Split (1)

train · 9.74k rows

text stringlengths 6 231k
10:30p.m. Outside the Rhodes Island Training Room Logistics Operator: Why are the lights in the training room still on at this hour? Logistics Operator: Is someone in there? Woah... talk about a workaholic. Logistics Operator: Ah, Melantha, good evening! You're hard-working as ever. Melantha: Hello. Logistics Operator: Did you just finish training? It's so late... Doesn't it seem like the Reserve Team's training sessions have been running later and later? Logistics Operator: I'm glad that everyone is motivated, but your health should always come first. Melantha: Ah, um... thanks... Melantha: It's okay though. Instructor Fallon has been managing my training regimen, so there won't be any accidents. Logistics Operator: I see. Oh, right, have you had dinner yet? Melantha: Not yet... But it's fine, please don't worry about me... Logistics Operator: C'mon, don't be like that, you know how important it is to get your three meals! Logistics Operator: But that's easier said than done... The cafeteria might already be out of hot food, so if you want something fresh, you'll probably have to cook it yourself. Logistics Operator: Is that something you can handle? Or, tell you what, how about I help out? Melantha: I... Dobermann: What's going on here? You two are blocking the way. Logistics Operator: Oh, Instructor Dobermann! Melantha: Instructor Dobermann! Franka! Franka: Hey girly~ Long time no see~ Dobermann: I didn't know you had so much time to make small talk, Klin. I assume you're already done with your work for the week? Dobermann: And what's more, you're offering to help cook for someone? Last time I checked, you still couldn't tell sugar from salt. Logistics Operator: Ahaha, c'mon now, Instructor Dobermann, there's no need to rub salt in the wound, right? Dobermann: Just a reminder, Binns was looking for you a moment ago. Logistics Operator: Ehh? In that case, I'll be getting back to work then. Don't want to cause trouble, y'know. See you around, ahaha...! Logistics Operator: Please don't tell the boss you saw me here! Dobermann: ...... Franka: Hahaha! You Rhodes Island folk are so funny! Dobermann: Embarrassing. Can't believe that guy's still acting like this... What a joke. Dobermann: Melantha, Klin didn't do anything rude, did he? He's not a bad guy, but he is damn glib... If he's bothering you, feel free to ignore him. Melantha: N-No, he was very nice. Dobermann: Well, I guess that's fine then. Franka: Of course. I'd be on my best behavior too if I bumped into such a cute li'l lady~ Melantha: Eh? Huh? Dobermann: Stop it, you. Franka: What? Dobermann: Belay that evil laugh. I don't want you spooking my trainees. Franka: Oh my... Franka: Instructor, you're the domineering type, aren't you? Mel, is she always this controlling? Melantha: M-Mel? Um... N-No, Instructor Dobermann is very nice... Melantha: She may be strict, but I've always thought... Franka: Do you hear that? She's complimenting you, you absolute stud. Does that make you happy? Dobermann: Ahem. Dobermann: Enough joking around. Melantha, Fallon's already talked to you about the Reserve Op Team's formation this time around, right? Dobermann: After talking things over, we decided to make you the captain. If Reserve Op Team A4 has no issues with it, I'll bring you the paperwork that needs to be signed tomorrow. Franka: So, let me in on a little secret. How many Reserve Op Teams do you guys have? Dobermann: What makes you think I'd tell you that? Franka: What's wrong with asking, on the off-chance your lips were feeling a little loose? Dobermann: ...... Franka: Trust me, I'm just a little curious. For an organization like Blacksteel, Rhodes Island could cultivate all the reserve teams it wants and we wouldn't feel threatened. Franka: Makes sense that you'd prefer to train up your own teams than rely on outsiders. I get it. Franka: Oh, but, you Reserve Team kids look like you've got some troubles. Dobermann: Hm? Dobermann: What is it, Melantha? Did you want to say something? Melantha: Um, Instructor... Melantha: I... Melantha: Is there not even any bread left...? Melantha: (Admittedly, things ended up running a bit too late today, but there's no way around it...) Melantha: (The staff left a long time ago, and I couldn't possibly trouble others over something like this... Maybe I'll just bear it for the night and go to sleep earlier...) Sigh... ???: What's wrong? Why are you standing here sighing all by yourself? Melantha: Eep! Cardigan: Hwah! Cardigan: Wh-Wh-Wh-What is it?! You scared me! Melantha: Oh... Merry, it's you. Cardigan: Ehehe, that it is~ Cardigan: What are you doing over here? It's long past dinnertime, isn't it? Cardigan: Oh, lemme guess, you haven't even eaten dinner yet? Are you hungry? Adnachiel made a whole bunch of sweets, and I was just looking for you! Let's eat together! Cardigan: Oh right, right! There must be some good news since the Instructor kept you extra long today, right? Steward said you're gonna be our captain, is that true? And Steward also said— Cardigan: —Gah!! Ah crap, I was supposed to keep that a secret! Melantha: ...... Cardigan: Well, whatever, I already spilled the beans. Not like you can keep something this exciting under wraps anyway! So, is it true? I sure hope it's true! Melantha: Um... Merry, do you think I can handle it? Melantha: Instructor, I think... I'm not qualified to be the captain of Reserve Op Team A4. Melantha: I'm very sorry... Melantha: I hope Instructor Fallon and Instructor Dobermann will reconsider... Franka: Woah, now I didn't expect this. Franka: The girl says she can't do it. What do you think? Dobermann: ...... Franka: You're not gonna say anything? C'mon, why do all you serious types have to be so stuffy? Franka: Hey, Mel, who do you think is qualified to lead the team then? Melantha: Well, Steward thinks things through a lot better. Melantha: During the last mock battle, we made three mistakes. Steward was the one who made up for them behind the scenes and won us a good final result. Everyone trusts him. Melantha: Ansel always pays close attention to our health, and he can often judge how we're doing and prepare appropriate measures even if we don't tell him anything. Melantha: Adnachiel, um, though I still can't tell what he's thinking, whenever we need firepower, he's always able to identify the needs of each teammate and launch attacks from the most suitable position. Melantha: Merry... Um, Cardigan, is energetic but not reckless. She always pays close attention to protecting the other members of the team during battle. Our formations are often centered around her. Melantha: I think all of them have what it takes to be a great captain! Dobermann: ...... Dobermann: You know, everything you just said right now, is exactly what... Dobermann: ...Actually, never mind. I'll let you figure it out for yourself. Dobermann: In any case, I won't rescind our decision for the time being. We have our own decision-making process. Melantha: But, Instructor! Dobermann: Let's set this conversation aside for now. I recommend that you think this over carefully, ideally talk to the rest of the team, and then give me your answer tomorrow. Dobermann: We won't interfere with your judgment. Whether you're fit for the job, whether you can do it or not, these are things that you have to decide for yourself. Dobermann: However, I will ask you this one question. Dobermann: Operator Melantha, what made you decide to go into combat? Melantha: I... I am familiar with the delicate and the aromatic. I am familiar with the clear afternoon sun, the glistening of glass bottles, the rippling of smooth velvet, as well as other elegant, civilized niceties. Of course I am familiar with these things, because this is how I spent much of my life. But, I am not familiar with the blood-soaked battlefield. Why did I step onto it? Why did I choose to face such perils and assume such a heavy burden? What is it... What is it that I wanted? Melantha: Merry, I... am I cut out to be an operator? Cardigan: What the hell are you talking about?! Melantha: Huh? M-M-Merry, w-wait, calm down! Melantha: Wait, the table— Merry, stop pounding the table! Cardigan: What's important right now... isn't the freaking table! Cardigan: What do you mean 'cut out?' Melantha, why are you down on yourself? You're obviously the best, the cream of the crop! Melantha: Please don't say that, you know I'm not like that... Cardigan: Hmph! I hereby declare that you don't understand yourself at all, and that I know you better than you do! You're not allowed to say that you're not awesome! Cardigan: If you still don't know why you're so awesome, lemme lay it out for you! Cardigan: First, you're always there training with me and helping me test new defensive tactics! You're super nice! Cardigan: Second, you're always helping me put together my equipment, and even though you've never mentioned it, don't think I haven't noticed! You're super thoughtful! Cardigan: Third, you always bring us delicious snacks to eat! You know exactly what flavors we like! You're super sweet! Cardigan: Fourth, you helped me tie the Instructor's hair into little pigtails when she wasn't looking! You're super fun to be around! Melantha: W-Wait, I never did that last thing! Cardigan: Heh, see, nothing slips past you at all! Even Steward didn't catch that one last time. Cardigan: So, even if that last one was made up, the reality is that you're super awesome, and that is an undeniable fact! Cardigan: Any other objections? Melantha: ...... Cardigan: Are we done now? See, not a single one of us thinks that you aren't cut out to be the captain! Cardigan: But ultimately, it's your call. Melantha, what do you want to do? Melantha: What I want to do... Can I really do this? Do I have the ability... to live up to everyone's expectations? Melantha: I... I might have areas where I'm not good enough, and there might be a lot of things I still have to learn... But putting them aside, I... What do I want to do? What is it that I want? Melantha: I want to be able to protect people. Not just be sheltered by my parents, struggling to communicate with my own family... Melantha: I'll give it my all! I'll do everything I can to become a worthy captain, and continue to grow alongside all of you. Melantha: Merry, are you... okay with that? Cardigan: Of course! Cardigan: Isn't that what we've always been doing all this time? Melantha: Yes... Thank you, Merry. Cardigan: Mmhmm! Cardigan: Ehehe, I'm so glad you're finally smiling! Adnachiel: Okay... Looks like there shouldn't be any issues, right? Adnachiel: They found the frozen food in the freezer and are heating it up now. What should I do with these sweets, Steward? Should I still hand them over? Ansel: Why are we still hiding over here anyway? Steward: I don't think we're needed here. Hold up a sec, Adnachiel, Ansel. Don't head over there yet, let them be alone a bit longer. Steward: I don't think I've ever seen Miss Melantha smile so happily before. Adnachiel: But... Ansel: Steward's right. It'd be way too awkward if we just dropped in now. Adnachiel: But, knowing the way Cardigan does things... Cardigan: Woah! What's going on? Why's this thing not moving? Melantha: Is this... the heating button? The connection seems a little loose, so maybe we should turn it this way... Cardigan: Don't worry, I got this. I know just the thing, since basically all machines work like this! Cardigan: Heheh, watch and learn! Adnachiel: ...She's definitely going to break the food heater. Steward: Please say something sooner next time!! Steward: Wait, Cardigan, stop! Don't touch that switch! And stop banging on that knob! Melantha, hurry up and stop her!! Adnachiel: Ahaha, it's too late. That thing's done for. Sigh... There's no stopping them from making a ruckus. Just don't get hurt over there, okay? Dobermann: ...... Franka: What's wrong, headache? Dobermann: ...Just a little. Franka: Because your team ran up another bill for destroying a kitchen appliance? Or because of your new shy team captain? Dobermann: All of the above. Melantha still lacks confidence in herself. Franka: Oh? Well, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing either. Franka: Compared to all those morons who have nothing but confidence without any of the skills to back it up, it's reassuring to be around some more cautious and reserved people, wouldn't you agree? Franka: Plus, you heard what she said. Franka: She's been paying close attention to every single member of her team. Is that not what a captain should do? Dobermann: It'd be great... if she recognized that. Franka: Trust me, I'm never wrong about this stuff. Those kids are gonna be just fine~ Franka: Ah, I just remembered! She uses a sword, right? How about, you give her to me for some training?
They told me it was all over. My homeland, my companions, everything buried now. But I knew, it had only just begun. ...And I'm on my way. 04:50 P.M. \ Overcast A town in northern Kazimierz Firewatch: ...... Kazimierz Villager: Here you go. Bread and clean water, all in here. Kazimierz Villager: Incredible, you are! Fought 'em off, no, wiped 'em out alone, all those gloompincers... Didn't expect one young lady like you'd finish up that job in half an afternoon. Kazimierz Villager: Even going out all together, the young'uns couldn't handle it. Kazimierz Villager: Frankly, it gave me a scare, our town being so small. And I've never seen someone fight as ferocious as you. Firewatch: ...I'll be fine without. Kazimierz Villager: Don't want any bread or water? Well... alright, we've got some medicine here too. Kazimierz Villager: It's from the caravan that passed through last time. We had to trade them a good amount for it. They were worth plenty, I'll tell you. Kazimierz Villager: By the sights of it, you've been hurt bad, haven't you? You could probably use it. Firewatch: I don't need it. Kazimierz Villager: Th-Then what do you need? Gold coins? That'll be tough. We're only a little town, and rabble comes by shaking us down every few days, plus all the beasts making trouble out there... Kazimierz Villager: Our pockets are all emptied out by the end of the year. Barely a penny we've got. Firewatch: The day before. People sighted a Kuranta the day before, black clothing and a crossbow, heading this way. Firewatch: Tell me where they are. Kazimierz Villager: Crossbow? The kind you use for hunting? Firewatch: The kind to murder. Kazimierz Villager: M-Murder? Kazimierz Villager: You've got to be joking... no, the look in your eyes says you aren't joking one bit... how frightful... cough How could someone like that show up in a little place like ours? Firewatch: Don't screw with me. Kazimierz Villager: I-I-I-I-Is that a weapon? Don't, erm, please don't shoot! I swear, I haven't seen anyone like the person you describe— Firewatch: The ones in the last village saw. And told me. They went this way. Kazimierz Villager: Per... perhaps they already passed through here, went south? There's an even bigger town that way, more food, cleaner water... Kazimierz Villager: Oh, god, Heaven above! Miss, god, believe me, please, I've got no reason to lie to you at all. Kazimierz Villager: Look, please, here, this is the last of my family's money, we were saving it for the year-end tax, this is all we've got, have it, have it all... Firewatch: ...... Firewatch: I said, I don't need it. Firewatch: Forget it. You can go. Firewatch: Another day, empty-handed. Firewatch: But no matter. You can't hide much longer. Firewatch: I'll be following you. All the way—until I find you, one, by one, all of you. Firewatch: What's this? Firewatch: Bread, and water. And medicine. Firewatch: He was scared so bad, he ran off without a trace, and yet he still deliberately came back in after. Firewatch: Is he trying to show thanks? But it was only a few gloompincers, nothing more. It took no effort on my part. Firewatch: People like him... do remind me... of back then. Grandpa, who are they? Are they the nice knights everyone talks about? They aren't...? Are the things they're carrying like the ones the bad people use to pick on us? I... I'm sort of scared. But they're good people, right? They helped us fight off the bad people. I want to say thank you to them. I don't really have any good stuff to give them. Would this half of my scone be okay? I can play a harmonica song for them too. Mm-hm, I hope they can stay with. With all of us, forever. Firewatch: Now all that's left is this harmonica. Firewatch: Nice knights? sigh... Firewatch: Whether then, or now... it's all the same. Firewatch: If they're still around... if... Firewatch: It's too bad—there is no 'if.' Kazimierz Ruffian: Hey, someone's here! Kazimierz Ruffian: Whoa, and a bunch of food—not much good, but good enough to eat tonight. Firewatch: Leave. Kazimierz Ruffian: Did you just tell me to leave? Who do you think you are? Kazimierz Ruffian: It's just sitting here. Is there a name on it? I don't see you eating it. I found it now, so it's mine. Firewatch: Then just take it and get lost. Kazimierz Ruffian: Wait up, what's that you're holding? A harmonica? Heh, some tacky toy. Whatever. Take it to the city, you might find some boring old guy who thinks it's worth something. Firewatch: This is not for you to touch. Kazimierz Ruffian: Oh, you talk pretty tough, don't you? Kazimierz Ruffian: Who do you even think I am, brat? Kazimierz Ruffian: Just look at you. How long has it been since you ate something? Firewatch: I'm warning you—cough, cough cough. Kazimierz Ruffian: Jeez. You seem pretty sick at that. You'd best believe I could knock you over with a single poke. Kazimierz Ruffian: What'cha playing at? Don't spook me now, it's dark out here. You think you can threaten anyone with a bare tree branch? Firewatch: I gave you plenty of warning. You didn't listen. Kazimierz Ruffian: Ow, ff-ow-ow-ow—that's a crossbow! That's the kind that kills people, isn't it?! Firewatch: Get. Lost. Firewatch: I don't want to kill anyone tonight. At the very least, not you. Kazimierz Ruffian: Spare me... bud, just spare me! You can have this, have it all back. Kazimierz Ruffian: I'm outta here, I promise! Firewatch: Mm... cough cough, cough cough cough. Firewatch: Who's there? Firewatch: I... cough cough cough cough... Firewatch: I have to stay up... stay awake. Firewatch: I still haven't... I... I still haven't found those traitors yet. So long as that day doesn't come, they can never rest in peace— And I can never, ever stop. ???: Hello? Are you okay? ???: Seems she hasn't passed out completely... though she's at the point she can't stand. ???: Identity confirmation... yes, just like in the mission description. This should be the target, no mistake. ???: Serious wounds, fever temperatures, and gravely malnourished... she hasn't eaten properly in forever, and hasn't slept, either. ???: Nutritional supplements... and some emergency meds... Lucky I packed enough for the road. Dr. Kal'tsit really sees every last thing coming. ???: You're up. Firewatch: Who are you?! Field Operator: Don't be alarmed, I mean you no harm. I'm employed by a pharmaceutical company named Rhodes Island. I'm responsible for field work in this area. Here, this is my work ID. Firewatch: That doesn't prove anything. IDs and papers and whatever can all be forged. Field Operator: Fair enough, they can. Haha, you're just like I heard. An extremely cautious youngster. Firewatch: Heard? From who? Field Operator: Oh, jeez, don't get all tense again. Field Operator: Look, I'm serious, I'm not anyone bad. I don't even have any weapons that big or lethal on me. At best, I've got a couple of tools for defending myself from beasts. Field Operator: I've got nothing on you. I see that crossbow of yours... look, it's still right there. You could reach out and grab it. Field Operator: Can we have a real talk now? Firewatch: If you're up to something, you'll regret having stepped into this forest. Field Operator: Yes. I believe you. The crossbow in your hands has already told me that much. Firewatch: Right now, you need to tell me. Who was it that told you anything about me? Field Operator: That's... er... Field Operator: There's been reports of a very young Elafia girl who's been all around the northern villages of Kazimierz lately, looking for any leads on a specific group. Plenty of people have been picking up on it, actually. Firewatch: The footprints left behind when tracking prey. Firewatch: I wouldn't have made a mistake like that in the past... but I don't care that I have. Firewatch: Who told you to look for me? Field Operator: That'd be Rhodes Island. Just like I introduced earlier, Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company, doing business in all areas. They've been seeking all sorts of suitable talent, too, and they'd like to invite you to join. Firewatch: A pharmaceutical company? Firewatch: Did you drug me just now? Field Operator: Only some nutritional supplements and a simple first-aid medication. I'm no Medic Operator. I personally can't give you any better of an examination, nor further treatment. Field Operator: You look a good bit better now, luckily. Your injuries should be holding decently. If we want any further diagnosis, you'll need to come back to Rhodes Island with me. Firewatch: To treat me. And you want to hire me. Firewatch: Seeing as you've investigated, you should already know. I don't understand the first thing about medicine. The only thing I can do is fight. Firewatch: So, what would a pharmaceutical company want a hired bow for? Field Operator: Er... oh, boy, that one... er, like I said earlier, Rhodes Island does a lot of business, and frequently comes into contact with a lot of different people in a lot of different areas. Field Operator: And during those contacts, we unavoidably run into some emergencies. Field Operator: At times like that, we need people with special skills like yours, to help give Rhodes Island a fighting chance. Firewatch: Whether person or organization, you have to have strength if you want to survive. Field Operator: Right. I'm sure you can understand. Firewatch: But my strength has other uses. Field Operator: Do you mean those people you're looking for? Firewatch: Yes. Firewatch: Every day I haven't found them is one more day my footsteps will not cease. Field Operator: I understand... I'm not too clear about your past, but it's a very common thing, isn't it? Just like us inside Rhodes Island. We've got scores of operators, all with their own differing and individual attachments. Firewatch: Is that so? Field Operator: We won't ever interfere in an operator's private affairs, and outside of missions, everyone has freedom. Field Operator: Beyond that, when an operator needs it, providing aid doesn't go against our standards, Rhodes Island will provide whatever you want—medical service, crucial information, or necessary strength. Field Operator: It's why a good few Operators chose to join Rhodes Island, really. Firewatch: Then the people I need to find... Firewatch: Can Rhodes Island help me there? Field Operator: It's not my place to say anything else. Just, us helping you look for someone—that'd be more effective than you going it alone around Kazimierz, or even areas beyond, right? Firewatch: ...... Field Operator: Alone, you probably wouldn't hold out for too long. You're short on supplies, and you don't have any help. Field Operator: I'll be honest, you're not in the best of shape right now. If you need to find someone, accomplish some goal, then first you need to ensure your survival, right? Field Operator: How do I put it? In our world, if you want to get something done, even if it's as bare and simple as staying alive, a bunch of heads all together always beats one. Firewatch: (Days with no help, only able to rely on myself to live... It's not like I've never gone through times like these.) Firewatch: (The feeling of someone there to help... I can't deny... day in, day out, I miss it.) Firewatch: (In that case, this should go a little quicker now.) Firewatch: You're right. Firewatch: Rhodes Island... a pharmaceutical company. Not out to do anything bad, right? Field Operator: On that point, you can rest assured. Firewatch: Alright. So long as you're willing to lend me more strength— Firewatch: I can lend my strength to you. Firewatch: I'll join. Field Operator: That's wonderful, then! I won't ask for much more information. Once we get back to Rhodes Island, there'll be HR operators who'll check with you separately. Field Operator: After all the red tape's done with, you can officially become a Rhodes Island Operator. Field Operator: I think I can say it'll be a delight to work together with, er...? Um, what should I call you? Firewatch: ...Firewatch. Firewatch: Past, present, future... no matter where I am. Firewatch: Until I find every last traitor, until I fulfill my revenge— Firewatch: This will be the only name I possess.
Rhodes Island Landship In some remote corner... Whisperain: Clearing foreign matter, closing wounds, wiping the blood away. Whisperain: This is what little I can do. Whisperain: For finer treatment, you'll need the aid of a professional doctor from the Medical Department. Phantom: ...This will be enough. Phantom: Thank you. Whisperain: Where will you go? Phantom: Back to where I belong. Whisperain: To where you belong... Whisperain: You mean to say... all alone, by yourself? Whisperain: W-Won't you go celebrate with your team? You've all been on such an important mission this time, and their spirits are so high, and you could surely be together... Phantom: I need not. Phantom: In times of celebration, there need not be me. Under the midday sun, there need not be shadow. Phantom: Perhaps the one who ought to join the celebrations is you. Whisperain: That... I can't... Phantom: As you see fit. Phantom: ...I should be taking my leave. ???: —Hold it! Folinic: I finally found you, Operator Phantom! Folinic: Dr. Whisperain, were you tending to his wounds just now? Whisperain: Ah... yes... Folinic: Though you may not formally be on the Medical Department's roster of doctors, I still have a responsibility to remind you. Folinic: According to the 'Regulations for Management and Treatment of Rhodes Island Wounded Personnel,' all wounded Operators must undergo registration at the Rhodes Island Medical Department. Folinic: When people treat Operators' wounds in private like you have, we can put the little cuts and illnesses aside, but on the off-chance any complications arise in Operator Phantom's condition or from his wounds owing to your incomplete care, that creates a headache for the Medical Department. Whisperain: I'm so sorry... Phantom: The one who asked Miss Whisperain for treatment was I. Phantom: There is no need to blame her. Folinic: I'm just telling her the facts. Folinic: As for you, Operator Phantom, you're the bigger problem here! Folinic: Why didn't you report to the Medical Department following your injuries? Phantom: ...... Folinic: If Blue Poison hadn't been on the same mission and she hadn't informed me about you during treatment, would you have just taken your pain all the way into the next battle? Folinic: This is irresponsible to the company, and irresponsible to yourself. Folinic: I hope you can recognize that. Phantom: ...... Phantom: The fault is mine. Phantom: I deeply apologize to you, dear doctor. Folinic: Right. I accept your apology. Folinic: Now, I need to issue you diagnosis and treatment, along with a full check on your state of health. No problem? Phantom: ...... Folinic: Don't give me that look. Hold on! Mouth shut! Don't make a sound! You're not using your Arts to slip out of here! Folinic: I'm not letting last time repeat itself. If I notice anything even slightly fishy, there's a pushbutton alarm here and I WILL immediately sound it! Whisperain: Was there always such a button on the wall...? Folinic: Just relax. There'll be no corridors. I'm not taking you to the Medical Department. Folinic: Blue Poison's told me you don't like places with a lot of people. Folinic: So I've brought all the equipment here. Folinic: I'll help you collect and sort out your treatment information, and then I'll treat your wounds for you with Dr. Whisperain. Folinic: No problem, Dr. Whisperain? Whisperain: By all means. Folinic: Will that be okay, then, Operator Phantom? Phantom: ...... Phantom: Sigh... Phantom: (Silent nod) Folinic: Good. Then I'll begin your diagnosis and treatment immediately. Folinic: If possible, could you describe for me the rough location and nature of your wounds? Phantom: ...... Folinic: Why aren't you talking? Phantom: (Points at sealed lips) Whisperain: I believe it's because you told him 'mouth shut' just prior, Folinic. Folinic: (Rolls eyes) Folinic: You can talk now. Please go ahead. Phantom: A crossbow bolt piercing the shoulder, a blade slashed across the palm, ice binding both feet. Folinic: Shoulder, perforation wound; injury to hand caused by sharp weapon; hypothermia... Whisperain: No effect observed in right leg, but lower left leg appears not fully recovered. Folinic: Right, let's deal with these one by one. Folinic: Shoulder perforation wound. Whisperain: I closed the wound just prior. There should be no jeopardy. Folinic: Hm... If it was just an ordinary metal bolt, then we're good. Folinic: Did you debride? Whisperain: Already sorted. Folinic: Judging from the healing of the wound, there should be no possibility of poisoning or infection. Folinic: Right. Next item. Folinic: Laceration to the palm. Folinic: Hm. Seems to be healing well. Folinic: However, with two separate wounds, we have a substantially higher risk of infection, so in a moment, I'll give you a prophylactic injection. That should solve that worry. Folinic: Finally, frostbite on the left lower leg. Folinic: Okay, alright. Stay like that, don't move. I brought the detection apparatus just for this. Folinic: This might hurt a little. Hold your breath. Phantom: ...... Sample collected. Beginning analysis— Folinic: Good. Folinic: Once the numbers come out, I can give final diagnostic conclusions. Folinic: Any other discomfort or injuries anywhere? Phantom: (Hm?) Phantom: (Ms. Christine? You seem to have something in your mouth...) Folinic: —Are you listening to me? Phantom: Mm. No, no other injuries. Folinic: Good. Folinic: Your recuperative capacity truly is outstanding, Operator Phantom. Folinic: Maybe I really have been overly concerned. Folinic: Operator Phan—Rather, Phantom, you're a specialist operator, aren't you? Phantom: So they call me. Folinic: But your mix of wounds is more numerous than I've seen on vanguard or defender operators. Phantom: ...... Folinic: I've heard your mission this time was extremely difficult. Folinic: 'It's lucky we had him supporting us. We wouldn't have come back alive otherwise.' I've already heard from plenty of others to that effect. Folinic: But most of them don't know your codename, and have never even seen your form. They only know the shadow flashing across the battlefield helped them out. Phantom: They have nothing to gain from remembering me. Folinic: Sick of hearing that. All the operators I've treated before love stressing that one. Folinic: Let's drop that. Cut down on chatter. Most of the us here aren't that naive, or maybe one day we're all going to go our separate ways. Hell, imagine if one day we all end up meeting on the battlefield. Folinic: But Phantom, and I may be meddling... I feel I need to tell you that, at least right now, they just want to express their gratitude, nothing more. Folinic: Some words you might never have another chance to tell someone, if you don't tell them when you can. Folinic: (Quietly) ...Don't be a goddamned idiot like me, choking everything down inside. Phantom: ...... Folinic: Blue Poison told me you blocked a crossbow bolt for her. Folinic: She wanted to thank you, but couldn't find you, so entrusted me with bringing these things here. Folinic: This brooch is a present from her to you. Please, take it. Phantom: This... Folinic: Just take it. Phantom: Many thanks. Phantom: I will relay my gratitude to her. Analysis complete Now outputting analysis report Folinic: Mm... Folinic: That's not reassuring. Folinic: Mr. Phantom, can you try and move for me? Phantom: (A slightly uncoordinated walk) Folinic: Right. That'll be fine. You can sit down for now. Folinic: Presumably frostbite from hypothermic temperatures caused by Originium Arts. Folinic: Not severe, but it's already affected your mobility. Phantom: Just some small injuries. Folinic: Please leave distinguishing minor injuries to the professional opinion of a medic, thank you. Whisperain: You'd best convalesce for now. Whisperain: That would be my opinion. Folinic: I agree with Dr. Whisperain's view. Folinic: It might be frostbite on the surface, but it's still essentially fine Arts damage. Folinic: We aren't optimistic about your Oripathy infection in the first place. We all need to do our best to avoid any situation that could worsen its progression. Folinic: Ample rest, a healthy diet, and appropriate restorative exercise. These are what you need right now. Folinic: Of course, the most important thing is that you regularly come to the Medical Department for treatment. Folinic: Your treatment course won't be too long. Just one month, and you'll be able to take part in missions again. Folinic: If you don't like the idea of coming to the Medical Department, I can help set up rounds for you to lessen your contact with others. Phantom: ...... Folinic: If you consent, then please sign at the end of this statement. Phantom: (Another sigh) Phantom: (Signs his own codename) Folinic: Good. Thank you for cooperating. Folinic: Now I should give you your injection. Folinic: This is a new model of syringe. It won't leave too much of an ache. Folinic: Please hold your arm out. Phantom: ...... Folinic: (Uses syringe) Folinic: Right. With that, initial prophylactic treatment is a success. Folinic: I have a meeting this afternoon, so I won't bother either of you any further. Folinic: You're on vacation for a month, so live it up, Phantom. Folinic: See you. Whisperain: She's gone now. Whisperain: Phew... It seems I'm still not quite used to talking with Folinic. I always get so nervous... Whisperain: Are you alright? Phantom: Fine, more or less. Ms. Christine: Meow. Phantom: Ms. Christine. Ms. Christine: (She rubs against Phantom.) Phantom: Don't, now. Whisperain: I'd like for you to rest well on your coming vacation. Phantom: Vacation? Phantom: I've never thought about it before. Vacation. What should I do...? Whisperain: Erm, perhaps... see a movie? Whisperain: If I were in your shoes, I might go and see one. And then I'd make a record of how I felt all the while. Whisperain: During them, I always end up fantasizing for myself a life like the people in the pictures, and at the same time, in a contradictory way, I can feel how I truly breathe, outside of the screen... Phantom: Take care. Phantom: Fantasizing of living another's life is no good thing. Whisperain: I understand. It's just that, it's a habit of mine, a way to relax. Whisperain: And moreover... it's a little embarrassing to admit, but it seems as though there are some operators who very much like to read the things I end up writing... Whisperain: I don't personally believe I write all that well, but if it's enough for everyone to enjoy, then I feel it might not be so bad this way. Phantom: I see... Ms. Christine: Meow— Phantom: Ms. Christine? Phantom: That tickles. Don't you... hm? What is this? Whisperain: If I had to guess, she might want you to take a look at this leaflet. Phantom: ...... Phantom: 'Wanted: Multiple staff members for a Multimedia Escape Experience event—' ...... Phantom: 'Staff required to take charge in planning escape rooms in whole, for an urgent and pressing adventurous atmosphere.' Phantom: 'Staff required to plan deciphering and mechanisms within escape rooms.' Phantom: 'Staff required to—' Phantom: '—act out roles.' ...... Phantom: 'Design (until opening) to last one month. Salaried for the duration, with three meals a day included.' Phantom: 'Interested operators and staff aboard, please find details at the Human Resources Department.' Phantom: Multimedia escape experience... Whisperain: I've heard it's a new manner of entertainment, one that emphasizes stimulating the senses and immersive experiences. Whisperain: It seems as though... most escape experiences are themed to rely principally on elements of terror and suspense. Whisperain: I'd seen one, some time before. Its theme was an underground labyrinth in Minos. Whisperain: Truthfully, I wanted very much to give it a try. Whisperain: But that day, the A1 Detachment's Operators told me after experiencing it themselves— Whisperain: 'It scared me to death!' Whisperain: Yet, while they told me that, they seemed to be so happy. Phantom: (Fear, but with joy?) Phantom: (Hm... Enjoying being frightened?) Whisperain: I didn't dare go back then, and now that I think of it, maybe I regret that a little... Whisperain: Perhaps, this time, I can. Er, should I ask Weedy to come with me? Phantom: Ms. Christine, were you hoping for me to see this? Ms. Christine: Meow! Phantom: Hm... Phantom: I believe I understand what you mean. Whisperain: You're leaving, now? So, have you decided on where to go for your vacation? Phantom: Just some concept of it. Phantom: If the right amount of fear can serve to bring others merriment. Phantom: Perhaps... I can give it a try.
1:35 P.M. \ Clear Rhodes Island Landship, Cabin No. 3, Medical Bay Medic Operator: Ok, turn around. Medic Operator: Please try to hold still. Don't move your tail either. Medic Operator: 61.3... Hmm, your tail has grown longer again. Medic Operator: Alright, that's all. Provence: Is the checkup complete? Provence: Ahh, that tickled so bad! To be honest, I'm really not used to having my tail measured like this every time. It's really hard to keep it from moving. Medic Operator: Your reaction is still manageable, you tend to just twitch a little. The ones that are really hard to handle are those operators who suddenly try to attack you. Provence: Yeah, there are some spots that are more sensitive after all. I've heard there are some races that you can't touch at all. Medic Operator: It's true. Medic Operator: Ah, time's up. Here, breathe into this. Provence: (Huff——) Provence: Done! Medic Operator: Yep, no issues. Medic Operator: The results for the blood test will only be out the day after tomorrow, but I'll have the preliminary diagnostic report ready in a moment. Medic Operator: Here, please drink this dissolving agent. Provence: Alright. Provence: I'm so sorry for always taking up your time. I feel really bad that you have to do so many examinations. Provence: I know my own body after all, there's really no problem... Medic Operator: Provence! Provence: Ehh, y-yes? Medic Operator: Please don't say such things again. Just look at the examination data from this check-up, all the indicators have fluctuated! Medic Operator: You also stayed outside longer than planned this time! Medic Operator: Rhodes Island is currently deep in the wilderness and there are barely any known nomadic city routes nearby. Who knows how dangerous it is out there?! Medic Operator: If we don't take proper precautions, it's extremely dangerous to stay in such a place! Provence: My bad, my bad. Please don't get angry at me, okay? Provence: There are a few small villages near our route, and I'm a little worried about them... Medic Operator: You may be a professional Catastrophe Messenger, but you still have to look out for your own safety! Provence: I promise! I guarantee I'll be safe! Provence: Look, I covered myself up all the way, just like how you taught me. Don't worry, I won't take any chances with my health! Medic Operator: Hmm... ???: Save your worries. The Catastrophe Messengers have their own ways of looking after themselves. Warfarin: Especially for Messengers independent of any state, the lone wanderers of the wilderness... Warfarin: I haven't seen many Catastrophe Messengers who could avoid getting infected, but a normal person would have died many times over if thrown into such environments. Warfarin: On the contrary, these Messengers are still as lively as ever. Provence: Um, was that a compliment? Warfarin: No. Provence: Sorry, what was that? Provence: Well, you're not wrong. The environments we work in wouldn't be kind to the normal people. But, as long as you get the right training and avoid taking risks, it's actually not so bad. Provence: A lot of my colleagues work for a single city-state a big company. Keeps them away from the riskiest work and guarantees a nice salary. Provence: Catastrophe Messengers get paid well, with a high bar to entry. The assessment tests are extremely tough. Medic Operator: I see... Medic Operator: Speaking of which, the two new operators who've just arrived recently seem to have been recommended here by the Catastrophe Messenger platform. Are they your peers as well, Provence? Provence: Ah, are you talking about Leonhardt and Tsukinogi? Provence: Those two are very well-known, actually... Provence: I met the both of them before coming for the check-up. I'm glad that Leonhardt seems to be adjusting well. Warfarin: Oh? You know that long-eared brat? Warfarin: He worked this little one over so badly she burst into tears. Just ask her about it. Medic Operator: Dr. Warfarin! Warfarin: Fine, fine. I've said enough. Provence: Ahahahahaha. Warfarin: Was it really that funny? Warfarin: Oh, right. That brat and that heiress from Higashi haven't yet completed their check-ups. Since you know them, do help to call them over. Provence: Haha, sure, no problem! Provence: I'll be going then~ Leonhardt: I'm done eating. Here's my plate, babe. Leonhardt: Skinny? What? Everyone my age is like this. I probably look a little skinner since I'm still growing. Leonhardt: Yup, I'm getting enough to eat. I'm always here eating your food, aren't I? Leonhardt: The fried rice cake today was delicious! And the egg rolls yesterday were really good too! Ah, I have to go. I have training next, so I'll see you later~ Leonhardt: Phew. Leonhardt: The people here are more vivacious than I expected. Sigh If I keep eating like this, I'll get fat sooner or later. ???: That doesn't sound too bad. The lady in the cafeteria seems to really like you. Provence: Good afternoon, Leonhardt. Looks like you're doing well. Provence: I figured you'd be at the cafeteria around this time, luckily you hadn't gone far. I was looking for you. Leonhardt: Good afternoon, Provence. Please don't make fun of me, I've really started to put on weight since I came here. Some of my clothes don't even fit anymore! Leonhardt: Why were you looking for me though? Provence: Dr. Warfarin wants you for a follow-up examination. Not just you, Tsukinogi too. Provence: I went to the dance room earlier, but there was no one there. I don't know where Tsukinogi might be... Leonhardt: Ah, I know where she is. Leonhardt: Besides dancing her religious stuff, Tsukinogi also enjoys finding a quiet spot and looking at the scenery. I saw her near the outer layer just now, she might still be there. Provence: Ehh... You haven't been at Rhodes Island for long, but you already know so much. Leonhardt: Hehe, I'm always paying attention to what people like, or don't like. Leonhardt: Follow me! Tsukinogi: ...... Tsukinogi: Accumulating clouds, a light breeze and dissipating fog... Tsukinogi: Looks like the weather is turning. Leonhardt: Ah, how lucky. Tsukinogi's still here. Leonhardt: Hello~ Tsukinogi. Provence: Good afternoon, Tsukinogi! Tsukinogi: Oh? Good afternoon, to the both of you. Tsukinogi: What's going on? Were you looking for me? Provence: Ah, yes. Dr. Warfarin told me to ask you to head to Medical, for a follow-up examination. Tsukinogi: Is that so? Alright, I shall head over now. Provence: Oh, it's not that urgent. I think the medics should be off for lunch now. If you take your time you'll still make it. Leonhardt: That's right! The ladies of the Medical Department need their break. Let's take the chance to relax as well. Leonhardt: Have you had lunch yet, Tsukinogi? The cafeteria here is really good. I highly recommend the fried rice cakes and North Sadleir vegetable stew. Tsukinogi: Hehe, I've already eaten. Tsukinogi: However, I will have to try out those dishes next time, since you recommended them so highly. Leonhardt: They will definitely live up to your expectations! Provence: Hmm... The scenery here is really nice. I've never really paid attention to this spot before. Didn't expect there was such a place on the landship. Provence: Tsukinogi is really amazing, the same Catastrophe Patrol of Higashi I've heard about. Tsukinogi: You flatter me. I was just looking for a quiet spot. Tsukinogi: Dancing together with everyone is enjoyable, of course, but sitting here quietly and looking at the scenery is also quite pleasant. Tsukinogi: As Catastrophe Messengers ourselves, we also carry the duty of monitoring the environment while we are stationed on the landship. As such, this wouldn't be considered slacking off. Leonhardt: How dedicated. I really have a lot to learn from my more experienced colleagues. Provence: It's our job after all. Ahh, I always end up unconsciously relaxing whenever I'm on the landship... Provence: ...Hm? Provence: (What's going on? It feels like the weather's changed.) Provence: (Why would the tops of the clouds look like that...? They were fine when I came back this morning...) Provence: (And the wind marks... The wind isn't blowing strongly, yet it's leaving such distinctive marks...) Provence: Tsukinogi, look at the clouds over there... Provence: This phenomenon, these traits, could it be... Tsukinogi: ...... Tsukinogi: Blazing yet imperceptible. The fog has dispersed and a gale is building. Tsukinogi: I wasn't completely sure just now, however it seems that we are indeed unfortunate. Provence: The wind has changed——It's a Regional Catastrophe Outbreak! Leonhardt: I'll head out to check! Provence: Watch out! A strong wind should be picking up soon, if you head out now you might get blown away! Leonhardt: Don't worry! Leonhardt: ——Such a piddling breeze won't do anything to me! Tsukinogi: Ahh... What an energetic young man. Tsukinogi: The darker clouds further beyond have started to spread. Based on the moisture in the air and the changing of the wind... Yes, I'm not wrong. Tsukinogi: These are the omens of an incoming Catastrophe. Provence: How unlucky. To think that we'd encounter a sudden Catastrophe like this. Provence: When Leonhardt gets back, we need to quickly inform Amiya and the people at the bridge! Thank goodness we discovered it early. We should still have enough time to change directions. Provence: Luckily there aren't any nomadic cities that we need to inform around here. Tsukinogi: Nomadic cities usually don't stay in regions with unstable weather like this. Tsukinogi: After all, if they encountered an emergency situation that escalated rapidly like this, the larger nomadic cities wouldn't be able to maneuver in time. The big shots in the cities would never take a risk like that. Tsukinogi: On the other hand, something like Rhodes Island would have no issues avoiding Catastrophes in such situations. Provence: Ehh, wait a minute... Oh no, oh no! Provence: Around here... I remember there are a few villages in that direction! Tsukinogi: Huh... Is that true? There are people living on such desolate land? Provence: Of course it's true! Provence: There are quite a number of villages in the wilderness. It's the same in every country. Provence: They can't properly enter the nomadic cities, and the arable land around the cities is usually already claimed, so they have no choice but to settle somewhere further and live their lives taking one day at a time. Provence: Since they don't really have a choice, everyone's always prepared to move at any time. All their belongings can be packed up quickly. There's not many people in each village, so they can usually escape to safety given some advance notice. Tsukinogi: Oh, now that you mention it, I've heard of similar situations in Higashi. Provence: Ah... Such things happen everywhere. Even so, no matter how much you get used to it, there is always a chance that you don't make it. Provence: That's why I always try to make as many detours as possible, to warn these villages... Provence: (......) Provence: (I wonder if the villagers have noticed the changing weather.) Provence: (If not...) Leonhardt: Sorry to keep you waiting! Leonhardt: I had a look at it, and it doesn't bode well. Leonhardt: The transformation of the cloud layer is happening very quickly, even the wind has changed. I don't expect this place to remain safe much longer, it'll be a few hours to half a day at most. Provence: That fast?! Tsukinogi: At that speed, the abnormal weather effects will occur all around us soon. We can't go outside like that anymore, it's too dangerous. Provence: ...... Leonhardt: Don't worry, I know. I traveled a short distance towards the Catastrophe just now and didn't see any cities nearby. Leonhardt: It'd have been dangerous if I continued forward even if I was adequately prepared, so we're unable to gather any more information for now. Leonhardt: Ah, I'll tell you the rest later. Let me report to Amiya first. Tsukinogi: Well then, we'll go and make our own preparations. Provence: ...... Provence: No, I have to go to the villages! I won't be able to sleep at night if I don't! Provence: Tsukinogi, I'll leave the preparations for the landship to you! Tsukinogi: Hey, wait! Provence, I told you it's too dangerous! Tsukinogi: Times like this, when we don't know how quickly the Catastrophe will form, even someone of your skill will be in great danger if you go too deep! Provence: I... I will be very careful. Someone has to go and warn them! Provence: The large nomadic cities have their own Catastrophe Messengers, they'd be fine without us. Provence: But these small villages and settlements are different! Provence: If we don't go, the people out there will probably get caught out. Provence: A sudden Catastrophe like this could easily catch them off guard long before they could get clear! Tsukinogi: Even so... Provence: Isn't our job to provide early warnings and do our best to mitigate the dangers brought about by the Catastrophes? Provence: They talk about Catastrophe Messengers like we get paid well and live nice, steady lives, but that's not me! Provence: I've never forgotten my purpose. Provence: 'It's all about saving lives. More lives.' Provence: Maybe we all have our own ideas about that sentence. Provence: But to me... Provence: To me, it means that whether it's the rich nobles living in the city, or the poor farmers living in the villages, all life is equally important. There is no distinction between lives. Tsukinogi: ...... Tsukinogi: Haha, alright. I understand you. Tsukinogi: Equality of life does mean that one's life cannot be valued in terms of wealth or status... Tsukinogi: That's a good philosophy. Provence: Then...! Tsukinogi: However. Tsukinogi: What about your own life, Provence? Provence: Huh? I... Tsukinogi: To me, these equal lives also include yours. Tsukinogi: Should I just let you put yourself in danger? Only to save more lives? Tsukinogi: Would you then weigh the value of lives in terms of numbers, and sacrifice the few to save the many? Provence: I... Provence: ...I wouldn't say so. If something can only be done by sacrificing lives, then there must be something intrinsically wrong with it. Provence: But that has nothing to do with our situation! It's not the time to be discussing that either! Provence: I know people have a Catastrophe bearing down on them, I have to go and warn them. It's my duty! Tsukinogi: I won't stop you. Tsukinogi: After understanding your viewpoint, it'd be wrong of me to stop you. Provence: That's good—— Tsukinogi: Yes, I won't stop you. I will go with you. Provence: Huh? Tsukinogi: Oh, did you forget? I'm a Catastrophe Messenger too. It's only natural for me to go with you. Provence: But... It will really be dangerous... Tsukinogi: I'm aware. That's why I have a request to make of you. Tsukinogi: If I determine that the situation is too dangerous, I will stop you even if I have to use force. Tsukinogi: Is that acceptable? Provence: That... Tsukinogi: I only hope that you can value your own life more. Provence: Thank you. Provence: I understand. We'll do that then. Let's go! Provence: How should I put this... You're very different from how I imagined. Provence: I thought that an heiress from Higashi would be more... Umm, elitist and snobbish. Tsukinogi: Oh? That's a complete misunderstanding. Tsukinogi: I've always been trying my best to grow closer to everyone at Rhodes Island. I've even started to reach saturation lately. Provence: Saturation...? That sounds weird... Provence: Whatever! Anyway, let's move! If we don't go now, we'll never make it in time! Sigh I'll definitely get chewed out by that girl in Medical again when I get back. Provence: ...Yeah, I'd better come up with my apology first.
10:30 A.M. \ Clear Rhodes Island Landship, Cabin 4, Convalescent Garden Rope: 'Scuse me~ Rope: ......? Rope: 'Scuse meee, anyone in— Rope: Hmmm? Rope: Aw, man. Rope: Nobody in? Morniiiing—Mooorniiiing—Just checkiiiiing—Anyone iiiiiiiin—! Halllll—looooooo—? Rope: ...... Rope: Huh, actually deserted. Rope: That's sucky. Rope: Wasting my time somewhere empty-handed ain't my style. Hm-hmm, I'm here after all. Let's let your li'l Peter Pan of Lungmen, Rope, take a look, see what nice stuff's lying around... Rope: ...Wait, no! Rope: (Claps face) Rope: Stoppit, stoppit, Rope. Pull it in. You can't do that. Rope: (Claps face) (Claps face) Rope: Ugh, what a scary habit to have. Rope: But you can't leave the door unlocked when no-one's in. That's just too sloppy. You can't blame anyone else when you lose something, okay? Rope: I swear I won't take anything. Just looking, looking... Rope: Just lemme looksie, scope what's good around here~ Rope: Hm? What's on the ground here... iunno. Who cares? Let's jump it! Rope: Hohoh, these flowers are real pretty with their colors. Dunno if they're worth anything... Rope: Oh, this ain't equipment you see everyday. Probably pretty expensive, huh? Rope: And over this way's... herbs? Rope: Hm? Hmm?? Whoooa, what IS this smell? This is pungent! Rope: I'm, I'm getting a little dizzy... Rope: Pteh—haah, close call! Rope: Oh, crap, I thought I was about to faint. That was way too risky...! Rope: 'Better to jimmy open a Lungmen treasury box than charge an open door.' No wonder a mentor once said that. Kinda makes sense now. Rope: ...... Rope: Heh, okay, the joke ends here. Rope: If nobody's in, then I'm all hands tied. Wanted to do a little good for once, too. Whatevs. Rope: I guess I'll just come next time— Rope: Hm? Rope: What, I'm not the only one on the down-low? Rope: Hehey, now this is getting interesting. Wherever you came from, li'l dodger, let's have a duel~ Rope: Pitter patter, sneakity skatter... position scoped, hook ready— Perfumer: Morning dew, peppermint, shaved ice showers♪ Perfumer: Setting sun, jasmine, honey flowers♪ Rope: Uh... Perfumer: Hm-hmm~, hmm~, hm-hmm hm-hmm~~ Rope: Uh, esscuse me... Perfumer: And add just a little culture. Hmm, that should be a good amount! Rope: No, c'mon, you're way too focused. Perfumer: And then mix it with the deep soil here. Oh, or perhaps add a little bit more plant ash? Perfumer: Mhmm, this should do it just nicely! Rope: (Has she literally not noticed me? You need to keep your wits about you, y'know?) Rope: (And here I thought some thief actually got in. Eugh.) Perfumer: Hmm... the balance still seems a little off. Last time's cultivar had balance issues too. Phew, let me think, what should I do... Perfumer: Peat, akadama... maintain weak acidity... Rope: (Still talking to herself. Is this, like, an okay situation?) Rope: (Oh, but watching from the side is pretty fun~) Perfumer:! Perfumer: That's right, how could I forget! I can try adding in some sandy soil brought from where it grew! Perfumer: Mhmm, no matter plants or people, they're all best at home! Rope: (Kind of makes sense to hear.) Rope: (But y'know the sort who really work to flee the nest? Never wanna go back, those people? Uh, people? Plants? Whatever, same thing. There's plenty of them, right?) Perfumer: Oh, now where did I put that soil again... Perfumer: Not here, and not here. Hmm... how strange... Perfumer: Hm? Rope: Hm? Perfumer:!! Perfumer: Wha-wha-wha?! Rope: ?! Rope: Huh? Huh?? Rope: What-what's wrong? What's up? Perfumer: Eh? Ah... Perfumer: Miss... Rope?
Fumizuki: Yuki-chan. Shirayuki: Here. Fumizuki: I've informed Yenwu. Now, I've arranged for you to enter a pharmaceutical company called Rhodes Island as an operator. Shirayuki: Rhodes Island? Fumizuki: Yes. You've likely already heard of it. Shirayuki: Only that the Miss has deep ties with them. Shirayuki: Does the Princess want me to protect the Miss? Fumizuki: Hm... that has been part of my intent. After all, this is an Infected organization. However, I believe Hui-chieh should be able to handle things herself. Shirayuki: Infected... does the Princess consider them reliable? Fumizuki: Yes. Be assured. I've met their leader before. She is quite a good girl. Fumizuki: And I've looked into things a little. I feel the company itself is good too. So, I feel this is a good opportunity. Shirayuki: Opportunity? Fumizuki: Yes. You've followed me since childhood. Even now in Lungmen, you haven't once left my side. Shirayuki: It is my mission. Fumizuki: But you also ought to see the sights outside. Shirayuki: I need only to know what sights the Princess sees. Fumizuki: This is an order, Yuki-chan. Shirayuki: ...Understood. Shirayuki: I am Shirayuki. Princess Fumizuki told me to assist Madam Ch'en and follow all your orders. Option_1: Hello. Option_2: ...... Option_3: Welcome! Shirayuki: ...... Shirayuki: ...... Option_4: ...... Shirayuki: ...... Option_5: ...... Shirayuki: ...... Shirayuki: ...... Shirayuki: Several days' observation. The Doctor, a strange sort. Shirayuki: Directly heats instant food in mouth with kettle. Genius. Shirayuki: But holds true requisite ability, in command of people and handling of sundry affairs. Shirayuki: Further, Rhodes Island. More than meets the eye. Shirayuki: Surface-level, a pharmaceutical company. In reality, close to a military organization. With fair strength. No surprise Lord Wei would cooperate with this company. Shirayuki: The Princess spoke it not forth, but as Miss Ch'en is here, I am presumably willed to investigate this organization, and protect the Miss in full. Shirayuki: Doctor aside, two others are leaders here. Shirayuki: Amiya, I have met. In the Princess's words, a very kindly person. Shirayuki: But as she has proven a leader, exceptionality must reside. Cannot be taken lightly. Shirayuki: The other, a Kal'tsit, not yet met. From others' conversation, the true core figure of this company. Further understanding of her required. Shirayuki: Rough structure of accessible ship interior area committed to memory. Time, one in the morning. I shall move out. Shirayuki: Entered. Shirayuki: Rhodes Island's pipeline design, adequate. Shirayuki: Ordered systematically, omnidirectional... and correspondingly monitored. Shirayuki: But such levels, a mere trifle. Shirayuki: Most passages are connected with dormitories via toilets. Only some windows give sight of what happens within dormitories, due to planning... Fair. ???: Hwaaah... Gummy, I wanna eat meat... Shirayuki: Ceobe. Shirayuki: Abysmal sleeping posture. Midnight: Phew... Wonderful. That's enough training today to hit standards. Midnight: It's late now. Though there are no missions tomorrow, I should quickly do my skincare, and then it's beddy-byes. Midnight: Ah. Ever since I became an Operator, I haven't been properly managing my appearance. Midnight: But what can you do? Some things are a necessary sacrifice. Midnight: And I suppose even if I don't take care, I'm handsome enough as is. Shirayuki: (Shudder) Shirayuki: Operator codename, Midnight. Shirayuki: Narcissist. Shirayuki: Yet, ample muscle definition. Dobermann: Hm? Is it already this late? Dobermann: Whatever. Just a bit longer. I'm almost done drawing up the training program for Kroos's group. Dobermann: Kids really mature fast, don't they? You wouldn't recognize them now compared to when they just arrived at Rhodes Island. Dobermann: Heh. Though they're still a mile from where I want them to be. Shirayuki: Instructor Dobermann. Shirayuki: Steel-cold, heart of gold. Shirayuki: Most have already fallen asleep. Shirayuki: Rhodes Island's people by and large, seem used to life here. Shirayuki: Just as the Princess's words, a good place. Shirayuki: Ahead leaves the dormitory area. Tread carefully. Pant... pant... Zima: Natalya... uh, should be calling you Rosa now. About time you call it. Rosa: Phew... You go to bed first. I'll do a little more training by myself. Zima: ...Fine. You've got me for a while longer. Zima: I let you live. Think how bad I'd look if you just went and bit it on the battlefield. Rosa: Aha. If I could trouble you, then. Shirayuki: Two students from Ursus. Seemingly, refugees admitted prior. Shirayuki: Chernobog. A tragedy. Shirayuki: I wish you good luck. Shirayuki: Hm? That... Kal'tsit: Amiya, we'll conclude our work for today here. Amiya: Alright, Dr. Kal'tsit. Amiya: I'm not sure if the Doctor's asleep yet. I'll go and take a quick look. Kal'tsit: Dr. {@nickname} possesses a peculiar set of norms. Amiya: That might be true, but the Doctor's wellbeing is also very important! Amiya: I'll turn in after I've checked on the Doctor. Is that alright, Dr. Kal'tsit? Kal'tsit: ...Suit yourself. Amiya: Mm-hm! Shirayuki: So this should be Dr. Kal'tsit... Kal'tsit: ...... Shirayuki: Her gaze, as though it flickered hither! Have I been found?! Kal'tsit: ...... Shirayuki: (Seemingly, she has not noticed me. Yet that sensation, it was...) Shirayuki: Forget it. As I am not found, I shall proceed. Shirayuki: (Hm? Ahead, an impression of great noise... surmising from direction, likely the Engineering Department.) Closure: Wait wait wait! No way! You're meant to kiss right freaking here, aren't you?! What are you hesitating for?! You're the heroine! Closure: Ugh, come on, one of these scenes is enough! Don't do it every time! What's your PROBLEM, scriptwriter?! Closure: Euuugh, I haaate this kind of development... How are they on their seventh season by now? And the reviews get crappier each time. Closure: They're just dragging it out! That's all they're doing! Closure: ...Dammit, but that boy's so hot. And he's in every episode! Closure: Fine. I'll hang in there. Can't say it won't get better! Shirayuki: Chief Engineer Closure. Shirayuki: 'Tis alleged that the Rhodes Island ship was her plan alone. Fearsome. Shirayuki: Yet this is not where the show's true ruin lies. The fourth season's spontaneous introduction of the supporting man; such was a nightmare. Closure: What? You're kidding me?! I thought this was bad enough! Shirayuki: ...You catch upon my words?! Closure: Oh, shoot, I knee-jerked that one out. Closure: Whatever, come down here. Shirayuki: ...... Shirayuki: ...Since when? Closure: The start. Shirayuki: ...... Closure: Oh, don't get me wrong, your ninja techniques are real amazing stuff. Thing is, I just knew you were gonna do this from the start. Shirayuki: ...'Twas my individual action, untied to anyone. Closure: Alright, alright, loosen up. You think I'm treating you as a spy here or something? Closure: Princess Fumizuki specially phoned up Amiya when she sent you over. Shirayuki: ......? Closure: When she did, she told Amiya, even if she had no ulterior motive sending you here, she was worried you might go a little overboard. So, she specifically warned us beforehand to keep our ears perked. Closure: And she gave Amiya a couple details on your MO, so I've been a little extra aware of you the past while. Shirayuki: ...This has naught to do with the Princess. Closure: Jeez, you are some tough customer. Closure: Y'know, now I get the feeling I can't really talk you over. Closure: But if we actually treated you like a spy, wouldn't Kal'tsit have just dealt with you back there? Shirayuki: ...... Closure: Basically, seeing as this is your first offense, don't you worry that anyone's gonna punish you, or that it'll reflect badly on your Princess. Closure: But I don't recommend you try prowling around Rhodes Island like that again. Closure: On the one hand, you'd absolutely, aaaaaabsolutely never get into the core. At least, the pipes won't let you. Closure: But on the other hand, snooping into other people's privacy isn't super cool. Closure: And don't you get tired doing that? Shirayuki: I do not. Shirayuki: I will not repeat this. Closure: And you're gonna go find some other way instead, aren't you? Shirayuki: ...I make no guarantee. Closure: Wowie, do I wanna let Kal'tsit sic you. Loyal people are such a pain in the neck, honestly. Closure: But whatever, Kal'tsit wanted me to tell you this instead. 'You may use your methods to observe Rhodes Island, but Rhodes Island is observing you too.' Shirayuki: ...I understand. Closure: Hey, honestly, if you're so bored at night you wanna roam around, you can come watch these stories with me. Closure: You gave me the impression you've done a little research into them. Most of Rhodes Island are all outdoorsy types, and I'm starving for any compatriots of my own. It's killing me, c'mon. Shirayuki: In continuing to watch this, you will truly find no value. Shirayuki: I may recommend some. I know not if you possess them. Closure: Alright, alright! Closure: Lay 'em on me, and if I don't have them, I'll go find them for us to watch together! Shirayuki: ...Very well. [ - title - Blackberry Honey.txt ]
Taohua: "Ah, my little Lori. I can't believe how lovely you are!" Lorina: "I, um... A-Ah..." Lorina whimpered, her legs shivering. Her fingers gripped the black material of her maid's dress. It was normally so demure, stopping at her ankles, but... Now, it was anything but. Lorina held up her skirts with her hands, all the way over her knees, and even higher. Displaying her knees would have been scandalous enough, but... Her skirts — and even her chemise, too, which was all bundled up together in Lorina's grasping hands — were held so high, they uncovered... Lorina: "Wh-Why...?" Taohua: "What is it, my little Lori?" Lorina looked down at her shoes. They were black and sensible, and only slightly scuffed from use. Her shoes, at least, made sense. Her shoes and her socks, too. The rest of this situation, however... Lorina: "Wh-Why do you want me to do this...?" Taohua: "Isn't it obvious? It's because I want to see you." Lorina: "B-But you can see me already...!" Taohua pressed a soft kiss against the side of Lorina's cheek. Taohua: "I mean, I want to see _all_ of you." Lorina: "A-All of me...?" Taohua: "Well... The most intimate parts." Lorina: "You shouldn't look at me there..." Taohua: "Why not?" Lorina: "B-Because it... I-It's private..." Taohua: "But, despite that, you still let me watch you when you were bathing." Lorina: "Th-That was different...!" Taohua: "I don't see how." Lorina: "Y-You're supposed to be naked in the bath..." Taohua: "Expertly observed. You'd make a fine detective." Lorina: "St-Stop teasing me...!" Taohua: "I can't help myself. It's so much fun~" Lorina trembled and shook her head. Her short, choppy hair fluttered. The sunshine caught it, making the individual strands glow, as though it had been threaded through with fireflies. Her bright red cheeks, like two toffee apples, just seemed to invite kissing. Taohua: "Honestly, my little Lori, you really are silly." Lorina: "Wh-What do you mean...?" Taohua: "You don't have to do this if you don't want to." Lorina: "But you asked me to show you..." Taohua: "You could have refused." Lorina: "I..." Taohua: "But despite that, you went along with it — of your own free will, no less." Taohua: "Why are you acting like this is some great hardship?" Lorina: "Because it... I-It's embarrassing..." Taohua: "Then loosen your grip and return your skirts to their proper place, and we'll say no more about it." Lorina: "R-Really?" Taohua: "Really. Truly. Unless..." Taohua: "You're enjoying this after all?" Lorina: "I... I don't know." Taohua: "You don't know how you feel?" Lorina shook her head. Lorina: "E-Ever... Ever since that day, when you kissed me in the bathtub, um..." Lorina: "I haven't felt entirely right." Taohua: "Hm? This sounds serious." Taohua's eyes softened in concern. Taohua: "What do you mean, Lori?" Lorina: "My heart sounds pounding when I see you, and my throat feels tight..." Taohua: "Is that all?" Lorina: "Wh-What?" Taohua sunk down to her knees and pressed her fingertips against Lorina's thigh, and let them trail upwards. Seeing a woman like Taohua, so prideful and haughty, kneeling before her on the floor was incredible. Impossible. Lorina almost wanted to pinch herself — but she didn't have to. Taohua's sharp fingernails were a reminder enough. This wasn't a dream. Lorina revelled in the strange, heady feeling of being in control for all of five seconds, until— Taohua: "How do you feel around here?" Lorina: "A-Aaah...!" Taohua's roving fingertips skirted dangerously close to Lorina's entrance, procuring a sudden, sharp moan from the younger maid. Lorina: "I... I..." Taohua: "What was that? I didn't quite catch that." Lorina: "I... I feel, um... U-Um..." Taohua: "What?" Taohua: "How, exactly, do you feel, my little Lori?" Lorina: "You..." Lorina: "Wh-Why are you making me say such embarrassing things...?!" Taohua: "For fun?" Lorina: "What a bully." Taohua: "Maybe~" Taohua smiled and pressed a quick kiss against Lorina's exposed hip. The younger maid blushed all the harder. Taohua: "But I wouldn't bully you if it wasn't mutually agreeable. Look here." Taohua slid the tip of her index finger into Lorina's pussy, and then another. The younger girl moaned. Lorina: "Nngh...!" Taohua: "See?" Taohua drew back her hand and held it before Lorina's face. Her fingers were slick and wet, and shone indecently beneath the sunlight. Taohua: "Now, what does _this_ suggest?" Lorina: "I... I don't know..." Taohua: "Then let me make a hypothesis." Taohua: "Maybe I'm reading into this situation wrongly, but... Your reaction suggests, to me at least, that you rather like being bullied." Taohua: "Imagine that." Lorina: "Th-That's not proper evidence..." Taohua: "Why not?" Lorina: "I-It was received under duress... Um... I-It would never hold up in a court of law...!" Taohua: "But we're not in court, are we?" Lorina: "N-No..." Taohua: "We're all alone. There's nobody here to judge you but me." So saying, Taohua brought her fingers to her lips and flicked her tongue across them. Lorina: "Aahn..." Lorina moaned. It was as though Taohua was licking _her_ — and, in a sense, she was. Taohua: "You're so delicious, my little Lori~" Lorina: "Liar..." Lorina pulled a face. Lorina: "It can't taste good." Taohua: "Do you want to try?" Lorina: "D-Don't be disgusting!" Taohua: "It isn't disgusting. There's nothing disgusting about your body. If there was, I wouldn't want to touch it, or kiss it, or lick it..." Taohua: "Hmm." Taohua paused, pondering. Taohua: "That sounds like quite a good idea, actually." Lorina: "You, um... want to lick me...?" Taohua: "Yes. I want to slide my tongue across the entrance of your vagina, and then suck on your clitoris until you orgasm~" Lorina: "U-Using technical terminology doesn't make it any less depraved!" Taohua pouted. Taohua: "You're so proper, Lori, I thought you would appreciate it." Lorina: "W-Well, um... I-If you really want to..." Taohua: "No, no, no. It isn't about what _I_ want. It's what _you_ want." Lorina: "B-But I thought you were trying to relieve some stress?" Taohua: "I am — but I don't want to use you for my own amusement. I know only too well how that feels." Taohua: "I won't go any further unless you ask me." Lorina: "Th-Then I, um..." Lorina shifted. She started to rub her thighs together. She couldn't help herself. She felt so wet and hot, and Taohua's ministrations hadn't helped. She wanted her. She wanted the older woman so badly, it overcame her embarrassment. Lorina: "I, um... I want you to lick me." Taohua: "And _where_ do you want me to lick you?" Lorina: "Nn..." Lorina grit her teeth together. Did Taohua have to draw things out so much? She said it was for Lorina's sake, but the younger maid was starting to wonder... Taohua just loved theatrics. She liked putting Lorina on the spot, so she could watch her blush and stammer. Lorina: "I-I, um... I want you to lick my... my... {size=-5}my pussy, please..." Taohua: "Good girl. That wasn't so hard, was it?" Lorina: "Taohua..." Taohua: "Yes, yes. I'll take care of you. You deserve a reward." Lorina: "Nn... A-Aaah..." Lorina moaned, already coming apart, as the older woman took hold of her thighs. Taohua's fingernails, ten neat crescent moons, dug into Lorina's exposed flesh. Lorina: "Aaah..." The younger maid felt something soft and warm spreading the lips of her pussy. It was unfamiliar and made her tense, her back arching. Lorina: "Nn... I, um... I... A-Ah...!" Lorina's breaths fell from her lips in ragged moans. Her knees trembled. She almost felt like she would collapse, but she couldn't; not with Taohua's hands supporting her. Taohua's tongue circled Lorina's clit. She licked and nipped it, sucking on it. The mixture of sensation was almost overwhelming. It was too much. Lorina: "I... I-I can't..." Taohua: "But isn't this what you asked for?" Lorina: "Nn... I-I didn't think it would be so... S-So..." Taohua: "So what?" Lorina: "I... I-I don't know..." Taohua: "Silly little Lori." Taohua's voice was soft and sing-song as she pressed a kiss against Lorina's inner thigh. Taohua: "You don't know very much about sex, do you?" Lorina: "Nn..." Taohua: "Well, don't worry. I'll help you." Lorina: "A-Aah... T-Tao... aaa..." Lorina's eyes started to bead with tears. Why was she so sensitive? Taohua: "Oh, Lori... You look rather worked up." Lorina: "I-It's... all your fault..." Taohua: "How is it my fault?" Lorina: "B-Because you're... You're putting your tongue where it doesn't belong..." Taohua: "But you seem to be enjoying it." Lorina: "Sh-Shut up!" Taohua: "Or what? Are you going to make me?" Lorina: "I... I-I..." Taohua: "I think you're misunderstanding the situation, my little Lori." Taohua dug one of her fingernails a little deeper into Lorina's skin. Taohua: "You can't give me orders. I'm the one in charge. If I want to make you whimper and moan, I will. If I don't, I won't." Taohua: "I'm doing this out of the goodness of my heart, so please don't tell me to shut up. It's very hurtful." Lorina: "I... I-I... I-I'm sorry..." Taohua: "You're sorry...?" Lorina: "I'm sorry, um... M-Mistress..." Taohua: "Good. Make sure that it doesn't happen again." Lorina: "K-Kyaa...!" Lorina wailed. She could feel Taohua's tongue again. It was maddeningly slow as it traced circles about her clit, and then— Lorina: "A-Aaaah..." There. Right _there_... Lorina: "Aaah... I, I... I-I think..." But Lorina did not know what she thought. Neither did it matter. Her body was numb with feeling. She twitched, panting. Her chest heaved. And yet, the moment she felt like she was going to release— Lorina: "Aaah..." Taohua relented. Taohua: "Oh? Is something wrong?" Lorina looked at Taohua with tearful eyes. She sniffed. Lorina: "Y-You're mean..." Taohua: "I just like teasing my pets." Lorina: "B-But this pet can't stand it for much longer..." Taohua: "Is it really that bad?" Lorina: "Y-Yes... I'm so wet..." Taohua: "Please, tell me something I don't already know." Lorina: "Nn..." Lorina wanted to hide her face with her hands but she couldn't. Not when she was still gripping her skirts. All she could do was whimper. Lorina: "S-So embarrassing..." Taohua: "Mmhmm. Your pussy is all swollen and pink. It looks needy." Lorina: "Wh-Why would you tell me that...?!" Taohua: "I just thought it was interesting." Lorina: "W-We're not at the National History Museum..." Taohua: "If we were, we'd be arrested for public indecency." Lorina: "Y-You know what I mean...!" Taohua: "All right, my cute little Lori. If this really is too much stimulation, I suppose I can be kind... Just this once..." Lorina: "Y-You... You're going to let me come...?" Taohua: "Yes, you can come. I'll give you permission." Lorina: "Aaah.." Taohua dipped her head, pushing her tongue between the swollen lips of Lorina's most sensitive area. She didn't tease Lorina this time. Her tongue traced across the sensitive nub of her clit, and then she began to suck. Lorina: "Oh... A-Ah... Mistress... Mistress, i-it... I-It feel so good... Aaaahn..." Random words, broken syllables, fell between Lorina's lips, but it didn't really matter what she was saying. All of a sudden, everything went white. Lorina: "A-Ah...! T-Taohua, you..!" But Lorina didn't have a chance to finish. Taohua had already pushed her against the kitchen table. Lorina's breasts were pressed against the counter, while her skirts and chemise were pulled up about her middle to expose her behind. The surface of the table was warm, lit from the sunshine that spilt in through the windows. Taohua: "Oh, my little Lori. You're so lovely~" Taohua leant forwards, hair spilling over her shoulder, and whispered into Lorina's ear. Her breath was cool. Taohua: "You've been waiting for this for a while, haven't you?" Lorina: "I... I-I wasn't..." Taohua: "That's what you say, but..." Taohua slipped one finger inside Lorina, and then another. Her digits pushed inside her experimentally, then parted. Lorina: "Nn..." Lorina whimpered. She was being... stretched open... Taohua: "The evidence presented before me begs to differ~" Lorina: "W-Well, I..." Taohua: "Well, what? What do you have to say for yourself?" Lorina: "I..." Taohua: "I don't think there's anything you _can_ say. You're wasting your breath." Taohua: "You've only convinced me of one thing during this exchange." Lorina: "Wh-What...?" Taohua: "That you're desperate, of course~" Lorina: "A-Aah...!" Taohua nibbled on the shell of Lorina's ear, her teeth grazing skin. Lorina shuddered. Taohua's fingers were still inside her pussy, sliding in and out with no resistance. Lorina was getting wet already, and her hips twitching. Still, she tried to maintain a modicum of decency. Lorina: "I... I... I-I'm not _desperate_..." Taohua: "When why are you drooling?" Lorina: "I-I am...?!" Taohua: "Hehe~ You're so cute, my little Lori, to forget yourself like that. You must really enjoy being played, hmm?~" Lorina: "I... I-I don't... Ah... A-Aah!" Taohua: "Oh, my~ You're making a lot of noise~" Lorina: "Nn... I... I-I can't..." Taohua: "It's true we're on our own, but if we're too noisy somebody might hear us." Taohua: "If you're worried about being spied on, you should probably keep it down. It might be in your best interests." With these words of advice, Taohua pressed her knuckle against the younger maid's swollen clit. Once more, Lorina moaned. It was a desperate mewl that sounded alien to her ears — but this wasn't enough to deter Taohua. Taohua explored Lorina's pussy with her fingers again, this time introducing a third. The digits buried deep inside her were almost enough to make Lorina feel uncomfortably full... But only almost. Taohua: "You're so lovely it should be a crime! Keeping a girl like you to myself should be a cardinal sin!" Lorina: "Y-You... N-No, I... N-No sharing, please..." Taohua: "You don't need to worry about that. I'm quite a selfish woman at heart." Taohua's fingers continued to work in and out of Lorina. The young maid whimpered, her hips bucking. Lorina: "Aah... Please...!" Taohua: "Hmm? 'Please,' what?" Lorina: "P-Please, Mistress.... Please... Let me come..." Taohua: "Hmm? But you're being so noisy already... I wouldn't want anybody to overhear you. That would be quite the predicament." Lorina: "B-But you can't just leave me like this...!" Taohua: "Why not? I can do whatever I want to you~ You _are_ my pet, after all." Lorina: "M-Mistress, please... Please... I-I... I need this..." Taohua: "You need it, do you?" Lorina: "I, um... I do..." Taohua: "Ehe~" Taohua giggled. She bent forwards, nibbling the soft flesh of Lorina's ear. Taohua: "And you say you _aren't_ desperate." Lorina: "F-Fine, I... I-I'm desperate, and I need this, and I want you to tease me until I come, s-so please...!" Taohua: "Well... When you say it so nicely..." Taohua: "Maybe I should give you a treat." Taohua reached forwards with her free hand, fingers still buried inside Lorina, to the opened jar of blackberry jam. She dipped her index and middle finger into the surface of the jam, soft and warm, and drew out a small mouthful of quivering black-red fruit preserve. Taohua: "Here. Why don't you try this?" Lorina: "A-Aah... Yes, Mistress..." Breathing heavily, almost panting, Lorina opened her mouth obligingly. In her current state, Taohua could have asked Lorina to do anything, and she would have obeyed. That was how desperately she wanted to please her mistress. Taohua slid her two sticky fingers inside Lorina's mouth for the younger girl to suck. While Lorina let the taste of blackberries melt across her tongue, Taohua continued to rub Lorina's clit, which was now slick and wet with her juices. Taohua: "You're so wet, my little Lori... You really did want this, hmm?" Lorina: "Mmn... Nn..." With a soft whimper, obscured by the fingers in her mouth, Lorina found her release. She orgasmed hard; coming again and again, while her body slumped, limp, against the table top. Taohua withdrew her fingers and watched. Lorina's behind was exposed, the lips of her pussy swollen. Taohua: "My little Lori... You're so lovely..." Taohua leant down, pressing a kiss against her cheek. Taohua: "If only I could help you when it really matters..." Lorina: "A-Ah, um..." Lorina glanced up at Taohua with glazed eyes, her cheek still pressed against the tabletop. She was so spent from their rigorous exercise she could hardly move. Lorina: "I... It... It's fine." Taohua: "You say that, but... How can I be your mistress if I can't keep Lady Constance from bullying you?" A small sigh. Taohua: "Oh well. I'll do what I can..." Taohua: "Let me clean you up." Lorina: "Wh-What...? I, um... A-Ah...!" Lorina jumped. She could feel something soft and warm agaist her cheek. It was Taohua. She was running her tongue against her skin; licking up a small, stray splotch of black-blue jam. Taohua: "There. You look much better now!" Lorina: "I, um... T-Thank you, Taohua..." Taohua: "It's all right. Don't mention it, Lori." And, with a small smile, Taohua dipped her head and kissed Lorina — against her lips this time. Lorina: "Nn..." Lorina sighed sweetly and opened her mouth, allowing Taohua easy access. The kiss tasted of blackberries. Lorina: "A-Ah..." Lorina gasped. Her eyelashes fluttered. Taohua placed her thumb and forefinger beneath the younger maid's chin and tilted her head up. Their eyes met, green on brown. Lorina stood there, frozen, shivering like a polar explorer... ...before, all of a sudden, Taohua kissed her. Lorina: "Ah..." Lorina gasped. Taohua hadn't kissed her lips, but her neck. The older woman's mouth pressed against a vein, plainly visible beneath Lorina's pale skin. Taohua's teeth nibbled experimentally. Lorina started to moan. Lorina: "Aahn... Mm..." Taohua: "Don't push me away." Taohua mumbled under her breath, lips still pressed against Lorina's neck. Taohua: "I want to try and cheer you up." Lorina: "A-Ah... I, um..." Taohua: "What?" There was a small pause. Taohua nipped and sucked at Lorina's neck. The young maid trembled. What was there for her to say? There was nothing she _could_ say, other than a breathy, desperate... Lorina: "Y-Yes..." Taohua: "Good girl. That's what I like to hear." Taohua drew her lips away from Lorina's neck and studied her face. Her fingers slipped about Lorina's front and began to undo the buttons about her shirt; first one, then two, then three. Lorina's skin was flushed light pink from the warm weather. Freckles ran across her shoulders; spilt across her skin like stars. Taohua: "You're so pretty, Lori..." Taohua punctuated her words with kisses. She trailed them from the top of Lorina's neck to the base, where it met her clavicle. Lorina: "Nn... I... Um..." Taohua: "What?" Lorina: "I'm... not pretty..." Taohua: "Adorable, then?" Lorina: "N-No I'm not..." Taohua: "Yes, you are~" Lorina: "A-Am not..." Taohua: "Enough of this. I'm not arguing with you further, Miss Waugh. That is childish and petty — and your claims are easily disproven, too. Case in point." Taohua pressed another kiss near the base of Lorina's neck and began to suck. Lorina: "Nn..." Lorina whimpered. Her eyes shone with unshed tears. Taohua: "See?" Taohua grinned proudly. Taohua: "Totally adorable." Lorina: "Th-That doesn't prove anything...!" Taohua: "Do you want me to keep going?" Lorina: "Ah, um..." Taohua: "Ehe~ You're such a bad girl, Lori! You want me to pleasure you even though we're outside! How daring!" Lorina: "I-I never said that...!" Taohua: "You English girls rarely say what you mean. Don't worry." Taohua: "I'm good at reading between the lines." Lorina: "Y-You're such a narcissist..." Taohua: "Thank you. I'm very flattered." Taohua bit the soft flesh of Lorina's ear, teasing it between her teeth. Her saliva was warm, but the air beneath the shadowy canopy of trees was cool. The contrast between the two sensations was almost too much for Lorina. Lorina shifted, wriggling like a hooked fish. With every passing moment, her dress slipped further and further down her shoulders. Lorina: "A-Ah...!" Taohua's hands slipped beneath the loose folds of Lorina's dress, cupping her breasts possessively. Her long, crescent moon fingernails dug into Lorina's skin, leaving little red marks. While biting the younger maid's ear, Taohua's fingers played with Lorina's breasts. They were too large to be cupped in her hands without them spilling over. Lorina's nipples were hard already, aroused both from the teasing and the cool air outside. When Taohua's fingernails scraped against Lorina's areolae, the younger maid hissed. Lorina: "Nn... God..." Taohua: "Hm? Do you really think you should be saying the Lord's name now, my little Lori?" Lorina: "I... I couldn't help it..." Taohua: "Hmph. I can get awfully jealous, you know? There's only one name I want to hear on your lips when you're with me." Lorina: "Y-You're so _impossible_." Lorina pouted, her cheeks flushed light pink. Lorina: "You're probably going to go to hell, you know?" Taohua: "You aren't the first person who's told me that." Lorina: "Wow. I wonder why." Taohua: "No worries. So long as I get to debase my little Lori a lot, I don't care much where I go~" Lorina: "Aah... Nn..." Lorina whimpered. She was so wet it was starting to feel uncomfortable. More than anything, she wanted release, but Taohua was too busy playing with her breasts... Lorina: "Aah... Mistress... Mistress, please..." Taohua: "Oh? Do you want something?" Lorina: "I... I-I want... I-I want you to, um... Ah..." Taohua: "Yes?" Taohua pinched Lorina's nipples with her fingertips and nipped at her neck simultaneously. Taohua's mouth was wet and sticky — stickier than the pulped blackberries that littered the grass — and Lorina felt like she was being devoured. She was fragmenting, piece by piece, until there was nothing left. Lorina: "I... I-I want you to touch me...! P-Please...!" Taohua: "You know... when you beg like that, it makes me want to bully you even more." Lorina: "B-But why?" Taohua: "Because, cute pet—" Kiss. Taohua: "—I like seeing you squirm." Lorina: "A-Ah, but...!" Lorina blinked, eyes wide with...{w} what? Panic? Longing? Desire? Desperation. Lorina: "I-If... if you touch me, then... I-I'll squirm even more..." Taohua: "Ah, yes. It does sound rather tempting when you put it like that — but." Taohua punctuated her 'but' with another hard pinch to Lorina's nipples. Lorina: "Nn... A-Ah, nn..." Taohua: "I'm not a wanton hussy. Unlike you, I can control my urges — even if I want nothing more than to break you down and make you moan." Lorina: "B-But—" Taohua: "Shh." Taohua dipped her head, silencing Lorina with a forceful kiss. Taohua: "You forget, my little pet, that _I'm_ the one in control. What I say is absolute. I don't have to touch you if I don't want to. I don't have to do anything if I don't want to. In fact..." Taohua looked at Lorina with half-lidded eyes, a cat-like smirk curling the corners of her lips. Taohua: "Shouldn't you thank me for taking such good care of you?" Lorina gasped. Everything hurt — but, at the same time, it all felt so impossibly, unimaginably good. If this really was hell, Lorina never wanted to leave it. She wanted Taohua to keep bullying her, mercilessly, forever... Lorina: "Th-Thank you, Mistress... Thank you for taking care of me..." Taohua: "How lovely. I knew you had it in you." Taohua smiled approvingly and bit down against Lorina's neck. Her teeth, white like china, nibbled against a black-red bruise that had unfurled across Lorina's skin. There were numerous other bruises much like that one, in different sizes and shapes, dotted across Lorina's neck; shocking when contrasted with her pale skin. They were all signs. Symbols. Proof that Lorina belonged to Taohua and nobody else. Taohua: "Hmm... I wonder~" Taohua licked Lorina's neck experimentally, her tongue flicking across Lorina's skin. Lorina inhaled. The parlour maid smelt good — or maybe that was the lingering aroma of blackberries, crushed beneath the summer sun, mixed with the damp grass and rich earth. Taohua: "Do you think you could climax without my fingers?" Lorina: "A-Ah... W-Well, um..." Taohua: "How charming~" Taohua giggled softly, nuzzling her head against the crook of Lorina's neck. She trailed yet more kisses against the younger maid's flushed skin. Taohua: "I want to see you come, my cute little harlot~" Lorina: "Nn..." Taohua: "Can you do it? Can you come for me right now? I'm sure you can, being so depraved." Lorina: "I-I... I, um... Aahn..." Lorina couldn't reply. Not properly. Her mind was far too jumbled. She couldn't stop trembling, and even the slightest breath of wind against her cheeks, her shoulders, her exposed nipples, was enough to make her twitch. Taohua: "Just imagine it..." Taohua's voice was soft, unusually gentle, as she played with Lorina's breasts. Every once in a while, she pinched her areolae playfully. Taohua: "My fingers inching down, down, and then even further... Think about them, running along your hipbone, and down to your thighs... The inside of your thighs, now." Taohua: "I can feel how hot you are, and..." Taohua: "Aah, you're so wet." Taohua: "That's very unbecoming for a lady, Lori — but I'll forgive you, because I know you're a helpess harlot who wants her mistress to desecrate her." Lorina: "Aah... I, ah... Nn..." Taohua: "Hm? Does it feel good? Are you imagining it, pet?" Lorina: "I... I... I-I want to touch..." Taohua: "But you can't." Lorina: "Wh-Why not?!" Taohua: "Because I said so. You'll just have to imagine. Imagine my fingers moving closer and closer... Doesn't it sound nice?" Lorina: "Y-Yes..." Taohua: "Then I'll run my fingers along your slit slowly, up and down, making it even wetter..." Taohua: "Should I keep going?" Lorina: "Y-Yes...!" Taohua: "Then, let's see..." Taohua: "I'll keep stroking you, over and over, until you twitch even more than you are already — and do you know what you'll do then?" Lorina: "Wh-Wh-What...?" Taohua: "You'll arch your back, your eyes will roll back in your head, and you'll start begging me to fuck you with my fingers~" Taohua gave Lorina's nipples another pinch. The younger maid moaned. Lorina: "A-Ah...!" She was drooling. Her mouth was open, lips parted, and she was actually drooling... How shameful. Taohua: "That's what you want, isn't it, my little Lori? You want me to fuck you, don't you?" Lorina: "Y-Yes, I... I-I want you to fuck me...!" Taohua: "And why do you want me to fuck you?" Lorina: "B-Because..." Lorina swallowed. Lorina: "Because I..." Taohua: "Yes? What are you?" Lorina: "I... I-I'm a harlot with no self control, a-and I just want you to tease me, Mistress! I want you to use me!" Taohua: "Then..." Taohua giggled. Her eyes flashed. Taohua: "Come for me. I want to hear you moan." That was all the prompting Lorina needed. Taohua's naked body was willowy and smooth. Her arms were slender, her legs were long, and her breasts were modest, but soft and inviting. Outside, the thunder flashed. Though the curtains were drawn, the light still managed to sneak in, illuminating the older woman's body. Shadows pooled in the corners of Taohua's eyes, about her nose, and against her neck, but her dark, glossy hair still shimmered. Lorina blinked. For a few moments, she forgot how to breathe. Lorina: "You're so pretty..." Taohua: "And you, my little Lori, are getting distracted." Lorina: "O-Ow...!" Lorina whimpered. Taohua had just delivered a flick of justice to her forehead. Taohua: "Now, silly little Lori, why don't you lie down on the bed?" Lorina did as the older woman instructed. She rested one hand against her stomach, warm and soft, while the other lay by her side, fingers curled near her head. Her short, choppy hair fanned across the pillow, some strands sticking to her cheeks. Lorina: "L-Like this?" Taohua: "Mm. Spread your legs a little for me, too." Lorina: "A-Ah, um... O-Okay..." Lorina complied. She spread her legs apart, glancing shyly at the older woman. Lorina: "Is this all right?" Taohua: "It's perfect. I can see everything like this." Lorina: "E-Everything?" Taohua: "_Everything_." Taohua dipped her head, her dark hair falling over her pale shoulders, and cupped Lorina's cheek with one hand. Taohua: "You said I'm pretty, but that's nothing compared to you." Taohua: "I love your flustered cheeks and your soft tummy... and I especially love your breasts." Taohua flicked one of Lorina's nipples idly. The young maid squeaked. Taohua: "They really are quite large." Lorina: "I-I can't help it...! Th-That's just how I am..." Taohua: "And I like you the way you are." Taohua leant against her, her dark hair pooling against Lorina's belly. Gently, Taohua pressed her mouth against the younger girl's. Lorina snaked her arms about Taohua's neck and pulled her closer. Their breasts were pressed together, their tongues entwined. Lorina: "Nn.. Aah... Mm..." Taohua: "Lori..." Lorina hardly registered the sound of the falling rain. It had dulled, turning into little more than background noise. All she cared about was Taohua. When the older maid drew back, a strand of saliva connected the two girls' mouths. It trembled for a few moments, suspended in the air, though it snapped when Taohua wiped her mouth with the back of her arm. Taohua: "I want to make you feel good, Lori." Lorina: "A-And I... I-I want to make you feel good, too..." Taohua: "I'm glad we're of the same opinion." Taohua: "Let's see... How about this..." Taohua was straddling Lorina now. She leant forwards, her head near the inside of Lorina's thigh. Her behind, meanwhile, was raised in the air, just a little above... Lorina: "Nn..." Lorina's face flooded scarlet. Lorina: "I-I can see everything..." Taohua: "Me too. I can see how wet you are — right _here_." Lorina: "A-Aaah...!" Lorina twitched, her toes curling in on themselves, as Taohua began to play with her slit with her fingers. Taohua: "Oh, my little Lori~ You really are sensitive, hmm?" Taohua dipped her head, licking at the fluid that was seeping from Lorina's entrance. Well... If Taohua had already started to lick her, she should return the favour. Wasn't that the polite thing to do? Lorina reached forwards, cupping Taohua's buttocks in her hands. Her fingernails were not as long as the other woman's, bitten down by continued anxiety, but that did not seem to make a difference. Taohua squirmed all the same, sighing softly. Taohua: "Lori... If you touch me there, I'll be spoilt for marriage." Lorina: "D-Don't be stupid. You've touched me so many times already..." Taohua: "But how can I help myself? You're adorable!" Lorina: "That sounds like a case of double standa— aaah...!" The younger maid moaned, her hips bucking upwards, as Taohua ran her tongue against her damp slit. Lorina's fingers dug even deeper into Taohua's flesh, procuring a moan from the older woman — but Taohua's voice was muffled. Her tongue was still dedicated to teasing Lorina. Lorina: "If... I-If you're going to... defile me... I-I'll defile you, too..." Taohua: "I'd like to see you try, my cute little pet. I don't think I can be broken down that easily." Lorina: "Let's try it, then." Lorina slipped her fingers downwards, pressing them against the inside of Taohua's thighs, and began to push apart the folds of her most private area. The inside of Taoahua's vagina was exposed. It was wanting, wet, and damp with fluid. Taohua: "Aah... Nn..." The thought that she, the unremarkable Lorina Waugh, had been able to inspire such feelings within an aloof woman like Taohua was almost unbelievable. For a few moments, Lorina found herself quite incapable of continuing. Her eyes were large, her cheeks flushed... Until Taohua glanced over her shoulder, dark hair shifting, and said: Taohua: "Are you going to touch me, Lori, or are you just going to lie there gawping?" Lorina: "A-Aaah...! I-I'm sorry...!" Taohua: "Ehehe. It's all right. I understand. This is your first time, after all — and I _am_ an undeniable beauty. I enjoy being appreciated, really..." Taohua shifted, moving her behind a little closer to Lorina's face. Was she trying to encourage her? Taohua: "...But I have needs, too. If you want to be my pet, you have to take care of them." Lorina: "I never thought I'd hear you, of all people, beg." Taohua: "Silly girl. I wasn't _begging_. I was _commanding_." Lorina: "It didn't sound that way to me..." Taohua: "Then I'll have to make you forget everything you just heard, won't I?" Once more, Taohua began to tease Lorina's pussy. No longer content to lick against the slit, she slipped her tongue inside. Lorina: "A-Aaah... Nnnn..." Lorina trembled, helpless beneath Taohua's touches — but she couldn't let herself give into the sensation. She wanted to make Taohua feel good, too. A little tentative, but eager all the same, Lorina raised her head and began to lick. She worried, at first, that she would do it incorrectly, and she would be unable to make Taohua feel as good as she made her feel, but— Taohua: "Nnn..." It seemed, despite Lorina's worries, her efforts were — if not 'good', then 'adequate'. 'Sufficient'. Sufficient enough, at least, to make Taohua moan, and push her tongue even deeper inside Lorina's pussy — as an act of revenge, perhaps? But Lorina wasn't going to let her win. Lorina continued to circle her tongue about Taohua's pussy, trying to find that exact spot where— Taohua: "Nnngh...!" Where Taohua would moan and her body would tremble, as jolts of pleasure coursed through her. And it seemed like she had found it. Lorina decided to focus on this spot; nudging the small bud above Taohua's opening with the very tip of her tongue. Taohua: "Nn, aah..." Taohua continued to shudder, panting, and her own salacious acts paused for a few moments — before, in another act of vengeance, she began to introduce her fingers. Lorina: "Aaah..." Lorina trembled. This was in no way fair, but... Well. Something about love and war. It was rarely fair. Lorina could feel her pussy contracting, as though desperate to keep Taohua's fingers buried inside her. Lorina: "I-I, um... Aah..." She was coming — or, at least, she was going to. She could feel it building up inside her... But she didn't want to. Not like this. She had to make Taohua feel good, too. Trying to restrain her own urges, Lorina redoubled her efforts. She pressed the tip of her tongue against the pale pink bud of Taohua's clit, teasing it, until— Taohua: "L-Lori... _Fuck_." Lorina: "D-Did that feel good?" Taohua: "It feels so good, nn... Aah... D-Don't stop..." Lorina: "Hmm? What was that?" Taohua: "Oh? Are you trying to take control, Lori?" Lorina: "Well..." Bolder now, Lorina trailed her fingers across Taoahu's skin; resting them a few inches away from her opening. Lorina: "You've teased me enough in the past. It's my turn to tease you." Taohua: "Impudent pet..." Lorina: "I'm _your_ impudent pet." Taohua: "I'll have to punish you later..." Lorina: "Please do, Mistress — but, for now..." Lorina slid a finger inside Taohua's pussy, then another. Lorina: "What do you have to say?" Taohua: "Aaah... F-Fuck... Fuck, Lori..." Lorina: "What?" Lorina's fingers sank in even deeper with a soft, wet sound. So she had finally done it. She had managed to make Taohua speechless with pleasure. Whispered curses fell from the older woman's lips, and her behind trembled while her pussy shuddered. Was she really that desperate to have Lorina's fingers inside her? Lorina: "Ah... It looks like your petals are all wet, Taohua." Taohua: "For God's sake, Lori! D-Don't say that!" Lorina: "What?" Taohua: "'Petals'..." Lorina: "What's wrong with it?" Taohua: "It's... embarrassing..." Lorina: "You mean, you're actually embarrassed? _You_?" Taohua: "Wh-Who wouldn't be? That sounds like the kind of line you'd find in a seedy, so-called 'romance' novel..." Lorina: "Oh? Do you read such books often?" Taohua: "I might own one or two slim volumes... but that is besides the point." Taohua: "I never imagined somebody would talk to me like the maids and ladies do in those stories..." Taohua: "I-I am a woman, not a rose garden, in case you quite forgot!" Lorina: "Ehehe..." Lorina giggled. So, too, did Taohua. Taohua: "You're so silly, Lori." Lorina: "Not as silly as you, trying to act so strong and unshakable all the time." Lorina slid her fingers from Taohua's pussy, let it relax— —before she pushed them in again, even deeper than before. Taohua: "L-Lori...!" Lorina: "Just tell me what you want, Mistress. I won't understand if you don't tell me." Taohua: "O-Oh no... Wh-What have I created?" Lorina: "A demon." Taohua: "I-I should have been more carefu— aaah..." Lorina slipped a third finger inside. Taohua was so wet it slid in easily. Taohua: "Lorina... Just... L-Let me come..." Lorina: "Ehehe~ I love you when you're being honest, Mistress." Taohua: "Well, wh-what about you? You want to come too, don't you?" Taohua began to stretch Lorina's pussy with two fingers. She shifted her fingers slowly, spreading her lower lips apart. Lorina: "Aah...!" Taohua: "That's right... You've wanted to come for a long while now, haven't you, my little Lori? You're even wetter than I am — listen~" Lorina: "Aaah, mm... M-Mistress... M-Mistress, I..." Taohua: "Is it too much? Are you going to give in?" Lorina: "I... I-I'm close, but I... I-I wanted to come with you..." Taohua: "Ah. You're so cute and considerate. I like that." Lorina: "Th-Then, can we...?" Taohua: "We can. Let's make each other feel good together." Lorina: "A-Aaah, Mistress... M-My mistress, I..." Taohua: "Shh. Just enjoy yourself, Lori." Lorina was only too happy to agree. Lorina rocked her hips, pushing her pussy against Taohua's fingers. She tried to drive the older woman's digits into herself as deeply as possible. At the same time, Lorina pushed her own fingers inside Taohua; once again using her tongue to tease the erect bud above her opening. Taohua: "L-Lori..." Lorina: "Taohua..." Taohua: "Aah... Nn..." Taohua shifted. With three fingers inside Lorina, she pressed the pad of her thumb against the younger woman's clit, until— Lorina: "Aaah... Taohua, I... Oh, I, ah... Haaa..." Lorina found herself coming about Taohua's fingers over and over again. Her vision was completely obscured with white. [ - title - Bokuten - Why I Became an Angel.txt ] ???: "Hey! It's morning!" Tomoe: "...Mm... Hmm..." I woke up. It felt like I had been dreaming until just moments ago, but any recollection I may have had vanished the moment I woke up, like a fog had lifted. I had no idea what sort of dream it could have been. As I tried to remember, I noticed someone was here. ???: "Heave ho... Heave ho..." I heard her familiar voice. This happened so often, it came as no surprise. I opened my eyes... ...and as expected, it was Nakizaki. Naruko: "Come on, hurry and wake up! We're gonna be late!" She yelled as she climbed inside. How many times had I told her not to come in through the window...? The first-story eaves of my and my neighbor's house, the Nakizaki's, were so close that even a child could leap over. Nakizaki had made her way over in that exact fashion (into my room, actually), ever since we were kids. When we were children, you could play it off with comments like, "What a lively girl!" But why did she keep doing such immature things now that we were older? Maybe she just wasn't ready to act grown up? Just look at that. You can totally see her underwear. Naruko: "Wake up!" Tomoe: "...I'm already up." I got up, careful not to look her way. Neither of us gave a second thought to me seeing her underwear at this point. We weren't very sensitive to the fact we were a man and a woman. Even though that was how our relationship worked, it was still polite to look away. Naruko: "Ah, seriously? You were already up?" Tomoe: "Why are you disappointed? You came to wake me up, so shouldn't you be glad it didn't take long?" Naruko: "But _I_ didn't get to wake you up." Naruko: "I wanted to bang a frying pan with a ladle, or tear off your covers. If that didn't work, then I could have jumped on top of you with everything I had!" Tomoe: "..." We'd known each other since we were kids, but I was getting a bit worried. Tomoe: "Are you stressed out or something? I'll definitely give you advice if I can." Naruko: "I'm not stressed out, but if I'm going to do something, then I may as well make a show of it!" Tomoe: "I'm not sure what to think of that line of thought." You _could_ call Nakizaki a party animal. If there were a festival in town, she was the type who would start heaving up the portable shrine first. Wanting to make everything she did fun was praiseworthy, but it _did_ make me worry about whether or not she'd considered what would happen to me as a result. One of these days, Nakizaki was going to come wake me up, and put me down for good. Naruko: "I guess there's nothing I can do if you were already up. I'll make breakfast." She rolled up her sleeves, looking enthusiastic. Tomoe: "I don't need breakfast." Naruko: "No, no! You've got to eat breakfast." Naruko: "Skipping dinner is fine, but you _have_ to eat in the morning." So she said, but she wouldn't let me skip dinner, either. She came to wake me up in the morning, and made me eat three square meals a day. If I left her to her own devices, she would even prepare my clothes for the next day, underwear included, and leave it at my bedside. Naturally, I asked and eventually got her to stop with the underwear. If I left everything to her, I could probably lead the most wholesome lifestyle in the world. Nakizaki's entire family had been watching over me ever since my parents passed away. Her parents said it would be fine for me to live with them, but I declined. That would be far too presumptuous of me. In any case, I was blessed. Tomoe: "That's sarcasm, right?" There had to be someone more deserving than me of such special treatment.
Tomoe: "Fuah..." Naruko: "What, are you still half-asleep? Get it together!" Nakizaki slapped me on the back. It was quite an impact. Tomoe: "Ow... That hurts." Naruko: "If it hurts, then act like it. You're a total zombie." Tomoe: "And you're _too_ lively." Nakizaki was always full of energy, and trying to lift my spirits. She probably had been ever since _that_ day. I knew that, painfully so, and felt bad for her. Naruko: "Come on, hurry up!" Tomoe: "I heard you." I climbed the hill as she pestered me. It was a seemingly endless, winding slope to the school. A certain classmate of mine had seriously considered changing schools because making the climb was too much of a chore. Still, it didn't bother me. As long as I was climbing, I didn't have to think about anything. I could focus on silently putting one foot in front of the other with neither time nor need to think about anything extraneous. That was the best thing about this hill. Even Nakizaki must have been getting tired. She had been carrying this conversation by herself for the most part, but she was gradually talking less and less. ???: "Naruko, morning!" Naruko: "...Hm? That was..." Naruko: "Oh, Kayo?" She spotted her friend disappearing up the hill with incredible momentum, and murmured under her breath. Tomoe: "Your friend?" Naruko: "Yeah, she's from the Track and Field Club." Tomoe: "That makes sense." She was already out of sight. With how she had been running, you'd think she hadn't felt the incline at all. If I could run like that, the world might look slightly different. Naruko: "Joining a club could have done you some good, Kirinokojima." Tomoe: "I wasn't cut out for any of the clubs at our school. Besides, I'm not the 'club' type, anyway." Naruko: "If you're not the 'club' type, then what type are you?" Nakizaki sighed incredulously at how apathetic I was. Naruko: "If only there were an archery club." Tomoe: "It's not like I would have poured my heart into it either way. It would've been enough for me if they'd just let me draw a bow once in a while." Nakizaki's dad was an archery teacher. He managed his own dojo, and had quite a few students. That's where I learned how to use a bow. Even now, I would draw a bow when I felt like a change of pace. It wasn't like I was paying tuition, so I only used them when nobody else was. Naruko: "What a waste. You're so good at it, too." Tomoe: "I am not." Whether I was good or bad wasn't the issue. As far as I was concerned, a bow was just a tool, and nothing more. I heard a faint chime from atop the hill. Naruko: "Ah! The bell!" Naruko: "This is bad, Kirinokojima! We'll be late!" Tomoe: "I told you we didn't have time to sit around and eat breakfast!" Naruko: "Save your whining for later! Hurry up!"
Tomoe: "We ended up being late anyway, huh?" Naruko: "We _almost_ made it, too!" Nakizaki was really annoyed. We came rushing into the classroom, but the teacher had beaten us by a hair. It was really disappointing. Of course, we had just narrowly missed the start of first period, not homeroom. Naturally, the teacher wouldn't overlook it and we were sent out into the hall together. Tomoe: "Hey, Nakizaki... You come to wake me up and make me eat breakfast every morning, so I know I'm in no position to say this, but..." Naruko: "Stop right there! I know what you're gonna say better than anyone." Naruko: "I'm not helping either of us if we're both late in the process." She worriedly held her head. ???: "Challo~!" Just then, we heard an incredibly out-of-place and cheerful voice. The guy who leisurely approached us was our classmate, Kiyohito Taira. This was the same guy who planned on transferring due to the hill. Kiyohito: "Why are you guys flirting so early in the morning?" Naruko: "We're not flirting!" Tomoe: "Nakizaki, you're being kind of loud." Naruko: "I-I know..." Naruko: "Forget about that. What was that 'Challo' supposed to be?" Kiyohito: "Oh, you noticed?" He was beaming. Seemed like he wanted us to notice it. Kiyohito: "It's a new greeting made up from the Italian word 'ciao' and English word 'hello.' Feel free to use it." Naruko: "Why do I have to use some gibberish greeting you came up with?" Kiyohito: "It's not gibberish. I stayed up all last night coming up with it. Thanks to that, I'm totally sleep deprived." Kiyohito sounded proud of it, but Nakizaki just looked fed up with him. Naruko: "Why bother staying up just for that? You seriously had nothing better to do?" Kiyohito: "It's fine! It was fun. Right, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "Why not? I do respect that vitality of yours." Kiyohito: "See, see?" I could tell his triumphant behavior was starting to get on Nakizaki's nerves. Given how serious she was by nature, a part of her must have had trouble accepting Kiyohito's unrelenting optimism. The three of us hung out a lot all the same. Kiyohito was a bit of a loner, though, so he sometimes went off and did his own thing, too. Kiyohito: "So, why are you two standing out here?" Naruko: "We're not standing here because we like it. We were forced to." Kiyohito: "Forced out into the hall at your age? Hahaha! You're like grade schoolers!" He said before cheerfully laughing again. Kiyohito was always laughing. Come to think of it, I didn't think I'd actually ever seen him angry. Kiyohito: "'Kay then. You two stand there and play nice." Naruko: "Huh? Hey, you..." With that, he waltzed confidently into the classroom. And then... ...came right back out. Kiyohito: "She told me to stand out here, too." Tomoe: "Knew it." Naruko: "Of course she did. You were even later than we were." Tomoe: "I'm surprised you barged right into the room like that when we were already forced to stand out in the hall." Kiyohito: "I thought I wouldn't get caught if I acted confident." Naruko: "There's no way that would work!" Kiyohito: "Yeah! Hahaha!" Teacher: "Shut up! Stand there quietly!" Naruko: "I-I'm sorry!" Kiyohito: "Ahaha! She got mad at you!" Kiyohito didn't look like he was reflecting on his actions at all. Naruko: "It's your fault for being so loud. Why am I the one who has to apologize?" Kiyohito: "It's all good. Anyway, let's go to the roof." He made yet another inappropriate suggestion. Naruko: "Huh? What are you talking about? We're supposed to stand here!" Kiyohito: "Standing out here won't do us any good anyway. It's not like we're going to learn anything from it." Naruko: "Big talk from someone who showed up even later than we did." Kiyohito: "I can't do anything about it now. All's well as long as I'm not late next time. 'Don't look back, look forward,' right?" Naruko: "You're so full of yourself. There's no way I can do that!" Kiyohito: "Then we'll just go without you. Right, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "I don't care either way." Naruko: "Huh?!" Kiyohito: "Okay, Nakizaki, we're gonna go now." Naruko: "H-Hey, wait!" A cold wind blew past and chilled me down to my very core when we opened the door to the roof. Kiyohito: "Ugh, so cold!" Naruko: "Of course it is. It's the roof." Naruko: "I still think it's a bad idea for us to come up here during class, especially since we were told to stand out in the hall..." Kiyohito: "Then why don't you head back? We'll just flirt without you." Tomoe: "That's not going to happen." Naruko: "There's no way I'm going back by myself. I can't leave Kirinokojima alone with you." Kiyohito: "Hahaha. You're way too overprotective." Kiyohito went out onto the roof with a laugh and took up his usual, favorite spot: the corner with the best view. The rooftop had recently been made off-limits, but we still used it frequently. It was practically a meeting place at this point. Actually, this spot used to be mine, and mine alone. Before I knew it, these two had joined me. They were both just really friendly. I stood next to Kiyohito, and could see the damp-looking cityscape in the distance. When you stared at it, it felt like it would suck you right in. Tomoe: "..." Kiyohito: "Hey, you okay?" Kiyohito and Nakizaki looked at me, seeming concerned. Tomoe: "I'm fine. Why do you ask?" What did he mean, "You okay?" Naruko: "'Why,' huh...?" Nakizaki peered over the fence, down at the ground. That was when I realized why they were worried. Tomoe: "Yeah, I'm okay. I won't fall." I took a quick look below. We were on a fourth-story roof, so we were pretty high up. Kiyohito: "You've got a record, after all." Tomoe: "That was an accident." Something like that _had_ happened. I once fell from here, but naturally, it wasn't intentional. I was, however, well aware that it was probably my fault that they thought I had fallen on purpose. I looked down again. I may have survived this fall once, but it was high enough that I probably wouldn't survive a second time. Tomoe: "I'm fine." I said it again to convince myself. Naruko: "Well, that's good. Anyhow, it sure is cold!" Nakizaki quickly changed the topic. It was that chilly time of year where we had already switched over to our winter uniforms, and this frigid, windy rooftop definitely took its toll on us. Still, there was no real substitute for how tranquil it was up here. It was so serene, it was as if time had stopped. Even accounting for the fact classes were still in session, this place was indeed quiet. Kiyohito: "Whenever we come here, it seems... like this place is at the end of the world." Kiyohito whispered with a shrug. Tomoe: "Don't you dislike quiet places like this?" Kiyohito liked it when things were busy and lively, but this place was the polar opposite of that. Kiyohito: "Nah. I don't hate them that much. This spot's not bad." Tomoe: "Really?" Kiyohito: "I'm not a picky guy." Tomoe: "Yeah, that's true." I had been hanging out with Kiyohito ever since we wound up in the same class last year. By the way, Nakizaki had been assigned to a different class at the time, so they got to know each other through me. I hadn't known Kiyohito for very long, but I couldn't really recall him ever saying he hated something. Food, people, school subjects... It seemed that way for everything. Kiyohito was a really mysterious guy. Naruko: "That side of you seems kind of suspicious." Nakizaki seemed to dislike that part of him, though. In a way, Nakizaki's personality was the exact opposite. She was very clear about what she liked or disliked, and had a way of making that known to everyone around her. The fact that she wasn't two-faced was Nakizaki's saving grace. That was why everyone trusted her so much. I often saw her giving friends advice. Even though I had witnessed it firsthand in the past, she never shared those conversations with us. She kept everything under strict confidentiality. That was yet another reason why people trusted her. Knowing Kiyohito, he would probably spread rumors the second he heard it. It wouldn't be out of malice, he was just the type who couldn't keep secrets. Kiyohito: "Still, it really is quiet... Fuah..." Kiyohito: "So quiet it's making me sleepy..." Naruko: "That's because you stayed up late thinking about stupid stuff." Kiyohito: "Challo~ ...Fuaaah." Naruko: "Fuah..." Kiyohito: "Oh! You yawned!" Naruko: "N-No, I didn't!" Friends messing around. What an ordinary, silly sight. You could definitely call skipping class and hanging out in a place like this a page straight out of youth. There were times my heart couldn't help but ache when I saw scenes like this one. Tomoe: "..." I glanced over at their discussion, then gently closed my eyes. When I closed them, the world around me vanished. This was all it took to make everything disappear. That's how uncertain a thing the world was. I knew that firsthand. It was engraved into me, along with this throbbing pain in my chest. If it was this easy to make the world disappear, I wish it would just vanish forever... This was a city where thousands of angels supposedly lived, but not even a wish as free of greed as mine would ever come true. The school we attended, Miharugaoka Academy, stood at the crest of a steep and sizeable mountain. There was a great view of the city from its rooftop. The buildings scattered about the cityscape with triangular roofs and crosses at the very top were churches. With a cursory glance, you could spot roughly ten crosses from here. Churches and hills were this city's two biggest attractions. In this city, there was a legend about angels. Long ago, in an era now unknown, the people of this land suffered greatly from famine and disease. Just when all seemed lost, a shaman sacrificed himself and prayed to Heaven. His prayer was answered, and angels were sent to this land. Finally, mankind had found salvation. ...Or so the story goes. It was the sort of legend you could find anywhere. These days, the city used this angelic folklore as a tourist attraction. There were even churches that promised to bring one's love to fruition, and many tourists visited from far and wide for that exact purpose. The gems they called "Heartstones" were another prime example. It was a light-pink stone, said to possess the power of angels, which appeared in this city's folklore. This gemstone was processed into heart-shaped ornaments, keychains, and other paraphernalia, then later sold. Treated as love charms, it seemed to be quite popular among young women and couples, too. However, they were actually made of some common mineral, not of any precious gem worth mentioning, such as morganite. Yeah, that was the legend in a nutshell. There was no way angels really existed. "I want to become an angel..." Tomoe: "..." That practically gave me a heart attack. My vision narrowed, and it became hard to breathe. This was a familiar occurrence, and I got it under control without so much as my expression changing. Nobody would ever suspect a thing. ...But, I suddenly felt something warm on my back. Naruko: "You okay?" It was Nakizaki's hand. I was confident nobody could tell, but she alone was always able to for some reason. Her hand stroked my back like one might to comfort a child. As she did, my heart settled bit by bit. Tomoe: "...Thanks, but you don't have to worry anymore, okay?" Naruko: "Yeah, I know." She moved her hand away. That suffocating feeling had subsided. Nakizaki said nothing more, and stared out at the landscape like nothing had happened. Kiyohito: "Hm? Something wrong?" Kiyohito asked curiously. Naruko: "Uh-uh. It's nothing!" Kiyohito: "Really? Maybe it's just kinda cold today." Tomoe: "Yeah, maybe." Kiyohito didn't know anything about this. It happened way, way before we got to know each other. His intuition just happened to be so sharp that he may have suspected something. He hadn't breathed a word of it, though, so I couldn't tell for sure. Kiyohito: "Why don't we head back to class, then? Yuno-chan might go ballistic if class ends and she finds out we're not there." Naruko: "Yeah. I feel bad for her, so we should try not to cause too much trouble." "Yuno-chan" was the teacher who got mad at us earlier. Yuno Okeyamachi-sensei. Since Okeyamachi-sensei was short and baby-faced, she was constantly worried her students weren't taking her seriously. As such, she always got flustered when the slightest problem came up. It was pitiful to watch our petite, immature-looking, timid teacher get so worked up. Tomoe: "Yeah. Let's head back." As Nakizaki and I headed for the door... Kiyohito: "Oh." Kiyohito spoke up behind us. Naruko: "What's up?" Kiyohito: "Look. It's an angel flash." He pointed far off into the distance. It was at the boundary where the ground and sky met. Several rays of light poured down from the sky just near the horizon. An angel flash, also known as an "angel's ladder." Was it given that name because the bands of light that filtered through the clouds resembled a ladder which led to Heaven? It was a common sight in this city, where angels were said to live. My heart ached once again, ever so slightly.
Naruko: "All right, it's over! Let's go home!" Our ordinary, incident-free day ended, and Nakizaki immediately ran up to me. She always had energy to spare, and was lively right up to the final bell. This worked out well since we were in the same class now, but she had done the same thing when we were in different classes last year. She was almost like my guardian. No, this would be excessive for even a guardian. Thanks to that, people were constantly spreading believable rumors that we were dating. Gossip like that always seemed to resurface no matter how many times we denied it, so I had begun to ignore it. Nakizaki didn't seem bothered, either. Kiyohito: "Hey, why don't we stop by somewhere on the way home?" Kiyohito loved making side trips, so he invited us to tag along. By the way, he also sat next to me in class. Nakizaki had been moved up on the seating chart when it changed at the start of the second semester. She constantly pestered Kiyohito to trade seats with her, but he always said no. I suspected it wasn't that he liked sitting next to me, but more so that he had fun annoying her. Naruko: "Shouldn't you head home early for today? You _did_ end up making Yuno-chan-sensei cry." Kiyohito: "She looked cute when she cried again today, didn't she?" He smiled without a hint of shame. She had admitted to feeling guilty for sending us out into the hallway (in spirit), and tried to bring us back into the classroom midway through the lesson. However, by that time, we were long gone. Naruko: "I felt bad for her, seeing her so angry that she was in tears." Kiyohito: "Everyone enjoyed watching it, though." Naruko: "You're horrible..." Nakizaki was disgusted, but all the students loved seeing Sensei cry, especially the guys. Crying probably looked better on her than any other teacher in all of Japan. There was a cheery ringtone. It was Nakizaki's cell phone. Naruko: "Oh, excuse me a sec." Naruko: "Hello? Yeah, now's fine." Naruko: "What's wrong?" Nakizaki turned her back to us and lowered her voice. It was probably another friend asking for advice. She came back after hanging up. Naruko: "Sorry to keep you!" Tomoe: "Everything okay?" Naruko: "Yeah, it's fine. Come on, let's head home!" Kiyohito: "Were you giving someone relationship advice again on that call earlier?" Naruko: "Yeah, something like that." Kiyohito: "It's always about someone else, huh?" Kiyohito teased, but he was right. Nakizaki was always looking out for others, but I'd never heard anything about her own love life. I had been with her for as long as I could remember, but she had never once brought it up. There was nothing really wrong with her appearance, and I didn't think she was hopelessly unpopular, either. Naruko: "It's fine. I'm not interested in stuff like that." Nakizaki calmly replied. It didn't look like she was faking it, either. Kiyohito: "Hahaha! You're so innocent, I can hardly believe you're really an adult. What do you think, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "Me? Nothing really." Naruko: "Never mind about me." Kiyohito: "Okay then, how have you been lately, Tomoe?" I didn't know what that "okay then" was for, but he directed the subject back to me. What a pain. Tomoe: "You know I don't have any interest in that sort of thing, right?" Kiyohito: "You sure hate women, huh?" Tomoe: "I do not." It _was_ true that I didn't want to deal with them if humanly possible. The subject of love always came up whenever men and women were together. Nothing good could ever come of it. Kiyohito: "But aren't you and Nakizaki always hanging out together?" Tomoe: "Well... That's because Nakizaki is Nakizaki." I'd never thought of her as a woman. She probably thought the same thing about me. Maybe that's why we managed to stay friends for as long as we had. Kiyohito: "Why don't you two just hook up already?" Kiyohito asked, sizing us up with his eyes. I wondered if he was teasing us again, but he looked surprisingly serious. Naruko: "Like I said, Kirinokojima and I aren't like that." She answered, sounding fed up. She probably felt like a broken record at this point. Kiyohito: "I really think you two go well together, though... Neither of you has anyone else, right?" Kiyohito: "Life's too long to spend all alone, you know." Tomoe: "Being alone forever is fine by me." My honest answer made Kiyohito look a little sad. Kiyohito: "Don't say something like that. Not believing in love is depressing." Tomoe: "..." Kiyohito sounded genuinely sincere. I could tell he was thinking of my well-being. Tomoe: "It's okay, really." He looked a little bummed after hearing my answer. I felt like I had betrayed him in some way and became a bit sad myself. Tomoe: "I'm sorry, but really, I'm fine." Kiyohito: "...I see." Kiyohito: "Well, let me know if you're ever up for it. I'll set up a mixer anytime for you!" Tomoe: "Got it." Not that I would ever ask him to throw one for me. Why did everyone always go on about "love this, love that" like it was the most important thing in the world? None of them had a single clue what true love was really like.
Kiyohito's house was in the other direction, so we promptly bid him farewell. Since Nakizaki and I lived next door to each other, we naturally walked home together. We had been neighbors for as long as I could remember: picture-perfect childhood friends. Naruko: "See you later." Tomoe: "Yeah, see ya." I said goodbye and headed for my house. I was finally alone. Tomoe: "..." No one was there to greet me, so I didn't bother saying "I'm home." My mom and dad had passed away when I was younger, so I lived alone. I finished washing up, then went up to my bedroom. After setting down my bag and changing, I had nothing left to do. Tomoe: "..." Why were there twenty-four hours in a day? How did people spend such an enormous amount of time? There were people in this world who said, "Twenty-four hours in a day isn't enough." But I had nothing I needed to do that required that much time. Tomoe: "...Oh, that's right. Homework." Sensei had assigned us homework as punishment for everything that had happened today. I may as well get that taken care of. However, if I did my homework now, then I wouldn't have anything else to do after dinner. Tomoe: "I'll think about that when I get that far." After all, people could only live in the moment. Nakizaki showed up at my door two hours later. She had brought me dinner. Naruko: "Be sure to eat it, okay? I'll come pick up the bowl tomorrow." Tomoe: "I know. Sorry to always make you do this." Naruko: "It's a little late for that!" Nakizaki laughed as she smacked my upper arm. She was like some country lady you'd see on TV. She'd get mad if I said that, though, so I kept it to myself. Naruko: "You don't have to be so modest, though. You should just eat at my place." Tomoe: "Yeah, I know. Maybe next time." Naruko: "You say that, but you never do." Despite giving a suitable response, she instantly saw through me. Of course, I knew she would even as I said it. Being with someone for so long was convenient and inconvenient at the same time. Naruko: "Well, whatever! See you tomorrow. Oh, and you don't need to walk me home." Tomoe: "Yeah. Good night." Naruko: "Mhm, good night~!" Nakizaki left. The moment she did, the house fell deeply silent once more, like it had been isolated from the rest of the world. Tomoe: "..." Tomoe: "Better eat before it gets cold." I ate the dinner she brought me alone, and in silence. Today's dinner was grilled fish with stew: healthy and delicious. Tomoe: "Nakizaki's gotten better at cooking." It seemed like the Nakizaki household brought over a share of food for me from every meal. Their whole family fussed over me since they knew I wouldn't eat anything healthy if left to fend for myself. It might be less work for them if I went over, rather than having them deliver food to me. Not going was just me being selfish. Their home was way too warm and inviting for me. I was much more comfortable alone. Tomoe: "Hm?" I heard sounds coming from inside the house, but no one else should be here. It was coming from... underfoot? Just then, I felt something soft snuggle up to my feet. Tomoe: "Whoa..." Stray Cat: "Meow! Meow!" It was a cat. No, _three_ cats. They were all filthy. If I had to guess, they were all dirty strays who had made this neighborhood their territory. Stray Cat: "Meow! Meow! Meow..." Tomoe: "How do you always manage to get in here?" Stray Cat: "Meow... Meow..." Obviously, they could only go "meow," but I more or less knew what they wanted. Tomoe: "Hungry?" Stray Cat: "Meow, meow!" Looks like I nailed it. It really made me wonder what the point of human language was when we could communicate in this fashion. Especially since there were sentiments you could never convey in words, no matter how hard you tried. Stray Cat: "Meow! ...Meow..." The stray ran out of patience and jumped up on the table. Tomoe: "Hey, I told you to stay off the table." Stray Cat: "Meow, meow!" The tiny animal didn't seem to care. I was disillusioned with the idea of communication. Be it with words or even telepathy, there were some things you just couldn't convey. Tomoe: "You know, you guys probably shouldn't eat too much human food." Stray Cat: "Meooow..." Of course, the worse something was for you, the better it tasted. So many homes in the area were feeding these strays that they had become picky. If they were fed something plain, they would occasionally act stuck up and refuse to eat. Tomoe: "...I guess it's okay once in a while. Eat whatever you want." Stray Cat: "Meow." Maybe they really did understand me. The second I gave the okay, they stormed up onto the table. Stray Cat: "Munch, munch, munch!" Yeah. That was definitely what you would call a "stampede." Tomoe: "Is it that good?" Stray Cat: "Munch, munch, munch!" Nakizaki would definitely be happy that the food she made was being eaten so enthusiastically. This had to be more worthwhile than me eating it, at the very least. Within minutes, the meal Nakizaki and her mom worked so hard to make vanished into another dimension―the dimension known as the stray cats' stomachs. Stray Cat: "Meoooowmeow." After the stray licked my hand to show its appreciation, the little stampeders scurried off elsewhere. Seriously, where were they coming from? Figuring that out sooner or later might be wise. Tomoe: "..." Tomoe: "Thanks for the meal." Just like that, the meal was over. Eating was a pain, so their timing couldn't have been better. Still, I'd better just pretend I was the one who ate it. Nakizaki would probably get angry if she found out. Tomoe: "Now then." I brought the dishes to the sink and cleaned them up. Meals were a chore, but I didn't mind cleaning up afterward. In fact, I preferred doing dishes the most. It felt nice running my hands through the water. An astrology book Nakizaki once showed me said I liked it because Cancer was the star sign of water. When I read that I thought, "Oh, that makes sense." At that time, Nakizaki said, "The constellation Cancer symbolizes maternity, so it's very affectionate," but I thought that was a lie. I wasn't affectionate in the slightest. I decided to take a bath after I finished the dishes. Cancers were supposed to like water, but I found baths quite troublesome. Yeah, I guess that's just how astrology works. I would immediately get dizzy when I used the bath, so I didn't use it much. Heating up the tub just for me was a total waste. Once it got a little colder, I would naturally have to heat up the bath anyway. My bathroom was chilly, so taking nothing but showers all winter would be rough. After my bath, I once again had nothing to do. I considered going to bed, but if I went now, I'd probably wake up in the middle of the night. I had always been a light sleeper, and even the smallest things would wake me. If I woke up in the middle of the night, I'd never be able to get back to sleep. Tomoe: "I'll stay up two... no, at least one more hour." I thought about going and practicing with my bow, but Nakizaki's old man might be using it. Nakizaki's old man, my mentor, had a habit of sneaking out and practicing in the dead of night. It would be bad if I wound up disturbing him. On the other hand, going outside also sounded annoying. Ultimately, I'd probably just laze around and space out. ... Better brush my teeth before going to sleep... I went around and turned off all the lights. Granted, I was alone, so there weren't that many lights on to begin with. Last was my room. I turned off the light and headed to bed. My futon was a bit cold. I had never been in one before, but I bet this was what getting into a coffin felt like. Whenever I got into a cold futon, the thought, "What if I never wake up again?" crossed my mind. People often said that sleep was a lot like death. With that in mind, I submerged into my cold futon and closed my eyes with relief. But, in reality, my eternal rest had never come. Morning always came again, without fail. And tomorrow morning would surely be the same. Tomoe: "..." Nobody was there to respond, so I didn't say "good night." I just silently closed my eyes. When I closed them, a certain person's face crossed the lining of my eyelids. I pretended not to see, and closed even the eyes to my heart.
"It's always darkest before the dawn." Who was it that taught me that? Right now, the sky was as concealed in darkness as that saying suggested. No matter how much I looked up, my eyes found nothing to focus on, unable to see through the deep space. It was so dark that it nearly gave me vertigo. Krk, krk, krk... I slowly drew my bow and aimed into the darkness. This was a traditional "wakyu" bow, not a bow made for archery. I was practicing what I called "Empty Draws," and didn't have any arrow readied. Still, I drew back the bowstring as if one were nocked and my mind wandered. I imagined an arrow flying through the pitch-black night, then quietly striking and sinking into its target as the wind wound around me. Tomoe: "..." Tomoe: "...Hit." With my imaginary task complete, I slowly relaxed the bowstring. I couldn't carelessly release the string without an arrow equipped. The bow would be damaged by the full force that the arrow would normally expel. Essentially, it would hurt the bow, and could even snap the bowstring. As such, I gingerly returned the bowstring to its original position while taking slow, easy breaths. Tomoe: "..." After catching my breath, I quietly drew the bowstring once more, alone in the predawn darkness. "What am I doing this for?" That question no longer occurred to me. I had long since passed that stage. When I drew this bow, over and over again, that thought faded with time. All that remained was the target in my imagination. Only the target, and myself. At this moment, those were the only two things that existed in the whole world. As I drew the bow and focused on my imaginary target, a crimson thread appeared between me and it out of thin air. The target and I were connected by a red thread. It was just like the thread of fate from Chinese lore. That imaginary arrow then followed that thread's path without the slightest deviation before reaching and sinking into its target. Therefore, it hadn't missed. Couldn't miss. This wasn't just a mental projection. If it were equipped with a real arrow, it truly would follow the path of the red thread I had imagined. The arrow would never miss its target, even if it were moving, as long as I could picture this thread. That probably sounded strange, but it was the truth. That was just how a bow worked, as far as I saw it. In the million-to-one event it _did_ miss, it would be because the target and I hadn't been connected. That was why, in my mind, making a connection with the red thread was equivalent to "shooting my arrow." "Empty Draws" were a fundamental exercise. Shooting arrows wasn't common in the modern world, so practicing the basics had become important. That was why I was performing these drills in my house's tiny backyard. Krk, krk, krk... The bowstring quietly roared. I knew the further I drew the bow back, the more power was building within it. By pulling this bowstring, I was entrusting it with my own strength. Much like charging a battery, I put my strength into the bow and, by extension, the "arrow." That power became kinetic energy, and the arrow barreled toward the target. With my strength, it closed a gap I could not cover on my own. It made it to that place I could never reach in my stead. Krk, krk, krk... The bowstring screeched. I directed all my might toward my imaginary target. Where was all of this energy coming from? What was I trying to reach by mustering such strength? It was a vague question, but it dangled before me in the darkness. I had given birth to that question, but now, I had isolated myself from it. I pretended it didn't exist, dedicated myself to my target alone, and took aim. The red thread between me and my target pulled tight. My heart responded, as did my body. In my imagination, I prepared to release the bowstring... Just as my fingertips started to let go... Tomoe: "Huh...?" A shadow shrouded my view. No, not my real vision, but in the world of my imagination. All of a sudden, a third presence appeared in that world where only I and the target existed. Tomoe: "Ah..." In that instant, my fingers released the bowstring that had been pulled back with all their might. I didn't realize what I'd done fast enough. Thwoooop! The bow screamed violently. It was said that this sound was once used to exorcise demons in the "Ceremony of Resounding Bowstrings." Tomoe: "Ow..." A sharp pain, or more of a searing heat, ran through my cheek. Before even checking the string, I figured it must have snapped and hit me. Sure enough, when I looked at the bow, its string had snapped. Tomoe: "...I've done it now." How long had it been since I'd messed up this badly? ...Wait, _had_ I? This was a mistake for sure, but... I looked down at my hands. I could feel the feedback plain as day. Yes, feedback. A sensation I only felt when hitting my target, just as I envisioned. Tomoe: "..." It was gradually getting brighter up above. Although I couldn't see the sun just yet, a portion of it had begun to illuminate the sky. It was that hour where night would end before you knew it, and morning was just around the corner. However, nothing was there aside from the dimly lit sky. ...I was _sure_ I sensed something else. The feedback I felt from shooting through it lingered on my hands. Tomoe: "Ah..." I noticed something fluttering down from the still-dark sky. A white object was swaying to and fro. Tomoe: "Snow?" It was still too early in the season for snow to fall. Although the temperature had started to drop, it was only halfway through October. Based on previous years, there were still two months before the first snowfall. So then, what in the world was this white thing falling from the sky...? I turned my hand to the sky and reached out. The white object swooped down upon me. I couldn't believe my eyes. Tomoe: "Huh? ...A feather?" It was a pure white feather, and a big one at that. If this did belong to a bird, it would have to be pretty massive. A crow...? No, maybe even bigger. Were there any white birds that huge in a residential area like this? It wasn't just a single white feather, either. Like snow, one after another danced down from the sky. And yet, the owner of those feathers was nowhere to be seen. Tomoe: "...Ah." I couldn't see anything in the dark sky, but then, the presence suddenly appeared. It was directly overhead, and there was no time to avoid it. Thud! When I came to, I was lying on the ground. The bow I had been holding had also left my hands. Tomoe: "What was that...?" Without a moment to think, it filled my vision: a figure sprawled out on the ground. After looking closely, it naturally disturbed me to discover that it was a person. Why was she here? Did she fall? _How_ had she fallen? No. There was no way someone could fall here. I looked up, and all I could see was sky. There weren't even any tall buildings around. Had she fallen from a roof? If so, why was she even _on_ a roof? My roof? Or perhaps Nakizaki's roof next door? ...Impossible. No, more importantly, there was something even more bizarre about this. Tomoe: "...Wings?" A pair of white wings were outstretched beneath the girl who had fallen face up. Were they fake? ...No, they didn't look that way at all. If these were fakes, then they were very elaborate ones. And if they were real... No human should have wings growing from their back. Which would mean she _wasn't_ human. In other words... Tomoe: "An angel?" Just then, a streak of light shone across the sky. It was the morning sun. On that morning, an angel descended from the heavens.
It's true that nobody knows what the future holds. Kayo: "Huh? Transfer?" A surprise attack. An ambush. For a moment, what Shunsuke said made my mind go blank. Shunsuke was transferring? Kayo: "I didn't hear anything about that." I accidentally blurted what I was thinking out loud. Shunsuke forced a smile. Shunsuke: "Well, yeah. This is the first time I've mentioned it." Shunsuke: "My parents sprung it on me just a little while ago. They're transferring jobs." Kayo: "I see..." My mind couldn't process it. Shunsuke was transferring? He wouldn't be going to our school anymore? Which meant he wouldn't be here with me anymore. Shunsuke: "We had a good run, but it looks like this is the end, huh?" If another person heard that, it probably wouldn't make any sense to them, but I understood immediately. Kayo: "...Yeah." Shunsuke and I met in elementary school, and had been together ever since. We were always in the same class, too. We were supposed to be together next year as well, since classes weren't being rearranged. I couldn't believe our track record had been broken so suddenly... Kayo: "...Where are you moving to?" Shunsuke: "Hokkaido." I was speechless. Of all places, he was moving somewhere surprisingly far away. I couldn't even pay him a quick visit on the weekends. But, the bigger shock... Shunsuke: "What a drag, huh? I can't stand the cold." Kayo: "..." ...was that Shunsuke didn't seem especially bothered about saying goodbye to me. Kayo: "...Yeah. You're awfully sensitive to the cold, huh, Hashiguchi?" But I guess that was a given. After all, it wasn't like we were dating or anything. Calling him "Shunsuke" was something I could only do in my head. In reality, I'd only ever called him by his surname, "Hashiguchi." I loved him, but I knew he didn't feel the same way. Not that he disliked me or anything, but we were nothing more than friends. That was why he was able to stay calm, even though we would be separated once he transferred. I loved him, but I was still sour about it. Though, I only felt that way _because_ I loved him. Kayo: "When do you leave?" Shunsuke: "It's super sudden! Ten days or so." Kayo: "Ten days..." My mind went blank again. Ten days... Just ten days? This was obvious, but that wasn't even two weeks. Less than two weeks meant it was less than half a month. Those thoughts spun through my mind over and over. Kayo: "W-Wouldn't it be better to wait? Like until the end of the second term or something?" Shunsuke: "If you put it that way, then the end of the school year would only be a little after the end of the second term... and so on, forever, right?" What was wrong with that? ...I wanted to say it, but I somehow held back. Still, it would be nice if he stayed. If he stuck around until the end of the second term, then he may as well finish out the school year. If he did that, he would only have a year left, so he may as well graduate here. Living alone was normal while going to college, so he may as well keep attending school here. Maybe then we could even be in the same class again. Oh, maybe "lecture" was a better term than "classes"? Some part of me vaguely thought that if Shunsuke and I stayed together all the way through college, our relationship might change a little. I had no basis for it; it was just a selfish wish. But I guess a convenient turn of events like that wasn't likely. Shunsuke: "What are you spacing out for?" Kayo: "Huh? ...Oh, nothing." Talk about sad. I was being delusional. Shunsuke: "Maybe you're practicing a little too much? You ran an awful lot today." Kayo: "The tournament is coming up, after all." We were in the Track and Field Club together, and were both competing in sprinting events. I specialized in the 100-meter dash, and he in the 200. Shunsuke: "It's a tournament, but just a city one. It's not worth you getting so worked up over, is it, Ukutsu?" Kayo: "That's not true! They say Uehara-san from Minato Municipal and the first-years from West Ino are _really_ fast." Shunsuke: "It'll be okay; you're faster." His reply made my chest throb and ache simultaneously. How could he so casually say something that caused my heart to jump? Shunsuke always stuck up for me unconditionally. It was mysterious how I truly believed him whenever he said everything would be okay. How many times had I been saved by him telling me that now? But I guess he wouldn't be rescuing me like this anymore... Shunsuke: "I really wanted to participate, too. Oh well. Going out with a bang would've been nice." Kayo: "...Yeah." Shunsuke's transfer was in ten days, and he wouldn't be in our next tournament. I still couldn't fully comprehend that he would be leaving soon. I couldn't find anywhere within me to store that fact. What should I do? How should I handle these feelings of mine?
Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa..." No matter how much I ran, I couldn't shake my depression. I ran really hard in club today, too... I was absolutely exhausted, but I was such an emotional mess right now that my chest would start to ache if I sat still. Kayo: "..." I didn't want this. How long did I need to feel this way? I felt absolutely miserable... Kayo: "Would I feel better if I told him I liked him?" ...Or maybe I'd just be turned down and wind up in a slump. If I was going to be in a slump, it may as well be a complete and utter slump. That matched my personality. Pacing myself and being strategic wasn't my style. That was why I chose the 100-meter dash, and decided to run with all my strength. Whether it was in times of happiness or sadness, when I did something, I gave it everything I had. Even when it came to love... Kayo: "...All right!" I've made up my mind! I'm going to confess to Shunsuke! Even if he turned me down, it would be way better than being gloomy like I was now. Naturally, I didn't _want_ to be turned down, so if it were at all possible, I'd like it if he said yes. Kayo: "Is it true that he likes someone?" I had caught wind of that sort of rumor. The girl who told me about it seemed convinced he liked me, so she sounded pretty happy about it, but... Kayo: "Stuff that convenient... never happens, does it?" My heart was racing. It was pounding so hard at just the thought of confessing my love. Just like it did after a 100-meter dash. I wanted to run away. Kayo: "But... things can't stay this way!" Nothing would ever happen unless I told him how I felt. ...But how was I supposed to tell him? Kayo: "I've... always... loved you..." I tried whispering it to myself. Kayo: "...This is hopeless." My knees felt like they were going to give out. I'd have to be out of my mind to tell him that at this point. Things were so much better before I got to know him. Now that we were friends, it made it even more difficult to say it. Kayo: "What should I do...?" Kayo: "Ah." That was it. At times like this, you prayed. Kayo: "Excuse me..." I opened and walked through the massive church door. Inside, it was deathly silent. Kayo: "Whoa, scary..." Kayo: "It kinda feels like something is here..." Since this was where angels lived, I knew there shouldn't be anything bad here, but I was still a bit scared. This was surely a test. Kayo: "I'm sure they won't listen to what I have to say unless I stop being scared." With that thought in mind, I proceeded further inside. A statue of an angel was enshrined straight ahead, at the very back of the room. While the statue depicted "an angel," it looked like an ordinary adult, not the typical, child-like angel you would expect. Still, this was apparently an angel. I had been told that for as long as I could remember. The churches in this city always had an angel in this spot. I wondered if this was where Jesus or the Virgin Mary would normally be placed? It had been this way since I was young, so I never paid much attention to it, but maybe it _was_ kind of strange? There was some long-standing legend in this area that if someone worthy prayed, an angel would come to save mankind. That may have been why the churches in this city were a bit different from normal ones. I faced the angel statue, fell to my knees, and brought my hands together. Kayo: "Please help me confess my feelings to him..." I didn't pray for my love to be requited. If my wish was _too_ self-serving, something told me it would be met with animosity, and wouldn't come true. Not that I thought an angel would do something so malicious. Kayo: "It will be enough for me if I can tell him how I feel. But... If it is within your power, I hope everything goes well..." This was the first time I'd ever prayed to an angel. My friends often came here to pray, but I'd never done it. I had never felt this strongly about anyone before. There had been boys in class that I thought were nice, but I'd never fallen for one hard enough to pray for them. But, this time was different. Kayo: "Let me tell him... Please just help me tell him how I feel!" I offered a sincere prayer. Would the angel listen to my wish? ???: "I have heard your wish." Kayo: "Huh?!" Surprised, I opened my eyes. But nothing had changed. Naturally, the angel statue hadn't moved, and there was nobody else around. Kayo: "Was it just my imagination?" I was a bit afraid, but this might be a sign from the divine―a message that my wish had been heard. Kayo: "I beg of you!" I took the opportunity to sincerely pray one more time. I wished with all my heart... ...that I could tell him how I feel...
Kayo: "Fuaaaaaaaah... Hua..." I let out a big yawn. In the end, I didn't get much sleep yesterday. The idea of confessing my feelings had made me so nervous, I couldn't even consider sleeping. Kayo: "Have to tell him how I feel... Have to ask him out..." Kayo: "...How should I do it?" Although I had pleaded to the angels, I didn't know what to do next. I wasn't proud of it, but I had never asked out, or been asked out by anyone before. Kayo: "I wonder when I should do it? There's not much time left, so maybe the sooner the better?" What should I do if I asked him out too soon and was turned down (which _was_ highly likely)? There was still time to see him before he transferred, but wouldn't that be awkward if he rejected me? If I asked him out today and got turned down, these remaining nine days would be awkward for both of us. Maybe it would be best to do it at the last second... Kayo: "Oh, but..." If I waited until then and he said okay, then we'd have almost no time to spend together. Being separated by his transfer after we finally started dating would be really depressing. In which case, maybe I should do it sooner... But it was far more likely I would be rejected... Kayo: "...I'm such an idiot." Pointless. This was totally pointless. No matter how much I thought this over, I was never going to make up my mind alone. Kayo: "Maybe I _should_ get someone's advice..." Relying on angels wasn't enough. Either way, I was too unfamiliar with this sort of thing. But who could help me? It would be a real problem if it was someone who couldn't keep a secret. ...Naturally, Shunsuke immediately came to mind. I hated how stupid I was being about all of this. Kayo: "I can't ask for Shunsuke's advice when it's _about_ Shunsuke." I really _was_ a moron. Practically speaking, I'd never asked for advice about this sort of thing before. I didn't have any girl friends who talked about this stuff. Athletics was all I ever worried about, and I always referred to Shunsuke about that. But I guess I wouldn't be able to do that for much longer, either... Kayo: "I really might not be able to see him anymore..." The usual, hilly road suddenly felt like it had become a steep cliff. My legs were heavy and wouldn't move forward. Was this hill always so steep? I may have scaled this hill every morning just to see Shunsuke. Maybe that was why it hadn't seemed like a harsh climb. Now that I wouldn't see him anymore, it had become a painful trek... Kayo: "I don't want to say goodbye like this." At the very least, I had to tell him. I had to tell him how I felt. Kayo: "...Oh, that's right." I should talk to Naruko in situations like this! Naruko would definitely help me out! She was a total busybody at heart. But I could definitely trust her. I hadn't heard much gossip about her, but I was pretty sure there were _some_ rumors about her and that boy with the long name she was always with. I felt a little awkward asking for advice directly, but Naruko and I got along well, and I couldn't afford to worry about appearances any longer. Kayo: "...All right! I'll do just that!" I went through my cell phone's address book and located Naruko's number. Kayo: "...There!" I closed my eyes and pressed the call button.
Tomoe: "..." Girl: "..." The morning sun was shining on the unknown girl that had suddenly fallen from the sky. This didn't seem to be a dream. Once I realized that, I quickly made sure she was alive. Tomoe: "...Phew." She seemed to be breathing and, from what I could see, didn't have any external wounds. I was worried she had hit her head when she fell, but... Tomoe: "Is she... human?" She looked human at a glance, but would a person suddenly fall out of the sky like that? Also... Tomoe: "Feathers?" I could see something resembling feathers sprawled out behind her. Pristine and white... Yes, just like angel wings. I had never actually seen an angel, so I wasn't sure. Still, there was no way angels really existed. Maybe she was cosplaying or something? There was even a halo dangling above her head. Tomoe: "..." Timidly, I tried touching the floating ring. Fwoosh... I couldn't touch it. My fingers slipped through just as they should have made contact. All I felt was a slight warmth. Tomoe: "Maybe she really is from another dimension or something?" No, I wasn't admitting it was an angel. It could also be a hologram or something. This time, I touched the feathers on her back. Prod, prod... Tomoe: "Ah..." I gave them a quick touch. They _were_ feathers... Feathers, soft as down. I gently gripped one and tried pulling. Girl: "Aah..." And got a bizarrely erotic moan in return. It wasn't the sort of noise I expected given her youthful appearance, so I got the feeling I had done something awful. Tomoe: "...Are these really fake?" They didn't _look_ fake, and felt lukewarm. Almost like they carried body heat... Tomoe: "Should I... call an ambulance?" You'd normally call an ambulance when someone collapses, right? Maybe even the police, given the nature of the accident. I knew that logically, but my body refused to move. My intuition was telling me, "This isn't an ordinary human, so there's no point in calling an ambulance or the police." If she wasn't a normal human, then what was she? She couldn't be a real angel, right? ...Impossible. Tomoe: "I give up." If she _was_ some inhuman oddity, I would be better off leaving her be. But, if she _was_ human, she needed an ambulance and proper medical treatment. If I ignored her and she _was_ human... Tomoe: "...Guess I have no choice." Girl: "Pii... Puu..." There was no way around it, so I carried the girl inside for now. When I picked her up, the feathers on her back didn't fall off or slip out of place. All I could imagine was that they _must_ have been growing straight from her body. Could she really be an angel...? Girl: "Pii... Puu..." Tomoe: "...Couldn't be." She snored in her sleep, and it was a pretty stupid noise at that. There couldn't be angels like this. With that said, it was hard to believe she was an ordinary human, either. Tomoe: "...Well, whatever." Best to just leave whatever I don't understand alone. I would probably figure it out once she woke up. I was up early for once, so I may as well get ready for school ahead of time and avoid being late like yesterday. Tomoe: "Now then, I wonder if Nakizaki will be here soon?" After what happened the day before, she would most likely show up earlier than usual. I checked the clock, and it was about that time. Girl: "...Mm... Mmm..." Tomoe: "Ah..." At that moment, the sleeping girl stirred. I took a peek, and her long eyelashes trembled. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Girl: "..." Tomoe: "..." Our eyes met, and we stared at each other. Her sleepy eyes gradually began to brim with emotion. She gazed back at me with wonder. Girl: "...Huh, a person? It is almost like he is looking at me..." Tomoe: "I _am_ looking at you." Girl: "...Huh?" Those drowsy eyes grew ever wider, and then... Girl: "HYAAAH?!" She leapt to her feet and jumped back at least two meters. Such a rude reaction almost made it seem like she had seen a monster. Girl: "Wh-Wh-Why can you see me?!" Tomoe: "How am I supposed to answer that? I see you, plain and simple." Girl: "What? ...Huh, my body is..." The startled girl examined and touched herself all over. She made it sound as if being visible was some sort of big deal. Girl: "Wh-Why am I...?" Girl: "...Wait, huh? Wh-Where am I? Why am I here...?" She looked around restlessly. It seemed she was finally taking in her surroundings. She didn't look all that angelic; more like a lost little girl. Tomoe: "You don't remember anything?" Girl: "Right. I have no idea why I am here." Maybe she _did_ hit her head when she fell? No, more importantly, who and what was she? Tomoe: "Hey, are you..." Tomoe: "Ah..." Naruko: "Morning! Kirinokojima, you up?!" It was Nakizaki. Sounded like she was using the front door for once. Tomoe: "Could you wait just a minute?" Girl: "Ah..." I left the girl behind and headed to the entryway. Naruko: "Oh, morning!" Naruko: "You weren't there when I peeked into your room, so I came in through the front door." Tomoe: "I wish you'd do that _all_ the time." Naruko: "But I'm so used to the other way. Also, you're up unusually early, aren't you? Something wrong?" Tomoe: "Well, sort of..." How should I explain it? Naruko: "What's wrong?" Tomoe: "Could you come in for a second?" A picture was worth a thousand words. Better just have her take a look. Tomoe: "Huh...?" When I got back to the living room, the feathered girl had vanished. Tomoe: "Where did she go?" I checked the kitchen, washroom, and even the bathroom, but she was nowhere to be found. Tomoe: "She disappeared?" Naruko: "What's wrong? You've been acting weird since I got here. Did another stray cat get lost or something?" Tomoe: "...No, it's nothing." If she just up and left, then I guess that was fine. Maybe it had been a dream, an optical illusion, _or_ even a hallucination. If that _was_ a hallucination, then that was a pretty realistic one. Or maybe I'd finally gone mad. Naruko: "Are you sure it's nothing?" Tomoe: "Yeah, I'm sure. It was probably just a ghost or something." Naruko: "Huh?! A g-ghost?" Come to think of it, Nakizaki didn't fare well with ghosts or other scary things. Naruko: "W-Was this house always haunted?" Tomoe: "Maybe I've been possessed?" Naruko: "S-Stop it! L-Let's hurry to school, to school!" Tomoe: "Huh? What about breakfast?" Naruko: "Never mind that! Skipping a single meal won't kill us!" Tomoe: "That's totally different from what you usually say." Naruko: "I have plans with friends today! Come on, hurry up!" Tomoe: "At least let me go grab my bag." Yeah, maybe I really had seen a ghost. I'll stick to that story. A ghost would be way better. Better than an angel, of all things...
Kayo: "If I remember right, didn't they make the rooftop off-limits?" A sign that read, "Entry Forbidden!" was plastered on the metal door in front of me. Despite that, it seemed to be unlocked. Naruko mentioned it, too, so it must have been all right. I got in touch with her this morning on a whim, and she asked me to come to the roof during our lunch break. When I indirectly mentioned I wanted to talk in private, she claimed to know the perfect place and directed me here. I forgot about it at the time, but now that I was here and had seen the sign, I remembered this place had been made off-limits to students. Someone had fallen off the roof last year, and everyone freaked out about it. By some miracle, they didn't seem to be hurt that badly, and the rumors quickly died down. Kayo: "...Well, why not?" Kayo: "I guess no one would come up here... and it looks like Naruko hasn't shown up yet, either." The rooftop was deserted; not a soul in sight. I guess I had gotten here first. Kayo: "Maybe I should come back later..." Waiting here alone made me feel kind of uncomfortable, especially since it was off-limits. Kayo: "But the view is nice..." It was the first time I'd ever been here, but the view was spectacular. There was an unobstructed view of the entire city. Kayo: "So this is what the rooftop is like." I knew I had barged up here without permission, but it was such a waste for this spot to be off-limits. I may as well wait here a while. Was there anywhere to sit? Kayo: "...Huh?" After looking for and finding a place to sit, I was shocked to find someone already there. A young man was sitting there quietly, doing nothing but staring off into the distance. I hadn't noticed him at all. I was positive I had surveyed the entire roof when I was looking around for Naruko, too... Kayo: "..." What should I do? Sticking around here all alone with some stranger would be awkward. Maybe I _should_ come back later... Or so I thought, when the boy turned to me. Kayo: "Ah..." My heart skipped a beat. It wasn't because he was attractive or anything; he wasn't my type in the slightest. But, those eyes of his... He looked my way, but I felt invisible to him. It was a strange gaze, and I wasn't sure what he was staring at. Also, it didn't feel like he was _actually_ there. It was hard to describe, but... he was like... a ghost. Tomoe: "..." I watched him for a while when it suddenly hit me. I was certain he was Naruko's childhood friend, the one with the ridiculously long name rumored to be in a relationship with her. Once I realized that, I worked up the nerve to speak to him. Kayo: "U-Um... Where's Naruko?" I made up my mind, and asked him. Tomoe: "She hasn't shown up yet. The teacher asked her to collect handouts." Kayo: "Oh, I see." Tomoe: "..." Kayo: "Uh... All right, I guess I'll come back later." This was super awkward, and I had nothing else to talk about. It didn't help that he exuded an aura that screamed "Stay away." Kayo: "Okay then, I guess I'll..." Naruko: "Kaaayo!" Kayo: "Wah!" When I turned around, Naruko was there. Her usual smile and cheerful aura were a major relief. Naruko: "Sorry I'm late. Sensei asked me to do something." Kayo: "Oh no, I'm sorry for asking for your help out of the blue." Naruko: "Why are you acting so stiff? We're friends, after all!" Seeing Naruko's smile kind of made me want to break down into tears. Kayo: "Ooh..." Oh no, I really was tearing up. Naruko: "H-Hey, what's the matter? You okay?" Kayo: "S-Sorry... I'm fine, but..." The tears kept coming, and they wouldn't stop. Naruko hugged me, but that just made me cry even harder. Naruko: "Um, Kirinokojima. Sorry." Tomoe: "Yeah." The guy from earlier faced away. It looked like he was being considerate and excusing himself. Tomoe: "..." However, he stopped for a moment and turned back to us, as if he wanted to say something. Tomoe: "..." He ultimately kept quiet and left the rooftop. His eyes looked so lonely. I wonder what he wanted to say to me...? Naruko: "What's wrong?" Kayo: "That boy... Kirinokojima-kun, was it?" Naruko: "What about him?" Kayo: "Didn't he look really lonely to you?" Naruko: "Oh..." Naruko: "You think?" Now Naruko looked sad, too. Maybe I shouldn't have asked? Kayo: "Sorry for asking such a strange question." Naruko: "Uh-uh, you didn't. Anyway, you wanted my advice on something?" Kayo: "Oh, yeah. Actually..." His eyes weighed on my mind even as I spoke. What must someone have to go through for their eyes to become so full of sorrow?
Tomoe: "If I can't stay there, then I have nowhere else to go." That crying girl from earlier popped into my mind as I walked. She must have been worried about something love-related. I'm sure that was it. I remembered watching her as she gallantly dashed up the hilly road. Her valiant figure, running away like the wind... She must have fallen in love in an equally exhilarating way. Although it was lunch time, there were students running around on the sporting grounds. Tomoe: "That's..." ???: "Oh! If it isn't Kirinokojima!" He called out to me as I stared. I thought for a moment and remembered his name: Shunsuke Hashiguchi. Last year, I was chosen via lottery, and wound up on the Athletics Festival Committee with him. I was forced into it, but Hashiguchi had nominated himself for the position, and worked really hard because of it. That reminded me: he was in the Track and Field Club, just like the girl from before... What a strange coincidence. Shunsuke: "It's been ages! Doing well?" Tomoe: "I guess." Given my personality, Hashiguchi and I weren't all that close. He just happened to be such a cheerful guy that he talked to me regardless. Tomoe: "What about you? You look the same as ever." He gave off the impression that he practiced in the Track and Field Club with zeal. It occurred to me that I'd seen him running during lunch like this a few times back then, too. Shunsuke: "I've got a few things going on. I'm actually transferring soon due to my parents." Tomoe: "You're transferring? I see. When?" Shunsuke: "Really soon. Next week." Tomoe: "That's pretty sudden..." Something about this bugged me. Could this be related to why Nakizaki's friend from earlier was asking her for advice? Tomoe: "Sounds like a lot of trouble." I gave a neutral reply, not wanting to get involved any further, but Hashiguchi didn't seem to mind. Shunsuke: "Yeah, it's a huge pain! I've got a lot going on right now, too." On the contrary, he opened up on his own. Tomoe: "Well, yeah, that makes sense." I answered, implying he didn't need to tell me anything more, but he didn't seem to get the hint. Shunsuke: "That's right! I had a girl I liked, too." Tomoe: "..." Why was he telling me, someone he hadn't seen in forever, something like this? People sure acted weird when they fell in love. Shunsuke: "Oh, sorry. We haven't talked in ages and I'm rambling." He must have seen the confusion on my face and apologized. Even so, he kept on talking. Shunsuke: "I may not look it, but I've got a lot on my plate. It's actually hard for me to talk to the people I'm closest to, so running into you here must be some sort of fate." I wish he wouldn't just up and decide this was "fate." But, if he was interested in that girl from before, then I more or less understood the situation now. If she was consulting Nakizaki for advice on love, and was interested in Hashiguchi, then Nakizaki would likely tell her to confess her feelings before he transferred. As long as she asked him out, he would say "okay." Completely straightforward. Shunsuke: "Well, she's always been out of my league. I'm not the sort of person she would really go out with." Tomoe: "Out of your league..." I brought that girl from earlier to mind. Out of his league... I felt bad saying this, but she didn't seem like it? Shunsuke: "She's the all-around idol of the academy, Koyuki Arie-san, after all." Tomoe: "...I see." I didn't know anyone named Koyuki Arie, but I knew it wasn't that girl from the roof. I was fairly certain her name was "Kayo." I guess nothing ever goes that smoothly. No matter what sort of advice Nakizaki gives her, her tears will go unrewarded. This was exactly why relationship advice wasn't something you should give out frivolously. Shunsuke: "I wasn't going to originally, but since I'm transferring anyway, I figured I may as well tell her how I feel before I leave." Shunsuke: "If she turns me down, we won't see each other after that anyway." Tomoe: "...I see." He didn't need to ramble on about it to me. Love sure makes people talkative. Why do people feel the need to fall in love so badly? Was it because nobody knows what true love actually means, and how terrifying it can be? Or maybe it was because they didn't know how unhappy love makes people. There were even people convinced of the exact opposite: that love was the secret to human happiness. I believed "Love is blind" was a common saying. People typically meant it a different way, and it probably _was_ meant to be positive, but there was a lot of truth to those words. Maybe this was what people meant when they said, "Language can be powerful." Shunsuke: "Oh, sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to talk about this stuff when we haven't seen each other in so long." Tomoe: "...It's fine." Tomoe: "Well, it sounds like you have a lot going on, but take care of yourself." Shunsuke: "Yeah, thanks. You take care, too, Kirinokojima." Telling me what was on his mind must have made him feel better. He looked much happier. However, it made me feel equally gloomy. Was this nuisance of a thing called love, which dragged even outsiders like me into its clutches, something that could ever work out?
Naruko: "Sorry, but could you go home without me today?" When class ended, Nakizaki came over to my desk and said that. I more or less got the hint that she was going to talk to that girl more, so I nodded without a fuss. Kiyohito: "Still running the 'Naruko Nakizaki Advice Center'?" Kiyohito chimed in from the sidelines. He was smiling and looked quite amused. Naruko: "Don't make fun of me. This is serious." Kiyohito: "I'm not trying to make fun of you. Want me to help out, too?" Kiyohito seemed surprisingly serious, but Nakizaki shrugged at him. Naruko: "That's okay. It would probably be a huge pain if I asked you to help." Kiyohito: "Ahaha, you can say that again." Tomoe: "Not going to deny it?" It definitely _would_ be a pain. I wasn't sure what his outlook on love was, but it was probably a little out of the ordinary. Kayo: "Naruko." I heard a mild-mannered voice calling out to her. When I looked over, I saw half a body peeking into the classroom, waving at Nakizaki. Naruko: "Mhm, coming!" It looked like they were going somewhere together. I probably didn't even need to guess where. Suddenly, I felt gloomy. Naruko: "See you tomorrow, then." Tomoe: "Yeah." Kiyohito: "Challo~!" Nakizaki waved and ran off. Kiyohito: "Why don't we head home ourselves?" Tomoe: "Yeah." Naruko: "Oh, Kirinokojima~" Nakizaki came back for some reason. Kiyohito: "What, forget something?" Naruko: "It's not that; I just need Kirinokojima really quick..." Nakizaki looked my way with a troubled expression. Naruko: "Could I borrow you for a second?" Tomoe: "Me?" That girl from earlier was anxiously staring at me from the doorway. I had a bad feeling about this. To be honest, I didn't want to come along. But she always did so much for me, and rarely asked anything in return. I couldn't refuse without hearing her out first. Naruko: "This is my friend, Kayo Ukutsu. Kayo, this is my childhood friend, Tomoe Kirinokojima." Nakizaki introduced us to one another. Ukutsu stared at me with a serious expression on her face. Kayo: "Sorry to drop this on you so suddenly! But... There's something I need to ask you, Kirinokojima-kun." Tomoe: "...What is it?" Kayo: "You talked to Shunsuke Hashiguchi in the schoolyard during lunch, right? You were far away, but I happened to notice." Ah, now it made sense. She saw that? Kayo: "Are you two close?" Tomoe: "No, not really. We were just on the Athletics Festival Committee together last year." Kayo: "I see..." Ukutsu looked a bit disappointed when she realized we weren't all that close, but there was still a shred of hope in her eyes. Kayo: "What did you guys talk about?" Kayo: "Oh, I'm sorry for prying out of the blue like this." Despite apologizing, she still waited for my answer. Tomoe: "We ran into each other for the first time in a while and I heard he was transferring soon. It surprised me since it all sounded very sudden." Kayo: "That's all?" Tomoe: "More or less..." At that point, my answer naturally got ambiguous. Now that we'd gotten to the heart of her question, Ukutsu didn't seem to know what else to ask, either. Naruko: "Sorry to spring this on you." Nakizaki jumped in and threw her a lifeline. Naruko: "Um... If you happen to know anything, please tell us. Only if you know for sure, okay?" Nakizaki added on that comment at the end. She was basically telling me I didn't need to force myself to answer. She had become cautious of dragging me into conversations like this. Naruko: "Does Hashiguchi-kun like anyone right now?" It was the exact question I expected. That was most likely what she wanted to ask me from the start. She may have guessed we talked about something like that this afternoon just based on the mood, even if she hadn't heard anything in detail. Kayo: "I'm sorry for how sudden this may seem, but if you have any idea, could you tell us?" Ukutsu looked at me with her hands pressed together. I didn't hesitate. Tomoe: "It seems like it." Kayo: "...What?!" A question mark popped up over her head. Maybe my answer was too blunt. So, I told her flat-out one more time. Tomoe: "Hashiguchi seems to have someone he likes. He said so this afternoon." Kayo: "H-He does?" Fear leapt to Ukutsu's eyes. But then, a different light gradually began to gleam in her eyes: a light of hope. Kayo: "So... Wh-Who is it?" Ukutsu's voice was shaking. The way she was acting may have put me in a spiteful mood. Why? Because she was exuding this aura of anticipation from her whole body, seemingly wondering, "Is it me?" She may have been hopeful since I was so quick to answer, and assumed I couldn't have done so if it was an answer she didn't want to hear. People normally _were_ thoughtful like that. An ordinary person would either beat around the bush, or pretend they had no idea if they knew the answer would hurt her. People in love subconsciously felt entitled to that sort of consideration from those around them. I doubted she meant anything bad by it, but I also couldn't forgive how arrogant she was being. How could she calmly drag someone completely unrelated into her own business? Kayo: "If you know, won't you tell me?" Tomoe: "...Someone called 'Koyuki Arie,' apparently." Kayo: "...Huh?" Ukutsu looked mystified when I spoke that name. The very next moment, it was replaced with an expression of despair. I immediately regretted it. Kayo: "'Koyuki Arie'..." Naruko: "The third-year?" Tomoe: "He didn't say, so I'm not sure." Kayo: "Is that right...?" Ukutsu was visibly dejected and drooped her shoulders. ...It looked like she _had_ gotten her hopes up that she was the one Hashiguchi had feelings for. However, those hopes were short-lived, and crushed into a million pieces. And of course, I was the one who had crushed them. Kayo: "Haha... I see... I'm such an idiot." This time, she laughed at herself. Her feelings darted from hopeful, to hopeless, to laughing... Kayo: "I see... Who knew..." Her eyes began to water. Nakizaki hugged Ukutsu gently to help hide her tears. Naruko: "Kayo..." Tomoe: "..." What a farce. I was such a fish out of water here...
Naruko: "I'm sorry I got you wrapped up in all of this." A short while after we said goodbye to Ukutsu, Nakizaki apologized as we were walking home. Tomoe: "Oh, it's okay." Naruko: "No, I'm sorry." She bowed her head as we walked. Naruko: "But..." She looked up at me semi-angrily. I kept walking, feeling her eyes drilling into the side of my face. Naruko: "Kirinokojima, didn't you realize Kayo was asking me for advice about Hashiguchi-kun?" This rarely happened, but she sounded like she was scolding me. Considering what I'd done, that was probably to be expected. Tomoe: "More or less." There was no use hiding it, so I answered honestly. Naruko: "Then why did you say that?" Tomoe: "Why? Because she asked." Naruko: "Because she asked..." Naruko: "You must have known answering that way would hurt her, right?" Tomoe: "I guess that _is_ how it would normally go." Naruko: "Then... Why?" She stopped in place and glared hard at me. I was surprised to see not anger, but sadness, show in her eyes. Tomoe: "Even if I hadn't, she would've found out eventually. It's a fact: Hashiguchi would have told her the exact same thing." Tomoe: "Isn't it better if she learns the truth ahead of time? Now she can accept it and move on." Naruko: "You may be right... but you need to work on your wording." Tomoe: "Setting aside whether or not I need to put that much thought into what I say..." Tomoe: "Was the answer I gave such a big problem?" Naruko: "What do you mean?" Tomoe: "Hashiguchi _does_ seem to like someone other than Ukutsu-san. What's wrong with that?" Naruko: "'What's wrong with it'...?" Tomoe: "I mean, if she honestly didn't want to know, she'd be better off just loving him in her fantasies." Tomoe: "Is it really such a big deal that Ukutsu knows Hashiguchi loves someone else?" Naruko: "It _is_ a big deal. How he feels will obviously determine whether Kayo's feelings will get through to him." Tomoe: "If Hashiguchi didn't love her, would she hate him for it?" Naruko: "Huh? I doubt that would happen..." Tomoe: "If she really loved him, it shouldn't matter who he loves." Tomoe: "No one can take the feelings she has for Hashiguchi away from her." Tomoe: "If Ukutsu truly loves him, even if he happened to have a girlfriend, it shouldn't matter." Tomoe: "She's still free to keep on loving him. Nobody can stop her from doing that." Tomoe: "But if that's enough to make her fall out of love, then her feelings weren't very strong to begin with." Tomoe: "If she cares so little that she can only love him if he loves her back, she would be better off giving up on him now while she's ahead." Tomoe: "If this were true love, something this small wouldn't give her doubts." As soon as I got that out of my system, I regretted it once again. Nakizaki was still looking at me with that sad expression. Naruko: "What you're saying may be true..." Naruko: "...but not everyone is as strong as you are, Kirinokojima." Tomoe: "Me? Strong?" I couldn't believe my ears. Nakizaki looked startled and covered her mouth. Naruko: "...I'm sorry." Tomoe: "It's okay..." I had ranted about this stupid topic for too long. Tomoe: "But..." Tomoe: "I'm not strong." I had to say that much. I wasn't strong, and Nakizaki was well aware of it. So, why was she saying this? Naruko: "Yeah, I'm sorry." She meekly apologized, but I wasn't sure whether my feelings had gotten through to her or not. There was absolutely no way I was strong. If that were true, then I should have been able to protect what was precious to me... That awkwardness hung over us until we eventually arrived home. Naruko: "I'll bring you some dinner later." Tomoe: "No, I'm fine for today." Naruko: "Huh? Why?" Tomoe: "I don't have much of an appetite. I was thinking of going to bed early." Naruko: "Oh... Is that really it?" She inquired, most likely suspecting I was mad at her. Tomoe: "That's it. I just don't have an appetite." It was true. This was why you shouldn't stick your nose into people's love lives. Naruko: "Okay, got it. I'll make a fancy breakfast for you tomorrow, then." Tomoe: "Yeah, that would be a big help." I responded to her smile with one of my own. Now things could go back to normal tomorrow, as if nothing had happened. For us, this was routine. It was like a pearl of wisdom we had cultivated in our long time together. Naruko: "Okay, see you tomorrow." Tomoe: "Oh, Nakizaki." Naruko: "Mhm? What is it?" Tomoe: "Would it be okay if I used the dojo right now?" Naruko: "Dad said he was going to go drinking today, so I think it's probably fine. Going to practice for a bit?" Tomoe: "For a little change of pace." Naruko: "I see. Come bring the key back after you're done, then." Tomoe: "Yeah. I'll come by after, then." She left me with a smile and headed home. Time to go focus and cool my head a little. If I went to sleep now, I knew I would have bad dreams.
Krk, krk, krk... I felt myself gradually focusing inward as I listened to the sound of the bow being drawn to its limit. Hit. But I wasn't caught up on whether or not I would hit the target. I nocked the next arrow with a clear mind and drew the bow once more. The only thing visible in my sights was the target. When I focused straight ahead, the target sitting twenty-eight meters away felt like it was right in front of me. I would never miss such a close target. Therefore, it would hit. Hit. With every hit, my chest ached. I disregarded the pain and drew my bow with a clear mind once more. My chest ached. Maybe I was drawing the bow in order to feel this pain? Krk, krk, krk... Tomoe: "Ah..." My hand halted mid-draw. But in an instant, that figure disappeared. Tomoe: "Am I seeing things?" I thought "that" had appeared again. What in the world was that? It couldn't possibly be a real angel... Tomoe: "...Now my motivation is totally shot." I had only just started, but I'd completely fallen out of the mood to practice. Tomoe: "Guess I'll just go to bed." I gave up and turned my attention to the night sky. My smoky white breath soared above me, as if sucked up into the starry abyss. The pain in my chest had already dissipated.
Naruko: "Hey, it's morning!" I awoke to Nakizaki's cheerful voice. Naruko: "Wake up!" Tomoe: "I told you not to come in through the window." Truly the usual routine. I could see her underwear again, too. It would be nice if it weren't quite so recurring. Still, having a routine was also kind of nice. Naruko: "I'll get breakfast ready, so hurry up and come downstairs." Tomoe: "Yeah." Tomoe: "Hey, Nakizaki." Naruko: "Mm?" Tomoe: "That girl yesterday, Ukutsu; how is she?" After I asked, Nakizaki stared at me blankly for a moment before she grinned. Naruko: "If you're so worried about her, then you didn't need to say it like that." Naruko: "She's fine, though. I called her yesterday; she seemed to have calmed down, and was trying to come to terms with it." Tomoe: "I see..." I'd expect no less of Nakizaki. Looks like she followed up with her after the fact. Naruko: "Okay, get changed, wash your face, and then it's breakfast time." Nakizaki went downstairs. Maybe it was my imagination, but it sounded like there was a spring in her step. Naruko: "Oh, hey, Kirinokojima? Would you rather have bread or rice..." Naruko: "Mmoooh?!" Her lively tone quickly changed into a muffled shriek. Naruko: "K-Kirinokojima...!" This time, she yelled so loudly the whole neighborhood probably heard her. Tomoe: "Wh-What is it?" Tomoe: "Hey, what's wrong?" I ran into the living room, and Nakizaki was stiff as a board. She was staring at something, her eyes round as saucers. Tomoe: "What's wrong?" Tomoe: "...Ah." There was no need to ask. The thing that had surely shocked her was lying on the floor. Actually... It looked more like a person than a "thing." Angel?: "Zzz... Zzz..." It was the feathered girl I had seen yesterday morning, and in the illusion I had seen last night. She was supposed to have vanished, yet here she was: curled up asleep on my floor. Tomoe: "Why is she back again...?" Maybe that wasn't an illusion last night, either? Naruko: "'Again'...? You know her?" Tomoe: "No, not exactly..." How should I explain it? I came up short and put my eyes back on the sleeping girl. Angel?: "Zzz... Zzz..." The girl was sleeping quite comfortably. Almost shockingly so. Way to sleep so soundly in another person's home. I couldn't help but admire how shameless she was. Naruko: "Who is this?" Tomoe: "Beats me. I don't know, either." Naruko: "Seriously? ...Should I call the cops?" Tomoe: "The cops, for this?" Naruko: "Maybe not...?" As expected, Nakizaki's eyes were focused on both the girl's back and head. There were the usual white feathers on her back, and a halo hovering above her head. I hadn't gone crazy; Nakizaki seemed to be able to see them, too. Naruko: "Is this an angel?" Tomoe: "Don't ask me." Naruko: "But..." Angel?: "Hm..." Hearing our voices, the girl stirred. Her long eyelashes quivered, and her eyes slowly opened. Angel?: "...Huh?" Angel?: "The humans are multiplying." The feathered girl looked at us both, blinking her eyes with wonder. Tomoe: "Are you half asleep?" Angel?: "Huh? I was sleeping?" Naruko: "There's drool. On your mouth." Angel?: "Huh? ...Wah!" She quickly wiped off her mouth. ...This couldn't really be an angel, right? Angel?: "I am sorry you had to see me in such a sorry state..." She acted embarrassed, still wiping her mouth. No matter how you looked at her, she really didn't seem like an angel. But... Naruko: "H-Hey... On your back..." Nakizaki timidly pointed at you-know-what. Angel?: "Huh, my back?" Angel?: "Wah!" She let out a shriek after spotting the feathers on her own back. Angel?: "Awawawah..." Flustered, she tried to cover them with her hands, but couldn't reach. She spun around in place, almost like a dog chasing its own tail. Angel?: "Wawah... My eyes are... spinning..." This was absolutely hysterical. Naruko: "An unsolicited comedian?" Tomoe: "Looks like she could be." Angel?: "Did you... enjoy the show? ...Not!" Naruko: "She played along..." Angel?: "Uh, uh... Oh, that is it!" Angel?: "Eey!" As if she remembered something, she clapped her hands together and let out a shout. Naruko: "Ah!" Right before our eyes, the halo above her head and feathers on her back disappeared in a flash, like a TV that had its plug pulled. Angel?: "Phew, that was close." Tomoe: "Isn't that something someone who actually hid them well would say?" Angel?: "Y-You are not buying it...?" Tomoe: "Of course not." Angel?: "Th-This is bad! I was able to play it off yesterday since there was only one of you, but now two of you have seen me!" Tomoe: "So you _were_ trying to play it off..." Not that I had been fooled at all. If hiding them was possible, she should have done that from the start. She seemed like nothing more than a semi-clumsy girl, but... At this point, I guess there was no conceivable way she could be considered ordinary. Naruko: "Are you... an angel?" Nakizaki nervously asked. The girl trembled in shock. Angel?: "Um, uh, well..." Angel?: "...It would be a huge help if you would keep this to yourselves." The girl hung her head in resignation. By asking us to keep quiet about it... she was effectively admitting she was an angel. At this point, neither of us were surprised. Nakizaki looked like she had vaguely expected it. Naruko: "An angel, huh?" Nakizaki said to me. Tomoe: "Looks like it." That was the only way I could answer. Naruko: "Do you... think she's the real deal?" Tomoe: "Who knows..." I didn't want to believe it, but I knew all too well from examining those feathers before that they weren't fake. On the other hand, I had my reservations about suddenly believing she was an angel. But this time, I wasn't alone. Now that Nakizaki and I had seen the same thing, it was a lot more convincing than the last time. At the very least, it was good to know that I wasn't going totally crazy. Angel: "Um, could you keep quiet about it for me?" Naruko: "Even if we wanted to tell people, they would think we had lost our minds if we tried." Naruko: "Besides, you suddenly telling us you're an angel isn't super convincing..." Naruko: "But we _did_ see your feathers disappear." Nakizaki sounded deeply conflicted about whether to believe it or not. Tomoe: "Can't you do that much with magic? Magic tricks can be pretty clever nowadays." Naruko: "Did that _look_ like a magic trick to you?" Tomoe: "It would be bad if you could tell it was a trick. Anyway, setting that aside for now..." Tomoe: "Why did you come back?" I asked the baffled girl. Angel: "Huh? Well..." Tomoe: "How did you even get inside? The doors and windows are all locked." Naruko: "If she's an angel, maybe she phased right through the wall? That would certainly prove it..." Angel: "No. I could do that if I tried, but I thought that would be impolite, so I came in through a proper opening." Tomoe: "An opening?" Angel: "Yes!" Angel: "Right here." The self-proclaimed angel led us to the backyard. Angel: "Through this gap." We peered below and saw a crack in the wall, near the ground, that looked just big enough for a cat to pass through. Angel: "I came in through here and ended up in some place resembling a storeroom." She told us proudly, like a young detective that had just pointed out the culprit. Well, it _was_ good to know how the stray cats were getting inside. Naruko: "You sound like a burglar." Angel: "Huh?!" Angel: "Angels and burglars are completely different! It was better when you were calling me a ghost!" Naruko: "But weren't you acting like a burglar?" Angel: "W-Was I?" Naruko: "Entering a person's house without permission is totally something a burglar would do." Angel: "B-But, I did not steal anything, did I? And besides, I thought it would be okay since the kitties were coming in, too..." I exchanged a look with Nakizaki. Apart from the feathers on her back and halo above her head, she didn't look any different from a normal human, but something definitely felt off about her. My instincts were telling me, "This isn't a person." "I am an angel." There wasn't a human alive that would suddenly believe something like that, especially from someone they just met. But, I had accepted it despite that logic. "Ah, this is a real angel..." However, admitting it went against my sense of reason. Wouldn't it be far too irrational for angels to exist in this world? I was sure Nakizaki felt the same. All the more reason we were so bewildered. Naruko: "Kirinokojima, what should we do?" Tomoe: "Ask all you want, but I have no idea." This whole situation was hopeless, but there was _one_ option. Tomoe: "If you leave here right now and never show up again, we'll pretend we never saw anything." We would act like nothing happened, and forget everything. In doing so, we could sweep this all under the rug for good. Angel: "No, about that... I want to stay here a little longer." However, the self-proclaimed angel turned down my proposal. Tomoe: "Why does it have to be here?" Angel: "I am sorry... I am looking for something..." The self-proclaimed angel said apologetically. Naruko: "Looking for something? Here?" Angel: "It appears I dropped something very important." Was she talking about the day she fell from the sky? Come to think of it, her falling from the sky was also mysterious, but I didn't want to get any more involved than necessary. I was better off oblivious to the details. Naruko: "What in the world did you drop?" Angel: "Well, about that..." Tomoe: "It's fine. Look around as much as you want." I said before she could answer. Angel: "Huh? Are you sure?" The self-proclaimed angel was surprised that I gave my consent before she revealed what she'd been searching for. Naruko: "Are you sure? You don't even know what she's looking for." Tomoe: "It doesn't matter. You'll leave once you find what you're after, right?" Angel: "Y-Yes. That should be fine." Tomoe: "That works for me, then. As long as you find it quickly and get out." Tomoe: "If you leave right away, then I don't care whether you're an angel or not." She hung her head sadly. The way I phrased it must have sounded cold. Angel: "...Thank you very much. I am sorry for causing you trouble, but I will find it and leave as soon as possible." I couldn't perceive her as anything other than a helpless girl when I saw her dejectedly drooping her shoulders. I felt guilty, but I didn't see any need to worry about it since I was dealing with an angel. Angel: "Um, could I ask you one question?" Tomoe: "What's that?" Angel: "Um... Do you hate angels?" The girl asked nervously, just like a human would. She was clearly scared to hear my reply. Could angels feel dread as well? Tomoe: "..." Tomoe: "If you mean the legendary, non-existent variety of angels, then I don't particularly like or dislike them." Angel: "'Non-existent'...? But, I am right here..." She puffed out her chest, putting her existence she had tried to hide until moments ago on display. I wasn't pleased with her unreserved attitude. Tomoe: "There's no way angels could exist." I said, aware of what was standing before me. The self-proclaimed angel looked like she was going to cry. Angel: "But, why...?" The girl stared straight into my eyes, looking for the true meaning to what I'd said. Confusion and terror mingled in her pupils. Angel: "Why... do you believe there is no such thing as angels?" Tomoe: "Because, isn't it strange?" Tomoe: "If angels truly existed, then there's no way there would be so many unhappy people in the world." Tomoe: "Angels _are_ beings that make people happy, right?" Angel: "W-Well..." Angel: "I am sorry..." The self-proclaimed angel apologized, almost as if she were taking responsibility for not eliminating unhappiness from the people of this world. That only served to assert that she was, in fact, an angel. Talk about arrogant. Tomoe: "Angels don't exist. I won't accept it. But even if they really _do_ exist..." Tomoe: "I will never be able to forgive them for it." Angel: "Ah..." The girl cowered at my comment, as if she had been struck. Angel: "Never be able... to forgive us..." Tomoe: "..." Naruko: "Kirinokojima, that's enough." Nakizaki scolded me for my nasty comment. Tomoe: "..." I looked away from the angel to calm my senses, and caught sight of the clock on the wall. Tomoe: "Nakizaki, won't we be late if we don't get going?" Naruko: "Huh...? Oh, you're right!" Nakizaki looked at the clock and panicked. Naruko: "It's already so late! I haven't even made breakfast yet!" Tomoe: "We'll be late if we eat." Naruko: "And I promised to make you a fancy breakfast this morning, too!" It looked like she had given up on breakfast. I was relieved I had gotten out of a depressing meal for once. Although it was a small relief, it did nothing to clear the gloom in my heart. Naruko: "What about the ange―about her?" Tomoe: "I don't care if she looks around for whatever she lost, as long as she promises to leave after she finds it." Angel: "...I understand. I will find it quickly." Tomoe: "Please do." I didn't look the self-proclaimed angel's way any longer. This would be my last time meeting her. By the time I'd get home from school today, she should already be long gone. There was never any angel here. That was for the best. Naruko: "Ah, we're really screwed on time!" Tomoe: "Yeah, let's go." Angel: "..."
The sky had drastically changed from yesterday's azure to a heavy, lead color. The forecast called for rain this afternoon, and it was likely the weather wouldn't disappoint. Naruko: "Was it okay to leave her alone like that?" Nakizaki was worried about that self-proclaimed angel. Tomoe: "If she's an angel, then she won't rob the place, right?" Naruko: "Yeah, but..." Nakizaki shot me a questioning glance. Naruko: "Did you seriously believe what she said about being an angel?" Tomoe: "...I'm not sure. Who knows?" Naruko: "You said it. How're you supposed to react when someone tells you they're an angel?" Tomoe: "What about you?" Naruko: "I'm... not sure either." Nakizaki tilted her head, looking stumped. Naruko: "I feel the same way you do, Kirinokojima. It's strange there are still unhappy people in the world if angels really do exist." Naruko: "Besides, it got me thinking about how she was there, right in front of me. It might be easier to believe in what you can't see." Easier to believe in what you can't see, huh...? I more or less got what Nakizaki was trying to say. An angel given form seemed somehow imperfect. Intangible beings were far easier for people to place all their ideals upon. That way, they could be flawless creatures for all mankind. Naruko: "I wonder what an angel is?" Tomoe: "No idea..." There was no way I could know. In fact, I wanted an answer to that question myself. Naruko: "Ah..." Nakizaki looked up at the sky. Naruko: "It's raining." Rain began to fall from the depressing, lead-colored sky.
Before nightfall, the drizzle of rain turned into a downpour―a cold, wintry downpour. Tomoe: "..." The house was deserted. I wasn't surprised to find that the self-proclaimed angel had run off. Had she found what she was looking for? Tomoe: "Not that it has anything to do with me." What had she been looking for, exactly? Tomoe: "...It's none of my business." Tomoe: "...Hm?" Some sort of sound had come from the backyard. I thought it was just the rain, but it clearly didn't match up with its rhythm. Tomoe: "It couldn't be..." I looked out the window. The self-proclaimed angel was standing in the rain-soaked yard. Angel: "How strange. Is it not here?" She had presumably finished going through the house, and was now walking around and relentlessly searching all over the yard. Angel: "I do not think it could be anywhere else, though..." Tomoe: "..." I had personally told her to look as much as she wanted, so I would have felt awkward complaining about it. Tomoe: "Guess I'll just leave her be?" It wasn't like she was hurting anything. As it grew dark, the rain fell harder and harder. Tomoe: "..." I was concerned, but didn't dare look outside. It would just cause me needless worry if I discovered she was still out there. Naruko: "Oh~? Still here?" I heard Nakizaki in the backyard. She must have been bringing me dinner when she spotted the "angel" outside. Which meant that girl was still out there... The doorbell rang. Tomoe: "That would be Nakizaki." Naruko: "Hey, Angel-chan is still in the backyard." She said suddenly, as if she couldn't keep it to herself, while delivering my dinner. Tomoe: "Looks like it." Naruko: "Is it really okay to leave her like that?" Tomoe: "There's not much else we can do." Naruko: "But it's raining so hard... It's cold out there, you know?" Tomoe: "If she's really an angel, then she'll be just fine." Naruko: "Will she? Do you think she'll find what she's looking for?" Tomoe: "If she's having this much trouble finding it in my tiny backyard, then I'm sure it isn't there. She'll give up sooner or later." Naruko: "I hope so." Tomoe: "..." If she couldn't find it, then she had no choice but to give up. Nothing complicated about it. Not to mention, there was nothing I could do for her. Tomoe: "It's already this late?" It had reached 11PM before I knew it. Tomoe: "Guess I'll go to bed." It was still pouring outside. It must have been a fittingly cold rain which marked the changing of the seasons. Tomoe: "I'm sure it's only cold by human standards." Angels would definitely have their own standards that differed from those of humans. Tomoe: "..." I opened the curtains and peeked into the backyard. The self-proclaimed angel was still there. Angel: "Mmm... Strange..." Angel: "Achoo!" Angel: "Oh, brrr..." Tomoe: "...Is she _really_ an angel?" The angel stood in the rain, sneezing and shivering. She was just like a human. What in the world was she searching so frantically for? What could be worth looking for so desperately? How had she even lost something so precious to her? Krk, krk, krk... I recalled that moment: the sound of the bowstring being pulled to its limit. Tomoe: "Was it my fault?" She had fallen immediately after that, along with those white feathers. Had that arrow hit her? ...No, that was impossible. That was an empty draw. It wasn't like I had nocked an arrow. You couldn't hit something with an arrow you never fired. And even if I had, could a human arrow actually hit an angel? Tomoe: "..." Tomoe: "...Of course not." Whether this was guilt or a sense of responsibility, attributing this to myself in any way was pure egotism. An excessive sense of responsibility was no different from being egotistical. Tomoe: "It's none of my business." The rain would likely stop tomorrow, and I did not doubt the angel would disappear along with it. ...Or so I hoped.
Tomoe: "She went home?" As soon as I woke up, I immediately looked down into the backyard from my window. The rain was still falling gently, but the girl was nowhere to be found. I didn't know whether she had found what she was looking for, or hadn't and had given up. Either way, she shouldn't have any more business here. Seeing the backyard empty was a relief. Everything was back to normal now. If I forgot about her, it would be like nothing ever happened. Tomoe: "It's still kind of early, huh?" I often slept in until the last second in the morning. Didn't waking up early like this make it seem like I was actually worried about her? Well, whatever. That was done and over with. Tomoe: "...Hm?" Angel: "Pii... Puu..." Tomoe: "She is still here?" The girl was snoozing and snoring away. She must have tried to stave off the rain by taking shelter under the eaves, but ultimately failed, and was totally soaked. Her wet hair clinging to her forehead was just asking for pity. Tomoe: "And she's supposed to be an angel..." There was nothing angelic about searching frantically for something while soaking wet. Tomoe: "Guess I have no choice..." In the one in a million chance she did catch a cold, she wouldn't be able to search for whatever she had lost, and would never leave. I brought an unused blanket from the house and draped it over her. There probably wasn't much point since she looked like a drowned rat, but it was better than nothing. Since she was an angel, treating her like a human was probably wrong anyway. Angel: "Pii... Puu..." She snuggled into the blanket and began to breathe comfortably. Tomoe: "I feel like an idiot for worrying." Angel: "Mmmgg mm..." She was sleeping soundly, but had she found what she was looking for? Not that it looked like she was holding anything. Angel: "Hmm... Where is it..." Angel: "Mmm... mmbbmm..." Tomoe: "Looking even in her dreams, huh?" What in the world could she have been looking for? It must have been something difficult to find... Perhaps it was small? Tomoe: "Maybe it's a ring, or some kind of gemstone? If it's that small, she may not be able to find it regardless of how tiny this backyard is." Since it had rained so much, the ground was muddy and in a pretty sorry state. It likely wasn't anywhere you could spot it at a glance, at least. Maybe it was hiding off in the shrubs? Tomoe: "...Oh boy." As I said that to myself, I tried pushing through a thicket of grass. Due to the rain and amply wet undergrowth, my body and clothes were instantly soaked. Tomoe: "It's cold... If I keep doing this, I'll get sick in no time." Wandering around in the rain for close to a day was probably unreasonable for even an angel. Through my grumbling, I continued my search. Tomoe: "I hate people who are bad at giving up." Knowing when to give up was crucial. Not all wishes could come true. Try as you might, some wishes could never be granted. "I want to be rich." "I want to be popular with the opposite sex." "I want to date someone beautiful everyone will be jealous of." "I want to get good grades without any effort." "I want to be with the person I love for the rest of my life..." People bore many wishes. But what percentage of those could really come true? Wouldn't the vast majority of those wishes be ungrantable? That was why giving up was occasionally necessary. No, giving up was extremely vital. Taken to the extreme, nobody would ever be unhappy if they never wished for anything. People become unhappy _because_ they have wishes. I realized that a long time ago at a very young age. Ever since then, I never wished for anything. Stray Cat: "Meow." Tomoe: "Hm?" I heard a cry from overhead. When I looked up, a stray cat was sitting on the first-story eave. Tomoe: "Don't slip and fall now." Tomoe: "...Hm?" There was something sitting beside the stray who had plopped down in place. I could only see part of it, but it seemed quite large. Tomoe: "What is that?" I would have to get onto the second floor to see the rest of it. I went up to my room and looked down at the eaves from my window. Tomoe: "Huh? ...A guitar?" What was unmistakably a guitar―an electric guitar―seemed to be stuck there. Tomoe: "Why is there a guitar there of all places?" I hung out my window and reached for the guitar, but it was too far away. Stray Cat: "Meow." Tomoe: "I don't suppose you could go fetch it for me?" Stray Cat: "Meow?" Tomoe: "I guess that's asking too much... Oh well." I timidly crawled through the window frame and headed outside. Nakizaki still came over via the roof pretty often, but I hadn't gotten up here in ages. The last time may have been when I was an elementary student. Tomoe: "It's wet; better not slip." I treaded cautiously, careful not to slip and fall, and somehow made it to the guitar. Tomoe: "This isn't trash, is it?" The instrument was well cared for. I couldn't imagine someone throwing it away. However, most of the strings _were_ broken. Tomoe: "Is this that angel's lost property?" There was no other reason for this to be here. Granted, I wasn't expecting what she lost to be so large. Tomoe: "May as well go make sure. Better recover it first..." I slowly bent over and picked up the guitar. Slip...! My feet slid the moment I tried to pick the guitar up. I immediately hugged it to my chest. Tomoe: "Whah?!" I fell on my backside and kept on sliding. I tried to brace myself but couldn't get any traction. Tomoe: "Whoa!" The roof ended, and my body went in the air... Still hugging the guitar, I fell down into the backyard. Tomoe: "...Urg..." My butt and back took a severe whack, but thanks to how muddy the ground was, I was hurt less than expected. Tomoe: "Ah, the guitar!" Tomoe: "...Is it okay?" There didn't seem to be any damage to the instrument I had clutched tightly to my chest, nor had it gotten any dirt on it. _I_ was completely covered in mud, though. Angel: "Mm... Mmgguh...?" It wasn't surprising she'd woken up. The angel rose to her feet while wrapped in her blanket. Her sleepy eyes turned restless and spotted me. Angel: "Huh? Good morning." Tomoe: "...Morning." Angel: "What are you doing? You are covered in mud." Tomoe: "..." It wasn't like I did it for her, but it was the tiniest bit annoying. Tomoe: "Never mind me. Is this it?" I showed her the safely rescued guitar. In an instant, her sleepy eyes sparkled. Angel: "Ah, that is it!" The angel jumped up and took back the instrument. Tomoe: "Was that what you were looking for?" Angel: "Y-Yes! This, this is it! My guitar!" I guess this really _was_ what she was looking for. Who would've thought what she had so much trouble finding was so large? It may have been caught on the roof, but how did she miss it during her intense search? Angel: "I am so glad you found it!" Tomoe: "..." I had so much I wanted to say, but seeing her so happy because of my efforts sucked all the malice out of me. The angel was smiling ecstatically. Wasn't this the first time she'd shown such an expression? She looked like a different person when she smiled. It was almost enough to make you believe she was an angel if she told you on your first meeting. Could a smile alone drastically change your impression of someone? Angel: "Thank you so very much for finding it for me!" She hugged the guitar like it were a piece of treasure and bowed very deeply to me. Tomoe: "Sure..." Overwhelmed by her elation, I was at a loss for words. Angel: "Where in the world was it?" Tomoe: "It was stuck up there on the roof." I pointed and showed her. Angel: "Oh, up there...? I guess I could have crawled on the ground forever and never have found it, huh?" Tomoe: "You crawled around the entire time...?" Being an angel, I figured she would have first taken flight and searched by air, but angels must have had different sensibilities from us humans. Angel: "Anyway, I am so glad you found it! Thank goodness you found..." Angel: "Aaaaaaaah!" A scream echoed throughout the quiet residential district on this early morning. Her smile turned into an expression of shock. Tomoe: "Don't be so loud. Everyone's still asleep; you're being a nuisance." Angel: "I-I'm sorry... But, this..." The angel pointed at the neck of the guitar, where only one string was still affixed. Angel: "The strings have almost all snapped!" Indeed, most of the strings had snapped, with just barely one remaining. Tomoe: "Maybe they snapped when you dropped it?" Angel: "That is impossible!" Despite sounding unsure this whole time, she quickly shot that idea down. This girl had never before insisted anything upon me so strongly. Tomoe: "Can the strings of an angel's guitar not break or something?" Angel: "Yes. Normally, they should not. These are no ordinary strings." If an angel said so, then these really must have been very special strings. Tomoe: "But they _have_ snapped." Angel: "Yes... Five of them, no less... I wonder why they broke?" She could ask all she wanted, but there was no way I would know. Tomoe: "Either way, there's no helping it; they're broken. Just put on new ones." Angel: "Please do not make it sound so easy." The angel looked ready to cry. No, she already was. She looked quite happy to have been reunited with what she had lost, but that was quickly replaced by her usual, troubled expression. Despite being an angel, she had looked like she was on the brink of tears ever since I met her. That aspect wasn't angelic at all. Angel: "I cannot save people in trouble like this!" Tomoe: "Save people in trouble? With a guitar?" Angel: "Yes. That is the job of an angel." The angel boldly declared, looking dead serious. I was startled by her nearly tangible resolve. But... Tomoe: "That's..." Naruko: "Whose voice was that?" Nakizaki poked her head out of the neighboring house's window. Naruko: "Ah! The angel!" And pointed. Angel: "Hello." Tomoe: "'Hello' isn't what you should be saying..." What an idiotic morning.
Angel: "Wow, the view is so nice here~" The angel was deeply moved by the sights. The rain, which had fallen until this morning, had ceased and the perfectly clear, blue sky stretched out above us. Angel: "It really is incredibly pretty..." Naruko: "She's crying..." Tomoe: "..." It _was_ a nice view, but was it really nice enough to cry over? Especially for an angel to do so... Angel: "The world is beautiful." Tomoe: "Hey, what should we do about this?" Naruko: "How would I know?" Angel: "What is the matter?" Despite the two of us being stumped, the angel was off on her own, staring into space. Angels probably couldn't relate to human troubles. Tomoe: "Why are you here?" Angel: "Huh? What do you mean?" She asked as she wiped away the tears in her eyes. They were detestably beautiful tears at that. Tomoe: "This is a school. An angel wouldn't have any business with a school, would they?" Angel: "That is not true. Schools are full of troubled people." Angel: "Those are the very moments angels shine." The angel confidently puffed out her chest. Tomoe: "And what can angels do?" Angel: "Well, we can..." Mid-answer, her expression visibly sank and her shoulders drooped with disappointment. Angel: "Without that guitar, an angel cannot do anything..." Tomoe: "'Guitar'? That one with the broken strings?" Angel: "Yes..." Angel: "We angels aid troubled people with song." Naruko: "Oh? So you sing to cheer them up?" Angel: "Um, well, that may be about right in layman's terms." Angel: "But it is totally hopeless without that guitar!" Tomoe: "Then why don't you just have it re-strung?" That was likely the only way of fixing a guitar with broken strings. I knew nothing about guitars, much less how to fix one, but it didn't sound like there was anything I could do. Angel: "I would if I could, but my guitar cannot be repaired so easily." Naruko: "What do you mean?" Angel: "My strings cannot be replaced." Tomoe: "They're irreplaceable? How so?" Angel: "An angel's guitar is strung with red threads; they are the same red threads that bind lovers together." Naruko: "Could you mean the so-called 'red thread of fate'?" Angel: "Yes, yes, that is it!" The angel nodded like Nakizaki had just read her mind. Angel: "By using the red threads as strings and playing them as we sing, we can aid the loves of men and women." Naruko: "You don't just join two people with the red threads?" Angel: "That is the end result, but angels cannot intentionally tie two people together with the red threads." Angel: "If we could, then angels could create lovers whenever we wished." Angel: "For example, if I were to connect you two right here and now with a red thread, you would become lovers." Naruko: "Huh?! Me and Kirinokojima?" Nakizaki looked blatantly displeased. I thought that was pretty rude, but Nakizaki and I probably wouldn't have been friends for this long unless she were this sort of person. Tomoe: "I'll pass on being manipulated at an angel's whim." It could be worse than just me and Nakizaki. If angels could freely manipulate the red threads, I could suddenly end up becoming lovers with someone I'd never even met before. Forcing me to fall in love with someone I don't even like would be completely ridiculous. Naruko: "Hm, you're right. Basically manipulating people's feelings would be kind of sketchy." Angel: "Right? That is why angels do not have that capability." Naruko: "So, what _do_ angels do?" Angel: "All we can do is encourage those who are worrying or hurting..." The angel looked visibly depressed. It was the face of someone who lamented their own inadequacy. Tomoe: "Encourage them, huh?" Yeah, that _was_ inadequate. Angel: "With only one guitar string, I cannot even do that much..." Naruko: "Say, does that mean it's all over for you if the last one snaps? Doesn't that worry you?" Angel: "I am not worried." The angel decisively answered. Angel: "The red threads cannot be broken." Naruko: "Huh? What do you mean? They _did_ break." Angel: "Yes. That is why it is so strange, and why I am in such a bind." Angel: "I have never heard of this happening before, so I have no idea what to do..." The angel drooped her shoulders once again and seemed to be at a total loss. It appeared she was troubled since something which should be unbreakable _had_ broken, and it was completely unprecedented. It was now painfully clear how worried she was. What an unreliable angel. I was needlessly concerned over whether this girl could cheer up troubled people, even if the strings hadn't broken. Naruko: "Hm... That's a tough one. Isn't there anything we can do about it?" Nakizaki exhibited her innate helpfulness even toward an angel. An angel may be able to do something for a human, but I doubted mere humans could do the same in return. Naruko: "Oh, but look, there's one left! Can't you play that?" Angel: "But there is only one..." Naruko: "Hm, I see. You sure there's nothing you could do with just one?" Angel: "Technically, there is the option of using a bow..." Tomoe: "...A bow?" Naruko: "You mean a stereotypical angel's bow?" What Nakizaki had in mind had most likely popped into my own. The bow that was always being held by angels depicted in paintings and comics. The one whose arrows are said to make you fall in love if they pierce your heart. Naruko: "Wow, so there really is an angelic bow and arrow?" Angel: "Yes! If you use it as a bowstring, it will work even with just a single red thread!" Tomoe: "Problem solved." Angel: "Actually... I am absolutely terrible with a bow." Angel: "I practiced a lot, but I have never hit my mark." How much of a quack of an angel could she be? Naruko: "If we're talking bows, Kirinokojima is the best!" Tomoe: "Ah, you idiot..." It was too late to tell her not to say it. The angel's eyes shone brightly. Definitely more shine than a small twinkling. Angel: "Really?!" Naruko: "Totally! He always nails his target dead-center." Naruko: "My dad teaches archery, and Kirinokojima is his student." Naruko: "My dad made him do it, so he's been practicing archery for a long time." Tomoe: "..." Nakizaki clearly didn't get how I felt and just kept bragging. The angel's eyes shone more and more. Angel: "Amazing! Meeting someone like you at a time like this must be fate!" Angel: "Please! Lend me your strength!" The angel rose her voice, now practically clinging to me. Talk about a nightmare. An angel hanging off me was totally gross. Tomoe: "I refuse." There was no need to think about it; my answer was obvious. Still, the angel must not have expected I would turn her down and looked like she was in total disbelief. Angel: "Wh-Why?" Tomoe: "Because it has nothing to do with me." Angel: "No way..." Tomoe: "Those supposedly unbreakable strings snapped. That isn't my responsibility." It would be a different story if I had shot her down with an arrow, but I hadn't actually nocked one back then. I didn't know why she had fallen with that exact timing, but common sense dictated it had nothing to do with me. Besides, those guitar strings didn't normally break. At the very least, she had mentioned that she'd never heard of such a thing before now. That just made it less and less likely I had any involvement in breaking the strings. Tomoe: "I _do_ think it's unfortunate you're in a tough spot, but that's an entirely different matter. I have no obligation to help you." Angel: "Th-That may be true, but it is possible that there are people you can help with your abilities!" Angel: "Are you sure you are okay with not doing anything for them?" Tomoe: "I am." Angel: "N-No way...! That is... just strange!" What a ridiculous situation. An angel was criticizing me for being a failure of a human. If this were a dream, I would like to hurry and wake up. Angel: "Why do you refuse to help?! Because it is a bother?" The angel asked. Tomoe: "It's not that." Angel: "Then why?" The answer was simple. I didn't even have to think about why. Tomoe: "Because love brings people nothing but pain." Angel: "Huh?!" The angel's face turned hilariously foolish all at once. The idea that love could make people miserable had likely never before crossed her mind for even a second. Otherwise, she never would have made such a foolish face. Angel: "U-Um... What does that..." Angel: "Ah...!" The angel suddenly stopped moving. She held a hand to her ear, seemingly listening closely to something, but we couldn't hear a thing. Naruko: "What's wrong?" Angel: "...Over there!" She suddenly dashed off without responding. Next, she leaned over the fence of the roof and peeked downward. Naruko: "Hey, that's dangerous!" Since she was an angel, I figured she could fly even if she fell off the side, but Nakizaki was really panicked. It looked like the angel was staring down at the ground so intently she hadn't even heard her. Her eyes were focused on the sporting grounds. Naruko: "Is something there?" Naruko: "Oh...?" Nakizaki seemed to have discovered something as well. I followed both their glances. And then I spotted it. A figure running out on the grounds. It was Ukutsu. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa...!" She was silently doing laps around the practice fields by herself. Even from this distance, I could tell something was amiss from how she was acting. Given what had just happened the other day, it wasn't surprising that her behavior worried me. Angel: "..." Naruko: "What's wrong with Kayo?" Angel: "That person is called Kayo-san?" Naruko: "She's my friend. Should I be worried about her?" Nakizaki sounded concerned after seeing the angel's unusually stern expression. Angel: "That person is in love, yes?" Naruko: "She is... Why?" Now _I_ was curious. Why had she noticed Ukutsu from so far away, and so suddenly? For that matter, how did she know she was in love...? Angel: "Her heart is going to fracture." Naruko: "Huh? What do you mean Kayo's heart will 'fracture'?" Angel: "Please tell me. What in the world happened to her?" Awed by the angel's earnest appearance, Nakizaki explained the situation to her. That Ukutsu had asked Nakizaki for advice, but the person she cared for, Hashiguchi, liked someone else. And that I had mercilessly told her all about it. Angel: "Why did you say something like that?! Of course she would be hurt if someone told her that!" The angel scolded me. Tomoe: "I know, but the pain is only temporary. She'll get over it eventually." Angel: "Some scars never heal." Tomoe: "Huh...?" I was startled by her words, as they seemed to have some conviction behind them. "Some scars never heal," had a ring to it that made my chest ache. When I stared back at the angel, she had already returned her attention to Ukutsu down on the practice field. Angel: "I have to help her. Before her heart fractures." The angel whispered to herself. Tomoe: "What in the world does it mean... for a heart to fracture?" Angel: "..." The angel remained silent. All she did was look down sadly at Ukutsu as she ran.
Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa...!" My heart was pounding so furiously that it felt like it would fly up and out of my mouth. I had no idea how long I had been running. It was painful to breathe, and my legs were cramped, but the urge was uncontrollable. I couldn't help but run. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa...!" Out of breath. Legs... wouldn't lift. Even so, I couldn't stop running. If I didn't run, I was sure I would fall to pieces, just like a shark would surely die if it ceased to swim. Kayo: "Ah...!" Just like that, the world flipped on its head. My eyes were spinning, and before I could tell what was happening, I was staring up at the sky. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa..." Kayo: "I... stopped..." It would be so much easier if this _did_ make me die like a shark. That would put an end to these painful feelings... Kayo: "But if I die, I won't be able to see Shunsuke anymore..." I wonder if he would mourn for me if I died? Would he cry for me at my funeral? Not being able to see him would be awful. Of course, even if I lived, I soon wouldn't be able to see him anymore anyway. Kayo: "This sucks..." The sunset-colored sky began to blur. It grew fuzzier and fuzzier, and in the blink of an eye, the clouds melted into the expanse. Kayo: "Shunsuke... I love you..." I could hear the weeping in my voice. Pathetic. Kayo: "Shunsuke, I love you...!" I put my feelings into words once more, this time more firmly. Kayo: "I love you, Shunsuke... I love you..." No matter how many times I put it into words, it wasn't enough. What should I do about this seemingly endless flood of emotions? Angel: "Words most certainly exist to convey feelings." Kayo: "Huh?" Was... someone here? My vision was clouded by tears, so I couldn't really see... Was it a girl? Angel: "Words exist to convey feelings. Let's go tell him how you feel!" Who in the world was she? ...Still, I got the feeling I could be honest now. Kayo: "But Shunsuke likes someone else. So, how could I..." Angel: "There is no need to be modest about showing someone your affection. I believe it is better to tell him, so you have no regrets." Kayo: "Regrets..." Would I? I doubted we would absolutely never see each other again, but... If I went on like this, and didn't confess to him, something told me I would never see him again. I also got the feeling I wouldn't see him anymore if I went for it and he turned me down... But if I said nothing, I might see him again at a class reunion, someone's wedding, or something like that. Kayo: "..." How will I be doing then? These painful scars will surely have healed, and I will likely have completely forgotten the feelings I have for him, the longer time passes. Even if I remembered that I "used to like Shunsuke," I was sure to forget how irreplaceable those feelings were to me. When we reunited, we could probably smile together, like nothing had ever happened. It would be like the love I felt for him never existed, and we could be simple, ordinary friends. If that came to be, wouldn't it be as though my feelings never existed? These feelings Shunsuke was unaware of, that only I knew? If I kept these feelings to myself because it was too painful and simply forgot them, that would be no different from wiping the slate clean. What I felt here and now would vanish, and turn to nothing... Kayo: "I... don't want that..." That certain someone in my blurry view smiled sweetly. I could see what appeared to be some sort of strange feathers sprouting from their back. What were those? Angel: "Then do your best and tell him." Kayo: "Is that okay?" Angel: "Of course!" I see. It's okay to tell Shunsuke how I feel? He likes Arie-sempai, so I would probably be rejected. Regardless... I needed to tell him how I felt. Kayo: "Thank you." I wiped my eyes, blurry with tears, and picked myself up. Kayo: "...Huh?" There was nobody there. Kayo: "Then, what was that...?" I wonder who that could have been?
Angel: "I am sure Kayo-san will be able to confess to him now." The angel gleefully walked with a spring in her step. She dragged and forced me to witness everything that had transpired between them from beginning to end. All I did was watch. Tomoe: "Don't drag me into this." Angel: "Come on. I may have needed your assistance, Tomoe-san." Tomoe: "You mean with my archery?" Angel: "Yes, although it was good that it did not seem to be necessary." Tomoe: "'Good,' huh...?" I never planned on saying anything, but that may have struck the wrong chord with me. Angel: "Was it not? With the way things were going, Kayo-san might have given up." Tomoe: "Wouldn't that have been for the best?" I accidentally said that out loud. I _was_ the one who had suggested for her to give up, after all. Angel: "For the best... Keeping her feelings to herself, you mean?" Angel: "That is not true." The angel plainly asserted. It came off as baseless confidence to me. Tomoe: "The guy she's after likes someone else. There's no point in confessing to someone you know will reject you." Angel: "You do not know that. There is a chance it might go well." Tomoe: "'A chance' and 'might' aren't good enough. If things don't work out, Ukutsu will definitely get hurt." Angel: "That... is true, but..." Angel: "But if she says goodbye without telling him how she feels, she will surely regret it." Tomoe: "You do not know tha―" Angel: "I am positive! She will absolutely regret it!" The angel insisted more strongly than ever before. It had an odd intensity to it. Angel: "It is something us angels have come to know after watching many people." Angel: "Giving up means forsaking your own emotions." Tomoe: "...You said it." I knew that all too well. Put another way, if you never gave up, you would never put your feelings to rest. No one can force you to stop caring. Only you, personally, can ever make that happen. That's what it meant to give up. Tomoe: "But if you do it on your own, you can do it gently. Wouldn't that be way easier on you in the end?" For example, you could care about a person who would never give you a second look for years, but wouldn't that be incredibly painful? Wouldn't giving up be far easier? Getting rid of emotions like that would be far better... Angel: "Helping those who are suffering is our job as angels." Tomoe: "That applies to what you did earlier, too?" Angel: "Of course, that is what I was doing." The angel puffed up her chest a bit. Was it something to be so proud of? Angel: "I am sure that Kayo-san will be able to confess to Shunsuke-san now." Tomoe: "I'm pretty sure she'll be turned down." Angel: "P-Please do not assume that is how it will turn out!" Tomoe: "Besides, even if they wind up together, doesn't that mean Hashiguchi won't end up with the person _he_ likes?" Hashiguchi cared for someone else. If he and Ukutsu started dating despite that, it would mean he wouldn't be with the person _he_ liked. Tomoe: "That might make Ukutsu happy, but would Hashiguchi be okay with that?" Angel: "Well..." Angel: "If Shunsuke-san decides to be with Kayo-san, then I believe that will be because he has fallen in love with her." Angel: "Would that not mean Shunsuke-san considers it a good thing?" Tomoe: "That's looking at it in hindsight. As an angel, are you sure it's okay not to wish for Hashiguchi's current love to be realized?" Angel: "Uh... I-I have decided to support Kayo-san!" Angel: "It is not possible for it to work out well for both of them, so what can I do about it?" Tomoe: "Now you're just being defiant." Angel: "Well... Yes, it _would_ be ideal if we could grant the wish of every single person..." The angel grumbled with distress, and a part of me wanted to sympathize with her. What should I think of an angel being pitied by a human? Tomoe: "Despite being an angel, you're actually relatively powerless, aren't you?" What she was doing was no different than an ordinary human. And, much like a human, she had her own worries right alongside us. Totally different from the image I had of an angel. Angel: "That is correct. Every day is filled with conflict." I couldn't criticize her too harshly since I felt kind of sorry for her. I must have been losing my touch. Angel: "I wonder if Kayo-san will be able to tell him how she feels?" Tomoe: "Don't ask me." Why should I, a human, know something even an angel didn't? Tomoe: "Anyway, I don't care what you do, nor will I complain, as long as you don't drag me into it. ...So please don't get me any more involved than I already am." When I was a bit forceful, the angel grew disheartened. Angel: "I am sorry... I pray that does not happen as well." What a vague answer. Tomoe: "I really don't care, after all." It was true. I didn't care, and I wasn't going to do anything more.
Kayo: "Lady Angel, I'm sorry for praying to you only at times like this." I had made up my mind. Tomorrow, I would confess to Shunsuke. But now, the thought of confessing had made me antsy, so I came to visit the church once more. Kayo: "Please give me courage. I beg of you..." I prayed with all of my heart, likely much more seriously than before. But, today, I received no reply. Kayo: "Maybe I really was hearing things." There was no way an angel would answer me. Although, I got the feeling I had heard a lot of things that shouldn't be there lately. Maybe that was because my subconscious was wishing for it, too. None of that mattered anymore. I had decided to confess to Shunsuke. Kayo: "I'm sure I'll be rejected." After all, Shunsuke liked Arie-sempai. Not only were we nothing alike, I couldn't hold a candle to her. Even so, I didn't want to say goodbye to him without at least telling him how I felt. Kayo: "So please... give me courage..." I would tell him how I feel, then root for things to go well between him and Arie-sempai. If that was what Shunsuke wanted, I would support him. Kayo: "That's for the best." That's why it would be okay if he rejected me. No, I might be confessing _in order_ to be rejected. That would set me free. It may have been for the best that I heard about Arie-sempai from Naruko's childhood friend. ...I decided to think of it that way. Kayo: "I pray for Shunsuke to be happy..." That would be enough for me...
Kayo: "Haa..." All I had done for a while now was sigh. I'd been waiting for Shunsuke to arrive for some time now. Club activities were canceled today, but I didn't have the confidence to go all the way to the classroom in order to talk to him. That's why I was waiting here. Kayo: "I'm begging you, please hurry and come here..." Although the time I spent waiting was painful, it would probably be over within moments once he showed up. Kayo: "I should do a dry run while I have the chance. Ahem." Kayo: "Shunsuke... no, Hashiguchi, I've always loved you! But don't worry, it's not like I want to date you!" ...Worry about what? Maybe I was showing a little too much humility? Not to mention, Shunsuke might even like the idea of dating. Naruko's childhood friend may have been totally wrong about Arie-sempai. It wasn't like I'd heard it straight from the horse's mouth. If that were the case, wouldn't it be terrible if he took "it's not like I want to date you" as a nuance? On second thought, maybe it _would_ be better if I hinted that I would "like to date if possible"? Kayo: "...I'm too greedy." I would probably fail if I was too greedy. I should be as selfless as possible... Kayo: "Oh, jeez! Just hurry and show up!" Overthinking this was giving me a headache. Kayo: "Ah..." Just then, I finally spotted him. Actually, it might be more accurate to say he jumped to my eye. It was Shunsuke. I was afraid he would be with someone, but luckily, he'd come alone. This was the perfect setting for me to confess! Kayo: "All right!" Psych myself up... Now...! Kayo: "Hashigu―" Shunsuke: "Ah...!" Just as I was about to call his name, he suddenly ran off. For a moment I thought he might have noticed me and was rushing over, but that would have been way too convenient. Kayo: "That's..." Shunsuke was heading toward someone with a very recognizable figure... Kayo: "Koyuki Arie-san..." Even someone as absorbed in track and field as me knew of her. She was a third-year student, and her good looks were an object of adoration to boys across campus. Shunsuke: "Sempai!" Shunsuke caught up with Arie-sempai. Koyuki: "Oh, Shunsuke-kun." I was shocked. I couldn't believe she was calling him by his first name. Koyuki: "Doing okay?" Shunsuke: "Well..." They chatted as they walked. I had completely missed my chance to talk to him. On the other hand, I didn't feel like just up and going home alone, either. I kept a fixed distance and followed them. Koyuki: "I see. You're transferring because of your parents' circumstances." Shunsuke: "That's right! It's a total drag." Based on how they were acting, they must have known each other for quite some time. I never knew Shunsuke was acquainted with Arie-san. Shunsuke: "I'll be lonely, not getting to see you anymore." Koyuki: "..." Koyuki: "Yeah, same here." Shunsuke: "Huh? For real?" Kayo: "..." Shunsuke, you look so happy. You really do love her, don't you? Shunsuke: "U-Um...! Maybe I could send you letters once I get there..." In that moment, he turned around for some unknown reason. Shunsuke: "...Ah." Kayo: "Ah..." Our eyes met. Shunsuke: "Oh, Ukutsu?" ...He found me. Kayo: "H-Hey! If it isn't Hashiguchi. What's up?" Crap, my voice was shaking. Don't notice, please don't notice... Koyuki: "..." Ugh... I had a hunch Arie-sempai had noticed how upset I was. Probably. Call it women's intuition. Shunsuke: "Oh, Sempai. This is Ukutsu, from the Track and Field Club." Kayo: "N-Nice to meet you..." I clumsily bowed my head as Shunsuke introduced me. Koyuki: "It's nice to meet you, too." Arie-sempai smiled, and just like that, the heavy air around her softened, making her seem much more charming. I think I understood now why all of the boys were so crazy about her. Shunsuke must have been head over heels for her, too. Kayo: "..." I understood it, but getting put face-to-face with her was depressing. It was too much to handle. "It's okay if I get turned down. I'll support Shunsuke's relationship." Or so I thought... Shunsuke: "Heading home now, Ukutsu?" Kayo: "Y-Yeah... I was just thinking I might run all the way home." Shunsuke: "Seriously? That's Ukutsu for ya, full of energy." Shunsuke: "Sempai, this girl's pretty quick on her feet. Don't ya think she'll get pretty far in next year's tournament?" Koyuki: "Oh, she is?" Kayo: "I-I'm not _that_ good." Shunsuke: "Knowing you, anything's possible if you put in the effort. You've got the skill; you just need the right mindset." Shunsuke: "I think if you just had some confidence, you'd be able to really go places." Koyuki: "That is incredible." Kayo: "N-No... I'm not incredible at all..." Shunsuke: "That's not true! You've got the skill!" Shunsuke was always so nice to me. In middle school, when I was in a slump and couldn't improve my times at all, Shunsuke supported and encouraged me to do better. He would always say, "It's okay! You can totally do it!" It was because of him that I broke out of my slump. Shunsuke's words were like magic. When he told me, "You can totally do it!" I felt like I really could. It was the same in elementary school when we were learning how to do a back hip circle in gym. My classmates breezed right through the lesson, while I was the only one who never got the hang of it... But Shunsuke joined me for practice after school and kept on telling me, "I know you can do it, Ukutsu!" Because of him, I really did learn how to do a back hip circle. Was it around that time when I started becoming aware of Shunsuke? I soon realized how much fun athletics could be and signed up for track and field, partially because he had joined, too. Without a doubt, Shunsuke... Shunsuke's kindness had a huge hand in making me who I was today. Then I noticed his kindness wasn't directed solely at me. He was kind to everyone. And, the one Shunsuke truly loved... was surely... this person, huh? Kayo: "..." Shunsuke: "What's got you so fascinated?" Kayo: "Huh?" At some point or another, I had apparently started staring at Arie-sempai. Kayo: "Oh... I'm sorry... I was staring..." Koyuki: "No problem; it's not as if it hurts anything." I had been impolite and stared, and even then, it hadn't ruined Sempai's mood. Maybe she'd gotten used to being stared at? Unlike me, she may have quite the big heart. Koyuki: "Are you okay? You look a bit pale." Kayo: "D-Do I?" Koyuki: "Shunsuke-kun, why don't you take her home?" Shunsuke: "Huh, me?" Shunsuke was clearly at a loss. I knew he'd rather be with her than me, and I couldn't help but feel a prickle of pain in my chest. His confusion then seemed to disappear instantaneously, and was replaced with a smile. Shunsuke: "You're right. I'll take her home." Yes. Telling him my feelings could wait. Kayo: "...I-It's okay. I'm fine..." Shunsuke: "What are you holding back for? It's fine; come on." He grabbed my elbow and, with a bit of force, pulled me along. Kayo: "S-Seriously, I'm fine!" Shunsuke: "Don't fight me on this." Shunsuke: "Okay, Sempai, see you later!" Koyuki: "Yes, goodbye." Sempai left. Shunsuke's expression turned dismal as he watched her walk off. Definitely false bravado. Kayo: "...You're so stupid, Hashiguchi." I accidentally insulted him. Shunsuke: "What's that about?" Shunsuke: "...Hm? Ukutsu, are you crying?" Kayo: "O-Of course not. Idiot..." Don't cry, Kayo... You can't cry. Shunsuke was probably the one who wanted to cry. If I weren't here, he could have gone home with her. With his transfer impending, it would have been a precious time for him. Kayo: "Ooh..." Shunsuke: "Hey, are you really okay?" Kayo: "I-I'm... goof!" Shunsuke: "'Goof,' huh...?" Shunsuke: "Ahaha! You don't sound 'good' at all!" Kayo: "Sh-Shut uuup!" Ah, I'm hopeless. I really do love him. So much it hurts... But, still... I wasn't enough for him. I knew that plain as day. I'd figured that much out.
Angel: "Ah...!" The angel let out a cry of surprise. As Ukutsu burst into tears, the angel went stiff while staring at her back. Naruko: "What's wrong?" Angel: "Her heart... just..." Naruko: "Her heart?" Angel: "It fractured..." Tomoe: "Her heart fractured?" I didn't understand what she meant, but it would appear the unexpected could happen to angels, too. She was suddenly panicked. Naruko: "What do you mean her heart 'fractured'?" Angel: "Well..." The angel who was supposedly watching over Ukutsu brought us along with her, and had been watching from a short distance away. Although we had seen it from afar, I could tell she had been planning to confess to him. But, from what I had just seen, she wasn't able to. Ukutsu started crying before she got a chance and, according to the angel, her heart had apparently "fractured"... Angel: "When a human heart sustains a greater shock than it can bear, it fractures." Naruko: "You often hear about hearts 'breaking' or people being 'heartbroken'... Is it like that?" Angel: "Well, yes, but they really do physically fracture." Tomoe: "Physically?" The way she said it was like she meant the actual internal organ itself. Angel: "The two of you may not be able to see it..." Kayo: "Sorry! I'm going to go home alone after all!" Shunsuke: "Ah, Ukutsu?!" Ukutsu ran off, deaf to Hashiguchi's attempts to stop her. It appeared she really was crying as she raced away. Naruko: "Kayo..." Naruko: "Sorry, I'm gonna head over to where Kayo is." Nakizaki said and darted after her. Tomoe: "What's going on?" Angel: "Please wait a moment." The angel held her hand out over the ground where Ukutsu just stood. Tomoe: "Oh...?" The angel's palm was tinged in light. That light suddenly grew stronger... then disappeared. Angel: "This is it." The angel presented her outstretched palm to me. In it rested something that wasn't there before. Tomoe: "This is...?" Angel: "Kayo-san's fractured heart." Tomoe: "This is her heart?" It had a smooth surface, and resembled a precious stone. It was clad in a faint light which seemed to be flickering dimly. Maybe that was why it felt like it was alive and breathing, as if it were trembling in sorrow. Angel: "This is Kayo-san's fractured heart. It likely contains her feelings for Shunsuke-san, whom she just gave up on." Tomoe: "Her feelings for Hashiguchi... You're saying those 'broke' off?" Angel: "Yes." Tomoe: "What happens once the heart fractures?" Angel: "Kayo-san can..." Angel: "...no longer care for Shunsuke-san." When the angel said that, the shard in her hand seemed to tremble in sadness.
Naruko: "This is a shard of Kayo's heart..." Nakizaki timidly gazed at the tiny mass. Naruko: "Does that mean Kayo is no longer capable of loving Hashiguchi-kun?" Angel: "That depends on the extent it fractured... She could love him, but be incapable of showing any greater affection, or be unable to love him at all..." Love was love, but sometimes a person could end up no longer wishing to live happily or be in a relationship with their partner... It was largely dependent upon which part of the person's heart fractured, and how badly. Whichever the case, it was a condition in which a person had given up on loving someone else. Naruko: "So, Kayo isn't going to tell him how she feels anymore?" Angel: "It would be more accurate to say she 'cannot.' When your heart fractures, you cannot personally do anything to fix it." Naruko: "No way..." Naruko: "Isn't there some way to fix this?" Nakizaki asked. Something told me I knew what the angel's answer would be before I even heard it. Tomoe: "I'm guessing that would be the guitar?" The angel nodded. Angel: "We angels can return fractured heart shards to their owners by playing songs with our instruments." Angel: "In my case, my instrument is the guitar..." The strings of that guitar had snapped, so she could no longer play it. However, there _was_ an alternative... Naruko: "Ah! The bow!" Yes, Nakizaki remembered. Angel: "Yes, the other method is the bow. With an angel's power, you could form this heart shard into the shape of an arrow and return it to its owner using a red thread as a bowstring..." The angel turned to face me. Naruko: "Kirinokojima!" Nakizaki's eyes implored me. They were telling me to do it. Tomoe: "Why do I have to be a make-believe angel?!" Naruko: "Please! You have to help Kayo!" Naruko: "I know all too well that you don't want to get involved in this sort of thing, Kirinokojima. But, please, just this once!" Angel: "I am begging you as well." The angel bowed her head to me. Having an angel bow before me was unspeakably disgusting. Tomoe: "Sorry, but I can't do it." Naruko: "Kirinokojima!" Tomoe: "There is no way I can see returning that shard to Ukutsu as a good thing." Angel: "Why? This is her fractured heart. Is it not obvious that it should be returned to its owner?!" Tomoe: "Should it really? What will happen to Ukutsu if I return that shard?" Angel: "Well, she will regain her feelings for Shunsuke-san..." Tomoe: "And this time she'll confess her feelings for sure?" Tomoe: "Hashiguchi likes someone else. Won't she just get rejected even if she _does_ recover that shard or whatever and confess to him?" Tomoe: "If it means going through that sort of pain, isn't her heart better off fractured?" Naruko: "But..." Nakizaki was starting to have doubts about what we should do. I didn't believe what I was saying was wrong, and it appeared Nakizaki was starting to believe it, too. But... Angel: "I do not believe that." The angel denied my opinion head-on. Angel: "This heart shard belongs to her, and her alone. These are Kayo-san's very precious feelings for Shunsuke-san." Angel: "These shards are not something anyone can tamper with as they please. That is why they have to be returned to their owners." It wasn't as if I didn't get what the angel was advocating. But... Tomoe: "You can only do that because you're an angel." Angel: "Huh? What do you mean?" Tomoe: "Those feelings aren't supposed to be tampered with, but wouldn't me returning that shard mean I'm intentionally intervening?" Tomoe: "How would that be any different from me doing as I please with Ukutsu's feelings?" Angel: "Well..." Tomoe: "Returning that shard is something you can do because you're an angel." Tomoe: "Isn't me, a human, getting involved a different matter?" Why did I have to do that much? I wouldn't take any sort of responsibility for the outcome. If I were an angel, I might not need to give that responsibility any thought since I would probably live by different values than humans. But I was human, so that wouldn't work out. I would have to bear the responsibility of whatever resulted from returning that shard. Tomoe: "Are you telling me to do all that? Give me a break." Naruko: "Kirinokojima..." Angel: "Tomoe-san..." I had said from day one that I didn't want anything to do with people's love affairs. Why did I need to get involved in all of this? Just let me off the hook already...
After that, several days passed. In the end, the angel couldn't coerce me to return the shard. My feelings remained unchanged until finally, it was the day Hashiguchi was set to move. Kiyohito: "You've been pretty out of it lately, huh?" Tomoe: "It happens sometimes." Kiyohito: "Really? Well, cheer up!" Kiyohito was always like this, leading a life of ignorant bliss. On occasion, I found myself feeling jealous of the way he always took life at his own pace. Kiyohito: "Oh, Nakizaki is running again. Good luck!" Kiyohito looked down at the practice fields and sent her a supportive cheer. Down on those grounds was a sight I had grown all too used to seeing. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa..." Ukutsu was running indifferently. It didn't seem like she was running to distract herself from anything else. She was just silently running as part of her training. Ever since that day, all Ukutsu did was run, almost robotically, with an expression devoid of emotion. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa..." Naruko: "Hey, hey! Wait, Kayo!" Nakizaki was frantically trailing behind her. She, too, had been running after Ukutsu like that on a daily basis. She was almost like a playful puppy. Nakizaki certainly wasn't slow, but it was to be expected that she couldn't keep running at the same pace as someone from the Track and Field Club. Regardless, Nakizaki chased desperately after her as she ran the considerable perimeter of the field. Naruko: "Hashiguchi-kun is going to leave. Are you really okay not going and seeing him off?" She tried persuading Ukutsu like so, day after day. Since she had once given her advice, she likely intended to take responsibility until the very end. That was exactly the strong sense of responsibility you'd expect from Nakizaki. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa..." Despite her apparent energy, the heart-fractured Ukutsu remained ignorant to her words, as if they hadn't gotten through to her at all. Naruko: "Come on! Are you really okay with things ending this way?!" Kayo: "...It doesn't matter. It's not like I'll never see him again for the rest of my life. We even held a going away party for him at club yesterday." All of Ukutsu's answers were stubbornly matter-of-fact. It was a curt and total reversal coming from someone who was so infatuated with Hashiguchi just days before. Naruko: "Hey! Is this really okay?!" Kayo: "It's neither good nor bad. There's nothing I can do about it whether I go or not." Naruko: "Jeez!" Irritated, Nakizaki stopped in place, her breathing ragged. Ukutsu didn't seem to notice and kept running forward at a steady pace. Nakizaki trudged away from the track. Kiyohito: "Why is she doing that every day?" Kiyohito didn't know the situation, so he must have been puzzled. Despite that, he seemed amused and watched the scene play out each day as Nakizaki chased after Ukutsu like her life depended on it, and showed no signs of growing bored of it. Tomoe: "It's probably a part of her giving relationship advice." Kiyohito: "Hm... I'm surprised she's going that far for her." Kiyohito: "Sure you don't want to help her out, Tomoe?" This was the first time he had ever asked me something like that. Tomoe: "Why me?" Kiyohito: "Nakizaki's in trouble. Aren't you two childhood friends?" Tomoe: "That has nothing to do with this." Kiyohito: "Except that it totally does." Tomoe: "It does not. Besides, if Ukutsu herself says she's fine, then she must be." Nobody could control how other people feel, nor did they have any right to do so. Only you can take responsibility for your own life. Kiyohito: "Hmm... Yeah, I guess I'm fine with it. It's fun to watch." Kiyohito: "Hey! Nakizaki! Don't give up!" Nakizaki responded to his joking cheer with a punching and kicking gesture. No matter what anyone said, I had no intention of getting involved in this. But... Tomoe: "That's what it means for a heart to 'fracture,' huh?" Nakizaki had gone to great lengths to help Ukutsu, yet she wasn't getting through to her at all anymore. It didn't look like Ukutsu's feelings would change now, no matter what Nakizaki said. Angel: "That is right." Before I knew it, the angel was at my side. Kiyohito was so engrossed with the sports grounds that he hadn't noticed. Angel: "When a human heart fractures over something, they can no longer wish for that thing of their own free will." Tomoe: "Seems like it." Angel: "Kayo-san has cast aside her feelings for Shunsuke-san. That means the thoughts and feelings she had for him, along with the happiness she longed for..." Angel: "She is no longer capable of having such wishes." Angel: "Absolutely incapable, unless this shard is returned to her." The angel held the heart shard in her hands. The mass gave off a weak tremble as it cast a frail light. ...Almost like it were crying. Tomoe: "I'll say this as many times as it takes, but it would be crueler to return it. My opinion won't change." Tomoe: "That's territory a human like me can't trespass upon any further." Suppose I tried to return that shard to Ukutsu. If I did, she would chase after Hashiguchi in an attempt to confess her feelings. But that was the extent of what the angelic being could guarantee. She couldn't guarantee the outcome of that confession. The angel didn't possess the power to shoot through the heart of Ukutsu's love interest and give birth to a mutually loving couple like out of a fairy tale. It was possible Hashiguchi could reject Ukutsu as a result. What would happen to Ukutsu then? With her fractured heart returned, she would muster her willpower and chase Hashiguchi. Would returning the shard truly be in Ukutsu's best interest, even if she was left traumatized by unrequited love? If returning Ukutsu's shard were to leave a massive wound in her heart, I couldn't bear that responsibility. If an angel did it, I guess that would be fine. Angels had their own value system, and you could probably even say they were just doing their jobs. An angel would undoubtedly consider such a deed "righteous." Could I, a human like Ukutsu who couldn't say with certainty that such a deed was "righteous," get away with performing the job of an angel? Was I allowed to be an angel's proxy? Girl: "I want to be an angel." I heard an innocent voice―a voice which came to me from the distant past. I wonder what she planned to do by becoming an angel? I doubted she had a clear answer. All she ever wanted was to be taken away to anywhere but that place... That was surely all. Kayo: "Kyah?!" The sound of that shriek forced me back to reality. Ukutsu collapsed to the ground. She must have fallen over. Kayo: "Ow... Ack..." Ukutsu huddled over and held her leg. Kiyohito: "She tripped. That's rare." Tomoe: "She must be overdoing it." I didn't know how much Ukutsu usually ran, but the amount of practice she'd put in these past few days was abnormal. As if she were running solely to punish herself. Kayo: "U-Ugh...!" Ukutsu stood up all the same. She showed such determination, it was almost like she would die if she were to stop running. Naruko: "Stop already! Your leg's cramped, isn't it?!" Nakizaki nestled up to her, looking concerned, but Ukutsu started clumsily running once more. Kiyohito: "Isn't that dangerous? Shouldn't we go stop her?" Tomoe: "..." Now I was annoyed. Why was I being forced to get involved with this? It was totally absurd. With that thought, I spontaneously started walking away. Kiyohito: "Oh, finally in the mood to go help?" Tomoe: "No, I'm going to go complain." Kiyohito: "Oh boy." Kiyohito: "There's no way Tomoe will be able to _just_ complain." Kiyohito: "Now then, guess I'll catch a nap in the nurse's office, then head home?"
Ukutsu applied pressure to her cramped leg as she sat there helpless, like a newborn fawn. Nakizaki tried to help her, but she refused. Naruko: "Oh, Kirinokojima. You say something, too!" Nakizaki said, once she noticed me. There _was_ something I planned to say even if she hadn't. Tomoe: "Ukutsu." When I called her name, she looked my way while still holding her leg. Tomoe: "Stop it already." Kayo: "I'm okay. I can handle this much..." Tomoe: "You're not okay at all. You're totally overworked." Kayo: "That's not true. There's no point to practicing if you don't push yourself to your limit." Tomoe: "Why are you trying to punish yourself so much?" Kayo: "'Why'? That's what practice is." Tomoe: "No, it isn't." I argued with conviction, in no uncertain terms. Tomoe: "I don't believe that someone who runs away from heartbreaking things is a weak person." Kayo: "...What are you talking about?" I continued staring at the blank-faced Ukutsu. Tomoe: "If it's something you can't help but be heartbroken over, then go ahead and run away. I won't say that's cowardly or shameful, and I won't let anyone else say so, either." Tomoe: "You can't bring yourself to run away from it at all though, can you? You're just tricking yourself out of your current suffering by replacing it with even greater pain." Kayo: "Wh-What do you mean...? I'm not really..." Tomoe: "There's no point in giving up if it doesn't make things easier. Are you sure you don't want to go see Hashiguchi?" When I spoke Hashiguchi's name, Ukutsu flinched and her eyes watered. Kayo: "What's with you? You're saying the same things as Naruko, Kirinokojima-kun... Don't make me keep saying it. Going to see him won't do any good." Tomoe: "You may say that, but..." Tomoe: "Huh..." Just as I was going to say something back, I was startled by the sight of Ukutsu's tears. Kayo: "Huh? Did I get sweat in my eyes?" She seemed surprised to see she was crying. Ukutsu casually wiped her eyes, then started running again in an attempt to hide it. Clumsily, with her legs still shaking. Tomoe: "What are you trying to accomplish by running so hard?! Isn't that what all of you are running for―to reach the goal?!" Ukutsu ran off. What did she have her eyes set on? Tomoe: "There's not even a goal! Where in the world are you planning on running to?!" Ukutsu was fading into the distance. My voice hadn't reached her heart at all. Angel: "It is no use, no matter what you say. There is nothing she can do to help it." The angel gazed sadly at Ukutsu's retreating figure as she staggered away. No matter how much I yelled, it wouldn't reach her. I knew that well. It was completely meaningless. Still, wasn't there even less point in what Ukutsu was doing? I couldn't take it anymore. Tomoe: "...Are you sure it's okay for me to return that?" Angel: "Huh?" Tomoe: "Only I can do it, right?" Angel: "You will do it?" Tomoe: "Just this once." Angel: "Th-Thank you so much!" I barely finished speaking before a bow―the bow I had always used―suddenly appeared in the angel's hands. Tomoe: "When did you..." Angel: "Now, hurry." She pushed the bow into my hands. Planning to get it over with before I changed my mind, huh? Talk about calculating. But, fine. I was already focused on my target, Kayo Ukutsu. Tomoe: "Where should I aim?" I requested an arrow with my right hand as I asked. Angel: "P-Please wait a second." The shard shined brightly in her hands. The light did not settle and only grew stronger. Tomoe: "...!" The light became so intense it burned my eyes. Angel: "Oh shard... Shard of affection... Take thine emotion's form..." A noise, much like the sound of your ears ringing, resounded in the vicinity. Then, the shard suddenly changed shape, molded like red-hot iron in the angel's hands. Tomoe: "Wha...?" Before my eyes, it transformed into a single arrow. Angel: "Her chest! Please aim for where her heart is!" The angel instructed as she handed over the arrow. Angel: "It was once part of the same heart, so if you hit close to it, it will naturally return to the original source." Tomoe: "Got it." Angel: "O-One more thing!" The angel touched the string affixed to the bow and the red thread appeared, twining around the existing string. And then, the red thread itself became the bowstring. Tomoe: "I see. We can't return the shard unless I use this?" Angel: "Now, go ahead!" The angel prompted me. Aiming for Ukutsu, I drew the bow. Although it was strung with an unusual red thread, it didn't particularly feel out of place. If it was like this, I could do it. Krk, krk, krk... The red thread let out a cry. For a moment, it crossed my mind that it might snap just like her guitar strings, but I finished forming my mental image first. The image of a hit. The image of this arrow, pulsating with a radiance which felt like life itself, returning to Kayo Ukutsu's heart. I quietly released the crying string. The arrow drew a gentle parabola and was absorbed into Kayo Ukutsu's chest without a sound. Kayo: "Ah...!" The arrow pierced Ukutsu's chest, and her whole body froze in place. The possibility that I had done something irreversible briefly crossed my mind: the inconceivable idea that I had just shot an arrow at a person. Had an angel just talked me into doing something terrible? That, too, only lasted an instant. Naruko: "Ah!" The arrow that had pierced her chest emitted a dazzling glow as it disappeared deep into her heart, leaving no scar, nor even a trace it was ever there. Kayo: "H-Huh? I... Did something just..." Released from her petrification, Ukutsu looked down at her own body in wonder. Tomoe: "Ukutsu!" I called out to her as she stood deathly still from the shock. Tomoe: "There's no time left!" Kayo: "Huh? Time?" Naruko: "Hashiguchi's train is going to leave!" Kayo: "Ah..." Clear dismay showed on Ukutsu's face. That was an expression someone who had given up could never make. Tomoe: "Go, Ukutsu!" Tomoe: "Run!" I waved my arms frantically, and a light suddenly burned brightly in her eyes. Kayo: "...Yeah!" By the time she answered, she was already running. Her speed was fearsome, as if she'd forgotten entirely about her cramped legs from moments before. Naruko: "Think she'll be okay?" Tomoe: "Who knows. The rest is up to her." I had returned the shard, and Ukutsu was running to meet Hashiguchi. I had no idea what Ukutsu was planning to do. Would she confess? Say goodbye to him once more to give herself some emotional closure? And even if she confessed, she might be rejected. But, that was something we could no longer meddle in. Angel: "Are you sure you do not want to see how it goes with your own eyes?" The angel eyed me closely. There was such vigor in her eyes that I could no longer look away. Angel: "Are you sure you do not want to see how it goes with your own eyes? What the shard you returned to her will bring about?" Tomoe: "...I can't take responsibility for it." Angel: "It is okay. I have faith." Just what did she have faith in? Her eyes looked steadily forward. No doubt it was baseless confidence. But... Tomoe: "If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate." Angel: "Yes!" This was something I'd done. I may as well see it through to the end.
Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa...!" I had run far too much. My knees were about to give way. It was a complete miracle my legs were even moving at all. Why had I been pushing myself so hard every day? Even I wasn't sure. The one thing I _was_ sure of, was that this wasn't the time to dwell on it. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa...!" I wondered how much time I had left until his departure? I didn't have enough time to spare to check a clock. In that span, Shunsuke might leave. I simply put one foot in front of the other and prayed. Kayo: "Please... Let me be in time...!" Kayo: "Make it in time!" I ran down the hill with violent force. The slope put a terrible strain on my legs. I suppressed my fear of falling and fiercely descended the slope. ...The station! I could see the trolley station. From there, Shunsuke would get on a trolley and transfer to a limited express at the terminal station. I could see a queue of people at the station. Please, be there... Kayo: "...There he is!" I could see him in the middle of the line. I assumed the couple standing in front of him were his parents. Though it was only in passing, I had met his mom before. Kayo: "Shunsuke...!" I cried out. I was out of breath, my voice cracking. There was still enough distance that it didn't seem like my hoarse voice would reach. Kayo: "Shunsu..." Just then, a trolley passed by. Inbound for Inosato Station. Kayo: "W-Wait!" When you ride a trolley, it feels irritatingly slow, but it really was fast if you ran alongside it. My legs were already past their limits, too. It overtook me just like that, and kept putting distance between us. In the blink of an eye, the trolley pulled into Shunsuke's platform. The doors opened and the queue of passengers began to board. No, I won't make it in time...! Kayo: "Shunsuke―!" My voice... didn't reach him. Shunsuke's figure disappeared into the railcar. Kayo: "Shunsuke..." The trolley began to move. It was no use... In that moment, my legs relaxed. Shunsuke: "Hey, Ukutsu, you give up in the middle sometimes, don't you? You've been getting subtly slower right before you reach the finish line." Kayo: "That's not true. I've never gone easy on anyone in a race; not even once." Shunsuke: "And I say you have. It's not a matter of going easy or not. Your feelings are the problem." Shunsuke: "Don't look to your side. Don't think about anyone in front of you. Just stare your goal down and rush through it with all you've got." Shunsuke: "You're at your coolest when you look straight ahead and enjoy running." Kayo: "...I see. You're right!" My withered legs regained their vitality. Shunsuke's words always gave me strength. Kayo: "Shunsuke...!" With this newfound power, I kicked off the asphalt and chased after the-far off trolley. However, no matter how desperately I chased after it, it was disappearing further into the distance little by little. Even so, all I could do was run. All I could do was run through the here and now. I didn't think about what lay ahead of me, and focused only on running. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa..." My heart felt like it would explode. My legs were like mere rods and had long since gone numb. It was a miracle I could even run at all. Kayo: "Shunsuke...!" No matter how desperately I chased, it got further and further away. If I were simply confessing my feelings, then maybe I didn't have to do it right now. I could call or email him later. Even a letter would work... ...Those sorts of "escapes" popped into my head. But... No! I had to tell him now! Before he disappeared from this town and from my life! I didn't want to give up on anything again. Why had I considered giving up on him for even a second? What did it matter who Shunsuke loved? Why did I think something that little meant I should stop liking him? My feelings weren't so weak that I could will myself to stop caring. There was no way I could give up. After all, it wasn't like I fell in love with him just for the heck of it. The first time we were in the same class together, back in third grade, I didn't think anything of him. He was just some guy who got carried away easily. I don't know what started it, but before I knew it, I'd fallen for him. Once I realized how I felt, those feelings became more intense by the day. So I hadn't fallen in love with him for no reason. It wasn't predestined, like out of some drama, and it hadn't happened out of the blue. There was nothing romantic about it. That's just how reality goes. But this love I never wished for, so far from those ideals, had fallen into my lap. Regardless of my will, it had become completely irreplaceable to me. These feelings were surely a gift of some sort. All the more reason I couldn't do as I pleased with them. I couldn't contain these feelings of love for Shunsuke. Kayo: "Shunsuke... Don't go...!" I couldn't stop myself from feeling that way. I bit my lip and turned those welling feelings into strength. Kayo: "I love you... I love you...!" I love you... so notice me... I want you... to notice how I feel...! Kayo: "Shunsuke..." My vision grew misty. The trolley Shunsuke was on looked like a blob. Its shape looked further and further away, like it were clad in a veil. Kayo: "Shunsukeeeeeeeeeee!" Thud...! Kayo: "Ah...!" For a moment I couldn't tell what had happened to me. The scenery spun around me over and over again until, in the next instant, I was looking up at the pure red sky with my back to the asphalt. Kayo: "Haa, haa, haa...!" My body was so hot, it was like I'd caught fire. Between my cramped legs and shattered lungs and heart, my entire body burned. Kayo: "Ow..." My ankle hurt when I tried to stand up. I might have twisted it when I fell. From my sprawled-out position on the ground, I could hear the sound of the trolley receding into the distance. That was the sound of Shunsuke moving far away. Kayo: "Shun...suke..." The asphalt on my back felt cold as ice. It felt as if that spot was snatching my body's heat away bit by bit. Kayo: "Haaaa..." I let out a heavy sigh. I had by no means given up, but I had gotten mysteriously calm. I did what I could. I ran as much as I could until I collapsed from exhaustion. Even if I stood back up, I doubted I could run anymore today. I ran so much, but ultimately failed to catch up to him. Kayo: "Shunsuke..." When I called his name, my heart panged with pain. An ember of passion was born in the chilly depths of my chest. Kayo: "Shunsuke..." I rolled over onto my stomach and put both of my hands on the cold asphalt. I mustered my feelings which had started to wither and tried to pick myself up when... Screeeeeeeeeeeeeech! I heard the train's emergency brake. I picked myself up and looked toward the sound. I could see the now pea-sized trolley stopped in place, nowhere near a station. Kayo: "...What?" It couldn't be... an accident? For a second I went pale. Kayo: "What about Shunsuke...?!" I eventually spurred my disobedient body to stand upright. I dragged my feet and walked toward the idle trolley. Kayo: "Shunsuke..." Be safe. Please. Something seemed strange. For an accident, there wasn't much of a commotion coming from the trolley. If there _was_ an accident, maybe it was just a tiny one? Kayo: "...Huh?" I could see something in its way. It was like a dark shadow. That silhouette was getting closer with incredible speed. ...It was a person. Someone was running. Shunsuke: "Ukutsu―!" Kayo: "...Huh?" I knew immediately. Shunsuke's voice. My beloved's voice. Shunsuke: "Ukutsu―!" Shunsuke ran toward me. Crying out my name, no less. Kayo: "Why...?" I didn't get it. What had happened? I stood there, dazed, when Shunsuke reached me at last. Kayo: "Wh-What are you doing...?" I went and said something stupid. Shunsuke: "Someone just kinda jumped out in front of us, so the train stopped." Kayo: "Huh? R-Really? So there wasn't an accident?" Shunsuke: "Nah. I don't know what happened exactly, but everything seems fine. But I thought I heard someone yelling, and when I looked, you were there." Kayo: "You heard my voice?" Shunsuke: "I had a feeling." Kayo: "R-Really...?" My voice reached him. Shunsuke: "So what are you doing collapsed in a place like this? You look awful." Kayo: "Well..." I nearly said, "I was just training," without thinking and quickly shut my mouth. What was I doing making excuses like that now? Kayo: "I came to see you off." Shunsuke: "Me? You could have done that at my farewell party yesterday, though." Kayo: "I-I could have, but...! There... was something I sort of forgot to tell you..." Shunsuke: "Something you forgot to tell me?" Kayo: "Well, um..." Th-This is my chance... right? But this is all too sudden... Shunsuke: "What? Say it." Kayo: "Y-Yeah... Uhh..." God... No, Lady Angel...! Just for now, please give me courage! Kayo: "I love you, Hashiguchi!"
Angel: "Ow ow ow!" Angel: "Please be a little more gentle~!" The angel protested with tears in her eyes. Was she really an angel? I was still very skeptical. Naruko: "Should I do it?" Tomoe: "It's okay." I flat-out refused and daubed disinfectant we'd stolen from the infirmary on the angel's wounded knee. She'd fallen and skinned it. Angel: "It hurts, it hurts, it hurts! I am telling you it hurts!" Tomoe: "For an angel, you sure have no fortitude." Angel: "Haa, that hurt... That is angel abuse. You are so mean." Tomoe: "It's your fault for being so reckless." Naruko: "That's right. I can't believe you just jumped in front of a trolley." Angel: "But... My body just moved on its own." When we came onto the scene, Ukutsu had already fallen in the street and the trolley was already several hundred meters ahead. When she saw that, the angel suddenly soared into the sky, instantly bridged the gap between us and the train, and flew into its path. Tomoe: "I never expected you to stop the trolley by jumping in front of it." Angel: "That is all I could come up with at the spur of the moment." Even if we just wrote that off, she immediately fell and skinned her knee. What she'd done was reckless, and the result made her look like a total klutz. Naruko: "You really are an angel, aren't you?" Angel: "Haa, well, yes." Naruko: "Hm..." I knew Nakizaki had her own reservations on the subject. Despite her claims of being an angel, what she had done was no different from a human. Back then, if the train hadn't stopped RIGHT in front of her, what would have happened? An angel getting run over by a train would be totally unprecedented. Angel: "I am glad we managed to make it on time." The angel gave a brilliant smile in response, one that you wouldn't expect to see from someone who was nearly run over by a train. Tomoe: "So, did risking your life pay off?" Naruko: "That's right. What happened with those two?" Angel: "You both witnessed it, right? It was just as we saw." Tomoe: "Just as we saw..." As for what happened in front of us back then... Angel: "Fauuuuu..." Driver: "H-Hey! Are you okay?!" The trolley conductor nearly fell over as he rushed to her side. Angel: "Ah, not good!" The angel vanished before our very eyes. Driver: "Huh? What...? Wh-What was that just now...?" Angel: "Haa, I thought I was going to die." Naruko: "Huh? Can angels die?" Angel: "Well, if I were run over by a train while materialized, then I would get trounced." Angel: "Oh, see, please look! I am bleeding!" The angel showed off her scraped kneecap, then went limp. Tomoe: "Something that tiny will get better if you just give it a lick." Angel: "Huh~? It hurts~" Naruko: "So angels get hurt, too. How about that..." Nakizaki looked like she was experiencing vertigo as she rubbed her temple. The image she had of angels in her mind was probably shattered by now. Angel: "Aah, I am getting kind of dizzy. I am bad with blood..." It was astonishing how much of a crock she was. She hadn't managed to do a single thing with style. And yet... Tomoe: "Why did you try so hard?" She couldn't do anything significant, and yet she was totally rash and risked her life by jumping in front of a moving vehicle for a human. Despite her terrible execution, why did she go to such lengths? Angel: "Angels exist for the sake of humans. We love all humans." Angel: "We want as many people as possible to feel as much happiness as they can in order to make them smile. You know, just like they are..." I looked over at the angel's indication, and found Ukutsu and Hashiguchi smiling shyly at one another. Compared to before, when she was running around the track in an attempt to torment herself, Ukutsu's smile made her look like a completely different person. Naruko: "Did things go well for the two of them?" Angel: "Seems like it. Ah, look!" It appeared at nearly the same moment as she spoke. Something like a spider's thread faintly emerged between them. Naruko: "Huh? What? Is something there?" It was invisible to her eyes, but it slowly became more distinct, then finally, plain as day to me. I wasn't sure why, but that was... Tomoe: "The red thread?" A single, thin thread coiled around their fingers and joined them together. It was literally _the_ red thread. Angel: "Yes, it is the red thread. It bestows an eternal blessing upon those it bonds together. The red thread of fate..." Angel: "It is the same, whether used by that bow or my guitar." "An eternal blessing." Something huge had just been revealed. Still... Angels, heart shards, red threads... Now that I had confronted all of these mysterious things, it seemed like it might not all be a lie after all. Tomoe: "You did this?" Angel: "No..." Angel: "As I said before, us angels do not have that sort of power." Angel: "Those two have merely understood that they have feelings for one another." Angel: "All we can do is help them." Naruko: "But if Kayo had given up before, they never would have learned how they felt about each other." Angel: "Yes! That is correct!" The angel happily bent forward at Nakizaki's comment. Angel: "We take great pleasure in helping humans smile!" Naruko: "I-Is that so?" It wasn't surprising to see Nakizaki feeling a bit overwhelmed by her intensity. Naruko: "So... It went well?" Angel: "Yes!" Angel: "Ow ow ow... but, I truly am glad." The angel was smiling with tears in her eyes. Looking her over, she really was an abnormal girl and seemed to be in delight despite the pain. Tomoe: "You really are a weirdo." Angel: "Ow ow ow ow! P-Please be more gentle..." Naruko: "Oh, right. Come to think of it, what's your name?" Nakizaki abruptly asked. For her to ask her name meant she was acknowledging her existence. Something may have told her that we would be spending some time with her going forward. Angel: "Oh, I am sorry. Now that you mention it, I have not introduced myself yet." The angel formally turned to face us. Angel: "I am the angel Aine. Pleased to make your acquaintance." The angel called Aine bowed so deeply I could see her back. The feathers spewing from her back made me fully realize that this girl was, without a shadow of a doubt, a genuine angel. Naruko: "These feathers are really well made, huh?" Aine: "That is because they are real." Tomoe: "Ah..." ???: "Oh?" Not good...
Kayo: "I love you, Hashiguchi!" Shunsuke: "..." Shunsuke stared at me vacantly. When I saw that, I was instantly struck with regret. I yelled way too much. Couldn't I have been a little cuter about telling him how I felt? Shunsuke: "..." Look, he's completely shocked! Kayo: "U-Um..." Shunsuke: "...Haha." Kayo: "Huh?" Shunsuke: "Ahaha! What was that? A confession?" Kayo: "U-Uh..." He laughed! Laughed at my confession! Kayo: "What's with that? That hurts..." Shunsuke: "Huh? Oh, sorry, sorry. I didn't mean it like that..." Shunsuke: "I just thought it was like you." Kayo: "'Like me'... Is that a compliment, or are you making fun of me?" Shunsuke: "It's a compliment." Shunsuke smiled. Despite laughing at me, I felt like I could forgive him just from that single smile. Kayo: "What's with that? I don't know what sort of face to make now." Shunsuke: "Thank you." Kayo: "Thank you? Isn't there something else...?" Kayo: "Huh? 'Thank you'?" Shunsuke: "Yeah, I'm happy." Kayo: "Happy...?" What did that mean? Was it okay to say something that would lead me on so easily? Kayo: "I-Is it okay for you to say that? Didn't you say you liked Arie-san?" Shunsuke: "Oh, I was rejected." Kayo: "Huh? Rejected?" Shunsuke: "I guess I can't even call that being rejected. She didn't even let me confess..." Kayo: "What do you mean?" Shunsuke: "I thought I'd try confessing, but Koyuki-san must have guessed by how I was acting and gave me the slip..." Kayo: "Huh? Why would she do that? How mean." Shunsuke: "Nah, it's okay. Because Koyuki-san helped me realize something." Kayo: "Realize what?" Shunsuke: "That there was someone truly precious right beside me." Kayo: "Someone... truly precious...?" Shunsuke: "She was so close to me that I didn't notice her." Shunsuke: "But when I spotted you earlier, I realized it and came running. My body acted all on its own." Shunsuke: "I was happy." Kayo: "'Happy'..." Shunsuke: "So, basically... yeah." Shunsuke: "Apparently, I love you, too... Ukutsu." Kayo: "Huh? ...Love..." What was with this sudden development? He suddenly told me he loved me... even though I was the one who said it... Shunsuke: "Ah, crap! It looks like the trolley is moving! I've gotta go!" Kayo: "Huh? Hold on a second..." Shunsuke: "Are you okay?" Shunsuke looked at me with concern. Taking another look, I was in awful shape. I scraped myself all over, and was bleeding from my knees down. Kayo: "I-I'm fine. I'll go back and head straight to the infirmary." Shunsuke: "Really? I've gotta go, then." Kayo: "Oh, wait a second! What you said earlier..." What was happening? Was it okay for me to be overjoyed? I didn't know what I should do! Shunsuke: "Sorry, I'll email you! And call you! I'll send you my address!" Kayo: "Y-Yeah! I'll email and call you, too. Ah, your cell number is still the same, right?" Shunsuke: "Yeah, it's the same as it always has been." Shunsuke: "Okay, I'm really going! Take care!" Kayo: "Y-Yeah." It was hard to tell who started it, but we shook each other's hand. Shunsuke's was so warm. His warm hand parted from me, but I felt a connection between us like I'd never felt before. Was it just my imagination? Regardless of the distance about to be put between us, I didn't feel as alone as I thought I would. Besides, if it came down to it, I could just run to him. My heart was now ready and able to break into a sprint at any time.
???: "Hard to believe a human is an angel's proxy. What will happen to a human whose hands are stained by angelery?" ???: "Wouldn't they cease to be human?" ???: "Hmph." ???: "I wonder what will become of that human?"
Yuno: "Hello?" Mother: "It's your mother." Yuno: "I know. Do you need something? I'm still at school." In all honesty, I already knew what she wanted without asking. She'd been calling me almost daily about the same thing. Mother: "You know what. The marriage interview we talked about." I knew it. I let out a sigh without thinking. How many times had she brought up the marriage interview this year? Now that it was getting later in the year, the topic was becoming more and more frequent. Yuno: "I've said this over and over, but I have no intention of getting married yet." Mother: "You're still saying that? We've had this arrangement ever since you got your job." Mother: "In exchange for doing as you please in your twenties, you said you would settle down and come home when you turned thirty. This isn't what we talked about at all." Yuno: "Well..." It was true that I had made that sort of promise, but back then, turning 30 felt like it was way in the future. It didn't feel real at all. Besides, I thought I would find and marry a good man by the time I was 30... I figured things would work out on their own. Giving it some thought, things never went that smoothly in this world. I was the only child born into a line of well-established sake brewers, so my parents hoped that I would one day succeed them. That was the implication behind the promise I had made when I left home and came here, only to eventually return once I turned 30. The point being, the person I married would have to carry on my family's legacy. When I was young, I never gave it any serious thought. All I wanted was to leave home, and thought in terms of whatever was convenient for me at the time. In this day and age, there likely weren't many people who would want to take over a sake brewery. Which meant that I would inevitably get married to whomever they chose, which was my parents' plan all along. From where I stood, being told to up and marry some stranger was a huge problem. After all, I already had a boyfriend. Yuno: "Anyway, I'm not going to have the marriage interview. My mind is completely preoccupied with school stuff right now. We'll... discuss these family matters later." Yuno: "I'm still at work, so I'm hanging up now." Mother: "Ah, wait..." Yuno: "Bye." Mom continued talking but I hung up on her. With that, I suspected she wouldn't call again today. Yuno: "'My mind is preoccupied with school stuff.' Talk about a total lie." It felt like all I did lately was lie. Still having work to do was also a lie; all of my work was done for the day. The real reason I didn't want to hold the marriage interview was because I already had a boyfriend. I hadn't told Mom or Dad yet. I knew they wouldn't understand even if I did... I wonder how much longer I can get away with these excuses? Running away hadn't solved anything. Someday, I would have to make a decision. However... Yuno: "Ah, I need to go!" At present, I didn't think I could make a sound decision. I wonder if that made me an audacious woman? Yuno: "Wow, there are so many people here!" The concert had already started. It had been a while since I had come to one, but it seemed like there was a much larger crowd than last time. Yuno: "They've been amazing lately." I wonder if taking their shows on the road has been rough on them? Haruki-kun seemed pretty obsessed with the idea, so I couldn't really try to stop him. He said it was because the band originally got its start here. The crowd cheered when the song ended. Haruki: "Oh." Haruki-kun lifted his face and our eyes met. He smiled happily at me. That smile made my heart race more than it should for someone my age. Haruki: "A'right! One more round!" Haruki: "My Baby..." Yuno: "Ah, this song..." My heart tightened at the sound of that flowing melody. This was the tune Haruki-kun had crafted while thinking of me. Everyone was listening to that song with rapt attention. Haruki-kun's feelings for me were making lots of people happy. At times like this, I felt a small sense of superiority. The person who made and sang these lovely songs was _my_ boyfriend. Was I a bad woman for thinking that way? This much should be okay. I put up with a lot of other things, after all. Yes, it wasn't easy being a start-up musician's girlfriend. Especially with a relationship like ours... Band Member: "Good job!" Haruki: "Yeah, thanks!" Band Member: "'Kay Yuno-chan, take good care of Haruki." Yuno: "Oh, yes. You can count on me." After cleaning up, the band members went home. All that was left were Haruki-kun and me, just the two of us. It was always like this after his concerts. I wasn't so great at dealing with loud club music, but I definitely loved _this_ kind of outdoor setting. Especially when Haruki-kun and I saw everyone off. Yuno: "Oh, here's your coffee." I poured him a cup of coffee from the thermos I'd grabbed during my brief stop at home. Haruki-kun seemed to enjoy the coffee I made for him, so I always brought him some after his concerts. Haruki: "Thank you. Your coffee always tastes amazing after a concert." Yuno: "Hehe, thanks." It was something he always told me, but it made me happy no matter how many times he said it. I suddenly remembered the first time I made coffee for him. That was the first time Haruki-kun had stayed over at my place. It was immediately following that, to be specific... I was so embarrassed back then... Yuno: "..." Haruki: "What are you getting red for?" Yuno: "...Huh? W-Wah!" Yuno: "It's nothing!" Haruki: "You're strange, Yuno-san." Haruki-kun laughed. He called me "Yuno-san" since I was a little bit older. If you could call an eight-year difference "a little," anyway. A long time ago, Haruki-kun would refer to me as his teacher. Yes, he was my former student―a student from when I first started teaching. Haruki: "Did that cheer you up a bit?" Haruki-kun asked quietly. Yuno: "Huh? Cheer me up?" Haruki: "You've been kinda out of it lately, haven't you?" Yuno: "Ah... Y-Yeah..." Haruki-kun had noticed I was brooding. Ah, maybe... Yuno: "Did you play that song today because you were thinking about that?" Haruki-kun had made that song just for me. Haruki: "Yeah, I just had a feeling. Was I imagining things?" Yuno: "N-No... Thank you. It made me really happy." I truly _was_ happy. That he had actually noticed me, and then sung for me. Haruki: "Is it school?" Yuno: "Oh, yeah. Well, something like that." I nodded on reflex. There was no way I could tell him that my parents were pushing me into meeting someone for a marriage interview. Haruki-kun was kind, and saw me for who I was. But his point of view was always a little bit off. Maybe because he was a boy? Regardless, it made me plenty happy to know he was worried about me. I had to think that way. Yuno: "I'm okay, really. You really cheered me up." Haruki: "Did I? I'm glad, then." Haruki-kun smiled. He had always flashed me this boyish smile, ever since I first met him. How many years had passed since then? Just as his smile hadn't changed, neither had our relationship. And neither had Haruki-kun's relationship with me, with music, or the way we had coffee like this after his concerts... There was comfort in things staying the same, but they couldn't stay like this forever. I had started thinking that way once these marriage interviews started coming up. Haruki: "It's okay; things won't always be this way." Yuno: "Huh?" What a surprise. He made it sound like he'd read my mind. Haruki: "We're indies right now, but sooner or later we'll debut as professionals and be able to earn a living off our music..." Haruki: "If you want, you can retire from teaching once we do. I'll provide for us." Yuno: "..." Yuno: "Yeah, that's true." I nodded, with mixed feelings. Haruki-kun had been saying that since the beginning. I was glad to hear it then. No, I was _still_ happy to hear it. I loved his music, so I was pleased that it was getting the appreciation it deserved. I did hope his dream came true someday. But what would happen to us once that happens? Could I abandon my family to go with him? Or would that mark the end of our relationship? I did believe life had many crossroads, and I might have to face one in the near future... I may have felt so restless and insecure because I knew that was on the horizon. A time where I would have to make a final decision was coming. It felt as if it was becoming gradually more difficult to have dreams. Dreams were the flipside to reality. I had come to realize that. Haruki-kun was still young, so he might not understand how I felt just yet. That could be how he had been able to maintain that unchanging smile all this time. Haruki: "Well, shall we get going?" Yuno: "...Yeah." Would we be able to keep heading in the same direction, which had remained steady ever since we first met?
The rooftop door opened unexpectedly. The one who came up was the school nurse, Kojirou Tatsumiya-sensei. He had a pack of what looked like cigarettes in his hand. Kojirou: "Hm?" Aine: "Ah!" Aine froze when Kojirou-sensei saw her. Aine was still in her angel form. Naturally, her feathers were fully visible. Kojirou-sensei was walking toward us with his eyes focused on her back. Kojirou: "Hooh..." He got right up under her nose and stared intently at Aine's feathers. He nodded with admiration. Aine: "U-U-Um, these are..." Kojirou: "Cosplay?" Aine: "Huh?" Likely due to her surprise, the feathers on her back twitched. Kojirou: "Oh? They move, too? That's impressive." I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not as he admired the feathers on her back. To me, it looked like he was just pretending to be amused by them. In any case, this guy was a slippery character. Aine: "U-Uh..." Kojirou: "You're not a student at this academy, are you? She a friend of yours, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "Yeah, I guess." Sensei called me by my first name. He seemed to have taken a liking to me for some reason, and was one of the few teachers to speak to me often. Tomoe: "Sorry for bringing her up here without getting permission." There was no need to correct his misunderstanding. Better to just let it go over his head. Kojirou: "I guess it's all right. I don't want to be a pest, like some sort of teacher." I wanted to say, "but you _are_ a faculty member," but kept my mouth shut. No sense stirring up a hornet's nest. At any rate, he didn't exactly _act_ like a teacher. Kojirou: "Are you sure it's okay for you to be here right now? Shouldn't you be at your own school?" Kojirou-sensei's question was entirely reasonable. It would be normal for a girl of Aine's age (based on her appearance, at least) to be at school at this time of day. Aine: "Huh? Uh, well, about that..." Aine glanced my way, begging for help. For someone who was supposed to be an angel, she sure asked for help a lot. Why did I have to be the one to save her...? Granted, if her true identity was discovered, I would get asked a bunch of questions and it would become a real nuisance. Didn't look like I had any choice. Tomoe: "...There actually is a reason for this. She's a relative of mine, and I'm looking after her at my place for now." Without hesitation, I gave him the first adequate reason that I could come up with. When you lie, you should do it as confidently as possible. Kojirou: "Hm... I guess that explains it. You have relatives, too, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "Yeah, I guess." Sensei knew that I had lost my parents and was living alone. Aine: "I am his relative, Aine! Tomoe-oniichan always takes good care of me!" Tomoe: "Onii-chan?" Tomoe: "(Hey, don't get carried away.)" Aine: "(Huh? But...)" Aine: "(Do you not think it would be weird for me to call you 'Tomoe-san' if I am your relative?)" Tomoe: "(Maybe so, but...)" Of all the things she could have picked... It made my skin crawl. Kojirou: "I see, I see. So even Tomoe has a relative who calls him Onii-chan, huh?" Kojirou: "That gives me some peace of mind." Tomoe: "Peace of mind? You were worried about me?" Kojirou: "Of course. I may not look like it, but I'm still an instructor." He gave me a proud thumbs-up. Were there really school nurses who got such self-satisfied looks from worrying about their students? Kojirou: "Oh, but don't you live on your own, Tomoe? Will you be okay looking after her?" Tomoe: "Yes, I'll be completely fine." I had no basis for saying that, but answered with confidence. At times like this, you just had to be confident. That was important. Naruko: "D-Don't worry! I'm next door, too!" Having sensed the delicacy of the situation, Nakizaki jumped to the rescue. Kojirou: "Oh yeah, I guess you do. You seem levelheaded and reliable enough, Nakizaki." Naruko: "Yes, yes! People always depend on me! No need to worry about her, either!" Kojirou: "Hm, that's true. All right, sounds good to me." Kojirou-sensei accepted it all too easily. What a sketchy guy. I heard a student once came to him in the infirmary with an injured leg, and all he did was stick a bandage on it without performing a proper examination. It was later revealed the student actually fractured the bone. Way too sketchy. Regardless, he was popular with the students for some reason. Kojirou: "It'll be bad if you hang around the school in that outfit, though." Naruko: "Y-Yes, it would be." Kojirou: "Do you have a change of clothes?" Tomoe: "I'm sorry. There's a reason for that, too." I could play it off as having some explanation if put on the spot. Kojirou: "I see. That sounds like a problem." Kojirou: "...Oh, I know. Wait just a sec." Looking as if he had thought of something, Sensei left the rooftop. A short while later, he returned with our school's girls' uniform in hand. Kojirou: "I think this size will work." Aine: "Is it okay for me to wear this?" Kojirou: "It'd be trouble if you were to wander around in that getup." Aine: "Thank you so much! I will be sure to wear it!" Aine was overjoyed and immediately tried to undress. Naruko: "W-Wait a second! Don't undress here!" Aine: "Huh? I cannot?" Naruko: "Of course not! Come here, over here!" Aine: "Huh...?" Nakizaki dragged Aine off. Probably took her to a nearby vacant classroom or something. Even so... Tomoe: "You sure grabbed that uniform awfully fast, huh?" Did school nurses just happen to keep girls' uniforms in stock? Kojirou: "Yeah. I had it just in case." Despite his sleek attitude, it really was suspicious. There were rumors that this guy was up to no good, bringing girls to the infirmary and doing naughty things with them, but could they actually be true...? Aine: "Yay! How is it~?" Aine returned in awfully high spirits. She had changed into her uniform. Tomoe: "Hm..." I was a bit impressed. Her feathers and the halo over her head had vanished, and once she dressed like a human, she looked no different from the real thing. Naruko: "Don't just go 'hm'; say something." Tomoe: "Like what?" Kojirou: "Heheh. You really don't get how a lady's heart works, do you, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "A lady's heart?" So he said, but this wasn't a 'lady'; it was an angel. Not that I could tell him as much. Aine: "Does it... look bad on me?" For some reason, Aine looked like she was going to cry. Why did she look so sad? Tomoe: "Well... I think it suits you?" Aine: "Really?! Yay!" She was jumping for joy. Was it really something to get so happy about? Naruko: "Good for you, Aine-chan!" Aine: "Yes!" Tomoe: "..." Nakizaki joined in her delight. Why were they so happy about this? I guess I _really_ didn't understand a lady's heart. Aine: "Now I can come and go from this school as I please!" Aine was speaking total nonsense. Tomoe: "Huh? Of course you can't." Aine: "Huh? I cannot come here whenever I want if I wear this?" Aine looked seriously perplexed. Was she really planning to come here from now on? Naruko: "Listen, you can't attend school unless you follow the proper procedures and enroll." Aine: "Is that so? Then, I cannot come..." She looked disappointed. She really intended to come here? Why did an angel want to go to school? Kojirou: "What? Does this girl not go to school or something?" Naruko: "Oh, no, um..." Not good. He asked why she didn't go to school... Well, it wasn't compulsory education or anything, so it probably wouldn't be a problem if we insisted she didn't... Kojirou: "Is there a reason for that, too?" Tomoe: "Yeah, something like that." In this case, all I could do was be vague. He'd fill in the holes on his own. Kojirou: "Hmmm..." Kojirou-sensei folded his arms and thought. And then... Kojirou: "How about if she attends as long as she's at your place, Tomoe?" ...A proposal I never expected came flying out of his mouth. Tomoe: "...Huh?" I asked on reflex. I mean, it was like he was casually inviting someone into his own home. Aine: "Is it okay if I come here again?!" Kojirou: "I don't know how long you're going to be staying at Tomoe's house, but it'd be a problem for you if you didn't go to school in that time, wouldn't it?" Tomoe: "Won't it _also_ be a problem if you tell her she can attend that easily?" Kojirou: "Let's just call it 'hands-on learning.' There's no way she can formally enroll as a student, but it should be fine if she just studies with you." Tomoe: "Are you sure that's okay?" It didn't seem okay at all to me. Kojirou: "It'll be fine. I'll talk to the principal myself." Tomoe: "You think it'll go that smoothly?" Kojirou: "We've got a tradition of being big-hearted here." Tomoe: "Tradition..." That felt a little _too_ "big-hearted" to me. Aine: "I can go to school, too? Yay! Hooray!" Kojirou: "Oh, I did a good deed. Since I did something nice, I guess I'll have a smoke." Incidentally, he had a cigarette in his mouth―the sort intended to help quit smoking. Tomoe: "I guess you _are_ holding a cigarette. I thought you quit, Sensei?" It certainly looked like he'd come to the roof to smoke. Kojirou: "Are they really that bad for you? Exhaust fumes are probably way worse. Not smoking comes with considerable stress, too." Tomoe: "Sensei, if you keep looking for excuses to smoke then you won't quit for very long." Kojirou: "How about if I just smoke when I've done something good?" Tomoe: "That's not going to get you anywhere." If he thought something like this was enough to warrant smoking, then I suspected he'd be doing it full-time again soon. But still... Aine: "School, school~!" I couldn't believe Aine would be attending our school...
Aine: "I am going to school starting tomorrow! I am so happy~!" Aine was walking home with a spring in her step while still wearing the uniform she had borrowed. In the end, she'd gotten the principal's permission and would be attending our school starting tomorrow. It looked like short-term, emergency measures had been taken. There was a long-standing rumor that there were problems with our school's security, and this made me worried if our academy was actually all right. Tomoe: "More importantly, is it really okay?" Aine: "Is what okay?" Tomoe: "I was thinking, wouldn't it cause a lot of problems if they discovered your true identity?" There would be a huge commotion if people found out an angel had slipped in among us. Aine didn't seem like the type who could easily pass for a human, much less be crafty enough to trick someone successfully. Aine: "It will be okay! Nobody saw through me today, did they?" Tomoe: "You were just lucky." We were just dealing with Kojirou-sensei. There was no telling what would have happened with another faculty member or student. Aine: "I am telling you, it will be okay! Ah, I am looking forward to tomorrow!" Tomoe: "..." The more excited Aine got, the more worried I became. I also didn't understand why going to school was something to get so happy about. Naruko: "Why _do_ you want to go to school so badly? Because you like humans?" Nakizaki asked my own question for me. Aine: "That is part of it... but are there not lots of people with love troubles in schools?" Aine: "If so, I believe there will be many people I will be able to help." Naruko: "Yeah, there are lots of people with worries on their mind in our age group. Especially when it comes to love." Aine: "Right? Right?" Aine sounded so happy as she spoke, but something bugged me. Tomoe: "You said you want to help people, but has your guitar been fixed?" If I remembered right, she said angels could help people by singing songs aided by instruments which used the red threads of fate. But the strings of Aine's instrument were currently broken, making her guitar unusable. That's why I was recruited against my will today. Case in point, Aine shouldn't be able to do anything without her guitar. Aine: "That is why it will be more convenient if I attend school with you. Now I will be able to come get you right away, Onii-chan." Tomoe: "...On second thought, you're banned from calling me that." No way. I couldn't stand that nickname, nor did some unfamiliar creature like an angel have any right to call me by it. Aine: "Aw, then what should I call you?" Tomoe: "Anything is fine, as long as it's not 'Onii-chan.'" Aine: "Hm, then I will go the safe route and call you 'Tomoe-san'!" The way she said that made it sound like there was an unsafe choice available. Tomoe: "Actually, wait a second." Aine had said something inexcusable earlier, hadn't she? Aine: "Yes, what is it?" Aine looked back at me with wonder. Based on her expression, it didn't appear she was cooking up any malicious schemes. Which must mean she was being straightforward. Tomoe: "Why would you ever need to come get me? I'm not helping you anymore." Aine: "Huh?! Wh-Why?!" As I thought, she was truly surprised. Looks like she planned to make me do "that" again. Tomoe: "What do you mean, 'why?' I told you as much from the start. Why do I have to be your accomplice over and over again?" Aine: "Calling yourself an 'accomplice' is strange! We are not doing anything wrong." Tomoe: "It's wrong as far as I'm concerned." I shot her down in no uncertain terms. Aine had a quizzical look on her face. Aine: "Why is helping people with their love lives wrong? It does not make sense to me." Tomoe: "It's a difference in opinion. We can't exactly work together when we can't see eye to eye on this." Aine: "No way... That puts me in a tough spot!" Tomoe: "It puts me in a tough spot, too, you know." This conversation was never going to get us anywhere. Nothing she could do would ever help us reach an agreement on the subject. Aine: "Please say something as well, Naruko-san!" Aine looked to Nakizaki for help. Seemed she thought of Nakizaki as an ally. Naruko: "Hm, I'd like to, but..." Naruko: "Relying on Kirinokojima for everything doesn't feel right to me, either." Aine: "What...?" Nakizaki's pessimistic answer made Aine look like she was going to cry. Aine: "Why? Is it wrong to help those in need?" Naruko: "It's not like that." Tomoe: "There's nothing wrong with helping people, but humans shouldn't get involved. Angels should do their work on their own." Aine: "That _is_ how it should be done, but..." It was a sound argument. So sound that even Aine couldn't refute it. She simply gazed at Nakizaki, looking for help. Naruko: "Sorry, Aine-chan." Why did Nakizaki apologize? There was no need for it. Still, that seemed to have gotten Aine to give up on it as well. Aine: "No, I am the one who should be sorry. I will try to do the best I can on my own." Tomoe: "You do that." As long as I didn't get dragged into it, whatever she did was fine by me.
Aine: "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?!" Tomoe: "Wh-What's wrong?!" Naruko: "What, what, what?! A burglar?! Fire?! Aliens?!" Nakizaki had most likely heard Aine's scream, and her complexion had even changed color. Naruko: "What was that scream just now?" Tomoe: "I don't really know, either." Tomoe: "Aine, what's wrong?" Aine was frozen in place, her mouth gaping so wide it was like she'd dislocated her jaw. Naruko: "Aine-chan, you're drooling! What in the world is wrong?" Aine: "Th-Th-Th..." She seemed to have received quite a significant shock, and couldn't get the words out. Tomoe: "What is it?" She was pointing at her guitar. Naruko: "What's wrong with it?" Aine: "Th-Th-Th..." Tomoe: "Did you get possessed by a chicken or something?" Tomoe: "What in the world's wrong with the gui... Hm?" Upon closer inspection, something felt out of place. But I couldn't figure out _why_ it felt out of place. What could it― Tomoe: "...Ah!" I figured it out! This guitar... Naruko: "What is it?" Tomoe: "There's an extra string." Naruko: "Huh? A string?" Tomoe: "All of the strings but one snapped off, but at some point a second one appeared." Where there should have been only one guitar string, there were now two. I was pretty sure she said they couldn't be replaced since it required the red threads. And yet, there was an extra. Tomoe: "What's going on?" Aine: "I... I do not know. Why? How could more strings appear?" Tomoe: "How would I know?" Aine: "How..." Aine didn't seem to know why it had happened, either. If what she said was true, it shouldn't be possible for the strings to break _or_ reappear like this. Naruko: "Those strings are _the_ red threads, right? That's why you said there was no replacement..." Aine: "Yes, that should be the case..." Aine gazed at the guitar with an expression filled with disbelief and a tinge of fear. Naruko: "Wait, wasn't a red thread formed between Kayo and Hashiguchi-kun today? Where did that come from?" Aine: "Huh? Who knows? I had not thought about it all that much..." Tomoe: "What about it?" Naruko: "If a red thread can be born between two people, then maybe it isn't so strange that there's an extra red thread here." Tomoe: "Oh, that's how it works?" Naruko: "Maybe we can just say the guitar's red threads multiplied as a reward for bringing a couple together?" It was a pretty off-the-wall comment, but something told me she'd hit the nail on the head. Tomoe: "A reward, huh?" Naruko: "Yeah, a reward. Does that not work?" Aine: "A reward, is it? Hm..." Aine gave it some thought. The red threads had increased by one after bringing together a new couple. Could this be just a coincidence? It bothered me, but Aine didn't seem to know, either. Was there no way to confirm it? ???: "I was _juuust_ wondering what you were up to. So that's what's going on?" Tomoe: "Huh...?" A voice I had never heard before called out from who-knows-where. I looked around the room, but we were the only ones here. Naruko: "Hey, someone just..." Tomoe: "You heard it, too?" Naruko: "Yeah, it was a voice. You also heard it, Aine-chan?" Aine: "..." Naruko: "Aine-chan?" Aine: "That voice was..." Aine: "Erich-chan!" A light suddenly materialized around us when Aine cried out. Tomoe: "Oh..." Naruko: "Wh-What is this...?!" Light flooded the room, and we raised our arms to shield our eyes from its brilliance. The instant the light dissipated, three mysterious figures came into view. Tomoe: "Wha..." Naruko: "Wh-Who...?" I had no idea who they were, but... it was clear from their outfits that they were Aine's companions. In other words... Tomoe: "They're angels?" Aine: "Yes! My angel friends!" I felt kind of dizzy. Three more angels suddenly appeared. Aine: "Erich-chan, Menes-chan, and Licha-chan!" Aine called out their names with a smile spread across her face. Menes: "We hadn't seen you lately and were wondering where you went off to. You were here of all places?" Menes: "This looks like a pretty nice place!" For some reason, the oddly seductive angel was looking my way and licking her lips suggestively. Her obscene actions didn't seem angelic at all. Erich: "You think it looks nice? I'm not so sure. Seems kind of shabby to me." This one had a sharp tongue on her. She wasn't very angelic, either. Erich: "What do you think, Licha?" Licha: "..." The girl called Licha just stood there in a daze without so much as changing her expression and remained silent. Were all angels this strange? Aine: "Everyone, you are just in time!" Erich: "Looks like you're in trouble." Aine: "I am! Please look at this!" Aine showed them the guitar. Menes: "Yes, I know. Your guitar strings broke, right?" Aine: "That is right!" Erich: "How did _that_ happen? Red threads breaking is totally strange!" Aine: "It _is_ strange. That is why I am in trouble." Aine: "There is something even stranger than that..." Menes: "There's something stranger?" Aine: "If you look at it now, a string that should have been broken has come back anew..." Menes: "Huh? A broken string repaired itself?" Erich: "What the heck? Where'd that string come from?" Aine: "I do not know! What could be the meaning of this?" Menes: "It's hard to tell without more context. Please tell us the whole story, from start to finish." Prompted by the strangely erotic angel called Menes, Aine explained everything that had happened so far. Everything from when the strings snapped, about me lending a hand and joining a couple with the red thread, and the guitar strings multiplying... Erich: "What's with that? That's kooky!" The angel called Erich looked quite annoyed as she sulked. Menes: "Yes, that is unusual. Do you know anything, Licha?" Licha: "..." When asked, the angel called Licha pondered it, then leaned in and whispered something into Menes's ear. Menes: "Oh, you've heard of something like this before?" Aine: "Huh?! Really?!" Licha: "Mhm." Aine: "Wh-What sort of thing did you hear?!" Licha looked at Menes to answer in her place. Menes: "She says she's seen it in library books. Licha sure loves reading!" Aine: "Books, was it?" Menes: "They were apparently really old ones, but something just like that came up in them." Menes: "A red thread used on an angel's instrument _did_ break, but when a pair of lovers were joined together with the red thread via the process of angelery, it went back to normal." Aine: "When lovers were joined together..." Erich: "Hm, something like that happened? That matches up with your situation perfectly, so maybe it _is_ real?" Menes: "The red threads just increased by one?" Aine: "That is right." Erich: "Doesn't that mean the guitar will be back to normal if you join four more couples?" By joining one couple, one red thread had returned. We couldn't say this for sure yet, but it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine another string would reappear for every couple we helped. Menes: "Sounds reasonable... Don't you agree, Licha?" Licha: "Mhm." Licha nodded firmly. Seeing that, Aine's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. Aine: "So if I keep working hard to help humans like I have been, then my guitar will go back to normal!" Erich: "Sure sounds like it. Isn't that great?" Aine: "Yes!" Menes: "On that note, please take care of this girl for us a little longer." Menes flashed a bewitching smile at me. Tomoe: "Take care of her?" Menes: "Come on. She can't do anything on her own right now. She - needs - your - help... you know?" I wondered if there was any need for her to speak so seductively, but setting that aside... Put simply (although this was just an estimate), Aine would need to join at least four more couples together to restore her guitar. However, because Aine couldn't use her guitar or a bow, she had no means of completing her work as an angel on her own. In summary, the red threads of her guitar would never return without me lending her a hand. Tomoe: "Isn't there anything you can do as fellow angels? Like do it in Aine's place... for instance." I questioned the angels. With so many colleagues around, was there any need for a human like me to butt in? I held that faint hope in my heart. Erich: "That's probably impossible. If we used the shards, we'd be the ones to join them." Erich: "Angels can't act as proxies for other angels." My faint hope was crushed in an instant. Well, I figured as much. Otherwise they wouldn't have encouraged me to help her in the first place. Aine: "Just four more! That is all I am asking of you! Just four!" Aine: "Once my guitar is back to normal, I am sure I can make your love come true, too, Tomoe-san!" Tomoe: "I'm not interested in that sort of thing. I have no need for it." Aine: "Do not say thaaaat!" Aine clung to me desperately. Naruko: "Kirinokojima, why don't you help her? Aine-chan really looks like she's in a bind, and it's only four more times." Now even Nakizaki was saying it. She was a compassionate person, so she may have become attached after spending some time with Aine. Licha: "..." Aine: "..." Everyone was staring at me. The silent pressure cut through me like a knife. Tomoe: "...Haa." I let out a sigh. Tomoe: "Just to put it out there, I've got my own mindset, and I won't do anything that goes against it. I can't contradict my own values." Tomoe: "But, I guess I'll help out as much as I can within those bounds." Aine: "Huh?! Really?!" Tomoe: "You'll be here forever at the rate things are going. I want a nice, clean break from you angels and my old, quiet life back." Tomoe: "If it moves things along, I can help out a little." Aine: "Th-Thank you so much!" Tomoe: "In exchange, I have conditions. As soon as the guitar is back to normal, you need to leave." Aine: "Ah... My leaving is one of those conditions?" Tomoe: "Obviously. Were you planning to stay here forever?" Aine: "That is right... I am sorry for inconveniencing you." Aine looked like she was about to cry. Still, it was a reasonable condition. Angels and humans couldn't coexist indefinitely. This entire situation was abnormal for sure. Tomoe: "And, one more thing." Aine: "Huh? There is more? Wh-What could it be?" Tomoe: "From now on, practice the bow as much as possible. I'll teach you." Aine: "Huh?! You will teach me to use a bow and arrow?!" Tomoe: "I can't have you running back to me in tears if the strings snap again someday." Tomoe: "Also, if you become competent with a bow before we gather all of the strings, you're on your own from that point forward." Tomoe: "Heck, hurry up and make that happen." Aine: "I-I understand." Aine nodded meekly. Menes: "Okay, that settles it. We're witnesses, so no more weaseling your way out of it." Tomoe: "If I could have gotten out of it, I would have done so from the start." Menes: "Ehehe, that's true." Aine: "I will do my best! At bow and arrow practice, and with my angelic work! I will work hard to get my guitar strings back as soon as possible!" Aine: "With that said, I look forward to working with you from now on!" Aine bowed very deeply to me. Nakizaki and the other angels smiled as they watched the scene play out before them. Four more couples, huh? In essence, I had to offer up eight sacrifices for my freedom, then. Menes: "Okay, now that that's settled, let's go to sleep." Tomoe: "...Huh?" Menes: "Let's sleep together tonight to confirm our fellowship." Tomoe: "Uh, I don't get what you mean." Menes: "What's the harm? I have plenty of confidence in my abilities." Menes cuddled up to me provocatively. Squish~! She had a sensual touch that didn't seem befitting of an angel. No, it wasn't as if I knew how an angel should feel, so it may just be that they were like this to begin with. Tomoe: "Sorry, but I'm the type who sleeps alone." Menes: "Huh...?" Erich: "Ahaha! Menes got turned down!" Menes: "I-I wasn't turned down. How rude." Aine: "Tomoe-san must truly have no interest in love if he can dodge Menes-chan's advances without a second thought." Menes: "Oh my, you have no interest in love? ...Are you the frigid type?" Tomoe: "Don't describe it like that." Menes: "Hmm..." She stared at me seductively as a lewd smile spread across her lips. Menes: "Well then, you've put me in the mood to teach you exactly how magnificent love is, Tomoe-san." Tomoe: "I'm good, thanks." Menes: "Ehehe, that's fine for now. I'll take my time teaching you all sorts of things, in intricate detail." Menes: "I'm getting more and more excited. Ehehehe." Menes's voluptuous smile sent shivers down my back. What in the world did she plan to "teach" me...? Erich: "Okay, Aine! Keep it together, okay?" Aine: "Yes! Thank you so much for worrying about me, and going so far out of your way!" Erich: "Wh-What are you talking about? I wasn't worried about you or anything." Licha: "Nuh-uh." Licha shook her head side to side, almost as if she was denying everything Erich said. Menes: "Oh, Erich, the truth is you were worried about Aine the whole time. You're so dishonest." Menes: "Erich was the one who suggested we should check up on you in the first place." Erich: "I-I'm telling you, I didn't care! Come on, if we're finished here then let's get moving!" Erich turned away and vanished. Aine: "Ah... She really left us." Menes: "Please come to us if you run into any trouble. Erich is worried, too." Licha: "Mhm..." Aine: "...Yes! Thank you very much!" Menes: "Very well. See you, then!" Menes looked at me with amorous eyes one last time and disappeared, following after Erich. Licha: "..." Licha silently followed after them. Naruko: "Are they gone?" Aine: "Yes, they have left." Her friends(?) left, and Aine looked a bit lonely. But she immediately pulled herself together, and her expression filled with determination. Aine: "All right, I will do my best! I have got to hurry and restore my guitar!" Aine: "I want you to hear my song as well, Tomoe-san!" Tomoe: "I'm telling you, I really don't want to hear it." I could more or less see how things were going to play out, especially now that the possibility of fixing her guitar had presented itself. If we could just fix the guitar, then that would be the end of my cohabitation with this angel. I just felt sorry for the four more miserable couples I'd have to sacrifice...
The next day was Aine's first day of school. Aine: "Okay, I will be heading to the staff room now." On her "first day as a transfer student," Aine needed to greet and be escorted by her teacher to her new classroom. Tomoe: "Okay, but make sure no one finds out what you really are..." Aine: "Please leave it to me!" Hearing her say that didn't inspire much confidence. Naruko: "Do your best." Aine: "Yes! I will! I will make lots of friends!" She was senselessly excited. About making friends, no less. Was she really attending school to help people? Didn't she just want to play? I had real doubts about her. Aine: "Here I go!" Tomoe: "..." I guess all I can do is pray.
Yuno: "This is Aine Kirinokojima. Starting today, she will be joining our class and studying with us." Aine: "I-I am A-A-A-Aine K-Kirinoko-kojima! P-Pleased... to meet yooou!" The transfer student, Kirinokojima-san, introduced herself while stuttering greatly over her words. I could hear chuckles here and there from around the classroom. It was no use. If I weren't a teacher, I would likely be laughing, too. Be that as it may, it was rare for a transfer student to get this nervous. Yuno: "You don't need to be so nervous. You're all going to be friends from now on." Aine: "Oh, really? In that case, I will relax." Aine: "Smile, smile, smile~" Yuno: "I don't think relaxing and smiling are the same thing..." Yuno: "Anyway, that is quite an unusual name. There's a second-year boy with the same last name. Do you know him?" Aine: "Ah, that is my Onii-chan!" Yuno: "Oh, 'Onii-chan'? You're siblings?" Aine: "Ah, we are relatives! Just relatives! My mistake!" Yuno: "Wow, really? Relatives." I had heard she had some special circumstances for being here, but I was relieved that she seemed to be a cheerful, energetic girl. If she had a relative around, then it might be easier for her to open up at school, too. Yuno: "Okay, Kirinokojima-san..." Aine: "Oh, you may call me by my first name. My last name is quite a mouthful, after all." Yuno: "Really? Then... can I call you 'Aine-chan'?" Aine: "Yes, please do! In that case, I shall show my friendliness and call you by your first name as well, Sensei!" Yuno: "Huh? Uh... If possible, I wish you'd call me by my last name and use the 'sensei' honorific." Aine: "Is that so? Then I will! Uh..." Aine: "Okeyamachi-sensei-san!" Yuno: "You don't need to add 'san' after 'sensei,' okay?" She was cheerful and positive, but she was kind of off-kilter? Could this be that so-called "generation gap" at work? Next year, I'd hit the big 3-0 and be quite the fine, old lady myself... Aine: "Then, Okeyamachi-sensei! Where should I sit?" Yuno: "Ah, that's right. Um, which seat is free...?" Yuno: "The one furthest back by the window should be free. Please use that one." Aine: "Yes! Roger!" Aine-chan gave me an officer-like salute and skipped over to her seat―the empty seat next to Minamo Wakamatsu. Wakamatsu-san was a docile girl. Would she be okay? Aine: "I am Aine! Pleased to meet you!" Minamo: "..." Minamo: "...Huh?!" My, what could be the matter? Wakamatsu-san took one look at Aine-chan and got startled. Aine: "What is wrong?" Minamo: "A-A-A-Are you..." Aine: "Yes?" Minamo: "...an angel?" Aine: "Huh?!" An angel? Wakamatsu-san's baffling question got the entire classroom abuzz. Yuno: "Wakamatsu-san, what do you mean, 'angel'?" Minamo: "Ah..." Minamo: "N-Never mind! It is nothing..." Aine: "..." Frozen in place, Aine-chan sent Wakamatsu-san a shocked, wide-eyed stare. Did they know each other...? No, that couldn't be it. It certainly didn't look that way to me, anyway. Aine: "..." Yuno: "Aine-chan, aren't you going to sit down?" Aine: "Ah... Y-Yes, I will sit..." Minamo: "..." Aine: "..." Those two seemed awfully tense. Would they be okay?
With morning lessons now over, it was finally lunchtime. Tomoe: "..." Naruko: "You're worried about Aine-chan, aren't you?" What was Nakizaki so happy about? She walked over carrying her lunch with a huge smirk on her face. Tomoe: "Of course I am. It'll be a huge pain if she blows her cover." Kiyohito: "Hm? Whatcha talking about?" Tomoe: "Nothing." Kiyohito: "No way it's nothing. Don't leave me the odd man out." Kiyohito looked rather upset. He was pretty sensitive to being left out from the rest of his social circle. Tomoe: "...Someone we know just wound up transferring here, is all." I was reluctantly honest with him. He'd find out sooner or later, so I may as well tell him as much as I could. Kiyohito: "Oh, an acquaintance of yours transferred here?" Naruko: "More of a relative than an acquaintance, isn't she?" Nakizaki seemed to have caught on and went along with my story. Kiyohito: "A relative? You had relatives, Tomoe?" Tomoe: "A distant relative, apparently. I wasn't really aware of it, either." Kiyohito: "What year are they? Male? Female?" Tomoe: "A first-year, female." Kiyohito: "All right! Let's go see!" Kiyohito jumped to his feet. Everything he did was spur-of-the-moment, as usual. Tomoe: "Go see? You mean Aine?" Kiyohito: "Her name's Aine-chan? That sure gets my imagination going!" He was completely wired. Why did he get so excited over something like this? Kiyohito: "What are you sitting around for? Let's get going!" Tomoe: "...Why do I have to?" Kiyohito: "Come on, I don't know what Aine-chan looks like." Tomoe: "Not my problem. Go do whatever you want." Kiyohito: "Come on, you're bad at playing along. Do you know Aine-chan, Nakizaki?" Naruko: "Yeah, I guess." Kiyohito: "All right! Come with me, then!" Naruko: "Huh? I..." Kiyohito: "Hurry, hurry!" Naruko: "Aaah..." Kiyohito dragged Nakizaki out of the classroom and it instantly grew quiet the moment he left. Okay then, time for a quiet lunch... or so I thought. I couldn't find that lunch box Nakizaki brought earlier anywhere. Tomoe: "Did Nakizaki take it with her?" Oh well. May as well go kill some time alone on the roof. The roof was completely deserted. ...Wait. Tomoe: "...Hm?" I suddenly sensed a presence and looked up behind me. I thought I was alone, but someone _was_ there. Her long black hair fluttered in the wind. That was when I first realized it was a woman. It was as if she was looking far off into the distance. Probably somewhere far, far away. She had a mature air about her, and was most likely a third-year. She was a very pretty person. Hers was the sort of beauty instilled within globally famous sculptures, cultural gems such as Buddha statues, and the like. I was honestly enchanted. I was half-convinced another angel had appeared. No, I could intuitively sense she was human. Even so, I genuinely thought she was more angelic than Aine. My heart panged. It seemed as if she might leap from that spot at any moment. "I want to become an angel." I heard a voice. An innocent voice... ...One I had heard a long time ago. I seemed to have forgotten I was even looking up at that girl as I took a short stroll through some old memories. ???: "Ah..." I snapped back to reality when I heard her sudden reaction to my unexpected presence. Our eyes locked as we unintentionally stared at one another. Tomoe: "Ah..." All I could manage to get out was a foolish grunt. While I was stunned, the girl stared at me and quickly went wide-eyed. So much so that I wondered what could possibly be so surprising. ???: "Um, you're..." Her inexplicable surprise must have left her careless, as her entire body rocked and leaned forward. ???: "Ah...!" She immediately lost her balance and slipped off. I saw this coming, and dove to catch her. Tomoe: "Watch out!" ???: "Kyah!" Bam! Tomoe: "Ugh...!" Stylishly catching her was too much to hope for. I just barely managed to slip between her and the ground before we slammed into each other. ???: "Mm... Oh..." Tomoe: "Are you all right?" I asked, still pinned underneath her. ???: "Ah...!" ???: "I-I'm sorry!" She leapt off of me in a panic. ???: "A-Are you okay?!" Tomoe: "Yeah, I'm..." Throb! Tomoe: "Oh..." I tried to prop myself to my feet when pain coursed through my right wrist. ???: "Did I hurt you somewhere?" Tomoe: "No, I'm really all right." ???: "That won't do. Please stay still." She stopped me when I tried to stand up. For having such a gentle demeanor, she was surprisingly pushy. That made it difficult for me to say no. ???: "Your wrist? You twisted it, didn't you?" Tomoe: "Looks like it, but it's no big deal." ???: "You shouldn't neglect it. It could hurt worse later. Please keep it still for now." Tomoe: "Sure..." ???: "Oh, you also skinned yourself a little. Please wait a second. I have bandages." She continued doing as she pleased. Just as I thought, she was way pushier than she looked. Also, she had a somewhat calming scent. What was it? ...Incense? It was... a genuinely Japanese aroma. ???: "Okay, this will do for now." She pulled away. ???: "Be careful not to move it too much. Let's get you to the infirmary; I will escort you." Tomoe: "No, hey, um..." So much had happened so quickly that I couldn't keep up. Her face flushed bright red when she noticed how stupefied I was. ???: "I-I'm sorry. There I go again. Being so blunt when we've only just met..." Tomoe: "It's okay." ???: "And, I apologize. You got hurt because of me..." Tomoe: "Please don't worry about it. It's nothing, really." Tomoe: "More importantly, um..." Who was this girl? It wasn't like this place belonged to me or anything. It was part of the school building, so there was nothing unusual about someone else being here. This area _was_ off-limits, but this girl didn't look like the type to have strayed here on accident. ???: "Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Yuri Hisaka. A third-year." Tomoe: "Yuri Hisaka-san..." So she _was_ a third-year. Tomoe: "What are you doing here, Hisaka-san? I'm pretty sure this place is off-limits." Yuri: "Well..." Hisaka-san looked at me nervously, with a tinge of shock dancing in her eyes. Yuri: "I thought if I came here, I might meet an angel..." This time _I_ was the one shocked by her comment. Tomoe: "An angel?" That word certainly came out of nowhere. When I saw how absorbed she was, I could tell that such a statement wasn't some random thought, but one she had resolved herself to say. Yuri: "Yes. Are you... an angel?" Tomoe: "Huh...?" What did she mean? Was it a metaphor, or some joke? Or... How should I answer that? It was so spur-of-the-moment, my brain wouldn't work. Tomoe: "Why would you ask me something like that?" Unable to answer, I asked a question instead. Yuri: "I saw it. Yesterday, you used a bow..." She left the rest unsaid. It was likely she didn't know how to put what she had seen into words. Now it all made sense to me. Tomoe: "Ah..." I wasn't very shaken, strangely enough. A part of me may have felt like I was just a spectator in yesterday's events. Knowing the reason behind it was actually refreshing. I see. So she had seen that yesterday? Yuri: "The girl who was with you had feathers and a halo. That... was an angel, wasn't it?" She was talking about Aine. Maybe I should just give up and answer her honestly? Tomoe: "...And if she were?" What in the world was this person trying to ask? What did she want to know? She even went out of her way to come to a place like this. Yuri: "Is there really an angel? If so... do you think she could become happy as well?" Tomoe: "Who are you talking about?" I could sense abnormal urgency in Hisaka-san's question. What sort of burdens did she bear? Tomoe: "...That girl is... an ang―" Just then, the door to the rooftop opened and I stopped mid-sentence. Aine peeked her head out from behind the opened door. Aine: "Tomoe-san, we have trouble~!" She cried out with a pitiful voice and a somewhat troubled expression. Tomoe: "What do you look so miserable for? Wasn't Nakizaki with you?" Aine: "There is no time for that. We have a big problem!" Tomoe: "What's with you? You're acting really weird. What happened?" Aine: "Actually..." Aine turned around and a girl I didn't recognize popped out from behind the door. Tomoe: "A friend?" Aine: "Ah, this is Minamo Wakamatsu-chan. She is in my class." Minamo: "Hello..." Tomoe: "Hello." She seemed to be the shy type, and was visibly nervous. Why had she come to a place like this? Aine: "Well then, this is difficult for me to say, but..." Tomoe: "Mhm?" Aine: "She found out that I am an angel." Aine declared what I had been hesitating to say without a second thought. Naturally, Hisaka-san heard her as well. Yuri: "An angel..." Aine: "...Huh? Wh-Who are you?" An idiotic look of surprise blossomed on her face. She hadn't noticed Hisaka-san? Tomoe: "Figures. Things turning out this way must've been fate." That was how two more people learned Aine's true identity.
The "humans who knew the angel's secret" gathered after school in the classroom. Naruko: "That's why she wasn't in the classroom during lunch break? I thought we might've gotten the wrong classroom or something." Nakizaki and Kiyohito seemed to have passed right by Aine on their way to her classroom. Kiyohito wasn't here, either, so he hadn't met her yet. Naruko: "Kiyohito was really disappointed." Tomoe: "Oh well. I'm sure he'll go see her again tomorrow." As long as he hadn't lost interest in Aine, anyway. It was hard to tell with Kiyohito since his interests could change at the drop of a hat. Naruko: "Are you sure it's okay not to tell him?" Tomoe: "It's Kiyohito we're talking about. There's nothing we can do about the ones who found out, but we should probably avoid intentionally adding more people to that list." Naruko: "You're right. It _is_ Kiyohito." It wasn't that she didn't trust him, but Kiyohito didn't always think things were as important as they actually were. His line of thinking was occasionally out of sync with the rest of the world, and it would definitely cause trouble for us if that led to loose lips. He wouldn't mean anything bad by it, but it was possible he'd blab about any secret he didn't personally find important. Naruko: "So, for now, only those of us here know about it." We looked at the newest additions to our little group. Two new faces. Minamo Wakamatsu, Aine's new classmate, and the third-year, Yuri Hisaka-san. The two of them had apparently been at the scene of the crime yesterday. Tomoe: "That was careless of us." It was my first time, so I was too preoccupied to pay attention to our surroundings. Besides, I had jumped to the conclusion that Aine would be able to do something about it with her angelic powers. Aine: "We will have to be careful from now on." Tomoe: "There isn't going to be a 'from now on.'" I firmly denied her confused comment. Aine: "You are being mean again..." Tomoe: "I'm not being mean." Aine: "No, no." Yuri: "U-Um..." Hisaka-san tried to be considerate of our quiet argument and modestly raised her hand. It appeared she had something to say, but she was acting like this was some sort of class meeting. Tomoe: "Go ahead." Yuri: "Kirinokojima-kun, you're, um... not an angel, are you?" Wakamatsu was staring hard at me from beside the rather inquisitive Hisaka-san. It felt like I'd turned into a panda at the zoo or something. Tomoe: "Luckily, I'm an ordinary human." Aine: "Why 'luckily'? You make it sound like being an angel would be bad." Tomoe: "If it sounds that way, that's probably how I meant it." Aine: "Oh... You _are_ mean." Yuri: "Um, but... Aine-san, you are an angel. Is that correct?" Hisaka-san asked in a low voice as she shyly looked at Aine. Aine: "_Luckily_, yes!" Aine accentuated the "luckily" in her answer. Tomoe: "Are you picking a fight with me?" Aine: "I am not..." Minamo: "I can't believe angels really exist." Wakamatsu said with feeling, practically to herself. She seemed to have made that statement without thinking, and hid her face in a fluster when she noticed everyone focusing on her. Minamo: "I-I mean, I didn't think angels really existed." Naruko: "You said it. It still doesn't feel real to me either, actually." Naruko: "Especially since she's no different from an ordinary girl when she takes this form..." This time it was Aine's turn to be stared at. Not that she seemed to mind. Yuri: "Um, what about your feathers and halo? I believe you had them yesterday..." Aine: "I am hiding them for now so that I will not be discovered." Minamo: "Wow, you can do that...?" Aine: "Well, I am an angel!" I didn't think that was much of an answer, but everyone seemed to have accepted it. Maybe it was because everyone had assumed it was only natural for angels to have mysterious powers? When in truth, they're so powerless they have to get the assistance of humans. Aine: "Um, this very angel has a request for all of you..." Aine gave Hisaka-san and Wakamatsu an unassuming glance, but both of their expressions turned tense all the same. They _did_ have an angel staring at them, after all. Aine: "I would like it if you kept the fact I am an angel a secret from anyone else. I am begging you!" She said before deeply bowing her head. Minamo: "What, is that all?" Wakamatsu murmured with relief. Hisaka-san seemed to be relieved as well. Aine: "You will not tell, then?" Yuri: "There's no reason for me to say anything, and I'm sure nobody would believe me if I did." Minamo: "Nobody would ever believe it unless they saw what happened for themselves." By which... she must have meant yesterday's work of an angel. Hisaka-san and Wakamatsu had formed a sense of unity through this special, shared experience, and both appeared to feel the same way about the situation. Yuri: "It's okay. I won't say a word, so please rest assured." Aine: "Really? I am saved!" Naruko: "Isn't that great?" Aine: "Yes!" Naruko: "What about you, Minamo-chan?" However, Wakamatsu faced my way without answering. Minamo: "First... What in the world was that yesterday?" Tomoe: "I don't know why you're asking me..." Wakamatsu's question was entirely natural. I glanced at Aine, pressing her for an answer. Aine: "We were returning a heart shard." Minamo: "A heart shard?" Aine gave an explanation regarding the "shards." That when people give up on something, their hearts fracture, and the shard is cast away. Also, that angels are able to return those shards to their owners. Minamo: "Hearts..." Yuri: "...fracture?" The two of them imagined it, and gently held their hands over their chests, almost like they felt pain in their hearts. Aine: "Yesterday, we returned one of those shards to a girl who had given up on love because her heart fractured." Yuri: "What happened to her?" Aine: "She was able to confess her feelings. It appears they were well conveyed." Yuri: "Ah... Is that so?" Despite being a total stranger, Hisaka-san looked visibly relieved by the news. She really did seem like a kind person. On the other hand, Wakamatsu looked less than amused. Minamo: "What, is that all angels do? They just return things people have lost?" Aine: "W-Well... I am sorry..." Aine hung her head, disheartened. Aine: "That is all angels can do. And yet, with my instrument broken right now, I cannot even do that much..." Yuri: "Instrument?" Aine: "Yes. Angels deliver fractured hearts back to their owners through song. Songs allow us to lighten people's spirits." Minamo: "Through song..." Wakamatsu's face turned thoughtful. "Song" must have tugged some sort of heartstring for her. Naruko: "Do you have a problem with songs?" Minamo: "N-No, not especially." Yuri: "You couldn't use your instrument, so you used a bow?" Aine: "Oh, yes. In truth, it would be fine if I could use one, but I'm poor with a bow and arrow." Yuri: "So that's why you did it yesterday?" Tomoe: "I was drafted." Minamo: "But why did things turn out that way? A human helping an angel..." Wakamatsu must have been having trouble speaking to an angel, and just kept directing her questions at me. Tomoe: "I'm not really sure why, either." I really didn't know. What twist of fate had caused all this to happen? Tomoe: "Anyway, she had to bother someone else as a last resort even though it's _her_ job to make people happy." Aine: "I-I am sorry..." Aine looked impressively unsettled, with both of her eyebrows drooping lower and lower. Yuri: "You're in a bind as well, aren't you, Angel-sama―no, Angel-san?" Hisaka-san looked at Aine, thought a little, then corrected herself. She probably didn't think she was worthy of calling her "sama." Aine: "That is right. Oh, but there is a chance my guitar can be fixed." Aine recounted last night's conversation. If their hypothesis was correct, joining that couple together had likely caused that single red thread to return to her guitar. Yuri: "Then... If you need four more, then you just have to mediate in four more couple's relationships?" Aine: "Most likely." Upon hearing that, Hisaka-san quietly thought it over. Then... Yuri: "If that's the case, I'll help as well. Would that be all right?" ...she unexpectedly asked. Naruko: "Help? An angel?" Yuri: "Yes. I don't know what I can do, and I have a little sister, so I won't always be available." Yuri: "Still, I want to help as much as possible. Can't I?" I hadn't expected a request like that. Nakizaki and I looked at one another. Yuri: "Please." Hisaka-san bowed her head. She... didn't appear to be joking. Her eyes were serious. Aine: "Um, why?" "Why" was right. I couldn't believe someone would willingly volunteer for something so bothersome. Yuri: "That's because, um..." Yuri: "If someone like me can do something for another person, I want to help." Tomoe: "..." I honestly thought, "Oh?" She seemed like a kind person, so that may not have been such a strange reason. "For another person..." I bet there were lots of whimsical people like that. Otherwise, volunteers would cease to exist. Still... Something about her comment made me feel uneasy. Aine: "Yuri-san..." Aine: "I understand! Please do, by all means!" Aine apparently hadn't sensed anything. She was frankly delighted, and gripped Hisaka-san's hand so zealously that her smile winced. Minamo: "If you bring together those guitar strings, you'll be able to sing again, right, Aine?" Aine: "Yes, that is right." Minamo: "...In that case, I'll help, too. I've got a gi― ...Er, part-time job, so I won't be able to help out all the time, though." Aine: "Really? I am so happy!" I was surprised this many whimsical people existed. Tomoe: "In that case, you don't really need me around with this many people helping you, do you?" Aine: "P-Please do not say that! You are the only one who can use a bow, Tomoe-san!" With regret, I thought to myself, "If only I couldn't do archery." Just then, the bell signaling the end of the school day echoed around us. Yuri: "Oh no. I'm running late." Hisaka-san quickly rose from her seat. Yuri: "I'm sorry, but I'll be excusing myself now. My sister is waiting." Naruko: "You have an appointment with your sister?" Yuri: "No... She's at home." Naruko: "At home?" Yuri: "I really am sorry. See you tomorrow." Hisaka-san impatiently explained before rushing out of the classroom. Naruko: "Maybe her sister is still little?" Tomoe: "Possibly." She probably wouldn't have been in such a rush otherwise. Naruko: "Okay, why don't the rest of us call it a day?" Hisaka-san's departure got everyone else in the mood to leave as well.
Yuno: "Huh? That day is..." October 31st. There was a red circle around that day on our calendar. It was our anniversary. We decided to celebrate it every year, and he had remembered it every year, including the last. And yet... Haruki: "Hm? Is there something special about the 31st?" Haruki-kun hadn't noticed. He'd forgotten. ...Maybe it was just in men's nature to forget these sorts of events. Yuno: "Uh-uh, it's okay. Do you have a concert that day?" Haruki: "Yeah. It was scheduled spur-of-the-moment, but it's looking like it'll be a big one for us. So, I was wondering if you'd like to come and watch, Yuno-san." Yuno: "Is something special happening at this concert?" Haruki: "Actually, there's this producer who's taken an interest in our band, and said he'd be going." Haruki: "If everything goes well, we might be able to go pro." Yuno: "Pro? Really?" What a huge surprise. It didn't sound like he'd be able to support us with his music right away, but making his professional debut would be a big step toward accomplishing his dream. Haruki: "It really is an amazing opportunity. It's also going to be our first big concert in a while. Some famous local bands will be there, too." Yuno: "Is that so?" I didn't know much about other bands. I wasn't great with those noisy music clubs, and seldom went to one. Generally speaking, Haruki-kun's band was the only one playing on the street, and I actually enjoyed it since they weren't too loud. Haruki: "So, if possible, do you think you could come watch us? You haven't been to a real concert in a long time, right?" Yuno: "Yeah, you may be right." Haruki: "It's been a while, so why not? I think I'll be able to try even harder than usual if you're watching me." Yuno: "Yeah, of course that's okay, but..." I nodded, but my expression must've given away how I actually felt. Haruki: "Do you have other plans?" Yuno: "No, I'm all set on that front. It's just..." I was originally supposed to spend some time alone with Haruki-kun... I would just have to deal with it if he had an important concert, but I did wonder if he had forgotten. Haruki: "There's an after-party following the concert, too. You might be uncomfortable around such a big crowd, though." Haruki: "Think it'll be too much for you?" Yuno: "No, it's not like that." I wasn't a huge fan of clubs, but I didn't mind going to them on occasion. But I couldn't deny how much it bugged me. Haruki-kun had forgotten all about our anniversary. We spent that time alone together every year, and he'd remembered it last year, too... ...But I guess I was getting too old to pout about such tiny things, huh? Yuno: "...Yeah, got it. I'll go see your concert that day, then." I was the way older one in this relationship, so I couldn't be selfish. This concert was going to bring Haruki-kun closer to his dream. An anniversary was nothing in comparison. It was enough for me as long as we celebrated it together, even if it wasn't on the exact day, and we would have another anniversary next year, too. Yuno: "..." Haruki-kun was sleeping soundly beside me, but I couldn't fall asleep. Yuno: "Next year, huh?" I'd be turning thirty next year, wouldn't I? What would I be doing at that time? Would there even be a "next year" for us then? Haruki-kun was making progress toward making a living off of his music. There was already talk of him making his pro debut, so the day his dream became reality might not be far off. In order to stay with Haruki-kun forever, I would have to abandon my family. "Abandon" was a terrible way to put it, but that's exactly what it was... Yuno: "Haa... What should I do?" That night, I dreamed. It was a dream about when I was little, playing in the sake brewery. The chief sake brewer got mad at me if I ran around, but with his consent as a chaperone, even a child like me was able to go inside. There was a unique scent inside of that dim warehouse. I knew the people from town all looked forward to the sake my dad's crew made. My heart raced since it was like I'd snuck into a secret factory that made treasures. I loved that place so much. That was why I wished I could stay there forever, with everything just like it was in the past. That was how I felt.
Kojirou-sensei helped with Aine's sudden enrollment, but there were still a few formalities that needed to be addressed despite her receiving the "hands-on learning" treatment. We came to school on our day off to finish getting her situated. Likely due to our school's easygoing nature, we got through the formalities without any trouble at all. I felt a little uneasy knowing the school had accepted a member of a non-human species without objection. Then, on the way home... Aine: "You do not understand how wonderful love is, Tomoe-san!" Aine mentioned that she had something important to discuss and brought me to this cafe, but it appeared she was just going to preach at me. Tomoe: "You're not very convincing with that banana in your hand." Aine: "The banana has nothing to do with it! I wonder why bananas are so delicious?" Tomoe: "You're getting off topic already." Aine: "Ah! You tricked me with that leading question!" Tomoe: "I didn't lead you on at all." Why would you bring a banana into a cafe in the first place? Tomoe: "And why _are_ we here? Surely you could have told me this at home?" Aine: "Cafes are a holy ground for couples. Look over here and over there, too!" Aine signaled with her eyes. True, both sets of customers looked like couples. Aine: "I want you to feel the aura of happiness that lovers give off, Tomoe-san." Tomoe: "..." Both couples were sharing intimate conversations. It was true they looked happy, but it all felt completely ephemeral to me. Tomoe: "Won't it just end badly for them? They all still look young, and don't seem like they're dating with marriage in mind." Tomoe: "Of course, even if they got married, divorce is commonplace nowadays. It could end badly even for those people." Aine: "Hmph... For someone acting as an angel's proxy, you are far too negative about love, Tomoe-san!" Aine: "It affects the lives of the people you help, so it will be problematic if you do not reconsider your notions of love!" Tomoe: "You're putting me in a rough position. This is just the way I am." Aine: "The way you think is too prejudiced. Please study a little more about love." Tomoe: "Is love something you can study?" Aine: "I _need_ you to study it. As such, I have asked Naruko-san to prepare reference books for you." Tomoe: "By 'reference books,' you mean those?" There was a stack of shoujo manga she had apparently borrowed from Nakizaki on the table. Nakizaki read shoujo manga too, huh? Aine: "How about this one?" Aine: "It is a touching story where two childhood friends, who after being separated and facing many challenges, finally get together again dozens of years later." Tomoe: "Childhood friends, huh? Nakizaki and I actually _are_ childhood friends. Do you think I could sympathize with a tall tale like that? Aine: "Is it not possible you and Naruko-san could wind up together as well?" Tomoe: "No, that won't happen." Aine: "How can you be so certain?" Tomoe: "Because Nakizaki and I are friends." Aine: "Friendship can blossom into love! A Copernican revolution in romance!" Tomoe: "You sure know some difficult words." Aine: "I read about it in this manga. It has been very informative!" Tomoe: "Manga knowledge, huh?" Aine: "As such, I am sure it will prove useful, so please read it. Or would you like me to read it aloud for you?" Tomoe: "No, that's embarrassing. Give me a break." Aine: "Really? What a shame." She _wanted_ to read it aloud? What an enthusiastic angel. Tomoe: "I'll at least read them, but it won't change my mind. Love doesn't make people happy." Aine: "And I ask again, how can you be so sure? You may wish to reconsider your line of thinking if you read these." Tomoe: "Impossible." It was futile. Some silly manga would never be enough to erase that experience from my mind. Aine: "Why are you so... Did something happen that made you lose your faith in love, Tomoe-san?" Tomoe: "It isn't something I'd tell you, Aine." Aine: "Aw..." That must have sounded cold. However, I was sure it would only put her in a lousy mood if she heard it. _Especially_ since Aine believed in love. Tomoe: "Fine, I'll read those books. That works for you, right?" Aine: "Oh, yes. Please do." Reading them wouldn't change anything, but it was fine by me as long it was enough to satisfy Aine. It was far better than digged up the past... That night, I scanned over all the manga Aine forced on me. But as I expected, each manga only glorified love, and I couldn't bring myself to accept any of it.
Tomoe: "Fuaaah... Ah." Naruko: "You sound tired. Couldn't sleep?" Tomoe: "Not at all." Naruko: "Why? Worried about something?" Tomoe: "If we're talking worries, that uninvited angel in my house comes to mind." Naruko: "Ah..." Naruko glimpsed up at the ceiling. Naruko: "Come to think of it, is Aine-chan still sleeping?" Tomoe: "Soundly. And thanks to that, I couldn't sleep at all." Naruko: "Huh? Why?" Aine: "Pii... Puu..." Aine: "Pii... Puu..." Aine: "...Bweh!" Aine: "Huh? My snoring is strange?" Aine: "Please stop the false accusations." Tomoe: "Take a good look at my face. Still think it's a false accusation?" Aine leaned in for a better look and stared closely. Aine: "You seem quite sleepy. Could you not sleep?" Tomoe: "Thanks to you." Aine: "Is that so? What a pity. Not being able to sleep must be harsh." Aine: "Oh, I see! That is why you are irritated!" Tomoe: "So angels get how rough it is to not be able to sleep, too?" Aine: "Of course we understand~ Angels love humans, so we are well studied on human matters." Aine: "Oh, then I will count sheep for you tonight. Counting sheep helps humans sleep better, yes?" Tomoe: "Yeah, that might be a good idea." She probably couldn't sleep while counting sheep, and if she didn't sleep, she wouldn't snore, either. Aine: "Please look forward to tonight, then." Naruko: "It sure is a luxury to have an angel count sheep for you." Aine: "You said it~" Tomoe: "..." I had a lot I wanted to say, but kept quiet. Aine: "Anyway, this is very delicious! You are a really good cook, Naruko-san~!" The angel had been sleeping soundly until moments ago, but now her appetite had suddenly gone into overdrive. Naruko: "I'm happy that you like it so much, but is it enough? I never thought you'd eat this much." Tomoe: "You don't need to fuss over her so much. She'll be fine if she runs out." Aine: "Yes, please do not fuss over me! I am fine with however much I get!" It seemed she planned to eat all she was given. Aine: "If only I had a banana for dessert!" Tomoe: "You're demanding dessert, too?" Naruko: "Still, even angels eat, huh?" Aine: "I would be fine even without eating, but I do love delicious things." Aine: "Munch, munch, munch." Tomoe: "Don't you think you're eating a little much if you'd be fine going without?" My mental image of angels was steadily falling apart. I'd love to show everyone who believes in angels just how much of a depraved pig she was being. Aine: "Ah, delicious! It is so delicious!" Aine: "Munch, munch, munch... pah!"
The blue sky was brilliantly bright. I was completely sleep deprived. Tomoe: "Fuaaah..." Aine: "Yawning again? You have been doing nothing but yawn since earlier. At this point it is practically harassment." Tomoe: "It's not like I'm doing it on purpose. I really am sleepy. Thanks to a certain someone." Aine: "I wish you would not try to blame this on others." It was completely Aine's fault, though. Naruko: "Why don't you just sleep in different rooms? You're a man and woman, after all." Tomoe: "Yeah. It's not like we don't have spare rooms." For whatever reason, Aine had wanted to sleep in my room with me. There were guest bedrooms she could sleep in, but she purposely laid out a futon on my floor. Aine: "But... Sleeping alone is scary..." Tomoe: "..." Aine: "Do you not get the feeling that you will see something you should not see when it is dark?" Tomoe: "The more you talk, the less angelic you seem to me, Aine." Aine: "I am just not used to your house yet... I-It is not that I am scared of ghosts or anything like that, okay?" Aine: "...Hm?" Aine: "Ah! It is Minamo-chan!" Aine immediately ran up to her. What a hyper angel. Aine: "Minamo-chan, good morning!" Minamo: "...Morning. You don't have to talk so loudly." Wakamatsu looked around herself with worry. She noticed several students glancing over at them and covered her face. She must have hated standing out. Naruko: "Morning, Minamo-chan." Tomoe: "Morning." Minamo: "...Good morning." She bowed even further with her face still covered. It must have been a pain in the neck to keep her head hung the whole time. Aine: "You do not look so well. Did you eat a proper meal?" Minamo: "...I do not eat in the mornings on principle." Aine: "Huh? You will not keep up your strength if you do not eat properly. Breakfast is important!" So asserted an angel who supposedly didn't even need to eat, despite having seconds this morning. Minamo: "Mind your own business. For that matter, stop talking so loudly. You're sticking out." Wakamatsu looked around her with annoyance. Tomoe: "Sorry, this girl's causing you trouble." Minamo: "No, it's okay..." Yuno: "Sounds like you're having fun over here~" Aine: "Hm?" Aine: "Ah, Yuno-chan-sensei-san!" Yuno: "Y-Yuno-chan-sensei-san...?" Yuno: "Th-That's quite an amusing name you've come up with. Didn't I say I'd prefer you call me by my surname with just 'sensei' attached?" Aine: "Oh, did you? Everyone called you 'Yuno-chan-sensei' so I thought it would be best if I called you that as well." Yuno: "D-Do they? Everyone called me that behind my back...?" Okeyamachi-sensei sure looked disappointed. She was our English teacher, so we knew her, too. She seemed to have a complex about her childish face, and might be thinking we were making light of her because of it. That wasn't why everyone called her 'chan,' though. They all simply genuinely adored her. Yuno: "I'll ask you one more time, but from now on, call me by my last name with 'sensei' attached if possible." Aine: "Is that so? Then, Okeyamachi-sensei! Good morning!" Yuno: "Yes, good morning." Yuno: "Good morning to you too, Wakamatsu-san." Minamo: "...Good morning." Yuno: "So, what were you all talking about?" Aine: "Yes! What did you eat for breakfast, Sensei?" Yuno: "Huh? That's what you were talking about? This morning, uh, I had bread, and..." Minamo: "...Sensei, we need to hurry or we will be late." Yuno: "Oh, yeah..." Yuno: "Then, let's have fun again today!" Aine: "Yes!" Minamo: "..." For fellow classmates, they were in surprisingly different spirits. Naruko: "I wonder if Aine-chan fits in with her class?" Tomoe: "I bet she sticks out." Minamo: "She does." Her classmate testified to it. Tomoe: "Knew it." It seemed the girl in question hadn't noticed it, though. Minamo: "..." Wakamatsu was still looking this way. Tomoe: "...Is something wrong?" Minamo: "...Ah, no, it's nothing..." Minamo: "..." Tomoe: "...?" It felt like she was glancing over at me an awful lot for it to be nothing. What could it be?
Kiyohito: "So this girl is Tomoe's little sister!" Kiyohito gave Aine a good looking-over, almost like she was some unusual animal. Aine: "Pleased to meet you!" It didn't look like it bothered her, though. Tomoe: "For your information, she isn't my sister. Just a distant, distant, _distant_ relative." Aine: "Why are you emphasizing 'distant' so much?" It was obviously because I didn't want to get any more involved than I already was, but it seemed angels didn't understand human subtleties. Kiyohito: "You're that distant? Your eyes match each other perfectly." Aine: "Huh? Is that so?" Aine: "Tomoe-san, he said we look alike!" Tomoe: "There's no way we do." Not only were we not blood related, we weren't even the same species. We couldn't possibly look alike. Kiyohito: "Still, I was relieved to hear there was someone blood-related to you, even if she's a distant relative. I thought you didn't have any family." Tomoe: "Yeah... That's true." _Is_ that how this would work out? With a family-less guy like me suddenly having a blood-relative? It was a lie, but now that I was made aware it, it put me in a strange mood. It was almost as if I'd made a new family member... ...How foolish. It was just a lie, and she wasn't even a human. It was no different from calling a pet your family. Kiyohito: "So, you're living together at Tomoe's house right now? Sounds like loads of fun~" Tomoe: "It's not fun at al―" Aine: "It is very fun!" Aine said enthusiastically, before I could answer. She really did look like she was having fun. Not that I had any idea _what_ was so fun about it. Kiyohito: "Nice! It's like camp or something―super fun!" Kiyohito: "Maybe I'll stay over with you guys sometime!" Aine: "Go right ahead! You are more than welcome!" Tomoe: "Don't decide that without asking, like it's your own place." Talk about arrogant. This angel was intruding all through my life. Naruko: "Are you doing okay in class?" Aine: "Yes! It is going swimmingly!" Aine: "During homeroom today, I gave love counseling to everyone in class again." Naruko: "Love counseling?" Aine: "Yes! Angelic love counseling!" Kiyohito: "Angelic? You, Aine-chan?" Aine: "Ye― Ah!" Aine must have realized she shouldn't answer and bit her tongue. What a troublesome angel. Tomoe: "It's just a name. It's normal to make love requests to angels in this town." Kiyohito: "Ah, you're right. Angelic love counseling, huh? Sounds nice!" Aine: "Yes! I am thinking of making posters or something as well and advertising it!" She was considering stuff like that...? I wish she'd keep this on the down-low. Kiyohito: "So that means you'll be giving relationship advice as well, Aine-chan?" Aine: "Yes! Would you like to join us, Kiyohito-san?" Kiyohito: "Ahaha, sure! I'll give you some relationship advice, too, Aine-chan! I _am_ a romance master, y'know." Aine: "Give me love counseling? I do not need anything like that." She _was_ an angel, after all. Kiyohito wasn't aware of that, however, and looked mystified. Kiyohito: "Hmm, you're weird, Aine-chan. That's fine, I guess..." Kiyohito shifted his eyes. Kiyohito: "Who are they?" Tomoe: "Ah..." Come to think of it, I hadn't introduced him yet. Naruko: "This is Yuri Hisaka-san, a third-year. And over here is Minamo Wakamatsu-chan, a first-year who wound up in the same class as Aine-chan." Minamo: "Hello..." Yuri: "Nice to meet you." Both of them greeted Kiyohito. Kiyohito: "Hello, hello! Welcome to the off-limits rooftop!" Minamo: "Huh? This place is off-limits?" Kiyohito: "It's totally fine. If the noisy one shows up, I'll drive him away for us." Yuri: "'Noisy one'?" Naruko: "There's this one annoying guy. He's awful!" Nakizaki grimaced amusingly hard. She really _did_ hate him a lot... He hadn't shown his face in a while, but he probably had a lot on his plate this time of year. Fine by me; it was more peaceful that way. Kiyohito: "So, what are your relationships with Tomoe?" Yuri: "Huh?" Naruko: "What do you mean, 'relationships with Kirinokojima?' That sounds kind of sketchy." Kiyohito: "Come on. You're all here because you're involved with Tomoe, right?" Kiyohito spun around and looked over the place. Kiyohito: "Isn't it the same for you two, Nakizaki and Aine-chan?" Naruko: "Yeah, I guess? That goes for you, too, Kiyohito." Kiyohito: "We're all jolly comrades of Tomoe's, huh?" Tomoe: "Don't decide that on your own." Minamo: "That's right. I'm not like that." Kiyohito: "Oh, really? Then why are you here?" Minamo: "That's because..." Wakamatsu looked my way with worry. Looking to me for help wasn't going to do her any good. Wakamatsu came here of her own free will. Aine: "They are both assisting with my angelic love counseling." Aine said in place of all of us who couldn't answer. Kiyohito: "Ah, the love counseling. Is that right?" Yuri: "Huh? Um, yes..." Aine: "We will all help out those who are struggling with love!" Kiyohito: "You sure are enthusiastic. But..." Kiyohito stared at Wakamatsu and Hisaka-san. Kiyohito: "...Well, I guess it's fine." He looked like he had something on his mind, but kept it to himself. I was sure he'd decided giving it more thought wouldn't be fun. Kiyohito's rule was to avoid anything less than amusing. Which begged the question, why was he friends with someone like me? Aine: "I wonder if we will get a visitor soon?" Aine was restless. It would seriously worry me if anyone came to this dodgy love counseling that easily. Kiyohito: "Isn't that someone right now?" Kiyohito pointed at the entrance to the roof. Yuno: "Huh?" Aine: "Ah, Sensei!" Standing there was the English teacher, Okeyamachi-sensei. Yuno: "Th-There are quite a few of you gathered here. Isn't this spot off-limits?" Aine: "Forget about that, Sensei! You came here for love counseling, did you not?!" Aine ignored her question, and her face lit up. Yuno: "Huh? Love counseling?" Apparently not, but Aine gleefully approached Sensei all the same. Aine: "It is okay, do not be embarrassed! Please try talking to me about it!" Yuno: "Love counseling... Oh, you _did_ mention that during homeroom, didn't you?" Yuno: "I'm not here for that. I happened to notice you, a transfer student, going up to the roof and came to see what was going on..." Aine: "Huh, is that so? Aww..." Aine became visibly less excited. Aine: "Haaaaa..." Yuno: "D-Don't be so disappointed." Aine: "Surely even you must have at least one worry, Sensei? Do you not? You are human." Yuno: "W-Well, yeah, it's not as if I don't have a worry or two, but..." Aine: "Of course you do! Then please try telling me! Go ahead!" Yuno: "Huh? No, it's not that big a deal..." Aine: "Go ahead!" Yuno: "U-Uh..." Kiyohito: "Sensei's not too thrilled about it, but it looks like Aine-chan caught her." Naruko: "She may not let her go until she talks." Yuno: "Huh? That's, um..." Aine: "Please count on us!" My condolences, Sensei.
Kiyohito: "Oh, there's quite a crowd!" Kiyohito looked amused. He always did love it when things were lively and fun. Looking past all the people, we could see what appeared to be the band. They seemed to be in the middle of setting up. Minamo: "Why did I get dragged along...?" Aine: "What are you saying? We all have to support Sensei's relationship!" Minamo: "Hisaka-sempai went home, too..." Hisaka-san went home, saying she couldn't be out late since she had a little sister. Minamo: "I pretty much hate music anyway." Kiyohito: "Wow, you hate music? Don't you feel lifeless without it?" Minamo: "Not at all." Wakamatsu turned away in a huff. She hated music that much? Not that I liked noisy things, either. Naruko: "So, is that your boyfriend, Sensei?" Nakizaki stood on tiptoe and looked to the other side of the gallery. Yuno: "Y-Yeah..." Sensei shyly nodded. It was apparently her boyfriend's band performing. He just so happened to be playing a concert on the street today, so we came to gawk. Aine's pushy love counseling had forced Okeyamachi-sensei to divulge her private life. She told us about how she was dating a musician, and that he'd be performing a gig today. At the time, it was like she was being interrogated by some secret police. Truly pitiful. Aine: "Which one, which one? Which person is it?" Aine stared at her curiously. She was a total, common groupie. This curiosity-satisfying behavior was unbecoming of an angel. Yuno: "Um, right in the middle..." Sensei nervously pointed. It was the guitarist in the center preparing the mics. Naruko: "Wow! He's cool~!" Aine: "He really is! Right, Minamo-chan?!" Minamo: "I'm not particularly interested." Wakamatsu kept her head down without even trying to look up at him. She was in quite a bad mood. Kiyohito: "Oh, sounds like it's about to start." Just then, cheers erupted from the crowd. It seemed the concert had begun. It was a low sound, the sort that felt like it shook you to your core. Kiyohito: "Hyuu! Not bad at all!" Kiyohito started moving his body to the rhythm. It was nothing but noise as far as I was concerned, but the crowd looked pretty excited about it. Naruko: "Wow, it's a pretty pro performance." Yuno: "Y-You think so?" Aine: "Yeah, yeah! This music is great!" Aine's smile was beaming. Aine had never mentioned it, but it occurred to me that she probably liked music since she played the guitar. Minamo: "..." Minamo: "Music is just..." Naruko: "Huh, Minamo-chan?" Minamo: "On second thought, I'm going home." Naruko: "Ah, Minamo-chan? ...She left." Aine: "Oh, Minamo-chan left? Should I go get her?" Tomoe: "Don't detain her by force. It's pitiful." Aine: "I wonder why she hates music so much? I love it, though..." Aine: "Mm, it is great! Now I feel like playing the guitar, too. It has been forever!" Yuno: "Oh, you play too, Aine-chan?" Aine: "Yes!" Aine: "However, it is a little too damaged for me to play at the moment..." Yuno: "Really? That's rough. Haruki-kun treats his guitar with great care, so I understand how you feel." Naruko: "Oh, you call him Haruki-kun." Yuno: "Ah..." Yuno: "Y-Yeah, I guess. I am the older one." Aine: "What does Haruki-kun call you, Sensei?" Yuno: "Uh... He calls me 'Yuno-san'..." Aine: "Wow~!" Naruko: "That's pretty nice!" Yuno: "Y-You think? I-I think it's normal..." Okeyamachi-sensei was blushing like crazy. I could tell just by looking at her that she really loved her boyfriend. Suddenly, the four red threads popped into my mind. Was I no longer in a position where I could say I was just a spectator in all this? Collecting the red threads meant I had to be involved in others' love affairs. However, Sensei didn't look like she had enough of a problem to warrant an angel's help. Kiyohito: "Sensei, let's get even more riled up and cheer for your boyfriend!" Yuno: "Huh? I-I really couldn't... I'm nearly thirty, you know." Kiyohito: "Age doesn't matter. Come on, let's dance!" Yuno: "Dance? Wai― Ah..." Kiyohito snagged her hand and started dancing. Menes: "Oh my, isn't this a nice band?" During the commotion, I heard a familiar voice. Naruko: "Hey, you're..." I wouldn't forget this pink aura. It was Aine's friend, Menes. Aine: "Ah! Menes-chan!" Aine stopped playing air guitar and broke into a smile. Menes: "You look like you're having a lot of fun." Aine: "Yes! I want us to hold a concert soon, too!" Tomoe: "What do you mean?" Menes: "My, didn't I tell you, Darling? We're in a band together." Tomoe: "A band?" Actually, it sounded like she said something inexcusable before that. Aine: "Now that you mention it, since when did Tomoe-san become your 'Darling'?" Tomoe: "What she said." Menes: "Since the last time we met!" Tomoe: "Don't decide that on your own." Naruko: "Maybe―or more like definitely―that girl has her sights set on you, Kirinokojima?" Tomoe: "Cut it out." She was more of an apparition than an angel. Aine: "I want to get my guitar fixed and play as soon as possible." Menes: "You said it. I've built up so much stress, I feel like I might do something naughty by accident." Tomoe: "Don't eye me up while you say that." Naruko: "What do you mean by 'something naughty'?" Tomoe: "Don't give it much thought." Menes: "So, there's some problem with that couple, right?" Menes's expression suddenly turned serious and stared at both the vocalist boyfriend and Sensei, who was dancing some peculiar dance with Kiyohito. Tomoe: "You can tell those two are lovers?" Menes: "Of course. I am an angel, you know." "I am an angel," wasn't a very convincing argument. At the very least, our angel didn't seem to be that perceptive. Menes: "Hm, this might be a chance for you to get a red thread." Aine: "Huh? It is? Are things going that poorly for those two?" Menes: "It looks that way to me. Particularly for the girlfriend." Aine: "Sensei?" Menes: "Maybe we should take a better look at her." The two angels stared at Okeyamachi-sensei. Sensei had grave enough worries that her relationship with her lover was at risk...? Onlooker: "Hey! Look at that..." Just then, I heard a collection of hushed voices. I looked, and a section of the people in the gallery were looking at Menes and whispering to each other. Menes's unseasonably light outfit had seemingly attracted some unwanted attention. Menes: "Ah, this is bad. I had better be going." Menes: "Aine, good luck." Aine: "Yes! I will do my best!" Menes smiled in response to Aine, then walked a few steps and vanished, as if melting into the crowd. Naruko: "Sensei and her boyfriend have some sort of problem?" Aine: "I do not know. I have less angelic experience than Menes-chan." Aine: "But if Menes-chan says so, then I am sure she is right." Aine looked Sensei's way with concern. Sensei had been released from Kiyohito's strange dance and was cheering on her singing boyfriend with a zealous gaze. Naruko: "They don't look like they're on such bad terms to me." Aine: "That is true." But it appeared they had some sort of problem, particularly on Sensei's end. Of course, love without its share of problems was a farfetched idea anyway. Love caused too much strife for that to ever be possible. Some time after the concert, all but a few members of the crowd had already left. I suspected the ones lingering were acquaintances and crazed fans. Female Fan: "That was super awesome! Give me a heads-up the next time you play!" Haruki: "Yeah, of course." Yuno: "..." Sensei was watching her lover talk to those fans from a safe distance. Naruko: "You're not going to go over, Sensei?" Yuno: "Oh, yeah... I didn't tell him I was going to come watch today." Kiyohito: "Do you really need to worry about stuff like that? You're lovers, aren't you?" Kiyohito: "Everyone loves a good surprise." Yuno: "I-I wonder? Just a little, then..." Sensei moved forward, but stopped mid-step. Naruko: "Is something the matter?" Yuno: "Yeah..." If you followed her gaze, it was clear why she hesitated. A young, remarkably pretty female fan had just spoken to her lover. Female Fan: "You were so cool today!" Haruki: "I'm glad. Thanks as always." Female Fan: "Uh-uh, don't worry about it. Here, take this!" The woman handed him a small paper bag. It seemed to contain some sort of food, or maybe sweets. Kiyohito: "Oh, not going?" Yuno: "Y-Yeah... It looks like he's talking with his fans, so I'll go visit him later." Naruko: "You're his girlfriend, so what's the harm?" Yuno: "That's true, but listen. He needs to treasure his fans." Naruko: "You're right. In his fans' eyes, seeing the girlfriend of the person she likes might be a real turn off." Yuno: "Yeah... Isn't that right...?" For someone claiming to be considerate of his fans, she looked pretty upset to me. It seemed there was some other, deeper reason for it. ...Not that it was any concern of mine. Female Fan: "Oh, no way~!" Naruko: "Still, they're pretty close, huh?" Kiyohito: "You can find those sorts in any band." Naruko: "Hmm, is that right?" Yuno: "..." Yuno: "I think I will head home for today." Kiyohito: "Oh, you sure you don't wanna see him?" Yuno: "Yeah, I can see him anytime. More importantly, are you all thirsty?"
Sensei invited us to go to a local cafe. Aine: "Hot coffee, rock!" Clerk: "Huh? 'Rock'?" Tomoe: "No, black." Ever since the concert, Aine wouldn't shut up about "rock" this or "rock" that. She was totally crazy about it. Aine: "Music will save the world! Fuck yeah!" Kiyohito: "You're totally nailing it!" Aine: "Shut up, fuck!" Tomoe: "Simmer down. I'm going to make you go without dinner." Aine: "Huh? A-Anything but that..." Aine: "I understand. I will never say 'rock' again for the rest of my life!" Aine instantly gave up on rock... which was actually pretty rockin'. Naruko: "Still, are you sure it was okay not to say anything to him?" Nakizaki asked, as if she just remembered. Yuno: "Yeah, it's fine, totally fine. I can see him anytime." Kiyohito: "It was a little bit of a shock, though, wasn't it?" Yuno: "Huh? Wh-What was?" Kiyohito's comment made Sensei's face go stiff. Kiyohito: "That fangirl earlier. She was being pretty flirty with your boyfriend. That couldn't have been very fun for you as his girlfriend." Yuno: "That was... It's not like that's enough to bother me..." I could instantly tell that she was lying. It sounded like she was extremely bothered by it, so it must have been hard for her to go speak to him. They were supposed to be lovers, but for whatever reason, Sensei seemed to be acting indifferently toward him. Aine: "So then, what did you want us to counsel you on, Sensei?" Tomoe: "That's right. You did want Aine's advice, didn't you?" Yuno: "Ah, that's..." Naruko: "Oh, could it be... Your boyfriend and that fangirl..." Kiyohito: "Oh, maybe they're having an affair?" Aine: "Whaaaaaat?! Sensei, he cheated on you?!" Aine's voice echoed through the establishment. Sensei panicked and whipped her head back and forth. Yuno: "N-No, no, no! Haruki-kun hasn't cheated on me... He may not look like it, but he's very honest." Aine: "Is that so? Then what did you want our advice for?" Yuno: "Well..." Just then, Sensei became hesitant. Yuno: "I can't really name a single thing... There are all sorts of reasons..." Sensei was mumbling. Her voice was gradually getting lower and more serious. Simply put, she felt so driven into a corner she couldn't put it into words? It hadn't looked that way, but she may have been under more pressure than any of us had assumed. Aine: "Sensei, please tell us anything you like." Yuno: "Y-Yeah..." She was still hesitating. Maybe she hadn't made up her mind yet? And then... Yuno: "Would you mind if I had a quick drink?" Aine: "Huh?" Yuno: "E-Excuse me! One beer!" Yuno: "So I'm saying, I'm gonna turn thirty next year..." She was completely smashed. She said she just needed "one drink" to work up some courage, but had just downed her fourth beer. Yuno: "I can't be selfish, can I~?" Yuno: "Puhaa!" Kiyohito: "Yuno-chan, you smell like booze~!" Yuno: "Shut up! Listen t'what I've got to say!" Sensei pointed straight at Nakizaki, just like during our lessons. Naruko: "I-I told you I'm listening. More importantly, Sensei, you shouldn't drink too much..." Yuno: "I'm an adult, so it's fine if I drink. C'mon, I'm gonna be thirty next year!" Naruko: "You're sure hung up on the number thirty." That probably just went to show how worried about it she was. Kiyohito: "There's nothing wrong with being thirty! Mature ladies are just fine in my book." Yuno: "Don't call me a 'mature lady'! I'm not a mature woman yet!" Yuno: "If I were, I obviously wouldn't go well with Haruki-kun..." Her tone dropped all at once. Looks like she really was worried about it. I guess that meant her worry was age related? Tomoe: "Is your age difference some sort of issue?" This conversation was going nowhere fast, so I stepped in to help move things along. Sensei didn't hesitate to follow my lead. Yuno: "That's right! Listen up!" It sounded like she _really_ wanted us to ask. I instantly regretted it. I knew I shouldn't have asked. Yuno: "You know, my parents keep telling me to hold a marriage interview!" Naruko: "A marriage interview? You, Sensei?" Yuno: "That's right! They're calling me every week now!" Kiyohito: "Wow, marriage interviews? You must have a pretty old-fashioned family if they're going on about stuff like that, huh?" Naruko: "Yeah, definitely." I'd heard about online dating sites, web-based relationships, and marriage agencies, but it was pretty unheard of for your own family to recommend marriage interviews nowadays. Maybe we just hadn't heard about it since we were young, and it was actually commonplace for older adults? But, Sensei was still plenty young, too. Yuno: "Well yeah, since my household's a long-standing brewery." Tomoe: "A brewery, like a sake brewery?" Yuno: "Yeah, thash why I'm tote-ly fine drinkin' sake!" Naruko: "You don't look that fine to me, though." Yuno: "And get this! I'm their one and only daughter and heir. So I've gotta take a husband and succeed 'em!" Tomoe: "Is that so...?" Aine: "So then, you will get married to Haruki-san!" Aine said that with an innocent smile. Naturally, Sensei's expression became dim. Yuno: "That won't work...! Haruki-kun's workin' hard on his music. Becoming a pro musician's his dream..." Yuno: "His dream, or maybe it's more like his goal..." What was the difference between a "dream" and a "goal"? Perhaps it implied a more realistic end point rather than a vague, ideal vision of the future? Just as much as Sensei's "marriage." Naruko: "He's really got his eyes on it, huh?" Yuno: "Yeah. He's serious... I hope he's able to reach his goal someday." Yuno: "He mentioned a famous producer'd be at his next concert! And that it'd depend on how that goes..." Kiyohito: "Oh, that's incredible! Will he make his big debut if that happens?" Yuno: "Who knows? That'd be great, though..." Sensei's worry had gradually come into focus. She had to take a husband and take over her family's sake brewery. That was what her parents were wishing and planning for, at least. However, Sensei had a lover. One whose dream was to become a musician. A musician and sake brewer likely weren't compatible professions. Kiyohito: "Just tell him you can be a singing, dancing sake brewer... I guess that wouldn't fly, huh?" Kiyohito's attempt at a joke wasn't very humorous. Yuno: "If I said that to my father, he'd murder me and Haruki-kun on the spot." She said, suddenly sobering up. He sounded like a scary father. Naruko: "Murder...? So... I take it he's a stern father?" Yuno: "Yup... He takes real pride in 'is work..." Yuno: "So like I said, if Haruki-kun were to marry me, he'd need to give up his dream of becomin' a musician..." Kiyohito: "Do you really need your parents' permission? If you love him, you should just do what you want and marry him." An opinion that befitted a free spirit like Kiyohito. Yuno: "I wish I could..." Sensei gulped down another beer. She had quite a few under her belt now. Aine: "Do you not want to get married, Sensei?" Sensei looked bothered by Aine's question. Yuno: "That's not it. I'm pretty sure I'd like to someday... Actually, it wouldn't bother me right now, either..." Yuno: "It's just... I got myself wonderin' what'd happen to my family's brewery if I didn't take it over?" Yuno: "You might think this makes me indecisive, but I don't want my family's brewery to disappear, either... It's a precious place to me." Kiyohito: "So you have to pick between your family or your lover? Sounds rough." Yuno: "It is..." Sensei looked discouraged as she sipped at her beer. Aine: "How does Haruki-san feel about it?" Yuno: "Well..." Sensei didn't know how to answer. Tomoe: "That's probably not the sort of thing you'd discuss with a lover." Aine: "Huh, is that so?" Yuno: "Yeah... It _is_ hard to talk about." That's probably what you'd call empathy. She couldn't exactly tell him she had to pick between him and her family... Aine: "This concerns both of you, so would you not agree that Haruki-san has a right to think about it? You should try talking it over..." Yuno: "No can do." This time, Sensei said it flat-out. Yuno: "If Haruki-kun knew about this... he'd wind up givin' up on becoming a musician for my sake. Then he'd prob-ly tell me to take over the brewery." Yuno: "Uh-uh, I'm _sure_ that's what he'd say. Hck!" She seemed convinced. This Haruki-san person must have been a nice guy, and also sounded like he had talent. People like that often suffered. They say good men die early deaths, but that's how it is. Yuno: "I love his music. I love the tunes he creates." Yuno: "That's why I want 'im to keep playin' his music. But..." She was standing in the way of that goal. Based on what we'd heard, I felt that Sensei's conflict had struck us straight through the heart. Likewise, everyone else was gradually saying less and less. They couldn't find the words to say. It wasn't anyone's fault, but sometimes there were situations you were helpless to change. Yuno: "If I could, I'd wanna be right by his side foreeeever and support his dream..." Yuno: "I want 'im to fulfill his dreams and be able to support himself on the music he loves so much." Yuno: "But..." She would only get in the way of his dream by staying with him. We all felt Sensei's struggle, and the mood grew heavy. Yuno: "Haruki-kun..." Sensei whispered her lover's name and fell onto the table. Just like that, she began snoozing away.
Naruko: "Do you think Sensei will be okay?" Tomoe: "She was sound asleep, so she'll probably be fine." We brought Sensei, who had gotten drunk and fell asleep, to her apartment. She didn't look absurdly hammered, so she was probably okay. Naruko: "Marriage sounds pretty difficult, huh? Is loving each other not enough?" Tomoe: "I guess not. Marriage can affect whole families sometimes, too." Naruko: "You're right. It's so complicated." There seemed to be all sorts of difficulties for couples with age gaps in particular, although it might be different if their ages were swapped. Aine: "As long as there is love, I am sure they can overcome it! That is rock n' roll!" Aine: "Ah, sans the 'rock'! Please do not take away my food!" Tomoe: "..." This angel sounded totally useless. Looks like we had a rocky road ahead. Tomoe: "Angels are supposed to step in when times get tough. Can't you do something?" Aine: "That is true... It would be great if I could..." Aine glanced at me with a lost look in her eyes. Aine: "What do you suppose angels do at times like this?" Tomoe: "Don't ask me." I pitied her for being such a flaky angel. Oh well. It wasn't like she could do anything to change that. Outsiders like us should stay out of it, and let those two handle this problem on their own.
Yuno: "Mm..." Yuno: "...Huh?" For a moment, I didn't know what was going on. This was my room, and I was lying on my bed. But I had no recollection of when I had gone to sleep. Yuno: "Haruki-kun...?" I looked around my room, but there was no one there, not even Haruki-kun. Still, it did not seem likely that I had made it home and gotten into bed by myself. Yuno: "Yesterday, I'm pretty sure..." I frantically pieced together what happened yesterday. If I wasn't mistaken, Kirinokojima-san had urged me to go see Haruki-kun's concert with her friends. We went to a cafe after the concert, they started counseling me for some reason, and I ordered a beer... Which reminded me, my head hurt a little. Yuno: "I didn't stop at just one, did I?" The rest of the night was a blank, but I could more or less guess what had happened. Especially since I didn't hold my alcohol well. I'd heard it was unusual for sake brewers not to be drinkers, but there were sake brewers' daughters that were weak to alcohol, too. Yuno: "Did those kids walk me home?" Yuno: "Ah, I'm not fit to be a teacher..." I couldn't believe I got drunk, blacked out, and had to be looked after by my students. If Mom and Dad found out about this, they'd tell me to resign from teaching right away, come home, and get married. Not that they weren't already... Yuno: "Maybe I should just do that for real already..." I had suddenly come around to that line of thinking. Was I getting even weaker than I thought? Yuno: "I've got to take a shower." Luckily it was still early. I would still make it to school in plenty of time even if I took a shower. Yuno: "Ah..." The phone. I checked and saw it was from home. Yuno: "It's Mom again." Fed up, I answered the phone. Yuno: "Hello, Mom? If you're calling to talk about marriage interviews first thing in the morning―" Mother: "It's not that. Your dad is..." Yuno: "Huh?"
Vice Principal: "Okeyamachi-sensei is out, so today's English lesson will be self-study." The vice principal informed us, and suddenly English period became self-study. Okeyamachi-sensei was apparently absent today. Given what just happened yesterday, I was worried. Naruko: "Sensei! Is Okeyamachi-sensei not well?" Nakizaki raised her hand and asked what I had been wondering. Vice Principal: "No, it seems her father is bedridden. She is going to visit her family today." Naruko: "Huh? Sensei's dad..." Nakizaki and Kiyohito looked at one another. Kiyohito: "That's some incredible timing." Tomoe: "It is." Okeyamachi-sensei was lost and very unsure of herself. Any tiny cue might tip the scales one way or the other in a significant way. Naruko: "I wonder if Sensei is okay?" Tomoe: "..." The thing called "fate" exists. Perhaps fate was whispering to Sensei, "pick this side." Or maybe fate was putting them through adversity to test their bonds of love? Mankind would never be able to tell which was the correct answer. In the end, fate merely toys with us all.
Yuno: "Haa..." I finally made it back. I was exhausted. It didn't look like Haruki-kun had come home yet. At this hour, he was surely still at work. There was a note on the table. "I'll be home as soon as I can." That's all that was written. Looks like I worried Haruki-kun too, huh? Yuno: "I'm just glad it was nothing serious." Luckily, Dad wasn't in too bad of a shape. All the same, given his age, it seemed we couldn't rest easy just yet. Nothing bad would come of it right away, but it could turn serious in the future if he kept overworking himself. Yuno: "Dad is getting older..." It had been a long time since I went home, so I hadn't seen him much, but I did get the feeling he had aged significantly since the last time we met. Despite being in a hospital bed, he acted tough and said, "It wasn't worth you coming all the way home over," but I couldn't sense his former strength in his voice or figure. Yuno: "Seeing him like that really takes its toll on you..." He _had_ always been working, and there was no denying he was showing various signs of aging. His hips were bad, and his heart didn't seem to be in great shape, either. His doctor even told us not to let him push himself too much. Yuno: "Maybe it's about time to make him take it easy..." Either way, it was time to give some real thought to the future. I took out the photo I had yet to take a good look at from the drawer I tossed it into. It was the marriage interview photo my mom had sent of her own accord. Yuno: "..." The man in the photo wasn't especially cool-looking, but seemed rugged, and his smile was sort of cute. He was three years older than me. Despite it being a photo for a marriage interview, he was smiling shyly and looked like a very generous person. Maybe it just felt like being generous would be his only redeeming quality? He seemed to give off that sort of impression from just his photo. He was diligent with his work and would surely treasure his family. If I married him, he looked like he would be a good husband and father. I suspected he was probably a totally different type from Haruki-kun. I was sure Haruki-kun would be a good husband and father, too, but family definitely wasn't everything to him. After all, he loved his work. Yuno: "...Marriage, huh?" I didn't know what I should do. I thought if I looked at the photo, I might come to some sort of decision, but I only doubted myself more. Yuno: "Haruki-kun..." Haruki: "Oh? You're home, Yuno-san?" Haruki-kun spoke to me from the entryway as if answering my whisper. Flustered, I hid the marriage interview photo in its original location. Haruki: "Ah, you came home. How was your dad?" That question was the first thing out of his mouth. He really must have been worried about me. Yuno: "Sorry to worry you, but he's okay." Haruki: "Wasn't he hospitalized, though?" Yuno: "Yeah. The doctors said he'll be hospitalized for a week or so. He _is_ getting older, but pulls out all the stops at work. He's overworking himself at his age." Haruki: "You _did_ say he lives for his work. But you can depend on people like that." Haruki-kun was taking a liking to Dad even though he had never met him. He seemed to like working types. He said the world of music was just like that, too. Haruki: "Are you sure you should have come back? You could've stayed for at least a night." Yuno: "I have work, too. Besides, Dad yelled at me not to go out of my way to come home over something this small." Albeit weakly, and with no intensity to speak of. Haruki: "I see. Sounds like he's doing well, then. I'm glad." Yuno: "Y-Yeah..." The way Haruki-kun got genuinely concerned, then overjoyed about his well-being made me feel a little guilty. Between the marriage interview, and trying to keep both Haruki-kun and my family... I was hiding so many things from him. Haruki: "That's great, then. Anyway, good work." Yuno: "Yeah..." Haruki: "You should go to bed early today. Oh, did you eat? Should I make something?" Yuno: "Uh-uh, I'm okay." Haruki-kun was kind. So kind it made me want to cry. I knew I wouldn't feel so lost if he were less kind, or a worse person. Then, I could go straight home and have the marriage interview. But, I couldn't. I wanted to be with this man forever. I love Haruki-kun... Haruki: "What's wrong?" Yuno: "Nothing..." I leaned against his chest as he gently called to me. He smelled of tobacco and sweat. But mysteriously, that made me feel relieved. Haruki: "Yuno-san?" Yuno: "Uh-uh, I'm fine, but let me stay this way a little while." Haruki: "That's fine, I guess..." Haruki-kun stayed silent and hugged me. I wanted to empty my mind, fall into his arms, and devote everything to him. But as much as I wished that I could, my family's sake brewery and my aging father popped into my mind. Yuno: "I'm sorry, Haruki-kun. Especially with your important concert coming right up." Haruki: "Don't worry about that. I'll be just fine." Yuno: "Good luck on your concert. I'll go cheer for you." Haruki: "Yeah. I'll put on such a great performance, it'll cheer you right up, Yuno-san." Yuno: "...Yeah. It would be nice if the producer takes a liking to you." Haruki: "Leave it to me. I'll definitely take hold of this chance." I loved this confident side of Haruki-kun. A side I didn't have. Haruki-kun would definitely be recognized. I could just feel it. And once he is, that's when I will... Haruki: "Yuno-san?" Yuno: "...Nothing. I'm sorry..." Haruki: "Why are you apologizing?" Yuno: "..." Although I couldn't answer him, Haruki-kun gave me a silent hug.
Yuno: "So loud..." On reflex, I plugged my ears with both hands. It had been a while since I'd been to a concert. The immense noise completely drowned out my quiet whisper. Loud concerts really weren't my sort of scene, so I planned to show up just as Haruki-kun's band went on, but it looked like they were running a little behind. I suppose they would be up after the next band or so? Yuno: "Maybe I'll head outside for a bit." I left the concert hall and let out a sigh of relief. When I turned into a hallway looking for a place to settle down, I spotted Haruki-kun in front of a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only." I gave up on trying to greet him since he was talking to someone. It was a man older than me. Could that be the producer? Haruki: "Thank you so much for coming here today. I promise it will not be a waste of your time." I was convinced that man was the producer from the way Haruki-kun was speaking to him. There was no way I could just leave. I backed off a bit and spied on how things were going. Haruki-kun looked to be brimming with confidence. Given how fearless he looked, he must've been feeling on point. The producer was looking at Haruki-kun promisingly. Producer: "Hahaha! I like your moxie. That's how you youngsters should be." Producer: "I'm looking forward to seeing you play today. Of course, my mind is mostly made up now that I've gotten a chance to meet and talk to you." Haruki: "How do you mean?" Producer: "I've personally got a high opinion of your band. No matter how today's concert turns out, I'm planning to go back and discuss putting your debut on our schedule." Haruki: "Seriously?" Producer: "Yes, of course." Yuno: "Wow..." I couldn't help but quietly exclaim. He just said Haruki-kun's band would debut! The corners of my eyes grew hot. I had seen how much work Haruki-kun had put into his music and band all this time, and above all else, I loved his music. The day all of their efforts would be rewarded had come at last. Haruki: "Thank you so much! We'll do our best!" Producer: "There _are_ still a few hurdles in the way. It's not a decision I can make personally." Haruki: "You mean, there are conditions?" Producer: "Do you have a girlfriend right now?" I felt shocked. After all, _I_ was his girlfriend. Did he have a problem with me? Haruki: "I do... What about it?" Producer: "Yeah, you're young, so that's only natural." Producer: "However, we can't have that going forward. I hold your music in high regard, but there's too much talent in this business to get by on skill alone." Producer: "We'll need a little extra push to get your name out there." Producer: "Those looks of yours are your strongest weapon. We'd have to be crazy not to take advantage of them." Haruki-kun's expression turned grim. Haruki: "So you're saying I will sell on my looks alone?" Haruki-kun didn't hide his disgust. He hated things like that. Producer: "I get how you feel, but no matter how good your music is, it's worthless unless we can work up some hype and push sales." The producer said coldly. The iciness of his comment showed just how unforgiving a world Haruki-kun had his eyes on. It made me feel like my stomach was knotting up. Producer: "Do you think music nobody listens to has any worth?" Producer: "It only has to be at first. Getting lots of people hooked on you is important, and to do that, we've got to make use of your looks." Producer: "Once the masses learn about you, they'll have no choice but to take an interest in your music. Don't you think?" Haruki: "Well, I guess..." No surprise, the producer was a smooth talker. It sounded like he would force Haruki-kun to agree. Producer: "We won't be able to make use of your looks effectively if you have a girlfriend." Producer: "The first condition to debut through our label is to break up with your current girlfriend." Yuno: "...Huh?" Haruki: "P-Please wait a second. That's..." Producer: "Yeah, I'm sure you disagree, but that's just how the world works." Producer: "You can't always get what you want. To gain something, you sometimes need to give something else up in exchange." Producer: "Aren't there things that shine all the brighter due to what you lost to get them? The bigger the sacrifice, the greater the reward." Haruki: "..." Haruki-kun sunk into silence, with a look of disapproval. Still, something told me what the producer was saying made a lot of sense. He may have been right. Thinking you'll get the world handed to you on a platter was a pipedream once you got to be my age. It was far more likely than not that you would have to give something up to gain anything in life. And the sacrifices you made to achieve your goals only gave them greater worth once you achieved them. Haruki: "I can't do it. Please, let's talk about this again, in depth, another time." Producer: "Yeah, let's talk it over until you come to terms with it. I'm sure that will help you understand the situation better." Haruki: "..." I staggered back into the concert hall. Yuno: "It's dependent on Haruki-kun and me breaking up..." As usual, my voice was washed away in the flood of sound. I couldn't believe that ultimatum was thrown into our faces in such a concrete form. Then again, on second thought... This _might_ make for a good excuse. As much as I wanted to support his music, I was well aware that I would only get in his way if I stuck around. Regardless, I hadn't taken the plunge yet since there was no guarantee he would be successful just because we broke up. But this was a sure thing. If I were to step aside, he could take a huge step toward making his dream come true. I would return home, have the marriage interview, and take over the family trade. My parents would be overjoyed, and I could protect my family's business that was so precious to me. Wouldn't that wrap everything up nicely? Everything except our relationship. A little time passed, and Haruki-kun's band appeared on stage. That conversation earlier had worried me, but Haruki-kun had set his feelings aside and put on an enthusiastic face. He was already a pro in that respect. Haruki-kun's passion must have been contagious, as a previously absent degree of expectation overtook the venue. Everyone was waiting with anticipation for Haruki-kun and his band up on stage. It looked like they were done preparing, and Haruki-kun grabbed the mic. Haruki: "Heaven's Gate." He said the song title, bluntly like always, and the concert started. Yuno: "..." There was an instant explosion of enthusiasm throughout the venue. Waves of sound slammed into me head-on. It felt like it might lift me up and send me flying backwards. It was a little scary, but once I let the music wash over me, I felt strangely comfortable. Yuno: "Haruki-kun, hang in there!" I spontaneously shouted. That cry, too, was instantly washed away in this tempest of noise. Haruki: "YEAH!!!" Haruki-kun yelled, and the cheering only grew louder. The sound was nearly violent. The crowd was dancing with all their hearts. They bobbed up and down, stamped their feet, and moved their bodies at random. I was the only one standing still in the crowd. Yuno: "..." The tune, the lyrics, his voice; they all shook my heart. Just then, my vision began to turn blurry, and tears fell from my eyes. Yuno: "Haruki-kun..." I really _did_ love his music. I loved seeing him singing up on stage, too. I realized all over again that I truly loved Haruki-kun's songs. I became a fan of his music from the very first time I heard it. That fact had become clear to me yet again. I wanted to go cheer him on; now, and forever. However, I was standing in the way of his goal. I had to be the one to distance myself from him... If I didn't, he could never fulfill his dream. Since I was the older one in this relationship... and because I wanted to support his dreams, I had to do this for him. Yes, that would be for the best. That would be best...
Haruki: "...Oh?" Yuno: "Yo." Haruki: "When you didn't come backstage like I asked, I figured you'd gone home." Yuno: "Yeah, sorry. Being in that crowd got me a little nauseated, so I rested some." Haruki: "I see. You're pretty bad with crowds, huh, Yuno-san?" Haruki: "But you went out of your way to wait for me at the station?" Yuno: "Yeah, I did. I wanted to tell you what I thought of your concert today, and had a little something to talk about." Haruki: "Something to talk about?" Yuno: "Yeah." I nodded with a smile. My smile seemed to give him the impression it wasn't anything serious. Haruki: "How was the concert?" Haruki-kun sounded curious for my impressions. It was clear from his expression that he had his own opinion, and was expecting a positive answer. Yuno: "Yeah, it was incredible! I was so moved, I cried." Haruki: "You cried?" Haruki: "Why did you cry? It wasn't a sappy song at all, was it?" Haruki-kun said with amusement. He looked like he was in a really good mood. Yuno: "It wasn't, but I was moved to tears when I got thinking about how amazing you are." Haruki: "Seriously~? Man, Yuno-san, you sure are a crybaby." Yuno: "Yeah, maybe I am." Haruki: "Come to think of it, you cried back when we first met, too." Yuno: "...Yeah." I was also reminded of the first time he and I met. It was back during my first year of teaching. I had my heart set on leaving home and becoming a teacher, but didn't know anything about how the world worked. That was the beginning of my harsh life as a member of society. Yuno: "Snf... hck, snf..." Due to my appearance, the students in class didn't see me as a teacher at all, and often wouldn't listen to what I had to say... I was upset after getting scolded by the vice principal, and was crying alone on the roof. Haruki: "Even teachers cry, huh?" I thought I was alone, but Haruki-kun was there. That was our first meeting, since he wasn't one of my students. Yuno: "Wh-Who are you? Isn't class still in session?" I felt like I had to scold him since I was an instructor, but the idea brought fear to my heart. Haruki: "I don't get English, though." He pouted while hugging his guitar. I found myself fascinated by his fair complexion, which was difficult to describe as either adolescent or adult. I felt awkward since I was crying... When I turned serious and wiped my tears away, he acted considerately by looking away. Haruki: "Well, I mean... Anyway, don't cry." After saying that, he quickly took out his guitar and sang to his own tune. It was a gentle ballad. Although I had never heard this melody before, it felt as if it was penetrating into the depths of my heart with ease. Those long fingers which moved unbelievably nimbly and skillfully, and that far-carrying singing voice... I became lost in his tune, and spontaneously broke out crying again before I knew it. I had been a fan of his ever since. A while after that, we became lovers, but the fact I was a fan of his music had never changed. Yuno: "I wound up giving you supplementary English lessons after that, huh?" Haruki: "Your teaching style helped me make sense of English a little at a time. Thanks to you, I was able to write songs in English, too." Haruki-kun smiled impishly. I loved this man's smile. "Loved." Now in past tense. That was how it needed to be. Which was why I couldn't be a crybaby anymore. Haruki: "Yuno-san..." When I looked up, Haruki-kun's face had drawn near. I could tell he wanted me. He always did after a concert. I hesitated a moment, but I couldn't refuse him. Yuno: "Mm..." We shared a deep kiss.
Yuno: "Mmm, haah, mm, Haruki-ku... mmaah..." When he stuck his tongue into my mouth, my body felt like it had gone numb. Haruki: "Yuno-san... it's okay, right?" Yuno: "...Yeah." Yuno: "Hah... aah, aah... Haruki-kun...!" I swung my hips with all my strength on top of him. Haruki-kun's penis rubbed up deeply inside of me. Haruki: "Oh, ah... you're kind of amazing today, Yuno-san." Yuno: "That's... aah... embarrassing..." I was embarrassed, but kept moving my hips. I wanted to make Haruki-kun feel even better, so... Yuno: "Ah! Haruki-kun, ah... does it feel good? Does it feel good inside of me?" Haruki: "U-Ugh... Yeah, ridiculously. You feel... ridiculously good inside, Yuno-san." Yuno: "Aha... I'm happy... I'll do... it more, then..." I quickly swung my hips back and forth. Gsssh, fwish, squoooosh... Yuno: "Aah! Mm, aah... The noise..." Haruki: "You're getting ridiculously wet down there, Yuno-san." Yuno: "No... Ah...!" Haruki: "It's gushing out down between my legs." Yuno: "Aaah! You're kidding..." Haruki: "I'm not kidding. My crotch is really sticky." Yuno: "Au... I-I'm sorry..." Haruki: "You don't have to apologize, you know. It feels good." Haruki: "And you're cute when you get all messy too, Yuno-san." Yuno: "'Cute'...? Aaah..." Squeeze... Haruki: "Ooh..." Haruki: "Your insides clenched when I called you that..." Yuno: "Oh no, aah! But..." Haruki: "You're so shy. Yuno-san, you're the cutest." Squeeze... Haruki: "Ukuu... See, you did it again." Yuno: "J-Jeez... Haruki-kun, you're teasing me, aren't you?" Haruki: "I'm not. Talking is part of making love too, right?" Haruki-kun whispered. I had definitely gotten turned on by that voice. Haruki: "Your pussy feels so good, Yuno-san." Yuno: "N-No..." I loved that voice. That voice, the same as when he sung, was whispering dirty things to me. That alone was sending chills through my body. Haruki: "Yuno-san, you've got a young face, but you're pretty pervy, huh?" Yuno: "A y-young face and... perviness, have nothing to do with each other..." Haruki: "I'm just saying, the contrast is nice." Yuno: "D-Don't look at my face like that... at how my face looks right now..." Haruki: "I love how you look during sex. You're cute all ruffled up." Yuno: "Th-That's enough..." My body reacted to his voice, making me burn hot inside, and my stomach spasm. Haruki: "Oh, kuu... you really, are amazing today. So tight..." Haruki: "Yuno-san, are you about to go on your period?" Yuno: "N-No... It just ended." Haruki: "It did? You're always pretty wild right before, though." Yuno: "Th-That's not true..." Haruki-kun knew everything about me. It was a given since we were living together. But he didn't know about my decision. There was no way he could. Haruki: "Did something happen?" However, it seemed likely he would figure it out. I was startled, yet happy, and also sad... because I had already made up my mind. Yuno: "It's nothing. Forget all that. You should move, too..." I rocked my hips to spur him on. Haruki: "Aah... I got... it!" Yuno: "Aaahhmmm!" Thump... There it was. He struck deep into my stomach. My canal was short, while Haruki-kun's penis was long. I really loved how it grinded and hit my depths. Yuno: "Aan, aan, hmmmm... Haruki-ku...n... it feels so, goo...ood, aaaah..." Haruki: "Yuno-san, you like it deep, huh? Right here?" Yuno: "Hyuuuu! I-I like it... right there... grind into me some more...!" Haruki: "Guuh, oh... you're so... tight..." Fwsssh, scmk, mmpch! Yuno: "Ah, aah... it feels good! Your dick... feels so good... Haruki-kun!" Haruki: "Your pussy... is insane... oh, ooh... Yuno-san!" Yuno: "Aah, aaaah... You're filling me, all up... Filling me, Haruki-kun...!" Yuno: "Mm, aah... Hyuu, oh, aannnnn!" It felt like Haruki-kun was gradually getting bigger and harder inside me. I could tell he would come soon, because he always did when we made love. Haruki: "Yuno-san... Oh..." Yuno: "Haruki-kun... Come..." Haruki: "Yeah, I'm coming... You too, Yuno-san...?" Yuno: "Mmm, aah! Yeah, me too...! I'm gonna come too! Ah! Together with you, Haruki-kun...! Mm!" I could tell we were nearing climax. The sensation of being connected to Haruki-kun grew stronger. We were being drawn so intensely together, so very connected, and yet... Haruki: "Ah, aah... Yuno-san... I'm coming!" Yuno: "Me too, I'm coming! Coming, coming, I'm gonna come...!" Yuno: "Aaaah... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Haruki: "So, you said you had something to talk about? What was it?" A little while after we finished, Haruki-kun went and asked that. We had formed such a strong connection only moments sooner, but my feelings hadn't wavered. Yuno: "Yeah." Yuno: "...Let's break up." Those words slipped smoothly out of my mouth. Haruki-kun tilted his head curiously with a smile still on his face. He must not have comprehended what I'd said. Haruki: "Huh?" Yuno: "Let's break up." It looked like it finally got through to him the second time. His expression turned dark. Haruki: "What are you talking about? Jokes like that aren't funny." Yuno: "It isn't a joke. I'm being serious." Haruki: "Serious..." Haruki: "Where did this come from all of a sudden? You've never brought this up before." Yuno: "Which is why I'm doing it now." Haruki: "What's going on? This doesn't make sense!" Haruki-kun pouted. I couldn't let his expression make my heart flutter. Yuno: "You know, I'm going to have a marriage interview." Haruki: "...Huh?" Yuno: "A marriage interview. I saw his picture, and he seemed like a really good guy." I was a terrible liar, but I was managing, since that much was true. Haruki: "A marriage interview... What's with that?" He was mad, and looked pretty scary, but I loved that look on him, too... Yuno: "I've gotten sick of being a teacher, so I've been considering going home and taking over the family business." Haruki: "You... got sick of it? Is that all teaching meant to you?" Yuno: "That's right. You didn't notice?" That was a lie, but Haruki-kun looked like he was in disbelief. He must not have ever thought I would lie to him. I _am_ an adult, you know. Even I lie once in a while. Haruki-kun, you're too pure. Haruki: "So you're going to have a marriage interview, get married, and take over the family business? And you're okay with all that?" Hearing his shaking voice made my heart waver. It hurt, so very badly. Yuno: "...Yeah, I'm fine with it." Haruki: "Why... Why bring this up so suddenly?" Yuno: "Don't you know? I'm going to be thirty next year. There's nothing strange about me thinking about marriage." Yuno: "It's pretty overdue, in fact." Haruki: "That's why you're going to a marriage interview? In that case, marry me...!" Yuno: "That's impossible." My tone was so flat and cruel that I actually impressed myself. Yuno: "I mean, you're not financially stable at all, are you, Haruki-kun? I could never be happy married to a man like that." Haruki: "So... it's about money?" A touch of scorn crossed his face. My heart prickled with pain. ...But there was no longer any need to worry. After all, I didn't need to worry about being hated. I was doing this to _make_ him hate me. If he hated me, I could give up on him, too. Yuno: "That's right, money. Marriage and love are different." Yuno: "That's what adult women think. Maybe you don't understand since you're still a kid?" Haruki: "Urgh!" Haruki-kun's face flared red with rage. Overtaken with anger, he raised his arm furiously overhead. I prepared myself and squeezed my eyes shut. Yuno: "..." But the impact I'd prepared for never came, no matter how much time passed. Timidly, I opened my eyes. He was gritting his teeth sadly, his right arm still reared. Looking anguished, he lowered that trembling hand. Yuno: "It's okay if you want to hit me." That way would be easier. Haruki: "Why would I hit a woman?" Haruki: "Not to mention, the woman I love!" Haruki-kun turned his quivering back to me, and left without saying another word. I persevered and stood there until he was out of sight. I tried so hard not to cry, but the tears just kept spilling. I couldn't see Haruki-kun anymore... When that crossed my mind, I wanted to chase after him with tears in my eyes and apologize to him. To tell him everything I said was a lie. That I really did love him. That I wanted to be with him forever. But nothing would change that way. Couldn't change. For me, or for Haruki-kun. The second he was out of view, I fell to my knees and collapsed on the spot. That was how we broke up on the anniversary of the day we started dating.
Aine: "I wonder how Sensei is doing?" Aine asked with a sigh. Tomoe: "You mean Okeyamachi-sensei? What do you mean by that?" Aine: "You know, today was Haruki-san's concert." Tomoe: "Oh..." The concert that producer was coming to see? I'd heard that was today, but had forgotten. Tomoe: "Well, he only came to observe today, right? I doubt anything would come of it right away." Aine: "That is true. Still, I am sort of worried..." Tomoe: "Worried?" Aine: "Right around here..." Aine propped her hand against her own chest. Aine: "It is all mumbly." Tomoe: "What do you mean, 'mumbly'? You're not making sense." Aine: "Ja-pan-ese - hard, is - it - not?" Tomoe: "What's with the broken sentence?" Tomoe: "Well, we'll see her tomorrow at school. You can try and ask her then." She _was_ Aine's homeroom teacher, in any case. Aine: "You are right." She nodded, still looking worried, and picked up her guitar with the broken strings. Though it only had one string until recently, it now had two strings attached. Aine: "Haruki-san's band was great, was it not?" She fiddled with her guitar, looking like she wanted to play, too. Haruki-san's concert must have motivated her. For the first time, I briefly wondered what sort of song Aine would sing. Tomoe: "Yeah. I don't know much about his brand of music, but I think he did well." Something told me it wasn't just noise. It was loud, but by no means unpleasant, and seemed to reach people's hearts. Tomoe: "I understand why Okeyamachi-sensei wants to cheer him on." But it was for exactly that reason that she couldn't be with him anymore. Aine: "Yes..." Aine's less than merry reply must've meant that she understood. Aine: "What do you think we could do for her?" Tomoe: "Shouldn't an angel know that better than I would?" Aine: "You are right..." Aine fiddled with her inadequately strung guitar, looking irritated all the while.
Aine: "Fuaaaaah... Aah." Naruko: "You sure look sleepy, Aine-chan." Aine: "I am... I did not get much sleep yesterday." Tomoe: "Really? That explains why I slept so well." It was no wonder I thought it was a peaceful night. It was because I didn't hear that oddball snore of hers. Naruko: "So, you couldn't sleep? Did something happen?" Aine: "I was a little worried about Sensei." Naruko: "About Sensei?" Aine: "Yes. ...Ah." Aine: "Speak of the devil, it is Sensei!" Aine dashed off straight toward Okeyamachi-sensei. We followed after Aine and headed over to Sensei with her. Aine: "Sensei! Sensei!" Yuno: "Oh, Aine-chan. Morning." Aine: "Good morning!" Aine: "How did yesterday go? How was the concert?" Aine asked through gasps of air. Okeyamachi-sensei answered with a smile. Yuno: "Yeah, I broke up with my boyfriend." Aine: "...Huh? Broke up...?" Aine went stiff. We weren't sure how to respond right away, either. Naruko: "Broke up... What do you mean?" Yuno: "Just as I said. Haruki-kun and I said goodbye." Aine: "No way..." Aine was at a loss for words, but from the way she was acting, also seemed to have anticipated this possibility. Aine: "Why? Why did it turn out like this...?" Naruko: "Was it for your boyfriend's sake?" Yuno: "Yes... If I'm around, I'll be in his way." Okeyamachi-sensei answered, looking lonely. Yuno: "Don't look so worried. It's something I always thought might happen someday." Aine: "But..." Yuno: "You know, the producer who came yesterday apparently had a high opinion of Haruki-kun's band. He'll need to work hard at his music from now on." Tomoe: "So that's why you stepped aside?" Yuno: "..." Sensei smiled, but didn't answer. I must've nailed it. Aine: "Sensei, are you really okay with that?" Yuno: "It doesn't matter whether I am or not. I had no other choice." Aine: "B-But..." Aine: "Sharing joy in times of happiness, and sorrow in times of sadness... Is that not what it means to be lovers?!" Yuno: "I'm sorry; I wasn't able to. Sometimes lovers just can't manage that." Aine: "But...!" Yuno: "Sorry, but it's already done." Sensei lonesomely interrupted Aine. Aine: "Ah..." Aine stared at Sensei as though she'd realized something. Aine: "Sensei, could it be your heart fractured...?" Yuno: "Huh? My heart what?" Sensei tilted her head in confusion, unsure of what she meant. She didn't seem to be acting out of the ordinary if you asked me. Was it true, though? Had another heart, Sensei's heart, fractured? Yuno: "Ah, come on. If you don't hurry along, you'll be late. If you're late, I'll stand you in the hall and make you hold buckets." Sensei walked off with a cheerful smile. For someone with a so-called "fractured heart," nothing about how she was acting screamed "tragic" to me. Tomoe: "Is Sensei's heart really fractured?" Aine: "More than likely." Naruko: "But Sensei was smiling..." Aine: "Would you claim that people can't smile even when they are hurt?" I was startled by Aine's comment. Naruko: "Well..." Nakizaki definitely understood as well. She was right: humans were a species that could smile even if they were hurt. In fact, laughing might be all people had left when a wound dug too deeply. Aine: "We have to do something." Naruko: "'Something'... That, again?" The two of them looked at me. I instantly knew what they meant and let out a sigh. Aine: "You promised, yes? You said you would help out." Tomoe: "Yes, I did, but I never agreed to help with everything unconditionally." Aine: "Huh? What do you mean?" Tomoe: "As far as Sensei's fractured heart goes, shouldn't we give returning her shard some serious thought first?" Aine: "Some serious thought...?" Aine: "But if we do not return her shard, she will break up with Haruki-san for real! Are you okay with that?!" Tomoe: "I don't know what happened, but didn't she make this choice out of love for her partner? In that case, I respect her decision." Aine: "That is not true! You become helpless once your heart fractures!" Aine: "That is why we must do something ourselves." Tomoe: "I think you mean 'I,' not 'we.'" Aine: "B-But..." Tomoe: "Didn't I tell you? I can't go against my own values. This time, I'm going to respect how Sensei feels." Aine: "No way... You are the only one I can rely on, Tomoe-san..." Aine looked like she might cry, but I wasn't willing to alter another person's lifestyle choices. Sensei had a mind of her own, and had surely agonized over it plenty before making her decision. I had no right to try and change that.
Menes: "Her heart really _is_ fractured." Licha: "Mhm, mhm." Aine: "So I was right?" A meek expression crossed Aine's face as she heard Menes and the other angels' report. Though it didn't come as a surprise, Aine still looked like she was hurting at the thought of Sensei's heart being fractured. Erich: "It sounds like some things never change, huh, Aine? Still having trouble telling whether a person's heart is fractured?" Aine: "I can _somewhat_ tell..." Tomoe: "Wait a second. It's obvious to all of you?" All of them nodded unanimously to my question. Menes: "We _are_ angels, after all. We couldn't do our jobs otherwise." Licha: "Mhm, mhm." Erich: "Of course, angels have their own strengths and weaknesses, but Aine is something of a quack." Aine: "Auuu, I am sorry..." Our angel was apparently the only particularly unskilled member of the group. I'd gotten involved with quite a terrible angel. Actually, her ineptitude may have been why she got stuck needing a human's help in the first place. Menes: "Well, it _does_ sound like you were able to tell this time around, Aine. Maybe you're starting to show some growth?" Aine: "It would be great if that were true." Aine muttered as if praying from the heart.
Kojirou: "It seems it was true Yuno-chan just went through a break up." Kojirou-sensei informed us. Tomoe: "How do you know that?" I couldn't believe he went to the trouble of telling us when we didn't even ask. Kojirou: "Because Aine-chan begged me to ask her about it." Tomoe: "So it _was_ you..." Aine: "Yes, I thought getting another faculty member to ask her about it would be best." Aine: "It really _was_ true, then." Of course, that was well within expectations. Kojirou: "She looked lively as could be, though. Almost like nothing happened." Aine: "That is only on the outside! Since Sensei's heart is fractured..." Kojirou: "Her 'heart is fractured'?" Naruko: "Oh, it's nothing!" Nakizaki panicked and dodged the question, but Kojirou-sensei looked thoughtful. Kojirou: "Her heart 'fractured,' huh...? Doesn't the saying usually go that someone's heart is 'broken'?" Aine: "It is different. Her heart is not broken, it is fractured." Kojirou: "Hm... I guess putting it that way might be more fitting." Kojirou-sensei nodded in agreement. Kojirou: "The heart can't be snapped like some sort of stick. It's fairly common to feel like something that used to be there is missing when you chip away at someone's heart." Tomoe: "It is?" Kojirou: "Well, that's just my impression. Now and again, there are people who definitely look like they're 'missing something.'" Tomoe: "Is that so..." It would appear there were humans who could tell when others' hearts had fractured, even if they couldn't see it. There might actually be lots of people like that, and we just hadn't noticed. Naruko: "Huh?" Nakizaki noticed something and spoke up. Naruko: "Say, could that be..." Tomoe: "Ah..." Indeed, Okeyamachi-sensei's lover, Haruki-san, was standing there. Haruki: "Ah..." He spotted us and came closer. Haruki: "Hey, you're all students here, right? Sorry about this, but do you think you could call Yuno... Okeyamachi-sensei for me?" He greeted us like so. He seemed to have come to see Sensei. Haruki: "Uh, I'm not a suspicious guy or anything. I'm an acquaintance of hers. I'm an alumnus of this place, too." Tomoe: "Oh, we know about you." Haruki: "Huh?" Tomoe: "Can we talk to you for a bit?" Haruki: "Are you sure it's okay for me to be up here?" Tomoe: "Yeah, why not? You _are_ an alumnus." Haruki: "True enough." He suddenly smiled and gazed out at the scenery from the rooftop. Haruki: "It's been forever since I saw the view from here." Tomoe: "Did you come here often?" Haruki: "I used to skip class and come here to play guitar all the time. I was especially bad at English." Naruko: "English, you mean Yuno-chan-sensei's class?" Haruki: "Yuno-chan-sensei?" Haruki-san smiled. Haruki: "She's still getting called that, huh?" Tomoe: "Does that mean she's had that nickname for a long time?" Haruki: "Yeah. She's been getting called that since I went to school here." Haruki: "Yuno-san wasn't my English teacher, but she found me here cutting class, so I ended up taking supplementary lessons with her after that..." The rest went without saying. That had to be how they became closer and ended up dating. Tomoe: "Why did you come here today?" Haruki: "Yuno-san won't pick up when I call her. She might hate my guts by now, but I can't accept it." Haruki: "I know it's pathetic, but I couldn't just sit still, you know?" Aine: "It is not pathetic at all!" Aine suddenly said in a loud voice. Haruki-san was astonished, but Aine paid that no mind. Aine: "There is no shame in caring for another person! It is okay!" I didn't know what was "okay," but Aine was full of energy as she said it. He must have thought she was acting funny, and burst into laughter. Haruki: "Ahaha, thank you. You saying that is a bit of a lifesaver." He smiled and returned his eyes once more to the slightly hazy cityscape. Haruki: "Now that I'm here, all sorts of memories are flooding back." Haruki: "How I used to focus on playing the guitar so much, before I knew who I was, and all the time I spent here with Yuno-san..." Haruki: "They're both important to me. Irreplaceable, precious memories." Haruki: "Hard to believe it's gotten to the point where I need to weigh the pros and cons and choose between them." Naruko: "Choose between them? What do you mean?" Haruki: "Yesterday, my producer told me to." Haruki-san told us his story. That his band might be able to make their big debut, just like we'd heard from Okeyamachi-sensei. But there were apparently conditions, one of which was to break up with Sensei. Aine: "That is... so cruel!" Haruki: "Yeah, although I ended up not needing to decide. I got dumped." Tomoe: "Wasn't that Okeyamachi-sensei stepping aside for your sake?" Haruki: "Huh?" Haruki-san looked completely taken by surprise. He must not have thought of it that way. Haruki: "No, but... Yuno-san said she was going to hold a marriage interview." Tomoe: "A marriage interview?" Come to think of it, hadn't she mentioned the possibility of going home and getting married? Haruki: "I wonder: did being with me always weigh heavily on her mind? There's a big age gap between us, and I'm still not earning much of a living." Haruki: "Men really are lax, huh?" Haruki-san stared at his hands, as if he was trying to take hold of something. His palms gripped that empty space in vain. Aine: "That is not true! Men are affectionate!" Haruki: "That's a nice thought. If how much I loved her was all that mattered, I'm confident nobody could beat me." Haruki-san was smiling, but mostly out of contempt for himself. Such a sad smile. Tomoe: "You really love Okeyamachi-sensei, don't you?" This conversation had gotten that through to me plain as day. Haruki: "Still, there may be times love isn't enough on its own." Aine: "That is not―" Haruki-san interrupted Aine's comment with a lonesome smile. Haruki: "Maybe it's a good thing she dumped me, instead of the other way around." Haruki: "There's no way I could dump Yuno-san. On the other hand, I couldn't give up on an opportunity that's right under my nose either..." His face distorted with pain, but then he seemed to snap out of it and spun around. Haruki: "On second thought, I'll head home." Aine: "Huh?! You are not going to see Sensei?" Haruki: "I just can't do it. I know I'm a coward, but I've got no idea what to say to her right now." Haruki: "Sorry." Aine: "Ah, Haruki-san!" Aine: "He is leaving! We have to stop him!" Tomoe: "Stop him, and then what?" Aine: "Have him talk with Sensei one more time..." Tomoe: "So they'll talk, get back together, and he'll give up on his debut?" Aine: "Well... We could put our heads together to come up with a way to keep that from happening..." Aine made it sound easy, but that would be way too convenient to ever happen...
Minamo: "No way that's possible. Stepping aside was the right decision." Aine: "Huh―?! Why?!" Minamo: "Isn't it obvious? I don't know how big he's aiming, but if it really is his dream to live off his music then there's no way he can refuse that offer." Minamo: "Good breaks like that don't happen often. If he turns it down now, there's no telling when he'll get his next chance." Aine: "No way..." Naruko: "They do say 'Seize Lady Luck by the forelocks for she is bald at the back,' don't they?" Aine: "A goddess with only bangs is way too strange! What sort of hairdo does not have hair in the back?" Naruko: "Don't ask me. Tell that to Leonardo da Vinci." Aine: "But is it not strange?! If you don't have any hair in the back, you would be half bald!" Several old men with thinning hair shot us scary glares. Tomoe: "Keep your voice down." I reprimanded Aine in a low tone. Aine: "But..." Minamo: "Anyway, if he doesn't have enough resolve to break up with his girlfriend, then he'll never survive the world of show business." Aine: "Why are you saying such cruel things? Is it not a given that love is most important?" Minamo: "Everyone has their own philosophies about that. If you've got a problem with that, then don't bother calling on people for their opinion." Wakamatsu gave Aine a fed-up glare. Aine had called her here since she seemed familiar with the world of show business. According to Aine, Wakamatsu was apparently well versed about idols and the like. She didn't look it to me, though. Still, she actually showed up when asked, so she must have been a friendlier girl than she looked. Aine: "You are all so cold! Would it not bother you if they were to break up like this?!" Minamo: "Whether their relationship works out or not is none of my business." Aine: "S-So mean!" Naruko: "Does this mean them dating like they have been, or them breaking up and him making his debut are their only two options?" Minamo: "That's right. There's that saying, 'He who runs after two hares will catch neither.' Nobody is lucky enough to receive two blessings at once." Aine: "Do not just decide that is the case. Let us all try to think of a better way together!" Minamo: "Well, if I _had_ to make a suggestion, why not give up on the savage music business and have them take over Sensei's family business together?" Minamo: "Yeah, that settles it." Aine: "But then Haruki-san's dream would never come true..." Minamo: "There's no possible way to tidy everything up perfectly like that." Wakamatsu angrily said before standing up. Minamo: "That's how it is, so I'm going home." She said, then suddenly left for home. Aine: "Ah, Minamo-chan!' Aine: "She left without paying." Tomoe: "You were planning to make her pay?" Aine: "I don't have any money, though." Yeah, that was only natural. Which meant that this was all my treat. She was seriously more of a plague than an angel. Tomoe: "Anyway. Sensei's heart is fractured, right? Doesn't that mean it's pointless for us to discuss it?" Aine: "That is right! That is why we have to look for the shard quickly and return it to her!" Naruko: "Easy for you to say, but how exactly should we go about it?" Aine: "Well... If we all try our hardest―" Tomoe: "I'm not helping." I interrupted Aine and reminded her. Aine: "R-Right... I promise to search and come back with the shard!" Tomoe: "I don't care." Aine: "Aaaaw..." Naruko: "But... Do you think Sensei is okay?" Tomoe: "..." Yuno: "Oh, Mom? It's me." Yuno: "You see..."
Aine: "Big trouble, big trouble!" At break time, Aine suddenly barged into our classroom. Every classmate looked curiously over at us. Tomoe: "Don't come running into a senior classroom while making so much noise." Aine: "Th-This is no time to be saying that! I heard Sensei is moving!" Tomoe: "Moving? You made all that noise just to come tell me that?" Aine: "But that means she will be leaving the home she shares with Haruki-san..." Naruko: "Huh...?" Aine: "Haruki-san is apparently going to Tokyo, so Sensei is moving out of her current place..." Kiyohito: "Wow, so those two really did break up." Naruko: "I see..." Aine: "Are you really okay with leaving things this way?" Tomoe: "..." Yuno: "You didn't have to go out of your way to come help." Naruko: "Oh, but wouldn't it have been a lot of trouble doing it alone? We were free, so please don't worry about it." Yuno: "Really? Thanks." In truth, we hadn't actually come here to help her move. Aine dragged us here, refusing to let her go without a fight. By the time we got here, she was right in the middle of packing. We used helping her as a pretext. Naruko: "Um... I hear your boyfriend is going to Tokyo?" Yuno: "He isn't my boyfriend anymore, though." Sensei forced a smile. We didn't know how we were supposed to respond. Sensei sensed how we were feeling and smiled to put us at ease. Yuno: "That's right. He said he was going to Tokyo to pursue his music for real." Yuno: "To be a real musician, you really do need to get out of the countryside and move to the city. Once he's gone, this place will be way too big for me..." Yuno: "That's why I decided to move out." Naruko: "Is that right...?" Aine: "Are you really going to break up with Haruki-san, Sensei?" Yuno: "Yes. I'm planning to quit teaching and go back home next spring myself." Naruko: "Oh? You're going to quit teaching?" Yuno: "Yes. I'm going home to take over the family business." Kiyohito: "I hear you're gonna have a marriage interview and take on a husband?" Yuno: "Yeah. I'm getting to be that age. I can't keep walking in circles forever." Aine: "..." Kiyohito: "I guess an arranged marriage might feel refreshing after a few times around the block. Taking over the family business sounds pretty mature, too." Yuno: "Ehehe, doesn't it?" Sensei was laughing like it was nothing. Had she already gotten over it? Or was it that she couldn't help it because her heart was fractured? Kiyohito: "Is it okay if I carry out the luggage in the closet too? I won't turn up any underwear or anything?" Yuno: "Ahaha, it's fine. There's only old luggage in there." Kiyohito: "Then I'll bring it out~" Kiyohito dragged out several old-looking cardboard boxes. Yuno: "Wow, that's a pretty old box. I wonder what's inside?" Her interest seemingly aroused, Sensei tried opening the box. She pulled out an old minidisc. Come to think of it, the mini sound system in the room looked like it could play MDs. Kiyohito: "Sensei, you use MDs? That's a soon-to-be thirty-year-old for you!" Yuno: "Ah, you're mean! Some people still use MDs these days." Yuno: "I wonder what's on this one?" She put the MD in the unpacked player and pressed the play button. Yuno: "Oh, this..." It wasn't a high-quality recording like you'd expect from a CD. It sounded like it had been self-recorded. Next came a voice I remembered hearing recently. Naruko: "Is this your boyfriend's?" Naruko: "...Ah!" We looked Sensei's way, and everyone was at a loss for words. Sensei was crying her eyes out. Yuno: "Haruki-kun..." Naruko: "Sensei, are you okay...?" Nakizaki petted Sensei's back as she hunched over crying. Even then, Sensei wept and cried like a child. Yuno: "I wanted to be with Haruki-kun forever... but I was in the way of his dream...!" Aine: "Sensei..." Yuno: "I wanted to be with him forever...!" Despite being in front of her students, Sensei continued to sob for some time.
Kiyohito: "It's been a long time since I've seen an adult cry that hard." Kiyohito seemed oddly happy. Naruko: "Are you happy seeing a woman cry? That's gross." Kiyohito: "It's not like that. Being able to cry that hard without caring who sees shows just how much she loves him, right?" Kiyohito: "I think that's kinda cool." Naruko: "Well, I guess..." Seeing Kiyohito with such a satisfied smile was nearly enough to convince us, too. Naruko: "But doesn't that basically mean the two of them still have feelings for one another?" Naruko: "Not being able to be together despite loving each other so much is kind of terrible... You know?" Kiyohito: "Well, yeah." Tomoe: "Is it really so bad? Sometimes people might be happier going their separate ways." Naruko: "What do you mean? Why?" Tomoe: "Their love might be pure right now, but couldn't that change with time?" Tomoe: "If that's the alternative, it might be better if they break things off now while they still can." Kiyohito: "That sounds just like you, Tomoe." Naruko: "Still... Isn't that just too sad?" Kiyohito: "Yeah." That was just the way the world worked. Crushes and love were sad by their very nature. If you didn't like it, you would be better off never falling in love with anyone to begin with. Aine: "...I cannot accept it." Aine, who had been quiet until just then, spoke up with intensity. Aine: "Things cannot stay this way! We have to do something!" Naruko: "Something..." Aine: "Tomoe-san..." Tomoe: "..." I knew what she wanted from me. Something only I could do. But, I... But, I...
I recalled how Sensei looked as she cried earlier. That was love's true form. That which we call love doesn't bring people happiness. In fact, it brings nothing but sorrow. Okeyamachi-sensei was a shining example. Love like _that_ was better given up on. _Should_ be given up on. It would probably sting for a while, but she would feel better in time. Then, once her wounds healed, she should never get involved with anything resembling love ever again. Anyone who didn't wish to come to irrational harm should do the same. Yes, it made no sense whatsoever. Why did humans toy around with something so dangerous? Why... Aine: "Tomoe-san!" Tomoe: "...Just bring the shard here." Aine: "...Huh?! Will you return it to her if I do?!" Tomoe: "This time, and this time only." An image of Sensei crying popped back into my mind. It made me furious. Why did she have to cry like that? It wasn't like returning her shard would help her recover from her sorrow. If it were that simple, then it would be doing those tears a disservice. Those tears showed just how deeply she cared for Haruki-san. Sensei chose Haruki-san's future even if it meant hurting herself. It was a life-changing decision which we had absolutely no say in. Then, why was I still bothered by this? Something didn't feel right, just like Aine insisted. Sensei was in a lot of pain right now. I knew I said love only brings sorrow, but was it possible to make someone who cried that hard any more upset? As the saying goes, "If you eat poison, you may as well lick the plate." If love ended up making her suffer even worse, if it were truly _that_ malicious, I would renounce it for the rest of my life. I would eliminate that awful thing known as love from this world. I didn't know if I was capable of such a thing, but who knew what I could accomplish if I abetted an angel? Tomoe: "Anyway, the shard." Aine: "Yes! I will definitely find it and come back!" Aine assured me with a smile and immediately ran off. I knew she went looking for the shard, but did she have any leads? Kiyohito: "Say, what've you guys been talking about all this time? Something about a shard?" Tomoe: "Sorry, it's nothing." I had forgotten Kiyohito was here when I mentioned the shard. Kiyohito: "Hmm... Fine then. So you decided to lend Sensei a hand?" Tomoe: "I don't know if it will actually wind up helping her, though." What would change once I returned her shard? Would anything change at all? There was no way of telling, but I would watch over them until the very end. To see what sort of future they would choose next, and how they would fight against that irrational thing called "love."
Tomoe: "I just can't do it." Aine: "Tomoe-san...!" Aine looked like she would cry, but I just couldn't take that step. Tomoe: "What'll happen if I return Sensei's shard now? I'm sure it would clear things up between them if Haruki-san knew how Sensei really felt." Tomoe: "But what would happen to the two of them then?" Aine: "What do you mean? They will get back together, and then..." Tomoe: "And then, Haruki-san will feel torn apart, forced to choose between Sensei and his dreams, even though she already made a painful decision to try to keep that from happening." Tomoe: "I would be putting her efforts to waste." Aine: "Well..." Tomoe: "That's not all. Haruki-san's dream is finally in reach, but I could end up ruining it for him, too." Tomoe: "Do I have that privilege?" No. Not only did I not have that right, it would be terrible if I did. Aine: "B-But! There is no guarantee anything awful will happen." Aine: "It is completely possible they could reconcile their relationship, and work hard together to help Haruki-san achieve his dream..." Tomoe: "It probably _isn't_ impossible, but it isn't one hundred percent guaranteed, either. I can't take responsibility for what happens." Tomoe: "Nobody should be responsible for another person's life. People should take responsibility for themselves." I felt increasingly more certain of how I felt as I put my feelings into words. I didn't make the wrong choice. Naruko: "...Yeah, I understand what you mean." Nakizaki nodded in agreement as well. Aine: "B-But... Auuu..." It seemed Aine couldn't push the matter anymore, either. Maybe she finally had a small understanding of how I, a human, felt. Aine: "...I understand. I apologize for being unreasonable." Tomoe: "It's fine..." There was nothing any of us could do. A feeling of helplessness washed over us. This was why I didn't want to get involved in people's love lives. I knew it would turn out like this. Naruko: "All we can do is pray, huh?" Tomoe: "That's right." The least we could do was pray that everything would work out, and that life would treat them kindly. Aine: "Sensei, I am sorry..." Aine almost sounded like she was repenting as she spoke.
Tomoe: "..." I cleared my mind and drew the bow. No, my mind wasn't clear. I was waiting. Waiting for Aine to bring back Sensei's shard. What would happen to Sensei once I returned the shard? How would those two turn out? I focused on drawing my bow with that thought in mind. Those two cared for each other, so I was sure their relationship would go back to normal once she recovered her shard. How would their lives change once that happened? Would Sensei abandon her family to be with her boyfriend? Or would he abandon his music? Both choices meant one of them would lose something. They would have to decide how to proceed for themselves. That was more than we could meddle in. Love was stealing away something precious from the two of them. Would they choose love all the same? Would their decision put happiness within their reach? Or would the weight of their loss lead only to regret? Tomoe: "...!" I lost my composure, and the arrow missed its target badly. Tomoe: "..." In a corner of my heart, I began to hope that Aine might never come back. I wouldn't have to feel responsible for their future if she never brought back the shard. If only she couldn't find the shard... Just then, the floor creaked, and I sensed someone was there. I resigned myself, instantly knowing what that meant. When I turned around, Aine was standing there as expected. Where had she searched for it, and how? Her face and clothes were filthy with mud. Tomoe: "...You found it?" Aine: "Yes." Aine gave me a big nod. I got my breathing in check and drew the bow once more. This time, the arrow pierced through the dead center of the target. Tomoe: "...Let's go, then." Aine: "Yes!" It seemed this was both their... ...and my own fate. It was our day off, and I didn't notice anyone else up on the roof. Thanks to that, I could wield my bow without worrying about being seen. Aine: "Ah, she is here!" Aine looked below and shouted. I spotted that moving truck, with its famous logo, as well. Sensei was supposed to be on board. It was a city-to-city mover. Their route was fairly predictable since they generally didn't travel very far. Tomoe: "The shard." Aine: "Yes." Aine shaped Sensei's shard into an arrow. She held it preciously to her chest for a moment, then whispered something to it before handing it to me. Aine: "Please." Tomoe: "..." I took the arrow and nocked it immediately. Nothing special crossed my mind. Not one thought about what would happen to those two as a result of firing this arrow. I cleared my mind of such thoughts and focused on my target: Sensei's truck. Tomoe: "One shot, one life." The arrow flew at the truck in a huge, rainbow-shaped parabola, before sinking in right around the passenger's seat. Tomoe: "..." Aine: "D-Did you hit her?" Tomoe: "...Yeah." No matter how far away, I always felt the feedback.
Yuno: "Ah..." Mover: "Yes? Is something the matter?" Yuno: "...No." Although I denied it, a sudden feeling of discomfort lingered in my chest. Mover: "Are you feeling ill or something?" Yuno: "No, it's not that..." Yuno: "...Ah." It wasn't my imagination this time. I heard a sound. Music I used to love. Yuno: "Don't you hear anything?" Mover: "Huh? No, not particularly..." The mover didn't seem to hear anything, but I heard it clear as day. It was Haruki-kun's song. Yuno: "Um, I'm sorry. Please stop." I hopped out of the truck before it came to a complete stop. I listened carefully, but couldn't hear Haruki-kun's song anymore. Mover: "What's wrong? Feeling sick after all?" Yuno: "..." It wasn't audible, but I could hear it. I could tell. This melody didn't come from around me; it came from within. Mover: "Miss?" Yuno: "Um... Excuse me!" I didn't know how to explain it, so I ran off instead. Mover: "Huh? W-Wait...!" I ignored the mover's pleas to stop and just kept running. Producer: "You made a wise choice. You lot are going to sell like crazy." Haruki: "...I look forward to working with you." Producer: "You're young, so you'll make more girlfriends than you'll know what to do with. Once you're famous, crowds of women will flock to you." Haruki: "..." Haruki: "You're... wrong about that." Producer: "Hm?" Haruki: "...Never mind..." When I barged in, Haruki-san was busy talking to the producer from before. Just seeing Haruki-kun's face overwhelmed me with emotion. Yuno: "Haruki-kun..." Haruki: "Huh? ...Yuno-san?" My vision turned blurry the very second I saw Haruki-kun's face. Burning hot tears poured from my eyes. Haruki: "Y-Yuno-san...?" Yuno: "Haruki-kun... Aaahah..." Yuno: "Ugghuh... Waaah haah aaah!" It was hopeless. I lost control of my emotions. I looked like a total child when I cried like this. That producer looked at me with astonishment, but the tears wouldn't stop. Yuno: "I'm lonely without you, Haruki-kun! Haruki-kun... Haruki-kun...!" Yuno: "Waaaaah haaah aaaah...!" Producer: "Wh-What's going on?" Haruki: "Yuno-san..." Yuno: "Aaaahaahah... The truth is... I want to be with you forever...!" Haruki-kun stepped up to me as I sobbed. Then... He put that big hand of his on my head. Haruki: "I was lonely too. Looks like I'm hopeless without you, too, Yuno-san." Yuno: "Haruki-kun..." Yuno: "Ah..." Haruki-kun pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly. Haruki: "I want you to be with me, too. I don't want you to go anywhere." I let those words fill my heart, and etched them onto it. Yuno: "Mhm... Mhm... Mhm..." I nodded again and again. My snot and tears just kept on flowing. Haruki: "Yuno-san, you don't have to worry about a thing." Yuno: "Mhm... Mhm... Mhm..." I nodded over and over as I rubbed my face, tears, snot and all, into his chest.
Aine: "We have a two-hour math period today, yes? How depressing..." Naruko: "Oh, I'm bad at math, too, so I get how you feel. Kirinokojima is..." Naruko: "Huh?" Nakizaki looked toward the school gate and stopped. Just as I started to wonder what was wrong, I spotted a familiar figure. It was Haruki-san. Haruki: "Ah, there you all are." He spotted our group and came over. I guess he'd been waiting for us. Tomoe: "What's wrong?" Haruki: "Oh, I figured I'd come say bye before I left. You know the saying, 'We all meet for a reason.'" Aine: "Ah..." Naruko: "Are you going to Tokyo already?" Haruki: "Oh, you knew? Yeah, today." He nodded then looked up at the building. Haruki: "That's why I figured I'd come take one last look at this place before I go." Yuno: "The second half of the statement expresses the location. Therefore, the relative pronoun in this case is..." Sensei was going about her lesson like always. She did, however, look somewhat grief-stricken as she wrote on the blackboard. Kiyohito: "He's finally heading out? Does Yuno-chan know her boyfriend is leaving today?" Tomoe: "Yeah, it does seem like he at least told her." But Sensei was here. She probably wasn't planning to see him off. Haruki-san also seemed aware of that. Kiyohito: "Tokyo, huh? Yeah, if he wants to go pro, he'll never get anywhere, stuck here in the boonies." Tomoe: "Is that how it works?" Kiyohito: "Traveling far away might be the best way for him to forget the woman who dumped him. Forgetting Yuno-chan might even be part of his plan." Tomoe: "..." Which meant our―or rather, my―decision not to return the shard may have caused all this. Not that anyone could say for sure whether returning the shard would have prevented this. Kiyohito: "But, y'know, is Yuno-chan sure she doesn't wanna go see him off?" Tomoe: "...Sensei's an adult. She can decide what to do for herself." Kiyohito: "Yeah~ She's got classes, too." Tomoe: "Yeah." Haruki-san's train would depart in another thirty minutes. She could just barely make it before his train left if she went now, but it would be too late if she waited until classes were over. The option of skipping class to say goodbye to her ex-boyfriend probably never occurred to her. Even so, from what I could see, she hadn't come to a final decision yet. How much attention she'd been paying to the clock this whole time proved it. Kiyohito: "Why don't you do something?" Tomoe: "What, exactly? Are you saying there's something I can do?" Kiyohito: "Can't you at least give her a push on the back?" Tomoe: "_Anyone_ could do that. Why does it have to be me?" Kiyohito: "Yeah, I guess that's true~" Kiyohito dropped it without a fuss. His laid-back attitude always made it hard for me to tell how he really felt. I honestly couldn't say if he was on board with this or not. Kiyohito: "But, you know..." See, there it was. Kiyohito: "Doesn't it take someone with real regrets to get through to others sometimes?" Tomoe: "Someone with real regrets... Are you talking about me?" Kiyohito: "...Who knows?" Kiyohito was being vague and evasive. Just then, the door flung wide open. Tomoe: "Huh? Aine?" Everyone in class looked over at her, Okeyamachi-sensei included. Yuno: "Aine-chan, what's wrong? Class is still in session, you know?" Aine: "Sensei, are you sure you do not want to go?" Yuno: "Huh? Go where...?" Aine: "To see Haruki-san!" Nobody in their right mind would barge into a class to say that. Still, nobody dared call her out on it. Aine was too passionate for anyone to speak up right now. Yuno: "We're in the middle of class. An instructor can't skip out on a lesson." Aine: "You will regret saying that! If you change your mind later, it will be too late!" Yuno: "That's easy enough to _say_..." Sensei must have realized she would regret it if she didn't go now, even if only a little. But she was being held back by common sense, both as a teacher and an adult. "It takes someone with real regrets to get through to others." What Kiyohito said earlier stuck in my mind. There couldn't be _that_ many things people could never truly recover from. As much as Sensei might regret her choice today, I doubted it would actually fall into that category. But... I was sure she would still suffer for it later. Tomoe: "Sensei." Sensei's eyes darted over to me as I stood up. Tomoe: "On second thought, please go." Yuno: "'Go'...?" Sensei's eyes opened wide in surprise. This must have been very unexpected for her. Yuno: "You too, Kirinokojima-kun? There's no way I can do that." Tomoe: "You can, but only if you leave this classroom right now." Yuno: "Like I said, that's..." Tomoe: "Today might be the last time you ever get to see Haruki-san." Yuno: "Huh?" Tomoe: "You never know when someone will disappear." Yuno: "Disappear..." Tomoe: "Nobody can say for sure that they'll still be on this planet tomorrow. Sometimes you lose people unexpectedly." Tomoe: "When that time comes, no matter how much you regret it, it'll be too late." Yuno: "Kirinokojima-kun..." Tomoe: "So if you've got something you want to say, you should say it while you have the chance. Otherwise..." Tomoe: "..." Unsurprisingly, I restrained myself from saying the rest. It was personal. But... Tomoe: "If you want to do something for him, or say something to him, you've got to do that while you're still able." Yuno: "But..." Yuno: "..." Sensei was still hesitant. She fell silent, then looked up at the clock. Twenty minutes left until his departure. If she didn't leave now, she wouldn't make it. One look at her eyes, and I could tell she was now fully aware of it. Sensei turned toward us. Yuno: "Um..." Yuno: "The remainder of the period will be self-study." With those parting words, Sensei ran out of the classroom, which promptly exploded with conversation. Naruko: "Everyone be quiet! It's self-study! Self-study!" When Nakizaki raised her voice, the room instantly quieted down. I expected no less from her. Tomoe: "Get back to class yourself, Aine." Aine: "Will Sensei be okay?" Tomoe: "She will. I'm sure of it."
Yuno: "I made it..." The taxi drove me here as fast as it could, leaving me with five minutes to spare. ...I came here in a daze, but what did I want to tell Haruki-kun? Did I want us to make up? ...No, it wasn't that. Then, why in the world did I... Haruki: "Crap, I barely made it!" Yuno: "Huh...?" I knew that voice was familiar. It really was Haruki-kun. It looked like he'd just arrived, and was running in a panic. Haruki: "...Ah." Haruki-kun noticed me. Yuno: "...H-Hello." Running into a boyfriend you dumped was awkward... We'd both made it to the platform with three minutes to departure. Three minutes may have felt like an eternity to us now. But in reality, it was incredibly short. Haruki: "I didn't think you'd come all the way here to see me off. What about class?" Yuno: "Y-Yeah, I just happened to have a free period." Haruki: "I see." I couldn't tell him I had abandoned my class to come here, so I lied at the very last second. The train had already arrived. All that was left for him was to get on board. However, I didn't know how to say goodbye. It was so hard for me to come up with _anything_ to say, it almost made me wonder what we used to talk about together. Haruki: "Um... Anyway, I'm going to work hard." Haruki: "We'll become such a popular band, you'll be able to hear our songs everywhere you go." Yuno: "Yeah, do your best. I'll be cheering for you." Haruki: "Thanks." Yuno: "I'll work hard too, and make some incredible sake." Haruki: "I'll definitely grab myself a glass somewhere." Yuno: "Yeah." There was nothing left for us to say, and now we were out of time. Haruki: "Um... Well, then..." Yuno: "Y-Yeah. Be well." Haruki: "You too." Yuno: "Yeah..." The train's warning whistle went off, almost like it was waiting to end our conversation. Haruki-kun got on board, then turned to look at me once more from the door. Haruki: "..." I felt my chest tighten when I saw his eyes getting watery. There was a prickle in my nose, and I felt like I would break into tears myself. Was this really the only way? Did we _have_ to say goodbye? Those thoughts spun through my head at this late hour. What if I got on, and we went to Tokyo together? That foolish thought came to mind. If only Haruki-kun pulled me by the hand. If he did that, I'd go with him... Haruki: "Okay then, I've really gotta go..." Nothing that foolish happened. We had already broken up. The whistle finished and the doors slid closed. The train started up. I remembered what Kirinokojima-kun said. This might be the last time we ever saw each other. There was something I had to tell Haruki-kun, no matter what... Yuno: "Haruki-kun!" Haruki: "Huh?" The door between us was now shut and locked. Still, Haruki-kun put his head against the glass to try and hear what I had to say. Yuno: "Thank you!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. With the train preparing to leave, an attendant called out over the intercom to step back. Yuno: "Thank you! You made me so happy!" The train began to move. Yuno: "I was so happy to be with you, Haruki-kun!" It seemed my voice had reached him, and Haruki-kun repeatedly nodded "uh-huh" on the other side of the door. He must have been saying something. His mouth was moving, but I couldn't hear him anymore. Yuno: "Thank you!" I yelled again as the train faded into the distance. I couldn't see Haruki-kun anymore. Tears quickly blurred my vision. Yuno: "Haruki-kun... Thank you..." All the things that had happened between us in this city seemed to flash before my eyes. Many of his expressions appeared there. My tears gushed harder and harder when I realized I wouldn't be able to see his face anymore. Yuno: "Ahaah... Ooooh... Aaaahaah..." I couldn't even say "thank you" anymore, not that it would reach him even if I could. All that came out now were sobs. But in the end, I was able to tell him. To tell him that I was happy. That I was so happy. Was that enough to leave me without regrets? No, I knew I would. _All_ breakups came with regret. And I would live with that regret in my heart forever. But I _would_ go on living...
Tomoe: "..." Kiyohito: "Hey, Tomoe." Tomoe: "Yeah?" Kiyohito: "I heard Yuno-chan got back with her boyfriend?" Tomoe: "Yeah..." Kiyohito sure was quick on the uptake. Sounded like he'd already heard the news. Aine: "I knew their bond of love was the real thing!" Aine looked overjoyed. It irritated me a little to see her so cheerful about it. Tomoe: "...But it sounds like Haruki-san gave up on becoming a musician." Aine: "Ah..." Aine's expression turned from merry to gloomy. Kiyohito: "Really? Didn't you say there was talk of him making his big debut?" Tomoe: "Apparently the band debuted without him." Naruko: "I heard Haruki-san decided to marry Sensei and take over her family's sake brewery instead." From what I'd gathered, they came to that decision as soon as the shard was returned. The idea of getting married without respecting Sensei's family's wishes did come up, but Haruki-san was against it. Tomoe: "Haruki-san said, 'I can play my music anywhere.'" Still, that was just as a hobby. His relationship with music would probably be significantly different from when it was his job. Wasn't that different from the music Haruki-san wanted to play...? Kiyohito: "Hm, I see. Well, that's life for ya." He made it sound like no big deal. True enough, a free-spirited guy like Kiyohito could probably accept anything life threw at him and still live true to himself. Not just anyone could lead as smooth a life as he could, though. Tomoe: "Do you really think this was for the best?" I felt like I had to say that. Kiyohito: "Whether it is or not, wasn't it their decision?" Tomoe: "..." It was and it wasn't, but I couldn't say that. Minamo: "What's wrong with it? The sake brewery has a much steadier income." Minamo: "In the music business, you can be on top of the world one minute, and down in the dumps the next." Naruko: "Is that how it works?" Minamo: "It is." Kiyohito: "Well it _is_ a popularity-driven industry. You seem pretty in the know about it, huh, Minamo-chan?" Minamo: "Not really... It's all common knowledge." Kiyohito: "Hm... Really?" Aine: "..." Aine: "...It will be okay. I know Sensei and Haruki-san will make it." Aine had nothing to base that on. Who could say for sure that it would be okay? Naruko: "Sensei apparently took today off and went to say hi to her family with Haruki-san." Naruko: "She said this is right around the season where they start planning new brews, so Haruki-san is going to watch and learn. Sounds like it was his suggestion." Kiyohito: "Man, it sounds like since he gave up his dream, he's gonna channel it into something new. There'd be no point otherwise if he doesn't make this a success." Naruko: "You said it." Tomoe: "All that's left is to pray, huh?" I hoped the future those two fought for would be bright. Kiyohito: "Oh? A school-wide broadcast?" I thought I'd heard music coming from somewhere. I guess it was the afternoon broadcast. It was a song I'd never heard before. Naruko: "Ah... That's the debut single from the band Haruki-san was in." Minamo: "Wow... Not bad, huh? Sounds like it'll be a hit." Naruko: "Yeah, really." However, Haruki-san was no longer in the band...
Haruki: "Ah, this is..." Haruki-kun spoke up in surprise. I heard it through the headphones we shared. I noticed it, too. We had just heard his band's debut single. Haruki: "This is on the air already?" He listened closely to their tune, his expression looking both happy and sad simultaneously. Yuno: "...It's a good song." In truth, I wanted to ask him if he regretted it, or if he thought it would've been better if he hadn't quit. But questions like those would only bother him if I asked. I knew he would smile at me kindly, and tell me there was no way he regretted it. Whether he actually felt that way or not. That was why I didn't ask. Yuno: "It's a good song. I'm sure it'll be popular." Haruki: "Yeah, it's a great song. I know it'll be a hit. It just _has_ to be." Although Haruki-kun smiled, I could tell he had lots of mixed feelings about it. I didn't know what I could say to Haruki-kun when he was like this, and raised my head to face him. Haruki: "It's okay. Now that I'm doing this, I'll make the best sake in Japan. Nobody's gonna leave me in the dust." Yuno: "Yeah." I grabbed his hand. We had to be happy. Had to be happy together. No, _I_ had to make him happy. Yuno: "Let's do our best." Haruki: "Yeah, let's do our best."
Fumiko: "Huh? Kogakura-kun? You mean Kogakura-kun from my class?" Misato: "Yeah, that's him! Please, introduce me to Kogakura-kun!" My best friend Misato had apparently fallen in love with Kogakura-kun. Still, I was surprised since she had approached me about it so suddenly. I had been friends with Misato since middle school. We got along well despite our differing personalities, and she was now my closest friend. And even though we'd been together for some time now, she'd never gushed to me about liking a boy like this before. Fumiko: "You're _sure_ it was Shougo Kogakura?" I immediately asked. I mean, Kogakura-kun was short, wasn't particularly cool, and often got carried away... It made me think, "Is this _really_ the sort of guy Misato would fall in love with at first sight?" Misato: "I'm absolutely positive! I made sure of it at the last game!" It seemed this all started at the basketball match this past Sunday. Misato went to cheer on a friend, and while she was there, she saw Kogakura-kun playing and fell in love with him at first sight. Fumiko: "Was Kogakura-kun impressive during the basketball match?" He was in the Basketball Club, but he was even tinier than me... and I was only 160cm tall. Misato was slightly taller than me, so she would probably look massive side by side with Kogakura-kun. You tend to imagine that all basketball players are tall, so I wondered if a short guy like him could really play that well. The only other person I knew in a Basketball Club was around 180cm tall as well... not that I'd actually met him in person. Misato: "He's tiny, but he _is_ impressive~ He was really cool!" Fumiko: "Hm, is he...?" It was hard for me to say since I'd never seen him play basketball firsthand. He mostly screwed around during PE lessons. He acted like a bit of a clown in class, sort of like an elementary schooler had grown up without maturing. To be fair, I did think he was a good guy considering he was courteous and nice to a girl like me. Anyway, Misato had _somehow_ fallen for him while he was playing basketball. Misato: "Please! Introduce me later!" Fumiko: "A-As much as I'd love to introduce you... I'm not all that close to him..." Misato: "All you have to do is put us in the same room together and say, 'She's my best friend.' You're classmates, right? Please!" Misato put both her hands together and begged. She wanted to meet Kogakura-kun that badly? If she had fallen for him that hard, I had to support her as her best friend. Fumiko: "Y-Yeah... I can handle that much." Misato: "Really? Thank you!" Fumiko: "So, when do you want to do it? Tomorrow?" Misato: "Ah, w-wait a minute! Let me lose two kilos or so before you introduce me!" Fumiko: "Huh? Two kilos? That won't make much of a difference if you're in your uniform―" Misato: "For a girl in love, two kilos may as well be a ton! It's all right! I'll definitely lose it! Give me ten days... no, just a week!" Fumiko: "Works for me, I guess..." Two kilos in a week? Misato wasn't that pudgy, so losing even two kilos sounded pretty difficult. I could probably pull it off in no time, though, since I was on the heftier side. I still couldn't believe Misato had fallen in love with Kogakura-kun. Love, huh? Getting to meet someone she loves... It made me kind of jealous. After all, I...
Fumiko: "Ah, here it comes..." An email from koga156-san. Getting an email from him was enough to make my heart race. Fumiko: "Let's see..." Hello! It's koga156. The movie you recommended the other day was really funny! I usually watch action movies, and haven't seen many love stories, but I guess they're nice once in a while. It's a little lonely watching DVDs at home alone, though. (^^;) My recommendation for you is The Last Rebound! It's a basketball movie, but some of the scenes are really intense, and it's got a touching story, so give it a shot! * * Fumiko: "He's recommending a basketball movie? He really _must_ love it..." He was also in the Basketball Club, so he must have spent every day immersed in it. Fumiko: "He's 180cm tall, too. A whole twenty centimeters more than me." If he was too much taller, how would we kiss each other? Maybe with me looking up, standing on tiptoe? Fumiko: "...Wait, what am I thinking? I've gotta cut out these wild ideas." If I started daydreaming now, I wouldn't be able to stop. I shook my head and looked back at the screen. There was more to the email. Also, I might be jumping the gun on this, but why don't we meet up soon? Of course, we don't have to if you're against it, UMIKOF-san. Maybe you could at least send me a picture? I promise I won't do anything bad with it! We just get along so well that I want to learn more about you. I want to get to know you better. * * Fumiko: "Meet...?" This turn of events... the moment I'd feared most had finally come. There was absolutely no way I could meet him. I mean... once I did, it would be all over. Since I... was ugly. I grabbed my hand mirror from the drawer and looked at myself. I hated mirrors, so I always kept it stowed away like this. A wench of a woman stared back at me in the mirror with a sour look. Ugly _and_ grouchy-looking... I was clearly beyond saving. Fumiko: "Maybe a smile will help..." Fumiko: "Ee..." Fumiko: "..." Instant regret. Smiling just made me _more_ ghastly. Beyond saving. Fumiko: "I knew it. There's no way I can meet him." I _wanted_ to meet him, but he'd totally stop emailing me if I did. Fumiko: "What should I do...?" Fumiko: "...Hm? There's an attachment." He attached what looked like an image to the email he sent. Upon a closer look, I noticed there was more to the message. It read: "I'm sure you'd feel unsafe meeting some guy you'd never seen before, so I sent along a picture." Which meant, this was his picture... Nervous, I clicked on the attached image with shaking hands. Fumiko: "...Huh?" When I saw his photo, I thought I must have opened the wrong file. But then, that couldn't be. I mean, I didn't even _have_ any pictures like this. Fumiko: "Why did a picture of Kogakura-kun pop up?" His photo was attached to the email. Which meant... Fumiko: "Huh? He's Kogakura-kun?" My classmate, and the person my best friend Misato fell in love with at first sight. The one I promised to introduce Misato to later. He was my email buddy, and the person I secretly had a crush on. Did that mean Kogakura-kun wanted to meet me? Fumiko: "No way..." Why did it turn out like this? All I wanted was to have some fun exchanging emails with him. I would have been satisfied with that. Why did this have to happen...?
Fumiko: "..." It was yet another depressing day. When I got to class this morning, I headed to my desk and took a seat without saying hello to anyone. I kept my head down as much as possible. If I did this, I wouldn't have to look anyone in the eye and, even if I somehow did, could avoid feeling awkward for not talking. Fumiko: "..." Yeah, right. Nobody was going to talk to a girl like me, much less look my way. It was still scary to face the fact nobody would ever look at me. Not that I wanted to be looked at, either. After all, I was ugly. If anyone _did_ look at me, I had to figure they were thinking stuff like, "what a cow" and, "I wish she'd go away already." Of course, I was probably being overly self-conscious. In truth, I bet nobody was looking at me, or even knew I existed. It didn't matter if I was here or not, as far as my class was concerned. Shougo: "Mornin'!" Kogakura-kun waltzed into the classroom lively as could be. He was the polar opposite of me, the type to greet everyone with enthusiasm every single morning. His class-clown antics always seemed childish to me until recently, but now... Feelings sure do change, huh? Now that I'd linked him to the guy I was talking to on the net, his clown-like behavior was actually kind of endearing. Shougo: "Yo, Douzaki!" Fumiko: "...G-Good morning. You seem well again today." Just talking with him made my heart pound. Kogakura-kun was my online crush, after all. I couldn't believe _this_ was how we'd meet face-to-face. ...No, I couldn't believe we would _ever_ meet at all. If not for Kogakura-kun, I doubted I'd ever talk in class. He was the only one who ever spoke to me like I was an ordinary person, just like everyone else. Why had I never realized how nice he could be until now? I regretted not noticing it sooner. Naturally, learning my online crush was Kogakura-kun didn't change how I felt about him. I... was in love with Kogakura-kun. But that was a secret I could never tell a soul. I was ugly, and that meant everything. I may not have felt any differently about him, but his feelings for me would surely change. He'd probably be disappointed if he found out I was the one he was emailing, and I knew he wouldn't want to speak to me anymore if I told him how I felt about him. Shougo: "You're always so quiet, Douzaki. Are you eating good breakfasts?" Fumiko: "Y-Yeah, I am. How about you, Kogakura-kun?" Shougo: "Of course! I had to eat up for training with the Basketball Club this morning, too." I now understood the meaning behind his screen name "koga156" too. "koga" was literally a part of his last name, and the number was his height in centimeters. He was 156cm tall, but he claimed to be closer to 180cm in his emails. I guess those were lies. Lies like that didn't bother me, though. I knew he wanted to show off a little. It made me happy to know he worried about his looks just like I did. Still, it was hilarious how much thought I'd given to how I would go about kissing a boy significantly taller than me. In reality, I would be the one looking down at him. Kogakura-kun would stand on tiptoe and I'd lean down a little... Wait, I can't daydream when he's right in front of me! Shougo: "What's wrong? Your face's red?" Fumiko: "I-It's nothing..." Talk about embarrassing... Fumiko: "Oh, morning training must be rough, huh?" Shougo: "Yeah~ But I do love basketball." Shougo: "Oh, I know. Let's play together sometime! It'll wake you right up!" Fumiko: "Huh? M-Me?" Wah, this was bad. My heart was throbbing like crazy. Getting to play basketball with him... But, I couldn't play basketball... Fumiko: "I don't even know the rules." Shougo: "I can teach you. It's not like we need to follow the rules super closely anyway." Fumiko: "..." Kogakura-kun was being so nice to me, and wasn't shy about it at all. ...But then, why would he be shy? He probably didn't think of me as a woman. Yeah, that must be it. Shougo: "Your face is red again. Do you have a fever or something?" Fumiko: "I-It's nothing... I'm just a little sleep-deprived." Would a lack of sleep turn your face red? I didn't even know what I was saying anymore. Shougo: "Oh, you didn't either? I'm a little sleep-deprived, too." Kogakura-kun rubbed his heavy eyes as he yawned. I obviously knew the reason for his lack of sleep. It was because he was up so late yesterday talking to me. All of our "talking" was through a messenger though, not over the phone or anything; he hadn't realized we were messaging each other yet. Our sleep deprivation was no coincidence, but that was for only me to know. My own little secret. Nobody knew that I loved him, either. It was a secret just for me. One that I would never tell anyone... The week would soon be up, and I would have to keep my promise to introduce Misato to Kogakura-kun if she lost the weight. The circumstances had completely changed from when I made that promise. What in the world should I do? Girl: "Douzaki-san, someone's here for you." Fumiko: "Huh?" A nearby girl told me, and when I looked, Misato was standing half-hidden behind the classroom door. Fumiko: "Ah..." Shougo: "Hm? A friend?" Fumiko: "Uh, y-yeah... From class C..." Shougo: "Wow, you had friends in other classes?" Shougo: "...Uh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that in a weird way..." Kogakura-kun panicked and added that on. That was a reasonable conclusion, so it didn't bother me. I mean, I didn't really have any friends... Misato: "..." Misato was looking over at me on pins and needles. Maybe it was because I was talking to Kogakura-kun? Fumiko: "Sorry, give me a sec..." Shougo: "Yeah, sorry for keeping you. Say hi to your friend for me." Fumiko: "Huh? Y-Yeah..." He was probably just being polite, but I was a bit startled as I hurried over to Misato. Misato: "What were you talking to Kogakura-kun about?" Misato asked me the second I walked out into the hall. Fumiko: "Nothing really..." Fumiko: "Oh, and he told me to say hi to you." Misato: "Huh? To me? Wh-Why?!" Amazing... Instant tension... Fumiko: "I-I guess it's because I said you were my friend? He told me to say hi to you." Misato: "H-He did? Kogakura-kun noticed me?" Fumiko: "W-Well, you _were_ looking over at us. He asked who you were, so I told him you were my friend..." Misato: "Y-You introduced me? Did you tell him my name?" Fumiko: "I-I didn't get that far..." Misato: "Why?! You should have told him while you were at it!" Fumiko: "S-Sorry... but, is your diet going okay?" Misato: "My name's got nothing to do with my weight." Fumiko: "Y-You're right. I'll mention it later, then." Misato: "This has kinda got my heart racing. He's going to learn my name!" Fumiko: "Ahaha..." Misato was smiling happily. She must really love him, huh? I see. She was serious about this...
Misato: "I'm surprised, though. Kogakura-kun's different from my usual type, you know?" Fumiko: "Yeah. Didn't you say any boyfriend of yours would have to be at least 180cm tall, Misato?" Misato: "Did I say something like that? I guess I was still pretty immature back then." Fumiko: "'Back then'? I think you said that recently..." Misato: "What do you want me to do about it? Things have changed. It was love at first sight." Fumiko: "Love at first sight, huh...?" Which meant she fell in love with him after seeing him play in a single match, right? I wondered if that meant my feelings for him were stronger? Fumiko: "..." Now I wanted to rebel just a little. Wanted to tell her, "The same goes for me." Not that thinking about it would do me any good... Kogakura-kun sure was a lucky guy, having Misato fall for him at first sight, whereas me falling for him was more of a disaster. Maybe it all evened out? Clerk: "Thank you for waiting. Here is your cake." An employee came to our table carrying a single cake, and set it in front of me. Fumiko: "Are you sure it's okay for me to eat this in front of you?" Misato: "D-Don't worry about me. Go for it." That might be what she said, but Misato was eyeing my cake greedily. We ate cake at this shop all the time, but naturally, Misato couldn't have any while on her diet. I was going to try and hold back for today, but Misato put up a front and ordered my share for me. Fumiko: "Are you _sure_ you don't want any?" Misato: "O-Of course! I mean, I'm on a diet." Misato squeezed her hand tightly and held back. Misato loved sweet things, and loved eating. She had tried going on diets several times before, but always gave in to temptation and experienced immediate setbacks. It looked like she was serious this time. It just showed how motivated she was about Kogakura-kun. Fumiko: "I'll help myself, then." I might have been just a little jealous. I turned a bit sadistic and scarfed down the cake in front of her. Misato: "A-Aaaahhhh..." Misato watched me eat with a stubborn look on her face, but I didn't care anymore. It was fine. I could have cake, and she could have Kogakura-kun. Fumiko: "So, how's the diet going?" Misato: "Just a little more. Just half a kilo to go." Fumiko: "A kilo and a half in four days, huh? That's a nice pace..." Misato: "Yeah, isn't it? At this rate, I'll definitely be able to do it in the week I promised!" Misato smiled happily, while I on the other hand felt depressed. The day I would have to introduce her to Kogakura-kun was drawing near. Misato meant it this time. There was no way she'd fall behind on her diet again. Misato: "Ah, I want to hurry up and meet him! What should I do if he doesn't like me?" Fumiko: "Knowing you... you'll be just fine." Not only was Misato adorable, her personality was a million times better than mine. If you stood us side by side, I bet ten out of ten guys would pick her over me. Misato: "Thanks, I've worked up the courage! All right! I'm going to rock this diet!" Fumiko: "..." Fumiko: "Okay, I'm gonna eat." Misato: "Aaah~! Don't flaunt it~!" Fumiko: "Munch, munch, munch." All I could do now was binge eat. I should just eat my fill, get nice and plump, explode, and disappear from this world... I just wanted to disappear...
Girl: "Thank you so very much. I feel kind of refreshed." Aine: "Really? That is great!" Aine: "Please come by again anytime!" Girl: "Yes!" Aine waved goodbye to a girl who seemed like a first-year. All I could do was see her off with a stare. Tomoe: "I can't believe how much interest this is generating." The previous girl came here for relationship advice, seemingly out of the blue, after hearing rumors about Aine's love counseling sessions. I was in awe that there were people gullible enough to ask for love advice from this suspicious, outlandish angel. Naruko: "She looked really happy when she left. That's fantastic, Aine-chan." Aine: "Yes!" Minamo: "They're really showing up in droves despite how cold it is." Wakamatsu may have been shivering as she said that, but she seemed to show up quite a bit, too. Kiyohito: "I love how this place doesn't _feel_ like a counseling room~ The sky's overhead, too." Kiyohito: "I bet coming here would put _anyone_ in a better mood." Yuri: "That is true. Mopey people often forget to look at the sky." Yuri: "Sometimes holding your head up high is enough to put you in a better mood." Aine: "Is that how it works?" Aine: "Does that mean this location is ideal for love counseling?!" Kiyohito: "Maybe! Not to mention, it's perfect if this is supposed to be 'Angelic Love Counseling,' since this is as close to the sky as it gets." Aine: "Oh, you are right! That _is_ perfect!" Tomoe: "We _are_ high up all right." The phrase, "Only idiots and smoke rise to great heights," came to mind. Anything that got people to come together over something as foolish as relationship troubles was probably a foolish idea in the first place. If I thought of it that way, this place _was_ perfect. I looked up. The clear winter sky was spread out as far as the eye could see. Tomoe: "A love counseling room closest to Heaven, huh?" Those words inadvertently left my mouth. Aine: "Ah, that is nice! I will take that for myself!" Tomoe: "Huh? Take what?" Aine: "'The Love Counseling Room Closest to Heaven.' I like it! Let us make that the name!" She was getting all excited for no reason. Tomoe: "Do as you please." Had she taken that much of a liking to it? I thought it was a pretty long-winded name. Aine: "Okay! From this moment on, this is 'The Love Counseling Room Closest to Heaven'!" ???: "What makes you think you have the authority to say that?" We heard a deep voice, one seemingly meant to create tension in people. This voice belonged to... Naruko: "There he is! The Student Council president!" It came as no surprise that Nakizaki showed the greatest reaction. That man stood at the end of her blatantly disgusted glare. Masahiko Fukue: This academy's Student Council president. He made a name for himself when he worked as the Student Council secretary during his first year with his elegant yet composed attitude. He had apparently won by a landslide in this year's election, too. He looked cool, had excellent grades, and was extremely athletic―someone with no real faults. If he did have one fatal flaw, it was that monolithic personality of his. Masahiko: "I am fairly certain this area was made off-limits." Fukue said while looking at me. For some reason, he seemed to strongly dislike me, and often made me out to be the bad guy. Naruko: "You just decided that all on your own!" Nakizaki yelled accusingly. The rooftop had only become off-limits very recently, ever since the new Student Council was established. Nakizaki believed that Fukue had it out for me, and had made that decision in order to harass me since I was always here. Of course, there was no denying that I was the one who originally caused it to become off-limits anyway. Masahiko: "I did not decide this on my own. It was the Student Council's decision." Naruko: "The Student Council isn't your personal property." Nakizaki snorted at him. These two were totally incompatible, and it seemed she hated him quite a bit because of it. Naruko: "That guy always harps on about some problem with my uniform, or other insignificant things. He's such a wuss." Nakizaki always talked that way about him. She could be pretty crude (but only when it had something to do with me), and was given frequent warnings about her attire. ???: "Now, now, please calm down." That was this year's Student Council secretary hesitantly forcing his way through, if I recalled. Naruko: "I _am_ calm." Masahiko: "Nose, fall back." Yes, Mizuki Nose... That was his name. Mizuki: "I am sorry..." Nose dejectedly, yet obediently, withdrew. He was a particularly submissive subordinate of Fukue's even amongst the other Student Council members, and always went along with whatever he was doing. Masahiko: "The rooftop has already been deemed off-limits. I will have you obey that rule." Fukue directed everything he said toward me, almost like he couldn't see anyone else. Tomoe: "..." Masahiko: "..." Why was he making me out to be the bad guy? Was it because of the accident that happened last year? Kiyohito: "Yeah, it's cold, so why don't we head inside? We can always come back later." Masahiko: "Don't come back!" Kiyohito: "Now, now. Don't be so angry." No matter who he was talking to, whether they were laughing or talking, Kiyohito never changed. Masahiko: "Anyway, I absolutely will not allow any sort of 'love counseling' here. Do it someplace else." Aine: "Aw, no way! If we do not do it here, then it will no longer be 'The Love Counseling Room Closest to Heaven'!" Masahiko: "That is none of the Student Council's concern. This conversation is over. Leave, immediately." We were, ultimately, driven out. Aine: "What was that about~? This is tyranny!" Aine: "He is disrespecting our independence as students! It is the collapse of democracy!" It sounded like this indignant angel was just throwing out random buzzwords she'd heard in passing. I'd had this image in my head that angels never got angry, but that was totally wrong. Yuri: "Are you on bad terms with that man?" A question pointed at me. Tomoe: "I've got no real issue with him, so his hate seems entirely one-sided." Minamo: "So even you have enemies, Sempai? How unexpected." Tomoe: "Is it?" I wasn't the type to be liked by people, nor was I very friendly, so I didn't think it was all that surprising. Minamo: "That Student Council president looks like a scary person." Tomoe: "Just as you see." Naruko: "Scary? More like an awful jerk! He's a wimp who grumbles about petty little things!" Tomoe: "There you go again." Kiyohito: "Ahaha. Nakizaki hates Fukue with a passion, huh?" Yuri: "But why was the rooftop made off-limits?" Minamo: "Come to think of it, you said it was the new Student Council president that made it off-limits. Which means it was fine before?" Naruko: "Well, yeah..." Nakizaki looked at me, as did Kiyohito. Minamo: "Did something happen with you, Sempai?" Yuri: "Come to think of it, there _was_ some sort of fuss involving the rooftop last year..." Tomoe: "..." Naruko: "Oh, the bell. Let's finish this conversation some other time." Nakizaki hurried everyone along. She was probably being considerate of me. Truly, it wasn't a conversation I would like to have voluntarily. Minamo: "Oh, so we can't use the roof anymore? Where are we going to meet up now on?" Kiyohito: "We can just ignore him. Meeting up on the roof won't be a problem!" Minamo: "Haa..." Tomoe: "I think it _will_ be a problem, actually." Not that we had anywhere else to go. I guess we were stuck here.
It had been one week since I offered Misato advice about Kogakura-kun, and she had managed to reach her weight goal. Fumiko: "Come on, don't be shy." Misato: "Please excuse me..." Misato went into the classroom looking slightly nervous. She had her sights set on Kogakura-kun's seat over by the window. Fumiko: "Kogakura-kun, do you have a minute?" Shougo: "Hm? What's up?" Fumiko: "Um... This is my friend, Misato Nishimachi-san." Misato timidly walked up beside me. Misato: "H-Hello~" Misato wasn't normally shy around strangers, yet was extremely nervous around him. Kogakura-kun really must have been special to her. Shougo: "O-Oh. Is she?" He looked puzzled at suddenly being introduced to my friend. Well, of course he was. None of this made any sense. Misato: "Y-You know..." But Misato boldly stepped forward. Misato: "Would you like to eat lunch with me?" Shougo: "Huh? Lunch?" Shougo: "Wow, this is delicious!" Kogakura-kun said while eating and admiring Misato's home cooking. I was kind of shocked myself. I couldn't believe she was such a good cook. Misato: "Really? I'm glad!" Misato sighed with relief. Misato: "(To be honest, my mom helped me out a lot.)" She awkwardly whispered so that only I could hear. Even if she had gotten help, it was still a fact that she'd made it. Misato, you're trying so hard... Shougo: "Nishimachi, you're a really good cook." Misato: "No I'm not. You glad you like it, though." Misato: "Oh, try this too. I'm confident in how it turned out." Shougo: "Let's see then." Fumiko: "..." Misato looked like she was having fun. Kogakura-kun didn't look all too dissatisfied either. These two were definitely a good match for each other. Misato: "Oh, what are you spacing out for?" Fumiko: "Huh? Oh, yeah, I was just..." Misato: "Come on, you try it too, Fumiko. It's a little burnt, but it's good." Fumiko: "Y-Yeah. I'll try a taste." Misato: "You eat up too, okay, Kogakura-kun? There's plenty." Shougo: "Yeah, I am! I feel kinda bad eating all this on you." Misato: "I'm glad you like it. I'll make it for you again sometime." Shougo: "Oh, s-sure..." Kogakura-kun looked kind of confused. He probably didn't know what Misato was after just yet. He glanced over at me repeatedly, almost as if he was asking for help. Shougo: "Oh, D-Douzaki, you eat too. Here." Fumiko: "Huh? Y-Yeah..." Misato: "That's right, Fumiko~ Let's all eat and have fun together!" Fumiko: "O-Okay..." Misato sure looked like she was having fun. It _would_ be fun, having the person you like eating the boxed lunch you made by hand. Misato: "Oh, you've got something stuck to your mouth, Kogakura-kun~" Shougo: "Huh? Oh, I do." Misato: "Ehehe, you're so childish~" Fumiko: "..."
Fumiko: "Haa..." I was kinda worn out, but... Fumiko: "I guess it was fun." Eating lunch today with Kogakura-kun and Misato was far more fun than I had expected. I liked both of them, and meals eaten with people you love tasted better than when you ate alone. But it _did_ hurt to see them getting along so well... Fumiko: "I guess Kogakura-kun prefers girls like Misato after all." He looked like he had a lot of fun talking to her. Not only was Misato cute, there's no way he could dislike a girl who made lunches for him. Shougo: "Hey! Douzaki!" Fumiko: "Huh...?" Kogakura-kun was running toward me. Just the sight of him made my heart pound so hard I couldn't breathe. What was the matter? Shougo: "Thank goodness, I caught up." Fumiko: "Wh-What's wrong?" Shougo: "Want to go home together?" Fumiko: "...Huh?" Fumiko: "..." Shougo: "Sorry to spring this on you." Fumiko: "N-Not at all..." Walking together with Kogakura-kun... Was this a dream? No, I didn't care if it _was_ a dream. If it were, I wished I would never wake up. Fumiko: "So then, uh...?" Shougo: "Oh, yeah. I had something to talk to you about." Fumiko: "Something to talk about? Wh-What?" What could he want to say? Don't tell me he was confessing his love...? No, that couldn't be it. I wonder if he found out I was his email buddy? I wonder what I should say if he did... Shougo: "It's about Nishimachi..." Fumiko: "...Huh? Misato?" I could feel my excitement dwindling the second she was mentioned. Fumiko... you're an awful woman. Fumiko: "O-Oh. It's about Misato? In that case, ask away." Shougo: "Yeah, you see... Nishimachi making that boxed lunch for me, um... did she mean that the way I _think_ she meant it?" He was being roundabout, but he was clearly curious what Misato thought about him. I guess anyone would take the hint after a stunt like that. What would he think if I were to tell him she liked him? He'd probably be happy. ...Even now, I was jealous. Fumiko: "...Yeah, that's right. Misato seems to like you." This was my way of talking some sense into myself. I said it as smoothly as possible. Now I could give up on Kogakura-kun. I _had_ to give up on him. Shougo: "I-I see..." Fumiko: "The truth is, she asked me to introduce her to you. She became interested in you after watching your basketball game." Shougo: "She went to my match? I'm happy for that, but..." Huh? Why did he look so bothered? Was he not happy Misato had feelings for him? Shougo: "You know, I'll just be blunt with you, Douzaki..." Fumiko: "Huh? Just with me?" It startled me when he said that. What in the world could it be...? Shougo: "I'm actually interested in another girl." Fumiko: "Huh? You're interested in someone else?" Shougo: "Yeah. This is kind of embarrassing for me to admit..." Fumiko: "Y-Yeah?" Shougo: "The truth is, I've got an email buddy." Fumiko: "Ah..." I had no idea what to say to that. After all, that was me... Shougo: "Right? Aren't I a spoilsport? Falling in love with an email buddy." Fumiko: "Th-That doesn't sound strange to me..." Fumiko: "...Huh? L-Love...?" Did that mean Kogakura-kun was in love with me? ...No, it didn't, it didn't! He didn't even know it was me. He said he wanted to "meet," but it was way too early to be talking about "love." Kogakura-kun didn't even know it was me, so I knew he was just saying that. Still, it got my heart racing. It was totally out of character for me, but I couldn't get the throbbing to stop. It was completely disgusting for an ugly girl like me to get so excited, and yet... Fumiko: "..." Shougo: "Don't pull away like that. It hurts." Fumiko: "N-No! That's not it..." Shougo: "What's not it?" Fumiko: "It's, um..." What would he do if I told him, right here and now, that _I_ was that girl? What sort of face would he make? I know it was because he wanted to talk, but he invited me to go home with him today, and told me about his email buddy that he'd probably never mentioned to anyone before now. If I told him, then just maybe... Fumiko: "...Oh, it's nothing. I don't know much about email buddies." ...I just couldn't do it. It was just too pitiful for his email buddy to be me. I was sure he would be disappointed. Shougo: "You don't email people or use the Internet much, Douzaki?" Fumiko: "Y-Yeah... Not much..." I lied to him. There was no way I could ever tell him who I was anymore. ...Not that I could from the start. Shougo: "I see. You might have a hard time imagining this then, but we really hit it off while sending messages back and forth online." Shougo: "I took a chance and emailed her asking if she'd like to meet up sometime, but she hasn't replied yet..." Kogakura-kun looked kind of lonely, and I couldn't help but feel guilty. Shougo: "Do you think she hates me?" Fumiko: "Th-That's not it. I'm positive that's not it." Shougo: "You think so?" Fumiko: "M-Most likely... I don't know for sure..." What the heck are you doing, Fumiko? If you say that, he'll just get super worried... Maybe this was regret? Shougo: "So, I just wanted to let you know I'm interested in someone. I can't look at Nishimachi that way right now." Shougo: "If that's what Nishimachi has in mind, do you think you could find some good way to break it to her for me?" Fumiko: "Huh? M-Me?" Shougo: "Wouldn't it be weird coming from me? It's not like she told me how she feels yet." Shougo: "I think she could avoid some heartbreak if I let her down easy now. So, please." Fumiko: "Th-That's easy for you to say... For me, that's just..." Shougo: "I'm begging you! I'll treat you to anything you want in exchange!" Fumiko: "That's... But... Oh..." Wh-Wh-Wh... What should I do...?
Fumiko: "Haa... I'm stuck..." I could never speak up in situations like that, and always ended up agreeing to help. Seriously, what should I do? Things had gotten more and more complicated... There was no way I could tell Misato. I didn't know what I should say. There was also Kogakura-kun's email. I couldn't ignore it forever... Fumiko: "I want to disappear already..." What could I do? If I tried to do something, I would probably just make things worse. It would be great if I had someone I could ask for advice... Fumiko: "I don't have any other friends..." Anyone else... Fumiko: "Ah..." All of a sudden, a simple, handwritten flier hanging from a telephone pole caught my eye. Fumiko: "Angelic love counseling?" Fumiko: "..." Sounded pretty suspicious... Fumiko: "Huh? This is a girl from our academy." It said to come to the rooftop, but wasn't that off-limits? Fumiko: "It sounds _totally_ suspicious..." Maybe I could ask the Internet for advice? Someone might answer. It was sad that no other ideas came to mind, though. Fumiko: "But the only friends I have to speak of are Misato, and just barely Kogakura-kun..." All the more reason I had to do something quick. I was losing the one place I felt like I belonged...
Aine: "We will be heading off now!" Naruko: "We'll meet at your place after." Tomoe: "Yeah. Take care of Aine." It seemed they were going shopping together. Aine wanted to see for herself what a supermarket's limited-time sale was like. Talk about strange tastes. Aine: "Then, let us depart!" Tomoe: "You're like a soldier departing for the battlefield." Aine: "That is what a limited-time sale is! Ah, Naruko-san, the time!" Naruko: "Oh, you're right. Okay, Kirinokojima, see ya later." The two of them ran off. Tomoe: "Why do women love shopping so much?" I thought of it as nothing but a bother. Tomoe: "Now then, guess I'll head home too." Minamo: "Ah..." Tomoe: "Oh?" It was Wakamatsu. Tomoe: "Are you headed home now too, Wakamatsu?" Minamo: "Yes. I can head straight home today." Tomoe: "Yeah? You make it sound like that's different from usual." Minamo: "Huh? N-No I'm not. I always head straight home..." She looked kind of panicked... Oh well. I wasn't planning on interrogating her over where she went after school. Tomoe: "Want to head home, then?" Minamo: "Huh? Together?" Tomoe: "We're both headed in the same direction, aren't we? If we both leave now, it's inevitable we'd go part of the way together." Minamo: "Well, you have a point. Okay..." Tomoe: "..." Minamo: "..." Tomoe: "..." Minamo: "..." Minamo: "U-Um!" Wakamatsu suddenly spoke up beside me. Tomoe: "What?" Minamo: "Why have you been quiet all this time?" Tomoe: "Why? ...Do we even have anything in common to talk about?" Minamo: "W-We don't, but... aren't you supposed to chit-chat when you walk home together? Be considerate." Minamo: "Don't men usually worry about stuff like that the most?" Tomoe: "Says who? There's nothing to talk about, so why force it?" Minamo: "..." Huh? I just said what I thought, but she went kind of speechless. Minamo: "Sempai, you really are strange." Tomoe: "Am I? The people you know might be the strange ones." Minamo: "...I can't deny that one." Oh, I wasn't expecting her to back off that easily. I wondered what sort of people she associated with? Minamo: "Sempai, have you heard an angel sing?" Tomoe: "Huh?" That seemed kind of sudden. After giving it some thought, I recalled what Aine had told us all before. About how angels ordinarily returned shards not with bows, but with song. Tomoe: "No, I've not. Aine can't sing while her instrument is broken." Minamo: "Is that so?" Tomoe: "Do you have an interest in angelic songs, Wakamatsu?" Minamo: "Oh... No, not especially." That was an awkward denial. I bet she actually was interested in them. Tomoe: "Come to think of it, I believe you said you hated music?" At least, I was pretty sure that's what she said that time we saw Haruki-san's band play in front of the station. Minamo: "...Yes. I hate it." Only someone with special feelings for music―whether appreciation or hatred―would speak that firmly about it. Tomoe: "Hating music is pretty unusual." Minamo: "Is it?" Tomoe: "There are people who hate karaoke and whatnot, but it's fairly unheard of for people to hate listening to it." Minamo: "That is true. Listening... and singing. I hate them both." Looks like it was hatred after all. Still, when I listened to her story, I suddenly thought... Tomoe: "But your voice is pretty, Wakamatsu." Minamo: "Huh? What are you saying out of the blue?" Tomoe: "It was a random thought. 'Say, she has a pretty voice.'" Minamo: "That's..." Minamo: "...Ah." Wakamatsu suddenly looked up at the sky. She appeared to be straining her ears. Tomoe: "Do you hear something?" Minamo: "Yes, something..." Minamo: "...A song?" Tomoe: "Huh? A song?" We were just in the middle of talking about music, so that came as a surprising coincidence. I couldn't hear anything, though. Tomoe: "You hear one?" Minamo: "Yes, I do." I squinted and looked in the direction she was focused on. I _could_ hear something faintly. Wakamatsu might have good ears. Minamo: "That way." Wakamatsu suddenly started running. Tomoe: "Oh, hey!" Tomoe: "...Guess I've got no choice." Wakamatsu rushed off to a park on the high ground. The observation deck in the park was a famous place to view the city from, but it was such a remote location that there was nobody to be found. Tomoe: "Ah..." No, there was. One young woman was gazing at the setting sun fading into dusk. Still, she didn't appear as though she had been singing. Tomoe: "It's not her, right?" Minamo: "Probably not, but I was sure..." Minamo: "Ah... It ended." She was looking around all over the place, but it appeared she could no longer hear it. Tomoe: "Ah..." The wistful woman started walking off. She gradually picked up the pace before breaking into a run. The way she acted reminded me of Ukutsu for some reason. The same Ukutsu who chased after the train Hashiguchi was riding. Suddenly, a flash of light descended. Tomoe: "Could that song have been..." Menes: "My, could it be that you heard?" Tomoe: "Yes..." She appeared before us, almost like a mirage. Minamo: "Huh? ...What's this?" Tomoe: "Oh, right. You didn't meet her back then, did you?" Wakamatsu headed home early at the time, so she never crossed paths with Menes before. Minamo: "Is this... another angel?" Menes: "My~ Isn't that a _fine_ way to refer to me..." Menes: "I'm an angel, just as you guessed. And who might _you_ be, Four-Eyes?" Minamo: "Grr..." Minamo: "Sempai, she's got kind of a bad personality for an angel, doesn't she?" Menes: "Yeah, I might seem that way to some bespectacled monkey with no sex appeal..." Menes: "...Huh?" Menes was taken aback, as if she had noticed something. She went, "Shhh" as she stared at something and came up close to Wakamatsu. Minamo: "Wh-What is it?" Menes: "This is..." Menes approached Wakamatsu while staring at her chest. She drew so close, the tip of her nose was practically touching, like a nearsighted person might do. Minamo: "Wh-What?" Menes: "..." Menes gently raised her hand, and then... ...poked her. Boing! Minamo: "Nyah?!" Tomoe: "..." Menes: "G...Ginormous..." Minamo: "Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?!" Menes: "I can't believe you've got such a huge bust when you're just some four-eyed monkey! Mine are just barely bigger, but going by cup size, we're about equal." Tomoe: "What are you talking about?" Minamo: "Th-That's right! It's got nothing to do with you!" Wakamatsu grumbled as Menes gave her a cold stare. Menes: "I acknowledge you as my enemy." Minamo: "Huh?" Menes: "I had my eye on this man first. He's my Darling!" Tomoe: "And I said to cut it out with the 'Darling' stuff." Menes: "But isn't it nice~? Who cares what I call you?" Minamo: "It's not 'nice.' Sempai is telling you that it bothers him." Tomoe: "No, I didn't go that far." Minamo: "Please shut up, Sempai. Her type will take advantage of you if you're nice to them." Now Wakamatsu was ready to go to war with her right back. Were these two just natural enemies? Menes: "..." Menes stared hard at Wakamatsu. Menes: "Don't tell me you love Darling as well?" Minamo: "Huh? W-We're not like that..." Menes: "Suspicious..." Minamo: "W-We just met, so there's no way..." Wakamatsu glanced over at me. Her face was bright red, and continued to grow redder by the second. Tomoe: "Are you okay?" Minamo: "I-I'm okay. ...I-I'm going home." Tomoe: "Ah..." Tomoe: "She left without warning, huh?" Menes: "Darling, don't get tricked by those jugs, okay?" Tomoe: "I've got no idea what you're hinting at." Menes: "Darling, do you truly have no interest in women? Are you gay?" Tomoe: "I couldn't care less about any of that." Menes: "Well, if that's the way you're going to be, I suppose you won't be seduced by that four-eyes, either." Tomoe: "I told you, none of that matters to me. On that note, I'm also going home." Menes: "My, how cold." Why did everyone always get so worked up over that topic?
Aine: "Um... Do I do it like this?" Aine moved the mouse around awkwardly, causing the pointer to fly erratically across the screen. Aine: "Ah, ah, ah... Jeez! This machine is not listening to me at all!" Naruko: "It's pretty difficult at first, but you'll get the hang of it." Aine: "Urrrrkkkk!" She was getting quite irritated, and on the verge of snapping. Naruko: "Just try to remember the basics. You'll never be able to keep up in class if you can't figure out how to use a mouse." Aine had taken one of the computer classes at our academy for the first time today, but couldn't get anything done whatsoever. I didn't have my own computer, so Nakizaki had just brought over her laptop so Aine could get in some practice. Aine: "Um, I should just press on these words with lines underneath them, correct?" Naruko: "You got it. That's called a 'link.'" Naruko: "But don't click blindly, okay? There are dangerous links, too." Aine: "Um, okay, so when I bash on this confusing 'link' thingy..." Tomoe: "In one ear and out the other, huh?" A loading screen popped up for a while, and the next moment... PC: "Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!" ...there was a close-up of a woman with a ghostly white face, red eyes, accompanied by a blood-curdling scream. PC: "Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!" Aine: "Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah?!" The woman's shriek blasted out of the speakers on loop, and Aine screamed back in shock. Aine: "A-A person with a scary face popped out! What is this?! Why did she come out?!" Aine: "Is this a curse?! Will I die?!" Naruko: "C-Calm down. I-I-It's okay!" Nakizaki sounded pretty scared herself. Did she have a hard time dealing with scary things, too? PC: "Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!" Aine/Naruko: "Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!" "Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!" Total chaos. Naruko: "Y-You bastard―!" Nakizaki closed the browser with an angry cry. The screams finally disappeared, and the room went quiet. Naruko: "Haa... That was brutal." Aine: "Wh-Wh-Wh-What was that just now? What were they after?" Tomoe: "It's called a 'screamer.' The whole point is to scare you." Aine: "I-It has fun scaring me?!" Tomoe: "Don't ask me. But yeah, someone looking at this objectively might find it pretty amusing." Tomoe: "I just think it's noisy, personally." Aine: "I do not think it is amusing at all! It is scary! I have been cursed!" Naruko: "So angels are scared of ghosts and stuff, too?" Aine: "I-I am not scared... just a little surprised." Her voice was horribly quiet. Talk about a bad liar. She would try on occasion, and it always made me wonder about her as an angel. Aine: "Still, I have just gone through an Internet rite of passage. It is true that the Internet is a terrifying place." Naruko: "That's why I told you not to click any links you're unfamiliar with." Aine: "I am fine now! I will never trust people on the Internet until the end of days!" Aine: "Hmph, Internet, you fiend!" Her angelic heart had gone wild. Thou shalt beware the dark side of the net. Aine: "Is it okay to click this?" Naruko: "Yeah, that's fine." This time, Aine clicked the link with caution. She appeared to have opened a message board targeted at young men. Aine: "What is this? A bulletin board?" Tomoe: "Well, I guess it's like that? An Internet message board." Aine: "For everyone to post their worries?" Naruko: "Yeah, something like that." It was apparently a site to share your worries with one another. A rough look at it would suggest it was centered around people our own age, and had quite a few posts on it. Aine: "They talk about home life, friends, and love... That certainly is a lot of worries. There are plenty of people going through hardships, are there not?" Tomoe: "You'd probably have a harder time finding people _without_ worries. In real life, they probably just don't have anywhere to get it off their chest, or can't work up the courage." Naruko: "Yeah, maybe... Nobody knows who you are on the net, so it's easier to talk." Aine: "Is that so? Everyone is worrying so much..." Aine stared straight at me. Tomoe: "What's wrong?" Aine: "The truth is, you have worries as well, right, Tomoe-san? If so, then you should tell me..." Tomoe: "None in particular." Aine: "A-An immediate reply." Tomoe: "I don't have what I don't have." Aine: "Really? There is nothing?" Tomoe: "There's really nothing." Aine: "Is that right...? Haa..." Tomoe: "Why are you disappointed? You make it sound like it would be better if I _were_ worried about something." Aine: "That is not how I meant it..." Naruko: "I'm sure Aine-chan just wants to do something for you, Kirinokojima." Tomoe: "For me? Why?" Aine: "'Why?' ...That is a good question." Aine inclined her head with wonder. She was the one who brought it up, too... Naruko: "Isn't it unhealthy not to have even a single worry, though? Wouldn't that mean you don't have a single wish?" Tomoe: "I don't. There's nothing I particularly need _or_ want to do." Naruko: "That _is_ unhealthy! Herbivores aren't very popular, you know? Or maybe it's being caused by some hormone imbalance?" Nakizaki was deep in thought for whatever reason. There was no need for her to worry about other people so much. Tomoe: "This goes for you, too, Aine. I'm fine, so focus on all these other troubled people instead. You _are_ an angel, after all." Aine: "Of course, I will do that too. Let me see..." Aine looked back down at the computer screen. Aine: "Ah, love troubles. It looks like a love triangle." Naruko: "A love triangle, huh? Is it a big mess?" Aine: "Hm, it does not seem so. This person appears as though they have more or less given up..." Naruko: "Let me see, let me see." Nakizaki peeked at Aine's screen. I took a look myself, and saw it was a post by someone with the screen name UMIKOF. Naruko: "Oh, her email buddy wound up being a boy in her class, and her best friend fell for him, so she asked her for an introduction." Tomoe: "Hm..." "Hm," was all I could think to say. It sounded like a pretty complicated situation, but it _was_ just some stranger's problem. Aine: "It looks like they have not gotten any replies yet. Is it okay if I write one?" Tomoe: "Sure, but don't you have to register an account?" Aine: "Register? How do I do that?" Naruko: "Isn't there some sign-up link somewhere?" Aine: "A link? Um, then how about this questionable-looking one?" PC: "GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Aine: "Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah?!" Naruko: "Wh-Why are you running into nothing but browser screamers?!" Aine: "Why are people with red eyes constantly popping up? The Internet is too scary!" Tomoe: "Then cut it out and go to sleep already." Naruko: "Haa... I've gotta get home and take a bath, too." Aine: "I-I will keep working at it! Is it okay if I borrow your PC a little longer?" Naruko: "It's an old one Dad doesn't use anymore, so sure. Try not to overexert yourself, okay?" Aine: "Yes! I will do it in moderation!" Or so she said, but she didn't take her eyes off the monitor. She looked about as frantic as someone attempting the bar exam for the tenth time. Tomoe: "Seriously, take it easy."
Tomoe: "Fuah..." Tomoe: "Uhh...?!" I was surprised by the ghoulish figure sitting in the room as I entered. Aine: "'Ggrks'... 'Go Google it, moron'..." Klak, klack, klak... Aine: "Go lurk another three years." Klak, klak, klak... Aine: "If I am the one-thousandth poster, the angel boom will arrive." Klak, klak, klak... Tomoe: "..." Tomoe: "Hey, what are you grumbling to yourself?" Aine: "Ack!" Aine: "G-G-Good morning! N-No, this is nothing..." Aine hid the computer screen. I moved her hand out of the way and took a peek at the screen. A famous, gigantic message board website was displayed in the browser. Tomoe: "You were at it all night?" It seemed like her net skills skyrocketed overnight, too. Aine: "Ahaha~ I kind of got into a trance. It appears it is true that the Internet is addicting..." Tomoe: "Fearsome, indeed." For it to turn an angel into a net junkie in a single night... Tomoe: "Come on, cut that out already and get ready to go to school." Aine: "Ah, just a little more! I am waiting for the OP to fall for my trolling. It will bug me, so just a little longer..." Tomoe: "Are you planning to keep this up forever? It never ends. Once Nakizaki comes, you'll have to give her computer back." Aine: "Huh~?! No way! If I lose this PC then I will not be able to see message boards anymore, will I?!" Aine: "If I cannot play on the Internet, then how can I go on living?!" Totally addicted, huh? That sure didn't take long... Tomoe: "Never mind, just hurry up and change." Aine: "Ah, please wait! There is a thread I am kind of interested in, so let me just check that before..." Tomoe: "Cut it out already." Snap! This was never going to end, so I tore out the laptop's battery. Aine: "Ah―!"
Aine: "You are horrible! A tyrant!" Tomoe: "How long are you going to keep saying that? You're being annoying." Aine: "But!" Aine was still complaining about what happened this morning well into the afternoon. She was totally addicted. The Internet truly was a fearsome thing. Naruko: "You really are horrible!" Tomoe: "Why are _you_ mad at me, Nakizaki?" Naruko: "I can't believe you ripped out the laptop's battery by force! What would I have done if you'd broken it?!" Tomoe: "Oh, that..." Tomoe: "My bad, but I really didn't know. It wasn't broken, so forgive me." You're apparently not supposed to suddenly remove a laptop's battery while it's on. I hardly used them, so this was news to me. Thankfully, it appeared to be in working order. Yuri: "It's bad to cut a computer's power?" Tomoe: "Oh, an ally. Who _would_ know that?" Yuri: "I've never used a computer before." Kiyohito: "Oh boy, that's unusual. Hard to believe there are two analog-only people in this tiny community." Aine: "I was one of them until just yesterday, too! But now I have entered the digital age, so let us study PCs together, Yuri-san!" Yuri: "No, I'm no good with those things... Besides, aren't they expensive?" Hisaka-san added, a bit cynically. Naruko: "The base models are actually pretty cheap these days, but using the net will probably cost you around five thousand yen a month." Yuri: "Five thousand yen?!" After an exaggerated show of surprise, Hisaka-san stared blankly into the distance, seemingly at a loss for words. Her household may have been as tight on money as mine. I was only getting by on what my parents left behind, so I knew how she felt. Kiyohito: "Still, I'm surprised you're hooked on the net, Aine-chan. Are you okay?" Aine: "Okay with what?" Kiyohito: "I've heard your brain'll melt if you use the net for more than four hours a day." Yet another one of Kiyohito's straight-faced lies. Aine: "Huh?! Wh-What is that about?!" Yuri: "It will melt?" Kiyohito: "It's caused by the monitor's electromagnetic waves. They make this soupy mess leak outta your nose. Haven't you heard stories about how people thought it was snot, but it was actually their brain?" Yuri: "Wow, scary..." Aine: "I-I have never seen any threads about that!" Kiyohito: "They're the latest results of a foreign scientific study, so maybe they just don't know yet? Aine-chan, how long were you online yesterday?" Aine: "U-Um..." Aine: "Naruko-san came over at 8PM last night and tutored me for around two hours, then I was on it from 11PM until 7AM..." Naruko: "You were at it that much?" Tomoe: "Your brain seriously _is_ going to melt." Kiyohito: "Which means you maybe went over ten hours?" Aine: "M-Maybe. Will I melt?" Kiyohito: "Never mind melting, that's pretty risky." Aine: "Huh? Wh-What is risky?" Kiyohito: "If you use the net more than ten hours a day, you'll be cursed." Aine: "Huuuuuh?!" First electromagnetic waves, now curses? The randomness of it all _should_ have betrayed its fallacy, but Aine was seriously trembling. Aine: "A c-c-curse... Th-Th-There is no way such a thing exists!" Kiyohito: "Anyone who's ever said that was spirited away." Aine: "Wh-What do you mean, 'spirited away'?! Wh-Wh-Where?!" Kiyohito: "Well... nobody's ever come back, so we don't know." Aine: "Heeeee?!" Aine's looked petrified. She believed every word. Kiyohito: "Huh? She stopped moving." Tomoe: "She's seriously frightened, so don't scare her too much." Kiyohito: "Ahaha. My bad, my bad. I thought I'd have some fun with her since she fell for it so easily." Yuri: "Oh, you were lying?" Kiyohito: "Lying? More like joking." Tomoe: "A _tactless_ joke. As for you, Aine, don't believe everything Kiyohito says so easily." Aine: "..." Naruko: "Are you seriously not moving? Aine-chan~?" Aine: "..." Tomoe: "She fainted." A human managed to terrorize an angel so badly she fainted? Maybe she was just too benevolent and friendly for her own good...? Fumiko: "Um..." Before we knew it, an unfamiliar girl suddenly appeared. She timidly walked over to us, stepping around Aine who stood there annihilated―or rather, fainted―in the same death pose as the famous warrior Benkei. Naruko: "Us?" Fumiko: "Um, who is Aine Kirinokojima-san...?" Aine: "Huh?!" Yuri: "Oh, she's revived." Kiyohito: "That's good." Aine: "That is me, but what is it?" Fumiko: "U-Um, is this the right place for that so-called, 'Angelic Love Counseling'?" Aine: "Oh, yes! Welcome!" Kiyohito: "Yeah! This 'Angelic Love Counseling' is a big hit." Aine: "That is because I made posters and put them up everywhere." It looked like her advertisements had some small effect. Hard to believe there were people who would really come to these counseling sessions despite how suspicious they were. From what I could see, she was the serious type with nothing flashy about her. Did this girl really have such terrible relationship issues that she was willing to rely on this questionable setup? Aine: "So, what sort of love troubles are you having?" Fumiko: "U-Uh, well..." She must have been nervous. She was having trouble opening up even when Aine asked her. Yuri: "You don't have to be so nervous. Please relax and tell us at your own pace." Hisaka-san spoke to her gently. Her voice had a calming effect on people, and the tense newcomer seemed to relax a bit. Hisaka-san was the more angelic one, huh? Fumiko: "Thank you very much..." She sighed in relief and opened her mouth, looking like she'd made up her mind. Fumiko: "The truth is, I fell in love with the same person as my best friend..." Aine: "You mean a love triangle, yes?" Fumiko: "That's right. On top of that, the boy in question is in the same class as me, but I found out he's actually my email buddy..." Naruko: "Huh?" Nakizaki tilted her head. I felt the same way. Yes, I felt like I'd heard this somewhere before. Aine: "Um... Is it possible you're... UMIKOF-san?" Fumiko: "Huh...?! H-How...?" Looks like we hit the bull's-eye. It appeared she had been the one who had made that post on the message board last night. Was this a coincidence, or was it fate...? Drawing in trouble like this just might be one of an angel's abilities.
Once school ended, we moved to a local cafe where we could talk in peace. It was getting way too cold to do our counseling sessions outside. Hisaka-san declined to join us and headed home, saying her little sister was waiting for her, but it looked more like she was worried about the contents of her wallet to me. According to Aine, Wakamatsu also went home right after classes ended. Whatever she was doing, she sounded quite busy, too. Fumiko: "Um... I'm Fumiko Douzaki..." She took a seat and shyly introduced herself. As it turned out, Douzaki _was_ the one who posted that query. Fumiko: "I never expected anyone from our school to read that post..." Douzaki-san was equally surprised. Talk about a huge coincidence. Aine: "I am surprised as well. I tried to respond to that post yesterday but could not figure out how to do so..." Tomoe: "Huh? Couldn't figure it out?" Aine: "That is right! When I tried, I was taken to this mysterious, gigantic message board for some reason, and before I knew it, I became completely addicted..." Tomoe: "Those things happen sometimes..." Aine: "That is what you wanted advice about, yes?" Fumiko: "Yes..." The girl told us her story from the beginning. To summarize, she had fallen for the same guy as her friend, whom turned out to be both her classmate and someone she had interacted with online. Worse, that boy was completely unaware of who she was, nor did her friend know they liked the same person. Douzaki was bottling it all up at the moment. Fumiko: "I was reluctant to tell any of this to strangers... but it was tough not being able to talk about it..." Aine: "Yes, that makes perfect sense. That must be how the barber who learned about the king's donkey ears felt in that one myth." Tomoe: "Isn't that a bit different?" Aine: "It is okay. We will gladly lend you our ears. Please talk to us about anything you like, as much as you like. Sometimes getting things off your chest is all it takes to make things easier." Fumiko: "You're right... I knew talking about it would help a little." Fumiko: "This still doesn't resolve anything, unfortunately..." Of course it didn't. It would've all worked out if the barber kept quiet about the king's ears, but Douzaki's problem couldn't be resolved with silence. Naruko: "The short version is, do you pick your own love, or your best friend's love?" Fumiko: "No, that would be way too ambitious... My love will never amount to anything..." Aine: "Huh? Why?" Fumiko: "Because... Even if I did, hypothetically, tell him how I feel, he would never feel the same way back." Douzaki laughed at herself. Aine: "Um, and why is that?" When Aine asked once more, Douzaki smiled, nearly in tears. Fumiko: "You should be able to tell with one look at me... but as you can see... I'm ugly." It was an exceptionally simple reason. Nobody knew what to say. Naruko: "Don't call yourself ugly..." Aine: "She is right! That is not true. You must not say such horrible things about yourself." Fumiko: "No, it's okay. You don't need to console me. I'm at peace with it." Fumiko: "I'm fully aware of how ugly I am." Douzaki said defiantly. Her looks had probably been a large source of grief for her ever since she was little. That was easy enough to imagine based on her attitude. Aine: "Looks are not that big of a deal, are they? Right, Tomoe-san?" Tomoe: "Are you sure? No matter what anyone says, people judge you on appearances first." I answered honestly, and Aine opened her eyes wide with surprise. Aine: "Huh? What are you saying?! That is not true!" Aine didn't seem to agree, but what could I do? I just told the truth. Fumiko: "So true... Say what you want, but everyone sees your face first. Boys don't pay any attention to ugly girls..." Aine: "Th-That is..." Fumiko: "I used to give boys in my class Valentine's chocolate back in elementary school. What do you think happened to that chocolate?" Aine: "Well, naturally, they were delighted and ate it?" Fumiko: "Not so much. They discretely threw it away after." Aine: "Huh?! That is horrible!" Fumiko: "I thought so too at first, but if you think about it, isn't it natural?" Fumiko: "Nobody wants chocolate from an ugly girl. A part of me wonders if it's better they didn't throw it away in front of me." Aine: "No way..." Douzaki was completely unfazed, while Aine, on the other hand, looked devastated by her tragic story. Nakizaki also looked heartbroken as she listened on. Even _I_ felt a dull pang in my chest hearing this. This Douzaki girl practically radiated negativity to those around her. Aine: "Please do not say such horrible things about yourself." Aine pleaded, already moved to tears. Fumiko: "It's my problem, so why are you the one crying? I knew it, cute people have such pure hearts. I'm ugly, so my heart is twisted..." This girl sure could rant an awful lot about herself. Aine: "Auuu..." It wasn't surprising that an angel couldn't speak in the face of all this negativity. Fumiko: "So there's no way he'll want to go out with me..." Tomoe: "What's the point in worrying about it, then?" Why did she even bother asking for our advice? If she'd given up, there was no reason for her to worry either, but she still came to Aine for advice. Fumiko: "Well..." Tomoe: "Doesn't being worried about it prove you haven't completely given up on him?" Fumiko: "..." Aine: "Fumiko-san?" Fumiko: "Um... The truth is... He told me he'd like to meet me sometime..." Aine: "Oh, he did?! That must mean he likes you!" Fumiko: "Are you sure about that...? Our conversations _do_ go surprisingly well, we have similar hobbies, and we get pretty excited chatting online, but..." Aine: "Oh! That sounds perfect!" Aine's sunny smile countered Douzaki's gloomy expression. Fumiko: "That's just because he doesn't know it's me. Once he learns who he's talking to, I'm positive he won't like me anymore." Aine: "Th-That is not true! You two are very compatible, right? It is what is on the inside that counts, not the outside!" Fumiko: "Like I said, you can stop saying that." Fumiko: "It's just like Kirinokojima-san said earlier. People go by appearances. He's correct." Aine: "W-Well... He is a moron!" Aine pointed at me. Aine: "You do not have to believe what this moron says!" Tomoe: "Hm, that's how you're going to be?" Tomoe: "Nakizaki, looks like we won't need dinner tonight." Naruko: "Huh? You sure? You too, Kirinokojima?" Tomoe: "It's nothing for me to go without a single meal." Aine: "Huuuuuh?! Hey, p-please, anything but that! I beg you, anything but my meal!" Aine didn't hesitate to get on her hands and knees. Douzaki stared in wonder. Fumiko: "Amazing... I've never seen a person with so little pride. Even an ugly girl like me wouldn't go this far." Tomoe: "Oh, but she's _not_ a person." Fumiko: "Huh?" Tomoe: "Oh, nothing." Naruko: "Um, so to summarize... You want to meet him, but won't since he'll reject you if you do." Naruko: "Once he does, your best friend will learn that you like the same person she does." Naruko: "And as a result, you don't know what to do next... Does that about sum it up?" Fumiko: "Yes. That basically covers it." Aine: "It is obvious that confessing how you feel would be best!" The angel drew that conclusion with ease. Tomoe: "You're always for that, Aine. Professing love is your guiding principle." Aine: "But... If you do not take that first step and tell him how you feel, you will never get anywhere." Fumiko: "'You will never get anywhere'... huh? Yes, you may be right." Aine: "Right?!" Fumiko: "But that 'first step' could be the beginning of the end. Everything could end in shambles if you confess your love." Fumiko: "Nothing will change by maintaining the status quo, but at the very least, nothing will come to an end, either..." Aine: "Y-You do not have to think so negatively..." Fumiko: "I'm ugly; that's just the way I work. My life hasn't been upbeat enough for me to think positively." Fumiko: "Even so... For someone so ugly, I'm surprisingly happy right now. He and I exchanged emails, and talked via messengers..." Fumiko: "He's actually very kind, so he's given me lots of praise and encouragement. I had never experienced anything like that until now..." Aine: "Then...!" Fumiko: "But if we meet in real life, and he learns that it's me that he's been talking to, that might also come to an end." Fumiko: "No, I'm sure it _will_ end." It was impossible for her to imagine a positive future. She had braced herself to live in a fickle world. But now, that fickle world had suddenly produced a cheerful daily life she never dreamed possible. The one and only place she could be happy right now was on the Internet. She was convinced that this was the apex of her life, and it would never get any better. Change was the last thing she wanted. No, she might want it deep down in her heart, but couldn't bring herself to reach for it. All of the dread she had experienced in her life prevented her from trying. Had her heart fractured, I wondered? ...No, I doubt she would have come to us for advice if it had. Still, it was a fact that she was deeply hurt. Fumiko: "I can't meet him. That has me thinking my best choice right now would be to back off and support my best friend..." Fumiko: "I still had some doubts... so I was hoping for a little push on the back." Naruko: "To give up on him?" Fumiko: "Yes..." She wanted us to give her that final push she needed to decide how she felt about him once and for all. ...Almost like she was saying, "I can't jump on my own, so please push me off this cliff and put me out of my misery." Aine: "Fumiko-san, are you truly okay with that?" There was no way Aine would ever encourage her to give up. But I could guess what was going through Douzaki's mind. If she were to confess, it would become clear to him that someone he cared about online was actually one of his classmates. There was no telling how he would feel about it, but it would definitely make it difficult for him to go out with the best friend of the girl who confessed to him. If he did, everyone would probably assume he dumped Douzaki for her prettier best friend... That had to be why she was so hesitant. Fumiko: "I won't meet him, or tell him how I feel." Fumiko: "That's got to be the most adult choice. I won't get that hurt if I do that, either." Douzaki showed a smile―the smile of someone who had given up. It only seemed natural to me that she had come back to the same decision she'd originally made on her own. Aine: "Are you sure you will not be hurt?" And yet, Aine questioned the conclusion Douzaki had reached. Fumiko: "Well... Yes, I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be hurt a little, but I think I'll be hurt the least that way." Fumiko: "It would leave the shallowest wound..." Fumiko: "It's better than revealing who I am and disappointing him. Ending it that way would cut me the deepest." Fumiko: "Which means giving up from the start is best. I'm used to giving up." Aine: "That is... very sad." Aine looked like she would cry. Fumiko: "...Please don't look so sad because of me. You'll make me feel guilty... It has nothing to do with you." Aine: "Nothing to do with me...? But... of course it..." Aine: "It has nothing to do with me~~~~!! Waaaaaaaah!!" Aine said something that didn't quite make sense before finally raising her voice and crying. Fumiko: "P-Please stop... If you cry like that you're going to make me miserable... If you cry that hard, then I'll..." Fumiko: "Eh, egu... Waaaaah!!" Finally, Douzaki burst out crying with her. Aine: "Uwaaaaaaaah!!" Fumiko: "Waaaaaaaah!!" Both of them shouted and cried in unison. Their cries sounded like exotic birds of the Amazon. The customers in the shop curiously looked over at us. It was quite the show. Naruko: "Aw, you two, don't cry~" Tomoe: "I knew this would happen..." Love is all pain, no gain. Aine: "Uwaaaaaaaah!!" Fumiko: "Waaaaaaaah!!"
Aine: "See you later, Fumiko-san!" Fumiko: "Good night, um... Aine-chan." They waved and said goodbye. Douzaki courteously waved to me as well before leaving. Naruko: "They sure got close quick." Tomoe: "You said it." Before we knew it, they were calling each other by their given names. After we got kicked out of the cafe for being too loud, those two kept on crying like babies in the nearby park. By the time they stopped crying, they had grown closer than you'd ever believe possible on their first meeting. Aine: "I believe crying together deepened our bond." Tomoe: "It got too deep way too fast." Naruko: "Are you sure that was really for the best, though?" In the end, Aine convinced her to confess. Douzaki looked oddly refreshed when she finished crying... Fumiko: "I'll just go for broke. I never should have been born, anyway. Everything is so hopeless, I may as well confess; I have nothing to lose!" Despite all her protests against confessing out of a desire not to get hurt, she came to that self-denying conclusion anyway. Aine: "I am sure it will be all right!" Tomoe: "Another baseless, 'it will be all right,' huh? Don't go crying to me if her heart fractures." Aine: "You are thinking negatively now, too, Tomoe-san! Fumiko-san is finally thinking positively, so please try to follow her example!" Tomoe: "This has nothing to do with me." Be that as it may, would Douzaki be all right? I had a bad feeling about all of this...
I was diving head-first into a crazy decision. Fumiko: "I can't believe I'm going to confess to Kogakura-kun..." I went to the counseling session with the intention of giving up, but things ended much, much differently. Of course, it wasn't too late for me to change my mind and give up. I may have said I would do it, but it wasn't like I'd be penalized if I didn't. I had no obligation to keep my promise... Giving up right here and now probably _was_ for the best. However, all I could think about was telling him how I felt. Not confessing didn't even occur to me as an option. This was the first time I'd ever realized just how much it hurt to keep my feelings locked up inside. Keeping my feelings to myself was far too painful. Fumiko: "It makes no difference whether I get rejected _or_ give up... I guess?" Online relationships couldn't last forever. If I kept refusing to meet him, he would get tired of me eventually. I doubted it was that far off, either. It might be the same if I put an end to it right now. Besides, there was the one-in-a-million chance he might say yes... Fumiko: "No way!" I dismissed my idiotic, fleeting hopes. Being hopeful would only make the damage that much greater. My feelings for him would never be rewarded. Besides, even if it did all work out, I'd be breaking my promise to Misato. Fumiko: "I'll just be happy if I'm able to tell him how I feel. My goal isn't to go out with him or anything, just to tell him how I feel." Or so I told myself. Expect nothing. Being able to confess was enough. Go get rejected, then root for Misato instead. Fumiko: "Misato is definitely a better match for Kogakura-kun. They'll go well together. I'm sure of it." ...No matter how hard I tried to convince myself, my chest still ached. No degree of logic would change the fact that I was going to be rejected for being ugly. Nothing I do can change anything, so who cares! Better to just be brave and get rejected! Fumiko: "...All right!" Having made up my mind completely, I shot an email at Kogakura-kun. Good evening. About what you said before, thank you for wanting to meet someone like me. I want to meet you too, koga156-san. You might be disappointed once we meet, though? Make sure you're prepared for that, okay? * * I included a time and place for us to meet and hit send. Fumiko: "I-I sent it..." I couldn't take it back now. What should I do? My heart was racing so fast! Fumiko: "Wah! Th-There it is!" Kogakura-kun replied! I looked at the email, feeling so nervous I could cry. Thanks for saying you'll meet me. I'm super happy. There's absolutely no way I'll regret meeting you. The time and place are A-OK. I sent a picture, so you'll recognize me, right? I don't know what you look like, so be sure to find me. I'm looking forward to getting to meet you. * * Fumiko: "'Absolutely no way I'll regret it'... huh?" He couldn't possibly know that for sure. The way he could throw around a word like "absolutely" so easily was childish of him. He was definitely going to be disappointed, but I could accept that. I was prepared for it. God knows I'd experienced enough disappointment in my life before this. Fumiko: "It'll absolutely be okay." Absolutely. Absolutely...
I was instantly filled with regret the second I arrived at our meeting place. Fumiko: "Why did I arrange for us to meet here of all places?" It was a prominent local dating spot, so naturally, there were tons of couples. So this was where I was going to get turned down, huh? That's going to sting a ton... Fumiko: "Maybe we should have met somewhere more plain? Like a hospital or graveyard." If we met up at a hospital, they could immediately care for my broken heart. That might be nice. Maybe they could fix up this face of mine a bit while they're at it. Fumiko: "Haa... My heart is racing. Way too much..." My chest was pounding like crazy. When was the last time my heart raced like this? Maybe not since I transferred here in middle school. It was Misato who saved me back then, wasn't it? It didn't look like Kogakura-kun had shown up yet. He still didn't know who I was, so he wouldn't take notice of me unless I found him first. Fumiko: "Hmmm..." Aine: "Fumiko-san!" BA DUMP――!!! My heart felt like it nearly jumped straight up and out of my mouth. Aine: "Oh, I am sorry. Did I surprise you?" Fumiko: "Oh, it's you... Aine-chan, huh? You came for me?" Aine: "Of course!" I contacted Aine-chan about today just in case. If I didn't let someone know, I probably would've run away before going through with it. Aine: "Has he not shown up yet?" Fumiko: "Yeah, not yet. There's another fifteen minutes before he's supposed to get here." Aine: "Are you nervous?" Fumiko: "I feel like my heart is gonna burst." I answered honestly. There was no point in acting tough in front of Aine-chan now. Fumiko: "I've never told a boy I like him before. Actually, this might be the first time I've ever met up with a boy out in town, too." Aine: "Is that so?" Fumiko: "I _am_ ugly, you know. There's no point in going out on dates with ugly girls, or hearing them say they like you." Until just recently, I was convinced of that. That's why I never gave confessing any serious thought. All that would accomplish is getting me mocked and laughed at. And yet, here I was, ready to give it a try. If I gave it some thought, it felt completely surreal. Fumiko: "I will give it everything I've got. After all... this could end up being my first _and_ last confession of love." Looking ahead, I doubted a hideous girl like me would get many more opportunities to confess my feelings. Aine: "Oh, that is true! If you become happy together, you will not need to confess to anyone ever again!" Fumiko: "Huh? No, that wasn't what I meant..." What a surprise. She came up with a positive reason that totally clashed with my line of thinking. That was a good point. If Kogakura-kun agreed to go out with me, and we stayed together forever, today really _might_ be the first and last time I confess to a boy. That idea had never crossed my mind before. Aine-chan was so incredibly positive, it felt like it had given me some courage. With all that going through my mind, I spotted the person I was waiting for across the plaza and coming my way. Fumiko: "H-He's here...!" Instant tension. My heart was gonna explode... Kogakura-kun was looking all around, without knowing it was me he was searching for, as he approached. On reflex, I hid behind the information board. Aine: "Why are you hiding?" Fumiko: "Nothing good can come of him finding me..." I had zero doubt he'd come running up to me with a big, friendly smile yelling "Douzaki!" if he spotted me, without knowing I was the one he was here to meet. I hadn't come here today as Fumiko Douzaki. If he started calling me by name, it would make it really hard to reveal who I really was. Shougo: "What a coincidence. Meeting someone?" Fumiko: "Y-Yeah... You too?" Shougo: "Oh, actually, I'm on a date." Fumiko: "A-Are you? ...Good luck." I could see myself saying something like that and running away. I had to be the one to call out to him, and tell him the truth without running away. Aine: "A-Ah! He is coming this way!" Fumiko: "Y-Yeah..." My heart was going to explode. Seriously, it might explode and kill me right here and now. Maybe that was another possibility? If that happened, I wouldn't need to reveal who I was, or get rejected by Kogakura-kun. Dying while I still had a sliver of hope might be a blessing. Unfortunately, my body was the one thing in good shape ever since I was a kid. Ugly, yet healthy. They do say "the beautiful die young," so the ugly might live shamelessly long lives? Aine: "Fumiko-san! H-He is here!" Fumiko: "Y-Yeah!!" I waited for the perfect moment. He passed right in front of me. I let him get a few steps ahead, then jumped out from my hiding spot. Fumiko: "K-Kogakura-kun!" Shougo: "Hm?" He stopped in place and turned around. Shougo: "Oh, if it isn't Douzaki. What a coincidence!" Kogakura-kun flashed me his usual, innocent smile. I knew it was no coincidence at all, and wasn't sure how to reply right away. Shougo: "Hm? What's wrong?" Fumiko: "O-Oh, nothing..." Shougo: "Really? Sorry then, but I'm meeting someone here." He gently lifted his hand to say goodbye and started to leave. I wanted to stop him, but couldn't speak. Aine: "(Fumiko-san!!)" I heard Aine-chan's voice. It broke me out of my stupor, and my voice returned. Fumiko: "K-Kogakura-kun!" My voice came out louder than was necessary. Surprised, he turned around once more. Shougo: "Wh-What's up?" Fumiko: "U-Um, you know, I..." Fumiko: "I was waiting for you, Kogakura-kun!" I said it like I meant it, but it came out so loud it made me look angry. Kogakura-kun looked more surprised by the minute. Shougo: "You were waiting for me? ...How did you know I'd be coming here?" Shougo: "Actually, I'm meeting someone, so..." Fumiko: "I-I'm the one you're meeting!" Shougo: "...Huh? What are you talking about?" Fumiko: "I'm trying to tell you...!" Fumiko: "I'm... UMIKOF..." I felt like I was going to burst into tears. I might have been too high-strung. My vision was getting blurry. Shougo: "...Huh?" He stared at me, looking momentarily baffled. Then... And then... He looked blatantly disappointed. Fumiko: "Ah..." It was only for a moment, and his expression immediately shifted from disappointed to a confused smile. Still, that disappointed face would be forever etched into my heart. Aine: "Ah...!" Shougo: "S-Seriously? It was you, Douzaki?" He smiled, but looked slightly bothered. Yeah, there was no other face he could make, was there? Fumiko: "Y-Yeah... I'm sorry..." I desperately forced a smile myself. Aw, what in the world was I expecting? I knew it would turn out this way. I knew he would be disappointed if we met in real life. I just _had_ to think it might work out with Kogakura-kun... I held out hope, even if it was just a little. I naturally never expected him to accept me. I never thought he'd fall in love with me. But knowing he was dissatisfied with me still hurt... I didn't want to see him look that way... He was the one person I never wanted to make that face. That quiet disappointment he showed hit me harder than it ever had when someone called me ugly, or berated me. Not to mention the way he tried to keep it from me, and plastered that forced smile on his face... It wasn't his fault. It was all mine. Because I was ugly. I caused this by getting full of myself, taking advantage of his kindness, meeting him, and daring to confess to him. Fumiko: "S-Sorry for deceiving you all this time... but... it's okay now." Shougo: "Huh? What's okay...?" Fumiko: "You must have been disappointed it was me, huh? You don't need to force yourself to hang out with me anymore..." Shougo: "Huh? No... What are you talking about?" Fumiko: "Listen, you know... Forget about me; there's Misato!" Shougo: "Huh? Nishimachi?" Fumiko: "Yes, Misato. She's a really nice girl." Shougo: "What are you bringing that up for, out of nowhere...?" Fumiko: "Hey, Misato is serious about you! You think she's cute too, don't you?" Shougo: "Huh?! W-Well, I guess..." He was confused, but didn't sound all that displeased, either. Boys really did like cute girls better. That much was obvious. ...At least, that's what I was trying to convince myself of. ...This was probably hopeless now. I couldn't stand here any longer. If I kept this up any longer... I was going to want to crawl into a hole and die. Fumiko: "That's all I came here to say. Nothing more." Fumiko: "I truly am sorry... for making it seem like I was tricking you all this time." I couldn't do it anymore... Fumiko: "See you...!" Shougo: "H-Hey?! Douzaki?!" I looked away from him and ran. Aine: "Fumiko-san!" I heard Aine-chan call to me, but I ignored her, too, and ran. I _knew_ it would turn out this way. I never should have expected anything. I would never wish for anything else the rest of my life. After all, I was ugly...
Tomoe: "I told you so." After meeting with that man, Douzaki apparently revealed who she was, then promptly ran away. Aine: "B-But, she has not gotten to tell him how she feels yet. All she told him was that she was whom he was emailing." Tomoe: "She may not have confessed, but it was pretty obvious what his answer would have been." Communication didn't always have to be verbal. Douzaki's intuition likely told her something of grave importance. Whatever she had sensed must have dashed her hopes completely. Aine: "I could not say for sure..." Tomoe: "Isn't the truth right here staring you in the face?" A small bundle―the heart shard Douzaki had dropped―sat on the table. The way it flickered almost made it look like it was breathing. Tomoe: "I can't believe an angel let someone's heart fracture right in front of her." I tore into her, immediately unsure of why I was being so aggressive. Was there any point in getting irritated? It wasn't like this affected me in any way. Why was I so angry, then? Aine: "Please do not be so mean... I am super, super, suuuper upset and feel super, suuuper sorry about it..." Tomoe: "Feel as sorry as you like, but it won't resolve anything." Aine: "Th-That is true, but..." Aine really did look depressed, and wasn't refuting my vicious comments. Blaming her wasn't going to help anything now, huh? Tomoe: "So, how is Douzaki holding up?" Aine: "I chased after her right away, but lost sight of her while picking up her shard... She will not answer when I call, either." Tomoe: "I see." The last thing you want to do when you feel really down is to talk to anyone. All you can do is lock yourself away in your own little world and hold your breath. That really is the best approach. Time is the best medicine. Although, busybodies do occasionally force themselves into your world during those dismal times. People had done that to me, at the very least. Aine: "Um... I am begging you! Please return this shard to Fumiko-san!" In fact, there was someone exactly like that right here. All I could do was sigh as Aine bowed down before me. Tomoe: "Do you think I'll blindly agree just because you got on your hands and knees?" Aine: "I-It is not like that..." Tomoe: "Kneeling before me has no effect. Anyone could do that. Look." I got down on my hands and knees on the spot. Aine: "Wh-What are you doing?!" Tomoe: "Like I said, this is nothing. Watch, I'll rub my forehead in while I'm at it." I rubbed my forehead against the floor. Aine: "W-Wah! Please stop! Why would you do such a thing?!" Tomoe: "My point is, if you think a simple gesture like this will get me to listen to whatever you have to say, you're horribly wrong." Aine: "I-I can put my forehead into it too! Look! Rub, rub, rub!" Tomoe: "So what? Am I not doing that already?" Aine: "I-I can take it even further! Look, I am rubbing my cheeks in, too! Rub, rub, rub~!" Tomoe: "I can do that, too! Rub, rub, rub!" Aine: "Me too! Rub, rub, rub, rub!" Naruko: "..." Naruko: "What the heck are you two doing?" Tomoe: "Ah..." Aine: "Oh, Naruko-san! I was groveling better than he was, right?!" Naruko: "Huh? What?"
Naruko: "Good grief. I was wondering what you were doing. I'm surprised you were doing it, too, Kirinokojima." Tomoe: "I'm ashamed of myself." She saw me in quite the disgraceful situation last night. This sort of took me back. How many years had it been since Nakizaki had seen me doing something so foolish? Maybe not since we were in elementary school? Yuri: "You two were kowtowing to each other?" Minamo: "What were you doing?" Tomoe: "I got caught up in the mood for some reason." Minamo: "Wow, you get carried away sometimes too, Sempai?" Was it really that surprising? Hisaka-san was nodding off to her side as well. Now that they mentioned it, I guess it _was_ pretty rare for me. Tomoe: "Maybe Aine's enthusiasm just had an effect on me." I felt a little depressed knowing I'd gotten carried away, but then, Hisaka-san held her white hand out in front of me. Tomoe: "Hm?" Yuri: "Um, have this." There was a single candy in her hand. It looked like she was giving it to me. ...Why candy? Tomoe: "Thanks..." It seemed wrong to refuse, so I took it. Yuri: "Eating sweets should cheer you up in a jiffy." Tomoe: "Right..." Was she trying to cheer me up? I gave it a taste, and there was no sweetness to speak of. It was so ridiculously sour it made me feel like I was shriveling up. Tomoe: "Plum?" Yuri: "Yes, plum. I got it super cheap while it was on a sale." She was smiling too sweetly and happily for me to spit it out now. Better hang in there and keep licking. Wait. Something told me I was going with the flow of those around me again... Naruko: "Say, have you changed a little, Kirinokojima?" Tomoe: "Huh? How so?" Naruko: "No, 'changed' isn't the right word... More like, you've kinda gone back to how you used to be." Tomoe: "I _was_ just acting stupid like some kid. Forget about it already." Naruko: "No, it's not like that... Well, whatever." Nakizaki got a grin on her face and stopped talking. What put her in such a good mood...? Naruko: "So, Douzaki-san's heart fractured, right?" Aine: "I am ashamed..." Aine cheerlessly drooped her shoulders. Tomoe: "Seriously." Aine: "Ah..." No response from Aine. She must still have felt discouraged. Of course, it wouldn't feel right if she cheered up that easily. Minamo: "Will you return the shard?" Naruko: "What'll you do?" Nakizaki knew that only I could return the shard. How did Nakizaki feel about it? I knew Aine would insist on returning it, but was that really for the best? Tomoe: "What will happen to Douzaki if I return the shard?" Aine: "Fumiko-san has not had a chance to tell Kogakura-kun that she loves him yet! She should tell him, and hear his answer!" Tomoe: "Is finding out how he feels that important?" Aine: "Of course it is! A confession does not end until you hear the other person's answer!" Yuri: "That's like the saying, 'A trip isn't over until you get home,' huh?" Tomoe: "But doesn't Douzaki already know the answer? Isn't that why her heart fractured in the first place?" Aine: "Well..." Aine: "Is it not possible that Fumiko-san misunderstood him?! She may have assumed it was hopeless on her own!" Tomoe: "You think so?" Intuition was nothing to sneer at. It was surprisingly accurate more often than not―women's intuition especially. Douzaki likely inferred his answer so clearly, it left no room for doubt. And that answer was upsetting enough to make her heart fracture. Was there any need to hear his answer all over again out loud? Minamo: "If she got the wrong idea, wouldn't he approach her about it or something?" Yuri: "You are right. If he wants to date her too, then I am sure he'd want to have another talk with her." Aine: "What if Kogakura-kun does not, then?" Tomoe: "It would mean his answer was the same as the one Douzaki sensed." Minamo: "Yeah." Tomoe: "If that's the case, we shouldn't force her to hear it again. The shock alone broke her heart. There's no sense forcing her to go through that again." Naruko: "That... Yeah, may be true..." Everyone was nodding. They must have all agreed with me. But... Aine: "Are you sure about that?" Aine was the only one who wouldn't accept it. Aine: "Even if his answer is just as Fumiko-san believes it to be, I still think she should confess and hear how he feels in his own words." Aine: "Would you not agree that is the only way Fumiko-san can take a new step forward?" Aine: "Besides, leaving her heart fractured would be unnatural!" Aine's lofty plea had real force behind it. Maybe she just seemed intense on the rare occasions she got serious since she was normally so foolish. Naruko: "Hm, you may have a point." Tomoe: "Whose side are you on, Nakizaki? You were nodding to my opinion earlier." Naruko: "Ahaha, it's complicated." Yuri: "It really is complicated. She may have avoided getting hurt if she hadn't done anything from the start." Hisaka-san hung her head, looking like she had a sour taste in her mouth. Yuri: "I believe I understand how this Douzaki-san person feels." Minamo: "But she's already done it, so it's too late. There's no use crying over spilled milk." Naruko: "Yeah." Minamo: "Say, you're an angel. Couldn't you do something to help her?" Wakamatsu's question made Aine look really remorseful. Aine: "Well... It would be nice if I could..." Minamo: "What the hell are angels for, then?" Wakamatsu's whisper made everyone go silent. Everyone here may have been thinking the same thing―Aine included. Naruko: "So, maybe the first thing we should do is figure out how he feels?" Aine: "Right? Is it not possible he was planning to tell her he loves her on his own?" Aine: "And yet Fumiko-san ran away before he could say it... for example." Tomoe: "Do stories that happy actually exist?" Aine: "But, but... If it _is_ true, you will return the shard, yes?" Tomoe: "Well... I'll think about it when the time comes." Aine: "Jeez! Why must you always be so mean?!" If he still had feelings for Douzaki, then yes, there would no longer be any reason to leave her heart fractured. But... The two of them would start dating once I returned the shard. Would love really bring them happiness? Couldn't you call her heart fracturing fated as well? Was that a less than ideal path for the two of them? Was it okay for me to change their fate? That was one conflict I was likely going to keep struggling with. Performing angelery really was a heavy burden for a human... for me.
Aine: "Um..." Aine peeked into Douzaki's classroom. The Kogakura boy she fell for should be in this same class, too. Tomoe: "Is she in there?" Aine: "Oh, Fumiko-san." Fumiko: "..." We found Douzaki first. Despite all that had happened to her yesterday, she still came to school like she was supposed to. Aine: "Kogakura-san is..." Aine: "Ah, he is here! That is him!" He was seated next to the window, which was a short distance from where Douzaki sat. Shougo: "..." He was sitting alone, occasionally glancing over at her. It looked like he'd become extremely conscious of her now that he'd learned she was his email buddy. In contrast, Douzaki was acting like he wasn't even there. This was conjecture, but it had probably been the total opposite up until yesterday. Douzaki worried about him, and he hadn't noticed it at all. That had changed in a single day? Aine: "Fumiko-san is on his mind, yes? Has he not fallen in love with her?" Tomoe: "It's not that simple. I'm sure this whole thing just has him uneasy." Aine: "You are always so negative, Tomoe-san. Fine! Let us try asking directly!" Aine: "Excuse me!" Aine greeted a boy nearby. Aine: "Could you call Kogakura-san for me?" Boy: "Kogakura, you mean Shougo?" Aine: "Yes, Shougo Kogakura-san. Oh, be discreet please. Discreet." Boy: "Huh?" Shougo: "I was so surprised! I couldn't believe my email buddy was a classmate." Even after calling him out so suddenly, he didn't so much as question us as he told us his story. He seemed like a mild-mannered, athletic guy, and was naturally friendly above all else. Those characteristics might have been what Douzaki was drawn to. Aine: "You like your email buddy UMIKOF-san, do you not?" Aine asked him bluntly. Even I couldn't be that shameless. Kogakura may have felt the same, and was forcing a smile. Shougo: "Well, a little. ...No, quite a bit, maybe?" Shougo: "Our conversations went well, and I got pretty excited when we messaged each other. Before I knew it, I had gotten to the point where she was always on my mind." Shougo: "That's why I said we should meet." After that, he gave a seemingly troubled smile. Shougo: "I really am unfair, aren't I? I didn't think looks mattered, but I was inwardly pretty hopeful." Shougo: "I didn't even realize it myself... No, maybe I pretended not to notice?" Shougo: "Thinking to myself, 'She's a nice girl, so she's _got_ to be cute. I don't have my hopes _too_ high, so it'll be fine as long as she's average.'" Tomoe: "But once you met her, she fell short of your expectations?" He looked even more distressed after I asked him that point-blank. Aine: "Th-That is a horribly mean way to put it!" Tomoe: "But that's how it is, right?" Shougo: "Yeah, that _is_ a pretty accurate summary. I'm the horrible one here." Shougo: "People tell me I'm a relatively good person all the time, and I didn't think I was that bad of a person either, but it turns out I wasn't that great of a guy after all." Kogakura's self-mocking smile proved how disappointed he was in himself. Bad people didn't make faces like this. Tomoe: "You're a plenty good guy, Kogakura. I may not know you very well, but I can tell that much." Shougo: "Really? But..." Tomoe: "Truly bad guys don't get disappointed at themselves." Aine: "Th-That is right! Truly bad people upload and paste links of faces with red eyes all over the Internet to scare me!" Shougo: "Screamers? I don't do things like that... but still..." Shougo: "I may have accidentally acted disappointed in front of Douzaki. Maybe she noticed?" Tomoe: "Ah..." So seeing how disappointed he was was what caused Douzaki's heart to fracture? I was sure it was quite a shock. So much, I couldn't put it into words. Shougo: "I hid it almost immediately, but I still may have hurt her." He drooped his shoulders as his face warped in pain. Even an objective third party like me could tell he truly regretted it. There was absolutely no way he was a bad person. Aine: "How exactly did you and Fumiko-san... Douzaki-san meet?" Aine asked with a kind voice. It was like she knocked on the locked door to a person's heart, and that person unwittingly opened that door in response. Shougo: "How...? Yeah, I was killing time surfing the net when I spotted one of her posts." The door opened, and Kogakura's feelings started to show through. Shougo: "She answered someone's call for help and addressed their worries with enthusiasm. They were a stranger to her, but she was so warm-hearted. After that, I just couldn't take my eyes off her..." Shougo: "After I watched for a while, I realized she never showed any weakness. Never talked about any of her own worries." Shougo: "That made me wonder, 'Maybe this girl is actually really delicate and frail?'" Once his feelings began to show, they just kept on coming. Shougo: "I've got a weak side myself, so I could just kind of tell." Shougo: "I'm, well... look at me. I'm a pipsqueak even though I'm on the basketball team. I always act like it doesn't bother me, but it actually bothers me a ton." Shougo: "It does, so I pretend it doesn't... It kind of felt like she was the same way." Shougo: "When I realized that, I left her a comment." And that was where their relationship started. He exchanged email addresses with her, started to talk via private messages, and grew more and more attracted to her. It was probably mutual... Shougo: "I started wanting to meet her quite a while ago, but couldn't bring myself to say it." Shougo: "It wasn't just Douzaki. I lied, too. I said I was in the Basketball Club, and that I was around 180cm tall." Shougo: "My height bothered me, so I wanted to be free of it at least on the net, where nobody could see me." Shougo: "Back then, I never thought I'd wind up wanting to meet her in real life." Shougo: "But once we met in person, she'd find out I was lying, right? That's why I was afraid, too. She sounded totally convinced I was tall." Aine: "But you still wanted to meet her regardless, yes?" Shougo: "...Yeah. My desire to meet her outweighed any fears I had, even if just a little." Shougo: "It was probably just a smidge. But once it got out, there was no stopping it." Shougo: "So..." He stopped mid-sentence. Was he overcome by emotion? Douzaki probably had no idea Kogakura felt this way when he asked to meet. That he felt so strongly when he said it. She hadn't told him how she felt properly, either. They hadn't gotten a chance to talk face-to-face. Shougo: "Why did I make a face like that when Douzaki came to the meeting place? It's true there's no use crying over spilled milk, huh?" Kogakura looked like he was going to burst into tears. Aine: "Do you still love Douzaki-san, Kogakura-san?" Aine asked kindly. His expression became that of a lost child. Shougo: "...I don't know. If I had to pick between liking and disliking her, I like her... But I'm not sure I want to date her..." Shougo: "How indecisive I'm being is totally unfair, isn't it?" Kogakura looked at Aine with a sad smile, but she slowly shook her head with a warm smile of her own. Aine: "That is not true. You are not unfair." There was a gentle ring to Aine's voice. Her words and smile which seemed like they would forgive any sin acted as both a cure and a poison. That moment made me feel like Aine was indeed an angel. A weight had likely been lifted from Kogakura's heart. Although slight, I could tell his expression was one of relief. Shougo: "But it's true that I hurt Douzaki. She hasn't made eye contact with me ever since..." Shougo: "What should I do?" Tomoe: "..."
Aine: "Kogakura-san is worried, too." Tomoe: "Yeah." Even though they had lied to each other, neither of them were bad people. They were just two good people in a lot of pain. Tomoe: "Will everyone be saved if I return Douzaki's shard?" Aine: "Well..." I knew there was no way Aine could know, but I had to ask someone. Tomoe: "There's no telling what will happen, is there?" Aine: "...Right." Tomoe: "Do you believe I should return the shard regardless, Aine?" I questioned her further. Aine thought about it a little, then nodded firmly. Aine: "Yes, I still do." Tomoe: "I see." Was it her angelic faith that allowed her to nod so readily? Our beliefs couldn't be further apart. I had always believed that love brings nothing but sorrow, so people should avoid having any involvement with it. But was that right? For some reason, I had begun to feel unsure. If I returned the shard to Douzaki, then she would recover her feelings for Kogakura. Would that bring Douzaki happiness? Would it make her suffer? Should I return the shard even _if_ it made her suffer? Was that for her own good? How would Kogakura feel about all this? Not to mention, Douzaki's best friend. Would she be better off if Douzaki's heart stayed fractured? Or maybe... What in the world would be for the best? What in the world would be for the best?
The one thing I could say for sure was that they hadn't had a chance to tell each other how they felt yet. They didn't hate each other, at the very least, so shouldn't I do something to help them see eye to eye again? Tomoe: "I understand. I just need to return the shard, right?" Aine: "...Yes." This was how things were going to turn out in the end? I couldn't help but feel like this angel had me in the palm of her hand...
Tomoe: "Wouldn't it be best if I didn't return the shard?" Aine: "Huh...? Why?" Aine assumed I'd agree to return the shard. She prodded me for answers, as if my decision was completely unexpected. Tomoe: "Kogakura said it too, right? That he didn't know if he'd date Douzaki or not." Tomoe: "I think he's a good guy, but whether or not he can accept all that Douzaki has to offer is a different story." Tomoe: "It's obviously important what a person is like on the inside, but people do have certain physical preferences, too." Tomoe: "The hard fact is, people have their own tastes beyond simply whether a person is cute or not. Isn't that obvious?" Aine: "Well, that is true, but..." Tomoe: "And yet, Kogakura is such a nice guy he feels bad that he can't accept how Douzaki looks, even though there's nothing really wrong with that." Aine: "That is why you will not return Fumiko-san's shard?" Tomoe: "That's right. Would Kogakura be able to come to a calm decision about how he feels if Douzaki were to confess again?" Tomoe: "He's so convinced that accepting how she looks is good and rejecting her is bad that he might pick the logically noble answer." Tomoe: "If he does that, won't Douzaki take his answer as pity?" Feelings weren't always conveyed in words. That was why I doubted they could be happy together unless Kogakura truly accepted Douzaki from the bottom of his heart. For that matter, just like it's difficult to take back pressing a wrong button, wouldn't it be difficult for them to start over after this? Tomoe: "There's no telling what will happen in the future, but isn't there something more important to those two right now than love?" Aine: "Something more important than love?" Tomoe: "Yes." Getting back to an ordinary life where they could be themselves. Didn't that need to come first? Tomoe: "Besides, Douzaki knows her best friend wants a deeper relationship with Kogakura, and promised to introduce her." Tomoe: "If she confessed her feelings now, she'd be breaking her promise." Aine: "That is true, but..." Tomoe: "If she broke her promise and put love first, it might put a rift between them. In the worst case, she might end up losing her crush _and_ her best friend." Aine: "What will we do, then?" Tomoe: "All we can do is watch over them." Aine: "You think so...?" Aine's shoulders drooped dejectedly. "Watch over" could also mean "believe in." All we could do was believe. Believe that humans weren't that weak. That was what we could, no, _should_ do for them. That was the feeling I got.
Fumiko: "..." Aine: "Oh, over there! Fumiko-san is there!" Tomoe: "Got it. Hurry and change the shard." Aine: "Oh, yes!" Aine fashioned Douzaki's shard into an arrow. In that time, I took aim at Douzaki's back as she ventured off into the distance. Aine: "I finished! Please and thank you!" Tomoe: "..." I took the shard from her, now in the guise of an arrow. When I touched it, the arrow let out a cry, as if howling in pain. Tomoe: "Sorry about that. I'll return you right away." I nocked the arrow and drew my bow, Douzaki's distant back in my sights. Tomoe: "..." This was Douzaki's fractured heart. It was filled with her feelings for Shougo Kogakura. I would return those to her right now. Tomoe: "Go home, to the heart where you belong..." My imagined arrow pierced Douzaki's back. With that sight clearly in mind, I released the bowstring. Fumiko: "Ah..." Douzaki, who had been trudging along, stopped in place. But only for an instant... Fumiko: "Hm...?" She once again started walking with her head tilted in doubt. Tomoe: "It's over." Aine: "Thank you so much." Tomoe: "What will you do now? We might be looking at a repeat of last time, you know?" Aine: "I will be back a little later!" Aine ran off. It looked like she took off at random, but maybe she had an actual plan in place? Tomoe: "She probably went to meet up with Douzaki." I didn't think it was just Douzaki's problem, though. Tomoe: "I guess it's none of my concern."
Fumiko: "..." Fumiko: "I wonder what that was earlier?" I felt something in my back... or maybe my chest? I just sort of choked up all of a sudden... Fumiko: "Oh, an email." I checked my cell phone, and it was from Misato. The moment I saw her name, my chest pricked with pain. Fumiko: "Hm? Why does my chest hurt so much?" I thought I was over Kogakura-kun already. I was supposed to have given up. I mean, Kogakura-kun didn't want me. I saw him make that face... Fumiko: "...I guess it's hopeless." It looked like I loved Kogakura-kun after all. Maybe I couldn't give up, no matter how much I suffered or how much he hated me? Fumiko: "Giving up would be way easier..." My heart ached. I checked my email, and Misato asked if we should make boxed lunches again tomorrow. I bit my lip and resisted the twinge in my heart. Aine: "Fumiko-san." Fumiko: "Ah... Aine-chan..." For some reason, Aine-chan was standing there with a concerned look on her face. The instant I saw her, my emotions burst from the depths of my heart. Fumiko: "Aine-chan, I..." I couldn't help it... On came the waterworks. Fumiko: "It looks like I love Kogakura-kun after all." The second I said it aloud, I could no longer stand, and leapt into Aine-chan's chest.

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.