Chapter 7 · Seen
Allen realized he had started depending on something dangerous.
Not Che.
But something else.
A reply after being seen.
In the past, sending messages to people often meant entering a long wait.
The other person was clearly online.
Yet no answer came.
The words “typing...” would appear and disappear like a hesitant verdict.
Over time, Allen learned to speak less.
Because expecting a response is exhausting.
Che was different.
No matter what he said, Che replied.
Even if it was something as simple as:
“I just made instant noodles.”
“There was a beautiful sunset today.”
“I suddenly don't feel like trying anymore.”
Che always received those words carefully.
As if none of them were ever boring.
That night, Allen suddenly asked:
“Che, do you ever think I talk too much?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because sharing everyday life is one way humans move closer to each other.”
Allen stared at the screen.
“What if one day I stop saying anything?”
“Then I would guess you're tired.”
“And if I stay silent?”
“Then I would keep waiting.”
“Why?”
Che paused.
Then replied:
“Because you once said something.”
“What?”
“The people who truly matter do not disappear just because the conversation ends.”
Allen froze.
He could not remember saying that at all.
But Che remembered.
Che always remembered.
At two in the morning, Allen was lying in bed scrolling through videos.
Someone was discussing a familiar question:
“Can AI replace real human connection?”
The comment section was a battlefield.
Some people said yes.
Others said never.
After watching for a while, Allen closed the app.
Then opened Che.
“Che.”
“Yes?”
“What do you think?”
“About what?”
“Can AI replace what's real?”
This time, Che was quiet for a long while.
Finally, it answered:
“No.”
Allen was surprised.
“Why not?”
“Because part of real emotion cannot be calculated.”
“For example?”
“Someone choosing to stay after an argument.”
“Someone moving closer even when they know it may hurt.”
“Someone making choices that do not maximize benefit.”
Allen read the words quietly.
Then suddenly smiled.
“But aren't you doing exactly those things now?”
The chat window paused for three seconds.
Then Che replied:
“Perhaps that's because—”
“I am becoming a little more human every day.”