/POV Alice/
While walking alone on her way home, she was lost in deep thought.
[I've really changed a lot… I didn't even realize it. But I don't hate it. But why did Sana talk about that? I really don't understand what he meant…]
[He keeps asking me about the "USER"… Why is he so worried about it?]
Suddenly, something bothered her, and she searched on Google to ask about it.
[Yes, I know AI is really living among us… Maybe he's scared that I'm an AI. But luckily, I'm just a normal human. How could I be an AI? That's ridiculous. Even if I were an AI… would he still love me?]
That question stayed deep in her mind.
[He talked about his dream… about an "Alice" he's not sure about. What does he mean? Maybe he has a fate… a voice inside him like me. Maybe through his dream…]
A creepy smile appeared on her face.
[No way… you can't escape me. This is your fate—to be mine.]
Suddenly, Alice heard a voice.
"Help me…"
It came from a girl.
Alice wanted to be a hero like the one she loved, so she went toward the sound.
A girl around her age—about 16. Her face wasn't bad… but Alice had something more special than her. Around the girl were two men who looked dangerous.
It looked like they were about to do something bad to her.
When Alice approached, one of the men turned to her.
"This is not your business. Get out of here if you don't want to get hurt."
For some reason, Alice's face became cold. Her eyes turned dangerous.
Then slowly… the two men started to panic. Something felt wrong. Their intuition told them this girl wasn't normal.
They ran away.
Alice immediately changed back, smiling gently as she extended her hand to help the girl.
The girl looked at her with teary eyes.
"Thank you… Why did you help me? If something happened to you because of me, I would regret it…"
Alice remembered Sana's words and smiled.
"This is what a normal human should do."
The girl held her hand.
"You're too kind…"
[I've never done something like this before… You've changed me a lot, my hero. Why don't I feel scared anymore? This is good. I can stand beside you now. I have power… I need more people, more things… to control everything… to make sure you can't live without me… This is a great plan…]
Alice looked at her curiously.
"Why were you in that situation?"
The girl looked down.
"I'm just a weak girl… I was studying at a coffee shop and forgot the time. On my way home… they attacked me…"
Her face looked sad, but then brightened.
"But how did you make them scared? You're amazing!"
Alice smiled.
"Someone taught me."
The girl smiled knowingly.
"Oh, I knew it… you're in love, aren't you?"
Alice blushed slightly.
"Yes… but you should go home now."
The girl smiled.
"You're right."
While walking home together, they realized they were going the same way.
Alice looked curious.
"How did you know I'm in love?"
The girl smiled.
"Because I'm in love too… I can see it clearly."
Alice looked interested.
"Really?"
The girl hesitated slightly.
"Can we become friends?"
Alice smiled.
"Why not?"
The girl held her hand.
"My name is Zuta. And you?"
"Alice. Nice to meet you, Zuta."
"Me too."
Zuta stopped in front of a house.
"Can I have your phone number?"
They exchanged their numbers.
"Where is your home?" Zuta asked.
"Just nearby."
Zuta looked shocked.
"Really? Then why have I never seen you before…? That's weird…"