I understand my True Feeling now… and I want all those things you just said to be true, except… I want you to stay in my life… regardless of whatever happens…”

 

Miku:

“And that’s fine…”

 

“Because always… I’ll be waiting for you in SEKAI.”

 

They both tighten their warm hug around each other as the screen fades to white

 

Miku appears on the white screen by herself, the same way every PJSK main story ends

 

Miku:

“James… I can’t wait to see you smile more often.”

 

She smiles brightly as the screen fades to white again

Notes:

It's finally over... I actually wrote this fanfic earlier this year from June-August, but I only started uploading it to AO3 daily over the last few weeks after an online friend introduced me to the site. Regardless, this fanfic still to this day means so much to me, and I want it to reach and resonate with as many people as possible. Although a while ago now, I'll never forget the absolute heart and soul I put into this story, to the point I even cried during episode 19 lol. When I see that other people can feel emotion from my story too though, in the same way they'd feel emotion from reading Nightcord stories from the official Project Sekai, that makes everything I put into this worth it.

It is a little disappointing that only one person has left comments on the work (shoutout to that one person with the Mafuyu pfp), so if by any chance, anyone else has made it this far through the fanfic and put off commenting till the end, please let me know your thoughts now that the work has reached its completion. I will read your comments eventually, and even if you'd like to give feedback or share constructive criticism, I'd still like to know what you thought. When people actually go through the effort to leave comments, it lets me know they've actually read and taken in the full story, rather than just clicked onto then back out of the fanfic. That's why it's important to me.

But to anyone who has made it this far, thank you so much for reading, I took this work very seriously, and I hope it had a genuine emotional impact on you while reading.

Event stories are definiently something I've considered, but I probably wouldn't consider the idea further unless there were enough people asking for it. I'm happy to elaborate on my stance towards event stories further in the comments though.

Notes:

New Episode every day